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Bible Encyclopedias
Gedor
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (Heb. Gedor', גְּדוֹר or [in 1 Chronicles 4:4; 1 Chronicles 4:18] גְּדוֹ, a wall (See GEDER); Sept. Peowp, but 1 Chronicles 8:31 Γεδώρ, and 1 Chronicles 12:7 Γέραρα; Vulg. Gedor), the name of one or two places, and also of a Prayer of Manasseh 1:1. An ancient city in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:58), some of whose inhabitants joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:7). It was probably this town to which "Josabad the Gederathite" (q.v.) belonged (1 Chronicles 12:4); as also "Jeroham of Gedor," whose sons Joelah and Zebadiah were among the mighty men that joined David in his difficulties at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:7); for it does not appear that all in that list were "Saul's brethren of Benjamin" (compare the terms "Haruphite," "Korhite," following). (See HAREPH). The name has the definite article to it in this latter passage (מַןִאּהִגְּדוֹר ). The place was probably the same as the GEDER (See GEDER) (q.v.) of the ancient Canaanites (Joshua 12:13), rebuilt as BETH-GADER (See BETH- GADER) (q.v.) by Hareph (1 Chronicles 2:51), in conjunction with Penuel (1 Chronicles 4:4) and Jered (1 Chronicles 4:18). (See MERED). It is doubtless the Gidora of the Onomasticon, between Jerusalem and Hebron. (See GEDERAH). It is very doubtful (see below) whether this be the same Gedtor in whose fertile valley the Simeonites found good pasture for their flocks (1 Chronicles 4:39), yet Reland regards them both as the same (Palest. page 803). Dr. Robinson, traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza, came in sight of a place called Jedur, with ruins, on the brow of a mountain ridge, which he identifies with Gedor (Researches, 2:338; also new ed. 3:283). It was also recognized by M. De Saulcy (Narrative, 2:451); comp. Schwarz (Palest. page 86). and Wilson (Lands of Bible, 1:386).
2. The above-named place (1 Chronicles 4:39) was originally inhabited by Hamites, and its fertility induced a predatory incursion and forcible occupation by a party of Simeonites. From this it would seem to have adjoined the territory of Simeon on the south; and a writer in the Journzal of Sacred Literature (July, 1860, page 318) suggests the solution that these aborigines were Philistines, the place itself being no other than GERAR (See GERAR) (by the slight and frequent error in transcription of גדר for גרר, which latter the Sept. appears to have actually read). Ewald had already adopted this emendation (Gesch. Isr. 1:332, note), although the term (נִחִל, wady) elsewhere applied to Gerat (q.v.) is different from that here used (הִגִּיְא, the valley).
3. A chief of the Benjamites (apparently of the house of Gibeon) resident at Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:31; 1 Chronicles 9:37). B.C. 536 or ante.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Gedor'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/g/gedor.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
