Gera גֵּרָא

Gera is mentioned in several genealogical lists in the Old Testament. In Gen.46.21, he is listed as one of the sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt with Israel (or 'Jacob') and his family. This places Gera as one of the founding members of the tribe of Benjamin. In Jdg.3.15, Gera is mentioned as an ancestor of Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite who was raised up by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of Eglon, king of Moab. Ehud's successful assassination of Eglon and his leadership in the subsequent battle against the Moabites brought peace to Israel for eighty years (Jdg.3.16-30). In 1Ch.8.5, Gera is again mentioned in the genealogy of Benjamin, confirming his role as a significant figure in the tribe's history. Although little is known about Gera himself, his inclusion in these genealogies highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel.