Etymology and Meaning:
Galaad, often rendered as "Gilead" in English translations, is a region and name with significant biblical importance. The name is thought to mean "heap of witness" or "rocky region," reflecting both its geographical features and its historical significance as a place of covenant and testimony.

Geographical Location:
Galaad is located east of the Jordan River, encompassing a mountainous region that extends from the northern part of the Dead Sea to the southern part of the Sea of Galilee. It is bordered by the Yarmuk River to the north and the Arnon River to the south. The area is known for its balm, a resin used for medicinal purposes, which is referenced in the Bible as the "balm of Gilead."

Biblical References and Significance:

1. Tribal Allotment:
Galaad was allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. In Numbers 32:1, the sons of Gad and Reuben express their desire to settle in the land of Gilead because of its suitability for livestock. The land was granted to them by Moses after they promised to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

2. Historical Events:
· Jacob and Laban's Covenant: In Genesis 31:47-48, Jacob and Laban make a covenant at a place called Galeed, which is another name for Gilead, marking it as a site of witness between them.
· Jephthah the Judge: Jephthah, a judge of Israel, was from Gilead. His account is recounted in Judges 11, where he leads the Israelites to victory against the Ammonites.
· King Saul and David: Gileadites showed loyalty to King Saul, and later, they supported David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27-29).

3. Prophetic References:
The prophets often mention Gilead in their writings. For instance, Jeremiah laments over the spiritual state of Israel, asking rhetorically, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" (Jeremiah 8:22), symbolizing the need for healing and restoration.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor:
Gilead is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture. The "balm of Gilead" symbolizes healing and comfort, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. The region's rugged terrain and strategic location also make it a symbol of strength and refuge.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
Galaad's significance extends beyond its physical boundaries. It represents a place of covenant, healing, and divine intervention. The accounts and prophecies associated with Gilead highlight themes of faithfulness, redemption, and God's provision for His people. The balm of Gilead, in particular, has become a powerful symbol in Christian hymnody and literature, representing the healing power of Christ.

Conclusion:
Galaad, with its rich biblical history and symbolic depth, continues to be a significant topic of study for those seeking to understand the historical and spiritual landscape of the Bible. Its mention in various biblical narratives underscores its importance as a place of covenant, healing, and divine presence.Galaad

the Greek form of the word Gilead.

GALAAD

gal'-a-ad (Galaad, Greek form of Gilead (APC 1Macc 5:9, 55 Judith 1:8)).

Psalm LX.
... 9. "Mine is Galaad" (ver.7). These names are read in the Scriptures of
God. Galaad hath the voice of an interpretation of its own ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lx.htm

How Love Spreads Its Excellence Over the Other virtues, Perfecting ...
... her beloved with a single one of her hairs, [507] of which he makes such great account
that he compares them to the flocks of the goats of Galaad; and he has ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v how love spreads.htm

The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.
... ho Thesbeites ek Thesbon tes Galaad (m?tsbn g? ?). 2 Chronicles 33:19 l dvry chvzy
epi ton logon ton horonton hchvzm). Nehemiah 9:17 bmrym. en Aigupto. ...
/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... their king Alexander Jamnenus; whom, in fact, Obodas the Arab compelled to fly from
Jerusalem, his whole army being slain in the region of Galaad, about ninety ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Galaad
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GALAAD. gal'-a-ad (Galaad, Greek
form of Gilead (APC 1Macc 5:9, 55 Judith 1:8)). ...
/g/galaad.htm - 6k

Gilead (130 Occurrences)
... (see BALM.) It may be noted that Coverdale's version reads in Jeremiah 8:22, "There
is no triacle in Galaad." The word "triacle" = "treacle" is used in the ...
/g/gilead.htm - 56k

Ga'ius (5 Occurrences)
Ga'ius. Gaius, Ga'ius. Galaad . Multi-Version Concordance Ga'ius (5 Occurrences). ...
(See RSV). Gaius, Ga'ius. Galaad . Reference Bible.
/g/ga'ius.htm - 7k

Galal (3 Occurrences)

/g/galal.htm - 7k

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