Gaulanitis is a region mentioned in historical and biblical contexts, located in the northeastern part of ancient Palestine. It is part of the territory that was known as Bashan in the Old Testament. The area is named after the city of Golan, which was one of the cities of refuge designated for the Israelites. This region is significant in biblical history and is often associated with the tribes of Israel, particularly the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Geographical Context

Gaulanitis is situated east of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River, extending into what is now the modern-day Golan Heights. The region is characterized by its fertile land and strategic location, which made it a valuable area for agriculture and trade in ancient times. The terrain includes rolling hills and plains, which were suitable for grazing and farming.

Biblical References

While Gaulanitis itself is not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, its principal city, Golan, is referenced in the context of the cities of refuge. In the Book of Joshua, Golan is listed as one of the cities set apart for the Levites and as a city of refuge for those who accidentally committed manslaughter:

"Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh." (Joshua 20:8)

The cities of refuge were established to provide a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.

Historical Significance

In the intertestamental period and during the time of the New Testament, Gaulanitis was part of the tetrarchy of Herod Philip, one of the sons of Herod the Great. This political division is noted in the Gospel of Luke, which mentions the governance of the region during the time of John the Baptist:

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene..." (Luke 3:1)

The mention of Philip's tetrarchy includes Gaulanitis, indicating its inclusion in the broader political landscape of the time.

Cultural and Religious Context

Gaulanitis, being part of the larger region of Bashan, held cultural and religious significance for the Israelites. The area was known for its strongholds and was a site of various battles and conquests. The fertile land of Bashan, including Gaulanitis, was often praised for its productivity and was considered a blessing from God.

The region's association with the cities of refuge underscores its role in the administration of justice and mercy within the Israelite community. The concept of cities of refuge reflects the biblical principles of justice tempered with compassion, providing protection for those who sought asylum from retribution.

Conclusion

Gaulanitis, though not frequently mentioned by name in the biblical text, plays a significant role in the historical and religious landscape of ancient Israel. Its connection to the cities of refuge and its inclusion in the governance of Herod Philip highlight its importance in both Old and New Testament contexts. The region's fertile land and strategic location made it a valuable asset throughout biblical history.A name derived from "Golan" (q.v.), one of the cities of refuge in the territory of Manasseh (Joshua 20:8; 21:27; Deuteronomy 4:43). This was one of the provinces ruled by Herod Antipas. It lay to the east of the Lake of Galilee, and included among its towns Bethsaida-Julias (Mark 8:22) and Seleucia.

The Siege and Taking of Gamala.
... And these were both parts of Gaulanitis; for Sogana was a part of that called the
Upper Gaulanitis, as was Gamala of the Lower; while Selcucia was situated at ...
/.../chapter 1 the siege and.htm

Fragment xvii. On the Fortunes of Hyrcanus and Antigonus, and on ...
... him, in addition, the cities Hippus, Gadara, Gaza, Joppa, Anthedon, and a part of
Arabia, Trachonitis, and Auranitis, and Sacia, and Gaulanitis; [1119] and ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xvii on the fortunes.htm

Now There was one Joseph, the Son of a Female Physician...
... reject either of their requests. The region of Gaulanitis did also revolt
from the king, as far as the village Solyma. I also built a ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 37 now there was.htm

How Moses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and ...
... western coast. 3. When matters were come to this state, Og, the king of
Gilead and Gaulanitis, fell upon the Israelites. He brought ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how moses conquered.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... c.8, sect.2.) and of Philip, that he died in the twentieth year of Tiberius, when
he had governed Trachonitis and Batanea and Gaulanitis thirty-seven years. ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... the Great Plain was under Benaiah, the son of Achilus; he also governed all the
country as far as Jordan; Gabaris ruled over Gilead and Gaulanitis, and had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ...
... Herod's brother, departed this life, in the twentieth year of the reign of Tiberius,
[14] after he had been tetrarch of Trachonitis and Gaulanitis, and of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the samaritans.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ.
... this man arose Judas the Galilaean in the days of the enrolment." Josephus calls
him "Judas, a Gaulanite," because he was of Gamala in lower Gaulanitis; but in ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 16 chronology of the.htm

Gaulanitis

/g/gaulanitis.htm - 6k

Gaulonitis
... go'-lan (golan), (Gaulanitis): Golan was a city in the territory allotted to Manasseh
in Bashan, the most northerly of the three cities of refuge East of the ...
/g/gaulonitis.htm - 9k

Golan (4 Occurrences)
... It became the head of the province of Gaulanitis, one of the four provinces into
which Bashan was divided after the Babylonish captivity, and almost identical ...
/g/golan.htm - 11k

Gaudy (1 Occurrence)

/g/gaudy.htm - 7k

Ituraea (1 Occurrence)
... It is bounded on the east by Trachonitis, on the south by Gaulanitis, on the
west by Hermon, and on the north by the plain of Damascus. Int. ...
/i/ituraea.htm - 10k

Hauran (2 Occurrences)
... It was one of the ancient divisions of Bashan (qv), and lay on the south-east of
Gaulanitis or the Jaulan, and on the south of Lejah, extending from the Arnon ...
/h/hauran.htm - 11k

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