Topical Encyclopedia Gaulonitis is a region mentioned in biblical and historical texts, 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. Gaulonitis is situated east of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River, encompassing parts of what is today the Golan Heights.Biblical References and Historical Context The region of Gaulonitis is not explicitly named in the Bible, but it is closely associated with the land of Bashan. In the Old Testament, Bashan is frequently mentioned as a land of great fertility and strength. Deuteronomy 4:43 states, "Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites." This verse highlights Golan as one of the cities of refuge, indicating its significance within the tribal allotments of Israel. During the intertestamental period, Gaulonitis became more prominent. It was part of the tetrarchy of Herod Philip, one of the sons of Herod the Great, who ruled the region after the division of his father's kingdom. The area was known for its strategic importance and fertile lands, contributing to its historical significance. Cultural and Geographical Significance Gaulonitis, as part of the larger region of Bashan, was known for its rich pastures and strong cattle, as referenced in Psalm 22:12 : "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me." This imagery underscores the region's reputation for strength and abundance. The geographical features of Gaulonitis include rolling hills and fertile plains, making it an ideal location for agriculture and livestock. Its proximity to the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River also provided vital water resources, enhancing its agricultural productivity. Role in Early Christianity In the New Testament era, Gaulonitis was part of the broader region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. Although the Gospels do not specifically mention Gaulonitis, the region's proximity to Galilee and the Decapolis suggests that it was within the sphere of influence of Jesus' teachings and miracles. The early Christian church likely had interactions with the inhabitants of Gaulonitis, as the spread of the Gospel reached various parts of the Roman Empire, including the territories east of the Jordan River. The cultural and political dynamics of the region would have influenced the early Christian communities and their mission efforts. Archaeological Insights Archaeological findings in the Golan Heights, which encompass ancient Gaulonitis, have provided insights into the region's historical and cultural context. Excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient settlements, fortifications, and synagogues, shedding light on the diverse populations that inhabited the area throughout history. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the region's significance during biblical times and its role in the broader narrative of the ancient Near East. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GOLAN; GAULONITISgo'-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 Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:43 Joshua 20:8); assigned with its "suburbs" to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:27 1 Chronicles 6:71). It must have been a great and important city in its day; but the site cannot now be determined with any certainty. It was known to Josephus (Ant., XIII, xv, 3). Near Golan Alexander was ambushed by Obodas, king of the Arabians; and his army, crowded together in a narrow and deep valley, was broken in pieces by the multitude of camels (BJ, I, iv, 4). This incident is located at Gadara in Ant, XIII, xiii, 5. Later, Golan was destroyed by Alexander. It had already given its name to a large district, Gaulonitis (BJ, III, iii, 1, 5; IV, i, 1). It formed the eastern boundary of Galilee. It was part of the tetrarchy of Philip (Ant., XVII, viii, 1; XVIII, iv, 6). The city was known to Eusebius as "a large village," giving its name to the surrounding country (Onomasticon, under the word Gaulon). This country must have corresponded roughly with the modern Jaulan, in which the ancient name is preserved. The boundaries of the province today are Mt. Hermon on the North, Jordan and the Sea of Galilee on the West, Wady Yarmuk on the South, and Nahr `Allan on the East. This plateau, which in the North is about 3,000 ft. high, slopes gradually southward to a height of about 1,000 ft. It is entirely volcanic, and there are many cone-like peaks of extinct volcanoes, especially toward the North It affords good pasturage, and has long been a favorite summer grazing-ground of the nomads. Traces of ancient forests remain, but for the most part today it is treeless. To the East of the Sea of Galilee the soil is deep and rich. Splendid crops of wheat are grown here, and olives flourish in the hollows. The country is furrowed by deep valleys that carry the water southwestward into the Sea of Galilee. This region has not yet been subjected to thorough examination, but many important ruins have been found, which tell of a plentiful and prosperous population in times long past. The best description of these, and of the region generally, will be found in Schumacher's The Jaulan, and Across the Jordan. To him also we owe the excellent maps which carry us eastward to the province of el-Chauran. GAULONITIS gol-on-i'-tis. Library Julias-Bethsaida Perea. Beyond Jordan. Book 18 Footnotes The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews. The Death of Salome. The Cities which Herod and Philip Built. ... How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ... Concerning Herod's Death, and Testament, and Burial. A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Cestius Sends Ambassadors to Nero. The People of Damascus Slay ... The Time of his Appearance among Men. Thesaurus Gaulonitis... GOLAN; GAULONITIS. ... It had already given its name to a large district, Gaulonitis (BJ, III, iii, 1, 5; IV, i, 1). It formed the eastern boundary of Galilee. ... /g/gaulonitis.htm - 9k Bethsaida (7 Occurrences) Golan (4 Occurrences) Gauls Gaulanitis Bashan (54 Occurrences) Palestine (1 Occurrence) Herod (45 Occurrences) Galilee (73 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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