The term "Ra'mathite" refers to an inhabitant or native of Ramah, a city mentioned several times in the Bible. Ramah is a significant location in biblical history, situated in the territory of Benjamin, near Gibeah and Mizpah. The name "Ramah" means "height" or "high place," which is fitting given its elevated geographical position.

Biblical References:

1. Ramah in the Tribe of Benjamin: Ramah is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. "The border went out toward the side of Luz, to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward; and the border descended to Ataroth-addar, near the hill that lies on the south side of Lower Beth-horon. Then the border extended around the west side to the south, from the hill that lies before Beth-horon southward; and it ended at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This was the west side. The south side began at the end of Kiriath-jearim, and the border extended to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah. Then the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is in the Valley of Rephaim northward; it descended to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite city on the south, and descended to En-rogel. And it went around from the north, went out to En-shemesh, and extended toward Geliloth, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Then it passed along toward the north side of Arabah, and went down to Arabah. And the border passed along to the north side of Beth-hoglah; then the border ended at the north bay at the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan. This was the southern boundary. The Jordan was its border on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, according to its boundaries all around, according to their families" (Joshua 18:13-20).

2. Ramah in the Time of Samuel: Ramah is notably the hometown of the prophet Samuel. It is here that Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. "When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, 'Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.' And he said to him, 'Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.' Then Saul said to his servant, 'But look, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels is all gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?' And the servant answered Saul again and said, 'Look, I have here at hand one-fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.' (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: 'Come, let us go to the seer'; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) Then Saul said to his servant, 'Well said; come, let us go.' So they went to the city where the man of God was" (1 Samuel 9:5-10).

3. Ramah in the Prophets: Ramah is also mentioned in the prophetic literature, notably in the Book of Jeremiah. "This is what the LORD says: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more'" (Jeremiah 31:15). This passage is later referenced in the New Testament in the context of Herod's massacre of the innocents (Matthew 2:18).

Historical and Theological Significance:

Ramah holds a place of importance in Israel's history as a center of prophetic activity and as a strategic location during various military campaigns. Theologically, it serves as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of key biblical figures such as Samuel and Saul. The lamentation associated with Ramah in Jeremiah underscores the deep sorrow and loss experienced by the Israelites, which is echoed in the New Testament narrative.

In summary, the Ra'mathite, as an inhabitant of Ramah, would have been part of a community deeply intertwined with the spiritual and political life of ancient Israel.Ra'mathite (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 27:27
and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: and over the increase of the vineyards for the winecellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:
(See RSV)

Ra'mathite (1 Occurrence)
Ra'mathite. Ramathite, Ra'mathite. Ramathlehi . Multi-Version Concordance
Ra'mathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 27:27 and over ...
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Ramathlehi (1 Occurrence)

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Ramathite (1 Occurrence)

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