Overview:
Rameses, also spelled Raamses, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily known as one of the store cities built by the Israelites during their period of enslavement in Egypt. The city is associated with the land of Goshen, where the Israelites settled during their time in Egypt. Rameses is often linked to the reign of the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom, particularly those of the 19th Dynasty, such as Ramses II, although the exact historical correlation remains a topic of scholarly debate.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 1:11 : "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. And they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh." This verse highlights the oppressive conditions under which the Israelites labored, constructing cities for the Egyptian Pharaoh. Rameses is noted as one of these cities, indicating its importance in the Egyptian economy and infrastructure.

2. Genesis 47:11 : "So Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded." This passage describes the settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt, in the region of Rameses, which is identified as a fertile and desirable area within the land of Goshen.

3. Exodus 12:37 : "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children." This verse marks the beginning of the Exodus, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Rameses serves as the starting point for this pivotal event in Israelite history.

4. Numbers 33:3 : "On the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians." This passage reiterates the role of Rameses as the departure point for the Exodus, emphasizing the defiance and liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Historical and Archaeological Context:
The identification of Rameses with the historical city of Pi-Ramesses, a royal city built by Pharaoh Ramses II, is a common hypothesis among scholars. Pi-Ramesses was located in the Nile Delta and served as a major administrative and military center. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was a thriving city during the 13th century BC, aligning with the biblical timeline of the Exodus.

Theological Significance:
Rameses holds theological importance as a symbol of both oppression and liberation. It represents the harsh conditions of Israelite slavery under Egyptian rule, as well as the starting point of their journey to freedom and the Promised Land. The narrative of Rameses underscores themes of divine deliverance, faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The account of Rameses and the Exodus has had a profound impact on Jewish and Christian traditions. It is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, which celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. For Christians, the Exodus narrative prefigures themes of salvation and redemption, with Rameses serving as a backdrop for God's mighty acts in history.

In summary, Rameses is a key location in the biblical narrative, representing both the suffering of the Israelites and the beginning of their journey to freedom. Its historical and theological significance continues to resonate within the Judeo-Christian tradition.Ram'eses (4 Occurrences)

Genesis 47:11
And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
(See RSV)

Exodus 12:37
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, beside children.
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:3
And they journeyed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians,
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:5
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.
(See RSV)

Ram'eses (4 Occurrences)
Ram'eses. Rameses, Ram'eses. Ramiah . Multi-Version Concordance Ram'eses
(4 Occurrences). Genesis 47:11 And Joseph placed his father ...
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Rameses (5 Occurrences)

/r/rameses.htm - 13k

Ramiah (1 Occurrence)

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