Topical Encyclopedia Geographical and Historical Context:Ramothgilead, often referred to simply as Ramoth, is a significant city located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It is situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad, as described in the Old Testament. The city is strategically positioned in the mountainous area of Gilead, which made it an important military and administrative center in ancient Israel. Biblical Significance: Ramothgilead holds considerable importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Israel's military and political history. It is frequently mentioned in the accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah. 1. City of Refuge: Ramothgilead was designated as one of the cities of refuge, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. According to Deuteronomy 4:43 and Joshua 20:8, it served as a sanctuary for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, providing them protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. 2. Military Campaigns: The city is prominently featured in the accounts of the battles between Israel and the Arameans (Syrians). In 1 Kings 22, King Ahab of Israel sought to reclaim Ramothgilead from the Arameans, enlisting the help of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Despite the prophetic warning from Micaiah, Ahab proceeded with the campaign and ultimately met his demise in battle. The Berean Standard Bible records this event: "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead" (1 Kings 22:29). 3. Jehoram and Ahaziah: The city continued to be a focal point in the ongoing conflict with the Arameans. In 2 Kings 8:28-29, King Ahaziah of Judah joined King Joram (Jehoram) of Israel in a campaign against Hazael, king of Aram, at Ramothgilead. Joram was wounded in the battle, leading to a series of events that culminated in the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel and the subsequent overthrow of the house of Ahab. 4. Jehu's Anointing: Ramothgilead is also the setting for a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the anointing of Jehu as king. In 2 Kings 9:1-6, the prophet Elisha sent a young prophet to Ramothgilead to anoint Jehu, a commander in the army, as king over Israel. This act initiated a divinely ordained coup against the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy against Jezebel and her descendants. Theological Implications: Ramothgilead serves as a backdrop for several key theological themes in the Bible. It illustrates the concept of divine justice and mercy through its role as a city of refuge, highlighting God's provision for both justice and protection. The city's involvement in the conflicts between Israel and Aram underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and the fulfillment of prophetic words. The anointing of Jehu at Ramothgilead exemplifies God's intervention in history to bring about His purposes, demonstrating His authority over kings and kingdoms. Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Ramothgilead remains uncertain, it is generally associated with the modern site of Tell er-Rumeith in Jordan. Archaeological excavations in the region have provided insights into the historical and cultural context of Gilead during the biblical period, although definitive identification of the site as Ramothgilead is still a matter of scholarly debate. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ramothgilead(heights of Gilead), one of the great fastnesses on the east of jordan, and the key to an important district. (1 Kings 4:13) It was the city of refuge for the tribe of Gad, (4:43; Joshua 20:8; 21:38) and the residence of one of Solomon's commissariat officers. (1 Kings 4:13) During the invasion related in (1 Kings 15:20) or some subsequent incursion, this important place had seized by Ben-hadad I., king of Syria. The incidents of Ahab's expedition are well known. [AHAB] Later it was taken by Israel, and held in spite of all the efforts of Hazael who was now on the throne of Damascus, to regain it. (2 Kings 9:14) Henceforward Ramoth-gilead disappears from our view. Eusebius and Jerome specify the position of Ramoth as 15 miles from Philadelphia (Amman). It may correspond to the site bearing the name of Jelad , exactly identical with the ancient Hebrew Gilead, which is four or five miles north of es-Salt , 25 miles east of the Jordan and 13 miles south of the brook Jabbok. Easton's Bible Dictionary Heights of Gilead, a city of refuge on the east of Jordan; called "Ramoth in Gilead" (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8; 21:38). Here Ahab, who joined Jehoshaphat in an endeavour to rescue it from the hands of the king of Syria, was mortally wounded (1 Kings 22:1-36). A similar attempt was afterwards made by Ahaziah and Joram, when the latter was wounded (2 Kings 8:28). In this city Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, was anointed by one of the sons of the prophets (9:1, 4).It has with probability been identified with Reimun, on the northern slope of the Jabbok, about 5 miles west of Jerash or Gerasa, one of the cities of Decapolis. Others identify it with Gerosh, about 25 miles north-east of es-Salt, with which also many have identified it. (see RAMATH-MIZPEH.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAMOTH-GILEADra'-moth-gil'-e-ad (ramoth gil'adh; Codex Vaticanus Rhemmath Galadd; Codex Alexandrinus Rhammoth, and other forms): A great and strong city East of the Jordan in the territory of Gad, which played an important part in the wars of Israel. It is first mentioned in connection with the appointment of the Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43 Joshua 20:8). It was assigned to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:38 1 Chronicles 6:80). In these four passages it is called "Ramoth in Gilead" (ramoth ba-gil'adh). This form is given wrongly by the King James Version in 1 Kings 22:3. In all other places the form "Ramoth-gilead" is used.e to the shape of a jaw-bone (Judges 15:9, 14, 19). It may have been in Wady es-Sarar, not far from Zorah and Timnath; but the available data do not permit of certain identification. Library Jehoshaphat The Fall of the House of Ahab Thesaurus Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences)... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences). ... 1 Kings 22:4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? ... /r/ramothgilead.htm - 19k Ramoth (30 Occurrences) Bars (50 Occurrences) Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) Walls (152 Occurrences) Persuade (20 Occurrences) Box (13 Occurrences) Brazen (42 Occurrences) Argob (6 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences)1 Kings 4:13 1 Kings 22:4 1 Kings 22:6 1 Kings 22:12 1 Kings 22:15 1 Kings 22:20 1 Kings 22:29 2 Kings 8:28 2 Kings 9:1 2 Kings 9:4 2 Kings 9:14 2 Chronicles 18:2 2 Chronicles 18:3 2 Chronicles 18:5 2 Chronicles 18:11 2 Chronicles 18:14 2 Chronicles 18:19 2 Chronicles 18:28 2 Chronicles 22:5 Subtopics Related Terms Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) |