Lexical Summary Ramoth-negeb: Ramoth of the Negev Original Word: רָמוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance south Ramoth, Ramath of the south Or Ramath Negeb {raw'-math neh'-gheb}; from the plural or construct form of ramah and negeb; heights (or height) of the South; Ramoth-Negeb or Ramath-Negeb, a place in Palestine -- south Ramoth, Ramath of the south. see HEBREW ramah see HEBREW negeb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ramah and negeb Definition "height of the south," a place in Simeon, probably the same as NH7437b NASB Translation Ramoth of the Negev (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רָ(א)מַת proper name, of a location construct, in combination: 1 רָמַת לֶחִ֑י Judges 15:17, see II. לְחִי p.534. 2 רָמַת הַמִּצְמֶּה Joshua 13:26 (P), in Gilead, on northern border of Gad; Αραβωθ [A Ραμωθ ᵐ5L Ραμεθ] κατὰ Τὴν Μας(ση)φα; = II. מִצְמֶּה 3; on (dubious) identification compare GASmGeogr. 586 f. BuhlGeogr. 262. 3 רָאמַת נְ֫גֶב Joshua 19:8 (P), Βαμεθ [A ᵐ5L Ιαμεθ] Καρὰ λίβα (= בַּעֲלַתבְּֿאֵר Joshua 19:8, q. v. p. 128); probably = רָמוֺתנֶֿ֫גֶב 1 Samuel 30:27, Ραμα νότου; site dubious, see DrHast. DB. RAMAH. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ramoth is identified as a town in the Negev, the arid southern region of ancient Judah that bordered the wilderness through which Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had once moved. Although later absorbed into the tribal inheritance of Judah, the Negev also contained enclaves of Simeonite towns (Joshua 19:1–9), and Ramoth evidently lay within this Simeonite network. Its position on the high ground (“heights”) of the Negev would make it a natural waypoint for shepherds and travelers moving between the hill country of Judah and the desert fringe. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Context The town is mentioned once, in the record of David’s redistributing Amalekite plunder: “David sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Here is a gift for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD,’ to those in Bethel, Ramoth in the Negev, and Jattir” (1 Samuel 30:26–27). The context is David’s recovery of families and possessions taken from Ziklag. After defeating the Amalekites, he honors the LORD by sharing the recovered goods with Judean elders in a dozen towns, Ramoth among them. This action strengthens his relationship with Judah just before Saul’s death and David’s anointing in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1–4). Historical Background 1. Simeonite Heritage: Simeon’s allotment was “within the inheritance of Judah” (Joshua 19:1). Over time, Simeon’s distinct tribal identity diminished, yet the inclusion of Ramoth in David’s gift list affirms the continuing presence of faithful Israelites in the Negev. Theological Significance • Stewardship and Gratitude: David acknowledges that victory and wealth come from “the LORD,” not his own prowess (1 Samuel 30:23). Sharing with Ramoth illustrates a kingdom ethic of thanksgiving and generosity. Lessons for Believers 1. Remember the Marginalized: Just as David honored remote Ramoth, believers are called to care for assemblies beyond the centers of influence (James 1:27). Connections within Scripture • Contrast with Ramoth-Gilead: The northern fortress (Strong’s 7433) becomes a battleground of divided monarchy, whereas the southern Ramoth participates in the unifying acts of David. Summary Although Ramoth appears only once, its inclusion in David’s gratitude narrative embodies enduring biblical themes—generosity, unity, and divine concern for seemingly minor places. The town stands as a reminder that God weaves every community, however small, into the tapestry of His unfolding kingdom purposes. Forms and Transliterations נֶ֖גֶב נגב ne·ḡeḇ neḡeḇ NegevLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 30:27 HEB: וְלַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּרָמֽוֹת־ נֶ֖גֶב וְלַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּיַתִּֽר׃ NAS: and to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, and to those who KJV: and to [them] which [were] in south Ramoth, and to [them] which [were] in Jattir, INT: Bethel who Ramoth who Jattir |