7418. Ramoth-negeb

Lexical Summary

Ramoth-negeb: Ramoth of the Negev

Original Word: רָמוֹת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Ramowth
Pronunciation: rah-MOHTH NEH-gev
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-moth-neh'-gheb)
KJV: south Ramoth, Ramath of the south
NASB: Ramoth of the Negev
Word Origin: [from the plural or construct form of H7413 (רָמָה - high place) and H5045 (נֶגֶב - south)]

1. heights (or height) of the South
2. Ramoth-Negeb or Ramath-Negeb, a place in Israel

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 Origin
from 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 ᵐ5^L Ραμεθ] κατὰ Τὴν Μας(ση)φα; = II. מִצְמֶּה

3; on (dubious) identification compare GASm^{Geogr. 586 f.} Buhl^{Geogr. 262.}

3 רָאמַת נְ֫גֶב Joshua 19:8 (P), Βαμεθ [A ᵐ5^L Ιαμεθ] Καρὰ λίβα (= בַּעֲלַתבְּֿאֵר Joshua 19:8, q. v. p. 128); probably = רָמוֺתנֶֿ֫גֶב 1 Samuel 30:27, Ραμα νότου; site dubious, see Dr^{Hast. 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.
2. Frontier Security: Towns such as Ramoth functioned as forward defenses against nomadic raiders. David’s defeat of the Amalekites and his subsequent generosity fortified these communities both materially and morally.
3. Preparation for Kingship: David’s careful diplomacy with southern towns smoothed his transition from fugitive to monarch. By blessing Ramoth and its neighbors, he wove them into the fabric of a united kingdom centered on covenant loyalty.

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.
• Unity of God’s People: Though tribes differed in geography and prominence, David’s gifts affirm one covenant community. Ramoth thus becomes a symbol of inclusivity within Israel, foreshadowing the New Testament call to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
• Divine Providence in Obscure Places: Scripture often elevates minor towns—Bethlehem, Nazareth, and here Ramoth—showing that no location is insignificant in God’s redemptive plan.

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).
2. Convert Victory into Blessing: Every triumph entrusted by God is an opportunity to enrich the broader body of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:11).
3. Build Relationships before Promotion: David’s outreach precedes his enthronement; likewise, spiritual leadership grows out of genuine service to God’s people (Mark 10:42–45).

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.
• Echo of Exodus Distribution: Moses shared the spoils of Midian with a similar fairness (Numbers 31:27). David follows that pattern, reinforcing continuity in covenant ethics.
• Anticipation of Christ’s Giving: David’s distribution prefigures the greater Son of David, who “gave gifts to men” after His victory (Ephesians 4:8).

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 Negev

Englishman'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

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 7418
1 Occurrence

ne·ḡeḇ — 1 Occ.