Lexical Summary Ramoth Gilad: Ramoth Gilead Original Word: רָמֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ramoth-gilead, Ramoth in Gilead Or Ramoth Giliad (2 Chronicles 22:5) {raw-moth' gil-awd'}; from the plural of ramah and Gil'ad; heights of Gilad; Ramoth-Gilad, a place East of the Jordan -- Ramoth-gilead, Ramoth in Gilead. See also Ra'mowth. see HEBREW ramah see HEBREW Gil'ad see HEBREW Ra'mowth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ramah and Gilad Definition a city E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Ramoth-gilead (20). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ramoth, more fully “Ramoth in Gilead,” was situated on the high tableland east of the Jordan River, within the region of Gilead. Its lofty elevation on the plateau made it a natural stronghold overlooking the trade routes that linked Syria (Aram) with the Trans-Jordan tribes of Israel. The most likely site is Tell er-Rumeith or nearby Tell Ramith in modern northern Jordan, locations that command the Wadi es-Sirhan corridor. Tribal Allotment and Levitical Status When Joshua apportioned the land, Ramoth fell to the tribe of Gad (Joshua 21:38). The city was then assigned to the Gershonite Levites, anchoring the priestly presence on the eastern frontier. Its Levitical identity explains the ready access the prophets later had to the city and underscores its role as a place where God’s word and worship were to be preserved even amid political turmoil. City of Refuge Function Joshua lists Ramoth as “a city of refuge for the manslayer” (Joshua 21:38). This meant that anyone who killed unintentionally could flee there until due judicial process was carried out. The provision foreshadowed the gospel truth that refuge from deserved judgment is found only in the Lord’s appointed place (Numbers 35:6-32). The city therefore served both civil justice and redemptive typology, bearing witness to God’s mercy within His law. Strategic Importance in Israel–Aram Conflicts Because of its commanding position, Ramoth became the focal point of repeated wars between Israel and Aram (Syria). Ahab’s reign illustrates the pattern: • 1 Kings 22:3 records Ahab’s resolve: “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, yet we are not doing anything to retake it from the king of Aram?” Decades later, Joram (Jehoram) renewed the struggle: • “Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram” (2 Kings 8:28). Thus Ramoth’s height became the stage on which divine sovereignty over kings and nations was dramatically displayed. The Micaiah Trial of Prophets Before Ahab’s campaign, four hundred court prophets promised victory, but Micaiah son of Imlah alone spoke the truth: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” (1 Kings 22:17). His lonely stand at Ramoth underscores the biblical test of prophecy—faithfulness to Yahweh’s prior revelation, regardless of popular acclaim. The narrative warns against aligning with majority voices when they contradict God’s word, a timeless lesson for the church. Jehu’s Anointing and the Downfall of the Omrides In Ramoth’s inner chamber the prophet poured oil on Jehu and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel” (2 Kings 9:6). The choice of a military garrison for this sacred act reminds us that God raises up and removes rulers by His own counsel. From Ramoth Jehu rode to Jezreel, where the Omride dynasty fell exactly as Elijah had foretold. Theological and Ministry Applications 1. Refuge in Christ: Ramoth’s function as a sanctuary city prefigures the believer’s security in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, “our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). Later History and Possible Decline After Jehu, Scripture falls silent regarding Ramoth. Its border location likely left it vulnerable to shifting powers, and it may have lost prominence when Assyria absorbed Gilead in the eighth century B.C. Archaeological work has yet to yield definitive proof, but surface pottery and fortification lines at Tell er-Rumeith align well with an Iron Age administrative center that fits the biblical profile. Scriptural Index of Key Passages Joshua 21:38; 1 Kings 4:13; 1 Kings 22:3-29; 2 Kings 8:28; 2 Kings 9:1-14; 2 Chronicles 18:2-28; 2 Chronicles 22:5 Forms and Transliterations בְּרָמ֣וֹת בְּרָמֹ֣ת ברמות ברמת רָמ֥וֹת רָמֹ֣ת רָמֹ֤ת רָמֹ֥ת רמות רמת bə·rā·mō·wṯ bə·rā·mōṯ beraMot bərāmōṯ bərāmōwṯ rā·mō·wṯ rā·mōṯ raMot rāmōṯ rāmōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 21:38 HEB: הָרֹצֵ֔חַ אֶת־ רָמֹ֥ת בַּגִּלְעָ֖ד וְאֶת־ KJV: of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead INT: of refuge the manslayer Ramoth Gilead pasture 1 Kings 4:13 1 Kings 22:3 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 21 Occurrences |
    |