Gilead is a significant region and term within the biblical narrative, often associated with rich historical and theological implications. It is primarily known as a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, encompassing parts of modern-day Jordan. The name "Gilead" is thought to mean "heap of testimony" or "rocky region," reflecting both its geographical features and its role in biblical history.

Geographical and Tribal Significance

Gilead is first mentioned in Genesis 31:21-25, where Jacob fled from Laban and set up a heap of stones as a witness between them, calling the place Galeed. The region of Gilead was later allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:1-5, 33-40). It was known for its balm, a resin used for medicinal purposes, as referenced in Jeremiah 8:22: "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?"

Historical Context

Gilead played a crucial role during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. It was the home of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of the Ammonites (Judges 11). The region was also significant during the reign of King Saul and King David. Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, was made king over Gilead (2 Samuel 2:8-9), and David found refuge there during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:24-29).

Prophetic and Poetic References

The prophets often referred to Gilead in their writings. For instance, Hosea 6:8 describes Gilead as a city of evildoers, stained with footprints of blood, highlighting the moral and spiritual decline of the people. The Song of Solomon poetically mentions Gilead in describing the beauty of the beloved: "Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead" (Song of Solomon 4:1).

Theological Implications

Gilead holds theological significance as a symbol of healing and restoration. The "balm of Gilead" metaphorically represents God's provision for spiritual healing and comfort. This imagery is echoed in Christian hymnody and literature, emphasizing the hope and healing found in Christ.

Notable Figures

Several notable biblical figures are associated with Gilead. Jephthah, a Gileadite, is remembered for his faith and leadership despite his controversial vow (Judges 11:30-40). Elijah the Tishbite, one of the most prominent prophets, hailed from Tishbe in Gilead (1 Kings 17:1), underscoring the region's contribution to Israel's prophetic tradition.

Conclusion

Gilead's multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, from its geographical and tribal importance to its symbolic representation of healing, makes it a significant topic of study. Its historical events, prophetic mentions, and theological themes continue to resonate within the broader biblical context.1568. Gilad -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several ...
... Gilad. 1569 . a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites.
Transliteration: Gilad Phonetic Spelling: (ghil-awd') Short Definition: Gilead. ...
/hebrew/1568.htm - 6kGilead's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gilead's (1 Occurrence). Judges 11:2 Gilead's
wife bore him sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they ...
/g/gilead's.htm - 6k

Gileadites (5 Occurrences)
... GILEADITES. gil'-e-ad-its: (1) A branch of the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 26:29).
(2) Natives of the district of Gilead (Judges 10:3; Judges 11:1, etc.). ...
/g/gileadites.htm - 8k

Wife's (21 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:2 Gilead's wife bore him sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they
drove out Jephthah, and said to him, "You shall not inherit in our father's ...
/w/wife's.htm - 12k

Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
... from the oppression of the Ammonites (Judges 11:1-33), and judged Israel six years
(12:7). He has been described as "a wild, daring, Gilead mountaineer, a sort ...
/j/jephthah.htm - 20k

Gilgal (39 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad
and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people ...
/g/gilgal.htm - 27k

Thrust (92 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:2 And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they
thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our ...
/t/thrust.htm - 35k

Drove (89 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Numbers 32:39 The children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead,
and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein. (See NIV). ...
/d/drove.htm - 34k

Grew (133 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:2 Gilead's wife bore him sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they
drove out Jephthah, and said to him, "You shall not inherit in our father's ...
/g/grew.htm - 34k

Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:2 Gilead's wife bore him sons; and when his wife's sons grew up, they
drove out Jephthah, and said to him, "You shall not inherit in our father's ...
/i/inherit.htm - 38k

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