Topical Encyclopedia The Gileadites were a group of people from the region of Gilead, a mountainous area east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The name "Gilead" is often associated with the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled in this region after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The Gileadites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, and their history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Israel.Geographical and Historical Context Gilead is a region that extends from the northern part of the Dead Sea to the southern part of the Sea of Galilee. It is bounded by the Jordan River to the west and the Arabian desert to the east. The area is characterized by its fertile land and was known for producing a healing balm, often referred to as the "balm of Gilead" (Jeremiah 8:22). This balm was a valuable commodity in ancient times. Tribal Associations The Gileadites are primarily associated with the tribe of Manasseh, specifically the descendants of Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh. In Numbers 26:29, the Bible states, "The descendants of Manasseh: through Machir, the Machirite clan (Machir was the father of Gilead); through Gilead, the Gileadite clan." This passage highlights the genealogical link between Gilead and the tribe of Manasseh. Notable Biblical Figures 1. Jephthah the Gileadite: One of the most prominent figures among the Gileadites is Jephthah, a judge of Israel. Jephthah is introduced in Judges 11:1 as "Jephthah the Gileadite, a mighty warrior." Despite being the son of a prostitute, Jephthah rose to prominence and led the Israelites to victory against the Ammonites. His account is marked by a tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter (Judges 11:30-40). 2. Jair the Gileadite: Another judge from Gilead, Jair, is mentioned in Judges 10:3-5. He judged Israel for twenty-two years and had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys and controlled thirty towns in Gilead, known as Havvoth Jair. Military and Political Influence The Gileadites played a significant role in the military and political landscape of ancient Israel. Their strategic location made them key players in the defense against external threats. In Judges 12, the Gileadites, under Jephthah's leadership, engaged in a conflict with the Ephraimites, resulting in a decisive victory for the Gileadites. This conflict is notable for the use of the word "Shibboleth" as a linguistic test to identify Ephraimites (Judges 12:5-6). Cultural and Religious Significance The Gileadites, like other Israelite tribes, were part of the covenant community and participated in the religious life centered around the worship of Yahweh. The region of Gilead is mentioned in various prophetic and poetic texts, often symbolizing healing and restoration. The "balm of Gilead" became a metaphor for divine healing and comfort, as seen 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?" Conclusion The Gileadites, as inhabitants of a significant region in biblical history, contributed to the narrative of Israel through their leaders, military exploits, and cultural impact. Their legacy is preserved in the biblical text as a testament to their role in the unfolding account of God's people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GILEADITESgil'-e-ad-its: Strong's Hebrew 1569. Giladi -- a descendant of Gilead, also an inhabitant of ...... Word Origin from Gilad Definition a desc. of Gilead, also an inhab. of Gilead NASB Word Usage Gileadite (9), Gileadites (1), Gileadites* (1). Gileadite. ... /hebrew/1569.htm - 6k 1568. Gilad -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several ... 1121. ben -- son Library Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... Barzillai The Bright Dawn of a Reign The First Kings. The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... Thesaurus Gileadites (5 Occurrences)...GILEADITES. gil'-e-ad-its: (1) A branch of the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 26:29). ... Multi-Version Concordance Gileadites (5 Occurrences). ... /g/gileadites.htm - 8k Shibboleth (1 Occurrence) Gileadite (10 Occurrences) Fugitives (21 Occurrences) Ephraimites (7 Occurrences) Pekahiah (4 Occurrences) Pekah (11 Occurrences) E'phraim (146 Occurrences) Manas'seh (123 Occurrences) Gilead (130 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the importance of Mizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Gileadites (5 Occurrences)Numbers 26:29 Joshua 17:1 Judges 12:4 Judges 12:5 2 Kings 15:25 Subtopics Related Terms |