Topical Encyclopedia Overview: Ramoth-Gilead, a significant city in biblical history, is located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It served as a city of refuge and was strategically important due to its location on a major trade route. The city is most notably recognized for its role in the military campaigns of Israel and Judah, particularly during the reign of King Ahab. Biblical Significance: Ramoth-Gilead is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of warfare and territorial disputes. It was one of the cities of refuge designated by Moses (Deuteronomy 4:43) and was allocated to the tribe of Gad (Joshua 20:8). Besieged by Israel and Judah: The city became a focal point of conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). During the reign of King Ahab of Israel, Ramoth-Gilead was under Aramean control, and Ahab sought to reclaim it. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab, in alliance with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, decided to retake the city from the Arameans. Ahab's determination to capture Ramoth-Gilead was driven by its strategic importance and the desire to assert Israel's dominance over the region. Ahab Killed There: The campaign to capture Ramoth-Gilead is most famously marked by the death of King Ahab. Despite the prophet Micaiah's warning of disaster, Ahab proceeded with the battle. The account in 1 Kings 22:34-35 describes how Ahab was struck by a random arrow: "But someone drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the breastplate and the scale armor. So the king said to the driver of his chariot, 'Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded.' The battle raged throughout that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. And at sunset he died." Ahab's death marked a significant turning point for the kingdom of Israel, highlighting the consequences of disobedience to God's prophetic word. The battle at Ramoth-Gilead serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding divine guidance and the perils of pride and ambition. Later References: Ramoth-Gilead continued to be a site of military interest in subsequent years. In 2 Kings 9, Jehu, anointed as king of Israel, was stationed at Ramoth-Gilead when he received the prophetic call to overthrow the house of Ahab. This further underscores the city's ongoing strategic and symbolic significance in Israel's history. Conclusion: Ramoth-Gilead's role in biblical narratives underscores its importance as a military and political asset. The events surrounding the city, particularly the death of Ahab, serve as a testament to the complex interplay of faith, prophecy, and power in the history of Israel and Judah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:29-36So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 18:1 Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ramoth-Gilead in the Possession of the Syrians Ramoth-Gilead: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Gad, and One of the Cities of Refuge Ramoth-Gilead: Also Called Ramah Ramoth-Gilead: Besieged by Israel and Judah; Ahab Killed There Ramoth-Gilead: Elisha Anoints Jehu to be King There Ramoth-Gilead: One of Solomon's Commissaries There Ramoth-Gilead: Recovered by Joram; Joram Wounded There Related Terms |
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