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 strategic and fortified city, playing a crucial role in various military and political events throughout the Old Testament. The city is notably recognized as one of the cities of refuge and as a center of administration during the reign of King Solomon. Biblical Significance: Ramoth-Gilead is first mentioned in the context of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. It was allocated to the tribe of Gad and designated as one of the cities of refuge, where individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8). Solomon's Administration: During the reign of King Solomon, Ramoth-Gilead was one of the twelve districts established for administrative and taxation purposes. Solomon appointed commissaries over these districts to provide provisions for the king and his household. The city was under the jurisdiction of Ben-Geber, who was responsible for the region of Gilead, including the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead, and the region of Argob in Bashan (1 Kings 4:13). This administrative structure highlights the city's importance in maintaining the economic and political stability of Solomon's kingdom. Military Importance: Ramoth-Gilead's strategic location made it a focal point in several military conflicts. It was a site of contention between Israel and Aram (Syria). In 1 Kings 22, King Ahab of Israel sought to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Arameans, leading to a battle in which Ahab was mortally wounded. The city's significance continued into the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who allied with Ahab in this military endeavor. Prophetic and Historical Context: The prophetic literature of the Old Testament also references Ramoth-Gilead, underscoring its role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. The city's repeated mention in the context of warfare and prophecy illustrates its enduring importance in the biblical narrative. Archaeological and Geographical Insights: While the exact location of Ramoth-Gilead remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally identified with Tell er-Rumeith or Tell Ramith in modern-day Jordan. Archaeological findings in the region provide insights into the city's historical and cultural context during the biblical period. Conclusion: Ramoth-Gilead stands as a testament to the complex interplay of politics, warfare, and religion in ancient Israel. Its role as a city of refuge, a center of administration under Solomon, and a battleground in the conflicts with Aram highlights its multifaceted significance in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 4:13The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, three score great cities with walls and brazen bars: Nave's Topical Index Resources What is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab? | GotQuestions.org Who was Micaiah 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 |