Ramoth-Gilead is a significant city in biblical history, located in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It served as a strategic and fortified city, often at the center of conflict between Israel and its neighboring nations, particularly Syria (Aram). The city's importance is highlighted in several biblical narratives, especially during the reigns of the kings of Israel.

Recovered by Joram

During the reign of King Joram (also known as Jehoram), the son of Ahab, Ramoth-Gilead became a focal point of military action. The city had previously been under the control of the Arameans, and its recovery was a significant objective for the Israelite king. The biblical account in 2 Kings 8:28-29 states: "Joram went with Jehoram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram." This passage indicates that Joram, in alliance with the king of Judah, sought to reclaim the city from Aramean control.

The recovery of Ramoth-Gilead was not merely a military endeavor but also a fulfillment of the ongoing struggle between Israel and Aram. The city's strategic location made it a valuable asset for controlling trade routes and military movements in the region.

Joram Wounded There

The battle for Ramoth-Gilead was fierce, and it was during this conflict that King Joram was wounded. The account in 2 Kings 9:14-15 provides further details: "So Jehu conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him in his battle with Hazael king of Aram.)"

Joram's injury at Ramoth-Gilead was a turning point, as it led to his return to Jezreel to recuperate. This event set the stage for Jehu's rebellion and the subsequent overthrow of Joram's dynasty. The wound Joram sustained at Ramoth-Gilead was not only a physical affliction but also symbolized the vulnerability and eventual downfall of Ahab's house.

The narrative of Ramoth-Gilead, therefore, is intertwined with themes of divine judgment, the fulfillment of prophetic words, and the shifting power dynamics within the region. The city's history serves as a testament to the complex interplay of political, military, and spiritual forces in the biblical narrative.2 Kings 8:28,29
And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 9:14,15
So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 22:5,6
He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.
Nave's Topical Index

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Assyria itself, it is true, had recovered the vitality and elasticity of its earlier
days ... founded a colony on which he imposed his name; he left there a statue ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... he looked in another direction, "and spake again and said, See, there come people ...
The narrative tells us that, feeling himself mortally wounded, he called his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.org

Who 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