Overview:
Ra-am'ses, often referred to as Rameses, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily recognized as a city in the land of Goshen, which played a crucial role during the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. The name Ra-am'ses is associated with the Egyptian Pharaohs of the Nineteenth Dynasty, particularly Ramses II, although the biblical context does not explicitly identify the Pharaoh by name.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 47:11 · "So Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had directed."
· In this passage, Ra-am'ses is identified as the region where Joseph settled his family during the famine. It is described as the best part of the land, indicating its fertility and suitability for livestock, which was essential for Jacob's family.

2. Exodus 1:11 · "So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh."
· Here, Ra-am'ses is mentioned as one of the store cities built by the Israelites under Egyptian oppression. This indicates its importance as a center for storage and possibly military logistics, reflecting the grandeur and power of the Egyptian empire at the time.

3. Exodus 12:37 · "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children."
· Ra-am'ses serves as the starting point for the Exodus, the pivotal event where the Israelites departed from Egypt. This highlights its role as a significant settlement for the Israelites before their liberation.

Historical and Archaeological Context:
Ra-am'ses is often associated with the city of Pi-Ramesses, a royal city built by Ramses II in the Nile Delta. Archaeological evidence suggests that Pi-Ramesses was a grand city with temples, palaces, and extensive infrastructure, aligning with the biblical description of a store city. The identification of Ra-am'ses with Pi-Ramesses is supported by the geographical and historical context of the biblical narrative.

Theological Significance:
Ra-am'ses holds theological importance as a symbol of both oppression and deliverance. It represents the place where the Israelites experienced severe bondage under Egyptian rule, yet it is also the starting point of their journey to freedom. The narrative of Ra-am'ses underscores God's faithfulness in delivering His people from slavery, fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The mention of Ra-am'ses in the Bible has influenced Judeo-Christian thought regarding the historical reality of the Exodus. It serves as a reminder of the trials faced by the Israelites and the divine intervention that led to their liberation. The account of Ra-am'ses continues to be a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His covenant promises.Ra-am'ses (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 1:11
Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses.
(See RSV)

Ra-am'ses (1 Occurrence)
Ra-am'ses. Raamses, Ra-am'ses. Rabbah . Multi-Version Concordance
Ra-am'ses (1 Occurrence). Exodus 1:11 Therefore they set taskmasters ...
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Raamses (1 Occurrence)

/r/raamses.htm - 10k

Rabbah (14 Occurrences)

/r/rabbah.htm - 19k

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