Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Ramoth-Gilead, a significant city in the biblical narrative, is located in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was one of the cities of refuge designated by Moses (Deuteronomy 4:43) and held strategic military importance due to its location. The city is most notably associated with several sieges and battles involving the kings of Israel and Judah. Historical Context: Ramoth-Gilead was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, making it a place of both spiritual and military significance. Its location in the tribal territory of Gad made it a frontier city, often contested by neighboring kingdoms, particularly Aram (Syria). Siege under Ahab: The most famous siege of Ramoth-Gilead occurred during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Ahab sought to reclaim the city from the Arameans, who had taken control of it. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab allied with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, to retake the city. Despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah, who foretold disaster, Ahab proceeded with the campaign. The battle resulted in Ahab's death, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy. The Berean Standard Bible records, "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead" (1 Kings 22:29). Siege under Jehoram: Later, during the reign of Ahab's son, King Jehoram (also known as Joram), Ramoth-Gilead was again the focus of military action. Jehoram, along with Ahaziah, king of Judah, attempted to reclaim the city from the Arameans. The battle is detailed in 2 Kings 8:28-29, where Jehoram is wounded, leading to his retreat to Jezreel to recover. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Then King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramoth-gilead" (2 Kings 8:29). Significance in the Anointing of Jehu: Ramoth-Gilead also plays a crucial role in the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel. While the Israelite army was stationed at Ramoth-Gilead, the prophet Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu, one of the commanders, as king. This event marked the beginning of Jehu's rebellion against the house of Ahab, as recorded in 2 Kings 9. The Berean Standard Bible recounts, "So the young prophet went to Ramoth-gilead" (2 Kings 9:4). Theological Implications: The sieges of Ramoth-Gilead highlight themes of divine sovereignty and judgment. The narratives demonstrate the fulfillment of prophetic words and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The events surrounding Ramoth-Gilead serve as a reminder of the importance of heeding prophetic warnings and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations. Conclusion: The sieges of Ramoth-Gilead are pivotal events in the history of Israel and Judah, illustrating the complex interplay of political ambition, prophetic insight, and divine intervention. The city's repeated mention in the biblical text underscores its strategic and spiritual significance in the unfolding narrative of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 22:4,29And he said to Jehoshaphat, Will you go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Branch Davidians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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