Ramoth Gilead
“Heights of Gilead”
Summary
Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically important city east of the Jordan, designated as a city of refuge, and the site of Ahab's fatal battle against Syria.
☩City of Refuge
Ramoth-Gilead was designated as one of the six cities of refuge, specifically for the trans-Jordan region of Gad. It served as a sanctuary where those who killed someone unintentionally could flee for protection from the avenger of blood. The city was also assigned to the Levites of the family of Merari, serving both as a place of asylum and a Levitical city.
☩Battle and Death of Ahab
Ramoth-Gilead was frequently contested between Israel and Syria. When Ahab sought to recapture it from Ben-hadad, he invited Jehoshaphat of Judah to join him in battle. Despite the prophet Micaiah's warning of disaster, Ahab went to war. Hoping to escape his prophesied doom, Ahab disguised himself while Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes. But a Syrian soldier 'drew his bow at a venture' and struck Ahab between the joints of his armor. He died that evening, and the battle was lost.
☩Anointing of Jehu
Years later, while Joram (Ahab's son) was recovering at Jezreel from wounds received fighting at Ramoth-Gilead, Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king over Israel. The anointing took place at Ramoth-Gilead, where Jehu was commanding the army. This set in motion the violent overthrow of Ahab's dynasty and the execution of Jezebel, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ramoth-Gilead," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ramoth-Gilead," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ramoth-Gilead," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).