Ramoth-Gilead

Ramoth-Gilead (Hebrew: רָמֹת גִּלְעָד‎, meaning "Heights of Gilead"), was a Levitical city and city of refuge east of the Jordan river in the Hebrew Bible, also called "Ramoth in Gilead" (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8; 21:38) or "Ramoth Galaad" in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It was located in the tribal territorial allotment of the tribe of Gad.

Biblical events

Here, during the battle of Ramoth Gilead between Israel and the Arameans, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, joined Ahab, King of Israel, in the battle, but Ahab was wounded by an arrow. He was propped up in his chariot facing his men, but by evening Ahab died and the Arameans won the battle (1 Kings 22:1-36).

Later, an incident occurred when Ahaziah and Joram fought against Hazael, king of Aram-Damascus, and Joram was wounded (2 Kings 8:28).

In this city, Jehu, Joram's commander, was anointed by one of the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 9:1,4).

Location

It has with probability been identified with Raimun, on the northern slope of the Jabbok, about 5 miles west of Jerash or Gerasa, one of the cities of Decapolis.

Other possible locations include:

1. Gerosh, about 25 miles north-east of Salt
2. Ramath-Mizpeh.

References

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