or רָמַת נֶגֶב; from the plural or construct form of רָמָה and נֶגֶב; heights (or height) of the South; Ramoth-Negeb or Ramath-Negeb, a place in Palestine; south Ramoth, Ramath of the south.
Transliteration:Râmôwth
Pronunciation:raw-moth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רָמוֹת (Râmôwth), often appearing as רָמַת נֶגֶב (Ramath Negeb), is a compound geographical designation. Its derivation is from the plural or construct form of רָמָה (ramah, related to `{{H7413}}`), meaning "height" or "high place," combined with נֶגֶב (negev, `{{H5045}}`), which signifies "south" or refers specifically to the Negeb region. Thus, the core meaning of H7418 is "heights of the South" or "height of the South." Semantically, it functions exclusively as a proper noun, identifying a specific topographical location within ancient Palestine, specifically the southern territories of Judah. Its meaning is intrinsically tied to this descriptive geographical identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary biblical occurrence of H7418, "Ramoth-Negeb," is found in the book of Samuel.
* [[1 Samuel 30:27]]: "to those who were in Ramoth of the Negeb, and to those who were in Jattir," (לַאֲשֶׁר בְּרָמוֹת נֶגֶב וְלַאֲשֶׁר בְּיַתִּיר). This verse is part of a longer list detailing the towns and elders to whom David sent a portion of the spoil recovered from the Amalekites. Following the Amalekite raid on Ziklag and their subsequent defeat by David, he distributes the plunder to his friends and the elders of Judah. This act of generosity and solidarity was a strategic move by David, solidifying his relationships and support base among the southern tribes of Judah, whose loyalty would be crucial for his future kingship. The mention of Ramoth-Negeb specifically places it within the geographical context of the Negeb, the arid southern region of Judah, indicating its proximity or connection to David's base at Ziklag and the wider Judahite territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **רָמָה (ramah - `{{H7413}}`):** This is the foundational root for the "Ramoth" part of the name, meaning "height" or "high place." While Ramoth-Negeb is a proper noun, its etymology links it to a family of words describing elevated geographical features. Other places named "Ramah" exist (e.g., Ramah in Benjamin, Ramah in Gilead), but H7418 is distinct due to the "Negeb" qualifier.
* **נֶגֶב (negev - `{{H5045}}`):** This term refers to the southern direction and, more specifically, to the semi-arid region south of Judah. Its inclusion in H7418 is crucial for precisely locating Ramoth-Negeb within the biblical landscape and understanding its environmental context.
* **Ziklag:** As David's base of operations prior to becoming king, Ziklag (also in the Negeb) is contextually related to Ramoth-Negeb, as both were recipients of David's generosity after the Amalekite defeat.
* **Judah:** The distribution of spoils to Ramoth-Negeb and other southern towns underscores David's burgeoning relationship with the elders and people of Judah, foreshadowing his eventual anointing as king over Judah.
### Theological Significance
As a specific geographical place name, Ramoth-Negeb does not inherently carry deep theological significance in the way that terms like "covenant," "mercy," or "redemption" do. However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative contributes to several theological insights:
* **Divine Providence in Leadership:** The mention of Ramoth-Negeb in [[1 Samuel 30:27]] highlights David's emerging leadership qualities. His act of sharing the spoils, prompted by divine victory over the Amalekites, demonstrates a kingly virtue of generosity and care for the people under his future dominion. This action can be seen as an outworking of God's blessing on David, which then extends to the communities of Judah.
* **Authenticity and Historicity:** The precise naming of towns like Ramoth-Negeb grounds the biblical narrative in real historical geography. This meticulous detail reinforces the historicity of the events described, affirming that the biblical accounts are rooted in actual places and times, thereby bolstering faith in the veracity of the Scriptures.
* **Community and Solidarity:** David's distribution of spoils to these southern towns, including Ramoth-Negeb, illustrates the importance of community, solidarity, and the building of relationships within God's people. This act of goodwill helped forge a bond between David and the Judahite elders, essential for the unity of the nascent kingdom.
### Summary
H7418, Râmôwth (or Ramath Negeb), precisely translates to "heights of the South," serving as a proper noun for a specific location in the Negeb region of Judah. Its singular significant appearance in the biblical text is in [[1 Samuel 30:27]], where it is listed among the towns to which David sent a portion of the spoils recovered from the Amalekites. This act is pivotal in demonstrating David's leadership, generosity, and the strengthening of his ties with the elders of Judah, thus preparing the way for his kingship. While not a concept with direct theological meaning, its presence grounds the narrative in historical reality and underscores the practical outworking of God's providence in David's life and his relationship with the people. The word is a compound of רָמָה (height, `{{H7413}}`) and נֶגֶב (south, `{{H5045}}`), clearly defining its geographical and directional nature.
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