or רָמוֹת גִּלעָד; (2 Chronicles 22:5), from the plural of רָמָה and גִּלְעָד; heights of Gilad; Ramoth-Gilad, a place East of the Jordan; Ramoth-gilead, Ramoth in Gilead. See also רָאמוֹת.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Râmôth Gilʻâd**, represented by `{{H7433}}`, means **heights of Gilad**. It appears 22 times in 22 unique verses, designating a specific city located east of the Jordan River. It is a place of significant military and prophetic activity in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Ramoth-gilead is primarily portrayed as a contested military site and a key administrative location. It was designated as a city of refuge `{{H4733}}` for the slayer `{{H7523}}` within the tribe of Gad [[Joshua 21:38]]. Under King Solomon, it was the center of an administrative district managed by the son of Geber `{{H1127}}` [[1 Kings 4:13]]. The city becomes a focal point of conflict between the kings of Israel and Syria. King Ahab of Israel expresses his desire to reclaim the city, asking King Jehoshaphat of Judah, "Wilt thou go `{{H3212}}` with me to battle `{{H4421}}` to Ramothgilead?" [[1 Kings 22:4]]. This campaign ultimately leads to Ahab's death, as prophesied, after he is enticed `{{H6601}}` to go up and fall `{{H5307}}` there [[1 Kings 22:20]]. Later, King Joram is wounded `{{H5221}}` in battle at Ramoth-gilead [[2 Kings 8:28]], and it is the location where Elisha `{{H477}}` the prophet `{{H5030}}` sends a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king [[2 Kings 9:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Ramoth-gilead:
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (battle): This word is central to Ramoth-gilead's narrative, as the city is a frequent objective in war. Kings of Israel repeatedly ask if they should go to **battle** there [[1 Kings 22:6]].
* `{{H4733}}` **miqlâṭ** (refuge): This term defines one of Ramoth-gilead's foundational purposes as an asylum. It was appointed as a city of **refuge** for the slayer [[Joshua 21:38]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): The fate of kings and the outcomes of battles concerning Ramoth-gilead are frequently tied to the words of a **prophet**, whether true or false ([[1 Kings 22:6]], [[2 Kings 9:1]]).
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (ascend, go up): This word is consistently used to describe the act of marching to Ramoth-gilead for battle. The false prophets encourage Ahab to **go up** and prosper `{{H6743}}` [[1 Kings 22:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H7433}}` is demonstrated through its role as a testing ground for kings and prophets.
* **A Strategic Point of Contention:** The city's possession was a source of conflict between Israel and Syria. The King of Israel highlighted its importance, stating, "Know `{{H3045}}` ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still `{{H2814}}`, and take `{{H3947}}` it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?" [[1 Kings 22:3]].
* **A Stage for Prophetic Truth:** Ramoth-gilead is the backdrop for the dramatic confrontation between the 400 false prophets who promised victory and the lone prophet Micaiah who foretold King Ahab's demise ([[1 Kings 22:20]], [[2 Chronicles 18:19]]).
* **A Place of Divine Judgment and Appointment:** The city functions as a place of both mercy and judgment. While it was established as a city of refuge [[Joshua 21:38]], it is also where God's judgment on Ahab is fulfilled. It is also where Jehu's conspiracy `{{H7194}}` against Joram `{{H3141}}` begins, following his anointing there [[2 Kings 9:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7433}}` is more than a geographical location; it is a pivotal site in Israel's history. From its establishment as a city of refuge to its role as an administrative center, Ramoth-gilead is most remembered as a highly contested battlefield. It served as a crucial stage where the counsel of kings was tested, the word of prophets was proven true, and the sovereign judgment of God was executed.
TRV