### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Raʻmᵉçêç**, represented by `{{H7486}}`, is a place name in Egypt of Egyptian origin. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This location plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the Israelites, marking the site of their initial settlement, their subsequent bondage, and the starting point of their exodus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7486}}` is first introduced as a place of honor and provision. Joseph placed his father and brothers in the "best of the land," giving them a possession in the land of **Rameses** [[Genesis 47:11]]. The context shifts dramatically in Exodus, where the enslaved Israelites are forced to build **Raamses** as one of the "treasure cities" for Pharaoh, under the affliction of taskmasters [[Exodus 1:11]]. Finally, Rameses serves as the definitive point of departure for the liberated Israelites, who journeyed from **Rameses** to Succoth to begin their journey out of Egypt ([[Exodus 12:37]]; [[Numbers 33:3]]; [[Numbers 33:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the events surrounding Rameses:
* `{{H272}}` **ʼăchuzzâh** (a possession): This term describes the initial status of the land of Rameses given to Joseph's family, highlighting it as a place they held and owned [[Genesis 47:11]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word is used to describe the forced labor of the Israelites, who were compelled to **build** Rameses as a treasure city for Pharaoh [[Exodus 1:11]].
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (to start on a journey): This verb marks the definitive action of the Exodus, as the children of Israel **journeyed** or **departed** from Rameses, leaving their bondage behind ([[Exodus 12:37]]; [[Numbers 33:3]]).
* `{{H4543}}` **miçkᵉnâh** (store(-house), treasure): Rameses is explicitly identified as one of the **treasure** cities the Israelites built, indicating its function as a royal storage center [[Exodus 1:11]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H7486}}` is significant, charting the changing fortunes of Israel in Egypt.
* **From Provision to Oppression:** Rameses serves as a geographic marker for Israel's transition. It begins as a symbol of God's provision through Joseph, a "possession" in the best part of Egypt [[Genesis 47:11]]. It then becomes a symbol of their suffering, a city they built under affliction and burdens [[Exodus 1:11]].
* **The Starting Point of Liberation:** The journey from Rameses is the first physical step of the Exodus. It is the place from which the children of Israel "went out with an high hand" [[Numbers 33:3]], signifying a definitive break from Egyptian control and the beginning of their journey to the promised land.
* **Symbol of Worldly Power:** As a treasure city built for Pharaoh, Rameses represents the economic and military might of Egypt, constructed through the forced labor (`mas`) of God's people [[Exodus 1:11]]. Departing from this city is a direct act of defiance against this worldly power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7486}}` is far more than a simple geographical location. It is a cornerstone in the story of Israel's redemption. The narrative arc of Rameses mirrors the Israelites' own journey from being favored guests to becoming afflicted slaves, and finally, to being a liberated people. It stands as a powerful testament to a place of both bitter bondage and the dawn of deliverance.
TRV