What does the source Hebrew word גִּלְעָד mean and how is it used in the Bible? Below are the English definition details. The Balm of Gilead has a deeper symbolic purpose in Scripture. But there is more to the meaning of this Balm of Gilead. Back to Words index : Back to Place words index Gilead. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". From old time Gilead was famed for its BALM (which see). (1) A son of Machir, grandson of Manasseh (Numbers 26:29,30). (2) A mountain named in Judges 7:3. At times used for the entire Israelite territory east of the Jordan, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh lived. The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. Three Biblical men are named Gilead. Gilead in the Bible. There also exists an alternative theory that it means 'rocky region'. Again, along with Bashan, it indicates the land East of Jordan, as distinguished from the Moab plateau ( Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 13:11; 2 Kings 10:33 ). If this is the case, it is likely derived from גלעד gal‛êd, which in turn comes from gal ('heap, mound, hill') and ‛êd ('witness, testimony'). There also exists an alternative theory that it means 'rocky region'. The average height of the range is about 4,000 ft. above the Jordan valley, or 3,000 ft. above the Mediterranean. By the conquest of the fortress Rabbah, which the Ammonites had continued to hold, the land passed finally under the power of David (2 Samuel 12:26). If this is the case, it is likely derived from גלעד gal‛êd, which in turn comes from gal ('heap, mound, hill') and ‛êd ('witness, testimony'). (r) Meaning,that no man's help or means could save them: for in Gilead was precious balm, Jer 46:11 or else deriding the vain confidence of the people, who looked to their priests for help, who would have been the physicians of their soul, and dwelt at Gilead, Ho 6:8. It is also referred to by the Aramaic name Yegar-Sahadutha, which carries the same meaning as the Hebrew Gilead, namely "heap [of stones] of testimony" (Genesis 31:47–48). A striking point (2,700 ft.) fully 2 miles Northwest of `Ajlun, is crowned by Qal`at er-Rabad, whence again a view of extraordinary extent is gained. Then were built such cities as Gadara and Gerasa, which are still imposing, even in ruins. Balm of Gilead was a rare perfume used medicinally, that was mentioned in the Bible, and named for the region of Gilead, where it was produced.The expression stems from William Tyndale's language in the King James Bible of 1611, and has come to signify a universal cure in figurative speech. of Answer: Gilead was a fertile, mountainous area east of the Jordan River. On Gilead's north side was Aram (Syria). The name Jebel Jil`ad is still, indeed, applied to a mountain South of Nahr ez-Zerqa and North of es-Salt; but this does not meet the necessities of the passage as it stands. North of the Jabbok are many villages, and a fair amount of cultivation. During the Roman period, especially in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, the land enjoyed great prosperity. The uplands of Gilead may be described as the crumpling of the edge of the great eastern plateau ere it plunges into the Ghor. Bible verses about Gilead. The deep ravine of the river Hieromax (the modern Sheriat el-Mandhur) separated Bashan from Gilead, which was about 60 miles in length and 20 in breadth, extending from near the south end of the Lake of Gennesaret to the north end of the Dead Sea. Gilead or Gilad is the name of three persons and two geographic places in the Bible. "eternal happiness". The best place to discover the true meaning behind the balm of Gilead is the Bible. It is covered in part by the more recent white marls which form the curious peaks of the foothills immediately above the Jordan valley; but reaches above them to an elevation of 1,000 ft. above the Mediterranean on the South, and forms the bed of the Buqei`a basin farther East, and 1,000 ft. higher. The modern division of the country follows the natural features. From the Yarmuk to Nahr ez-Zerqa is the district of `Ajlun; and from the Zerqa to the Arnon is el-Belqa. In their cargo were “spices, balm, and myrrh.” Jeremiah 8 records God’s warning to Judah … Gilead In a strict sense, the fertile area east of the Jordan River that extended north and south of the Valley of Jabbok. Before Ramoth-gilead, which he sought to win back from the Syrians who had captured it, Ahab received his death wound (1 Kings 22:1). NOBSE Study Bible Name List and Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names assume that the first part of the name Gilead, like that of the names Galeed and Gilgal, comes from the verb גלל ( galal ), meaning to roll: But in any case it is clear that the bulk of Gilead fell to Gad, so that Gilead might stand for Gad (Judges 5:17). What does 'Gilead' mean . Gilead or Gilad (/ ˈ ɡ ɪ l i ə d /; Hebrew: גִּלְעָד ‎, Arabic: جلعاد ‎ – Ǧalʻād, Jalaad) is the name of three persons and two geographic places in the Bible.Gilead may mean 'hill of testimony'. "Balm of Gilead" has three references in the Bible. Proud member In the modern name, `Ain Jalud, there may be an echo of the ancient Gilead. (source) General Editor. This mountain commands a most spacious view. Thus, the first application of the Balm of Gilead. And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families. Damascum , which Knabenbauer explains, "I will not avert its destruction, will not turn it aside from its downward course." Meaning: the heap or mass of testimony . Hawthorn, mastic and arbutus abound, while many a glen and slope is shady with shaggy oak woods, and, in the higher reaches, with pines. Numbers 23:20, "I cannot reverse it," where the same word is used). Any certainty Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated the crumpling of the edge of the River! Back to words index: back to words index: back to words:. 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