Bible Location

Gilead

Gilead was the mountainous region east of the Jordan River in what is now primarily northwestern Jordan. The name could be used with somewhat different boundaries, but generally referred to the well-watered highlands extending through the central portion of Israelite Transjordan.

Gilead appears frequently throughout the Old Testament. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh received territories east of the Jordan, and much of Gilead became especially associated with Gad and Manasseh.

The region was known for pasture, forests, agricultural products, and the medicinal substance remembered in the biblical expression "balm of Gilead."

Biblical Significance

Gilead first appears prominently in Genesis 31, when Jacob fled from Laban and traveled toward the hill country of Gilead. There Jacob and Laban made a covenant before separating.

Numbers 32 describes the tribes of Reuben and Gad requesting land east of the Jordan because the region was suitable for their livestock. Moses granted Transjordanian territories to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh on the condition that their fighting men assist Israel in taking possession of Canaan.

Gilead later became the setting of events involving Jephthah, Saul, David, Absalom, Elijah, and the kings of Israel. Jeremiah's question, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" transformed one of the region's famous products into a powerful image of healing and spiritual need.

Historical Background

Gilead occupied elevated country east of the Jordan Valley, divided approximately by the Jabbok River. Its higher rainfall distinguished it from the drier plateau and desert farther east.

The region lay between several ancient political spheres, including Israel, Ammon, Moab, and Aram-Damascus. Consequently, control of individual Gileadite cities and districts changed repeatedly during the Iron Age.

Important biblical places associated with Gilead include Jabesh-gilead, Mahanaim, Mizpah, Succoth, and Ramoth-gilead. Its position along routes through Transjordan also gave the region strategic importance.

Modern Identification

Gilead corresponds broadly to the hill country of northwestern modern Jordan east of the Jordan River. The biblical name describes a region rather than a single settlement.

Its boundaries varied according to period and biblical context. In a narrower sense Gilead centered upon the hill country around the Jabbok River, while some passages use the term more broadly for substantial portions of Israelite territory east of the Jordan.

AVWJ should therefore display Gilead as a region rather than give it a precise permanent political boundary.

Scripture References

Genesis 31:21 Numbers 32:1 Deuteronomy 2:36 Joshua 12:2 Amos 1:3 Zechariah 10:10

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Genesis 31:21-55, Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 2-4, Joshua 13, Judges 10-12, 1 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 17, 1 Kings 17:1, Jeremiah 8:22; biblical historical geography of Transjordan; archaeological and geographical studies of Iron Age Gilead