Gilboa
LocationsGeographical Setting
A limestone mountain ridge in northern Israel that forms the eastern boundary of the Jezreel Valley.
What is the meaning of Gilboa in the Bible?
Gilboa is a mountain range in the Jezreel Valley, with its name derived from a Hebrew term meaning 'boiling spring.' It is historically identified as the site of a decisive battle between the Israelites and the Philistines.
SIGNIFICANCE
The location serves as the setting for the death of King Saul and his sons, marking a pivotal transition of power in the narrative of the early Israelite monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gilboa (located near modern Mount Gilboa, northern Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gilboa in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gilboa clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gilboa." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gilboa/