Gilead (1)
LocationsGeographical Setting
Gilead is a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, historically inhabited by the tribe of Gad and known for its balsam resin.
What is the meaning of Gilead (1) in the Bible?
Gilead denotes a mountainous region in Transjordan, situated east of the Jordan River, which served as a boundary between the tribes of Israel and Ammon and was renowned for its medicinal balm.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Gilead as a specific Transjordanian territory clarifies the territorial disputes and tribal allocations described in the books of Numbers and Joshua, while its reputation for balm provides historical context for metaphors of healing and restoration found in prophetic literature.
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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.