Gilead

GIL'EAD (rocky region), called also MOUNT GILEAD and LAND OF GILEAD, Gen 31:25; Num 32:1, and known in N.T. times as Peraja "beyond Jordan." Matt 4:15; John 1:28. Physical Features. — The region of Gilead combines hills, valleys, fields, streams, and forests, as if it were a collection of beautiful parks. Among its mountains are fields of grass and wheat, and forests with paths winding through them. Of these mountains named in Scripture are Abarim, Pisgah, Nebo, and Peor. The mountains of Gilead are 2000 to 3000 feet above the valley of the Jordan, gradually sinking away to the eastward into the Arabian plateau. The summits are broad, furnishing rich pasturage and extensive forests, and were famous for their aromatic gums and spices. Num 32:1; Gen 37:25. The balm of Gilead was held in high favor, Jer 8:22; Jer 46:11; it is said that only a spoonful could be collected in a day, and that was sold for twice its weight in silver. It was found along the Jordan valley. The region is still one of great fertility. Eleven living streams are found between the Yarmuk and the Jabbok, and canals dug for irrigating the fields in every direction. South of the Jabbok on the Jordan the country is barren and desolate from want of water as far as the Wady Nimrin, but beyond that are three streams and the land is again fertile. Several hot sulphur-springs have been found in Gilead. History. — Jacob fled toward Gilead, Gen 31:21; it was conquered by Israel, Num 21:24; Jud 10:22; Josh 12:2; Deut 2:36; was given to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, Josh 17:6; under Jephthah it defeated the Ammonites, Jud 10:18; was a refuge for Saul's son and for David, 2 Sam 2:9; 2 Sam 17:22, 2 Sam 17:24; the home of Elijah, 1 Kgs 17:1; taken in part by Syria, 2 Kgs 10:33; by Assyria, 2 Kgs 15:25-29; referred to in the minor prophets, Hos 6:8; Hos 12:11; Am 1:3, Am 1:13; Ob 19; Mic 7:14. Zech 10:10. It is now under nominal Turkish rule, with a Turkish governor residing at es-Salt — Ramoth-gilead of Scripture — but it is really controlled by the semibarbarous Arabs and overrun by Bedouins.