Gilead

AI summary: Gilead appears in Scripture as more than a border district. It is one of the major eastern regions associated with Israel's life beyond the Jordan, tied to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half-Manasseh, and repeatedly involved in war, leadership, and movement between east and west. Patriarchal references give it early significance, while later narratives connect it with figures such as Jephthah and with episodes of refuge and political upheaval. The prophets and poets also make Gilead memorable through its balm, turning the region into an image of healing as well as strength. Across its references, Gilead stands out as a richly layered territory where geography, tribal identity, conflict, and restoration all meet.¹

Hill of testimony, (Gen. 31:21), a mountainous region east of Jordan. From its mountainous character it is called “the mount of Gilead” (Gen. 31:25). It is called also “the land of Gilead” (Num. 32:1), and sometimes simply “Gilead” (Ps. 60:7; Gen. 37:25). It comprised the possessions of the tribes of Gad and Reuben and the south part of Manasseh (Deut. 3:13; Num. 32:40). It was bounded on the north by Bashan, and on the south by Moab and Ammon (Gen. 31:21; Deut. 3:12-17). “Half Gilead” was possessed by Sihon, and the other half, separated from it by the river Jabbok, by Og, king of Bashan. 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. Abarim, Pisgah, Nebo, and Peor are its mountains mentioned in Scripture. ³