Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:Ramath, also referred to as Ramah in various biblical texts, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Ramath" means "height" or "high place," which is fitting given its geographical and spiritual significance in biblical history. It is associated with several key events and figures in the Bible, serving as a backdrop for narratives that highlight God's interaction with His people.
Biblical References:1.
Ramath-Lehi: · In the Book of Judges, Ramath-Lehi is the site where Samson achieved a great victory over the Philistines. After being bound and delivered to the Philistines by the men of Judah, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson. He broke free from his bonds and used the jawbone of a donkey to slay a thousand Philistine men. The place was subsequently named Ramath-Lehi, meaning "Jawbone Hill," to commemorate this miraculous event.
Judges 15:17 states, "When Samson had finished speaking, he cast the jawbone from his hand; and he named that place Ramath-lehi."
2.
Ramah of Benjamin: · Ramah is also identified as a city in the territory of Benjamin. It is mentioned in the context of the prophet Samuel, who was born in Ramah and later judged Israel from there. This city served as a significant location during the period of the judges and the early monarchy. In
1 Samuel 7:17 , it is noted, "But he would always return to Ramah, because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD."
3.
Ramah in the Prophets: · The prophet Jeremiah references Ramah in a poignant prophecy concerning the exile of the Israelites. In
Jeremiah 31:15 , it is written, "This is what the LORD says: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'" This verse is later cited in the New Testament in the context of Herod's massacre of the innocents, highlighting Ramah's symbolic association with sorrow and loss.
Historical and Theological Significance:·
Geographical Importance: Ramath, or Ramah, was strategically located in the central highlands of Israel, making it a significant military and administrative site. Its elevation provided a natural defense and a vantage point for observing surrounding territories.
·
Spiritual Legacy: The events associated with Ramath underscore themes of divine intervention and judgment. Samson's victory at Ramath-Lehi illustrates God's empowerment of His chosen deliverers, while the lamentation in Ramah reflects the deep sorrow of Israel's exile and the hope of eventual restoration.
·
Prophetic Fulfillment: The mention of Ramah in Jeremiah's prophecy and its New Testament fulfillment in
Matthew 2:18 demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection between the Old and New Testaments, where prophecies find their ultimate fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:Ramath, with its various references and implications, remains a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Its accounts and prophecies continue to resonate with believers, offering insights into the nature of God's dealings with His people and the unfolding of His divine purposes throughout history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
RamathRamatha, raised; lofty
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ramath of the south
(Hebrews Ramath-negeb). The Hebrews negeb is the general designation for south or south-west of Judah. This was one of the towns of Simeon (Joshua 19:8). It is the same as "south Ramoth" (1 Samuel 30:27; R.V., "Ramoth of the south"). Its site is doubtful. Some have thought it another name for Baalath-beer.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RAMATH OF THE SOUTHra'-math, (Joshua 19:8 the King James Version).
SeeRAMAH, (5).
Strong's Hebrew
7434.Ramath Hammitspeh -- "height of the watchtower," a city on N...Ramath Hammitspeh. 7433, 7434.
Ramath Hammitspeh. 7435 . "height of
the watchtower," a city on N. border of Gad. Transliteration
...7437.Ramath Lechiy -- "height of a jawbone," a city in Judah
Ramath Lechiy. 7436, 7437.Ramath Lechiy. 7437a . "height of a jawbone,"
a city in Judah. Transliteration:Ramath Lechiy Phonetic...
7437a.Ramath Lechi -- "height of a jawbone," a city in Judah
Ramath Lechi. 7437, 7437a.Ramath Lechi. 7437b . "height of a jawbone," a city
in Judah. Transliteration:Ramath Lechi Short Definition:Ramath-lehi....
7437b.Ramath Negeb -- "height of the south," a city in Simeon
Ramath Negeb. 7437a, 7437b.Ramath Negeb. 7438 . "height of the south," a city
in Simeon. Transliteration:Ramath Negeb Short Definition: Negev....
7418. Ramoth-negeb -- "height of the south," a place in Simeon
... Negev (1). south Ramoth,Ramath of the south. OrRamath Negeb {raw'-math
neh'-gheb}; from the plural or construct form of ramah and...
3896. Lechi -- a place probably in Judah
... Lehi. A form of lchiy; Lechi, a place in Palestine -- Lehi. Compare alsoRamath
Lechiy. see HEBREW lchiy. see HEBREWRamath Lechiy. 3895, 3896....
Library
Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
... also 'Zophim.' A like form of speech is that 1 Samuel 18:21; "In one of the two,
thou shalt be my son-in-law." That town of Samuel wasRamath Zophim; and this...
Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... "And it came to pass when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the
jawbone out of his hand, and called that placeRamath-Lehi....
Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested...
... made an end to speak, it came to pass He cast away the jaw-bone of the ass, And
said, Now let the place where this was done Be by the name ofRamath-Lehi known...
Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his...
... When the patrons of superstition cloak them, by pretending that Samuel sacrificed
inRamath, and though he did so contrary to the Law, yet pleased God (l Sam 7...
Thesaurus
Ramath (10 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ramath of the south. (Hebrews
Ramath-negeb). The
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
RAMATH OF THE SOUTH. ra
...Ramath-lehi (1 Occurrence)
Ramath-lehi. Ramathlehi,Ramath-lehi. Ra'math-le'hi . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Elevation... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.RAMATH-LEHI. ra...
Ramath-mizpeh (1 Occurrence)
Ramath-mizpeh. Ramathmizpeh,Ramath-mizpeh. Ra'math-miz'peh . Easton's Bible
Dictionary... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.RAMATH-MIZPEH....
Ramath-mispeh (1 Occurrence)
Ramath-mispeh. Ra'math-le'hi,Ramath-mispeh. Ramathmizpeh .
Multi-Version ConcordanceRamath-mispeh (1 Occurrence)....
Ramath-gilead (1 Occurrence)
Ramath-gilead. Ramathem,Ramath-gilead. Ramathite . Multi-Version
ConcordanceRamath-gilead (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles...
Ramathlehi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.RAMATH-LEHI. ra'-math-le'-hi (ramath lechi,
"the hill" or "height of Lehi"; Anairesis siagonos): So...
Ramathmizpeh (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.RAMATH-MIZPEH. ra'-math-miz'-pe (ramath
ha-mitspeh; Codex Vaticanus Araboth kata ten Massepha, Codex...
Ramothgilead (19 Occurrences)
... (seeRAMATH-MIZPEH.). Int.... 2. Identification: It is just possible that
Ramoth-gilead corresponds to MIZPAH, (1), and toRAMATH-MIZPEH....
Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences)
... (seeRAMATH-MIZPEH.). Int.... 2. Identification: It is just possible that
Ramoth-gilead corresponds to MIZPAH, (1), and toRAMATH-MIZPEH....
Resources
What is the importance of Mizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
