(rocky region ). - A mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon. ( Genesis 31:21 ; 3:12-17 ) It is sometimes called "Mount Gilead," ( Genesis 31:25 ) sometimes "the land of Gilead," ( Numbers 32:1 ) and sometimes simply "Gilead." ( Psalms 60:7 ; Genesis 37:25 ) The name Gilead, as is usual in Palestine, describes the physical aspect of the country: it signifies "a hard rocky region." The mountains of Gilead, including Pisgah, Abarim and Peor, have a real elevation of from 2000 to 3000 feet; but their apparent elevation on the western side is much greater, owing to the depression of the Jordan valley, which averages about 3000 feet. Their outline is singularly uniform, resembling a massive wall running along the horizon. Gilead was specially noted for its balm collected from "balm of Gilead" trees, and worth twice its weight in silver.
- Possibly the name of a mountain west of the Jordan, near Jezreel. ( Judges 7:3 ) We are inclined, however, to think that the true reading in this place should be GILBOA.
- Son of Machir, grandson of Manasseh. ( Numbers 26:29 Numbers 26:30 )
- The father of Jephthah. ( Judges 11:1 Judges 11:2 )
|
|
|