The land of Gilead is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It was a region east of the Jordan River, situated in what is now the country of Jordan. Though not always clearly defined, the general area of Gilead covered a large territory north of Moab and southeast of Bashan. The land was known for its fertile soil and abundant pastures, making it ideal for raising livestock. Major cities in Gilead included Jabesh-gilead, Ramoth-gilead, and Mahanaim. Several biblical figures and events are associated with this important region.
In the Old Testament, Gilead first appears in Genesis 31 when Jacob flees from his father-in-law Laban and they make a covenant together in Gilead before parting ways. Gilead then belonged to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh when the Israelites entered the Promised Land after their Exodus from Egypt (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3:12-13). Half the tribe of Manasseh settled in Gilead east of the Jordan, while the other half settled west of the Jordan.
Gilead is perhaps best known as the homeland of the judge Jephthah, who led the Israelites to victory over the Ammonites but also made a tragic vow concerning his daughter (Judges 10:17-12:7). Later, during Israel’s wars with the Arameans, King Ahab of Israel died in battle at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:1-36). The prophet Elijah was originally from the region of Gilead as well (1 Kings 17:1). Gilead is also mentioned as the homeland of the prophet Hosea’s wife Gomer (Hosea 1:1-3).
In the Bible, Gilead became synonymous with balm or healing ointments made from balsam trees that grew abundantly in the region (Jeremiah 8:22). The balm of Gilead was considered very valuable. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, the caravan transporting spices from Gilead provided cover for them (Genesis 37:25). And during the reign of King Hezekiah, the Babylonians demanded treasures from Jerusalem including balm from Gilead (2 Kings 20:12-13).
The Old Testament prophets often use Gilead symbolically to represent Israel’s sin, apostasy, and eventual restoration. For example, Jeremiah speaks of God judging Israel’s backsliding and sin as spiritual adultery, saying “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” (Jeremiah 8:22). The Lord pictures his restoration of Israel by saying “Yet I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites and their territory as in former times, says the Lord. Concerning Israel and Judah, this is what the Lord says: I will restore them just as I restored Gilead…” (Jeremiah 49:6-7). Amos condemned Israel’s injustice and complacency by asking rhetorically if God had ever treated the nation this horribly even in Gilead (Amos 1:3).
In the New Testament, Gilead is mentioned only once, in Acts 3:13. Peter refers to inhabitants “of the land of Israel and Gilead” who witnessed Jesus Christ’s ministry. This likely refers to the expanded territory of Israel and Judea at that time, which would have included the former regions of Gilead east of the Jordan River.
Beyond specific biblical references, the land of Gilead carries symbolic significance in the Bible in several ways:
1. Fertile land – As described above, Gilead was known for its fertile soil and suitability for agriculture and livestock. Biblically, the imagery of fertile land often represents provision, abundance, and blessing. Gilead contrasts with more arid regions of Israel.
2. Place of refuge – Its geography east of the Jordan River also made Gilead a place of retreat and refuge. During times of conflict, Gilead provided an escape from the western side of Israel. Mahanaim in Gilead was even one location where Jacob had a divine encounter with angels.
3. Healing balm – The balm of Gilead became synonymous with medicine that heals, soothes, and restores. In symbolic terms, Gilead’s healing balm pointed to God’s power to spiritually heal, comfort, and restore his people Israel.
4. Backsliding and restoration – The prophets used Gilead rhetorically to confront Israel’s sin and need for revival, hence the cries of “Is there no balm in Gilead?” But they also looked to a future restoration of Gilead as a symbol of Israel’s redemption and renewal.
5. Witness to Christ – The New Testament reference to Gilead signifies that this region, like all Israel, witnessed and heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. The land that once нуж witnessed rebellion and exile would now witness the Messiah.
So in summary, the land of Gilead in the Bible signifies fertile blessing, physical and spiritual healing, places of retreat and comfort, as well as the themes of sin, judgment, and restoration that run throughout Scripture. Gilead represented a key territory God’s people lived in, sinned against Him in, and repeatedly experienced His loving redemption.
Num 21:21-35 – Israel seeks passage through Sihon’s land in Gilead, but he refuses and attacks them. Israel defeats Sihon and takes his land.
Num 32:1-42 – Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh ask to settle on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead. Moses grants it if they assist fighting for the Promised Land.
Deut 3:8-17 – After defeating Og, the territory of Gilead is assigned to Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh as their possession.
Josh 12:1-6 – The defeated kings Sihon and Og both ruled over parts of Gilead on the east side of the Jordan.
Josh 13:8-33 – Details the allotment of land in Gilead belonging to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh after entering Canaan.
Josh 22:1-34 – After helping secure Canaan, Reuben, Gad and Manasseh return to Gilead and build an altar that nearly leads to civil war.
Judg 5:17 – In her song, Deborah laments Gilead staying beyond the Jordan instead of fighting with the other tribes.
Judg 10:17-18 – The Ammonites encamped against Gilead and Israel gathers together to decide how to meet the threat.
Judg 11:1-11 – Jephthah the Gileadite is sought out as a leader to fight the Ammonites.
2 Sam 2:4-9 – After Saul’s death, Abner sets up Ish-bosheth as king in Mahanaim of Gilead while David rules in Hebron.
1 Kgs 4:13 – Geber son of Uri governed Gilead as one of Solomon’s district governors.
1 Kgs 17:1 – Elijah the prophet was from the Gilead region.
2 Kgs 15:25 – Pekah son of Remaliah conspired against King Pekahiah and ruled over Israel from Samaria, controlling territory in Gilead.
Song of Songs 4:1; 6:5 – Song of Songs poetically describes the woman’s hair as a flock coming up from Gilead, alluding to the region’s abundance.
Song of Songs 6:5 – The woman’s teeth are compared to a flock of sheep coming up from being washed; “every one bears twins, and none is barren among them.” This is an allusion to the abundance of sheep in Gilead.
Jer 8:22 – Jeremiah asks if there is no balm or physician in Gilead, referring to its known medicinal ointments that could heal Israel’s backsliding.
Jer 22:6 – God says the destroyed palace in Gilead will be uninhabited like a wilderness, part of Israel’s coming judgment.
Jer 46:11 – God commands Gilead to take balm to heal the wounds of Israel without success.
Jer 50:19 – God will restore Israel and have mercy on her “waste places” including the region of Gilead.