Lives of Scripture
Gilead
First named: Genesis 31:21
A hilly, forested region east of the Jordan settled by the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh, whose territory it shared — which is why Scripture attaches individuals to Gilead without always specifying a single tribe. Jephthah led Gilead's fighting men against Ammon (Judges 10-12), and Elijah was "of the settlers of Gilead" (1 Kings 17:1). It was known for its balm, a valuable healing resin (Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 8:22).
References: Genesis 31:21; Judges 10-12; 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 10:32-33
People connected to Gilead
- Chimham (M) — Barzillai's son from this region, taken into David's care
2 Samuel 19:37-40
- Elijah (M) — a Tishbite of this region, who announced the drought to Ahab
1 Kings 17:1
- Gilead (M) — father of the judge Jephthah, of this region
Judges 11:1
- Jair (M) — captured towns in this region and named them after himself
Numbers 32:41
- Jair (M) — a judge of this region, whose thirty sons ruled thirty of its towns
Judges 10:3-4
- Jephthah (M) — the outcast of this region, called back to lead it against Ammon
Judges 11:4-11
- Machir (M) — of Manasseh, whose descendants conquered and settled this region
Numbers 32:39-40
- Nobah (M) — of Manasseh, who took Kenath in this region and renamed it for himself
Numbers 32:42