Gilead, A Special Place

The Mountains of Gilead hold a special place in the history of a God’s people and their relationship to Him.  East of the Jordan River, it is not in the traditional “Promised Land” of Canaan.  However, it is a part of the land the Lord gave to His people as an inheritance.  Three of the Tribes of Israel claimed a portion of Gilead and not without great significance.  The tribe of Manasseh, or to be accurate, the half tribe of Manasseh received a portion and it is important to note that Manasseh was the first born son of Joseph.  Manasseh was born to Joseph and his Egyptian princess wife before he was reunited with his brothers who sold him into slavery.   His name means “the son of consolation”.  As important as Joseph had become, he still longed for his family that he had been separated from for years.  Having a son gave him some consolation and hope for the future.  The tribe of Gad also had a portion.  He was the son of one of Jacob’s concubines.  His name means “fortunate”.  Even though his status at birth was below the sons of Jacob’s wives, he still had a portion.  He was a son!  

 Occupying the final portion of Gilead was the tribe of Reuben.  He was the first born son of Jacob and Leah.  His name means “ Behold, A Son!”  Leah knew Jacob really didn’t love her as he was tricked into marrying her.  So, God blessed him with a son.  In her grief, God gave her status in her husband’s household.  She was the mother of the heir!

So, as the old gospel song goes, “there is a balm in Gilead!”  It is a place where God provides refuge, safety, consolation, and status.  Years later, a man who was basically discarded by his father as worthless, was anointed as King over God’s People, Israel.  Yes, I am talking about David.  On at least two occasions, David found solace and relief in Gilead. The first time was when he was running from Saul, the mentally ill King of Israel.  Saul essentially committed suicide there and the people of the region buried him.  David was able to assume the position that God had given him years earlier.  While imperfect, David loved God with all his heart.  Yes, he sinned greatly and was not the best father in the world, but he never turned away from God.  

Later, David’s son Absolom wanted to be King and to do that he needed to get rid of his dad.  He mustered a great army and ran his dad out of Jerusalem.  With Absolom hot on his heals, David took refuge in a place dear to his heart, Gilead.  From there, he was able to get the strength that he needed and reclaim his throne.  But he lost his son.

Gilead, a place where God gives strength, refuge to His people.  There, he consoles those who need it and status to those who have none.  There, he restores those who need restoration.  Gilead, a Place of God.