The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

Ramah

RA'MAH (ra'ma; a "height"; Ezek 16:24)). Many ancient cities and towns of Palestine were located on the tops of hills for safety purposes, and those that were specially conspicuous came to be called the Height; and this in time came to be used as a proper name.

Ramah of Benjamin, one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin.

Nebuchadnezzar, commander of the armies of Babylon, established his headquarters on the plain of Hamath, at Riblah (Jer 39:5), and from there sent his generals, who took Jerusalem. It was here that the Jewish captives were assembled in chains, among whom was Jeremiah himself (39:8-12; 40:1).

Here were probably slaughtered those who, from weakness, age, or poverty, were not believed worthwhile to transport to Babylon, thus fulfilling the preliminary part of the prophecy: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children," (Jer 31:15; Mt 2:18).