Lexical Summary Ramathayim Tsophim: Ramathaim Zophim Original Word: רָמָתַיִם צוֹפִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ramathaimzophim From the dual of ramah and the plural of the active participle of tsaphah; double height of watchers; Ramathajim-Tsophim, a place in Palestine -- Ramathaimzophim. see HEBREW ramah see HEBREW tsaphah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ramah and tsaphah Definition "double height of watchers," a city in Ephraim NASB Translation Ramathaim-zophim (1). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ramathaim-Zophim lay in the central hill country of Ephraim, a region characterized by terraced slopes and elevated ridges that overlook the surrounding valleys. The twin heights implied by its name made the site a natural lookout, commanding broad vistas toward Shiloh to the north and Gibeah to the south. Later biblical references to “Ramah” (for example, 1 Samuel 7:17) are widely held to denote the same locality, suggesting a settlement that remained active through the monarchic period. Historical Background The city appears once under its full compound title in Scripture: “There was a certain man from Ramathaim-Zophim, from the hill country of Ephraim, named Elkanah” (1 Samuel 1:1). Its earliest significance, therefore, is bound to the family of Elkanah, his wife Hannah, and their firstborn son Samuel. Situated roughly halfway between Bethel and Shiloh, Ramathaim-Zophim served as a crossroads that linked tribal territories and worship centers—an apt birthplace for the prophet-judge who would unite the nation under one monarchy. Role in the Narrative of Samuel 1. Birthplace and Family Seat: Elkanah’s annual pilgrimages to Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3) originate from Ramathaim-Zophim, underscoring the town’s pious heritage and proximity to the central sanctuary. Spiritual and Theological Themes • Sanctuary Beyond Shiloh: Even before the ark was relocated, Ramathaim-Zophim functions as a formative spiritual environment. Hannah’s vows, Samuel’s early training, and Elkanah’s household devotions exemplify covenant faithfulness lived out in the ordinary rhythms of rural life. Later Biblical Echoes and Prophetic Resonances Jeremiah 31:15 and Matthew 2:18 associate “Ramah” with lamentation and hope, connecting the locale to redemptive themes that reappear in the New Testament. Whether the same physical site or a nearby ridge, the literary link reminds readers that the God who called Samuel from Ramathaim-Zophim continues to speak amid national crisis and messianic fulfillment. Archaeological and Traditional Identification Modern scholarship often locates the site at er-Ram, about eight kilometers north of Jerusalem. The convergence of toponym, altitude, and extensive occupation layers supports the identification, though definitive proof remains elusive. Pilgrimage traditions from at least the fourth century A.D. point to this vicinity as Samuel’s resting place. Practical Reflections Ramathaim-Zophim encourages believers to value hidden faithfulness over public acclaim. In a humble hillside town, God heard a barren woman’s prayer, raised up a prophet who would reshape national destiny, and demonstrated that even remote places serve strategic roles in His saving purposes. Forms and Transliterations צוֹפִ֖ים צופים ṣō·w·p̄îm ṣōwp̄îm tzoFimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 1:1 HEB: מִן־ הָרָמָתַ֛יִם צוֹפִ֖ים מֵהַ֣ר אֶפְרָ֑יִם NAS: man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country KJV: man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount INT: was a certain at Ramathaim-zophim the hill of Ephraim 1 Occurrence |
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