Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
RA'IVIOTH-GIL'EAD (height of Gilead), a city of the Amorites, and afterward a chief city of Gad, east of the Jordan, and given to the Levites, and also made a city of refuge. Deut 4:43; Josh 20:8. It was also called Ramah. 2 Kgs 8:29; 2 Chr 22:6. It was the headquarters of one of Solomon's commissariat-officers. 1 Kgs 4:13. It came into possession of the Syrians, and Ahab and Jehoshaphat formed an alliance to recover it, but Ahab was mortally wounded. 1 Kgs 22:2-36; 2 Chr 18. Later, Joram was wounded at the same place, and the city was taken.
Jehu was in command, and anointed king of Israel by order of Elisha. 2 Kgs 8:28; 2 Chr 22:5-6. Ramoth-gilead has been identified by many travellers with Es-Salt, though this has been questioned. Es-Salt is situated about 25 miles east of the Jordan, and 13 miles south of the Jabbok. It is now the most important and populous place in that district, and is the capital of Belka and the residence of a Turkish governor of the third rank.
The place lies 2740 feet above the level of the sea, has a healthy climate, and a large population, given chiefly to agriculture, among which are 300 to 400 Arab families and a few nominal Christians. There are some ruins of the Roman period, and a castle on the top of a hill. The hills around it bear many traces of ancient rock-tombs. Three miles to the north-west is Jebel Jelad, 3650 feet in height, and said to be the highest eminence in Gilead. Dr. Merrill, however, identifies Ramoth Gilead with Gerosh, about 25 miles north-east of Es Salt.