Gilead

Gilead was a fertile, forested region in the Transjordan, allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. It was famous for its medicinal balm — Jeremiah 8:22 asks 'Is there no balm in Gilead?' as a metaphor for Israel's need for healing. Jacob and Laban made their covenant there. Elijah was from Gilead. It became a symbol of healing and restoration.