Gilead, meaning rugged, was a highland region east of The Jordan River, extending approximately from the southern end of The Sea Of Galilee to the northern end of theSalt Sea, with the Jabbok River roughly marking its mid-point. From its mountains it was known as "the mount, or hill country, of Gilead" (Genesis 31:25), but was also called "the land of Gilead" (Numbers 32:1), or simply "Gilead" (Genesis 37:25). After the God-commanded possession and division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, it was held by Gad, Reuben and part of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:13-15, Numbers 32:40) - a territory today outside of Israel's national borders, occupied by the Kingdom of Jordan.