Ramathaimzophim

The two heights of the Zophites or of the watchers (only in 1 "Sam. 1:1), "in the land of Zuph" (9:5). Ramathaim is another" name for Ramah (4). "One of the Levitical families descended from Kohath, that of "Zuph or Zophai (1 Chr. 6:26, 35), had a district assigned to" "them in Ephraim, which from this circumstance was called "the" "land of Zuph," and hence the name of the town, "Zophim." It was" the birth-place of Samuel and the seat of his authority (1 Sam. 2:11; 7:17). It is frequently mentioned in the history of that prophet and of David (15:34; 16:13; 19:18-23). Here Samuel died and was buried (25:1). "This town has been identified with the modern Neby Samwil ("the "prophet Samuel"), about 4 or 5 miles north-west of Jerusalem." But there is no certainty as to its precise locality. Some have supposed that it may be identical with Arimathea of the New Testament. (See [519]MIZPAH).