King James Bible Dictionary

Baal Lord.

1. The name appropriated to the principal male god of the Phoenicians. It is found in several places in the plural BAALIM (Judges 2:11; 10:10; 1 Kings 18:18; Jeremiah 2:23; Hosea 2:17). Baal is identified with Molech (Jeremiah 19:5). It was known to the Israelites as Baal-peor (Numbers 25:3; Deuteronomy 4:3), was worshipped till the time of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:4), and was afterwards the religion of the ten tribes in the time of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31-33; 18:19, 22). It prevailed also for a time in the kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 8:27; comp. 11:18; 16:3; 2 Chronicles 28:2), till finally put an end to by the severe discipline of the Captivity (Zephaniah 1:4-6). The priests of Baal were in great numbers (1 Kings 18:19), and of various classes (2 Kings 10:19). Their mode of offering sacrifices is described in 1 Kings 18:25-29. The sun-god, under the general title of Baal, or "lord," was the chief object of worship of the Canaanites. Each locality had its special Baal, and the various local Baals were summed up under the name of Baalim, or "lords." Each Baal had a wife, who was a colourless reflection of himself.

2. A Benjamite, son of Jehiel, the progenitor of the Gibeonites (1 Chronicles 8:30; 9:36).

3. The name of a place inhabited by the Simeonites, the same probably as Baal-ath-beer (1 Chronicles 4:33; Joshua 19:8).

master; lord

1. An idol of the Phenicians, god of the sun

Wickedly worshiped by the Israelites in the time of the judges
Judges 2:10-23; 1 Samuel 7:3-4

Wickedly worshiped by the kingdom of Israel:
2 Kings 17:16; Jeremiah 23:13; Jeremiah 28:1; Hosea 13:1

Under Ahab
1 Kings 16:31-33; 1 Kings 18:18; 1 Kings 19:18

Under Jehoram
2 Kings 3:2

By the Jews
2 Kings 21:3; 2 Chronicles 22:2-4; 2 Chronicles 24:7; 2 Chronicles 28:2; 2 Chronicles 33:3

Jeremiah expostulates against the worship of
Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 2:23; Jeremiah 7:9

Alters of, destroyed:

By Gideon
Judges 6:25-32

By Jehoiada
2 Kings 11:18

By Josiah
2 Kings 23:4-5

Prophets of, slain by Elijah
1 Kings 18:40

All worshipers of, destroyed by Jehu
2 Kings 10:18-25

2. A Benjamite
1 Chronicles 8:30; 1 Chronicles 9:36

3. A Reubenite
1 Chronicles 5:5

4. A city in the tribe of Simeon

General references
1 Chronicles 4:33

Called Baalath-Beer
Joshua 19:8

1. (lord).

1. A Reubenite (1 Chronicles 5:5)
2. The son of Jehiel, and grandfather of Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:30; 9:36)

1. BAAL-BERITH (the covenant Baal), (Judges 8:33; 9:4) the god who comes into covenant with the worshippers.
2. BAAL-ZEBUB (lord of the fly), and worshipped at Ekron. (2 Kings 1:2,3,16)
3. BAAL-HANAN. a. The name of one of the early kings of Edom. (Genesis 36:38,39; 1 Chronicles 1:49,50) b. The name of one of David's officers, who had the superintendence of his olive and sycamore plantations. (1 Chronicles 27:28)
4. BAAL-PEOR (lord of the opening , i.e. for others to join in the worship). We have already referred to the worship of this god. The narrative (Numbers 25) seems clearly to show that this form of Baal-worship was connected with licentious rites.

1. BAAL a town of Simeon, named only in (1 Chronicles 4:33) which from the parallel list in (Joshua 19:8) seems to have been identical with BAALATH-BEER.
2. BAALAH (mistress). A. Another name for KIRJATH-JEARIM, or KIRJATH BAAL, the well-known town now Kuriet el Enab . (Joshua 15:9,10; 1 Chronicles 13:6) b. A town in the south of Judah, (Joshua 15:29) which in Joshua 19:3 Is called BALAH, and in the parallel list, (1 Chronicles 4:29) BILHAH.
3. BAALATH (mistress), a town of Dan named with Gibbethon, Gath-rim-mon and other Philistine places. (Joshua 19:44)
4. BAALATH-BEER (lord of the well). BAAL 1, a town among those in the south part of Judah, given to Simeon, which also bore the name of RAMATH-NEGEB, or "the height of the south." (Joshua 19:8)
5. BAAL-GAD (lord of fortune), used to denote the most northern, (Joshua 11:17; 12:7) or perhaps northwestern, (Joshua 13:5) point to which Joshua's victories extended. It was in all probability a Phoenician or Canaanite sanctuary of Baal under the aspect of Gad or Fortune.
6. BAAL-HAMON (lord of a multitude), a place at which Solomon had a vineyard, evidently of great extent. (Solomon 8:11)
7. BAAL-HAZOR (village of Baal), a place where Absalom appears to have had a sheep-farm, and where Amnon was murdered. (2 Samuel 13:23)
8. MOUNT, MOUNT, MOUNTAIN BAAL-HERMON (Lord of Hermon), (Judges 3:3) and simply Baal-hermon. (1 Chronicles 5:23) This is usually considered as a distinct place from Mount Hermon; but we know that this mountain had at least three names (3:9) and Baal-hermon may have been a fourth in use among the Phoenician worshippers.
9. BAAL-MEON (lord of the house), one of the towns which were built by the Reubenites. (Numbers 32:38) It also occurs in (1 Chronicles 5:8) and on each occasion with Nebo. In the time of Ezekiel it was Moabite, one of the cities which were the "glory of the country." (Ezekiel 25:9)
10. BAAL-PERAZIM (lord of divisions), the scene of a victory of David over the Philistines, and of a great destruction of their images. (2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11) See (Isaiah 28:21) where it is called MOUNT, MOUNT, MOUNTAIN PERAZIM.
11. BAAL-SHALISHA (lord of Shalisha), a place named only in (2 Kings 4:42) apparently not far from Gilgal; comp. (2 Kings 4:38)
12. BAAL-TAMAR (lord of the palm tree), a place named only in (Judges 20:33) as near Gibeah of Benjamin. The palm tree (tamar) of Deborah, (Judges 4:5) was situated somewhere in the locality, and is possibly alluded to.
13. BAAL-ZEPHON (lord of the north), a place in Egypt near where the Isr'lites crossed the Red Sea. (Numbers 33:7; Ezekiel 14:2,9) We place Baal-zephon on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, a little below its head, which at that time was about 30 or 40 miles northward of the Present head.

BA'AL, noun An idol among the ancient Chaldeans and Syrians, representing the sun. The word signifies also lord, or commander; and the character of the idol was varied by different nations, at different times. Thus baal Berith is supposed to signify the Lord of the Covenant; baal Peor, or rather baal Phegor, the Lord of the dead. Ps. cvi, baal Zebub, the god of flies, etc.

Mistress; city.

1. A city in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:29), elsewhere called Balah (Joshua 19:3) and Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29). Now Khurbet Zebalah.

2. A city on the northern border of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:10), called also Kirjath-jearim, q.v. (15:9; 1 Chronicles 13:6), now Kuriet-el-Enab, or as some think, Erma.

3. A mountain on the north-western boundary of Judah and Dan (Joshua 15:11).

her idol; she that is governed or subdued; a spouse

1. A city in the south of Judah

General references
Joshua 15:29

Apparently identical with Balah
Joshua 19:3

Apparently identical with Bilhah
1 Chronicles 4:29

2. A city in the north of Judah called also Kirjath-Jearim
Kirjath-Jearim

3. A mountain in Judah

General references
Joshua 15:11

Probably identical with Mount Jearim
Joshua 15:10

[BAAL, NO. 2]

A town of the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:44). It was fortified by Solomon (1 Kings 9:18; 2 Chronicles 8:6). Some have identified it with Bel'ain, in Wady Deir Balut.

a rejoicing; our proud lord

A city of Dan.
Joshua 19:44; 1 Kings 9:18; 2 Chronicles 8:6

[BAAL, Nos. 3,4]

Baalah of the well, (Joshua 19:8, probably the same as Baal, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:33, a city of Simeon.

subjected pit

See Baal, 4

Baal, 4

Called by the Greeks Heliopolis i.e., "the city of the sun", because of its famous Temple of the Sun, has by some been supposed to be Solomon's "house of the forest of Lebanon" (1 Kings 7:2; 10:17; 2 Chronicles 9:16); by others it is identified with Baal-gad (q.v.). It was a city of Coele-Syria, on the lowest declivity of Anti-Libanus, about 42 miles north-west of Damascus. It was one of the most splendid of Syrian cities, existing from a remote antiquity. After sustaining several sieges under the Moslems and others, it was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1759. Its ruins are of great extent.

Covenant lord, the name of the god worshipped in Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judges 8:33; 9:4). In 9:46 he is called simply "the god Berith." The name denotes the god of the covenant into which the Israelites entered with the Canaanites, contrary to the command of Jehovah (Exodus 34:12), when they began to fall away to the worship of idols.

idol of the covenant

A god of the Shechemites
Judges 9:4

Worshiped by Israelites
Judges 8:33

Called Berith
Judges 9:46

same as Baalath

A city of Judah.
2 Samuel 6:2
Kirjath-Jearim

Lords of Judah, a city in the tribe of Judah from which David brought the ark into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:2). Elsewhere (1 Chronicles 13:6) called Kirjath-jearim. (See BAALAH.)

[BAAL, NO. 2, a]

Lord of fortune, or troop of Baal, a Canaanite city in the valley of Lebanon at the foot of Hermon, hence called Baal-hermon (JudGenesis 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5:23), near the source of the Jordan (Joshua 13:5; 11:17; 12:7). It was the most northern point to which Joshua's conquests extended. It probably derived its name from the worship of Baal. Its modern representative is Banias. Some have supposed it to be the same as Baalbec.

idol of fortune or felicity

A city of the Canaanites
Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7; Joshua 13:5

Probably identical with Baal-Hermon
Judges 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5:23

See Gur-Baal
Gur-Baal

Place of a multitude, a place where Solomon had an extensive vineyard (Song of Solomon 8:11). It has been supposed to be identical with Baal-gad, and also with Hammon in the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:28). Others identify it with Belamon, in Central Palestine, near Dothaim.

who rules a crowd

A place in Mount Ephraim
Song of Solomon 8:11

Called Hammon
Joshua 19:28

Lord of grace.

1. A king of Edom, son of Achbor (Genesis 36:38, 39; 1 Chronicles 1:49, 50).

2. An overseer of "the olive trees and sycomore trees in the low plains" (the Shephelah) under David (1 Chronicles 27:28).

1. A king of Edom
Genesis 36:38-39; 1 Chronicles 1:49-50

2. One of David's overseers
1 Chronicles 27:28

Having a courtyard, or Baal's village, the place on the borders of Ephraim and Benjamin where Absalom held the feast of sheep-shearing when Amnon was assassinated (2 Samuel 13:23). Probably it is the same with Hazor (Nehemiah 11:33), now Tell' Asur, 5 miles north-east of Bethel.

The place where Amnon was slain.
2 Samuel 13:23

Lord of Hermon.

1. A city near Mount Hermon inhabited by the Ephraimites (1 Chronicles 5:23). Probably identical with Baal-gad (Joshua 11:17).

2. A mountain east of Lebanon (Judges 3:3). Probably it may be the same as Mount Hermon, or one of its three peaks.

possessor of destruction or of a thing cursed

1. A city near Mount Hermon

General references
1 Chronicles 5:23
Baal-Gad

2. A mountain of Lebanon
Judges 3:3

My lord, a title the prophet (Hosea 2:16) reproaches the Jewish church for applying to Jehovah, instead of the more endearing title Ishi, meaning "my husband."

my idol; lord over me

An appellation of Jehovah.
Hosea 2:16

(Hosea 2:16) [BAAL]

Plural of Baal; images of the god Baal (Judges 2:11; 1 Samuel 7:4).

idols; masters; false gods

Plural form of Baal.
Judges 2:11; 1 Samuel 7:4; Hosea 2:13; Hosea 2:17; Hosea 11:2
Baal

[BAAL]

King of the Ammonites at the time of the Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 40:14). He hired Ishmael to slay Gedaliah who had been appointed governor over the cities of Judah.

a rejoicing; a proud lord

King of the Ammonites.
Jeremiah 40:14

king of the Ammonites at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 40:14) (B.C. 588.)

Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben (Numbers 32:38), called also Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23) and Beth-baal-meon (Joshua 13:17). It is supposed to have been the birth-place of Elisha. It is identified with the modern M'ain, about 3 miles south-east of Heshbon.

idol or master of the house

A city of the Reubenites
Numbers 32:38; 1 Chronicles 5:8; Ezekiel 25:9

Called Beth-Meon
Jeremiah 48:23

Called Beth-Baal-Meon
Joshua 13:17

Called Beon
Numbers 32:3

Lord of the opening, a god of the Moabites (Numbers 25:3; 31:16; Joshua 22:17), worshipped by obscene rites. So called from Mount Peor, where this worship was celebrated, the Baal of Peor. The Israelites fell into the worship of this idol (Numbers 25:3, 5, 18; Deuteronomy 4:3; Psalms 106:28; Hosea 9:10).

master of the opening

An idol of Moab.
Numbers 25:3; Numbers 25:5; Deuteronomy 4:3; Psalms 106:28; Hosea 9:10

Baal having rents, bursts, or destructions, the scene of a victory gained by David over the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11). Called Mount Perazim (Isaiah 28:21). It was near the valley of Rephaim, west of Jerusalem. Identified with the modern Jebel Aly.

god of divisions

A place in the valley of Rephaim
2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11

Called Perazim
Isaiah 28:21

Lord of Shalisha, a place from which a man came with provisions for Elisha, apparently not far from Gilgal (2 Kings 4:42). It has been identified with Sirisia, 13 miles north of Lydda.

the god that presides over three; the third idol

A place near Gilgal.
1 Samuel 9:4; 2 Kings 4:42

Lord of palm trees, a place in the tribe of Benjamin near Gibeah of Saul (Judges 20:33). It was one of the sanctuaries or groves of Baal. Probably the palm tree of Deborah (Judges 4:5) is alluded to in the name.

master of the palm-tree

A place near Gibeah.
Judges 20:33

Fly-lord, the god of the Philistines at Ekron (2 Kings 1:2, 3, 16). This name was given to the god because he was supposed to be able to avert the plague of flies which in that region was to be feared. He was consulted by Ahaziah as to his recovery.

god of the fly

A god of the Philistines.
2 Kings 1:2-3; 2 Kings 1:6; 2 Kings 1:16

Baal of the north, an Egyptian town on the shores of the Gulf of Suez (Exodus 14:2; Numbers 33:7), over against which the children of Israel encamped before they crossed the Red Sea. It is probably to be identified with the modern Jebel Deraj or Kulalah, on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Baal-zapuna of the Egyptians was a place of worship.

the idol or possession of the north; hidden; secret

An Egyptian city on the Red Sea.
Exodus 14:2; Exodus 14:9; Numbers 33:7