Ba'al-ha'nan is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with two distinct individuals. The name itself means "Baal is gracious" or "Baal has been gracious," reflecting the influence of Canaanite culture and religion, where Baal was a prominent deity. Despite the pagan connotations of the name, the individuals bearing it are part of the biblical narrative, illustrating the complex cultural interactions in the ancient Near East.

1. Ba'al-ha'nan, Son of Achbor: This Ba'al-ha'nan is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Edomites. He is listed as one of the kings of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. In Genesis 36:38-39 , it is recorded: "When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place. When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place." This passage situates Ba'al-ha'nan within the context of Edomite leadership, highlighting the political structures that existed in the region prior to the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. The mention of Edomite kings in the Bible serves to provide a historical framework and contrast to the emerging nation of Israel.

2. Ba'al-ha'nan, the Gederite: The second individual named Ba'al-ha'nan is noted for his role during the reign of King David. He is identified as an overseer of olive and sycamore-fig trees in the Shephelah, a fertile region in ancient Israel. In 1 Chronicles 27:28 , it states: "Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore-fig trees in the foothills." This position indicates the importance of agricultural management and the economic activities that supported the kingdom of Israel. The role of Ba'al-ha'nan as an overseer reflects the organized administrative system established by David to manage the resources of the land effectively.

The presence of individuals with names referencing Baal within the biblical text underscores the cultural and religious syncretism that occurred in the ancient Near East. While the Israelites were called to worship Yahweh exclusively, the influence of surrounding cultures is evident in various aspects of life, including personal names. The biblical narrative often highlights the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the temptation to adopt the practices of neighboring peoples, serving as a reminder of the call to faithfulness amidst a pluralistic environment.Ba'al-ha'nan (5 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:38
Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:39
Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:49
Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:50
Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai: and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:28
and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal Hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
(See RSV)

Ba'al-ha'nan (5 Occurrences)
Ba'al-ha'nan. Baal-hanan, Ba'al-ha'nan. Baalhazor . Multi-Version
Concordance Ba'al-ha'nan (5 Occurrences). Genesis 36:38 Shaul ...
/b/ba'al-ha'nan.htm - 7k

Baal-hanan (5 Occurrences)
Baal-hanan. Baalhanan, Baal-hanan. Ba'al-ha'nan . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lord of grace. (1.) A king of Edom, son of Achbor (Genesis ...
/b/baal-hanan.htm - 8k

Baalhanan (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-HANAN. ba-al-ha'-nan ba`al chanan, ("the
Lord is gracious"): (1) A king of Edom (Genesis 36:38 1 Chronicles 1:49f). ...
/b/baalhanan.htm - 8k

Baalhazor (1 Occurrence)

/b/baalhazor.htm - 7k

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