Topical Encyclopedia Ba'al-me'on, also known as Beth-baal-meon, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the tribal allotments and historical narratives of the Israelites. The name Ba'al-me'on can be translated to mean "Lord of the Dwelling" or "House of Baal," indicating its association with the Canaanite deity Baal, which was prevalent in the region before the Israelite conquest.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 32:3, 38 · Ba'al-me'on is first mentioned in the context of the land east of the Jordan River. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, who had large herds, requested this fertile land for their inheritance. "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Baal-meon" (Numbers 32:3) are listed among the cities they desired. Later, the text notes that the Reubenites rebuilt these cities, including Ba'al-me'on, and gave them new names: "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt" (Numbers 32:38). 2. Joshua 13:17 · In the division of the land under Joshua's leadership, Ba'al-me'on is again mentioned as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. It is listed among the cities in the plateau region: "Heshbon, and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon" (Joshua 13:17). 3. 1 Chronicles 5:8 · The genealogical records of the tribe of Reuben also mention Ba'al-me'on. The descendants of Reuben are noted to have lived in this region: "and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal-meon" (1 Chronicles 5:8). 4. Ezekiel 25:9 · The prophet Ezekiel, in his oracle against Moab, references Ba'al-me'on as part of the Moabite territory. This indicates that the city, at some point, came under Moabite control: "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land" (Ezekiel 25:9). Historical and Archaeological Context: Ba'al-me'on is identified with the modern archaeological site of Ma'in, located in present-day Jordan. The region was known for its agricultural productivity, which made it a desirable location for settlement. The city's association with Baal worship reflects the syncretistic religious practices that were common in the region before and during the early Israelite period. Theological Significance: The mention of Ba'al-me'on in the biblical narrative highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst the pervasive Canaanite culture. The renaming of cities by the Reubenites signifies an attempt to assert their own identity and possibly to distance themselves from the pagan associations of the original names. The prophetic reference in Ezekiel underscores the judgment against nations that opposed Israel, reflecting the broader theme of divine sovereignty and justice. Ba'al-me'on serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual struggles of the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land while remaining faithful to the covenant with Yahweh. Concordance Ba'al-me'on (3 Occurrences)Numbers 32:38 1 Chronicles 5:8 Ezekiel 25:9 Thesaurus Ba'al-me'on (3 Occurrences)Ba'al-me'on. Baal-meon, Ba'al-me'on. Baalpeor . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'al-me'on (3 Occurrences). Numbers 32:38 and Nebo, and ... /b/ba'al-me'on.htm - 7k Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence) Baal-meon (3 Occurrences) Baalmeon (3 Occurrences) Beth-baal-meon (1 Occurrence) Baalpeor (5 Occurrences) Bethbarah (1 Occurrence) Beth-diblathaim (1 Occurrence) Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence) Bethdiblathaim (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org What is an Asherah pole? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |