Baal-hanan 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 ancient Israel.

1. Baal-hanan, King of Edom: The first mention of Baal-hanan is as a king of Edom. In Genesis 36:38-39 , we read: "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 is part of the genealogical record of the Edomite kings, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, and their kingship reflects a structured political system. Baal-hanan's reign is noted without further detail, indicating a period of transition in Edomite leadership.

2. Baal-hanan, Overseer of King David's Olive and Sycamore Trees: The second Baal-hanan is mentioned in the context of King David's administration. In 1 Chronicles 27:28 , it states: "Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills, and Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil." This Baal-hanan, identified as a Gederite, was responsible for managing the agricultural resources, specifically olive and sycamore trees, which were significant for their economic and practical value. Olive oil was a crucial commodity in ancient Israel, used for cooking, lighting, and religious anointing, while sycamore trees provided timber and fruit.

The presence of Baal-hanan in David's administration highlights the organized and extensive nature of the king's governance, as well as the integration of various individuals into the service of the kingdom, regardless of their names' pagan origins. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, using diverse individuals to fulfill His purposes.

In summary, Baal-hanan appears in the Bible as both a king of Edom and an official in King David's administration, illustrating the diverse roles and backgrounds of individuals in the biblical narrative.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).

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).

(2) A gardener in the service of David (1 Chronicles 27:28).

1177. Baal Chanan -- "Baal is gracious," a king of Edom, also an ...
... "Baal is gracious," a king of Edom, also an Israelite. Transliteration: Baal Chanan
Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-al khaw-nawn') Short Definition: Baal-hanan. ...
/hebrew/1177.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxvi
... And Shaul died, and there ruled in his stead Baal-Hanan, the son of Achbor. ...
6. Shaul"from Rehoboth-hannahar. 7. Baal-Hanan"son of Achbor. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Baalhanan (5 Occurrences)
...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). ...Baalhanan (5 Occurrences). ...
/b/baalhanan.htm - 8k

Baal-hanan (5 Occurrences)
Baal-hanan. Baalhanan, Baal-hanan. Ba'al-ha'nan . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lord of grace. ... Baalhanan, Baal-hanan. Ba'al-ha'nan . Reference Bible.
/b/baal-hanan.htm - 8k

Ba'al-ha'nan (5 Occurrences)
Ba'al-ha'nan. Baal-hanan, Ba'al-ha'nan. Baalhazor . ... Genesis 36:38 Shaul died,
and BaalHanan, the son of Achbor reigned in his place. (See RSV). ...
/b/ba'al-ha'nan.htm - 7k

Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... Hanan (19 Occurrences). Genesis 36:38 Shaul died, and BaalHanan, the son of Achbor
reigned in his place. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

Achbor (7 Occurrences)
... ak'-bor (`akhbor, "mouse"): (1) The father of Baal-hanan, who was the seventh of
the eight kings who reigned in Edom before there were kings in Israel (Genesis ...
/a/achbor.htm - 10k

Acbor (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Acbor (7 Occurrences). Genesis 36:38 Shaul died, and
BaalHanan, the son of Achbor reigned in his place. (See NIV). ...
/a/acbor.htm - 8k

Succeeded (81 Occurrences)
... in his place. (See NIV). Genesis 36:38 Shaul died, and BaalHanan, the son
of Achbor reigned in his place. (See NIV). Genesis 36:39 ...
/s/succeeded.htm - 28k

Wife's (21 Occurrences)
... They will kill me for my wife's sake.' (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Genesis 36:39
BaalHanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. ...
/w/wife's.htm - 12k

Reigned (206 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Genesis 36:38 Shaul died, and BaalHanan, the son
of Achbor reigned in his place. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/r/reigned.htm - 37k

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