Baal-tamar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is associated with a significant event in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Baal-tamar is found in Judges 20:33. The context of this passage is the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The conflict arose after a grievous crime was committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes.

Judges 20:33 states: "So all the men of Israel got up from their places and took their positions at Baal-tamar, while the Israelites in ambush charged out of their positions west of Gibeah."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Baal-tamar is believed to be located near Gibeah, although its exact location is not definitively known today. The name "Baal-tamar" suggests a place associated with a "Baal" (a term often used for local deities or lords) and "tamar," which means "palm tree" in Hebrew. This indicates that the site may have been known for a prominent palm tree or grove, which was a common feature in the ancient Near Eastern landscape.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:
The mention of Baal-tamar in Judges 20:33 is significant as it marks a strategic point in the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites. The Israelites used Baal-tamar as a staging ground for their troops, coordinating a tactical ambush against the Benjamites. This battle was part of a larger narrative illustrating the moral and social chaos during the time of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

The battle at Baal-tamar was a turning point in the conflict, leading to a decisive victory for the Israelites. The ambush and subsequent battle tactics reflect the military strategies employed during this period and underscore the severity of the internal strife within the nation of Israel.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the events surrounding Baal-tamar highlight the consequences of Israel's disobedience and moral decline. The civil war and the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serve as a sobering reminder of the need for unity and adherence to God's laws. The narrative also demonstrates God's sovereignty and justice, as He allows the consequences of sin to unfold while still preserving a remnant for future redemption.

Baal-tamar, therefore, stands as a testament to the tumultuous period of the Judges and serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people, despite their repeated failures and rebellion.Baal-Tamar

master of the palm-tree

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. BAAL-TAMAR

ba-al-ta'-mar ba`al tamar; Baal Thamar, ("Baal of the palm tree"): Evidently a seat of heathen worship (Judges 20:33) between Bethel and Gibeah (compare Judges 20:18, 31). The place was known to Eusebius (Onomasticon, which see), but trace of the name is now lost. Conder suggests that it may be connected with the palm tree of Deborah (Judges 4:5) which was between Bethel and Ramah (HDB, under the word).

1193. Baal Tamar -- "possessor of palms," a place near Gibeah
Baal Tamar. 1192, 1193. Baal Tamar. 1194 . "possessor of palms," a place
near Gibeah. Transliteration: Baal Tamar Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/1193.htm - 6kBaaltamar (1 Occurrence)
... the name. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-TAMAR. ba-al ... the word).
Multi-Version Concordance Baaltamar (1 Occurrence). Judges 20 ...
/b/baaltamar.htm - 7k

Baal-tamar (1 Occurrence)
Baal-tamar. Baaltamar, Baal-tamar. Ba'al-ta'mar . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE JPS WBS YLT NAS). Baaltamar, Baal-tamar. Ba'al-ta'mar . Reference
/b/baal-tamar.htm - 7k

Liers (11 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves
in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of ...
/l/liers.htm - 10k

Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Baal-tamar: and the liers-in-wait of Israel brake forth out ...
/l/liers-in-wait.htm - 10k

Geba (22 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at BaalTamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their ...
/g/geba.htm - 17k

Rushing (61 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 So all the men of Israel got up and put themselves in fighting order
at Baal-tamar: and those who had been waiting secretly to make a surprise ...
/r/rushing.htm - 24k

Maareh (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 20:33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at BaalTamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their ...
/m/maareh.htm - 6k

Maareh-geba (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Baal-tamar: and the liers-in-wait of Israel brake forth out ...
/m/maareh-geba.htm - 7k

Meadows (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves
in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of ...
/m/meadows.htm - 8k

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