Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Baalhermon" is derived from two components: "Baal," a title meaning "lord" or "master," often associated with various local deities in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and "Hermon," referring to the prominent mountain in the northern part of ancient Israel. Thus, Baalhermon can be understood as "Lord of Hermon" or "Master of Hermon."

Biblical References:
Baalhermon is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. In Judges 3:3, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These are the nations the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan." The passage goes on to list the regions, including "from Mount Baalhermon to Lebo-hamath." This indicates that Baalhermon was a significant landmark in the northern boundary of the land occupied by the Israelites.

Geographical Context:
Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain range in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, straddling the modern-day borders of Syria and Lebanon. It is the highest point in the region, with its peak reaching over 9,000 feet. The reference to Baalhermon suggests a specific location or cultic site on or near Mount Hermon, which was significant in the ancient landscape of the Near East.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
In the ancient Near East, high places such as mountains were often associated with the worship of deities. The name Baalhermon implies that this location may have been a site of worship dedicated to Baal, a common deity in Canaanite religion. The Israelites' encounter with such sites often led to conflicts between the worship of Yahweh and the local deities, as seen throughout the Old Testament narrative.

Theological Implications:
The mention of Baalhermon in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the constant struggle faced by the Israelites to remain faithful to Yahweh amidst the surrounding pagan cultures. The presence of such sites posed a temptation to the Israelites, who were called to worship the one true God. The biblical narrative often highlights the dangers of syncretism and the need for the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Baalhermon is limited, the broader region of Mount Hermon has yielded various findings that illuminate the religious practices of the ancient inhabitants. Temples and altars dedicated to Baal and other deities have been discovered, providing context for the biblical references to Baalhermon and the religious landscape of the time.

Conclusion:
Baalhermon stands as a testament to the complex interplay of geography, religion, and culture in the biblical narrative. Its mention in the Scriptures underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their faith amidst a world filled with competing religious influences.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.

BAAL-HERMON

ba'-al-hur'-mon ba`al chermon; Baal Ermon: Baalgad under Mount Hermon is described as "toward the sunrising" in Joshua 13:5. If Mount Lebanon proper is here intended the reading may be taken as correct. But in Judges 3:3 Baal-gad is replaced by Baal-hermon. One or the other must be due to a scribal error. The Baal-hermon of 1 Chronicles 5:23 lay somewhere East of the Jordan, near to Mount Hermon. It may possibly be identical with Banias.

Baalhermon (2 Occurrences)
... Mount Hermon. It may possibly be identical with Banias. Multi-Version
Concordance Baalhermon (2 Occurrences). Judges 3:3 Namely, five ...
/b/baalhermon.htm - 8k

Baal-hermon (2 Occurrences)
Baal-hermon. Baalhermon, Baal-hermon. Ba'al-her'mon . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Baalhermon, Baal-hermon. Ba'al-her'mon . ...
/b/baal-hermon.htm - 8k

Ba'al-ha'zor (1 Occurrence)
Ba'al-ha'zor. Baal-hazor, Ba'al-ha'zor. Baalhermon . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Baal-hazor, Ba'al-ha'zor. Baalhermon . Reference Bible.
/b/ba'al-ha'zor.htm - 6k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... 3 Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians,
and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the ...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

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