Etymology and Meaning:
Baalmeon, also known as Beth-baal-meon, is a name that combines "Baal," a Canaanite deity, with "Meon," which means "habitation" or "dwelling." Thus, Baalmeon can be understood as "the habitation of Baal."

Biblical References:
Baalmeon is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of territorial allotments and conquests. It is first referenced in Numbers 32:3, where the Reubenites express their desire to settle in the land of Jazer and Gilead, which includes Baalmeon: "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Baal-meon."

In Numbers 32:38, the Reubenites rebuild the city, renaming it: "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." This renaming signifies a departure from the pagan associations of the original name, reflecting the Israelites' commitment to Yahweh.

Baalmeon is also mentioned in Joshua 13:17 as part of the territory given to the tribe of Reuben: "Heshbon, and all its cities on the plain: Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon."

In 1 Chronicles 5:8, Baalmeon is listed as part of the genealogy of the Reubenites: "and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in the area from Aroer to Nebo and Baal-meon."

The city is also referenced in the prophetic literature. In Ezekiel 25:9, God pronounces judgment on Moab, mentioning Baalmeon as part of the territory that will be exposed: "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Baalmeon was located east of the Jordan River, in the region historically associated with the tribe of Reuben. This area was part of the Transjordan, a region that held significant strategic and economic importance due to its fertile lands and trade routes.

The city was originally a Moabite settlement, as indicated by its association with Baal worship. The Israelites' conquest and subsequent renaming of the city reflect their efforts to establish a distinct identity and religious purity in the Promised Land.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern-day scholars and archaeologists have identified Baalmeon with the site of Khirbet Ma'in in Jordan. Excavations in the area have uncovered remains that suggest a long history of settlement, including evidence of Moabite and later Israelite occupation.

Theological Significance:
Baalmeon serves as a reminder of the Israelites' struggle against idolatry and their mission to establish a land dedicated to the worship of Yahweh. The renaming of the city underscores the transformative power of God's covenant with Israel, as they sought to replace pagan influences with the worship of the one true God.

The prophetic mention of Baalmeon in Ezekiel highlights the theme of divine judgment against nations that opposed Israel and engaged in idolatry. It serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to His covenant people.Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben (Numbers 32:38), called also Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23) and Beth-baal-meon (Joshua 13:17). It is supposed to have been the birth-place of Elisha. It is identified with the modern M'ain, about 3 miles south-east of Heshbon. BAAL-MEON

ba'-al-me'-on ba`al me`on; Beelmeon: A town built by the children of Reuben along with Nebo, "their names being changed" (Numbers 32:38), identical with Beon of Numbers 32:3. As Beth-baal-meon it was given by Moses to the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:17). Mesha names it as fortified by him (MS, L. 9). It appears in Jeremiah 48:23 as Beth-meon, one of the cities of Moab. Eusebius, Onomasticon speaks of it as a large village near the hot springs, i.e. Callirrhoe, in Wady Zerka Ma`in, 9 miles from Heshbon. This points to the ruined site of Ma`in, about 4 miles Southwest of Madeba. The ruins now visible however are not older than Roman times.

W. Ewing

Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)
...Baalmeon (3 Occurrences). ... 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema,
the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon: (KJV). ...
/b/baalmeon.htm - 8k

Baal-meon (3 Occurrences)
Baal-meon. Baalmeon, Baal-meon. Ba'al-me'on . Easton's Bible Dictionary Lord ...
NAS). Baalmeon, Baal-meon. Ba'al-me'on . Reference Bible.
/b/baal-meon.htm - 8k

Nebo (13 Occurrences)
... to Reuben. It was occupied by the Reubenite clan Bela (1 Chronicles
5:8). Here it is named between Aroer and Baalmeon. In their ...
/n/nebo.htm - 17k

Bethjeshimoth (3 Occurrences)
... I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his
frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim ...
/b/bethjeshimoth.htm - 8k

Builded (65 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,)
and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. ...
/b/builded.htm - 27k

Ba'alis (1 Occurrence)
Ba'alis. Baalis, Ba'alis. Baalmeon . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'alis (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Baalis, Ba'alis. Baalmeon . Reference Bible.
/b/ba'alis.htm - 6k

Shibmah (1 Occurrence)
... Shibmah (1 Occurrence). Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being
changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. ...
/s/shibmah.htm - 7k

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