Baaltamar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. The name "Baaltamar" translates to "Lord of the Palm Tree" or "Baal of the Palm Tree," indicating a place associated with palm trees and possibly a site of Canaanite worship before the Israelite settlement. The prefix "Baal" often refers to a Canaanite deity, but in this context, it is more likely a geographical marker rather than a reference to idolatry.

Biblical Reference:

Baaltamar is mentioned in the context of a significant battle during the period of the Judges. In Judges 20:33, the narrative describes a strategic military engagement involving the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The verse states: "So all the men of Israel got up from their places and took their positions at Baaltamar, while the Israelites in ambush charged from their positions west of Gibeah." (Judges 20:33)

This passage is part of a larger account detailing the civil conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which arose due to a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. The battle at Baaltamar was a pivotal moment in this conflict, showcasing the tactical maneuvers employed by the Israelites to gain an advantage over the Benjamites.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Baaltamar is not definitively known, but it is believed to be situated near Gibeah, within the tribal territory of Benjamin. The mention of palm trees suggests a region that could support such vegetation, possibly indicating a fertile area. The strategic importance of Baaltamar in the battle narrative highlights its geographical significance during the time of the Judges.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the events at Baaltamar underscore themes of justice, unity, and divine guidance. The conflict with Benjamin, while tragic, ultimately led to a reaffirmation of communal values and the necessity of upholding righteousness within the covenant community of Israel. The Israelites' victory, facilitated by their strategic positioning at Baaltamar, can be seen as an example of divine providence working through human agency to achieve a just outcome.

Cultural and Religious Implications:

The name Baaltamar, with its reference to "Baal," reflects the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Canaan, where the Israelites often encountered and sometimes struggled against the influence of Canaanite religious practices. The presence of such a name in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge faced by the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity and faithfulness to Yahweh amidst surrounding pagan cultures.

In summary, Baaltamar is a significant biblical location associated with a key military engagement during the time of the Judges. Its mention in Scripture provides insight into the historical, geographical, and theological landscape of ancient Israel.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).

Baaltamar (1 Occurrence)
... the word). Multi-Version Concordance Baaltamar (1 Occurrence). Judges
20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and ...
/b/baaltamar.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

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

Meadow (8 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/meadow.htm - 12k

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

Ba'al-shal'ishah (1 Occurrence)
Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baal-shalishah, Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baaltamar . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Baal-shalishah, Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baaltamar . Reference Bible
/b/ba'al-shal'ishah.htm - 6k

Gibeah (52 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 ...
/g/gibeah.htm - 30k

Wait (223 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 ...
/w/wait.htm - 41k

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