Topical Encyclopedia Eth-baal, also spelled Ithbaal, was a prominent figure in the ancient Near East, known primarily as the king of Sidon and the father of Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel. His name, meaning "With Baal," reflects the prevalent worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, during his reign. Eth-baal's influence extended beyond his own kingdom, impacting the religious and political landscape of Israel through his daughter.Historical Context Eth-baal reigned as king of Sidon, a major Phoenician city-state, during the 9th century BC. The Phoenicians were renowned for their maritime trade and cultural influence across the Mediterranean. Eth-baal's rule is noted for its prosperity and the expansion of Sidonian influence. His reign is often associated with the height of Phoenician power and the spread of their religious practices, including the worship of Baal. Biblical References Eth-baal is indirectly mentioned in the Bible through his daughter Jezebel. In 1 Kings 16:31 , it is recorded: "And as if it were a trivial thing for Ahab to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he also married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal." This passage highlights the political alliance formed through Jezebel's marriage to Ahab, king of Israel, and the subsequent introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel. Religious Influence Eth-baal's legacy is largely defined by the religious turmoil that followed Jezebel's marriage to Ahab. Jezebel, a fervent devotee of Baal, sought to supplant the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal, leading to significant conflict with the prophets of Israel, most notably Elijah. This religious syncretism and the persecution of Yahweh's prophets are central themes in the narrative of 1 Kings. Cultural and Political Impact The marriage alliance between Eth-baal's Sidon and Ahab's Israel was a strategic move that strengthened political ties and economic cooperation. However, it also facilitated the infiltration of Phoenician religious practices into Israel, which the biblical narrative portrays as a catalyst for moral and spiritual decline. Eth-baal's influence, therefore, is seen as a contributing factor to the apostasy of Israel during Ahab's reign. Legacy Eth-baal's legacy is intricately tied to the biblical account of Jezebel and the ensuing conflict between the worship of Yahweh and Baal. His role as a king who promoted Baal worship underscores the tension between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite cultures. The biblical narrative presents Eth-baal's influence as a cautionary tale of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the covenant with Yahweh. Easton's Bible Dictionary With Baal, a king of Sidon (B.C. 940-908), father of Jezebel, who was the wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31). He is said to have been also a priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely allied to that of Baal, and this may account for his daughter's zeal in promoting idolatry in Israel. This marriage of Ahab was most fatal to both Israel and Judah. Dido, the founder of Carthage, was his granddaughter. Strong's Hebrew 856. Ethbaal -- "with Baal," a king of Sidon... "with Baal," a king of Sidon. Transliteration: Ethbaal Phonetic Spelling: (eth-bah'-al) Short Definition: Ethbaal. Word Origin from eth and Baal Definition " ... /hebrew/856.htm - 6k Library How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Elijah and the Widow's Son Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... National Apostasy How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ... Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Ethbaal (1 Occurrence)... Dido, the founder of Carthage, was his granddaughter. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ETHBAAL. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ethbaal (1 Occurrence). ... /e/ethbaal.htm - 7k Eth-baal Ethba'al (1 Occurrence) Tyre (59 Occurrences) Jezebel (20 Occurrences) Zidonians (11 Occurrences) Nebat (25 Occurrences) Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences) Worshipper (15 Occurrences) Trivial (3 Occurrences) Resources What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Baal? | GotQuestions.org Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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