Topical Encyclopedia Bajith is referenced in the context of Moab, a region and people often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of Israel and as practitioners of idolatry. The mention of Bajith is found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah, which addresses the judgment and downfall of Moab due to its idolatrous practices and opposition to the God of Israel.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to Bajith is found in Isaiah 15:2. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "Moab goes up to its temple, to Dibon, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." In this passage, Bajith is understood to be synonymous with the "temple" or "house" of worship in Moab, where the people would ascend to engage in their religious rituals. The context of Isaiah 15 is a lament over the impending destruction and mourning of Moab, highlighting the futility of their idolatrous worship in the face of divine judgment. Historical and Cultural Context: Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel throughout biblical history. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Their religious practices included the worship of Chemosh, a deity to whom they offered sacrifices, sometimes even human sacrifices, as indicated in 2 Kings 3:27. The reference to Bajith in Isaiah suggests a central place of worship, possibly a temple or high place, where the Moabites would perform their religious ceremonies. The term "Bajith" itself is derived from the Hebrew word "bayith," meaning "house," which in this context refers to a house of worship or temple. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, Bajith represents the broader theme of idolatry and its consequences as depicted in the Bible. The prophets, including Isaiah, consistently warned against the worship of false gods and the reliance on idols, emphasizing the sovereignty of the God of Israel. The lament over Moab's destruction serves as a reminder of the judgment that befalls those who turn away from the true God to follow idols. The mourning and rituals described in Isaiah 15:2, such as shaving heads and cutting beards, are expressions of deep sorrow and penitence, yet they are portrayed as ultimately ineffective in averting the divine judgment decreed upon Moab. This underscores the biblical teaching that true repentance and worship must be directed towards the one true God, rather than the false deities of the surrounding nations. Conclusion: While Bajith is only briefly mentioned in the biblical text, its inclusion in the prophetic literature serves as a poignant illustration of the spiritual state of Moab and the inevitable consequences of idolatry. The narrative of Moab's downfall, including the lament over Bajith, reinforces the biblical call to exclusive devotion to the God of Israel and the rejection of all forms of idolatry. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 15:2He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off. Nave's Topical Index Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |