The Hebrew word Bâmâh, represented by H1117, is the proper name for a specific place in Palestine. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its definition is identical to the word for "high place," indicating that it is a named example of such a location.
The single use of H1117 occurs in a moment of divine questioning. In Ezekiel 20:29, the LORD asks the people of Israel about the "high place" H1116 to which they continually go H935. The verse then states that the name H8034 of this location is called H7121 Bamah H1117 "unto this day" H3117. This context establishes Bamah not merely as a location, but as a symbol of persistent, unauthorized worship that was given a specific name to mark its significance.
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the meaning of Bamah:
- H1116 bâmâh (an elevation; height, high place, wave): This is the common noun from which the proper name H1117 is derived. These "high places" were often sites of illicit worship that Israel was commanded to destroy Numbers 33:52 and were even used improperly by figures like Solomon 1 Kings 3:3.
- H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to, give name): This word is used to show the deliberate act of naming the location. The place was formally called Bamah, cementing its identity in connection with the people's actions there Ezekiel 20:29.
- H8034 shêm (an appellation, name): This highlights that Bamah is a formal name, serving as a memorial or mark of individuality for this particular high place Ezekiel 20:29.
The theological weight of H1117 is concentrated in its singular, pointed usage.
- A Named Rebuke: The very act of naming the site "Bamah" (High Place) is presented as a divine rebuke. It turns the generic term for the location of their sin into a specific, lasting title, forever marking it as a place of disobedience Ezekiel 20:29.
- Embodiment of Illicit Worship: As a named H1116 "high place," Bamah represents the broader biblical struggle with sites of worship outside of God's prescribed sanctuary. These places were consistently associated with Israel's sin Hosea 10:8 and defilement Ezekiel 43:7.
- A Lasting Memorial of Sin: The phrase "unto this day" in Ezekiel 20:29 shows that the name was not fleeting. It served as a continuous, enduring reminder to future generations of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and their attraction to forbidden forms of worship.
In summary, H1117 Bâmâh is far more than a simple place name. Appearing only once, it functions as a powerful theological statement. It is the definitive, named example of a "high place," used by God through the prophet Ezekiel to confront Israel's persistent sin. Its significance is tied directly to its context as a lasting memorial, transforming a generic location of improper worship into a specific, historical symbol of disobedience.
TRV