plural of בָּמָה; heights; or (fully) בָּמוֹת בַּעַל; from the same and בַּעַל; heights of Baal; Bamoth or Bamoth-Baal, a place East of the Jordan; Bamoth, Bamoth-baal.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâmôwth**, represented by `{{H1120}}`, refers to a specific place east of the Jordan. Its name means **heights** or, in its full form, **heights of Baal**. As a proper name, it appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, marking key locations in Israel's journey and settlement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1120}}` is primarily a geographical marker. It is mentioned as a stopping point for the Israelites on their way to the promised land, situated between Nahaliel and a valley in Moab ([[Numbers 21:19]], [[Numbers 21:20]]). The location is also explicitly identified as "the high places of Baal," where Balak took Balaam in an attempt to see and curse the people of Israel [[Numbers 22:41]]. Later, in the book of Joshua, it is listed as **Bamothbaal**, one of the cities located in the plain [[Joshua 13:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographic and thematic context for `{{H1120}}`:
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (height, high place): This is the singular form from which Bamoth is derived. It often refers to places of worship, which were sometimes used improperly, as when Solomon sacrificed in **high places** [[1 Kings 3:3]], or when God commanded Israel to destroy the Canaanites' **high places** [[Numbers 33:52]].
* `{{H1516}}` **gayʼ** (valley): This word provides a direct topographical contrast. The journey of the Israelites is described as going "from Bamoth in the **valley**" [[Numbers 21:20]]. It is also associated with pagan worship, as high places of Baal were built in "the **valley** of the son of Hinnom" [[Jeremiah 32:35]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (top, head, chief): This term signifies a summit or highest point. It is used in contrast to the valley near Bamoth, noting the journey continued "to the **top** of Pisgah" [[Numbers 21:20]]. It also carries the figurative meaning of leadership, as God is exalted as **head** above all [[1 Chronicles 29:11]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1120}}` is tied to its role in the story of Israel's conquest.
* **A Landmark in the Wilderness:** Bamoth serves as a concrete point on the map of Israel's journey, marking their progress through the land of Moab before entering the promised land [[Numbers 21:19-20]].
* **A Site of Spiritual Conflict:** As "Bamoth-Baal," it represents a center of pagan power from which Israel's enemies sought to harm them. Balak's choice of this location highlights the spiritual opposition the Israelites faced [[Numbers 22:41]].
* **A Place of Inheritance:** The inclusion of Bamothbaal in the list of cities within Israel's allotted territory demonstrates God's fulfillment of His promise, turning a place of foreign worship into a possession for His people [[Joshua 13:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1120}}` is more than a simple place name. It is a location that embodies the transition of Israel from a wandering people to a nation taking possession of its inheritance. From a waypoint in the wilderness [[Numbers 21:19]] and a stronghold of pagan opposition [[Numbers 22:41]] to a city within Israel's territory [[Joshua 13:17]], Bamoth illustrates the theme of God's power to overcome and reclaim the land for His purposes.
TRV