### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Baʻal**, represented by `{{H1168}}`, names a prominent Phoenician deity. It appears **80 times** across **68 unique verses** in the Bible, often in its plural form, **Baalim**, referring to various local manifestations of the god. The term signifies a direct challenge to the worship of the LORD, representing a central figure of idolatry for the people of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1168}}` is consistently associated with Israel's apostasy. The worship of Baal was notably promoted by King Ahab through his wife Jezebel, who was the daughter of the king of the Zidonians [[1 Kings 16:31]]. This led to the famous confrontation where the prophet Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel to prove whose God was real ([[1 Kings 18:21]], [[1 Kings 18:22]]). The prophets of Baal cried out to their god from morning until noon but received no answer [[1 Kings 18:26]]. The cycle of the Israelites doing evil in the sight of the LORD by serving the Baalim is a recurring theme, particularly in the book of Judges [[Judges 2:11]]. Worship practices included building high places and burning sons as offerings, acts the LORD stated He never commanded [[Jeremiah 19:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Baal worship:
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (an elevation; high place, etc.): These were primary sites for idolatrous worship, where altars to Baal were often constructed ([[2 Kings 21:3]], [[Jeremiah 19:5]]).
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): Central to Baal worship, these altars were built by kings like Ahab and destroyed by reformers like Gideon and the people under Jehoiada's direction ([[Judges 6:25]], [[2 Kings 11:18]]).
* `{{H842}}` **ʼăshêrâh** (grove; also an image of the goddess Asherah): These sacred poles or images were frequently erected alongside Baal's altars as part of the polytheistic practices adopted by Israel ([[Judges 6:25]], [[2 Kings 21:3]]).
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or inspired man): Baal had his own prophets who acted in his name and were seen as direct adversaries to the prophets of the LORD ([[1 Kings 18:19]], [[Jeremiah 2:8]]).
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to work; by implication, to serve): The act of "serving" Baal is the term repeatedly used to describe Israel's worship of this false god, a direct violation of their covenant with the LORD ([[Judges 2:11]], [[1 Kings 16:31]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1168}}` is defined by its opposition to the LORD.
* **Covenant Unfaithfulness:** To serve Baal was to forsake the LORD. The Israelites themselves confessed this, saying, "We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim" [[1 Samuel 12:10]]. This worship is described as "going a whoring after Baalim" [[Judges 8:33]].
* **Corrupting Influence:** The worship of Baal was taught by fathers to their children, causing subsequent generations to forget the name of the LORD ([[Jeremiah 9:14]], [[Jeremiah 23:27]]). Prophets prophesied by Baal, causing the people of Israel to err [[Jeremiah 23:13]].
* **Provocation to Anger:** Offering incense and sacrifices to Baal was a chief means by which the house of Israel and Judah provoked the LORD to anger [[Jeremiah 11:17]]. These acts were considered an abomination [[Jeremiah 32:35]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The worship of Baalim is presented as a direct cause for judgment, leading to the LORD cutting off the remnant of Baal and destroying his images, priests, and houses of worship ([[Zephaniah 1:4]], [[2 Kings 10:27]], [[2 Kings 11:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** represents the primary spiritual adversary to the LORD in the Old Testament narrative. It is not merely an idol but the embodiment of a rival religious system that Israel repeatedly turned to, breaking their covenant. The worship of Baal, marked by high places, immoral acts, and even child sacrifice, stood in stark contrast to the law of the LORD and consistently resulted in divine judgment and the nation's downfall. The struggle against Baʻal is a central conflict in Israel's spiritual history.
TRV