### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Baʻal Bᵉrîyth**, represented by `{{H1170}}`, is defined as **Baal of (the) covenant** and refers to **a special deity of the Shechemites**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is formed from the words `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** and בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth), signifying a perverse appropriation of the concept of a covenant for idolatrous worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative context for `{{H1170}}` is found exclusively in the book of Judges, marking a period of significant spiritual decline for Israel. As soon as the judge **Gideon** `{{H1439}}` was **dead** `{{H4191}}`, the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` **turned again** `{{H7725}}` and symbolically **went a whoring** `{{H2181}}` by making **Baalberith** their **god** `{{H430}}` [[Judges 8:33]]. This new worship was quickly institutionalized, as its temple, the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Baalberith**, was used to fund the ambitions of **Abimelech** `{{H40}}`. He was **gave** `{{H5414}}` seventy pieces of **silver** `{{H3701}}` from the temple to **hire** `{{H7936}}` **vain** `{{H7386}}` and **light** `{{H6348}}` **persons** `{{H582}}` to consolidate his power [[Judges 9:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context surrounding **Baalberith**:
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal**: As the primary component of the name, this word refers to **a Phoenician deity**. Its use signals a direct turn towards the pagan gods of the surrounding nations, a choice directly challenged in scripture [[1 Kings 18:21]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh**: This root, meaning to **commit idolatry**, is used to describe Israel’s action. It figuratively casts the nation as a spouse to Jehovah, making the worship of other gods an act of spiritual adultery [[Judges 8:33]].
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn**: His name means **feller (i.e. warrior)**. The worship of `{{H1170}}` begins immediately upon his death, highlighting the fragility of Israel's faithfulness without a strong, righteous leader [[Judges 8:33]].
* `{{H40}}` **ʼĂbîymelek**: Defined as **father of (the) king**, his story shows the practical outworking of this apostasy, as he uses the resources of this idol's temple to fund treachery [[Judges 9:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1170}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes:
* **Covenant Betrayal:** The very name "Baal of the covenant" is a blasphemous parody of Israel's relationship with God. By establishing a covenant with a false deity, **Israel** `{{H3478}}` directly violates its sacred pact with Jehovah.
* **The Cycle of Apostasy:** The appearance of **Baalberith** immediately **after** `{{H310}}` Gideon’s death illustrates the recurring cycle in Judges: a leader delivers Israel, the people serve God during the leader's life, and then they quickly fall back into sin once that leader is gone [[Judges 8:33]].
* **Idolatry's Corrupting Influence:** The worship of **Baalberith** leads directly to social and political corruption. Its **house** `{{H1004}}` becomes a treasury that finances violence, demonstrating that turning from the true **God** `{{H430}}` results in the decay of justice and righteousness within the nation [[Judges 9:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1170}}` **Baʻal Bᵉrîyth** is not merely the name of an idol; it is a symbol of profound spiritual treason. Its presence in the biblical record serves as a stark reminder of Israel's tendency to stray, the direct link between false worship and societal corruption, and the gravity of breaking covenant with God. The story shows how quickly a nation could **turn again** `{{H7725}}` to practices that God had forbidden, with disastrous consequences.
TRV