The Hebrew name Baʻal Hâmôwn, represented by H1174, literally means possessor of a multitude. It is a proper name for a place in Palestine. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, making its singular appearance highly specific.
The sole use of H1174 is in the Song of Solomon, where it serves as the location for a significant vineyard. In the narrative, Solomon H8010 possesses a vineyard H3754 at Baal-hamon. He entrusts, or lets out H5414, this vineyard to keepers H5201. The arrangement stipulates that each keeper was required to bring H935 a thousand H505 pieces of silver H3701 in exchange for its fruit H6529 Song of Solomon 8:11. This verse establishes Baal-hamon as a place of great value and agricultural productivity.
The context of Baal-hamon is enriched by several related words from its only verse:
- H3754 kerem (vineyard): This word for a garden or vineyard is central to the passage. Symbolically, the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is identified as the house of Israel Isaiah 5:7.
- H5201 nâṭar (to guard; keep(-er)): This root describes the role of the caretakers. It can also mean to bear grudge or reserve anger, but in this context, it refers to guardianship, as seen when the speaker in Song of Solomon is made the keeper of the vineyards Song of Solomon 1:6.
- H6529 pᵉrîy (fruit): The product of the vineyard, fruit, is the basis of the payment. This term is used both literally and figuratively throughout scripture to signify a reward or the outcome of one's actions, with the Lord giving to every man according to the fruit of his doings Jeremiah 17:10.
- H505 ʼeleph (thousand): This term specifies the quantity of the payment, a thousand pieces of silver. It often signifies a large, significant number, as when God promises to keep his covenant and mercy to a thousand generations Deuteronomy 7:9.
The story set in H1174 carries significant thematic weight concerning value and stewardship.
- A Place of Abundance: The name itself, "possessor of a multitude," and its use as the site of a productive vineyard H3754 belonging to Solomon H8010, marks Baal-hamon as a place of great fruitfulness and wealth.
- Stewardship and Accountability: The vineyard is let out H5414 to keepers H5201, who are held accountable for its production. This illustrates a clear principle of entrusting resources to others and expecting a return.
- Quantifiable Value: The expected return is not abstract but specific: a thousand H505 pieces of silver H3701 for its fruit H6529. This assigns a tangible, monetary value to the vineyard's productivity, linking labor and care to a defined reward.
In summary, while H1174 Baʻal Hâmôwn is mentioned only once, its appearance is memorable. It serves as the backdrop for a concise illustration of ownership, stewardship, and the inherent value of a fruitful enterprise. The passage in Song of Solomon uses this location to anchor a narrative about responsibility and the tangible rewards that come from tending to a valuable resource.
TRV