from בַּעַל and a modification of חָצֵר; possessor of a village; Baal-Chatsor, a place in Palestine; Baal-hazor.
Transliteration:Baʻal Châtsôwr
Pronunciation:bah'-al khaw-tsore'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1178}}` (Baʻal Châtsôwr) is a proper noun, a place name, derived from two constituent elements: `{{H1167}}` (Baʻal) and a modification of `{{H2691}}` (Châtsêr). The literal meaning of `{{H1167}}` is "owner" or "lord," while `{{H2691}}` refers to an "enclosure," "courtyard," or "village." Thus, `{{H1178}}` translates literally as "possessor of a village," "lord of the enclosure," or "lord of the court." This etymology suggests a location of some significance, perhaps a fortified settlement or a prominent rural estate. Unlike many place names incorporating "Baal," which often indicate a connection to the Canaanite deity, the context of `{{H1178}}` suggests a more benign, possessive meaning, referring to a specific owner or a prominent feature of the locale.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name `{{H1178}}` appears only once in the biblical narrative, in the book of Samuel:
* **[[2 Samuel 13:23]]**: "Now Absalom had sheep-shearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king's sons."
This single occurrence places Baal-hazor geographically "near Ephraim," indicating its location within the tribal territory of Ephraim, likely in the central hill country of Israel. The context is crucial: Baal-hazor serves as the setting for Absalom's sheep-shearing feast, an event that becomes a meticulously planned trap for his half-brother Amnon. Absalom uses this festive occasion as a pretext to gather the royal sons, ultimately orchestrating Amnon's assassination in revenge for the rape of Tamar. The seemingly innocent pastoral setting of a sheep-shearing festival at Baal-hazor thus becomes the backdrop for a heinous act of fratricide and an early, pivotal moment in Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. The specific mention of the location emphasizes its role as the chosen site for this dark turning point in David's family and kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H1178}}` offer insight into its meaning and connections:
* **`{{H1167}}` (Baʻal):** While often associated with the Canaanite storm god (e.g., Baal-Peor, Baal-Zebub), in `{{H1178}}`, it functions as a common noun meaning "lord," "master," or "owner." This is similar to its use in other proper nouns like Baal-shalisha (`{{H1187}}`, "lord of three things") or as a descriptor for a husband (e.g., [[Exodus 21:22]]). The absence of any cultic activity at Baal-hazor in the biblical account supports this interpretation.
* **`{{H2691}}` (Châtsêr):** This root denotes an "enclosure," "courtyard," "village," or "settlement." It often refers to unfortified settlements or those surrounding a larger city. Its presence in `{{H1178}}` suggests a rural, perhaps agricultural, setting, consistent with the sheep-shearing context.
* **Geographical Place Names:** The Bible contains numerous place names incorporating "Baal," such as Baal-gad ([[Joshua 11:17]]), Baal-meon ([[Numbers 32:38]]), and Baal-perazim ([[2 Samuel 5:20]]). Each must be interpreted contextually, as "Baal" can signify divine association, ownership, or a prominent feature. Baal-hazor, by its specific context, falls into the latter category, denoting a "place of the lord/owner of the enclosure."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Baal-hazor is derived not from its name itself, but from the tragic events that transpired there. This location serves as the stage for a profound demonstration of the consequences of sin and the unraveling of David's household.
1. **Consequences of Sin:** The murder of Amnon at Baal-hazor is a direct result of Amnon's earlier rape of Tamar, and David's failure to administer justice. It underscores the biblical principle that sin has far-reaching and devastating consequences, often within the family unit ([[2 Samuel 12:10-11]]).
2. **Divine Judgment and Prophetic Fulfillment:** While not explicitly stated as divine judgment *at* Baal-hazor, the events align with Nathan's prophecy to David regarding the sword never departing from his house due to his own sin ([[2 Samuel 12:10]]). Baal-hazor becomes a physical manifestation of this unfolding judgment within the royal family.
3. **Human Deception and Betrayal:** Absalom's elaborate deception, cloaking his murderous intent under the guise of a festive celebration, highlights the depths of human depravity and the insidious nature of revenge. The seemingly idyllic setting of Baal-hazor contrasts sharply with the dark machinations occurring within its confines.
4. **The Fragility of Royal Succession:** The events at Baal-hazor destabilize David's kingdom and set the stage for Absalom's rebellion, illustrating the challenges and moral failures that can plague even divinely appointed leadership.
Thus, Baal-hazor, though a mere geographical marker, becomes a potent symbol of betrayal, vengeance, and the bitter harvest reaped from unaddressed sin within a family and a nation.
### Summary
`{{H1178}}` (Baʻal Châtsôwr) is a Hebrew place name meaning "possessor of a village" or "lord of the enclosure," derived from `{{H1167}}` (Baʻal, as "lord/owner") and `{{H2691}}` (Châtsêr, "enclosure/village"). It appears uniquely in [[2 Samuel 13:23]] as the location of Absalom's sheep-shearing feast near Ephraim. This seemingly innocuous setting became the infamous stage for Absalom's premeditated murder of his half-brother Amnon, a pivotal act of revenge that deeply fractured David's family and kingdom. The theological significance of Baal-hazor lies not in its etymology, but in its role as the backdrop for this tragic event, illustrating the devastating consequences of sin, the fulfillment of prophetic judgment, and the profound themes of deception and betrayal within the Davidic dynasty.
TRV