from בַּעַל and חֶרְמוֹן; possessor of Hermon; Baal-Chermon, a place in Palestine; Baal-hermon.
Transliteration:Baʻal Chermôwn
Pronunciation:bah'-al kher-mone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בַּעַל חֶרְמוֹן (Baʻal Chermôwn, `{{H1179}}`) is a compound proper noun, literally translating to "Lord of Hermon" or "Possessor of Hermon." It is derived from two distinct elements: בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`) and חֶרְמוֹן (Chermôwn, `{{H2768}}`). The term בַּעַל, while famously associated with the Canaanite deity Baal, fundamentally signifies "owner," "master," or "lord" in a broader sense. When used in place names, it often denotes a location "belonging to" or "characterized by" a particular feature, person, or even deity. In this specific construct, combined with חֶרְמוֹן (Mount Hermon), it designates a geographical location in the vicinity of the prominent mountain. Its semantic range is primarily geographical, identifying a specific region or settlement associated with Mount Hermon, rather than necessarily an active center of Baal worship, though the potential for pagan influence in the region was ever-present.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בַּעַל חֶרְמוֹן (Baʻal Chermôwn, `{{H1179}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 3:3]]: "namely, the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath."
In this sole occurrence, Baal-hermon functions as a geographical marker, delineating the northern extent of the territory inhabited by the Hivites within Mount Lebanon. This passage describes the nations that the Lord left in the land to test Israel, as the Israelites had failed to fully dispossess them. The mention of "Mount Baal-hermon" helps to define the boundaries of the unconquered territories, specifically those occupied by the Hivites. Its placement alongside "Lebo-hamath" (the entrance of Hamath) clearly indicates its role as a significant landmark in the northern reaches of the Promised Land. The context is purely descriptive and geographical, indicating a known point of reference for the audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of בַּעַל חֶרְמוֹן (Baʻal Chermôwn, `{{H1179}}`) are significant in their own right:
* **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`):** This word carries a rich semantic load. As a common noun, it signifies "owner," "master," "husband," or "possessor" (e.g., "owner of an ox" in [[Exodus 21:28]]). As a proper noun, it refers to the prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, Baal, whose worship was a constant spiritual threat to Israel. In place names like Baal-peor, Baal-hazor, or Baal-shalisha, it can denote either a place dedicated to Baal worship or simply a place "belonging to" or "characterized by" a certain feature. For Baal-Hermon, the latter interpretation ("possessor/lord of Hermon") as a geographical descriptor seems most fitting given its context.
* **חֶרְמוֹן (Chermôwn, `{{H2768}}`):** Mount Hermon is a majestic and highly significant geographical feature, marking the northernmost boundary of Israel's promised inheritance (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 3:8]], [[Joshua 12:1]]). It is known for its snow-capped peaks and as a source of the Jordan River. Its enduring presence in biblical geography underscores its importance as a landmark.
* **Unconquered Nations:** The mention of Baal-hermon in [[Judges 3:3]] is part of a list of nations (Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, Hivites) that remained in the land. This relates to the broader theme in Judges of Israel's incomplete conquest and the consequences of their disobedience in failing to drive out all the inhabitants as commanded by God ([[Deuteronomy 7:2]], [[Joshua 23:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בַּעַל חֶרְמוֹן (Baʻal Chermôwn, `{{H1179}}`) is primarily tied to its role as a geographical boundary marker within the narrative of Israel's early history in the land.
1. **Divine Purpose in Testing:** Its presence in [[Judges 3:3]] immediately connects it to God's stated purpose for leaving certain nations unconquered: "to test Israel by them, to see whether they would obey the commandments of the Lord" ([[Judges 3:4]]). Thus, Baal-hermon marks the extent of the spiritual and physical challenge that remained for Israel. It serves as a tangible reminder of the partial obedience of the previous generation and the ongoing need for faithfulness.
2. **Reminder of Unfinished Business:** The Hivites dwelling "from Mount Baal-hermon" symbolize the lingering presence of paganism and the incomplete fulfillment of God's command to dispossess the land. This failure led to spiritual compromise and cycles of apostasy throughout the period of the Judges.
3. **God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failure:** Even in Israel's disobedience, God remained sovereign. He used the unconquered peoples, including those up to Baal-hermon, as instruments for His purposes—to teach Israel warfare and to test their covenant fidelity. This demonstrates God's ability to work His will even through human shortcomings.
4. **The Nuance of "Baal":** While the name contains "Baal," its usage here is primarily geographical. This highlights that not every instance of "Baal" in a place name necessarily denotes a center of active Baal worship, though the proximity to such pagan influences was a constant spiritual danger for Israel. It underscores the pervasive nature of Canaanite culture in the land God had given to His people.
### Summary
בַּעַל חֶרְמוֹן (Baʻal Chermôwn, `{{H1179}}`) is a Hebrew compound proper noun meaning "Lord of Hermon" or "Possessor of Hermon." It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Judges 3:3]], where it serves as a geographical landmark, defining the northern extent of the Hivite territory within Mount Lebanon. This location was part of the unconquered lands that God purposefully left in the midst of Israel to test their obedience and teach them warfare. Its theological significance lies in its role as a marker of Israel's incomplete conquest, highlighting their partial obedience and God's sovereign use of these remaining nations as a means of testing and spiritual discipline. While containing the element "Baal," its primary function in this context is descriptive and geographical, rather than directly indicating a site of pagan worship.
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