The Hebrew name Baʻal Chermôwn, represented by H1179, translates to "possessor of Hermon." As a proper noun, Baal-hermon refers to a specific location in Palestine. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, consistently used to delineate geographical areas.
In the biblical narrative, H1179 functions exclusively as a geographical landmark to define territorial boundaries. In Judges, it is used to describe the extent of the land inhabited by the Hivites, which stretched from "mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath" Judges 3:3. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles, it marks the northern reach of the territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh, which "increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon" 1 Chronicles 5:23.
Several related words help establish the geographical context of Baal-hermon:
- H2768 Chermôwn (abrupt; Chermon, a mount of Palestine): This term is directly related, as Baal-hermon is the "possessor of Hermon." Its connection is made explicit in the text, which mentions "Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon" 1 Chronicles 5:23.
- H2022 har (a mountain or range of hills): This word provides the topographical context for Baal-hermon, which is described as a mount Judges 3:3 and is located in a mountainous region that includes Mount Hermon 1 Chronicles 5:23 and Mount Lebanon Judges 3:3.
- H3844 Lᵉbânôwn ((the) white mountain... Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine): This landmark is used to situate Baal-hermon, identifying the dwelling place of the Hivites as "in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon" Judges 3:3.
The significance of H1179 is primarily geographical, serving as a key reference point in the Old Testament.
- Territorial Boundary: Its primary role is to mark the limits of a region. It defines the northern border of the land occupied by the half-tribe of Manasseh 1 Chronicles 5:23.
- Landmark for Peoples: Baal-hermon is used to specify the area inhabited by the Hivites who remained in the land of Canaan after the Israelite conquest Judges 3:3.
- Regional Pinpoint: The name helps distinguish a specific location within the greater mountain ranges of Hermon and Lebanon, providing greater precision to the biblical geography.
In summary, H1179 Baal-hermon is a specific place name whose meaning, "possessor of Hermon," connects it directly to the major landmark of Mount Hermon. Though appearing infrequently, its function in scripture is clear and consistent: to act as a precise geographical marker that defines the boundaries of territories and the locations of specific people groups in ancient Palestine.
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