### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Baʻălêy Bâmôwth**, represented by `{{H1181}}`, literally means **lords of the high places**. This compound word is also used to refer to Baale-Bamoth, a place located East of the Jordan. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1181}}` is in a poetic song of conquest recorded in the book of Numbers. The passage describes a destructive military victory, stating, "For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the **lords of the high places** of Arnon" [[Numbers 21:28]]. In this context, the term refers to the ruling powers or significant sites within the territory of Arnon that were destroyed as part of the conquest.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the geographical and political context of this event:
* `{{H2809}}` **Cheshbôwn** (Heshbon): This is a place East of the Jordan, identified as the royal city of King Sihon of the Amorites [[Numbers 21:34]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): This name refers to the descendants of Lot as well as their territory. The destruction of Ar of Moab is a key part of the event described [[Numbers 21:28]].
* `{{H769}}` **ʼArnôwn** (Arnon): Described as a brawling stream, this is a river and territory east of the Jordan. The "lords of the high places" were specifically located in this region [[Judges 11:26]].
* `{{H5511}}` **Çîychôwn** (Sihon): An Amoritish king whose city, Heshbon, was the source of the "fire" and "flame" that brought about the destruction [[Numbers 21:28]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1181}}` is tied entirely to its singular, dramatic context of judgment and conquest.
* **Judgment on Local Powers:** The term "lords of the high places" signifies the local authorities or perhaps pagan worship centers. Their consumption by fire represents a complete and total judgment against the existing powers in the land [[Numbers 21:28]].
* **Territorial Victory:** The destruction of the "lords of the high places of Arnon" is cited as evidence of the overthrow of the region's leadership, clearing the way for Israel to possess the land. It marks a decisive moment in the conquest narrative.
* **Poetic Symbolism:** Within the song, the phrase functions as a powerful symbol of utter defeat. By mentioning the destruction of not just a city (Ar) but also the regional "lords," the text emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the victory over Moab.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1181}}` is a unique geographical and political descriptor. Its single use in scripture is not as a common noun but to identify a specific group or location, the **lords of the high places of Arnon**. Its appearance within a victory song serves to highlight the totality of the conquest over the powers of Moab and the Amorites, cementing its meaning as a symbol of overthrown authority.
TRV