### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh**, represented by `{{H1184}}`, refers to a specific location in Palestine known as **Baale of Judah**. Derived from words meaning "masters of Judah," it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as the site of a singular, significant event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1184}}` is in [[2 Samuel 6:2]], which chronicles a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The verse states that **David** `{{H1732}}` **arose** `{{H6965}}` and **went** `{{H3212}}` with all his **people** `{{H5971}}` from **Baale of Judah** to **bring up** `{{H5927}}` the **ark** `{{H727}}` of **God** `{{H430}}`. This location serves as the starting point for the procession to return the Ark, which is identified by the **name** `{{H8034}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` of **hosts** `{{H6635}}` who **dwelleth** `{{H3427}}` between the **cherubims** `{{H3742}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from this event give context to the importance of the location:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The central figure in this narrative, a man described as "loving" and the youngest son of Jesse. He is the king who leads the effort to restore the Ark to its central place in Israel [[2 Samuel 6:2]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): This word for a box or chest refers to the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred object upon which God would commune with His people from between the **cherubims** `{{H3742}}`, as described in [[Exodus 25:22]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (God): This term for the supreme God signifies that the Ark being retrieved from **Baale of Judah** is not merely a national symbol, but the very representation of the divine presence of **God** Himself [[2 Samuel 6:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of this event at `{{H1184}}` is substantial, underscoring key principles of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Restoration of God's Presence:** The journey from **Baale of Judah** signifies the end of a period where the Ark, representing God's presence, was separated from the people. The Ark is explicitly called by the **name** `{{H8034}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` of **hosts** `{{H6635}}` who **dwelleth** `{{H3427}}` between the **cherubims** `{{H3742}}`, highlighting its profound holiness [[2 Samuel 6:2]].
* **Kingly Responsibility:** **David's** `{{H1732}}` leadership in this procession demonstrates the king's role in guiding the nation's worship and ensuring God is honored. He gathers all the **people** `{{H5971}}` for this sacred task.
* **The Centrality of Worship:** Bringing the **ark** `{{H727}}` up from this location was a foundational step in establishing Jerusalem as the political and, more importantly, the spiritual center of the nation, where God's presence would dwell.
### Summary
In summary, while **Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh** `{{H1184}}` is mentioned only once, its significance is immense. It is not just a place name but the geographical anchor for the historic moment when King David began the process of returning the Ark of God to its rightful place at the heart of Israel. This single verse marks a turning point in the nation's spiritual life, initiated at this specific location.
TRV