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.
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.
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.
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.
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