from the plural of בַּעַל and יְהוּדָה; masters of Judah; Baale-Jehudah, a place in Palestine; Baale of Judah.
Transliteration:Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh
Pronunciation:bah-al-ay' yeh-hoo-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase בַּעֲלֵי יְהוּדָה (Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H1184}}`) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a geographical designation. Its etymology provides insight into its meaning: it is derived from the plural construct form of בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`), meaning "owner" or "master," and יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, `{{H3063}}`), referring to Judah, the tribe or territory. Thus, the literal translation is "masters of Judah" or "possessors of Judah." As a place name, it designates a specific location within the territory of Judah. While the underlying components speak to ownership or dominion, in its usage as `{{H1184}}`, the semantic range is limited to identifying this particular site. The naming convention likely reflects the historical control or significant presence of the tribe of Judah in that area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The designation בַּעֲלֵי יְהוּדָה (Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H1184}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, specifically in [[2 Samuel 6:2]]. This verse describes King David's initial attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from its long-term resting place to Jerusalem: "And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim."
The parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 13:6]] refers to the same location as "Baalah, to Kirjath-jearim, which belongs to Judah." This indicates that "Baale-judah" is either an alternative name for Kirjath-jearim (`{{H7157}}`), a specific district or prominent feature within it, or a more descriptive name emphasizing its tribal affiliation. Kirjath-jearim, meaning "city of forests," was a Gibeonite city that later fell within the inheritance of Judah. The Ark had resided there for twenty years, in the house of Abinadab, following its return from Philistine captivity ([[1 Samuel 7:1-2]]).
The context of its sole appearance is crucial. It marks the starting point of the ill-fated journey of the Ark of the Covenant. It is from this location that Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark and is struck down by God, highlighting the sanctity of the Ark and the divine requirements for its handling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of בַּעֲלֵי יְהוּדָה (Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H1184}}`) are:
* **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`):** This root word is multifaceted. While famously associated with the pagan Canaanite deity Baal, its fundamental meaning is "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband." In the context of a place name like Baale-judah, it signifies possession or belonging, indicating that the place was "owned by" or "pertained to" Judah. This usage distinguishes it from its idolatrous connotations.
* **יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, `{{H3063}}`):** Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, whose descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This tribe became dominant, giving rise to the Davidic monarchy and the southern kingdom. The inclusion of "Judah" in the place name firmly anchors its geographical and tribal identity.
* **קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Kirjath-jearim, `{{H7157}}`):** As noted, this is the more common name for the location from which David attempted to move the Ark. Its connection to Baale-judah is vital for understanding the geographical context. The name "Kirjath-jearim" means "city of forests," contrasting with the "masters of Judah" designation which emphasizes tribal ownership.
* **אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים (Aron ha'Elohim, Ark of God):** The Ark of the Covenant is intrinsically linked to Baale-judah/Kirjath-jearim, as it resided there for decades. The Ark represented God's presence among His people and was the focal point of Israelite worship and law.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical proper noun, the direct theological significance of בַּעֲלֵי יְהוּדָה (Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H1184}}`) is primarily tied to the events that transpired there.
1. **The Ark's Long Sojourn:** The fact that the Ark of the Covenant had remained at Kirjath-jearim/Baale-judah for twenty years ([[1 Samuel 7:2]]) before David's initiative highlights a period of spiritual neglect or dormancy concerning the proper dwelling place of God's presence. Its location, "masters of Judah," could subtly imply that Judah, as the leading tribe, bore responsibility for its oversight.
2. **The Sanctity of God's Presence:** The most profound theological lesson associated with this location is the tragic death of Uzzah ([[2 Samuel 6:6-7]]). As the Ark was being moved from Baale-judah, Uzzah reached out to steady it and was struck down. This event powerfully underscores the absolute holiness of God and the strict requirements for approaching and handling sacred things. It serves as a stark reminder that God's presence is not to be treated lightly or according to human presumption, but with utmost reverence and obedience to divine commands. The incident at Baale-judah emphasizes the unapproachable purity of God and the consequences of violating His holiness, even with seemingly good intentions.
3. **David's Learning Experience:** The incident at Baale-judah forced David to reconsider his approach to divine matters. He learned that zeal must be tempered with obedience to God's prescribed methods (e.g., the Ark was to be carried by Levites on poles, not transported on a cart). This theological lesson was crucial for David's leadership and the future establishment of the Ark in Jerusalem.
### Summary
בַּעֲלֵי יְהוּדָה (Baʻălêy Yᵉhûwdâh, `{{H1184}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, meaning "masters of Judah" or "possessors of Judah," identifying a specific place in the territory of Judah. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[2 Samuel 6:2]], where it serves as the starting point for King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This location is identified elsewhere as Kirjath-jearim (`{{H7157}}`). The primary theological significance of Baale-judah stems from the events that occurred there, particularly the death of Uzzah. This tragic incident powerfully illustrates the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of strict adherence to divine commands when approaching His sacred presence. The name, while literally descriptive of tribal ownership, is most significantly remembered as the place where a vital lesson about reverence for God was learned at great cost.
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