The Hebrew word Baʻălîyç, represented by H1185, is the proper name of an Ammonitish king. Its probable meaning is "in exultation." This name is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single biblical reference to H1185 occurs in the book of Jeremiah. In the narrative, a warning is brought to Gedaliah, the governor of Judah, about a conspiracy against his life. The text asks, "Dost thou certainly know H3045 that Baalis H1185 the king H4428 of the Ammonites hath sent H7971 Ishmael the son H1121 of Nethaniah to slay H5221 thee?" Jeremiah 40:14. This verse establishes Baalis as a hostile foreign ruler orchestrating a plot. The account tragically concludes that Gedaliah did not believe H539 the report.
Several related figures and terms from this passage help clarify the context of Baalis's actions:
- H4428 melek (a king): This title is applied directly to Baalis, defining his royal status and authority over the Ammonite people Jeremiah 40:14.
- H1436 Gᵉdalyâh (Gedaliah): As the governor of Judah and son of Ahikam H296, he is the target of the assassination plot orchestrated by Baalis. The narrative crucially notes that he did not believe the warning he received Jeremiah 40:14.
- H3458 Yishmâʻêʼl (Ishmael): Identified as the son of Nethaniah H5418, he is the agent whom Baalis sent to carry out the murder of Gedaliah Jeremiah 40:14.
The brief mention of H1185 highlights several important themes within its immediate context:
- Political Conspiracy: The account of Baalis introduces a story of international intrigue. As the Ammonite king H4428, he secretly plans to destabilize Judah by having its governor assassinated Jeremiah 40:14.
- Foreign Hostility: Baalis personifies the threat posed by neighboring kingdoms. His plot to slay H5221 Gedaliah is a clear act of aggression from the Ammonites H5983 against the vulnerable remnant of Judah.
- Unheeded Warnings: The narrative serves as a stark example of disregarded counsel. Gedaliah is explicitly told of the threat from Baalis but refuses to believe it, a decision that ultimately leads to his death Jeremiah 40:14.
In summary, Baʻălîyç H1185 is the name of an Ammonite king mentioned once in Scripture. His appearance in Jeremiah 40:14 portrays him as a conspirator and an enemy of the people of Judah. While a minor figure, the story involving Baalis provides a potent illustration of political treachery, foreign opposition, and the fatal consequences of failing to heed a credible warning during a tumultuous period of Israel's history.
TRV