from בַּעַל and מָעוֹן; Baal of (the) habitation (of) (compare בֵּית בַּעַל מְעוֹן); Baal-Meon, a place East of the Jordan; Baal-meon.
Transliteration:Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn
Pronunciation:bah-al meh-one'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בַּעַל מְעוֹן (Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn, `{{H1186}}`) is a compound toponym, a place name derived from two distinct Hebrew roots. The first element, בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`), primarily denotes "lord," "master," or "owner," but is famously associated with the prominent Canaanite storm god Baal, a chief deity in the Canaanite pantheon. The second element, מָעוֹן (maʻon, `{{H4583}}`), signifies "dwelling," "habitation," or "refuge." Therefore, the literal meaning of Baal-meon is "Baal of Habitation" or "Lord of Dwelling." This etymology strongly suggests a place dedicated to or under the dominion of the deity Baal, likely serving as a cultic center or a significant settlement within a region associated with Baal worship. Its semantic range is primarily geographical, identifying a specific location, but inherently imbued with religious significance due to its titular dedication to a pagan deity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Baal-meon is consistently located in Transjordan, east of the Jordan River. Its occurrences in the biblical text trace its shifting political and religious affiliations:
* **Israelite Allotment:** In the distribution of land, Baal-meon is explicitly mentioned as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben after the conquest of Transjordan. [[Numbers 32:38]] lists it among the cities rebuilt by the Reubenites, noting parenthetically, "whose names are changed." This suggests an attempt by the Israelites to rename or re-appropriate the city, likely to divest it of its pagan connotations, though the original name evidently persisted. [[Joshua 13:17]] reiterates its inclusion within Reuben's inheritance, and [[1 Chronicles 5:8]] confirms its place in the genealogical and territorial records of Reuben. These instances highlight the Israelites' encounter with, and partial assimilation of, pre-existing Canaanite place names and their associated religious significance.
* **Moabite Control and Prophetic Judgment:** Later prophetic texts indicate that Baal-meon came under Moabite control, a nation frequently at odds with Israel and known for its worship of Chemosh and other deities. Both [[Jeremiah 48:23]] and [[Ezekiel 25:9]] list Baal-meon among the cities of Moab that are destined for divine judgment. Notably, [[Jeremiah 48:23]] refers to it as "Beth-Baal-meon" (`{{H1004}}` + `{{H1167}}` + `{{H4583}}`), meaning "House of Baal of Habitation." This variant spelling further emphasizes its character as a significant settlement or a cultic center, reinforcing its association with pagan worship within Moabite territory. Its inclusion in these judgment oracles underscores its status as a stronghold of idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding Baal-meon requires an appreciation of its constituent parts and broader biblical themes:
* **Baal (`{{H1167}}`):** The primary deity associated with the name. Baal worship was a pervasive and persistent rival to the worship of Yahweh in ancient Israel, characterized by fertility rites, child sacrifice, and the assertion of Baal's control over rain and crops. The presence of "Baal" in the toponym directly connects Baal-meon to this significant theological conflict.
* **Maʻon (`{{H4583}}`):** "Dwelling" or "habitation." This element signifies a settled place, potentially a significant town or a cultic site where Baal was worshipped or believed to reside.
* **Bayith/Beth (`{{H1004}}`):** "House." The variant "Beth-Baal-meon" emphasizes the "house of" aspect, which could refer to a prominent temple, a specific sanctuary, or simply a major settlement. Many ancient Near Eastern place names incorporated "Beth" (e.g., Beth-El, Beth-lehem).
* **Toponyms with "Baal":** Baal-meon is one of many ancient place names in the Levant that incorporated "Baal" (e.g., Baal-Hazor, Baal-Perazim, Baal-Peor), reflecting the widespread influence of Baal worship across various regions and peoples.
* **Idolatry and Syncretism:** The very existence of such a name within Israelite territory, even if partially renamed, highlights the constant struggle against idolatry and the syncretistic tendencies among the Israelites. The persistence of such names underscores the challenge of fully eradicating pagan influence.
* **Moab:** The later association of Baal-meon with Moab in prophetic literature links it to a persistent enemy of Israel and a nation deeply entrenched in paganism, particularly the worship of Chemosh.
### Theological Significance
Baal-meon carries profound theological significance, serving as a microcosm of broader biblical themes:
* **The Pervasiveness of Idolatry:** The existence and persistence of a place named "Baal of Habitation" within the promised land, even after Israelite conquest, vividly illustrates the deeply entrenched nature of Baal worship and the constant spiritual battle faced by Israel. It reminds us that the land itself bore the marks of pagan dominion, a challenge to Yahweh's exclusive claim.
* **Yahweh's Sovereignty over Pagan Deities:** Despite Baal's asserted dominion over specific territories, the biblical narrative consistently affirms Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over all lands and peoples. The judgment pronounced against Moab, including cities like Baal-meon, in the prophetic books (e.g., [[Jeremiah 48:23]], [[Ezekiel 25:9]]) powerfully demonstrates Yahweh's power to dismantle the strongholds of idolatry and to humble those who defy Him. This serves as a testament to Yahweh's supremacy over all false gods.
* **The Struggle for Purity and Identity:** The note in [[Numbers 32:38]] about the names being "changed" reflects an Israelite attempt to de-paganize the land and assert Yahweh's ownership. While the original name often persisted, this act signifies a desire to consecrate the land to Yahweh and to distinguish Israel's identity from the surrounding pagan cultures. It highlights the ongoing tension between the ideal of a holy nation and the reality of its historical and cultural context.
* **Divine Judgment and Restoration:** The inclusion of Baal-meon in prophecies of judgment against Moab underscores God's righteous wrath against nations that persist in idolatry and oppose His people. The destruction of such pagan centers is not merely punitive but also serves to vindicate Yahweh's name and to clear the way for His redemptive purposes.
### Summary
Baal-meon (`{{H1186}}`, בַּעַל מְעוֹן), meaning "Baal of Habitation," is a place name of significant theological import, derived from `{{H1167}}` (Baal) and `{{H4583}}` (maʻon). Located east of the Jordan, it was initially part of the Reubenite inheritance, as recorded in [[Numbers 32:38]] and [[Joshua 13:17]]. The biblical text notes an attempt to change its pagan name, yet the original form, and its variant "Beth-Baal-meon" (`{{H1004}}` + `{{H1167}}` + `{{H4583}}`), persisted. Later, Baal-meon fell under Moabite control, appearing in prophetic judgments against Moab in [[Jeremiah 48:23]] and [[Ezekiel 25:9]], signifying its continued association with idolatry. Theologically, Baal-meon serves as a tangible symbol of the pervasive nature of Baal worship in the ancient Near East and the constant spiritual struggle faced by Israel. It underscores Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over all lands and deities, demonstrating His power to judge and dismantle the strongholds of false gods. The history of Baal-meon thus reflects the profound tension between Israel's divine calling to holiness and the persistent allure of the surrounding pagan cultures, culminating in God's righteous vindication of His own name.
TRV