from בַּעַל and שָׁלִשָׁה; Baal of Shalishah, Baal-Shalishah, a place in Palestine; Baal-shalisha.
Transliteration:Baʻal Shâlishâh
Pronunciation:bah'-al shaw-lee-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʻal Shâlishâh, `{{H1190}}`) is a compound proper noun, a geographical designation for a specific place in ancient Israel. Its meaning is derived from its two constituent parts: בַּעַל (Baʻal, `{{H1167}}`) and שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh).
The first element, בַּעַל, primarily means "owner," "master," or "lord." However, it is most famously known as the name of the prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity, Baal. In this context, its presence in a place name often indicates a locality where the worship of the god Baal was prevalent or where he was considered the patron deity.
The second element, שָׁלִשָׁה, is related to the Hebrew root for "three" or "third" (שָׁלֹשׁ, `{{H7969}}`). Its precise nuance in this compound name is debated. It could refer to a "third" region, a place on a "triple" hill, or perhaps denote a place of exceptional fertility, yielding a "threefold" harvest. Given Baal's association with fertility, the latter interpretation aligns well with the common understanding of his role in Canaanite religion.
Thus, בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה can be rendered as "Lord of Shalishah," "Baal of Shalishah," or potentially "Baal of the Third/Threefold Place," signifying a location under the dominion or patronage of Baal, perhaps known for its agricultural abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʻal Shâlishâh, `{{H1190}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 2 Kings:
* **[[2 Kings 4:42]]**: "A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some new ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, 'Give it to the people that they may eat.'"
This solitary occurrence provides a crucial glimpse into the interaction between the worship of Yahweh and the pervasive influence of Baal in ancient Israel. The context is the ministry of the prophet Elisha. A man from Baal-shalishah brings an offering of "firstfruits" (barley bread from the first ripe grain and new ears of grain) to Elisha, who is referred to as "the man of God." This act of bringing firstfruits is deeply rooted in Israelite worship of Yahweh, symbolizing gratitude and acknowledging divine provision.
The geographical location of Baal-shalishah is generally believed to be in the region of Ephraim, possibly northwest of Gilgal, in an agriculturally rich area. That a man from a place explicitly named after the Canaanite deity Baal would bring an offering to Yahweh's prophet is significant. It suggests either that not everyone in such areas adhered strictly to Baal worship, or that there was a recognition of Yahweh's power and the authority of His prophet even in areas influenced by paganism. Elisha's subsequent miracle of multiplying the bread to feed a hundred men ([[2 Kings 4:43-44]]) further underscores Yahweh's power over provision, directly challenging Baal's supposed domain as a god of fertility and abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʻal Shâlishâh, `{{H1190}}`) is enriched by examining its constituent parts and associated biblical themes:
* **בַּעַל (Baʻal, `{{H1167}}`)**: This is a foundational term for understanding the religious landscape of ancient Israel. Beyond its general meaning of "master" or "owner," it represents the primary rival deity to Yahweh in the Old Testament. The conflict between Yahweh and Baal worship is a central theme in books like Judges, 1 & 2 Kings, and the prophetic literature. The very name Baal-shalishah serves as a stark reminder of the syncretistic tendencies and spiritual struggles within Israel.
* **שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh)**: While not a distinct Strong's number in this context, it derives from the root for "three" (שָׁלֹשׁ, `{{H7969}}`). This numerical association can imply a "third" geographical division or, more likely given the context of Baal, a place of "threefold" yield or exceptional fertility. This ties into the concept of divine blessing and agricultural prosperity, domains often attributed to Baal by his worshippers but ultimately under Yahweh's control.
* **Firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkurim)**: The offering brought from Baal-shalishah was firstfruits. This concept is central to Israelite worship (e.g., [[Exodus 23:19]], [[Deuteronomy 26:1-11]]). It represents the dedication of the first and best of the harvest to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all provision. The fact that this offering comes from a place named after Baal highlights Yahweh's claim over all land and its produce, regardless of local pagan affiliations.
* **Prophetic Ministry**: The narrative in [[2 Kings 4]] is part of a larger collection of Elisha's miracles, which demonstrate Yahweh's power and care for His people. Elisha, like Elijah before him, actively confronts Baal worship and upholds Yahweh's sovereignty. The multiplication of bread from Baal-shalishah's offering echoes other miraculous provisions in the Bible, such as the manna in the wilderness or Jesus' feeding of the multitudes, all pointing to God's ability to provide abundantly.
### Theological Significance
The single mention of בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʻal Shâlishâh, `{{H1190}}`) carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and the persistent challenge of idolatry.
First, the name itself is a potent symbol of the pervasive influence of Baal worship in ancient Israel. Even in the northern kingdom, where Yahweh was nominally worshipped, the landscape was dotted with place names that honored pagan deities. This underscores the constant spiritual battle faced by the Israelites to remain faithful to their covenant God. The very existence of such a place name in a biblical narrative serves as a subtle, yet powerful, reminder of the syncretism that plagued the nation.
Second, the act of a man from Baal-shalishah bringing firstfruits to Elisha is deeply symbolic. Despite the place's name, an individual from there recognized the authority and power of Yahweh's prophet. This demonstrates that even in areas steeped in paganism, there were those who acknowledged Yahweh. It suggests that divine grace extends even to those who dwell in compromised environments, and that God's people can be found in unexpected places. The offering of firstfruits, typically an act of devotion to Yahweh, implicitly challenges the notion that Baal is the true provider of fertility and harvest.
Finally, Elisha's subsequent miracle of multiplying the bread from this offering is a profound theological statement. In a land where Baal was worshipped as the god of rain and agricultural abundance, Yahweh, through His prophet, demonstrates His absolute control over provision and sustenance. This miracle serves as a direct refutation of Baal's claims to power, asserting Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty over the natural world and the well-being of humanity. It reinforces the truth that true sustenance, both physical and spiritual, comes solely from the Lord.
### Summary
בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʻal Shâlishâh, `{{H1190}}`) is a geographical place name, meaning "Baal of Shalishah" or "Lord of the Third/Threefold Place," likely indicating a location associated with Baal worship and perhaps known for its fertility. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 4:42]] is highly significant. A man from this very place, named after a pagan deity, brings an offering of firstfruits to the prophet Elisha, the "man of God." This act, an expression of devotion traditionally reserved for Yahweh, sets the stage for Elisha's miraculous multiplication of the food. Theologically, Baal-shalishah serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive idolatry in ancient Israel, yet simultaneously highlights Yahweh's unwavering sovereignty. The narrative demonstrates that Yahweh's power to provide transcends geographical and religious boundaries, directly challenging the false claims of Baal and affirming that true sustenance and blessing originate solely from the Lord, even when brought from unexpected sources.
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