The Hebrew name Baʻal Shâlishâh, represented by H1190, identifies a place in Palestine. Its name translates as Baal of Shalishah or Baal-shalisha. It is a rare term, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
The sole appearance of H1190 is found in 2 Kings 4:42. The narrative context describes a man H376 who came H935 from Baalshalisha and brought H935 a gift to the man H376 of God H430. This offering was comprised of bread H3899 of the firstfruits H1061, specifically twenty H6242 loaves of barley H8184, and full ears of corn H3759 in a husk H6861. The man of God then said H559 to give H5414 the food to the people H5971 so they could eat H398.
Several related words from this account provide deeper context for the event at Baalshalisha:
- H1061 bikkûwr (firstfruits): This identifies the offering as the first-fruits of the crop. The Law specified that the "first of the firstfruits" were to be brought to the house of the LORD Exodus 23:19, highlighting the special and holy nature of the gift.
- H3899 lechem (bread): This word means food, but especially bread or grain for making it. The offering of twenty H6242 loaves of bread H3899 was a significant act of provision, especially as God promised to bless the bread of His people Exodus 23:25.
- H376 ʼîysh (man): Used for both the giver from Baalshalisha and the recipient, the "man of God," this term denotes a man as an individual or a male person. The story centers on the interaction between a faithful man and God's representative.
While H1190 is only a location, the event associated with it carries theological weight.
- Faithful Giving: The man from Baalshalisha demonstrates obedience and generosity by bringing his firstfruits H1061. This act of bringing bread H3899 is a tangible expression of faith, fulfilling the principle of giving to the poor from one's own provision Proverbs 22:9.
- Divine Provision: The narrative showcases God providing for His people through the obedience of an individual. The instruction, "Give H5414 unto the people, that they may eat H398," reinforces the theme that God is the ultimate source who sustains his followers, as He promises to give a new heart and spirit Ezekiel 36:26.
- The Sanctity of First Offerings: The offering is specifically designated as bikkûwr H1061, connecting it to a core tenet of worship. These first portions, whether of grain, grapes, or dough, were considered holy and were to be given to the LORD and His priests (Exodus 23:19, Ezekiel 44:30).
In summary, Baʻal Shâlishâh H1190 is a place name whose significance is derived entirely from its single mention in scripture. The account in 2 Kings 4:42 uses this location as the origin point for an act of faithful giving. A man from this town brings an offering of firstfruits—barley loaves and corn—to the man of God, illustrating the themes of generosity, obedience to God's commands regarding firstfruits, and the process of divine provision for the community.
TRV