### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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