### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Baʻălâth**, represented by `{{H1191}}`, is a proper name for **a place in Palestine**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is a modification of a word meaning "mistressship," but its biblical use is exclusively as a geographical identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1191}}` is first mentioned as a town listed in the tribal allotment of Dan [[Joshua 19:44]]. Later, it is identified as one of the cities built up by King Solomon. The accounts in both Kings and Chronicles connect **Baalath** to Solomon's extensive building projects, which also included store cities, chariot cities, and cities for his horsemen throughout his dominion ([[1 Kings 9:18]], [[2 Chronicles 8:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding **Baalath**:
* `{{H8010}}` **Shᵉlômôh** (Solomon): The king who rebuilt or fortified **Baalath** as part of his kingdom-wide construction efforts, which included projects in Jerusalem and Lebanon [[2 Chronicles 8:6]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This verb is used to describe Solomon's activity in relation to **Baalath**, highlighting its role in the expansion and consolidation of his kingdom [[2 Chronicles 8:6]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): **Baalath** is classified as a **city**, and is listed alongside other specialized urban centers like "store cities" and "chariot cities," indicating its integration into Solomon's royal infrastructure [[2 Chronicles 8:6]].
* `{{H1405}}` **Gibbᵉthôwn** (Gibbethon): This city is listed directly with **Baalath** in the tribal inheritance of Dan, suggesting geographical proximity and a shared history within the Israelite land distribution [[Joshua 19:44]].
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of `{{H1191}}` in the scriptural record contributes to key narrative themes of inheritance and sovereign rule.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** Its mention in the book of Joshua establishes **Baalath** as a part of the promised territory allocated to the tribe of Dan, grounding the history of Israel in specific, named locations [[Joshua 19:44]].
* **Solomonic Expansion:** The city's association with Solomon's building program serves as a concrete example of the flourishing and consolidation of the Israelite kingdom at its zenith. It was part of a network of strategically developed cities that showcased his power and **dominion** `{{H4475}}` [[2 Chronicles 8:6]].
* **Royal Enterprise:** The rebuilding of **Baalath** is described as part of "all that Solomon **desired** `{{H2836}}` to build," signifying the vast ambition and resources of his reign which transformed the **land** `{{H776}}` of Israel ([[1 Kings 9:18]], [[2 Chronicles 8:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1191}}` is more than a simple place name. It functions as a historical marker within the biblical text, first as a town of tribal inheritance and later as a testament to the scope of Solomon's prosperous kingdom. The story of **Baalath** illustrates how specific locations are woven into the larger narrative of Israel's history, from its settlement of the land to the height of its monarchical power.
TRV