from בַּעַל and תָּמָר; possessor of (the) palm-tree; Baal-Tamar, a place in Palestine; Baal-tamar.
Transliteration:Baʻal Tâmâr
Pronunciation:bah'-al taw-mawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1193}}` בַּעַל תָּמָר (Baʻal Tâmâr) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a place name. Its etymology provides significant insight into its meaning. It is derived from two distinct Hebrew words: `{{H1167}}` בַּעַל (baʻal), meaning "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband," and `{{H8558}}` תָּמָר (tāmār), meaning "palm tree" or "date palm." Thus, the literal translation of `{{H1193}}` is "possessor of the palm tree" or "place of the palm tree."
The semantic range of `{{H1167}}` is crucial. While it can refer to the Canaanite deity Baal, in place names, it often functions more broadly as an indicator of ownership or a prominent feature, much like "possessor of" or "place of." In the context of `{{H1193}}`, the latter interpretation is most probable, describing a location distinguished by its palm trees. The palm tree (`{{H8558}}`) itself is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and often marks an oasis or a significant geographical point in the arid ancient Near East. Therefore, Baal-Tamar designates a specific locale known for its abundance or prominence of palm trees.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1193}}` בַּעַל תָּמָר (Baʻal Tâmâr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Judges:
* **[[Judges 20:33]]**: "And the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baal-tamar; and the ambush of Israel burst forth out of its place, even out of Maareh-geba."
This single occurrence places Baal-Tamar within the narrative of the horrific civil war between the tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, following the heinous crime committed in Gibeah ([[Judges 19]]). On the third day of battle, after two devastating defeats for Israel, the Israelite forces strategically positioned themselves at Baal-Tamar. This location served as a key point for their ambush tactics against the Benjaminites, leading to a decisive victory for Israel.
In this context, Baal-Tamar functions purely as a geographical marker, denoting a specific, recognizable location in the vicinity of Gibeah and Benjaminite territory. Its mention is vital for understanding the military strategy employed by the Israelites. There is no explicit indication in the text that Baal-Tamar was a cultic site for Baal worship, although the presence of "Baal" in a place name always carries a subtle linguistic resonance with the broader religious conflicts of the era. However, in this particular verse, its role is descriptive of the landscape and crucial for the narrative's military details.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of `{{H1193}}` connect it to several important biblical concepts:
* **`{{H1167}}` בַּעַל (Baʻal)**: This word is multifaceted. As a common noun, it signifies "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband" (e.g., [[Exodus 21:28]] for "owner of an ox"; [[Proverbs 18:22]] for "finds a wife finds a good thing"). As a proper noun, it refers to the prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity, the chief rival to Yahweh in Israel's religious life (e.g., [[Judges 2:13]], [[1 Kings 18:21]]). In place names like Baal-Tamar, Baal-Peor (`{{H1187}}`), or Baal-Hazor (`{{H1179}}`), "Baal" can sometimes denote a site of pagan worship, or simply a prominent feature or ownership. For Baal-Tamar, the context suggests the latter, though the potential for a former cultic association cannot be entirely ruled out given the general prevalence of Baal worship in the region.
* **`{{H8558}}` תָּמָר (Tāmār)**: The palm tree is a significant biblical motif. It symbolizes righteousness ([[Psalm 92:12]]), beauty ([[Song of Solomon 7:7]]), and prosperity. Jericho is famously known as "the city of palm trees" ([[Deuteronomy 34:3]], [[Judges 1:16]]). Its presence in a place name indicates a fertile or well-watered area, often a landmark.
* **Geographical Markers**: The Bible frequently uses detailed geographical names to ground its narratives in historical reality. Baal-Tamar is one such example, alongside others like Gibeah, Mizpah, and Ramah, which feature prominently in the Judges narrative.
* **Ambush Tactics**: The mention of Baal-Tamar is directly tied to the military strategy of ambush ([[Judges 20:33]]). This highlights the tactical sophistication employed in ancient warfare and the importance of knowing the terrain.
### Theological Significance
The direct theological significance of `{{H1193}}` בַּעַל תָּמָר is limited due to its singular occurrence as a geographical marker. It does not carry an explicit theological message in itself. However, its context within [[Judges 20]] allows for several indirect theological reflections:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Depravity**: Baal-Tamar serves as the backdrop for a critical moment in Israel's early history, a period characterized by profound moral decay ("everyone did what was right in his own eyes," [[Judges 21:25]]). Even amidst such chaos and the near-annihilation of a tribe, God's overarching plan for Israel's preservation and the establishment of justice unfolds. The precise geographical details, including Baal-Tamar, underscore the reality of God's interaction with a fallen people in a tangible world.
2. **The Land as a Witness**: The name "possessor of the palm tree" subtly points to the natural abundance of the land God promised to Israel. Even as the land witnesses the horrific violence and moral failure of its inhabitants, its inherent fertility (symbolized by the palm tree) remains, a constant reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for His people, despite their unfaithfulness.
3. **Echoes of Spiritual Conflict**: While not explicitly a cultic site in this passage, the name "Baal" in a place name inevitably resonates with the ongoing spiritual struggle between Yahweh worship and Canaanite idolatry. The very landscape of Israel was dotted with names that either celebrated Yahweh or, like "Baal," served as a linguistic echo of the spiritual battle for the hearts of the Israelites. In a book like Judges, which chronicles Israel's cycles of apostasy and deliverance, even a seemingly innocuous place name can subtly reinforce the pervasive influence of paganism.
### Summary
`{{H1193}}` בַּעַל תָּמָר (Baʻal Tâmâr) is a Hebrew place name meaning "possessor of the palm tree," derived from `{{H1167}}` (owner/master) and `{{H8558}}` (palm tree). It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Judges 20:33]], where it designates a strategic location near Gibeah during the civil war between Israel and Benjamin. In this context, Baal-Tamar functions as a critical geographical marker, serving as the point from which the Israelite ambush was launched, leading to a decisive victory on the third day of battle. While its direct theological significance is limited, its presence underscores the historical grounding of the biblical narrative and subtly connects to broader themes of divine sovereignty amidst human sin, the land as a testament to God's provision, and the pervasive linguistic echoes of Israel's ongoing spiritual conflict with Canaanite influences.
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