from גּוּר and בַּעַל; dwelling of Baal; Gur-Baal, a place in Arabia; Gur-baal.
Transliteration:Gûwr-Baʻal
Pronunciation:goor-bah'-al
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma גּוּר־בַּעַל (Gûwr-Baʻal, `{{H1485}}`) is a compound proper noun, denoting a specific geographical location. Its meaning is derived from its constituent elements:
* גּוּר (gûr, `{{H1481}}`): This root primarily signifies "to sojourn," "to dwell," or "to lodge." In the context of a place name, it indicates a settled habitation or dwelling place.
* בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`): This term means "owner," "master," or "lord." Crucially, it also refers to the prominent Canaanite storm god, Baal, a deity widely worshipped throughout the ancient Near East.
Therefore, the literal and primary meaning of גּוּר־בַּעַל is "dwelling of Baal" or "sojourning place of Baal." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying this particular site, inherently linking it to the worship or presence of the deity Baal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name גּוּר־בַּעַל (Gûwr-Baʻal, `{{H1485}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[2 Chronicles 26:7]]: "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Meunim."
This verse describes the early successes of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) of Judah. It explicitly states that God provided divine assistance to Uzziah in his military campaigns against various adversaries. The "Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal" are listed among these enemies, alongside the Philistines and the Meunim.
The context places Gur-Baal as a location inhabited by Arabian tribes, likely situated on the southern or southeastern borders of Judah. The identification of its inhabitants as "Arabians" and the name itself ("dwelling of Baal") strongly suggest that it was a non-Israelite territory where the worship of Baal was practiced. Uzziah's victory over these groups, attributed to God's help, highlights a triumph not only militarily but also implicitly over the pagan forces represented by the "dwelling of Baal."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **גּוּר (gûr, `{{H1481}}`):** The root for "to dwell" or "to sojourn." This component establishes Gur-Baal as a settled place, contrasting with nomadic existence. It is a common root used to describe the residence of various peoples, including Israel's patriarchs ([[Genesis 12:10]]).
* **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`):** This is the most significant related term. As the name of a major Canaanite deity, Baal represents the antithesis of Yahweh worship. He was often associated with fertility, storms, and kingship, and his worship was a constant temptation and challenge for ancient Israel (e.g., the conflict with Baal prophets in [[1 Kings 18]]). The presence of "Baal" in the place name unequivocally marks Gur-Baal as a center of pagan religious activity.
* **Arabians (עַרְבִיאִים, ʻarābîʼîm, `{{H6152}}`):** The inhabitants of Gur-Baal are identified as Arabians. This links the location to the broader ethnic and geographical context of ancient Arabia, regions often hostile to Judah and characterized by diverse tribal structures and religious practices.
* **Meunim (מְעוּנִים, mᵉʻûnîm, `{{H4589}}`):** Mentioned alongside the Arabians of Gur-Baal, the Meunim were likely another group of desert dwellers or Arabian-related tribes, further delineating the regional adversaries of Judah.
### Theological Significance
The name גּוּר־בַּעַל carries profound theological implications, primarily through its explicit reference to Baal. A "dwelling of Baal" serves as a vivid symbol of the pervasive idolatry that characterized the nations surrounding Israel. This place name immediately signals an allegiance to a false god, standing in direct opposition to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
In the context of [[2 Chronicles 26:7]], God's active intervention to grant Uzziah victory over the inhabitants of Gur-Baal is more than a mere military success. It is a powerful theological statement affirming Yahweh's supremacy over all other deities. The defeat of a people dwelling in a place named after Baal demonstrates Yahweh's absolute power to overcome the strongholds of paganism and deliver His faithful servants. This narrative reinforces a core Deuteronomic principle: faithfulness to Yahweh leads to divine blessing and triumph over adversaries, especially those who represent idolatrous systems.
For the Chronicler's audience, particularly post-exilic Judah, the account of Uzziah's victory over places like Gur-Baal would have served as an encouragement. It underscored the enduring truth that despite the formidable nature of pagan forces, God remains sovereign and committed to defending His people when they walk in His ways. It is a subtle yet potent reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between true worship and idolatry.
### Summary
גּוּר־בַּעַל (Gûwr-Baʻal, `{{H1485}}`) is a unique proper noun found once in the Hebrew Bible at [[2 Chronicles 26:7]]. Its etymology, "dwelling of Baal," unequivocally identifies it as a location dedicated to the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal. Situated in Arabia and inhabited by Arabian tribes, Gur-Baal represented a stronghold of paganism. The biblical narrative highlights King Uzziah's victory over its inhabitants, explicitly attributing this success to divine assistance. Theologically, Gur-Baal serves as a powerful symbol of the widespread idolatry in the ancient Near East and, more significantly, as a testament to Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and triumph over false gods and their adherents. The defeat of this "dwelling of Baal" underscores God's opposition to paganism and His commitment to granting victory to His faithful people.
TRV