from רִיב and בַּעַל; quarreller of Baal, Merib-Baal, an epithet of Gideon; Merib-baal. Compare מְרִי בַעַל.
Transliteration:Mᵉrîyb Baʻal
Pronunciation:mer-eeb' bah'-al
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4807, מְרִיב בַּעַל (Mᵉrîyb Baʻal), is a compound noun derived from two significant roots: רִיב (rîb, `{{H7378}}`), meaning "to contend, strive, dispute," and בַּעַל (Baʻal, `{{H1168}}`), meaning "lord, master," but most commonly referring to the Canaanite deity Baal. Therefore, the literal meaning of מְרִיב בַּעַל can be understood as "contender of Baal" or "Baal's contention/strife." This etymology immediately signals a name with theological implications, particularly concerning the widespread worship of Baal in the ancient Near East. While the Strong's definition notes an association with Gideon, the primary biblical application of this specific name, H4807, is to a different individual, as will be explored in the subsequent sections. The semantic range thus centers on the act of contention or dispute, specifically in relation to the pagan deity Baal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name מְרִיב בַּעַל (Mᵉrîyb Baʻal, `{{H4807}}`) appears twice in the Old Testament, both instances within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 8:34]]: "And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal begat Micah."
* [[1 Chronicles 9:40]]: "And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal: and Merib-baal begat Micah."
In both contexts, Merib-Baal is identified as the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. This individual is more commonly known by the name מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (Mephibosheth, `{{H4648}}`) in the books of Samuel (e.g., [[2 Samuel 4:4]], [[2 Samuel 9:6]], [[2 Samuel 16:1]]). The use of "Merib-Baal" in Chronicles is understood by scholars to be a variant or perhaps the original name, which was later altered to Mephibosheth due to the growing aversion to the name "Baal" (`{{H1168}}`) among the Israelites, especially after the prophetic condemnations of Baal worship. The name Mephibosheth (מְפִיבֹשֶׁת) itself is often interpreted as "from the mouth of shame" or "dispeller of shame," where "bosheth" (בֹּשֶׁת, `{{H1322}}`, "shame") serves as a deliberate substitution for "Baal" to avoid association with the idolatrous deity. This linguistic shift reflects a theological purification in naming conventions. It is crucial to distinguish Merib-Baal (Jonathan's son) from Jerubbaal (יְרֻבַּעַל, `{{H3401}}`), an alternative name for Gideon, which also incorporates "Baal" and the root for "contend" (רִיב, `{{H7378}}`), given because Gideon contended against Baal ([[Judges 6:32]]). While the etymological roots are similar, the individuals are distinct.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מְרִיב בַּעַל (Mᵉrîyb Baʻal, `{{H4807}}`) is enriched by examining its constituent elements and related terms:
* **רִיב (rîb, `{{H7378}}`):** This Hebrew root signifies "to contend, strive, dispute, quarrel." It is a foundational component of both Merib-Baal and Jerubbaal, highlighting a theme of conflict or legal dispute. In the context of Baal, it suggests either a struggle against the deity or a characteristic of the deity itself (e.g., "Baal's contention").
* **בַּעַל (Baʻal, `{{H1168}}`):** This term refers to the Canaanite storm and fertility god, widely worshipped in the ancient Near East and a persistent rival to Yahweh in Israelite religious life. Its inclusion in personal names, particularly in earlier periods, reflects either syncretistic practices or a desire to acknowledge the local "lord" of a place. Over time, as prophetic movements gained strength, names containing "Baal" became increasingly problematic.
* **יְרֻבַּעַל (Jerubbaal, `{{H3401}}`):** This alternative name for Gideon (Judges 6-8) means "let Baal contend" or "Baal will contend." It was given to Gideon after he destroyed his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole, demonstrating his direct contention with Baal worship. The semantic overlap with Merib-Baal is notable, emphasizing a common theological stance or historical period where Baal worship was a prominent issue.
* **מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (Mephibosheth, `{{H4648}}`):** This is the more commonly used name for Jonathan's son in the books of Samuel. The substitution of "bosheth" (בֹּשֶׁת, `{{H1322}}`, "shame") for "Baal" is a clear example of theological revisionism in naming, reflecting a desire to purge any association with the idolatrous deity. Similar substitutions are seen in names like Ish-bosheth (for Eshbaal) and Jerubbesheth (for Jerubbaal in [[2 Samuel 11:21]]).
### Theological Significance
The name מְרִיב בַּעַל (Mᵉrîyb Baʻal, `{{H4807}}`) carries significant theological weight, primarily revolving around the pervasive struggle against idolatry in ancient Israel.
1. **Theological Statement in Naming:** Personal names in the ancient world often served as theological statements, reflecting the beliefs of parents or significant life events. A name like "Merib-Baal" (contender of Baal) could signify a family's opposition to Baal worship, or conversely, a lingering influence of syncretism. The subsequent alteration to Mephibosheth underscores the profound theological shift and purification within Israelite religious identity. It highlights the community's increasing intolerance for names that might inadvertently honor false gods.
2. **Yahweh's Exclusive Sovereignty:** The very existence of names incorporating "Baal" and their subsequent modification serves as a testament to the ongoing theological battle for Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty. The prophets consistently condemned Baal worship as an affront to the one true God, emphasizing that Yahweh alone is Lord and Master. The transformation from "Baal" to "Bosheth" (shame) in names like Merib-Baal implicitly declares Baal to be a source of shame and an illegitimate deity.
3. **Divine Grace Amidst Human Imperfection:** The story of Mephibosheth (Merib-Baal) is primarily one of David's covenant loyalty and grace towards the remnant of Saul's house ([[2 Samuel 9]]). Despite the potentially problematic nature of his original name, or his physical disability, David extends compassion and restores his inheritance. This narrative illustrates a profound theological principle: God's grace, as mediated through David, extends even to those whose lineage or naming might bear the marks of past spiritual compromise, demonstrating a redemptive love that transcends human failings.
### Summary
מְרִיב בַּעַל (Mᵉrîyb Baʻal, `{{H4807}}`) is a Hebrew compound name meaning "contender of Baal" or "Baal's contention." In the biblical text, it is specifically identified as an alternative name for Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, appearing in [[1 Chronicles 8:34]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:40]]. This name reflects the historical and theological tension between the worship of Yahweh and the pervasive influence of the Canaanite deity Baal (`{{H1168}}`). The subsequent change or preference for the name Mephibosheth (`{{H4648}}`), which substitutes "shame" (bosheth, `{{H1322}}`) for "Baal," powerfully illustrates Israel's theological purification and its repudiation of idolatry. While etymologically similar to Jerubbaal (`{{H3401}}`), Gideon's name, Merib-Baal refers to a distinct individual, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for monotheistic purity and the profound grace extended within God's covenant.
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