from מְרִי and בַּעַל; rebellion of (i.e. against) Baal; Meri-Baal, an epithet of Gideon; Meri-baal. Compare מְרִיב בַּעַל.
Transliteration:Mᵉrîy Baʻal
Pronunciation:mer-ee' bah'-al
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4810}}` Mᵉrîy Baʻal (מְרִי בַעַל) is a compound word derived from two distinct elements: מְרִי (mᵉrîy, `{{H4805}}`) and בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`). The first component, מְרִי, signifies "rebellion," "disobedience," or "stubbornness." The second component, בַּעַל, refers primarily to the Canaanite deity Baal, but can also mean "master," "lord," or "owner."
Combined, `{{H4810}}` therefore carries the core meaning of "rebellion of Baal" or, more accurately in context, "rebellion *against* Baal." This specific interpretation highlights an act of defiance directed at the false god. The semantic range is tightly focused on this act of spiritual and religious opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While `{{H4810}}` Mᵉrîy Baʻal is not a distinct, frequently occurring word in the Masoretic Text in this precise form, the Strong's definition explicitly identifies it as "an epithet of Gideon." This indicates that `{{H4810}}` represents a specific etymological understanding or a variant interpretation of the more commonly known name/epithet for Gideon, יְרֻבַּעַל (Jerubbaal, `{{H3378}}`).
Gideon received the name Jerubbaal in [[Judges 6:32]] after he obeyed the Lord's command to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, building an altar to Yahweh in its place. The people of the city, upon discovering Gideon's actions, sought to kill him. His father Joash defended him, saying, "Let Baal contend against him, since it was his altar that Gideon tore down." From that day, Gideon was called Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend" or "Baal will strive."
The significance of `{{H4810}}` Mᵉrîy Baʻal lies in its emphasis on Gideon's *active rebellion* against Baal. While Jerubbaal (`{{H3378}}`) focuses on the idea of Baal *contending* (implying a challenge to Baal), Mᵉrîy Baʻal (`{{H4810}}`) directly highlights Gideon's *act of rebellion* against the false deity. Both names encapsulate the same pivotal event and Gideon's role as God's instrument against idolatry. The context of Gideon's actions in [[Judges 6:25-32]] perfectly aligns with the meaning "rebellion against Baal," signifying his divinely appointed role in challenging the pervasive idolatry of his time.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **מְרִי (mᵉrîy, `{{H4805}}`)**: This is the root for "rebellion." In most biblical contexts, rebellion is against Yahweh and is seen as sinful (e.g., [[Numbers 17:10]], [[Deuteronomy 9:7]]). However, in `{{H4810}}`, "rebellion" is directed *against* a false god, making it a righteous and divinely sanctioned act.
2. **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`)**: This term is central to understanding `{{H4810}}`. It refers to the primary Canaanite fertility god, whose worship involved idolatry, child sacrifice, and immoral practices. The conflict between Yahweh and Baal is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly during the period of the Judges and the Divided Monarchy.
3. **יְרֻבַּעַל (Jerubbaal, `{{H3378}}`)**: This is the more common and direct transliteration of Gideon's epithet. While `{{H3378}}` is often interpreted from the root רִיב (rîyḇ, `{{H7378}}`, "to contend"), `{{H4810}}` offers an alternative or complementary etymological understanding focusing on the "rebellion" aspect. Both meanings are profoundly relevant to Gideon's mission.
4. **גִּדְעוֹן (Gid'on, `{{H1437}}`)**: Gideon's original name, meaning "hewer" or "feller," perhaps foreshadowing his role in "hewing down" the altars of Baal.
5. **Concepts**: Iconoclasm (the destruction of religious images), prophetic naming (where a name signifies a person's character or destiny), divine commissioning, and the pervasive struggle against idolatry in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The epithet `{{H4810}}` Mᵉrîy Baʻal carries profound theological significance, illuminating several key biblical themes:
1. **Righteous Rebellion**: It presents a unique instance where "rebellion" is not a sin but a righteous act. Gideon's rebellion against Baal worship was an act of obedience to Yahweh, demonstrating that true faithfulness sometimes requires radical opposition to prevailing societal norms and false religious practices.
2. **Yahweh's Sovereignty over Idols**: The very existence of this epithet underscores the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh over all false gods. Gideon's actions, encapsulated in his name, prove that Baal is powerless against the Lord. This narrative serves as a powerful polemic against idolatry, asserting Yahweh as the one true God.
3. **Divine Calling and Transformation**: The name change from Gideon to Jerubbaal (or Mᵉrîy Baʻal) signifies a transformation in Gideon's identity and calling. He is no longer merely a timid farmer but God's chosen instrument, embodying the divine mandate to cleanse Israel of its idolatry. His name becomes a living testimony to his mission.
4. **Confrontation with Evil**: The epithet highlights the necessary confrontation with spiritual evil. God often raises up individuals to directly challenge the forces of darkness and apostasy. Gideon's "rebellion against Baal" is a model of such courageous, divinely empowered confrontation.
### Summary
`{{H4810}}` Mᵉrîy Baʻal is a powerful epithet for Gideon, meaning "rebellion against Baal." While often understood through the more common transliteration Jerubbaal (`{{H3378}}`), `{{H4810}}` specifically emphasizes Gideon's active defiance of the Canaanite deity. This name encapsulates Gideon's pivotal role in tearing down Baal's altar and challenging the widespread idolatry in Israel. Theologically, it signifies a righteous rebellion against false worship, asserting Yahweh's supreme sovereignty, and illustrating God's use of individuals to confront spiritual darkness. It serves as a testament to Gideon's divinely appointed mission and the crucial importance of unwavering obedience to the one true God, even when it demands radical opposition to the prevailing culture.
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