from קִרְיָה and בַּעַל; city of Baal; Kirjath-Baal, a place in Palestine; Kirjathbaal.
Transliteration:Qiryath Baʻal
Pronunciation:keer-yath' bah'-al
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קִרְיַת בַּעַל (Qiryath Baʻal), Strong's H7154, is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct elements: קִרְיָה (qiryah), meaning "city" or "town" (related to `{{H7151}}`), and בַּעַל (baʻal), which signifies "owner," "master," or "lord" (`{{H1167}}`). While בַּעַל can refer to a human lord or husband, in this compound, it almost certainly denotes the prominent Canaanite deity Baal, a storm god widely worshipped in the ancient Near East. Thus, the literal and primary meaning of קִרְיַת בַּעַל is "City of Baal." As a geographical place name, its semantic range is fixed, identifying a specific locality known for its association with the worship of this pagan deity. The name itself speaks volumes about the pre-Israelite religious landscape of the land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
קִרְיַת בַּעַל appears in the biblical text primarily within the books of Joshua and 1 Chronicles. Its occurrences are significant for understanding both the tribal allotments and a pivotal moment in Israelite history.
* In [[Joshua 15:9]], קִרְיַת בַּעַל is mentioned as a landmark on the northern boundary of the tribe of Judah. This verse immediately clarifies its alternative, and more commonly used, name: "which is Kiriath-jearim." This dual naming convention is crucial.
* [[Joshua 15:60]] reiterates its inclusion among the cities of Judah, again explicitly equating it with Kiriath-jearim, listing it alongside other significant towns.
* Similarly, in [[Joshua 18:14]], it serves as a boundary marker, this time for the tribe of Benjamin, further solidifying its geographical importance at the nexus of tribal territories. Here too, it is explicitly identified as Kiriath-jearim.
* Perhaps its most theologically significant mention is in [[1 Chronicles 13:6]], where it states that David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up the ark of God. This verse, while not directly using קִרְיַת בַּעַל, refers to the same location, "Baalah" being another name associated with the city, often interpreted as a shortened or variant form of "Baal" or referring to a high place of Baal. This context highlights the city's role as the long-term resting place for the Ark of the Covenant after its return from Philistine captivity, prior to its transfer to Jerusalem. This period, lasting approximately 20 years, transforms the city's historical identity.
The consistent identification of קִרְיַת בַּעַל with Kiriath-jearim demonstrates a deliberate renaming or re-emphasis of the city's identity, moving away from its pagan association.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of קִרְיַת בַּעַל is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **קִרְיָה (qiryah - `{{H7151}}`):** This common Hebrew noun for "city" or "town" appears in various place names throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-sannah/Debir). Its presence in קִרְיַת בַּעַל simply denotes a populated settlement, but the modifying element is key.
* **בַּעַל (baʻal - `{{H1167}}`):** This multifaceted word is central to understanding קִרְיַת בַּעַל. While it can mean "owner" or "husband," its most notorious biblical usage refers to the Canaanite storm and fertility god. The Bible consistently portrays Baal worship as a grave apostasy and a direct challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty. The very name "City of Baal" points to a prior history of pagan devotion in that location.
* **קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Qiryath Ye'arim - `{{H7157}}`):** This is the most significant related term, as it is the name by which קִרְיַת בַּעַל is predominantly known in the biblical narrative. יְעָרִים (ye'arim) means "forests" or "woods." Thus, "Kiriath-jearim" means "City of Forests." The shift from "City of Baal" to "City of Forests" is not merely a geographical descriptor but carries profound theological weight, suggesting a deliberate effort to erase or overshadow the pagan origins of the name.
* **בַּעֲלָה (Ba'alah - `{{H1172}}`):** This term also appears as a name for the same city (e.g., [[Joshua 15:9]], [[1 Chronicles 13:6]]). It is often seen as a shortened form or a variant that still retains the "Baal" element, perhaps indicating a transitional period or a lingering popular association despite official renaming.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִרְיַת בַּעַל lies primarily in its transformation and its role in the history of the Ark of the Covenant.
1. **Conquest of Idolatry:** The renaming of "City of Baal" to "City of Forests" (Kiriath-jearim) symbolizes the theological victory of Yahwism over Canaanite paganism. As Israel occupied the land, they were commanded to dismantle the altars and symbols of foreign gods. While the physical city remained, the alteration of its name from one that glorified a pagan deity to one that simply described its natural surroundings represents a symbolic cleansing and a declaration of Yahweh's sovereignty over the land. It signifies the displacement of Baal's influence by the God of Israel.
2. **Sanctification by Divine Presence:** The most profound theological aspect is that this former "City of Baal" became the long-term sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of Yahweh's presence and covenant. For approximately two decades, the Ark resided in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim ([[1 Samuel 7:1-2]]). This is a powerful testament to God's ability to redeem and sanctify places previously defiled by idolatry. A place once dedicated to a false god became the temporary dwelling for the most sacred object of Yahweh's worship. This act underscores God's power to reclaim and repurpose what was once profane for His holy purposes.
3. **Yahweh's Exclusive Sovereignty:** The narrative surrounding קִרְיַת בַּעַל reinforces the biblical theme of Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship and His triumph over all rival deities. The very existence of a "City of Baal" within the promised land highlights the spiritual battle Israel faced. Its transformation into a significant site for Yahweh's presence serves as a concrete example of divine victory and the establishment of true worship in the midst of former pagan strongholds.
### Summary
קִרְיַת בַּעַל (Qiryath Baʻal), meaning "City of Baal," was an ancient Canaanite settlement whose name explicitly linked it to the worship of the pagan deity Baal. Biblically, it is consistently identified with Kiriath-jearim ("City of Forests"), indicating a deliberate renaming that likely reflects Israel's efforts to disassociate the land from its idolatrous past. This renaming serves as a powerful symbol of Yahweh's triumph over the false gods of Canaan. The city's theological significance is further amplified by its role as the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant for an extended period. This transformation of a former "City of Baal" into a sanctuary for the very presence of Yahweh illustrates God's power to sanctify and redeem, turning a site of pagan worship into a witness of His exclusive sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.
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