### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼEthbaʻal**, represented by `{{H856}}`, means **with Baal**. This name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. It refers specifically to a Phoenician king whose influence profoundly impacted the nation of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H856}}` is in the account of King Ahab's reign. The narrative states that as if it were a light thing to follow the sins of a previous king, Ahab "took `{{H3947}}` to wife `{{H802}}` Jezebel `{{H348}}` the daughter `{{H1323}}` of Ethbaal `{{H856}}` king `{{H4428}}` of the Zidonians `{{H6722}}`" [[1 Kings 16:31]]. This marriage is presented as a pivotal moment that led directly to Ahab serving `{{H5647}}` and worshipping `{{H7812}}` the Phoenician deity Baal, escalating the apostasy within Israel. Ethbaal is thus identified as the father of Jezebel and the source of this idolatrous alliance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Ethbaal's influence:
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal): The very name ʼEthbaʻal means "with Baal," identifying him with this **Phoenician deity**. The marriage alliance with Ethbaal's daughter directly resulted in Ahab's worship of Baal [[1 Kings 16:31]].
* `{{H348}}` **ʼÎyzebel** (Jezebel): As the **wife of king Ahab**, Jezebel is the daughter of Ethbaal. She was the primary agent through whom her father's pagan religion was enforced in Israel, as she supported the prophets of Baal at her own table [[1 Kings 18:19]].
* `{{H6722}}` **Tsîydônîy** (Zidonian): This term identifies Ethbaal's people and kingdom. As **king of the Zidonians**, his influence represented a powerful foreign and pagan culture being formally introduced into Israel's royal court [[1 Kings 16:31]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This title denotes Ethbaal's royal authority. The marriage was not merely a personal union but a political alliance between the **king** of the Zidonians and the king of Israel, giving official sanction to the worship of Baal.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H856}}` is centered on the consequences of unholy alliances and idolatry.
* **Apostasy through Alliance:** Ethbaal represents the dangers of political alliances that compromise spiritual purity. His connection to Ahab through the marriage of Jezebel introduced state-sanctioned Baal worship into Israel, a transgression described as even greater than the sins `{{H2403}}` of Jeroboam [[1 Kings 16:31]].
* **The Source of Corruption:** Although mentioned only once, Ethbaal is the genealogical and political source of the severe religious corruption during Ahab's reign. His name, "with Baal," symbolizes the idolatrous system his daughter, Jezebel, would later impose upon Israel.
* **The Conflict of Worship:** The introduction of Baal worship through Ethbaal's family line set the stage for one of the Old Testament's most dramatic spiritual confrontations, where the prophet Elijah challenged the people to choose between the LORD and Baal [[1 Kings 18:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H856}}` is far more than an obscure name. Though appearing just once, **ʼEthbaʻal** is a pivotal figure whose identity as a Zidonian king and father of Jezebel marks the beginning of a dark chapter of apostasy for Israel. His name, meaning "with Baal," perfectly encapsulates the idolatrous influence that he, through his daughter, introduced, leading to a direct conflict between the worship of the LORD and the worship of Baal.
TRV