Lexical Summary Baalyah: Baalyah Original Word: בְּעַלְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bealiah From ba'al and Yahh; Jah (is) master; Bealjah, an Israelite -- Bealiah. see HEBREW ba'al see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom baal and Yah Definition "Yah is lord," one of David's heroes NASB Translation Bealiah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּעַלְיָה proper name, masculine (Yah is lord) one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 12:5. Topical Lexicon Name and Theological Emphasis The compound name בְּעַלְיָה weaves together the common Northwest-Semitic term for “lord” with the covenant name of Israel’s God. In a period when the idolatrous title “Baal” had become attached to pagan worship, this name boldly asserts that the LORD alone is Sovereign. The singular appearance of the name therefore carries an implicit testimony: Yahweh does not share His glory with false gods (Isaiah 42:8). Biblical Occurrence Bealiah is listed once, in the roster of Benjamite warriors who joined David while he was still a fugitive: “These were the Benjamites and kin of Saul who joined David at Ziklag:... Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite” (1 Chronicles 12:6). Historical Setting 1 Chronicles 12 records a strategic moment near the end of Saul’s reign. David had been anointed but was not yet enthroned. Ziklag, a Philistine border town ceded to David by Achish (1 Samuel 27:6), became a refuge for Israelites who discerned God’s hand upon David. Their defection signaled the crumbling of Saul’s support and prefigured the united monarchy. Tribal Affiliation and Significance Bealiah was from Benjamin, Saul’s own tribe. Benjamites possessed a natural loyalty to their kinsman-king (2 Samuel 19:16-23). A Benjamite’s decision to stand with David therefore required spiritual conviction over familial allegiance. By siding with David, Bealiah acknowledged God’s choice and foreshadowed the later harmony between Judah and Benjamin in the Southern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:21). Character and Ministry Contribution Although Scripture records no individual exploits, Bealiah’s inclusion among the “mighty men” indicates proven valor and skill. The Chronicler groups him with elite archers and sling-throwers, men who could “shoot arrows and sling stones with either hand” (1 Chronicles 12:2). Their military proficiency protected David’s band, safeguarded Judah’s border, and prepared the groundwork for Israel’s expansion under Davidic rule. Spiritual Lessons 1. Discernment of God’s Work: Bealiah recognized the LORD’s anointing upon David despite national uncertainty. Believers are called to similar spiritual perception (John 7:17). Christological Foreshadowing David serves as a type of Christ, the rejected yet anointed king awaiting full manifestation. Bealiah’s loyalty mirrors the faithful remnant who follow Jesus outside the camp, “bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:13). Related Passages for Study 1 Samuel 22–24 – Early supporters of David 2 Samuel 1:1-16 – Transition from Saul to David 1 Chronicles 12 – Full list of David’s supporters Psalm 110 – Enthronement of the chosen king Legacy Though his name surfaces only once, Bealiah embodies steadfast devotion during turbulent times. His quiet faithfulness contributed to the establishment of a kingdom through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Forms and Transliterations וּבְעַלְיָ֣ה ובעליה ū·ḇə·‘al·yāh ūḇə‘alyāh uvealYahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 12:6 HEB: אֶלְעוּזַ֤י וִירִימוֹת֙ וּבְעַלְיָ֣ה וּשְׁמַרְיָ֔הוּ וּשְׁפַטְיָ֖הוּ INT: Eluzai Jermoth Bealiah Shamariah Shephatiah 1 Occurrence |
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