Lexical Summary Baalis: Baalis Original Word: בַּעֲלִיס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Baalis Probably from a derivative of alac with prepositional prefix; in exultation; Baalis, an Ammonitish king -- Baalis. see HEBREW alac NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps "son of delight," an Ammonite king NASB Translation Baalis (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּעֲלִיס proper name, masculine (GrMonatsschrift, 1885, 471 reads בַּעְלִיס; = בֶּןעֲֿלִיס son of delight ? compare below בְּ) king of Ammonites Jeremiah 40:14 (Manuscripts & JosAnt. x. 9, 2 read בעלים). בְּעֹן see בית בעל מען below בית. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Baalis is introduced in Jeremiah 40:14 as “king of the Ammonites.” His single biblical appearance nevertheless unveils a ruler deeply involved in post-exilic Judean politics. The Ammonite monarchy, centered east of the Jordan, had long venerated national deities opposed to the God of Israel and frequently clashed with Israel and Judah (Judges 11:4-33; 2 Samuel 10:1-14). Historical Context After the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar installed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the remnant left in Judah (2 Kings 25:22). Neighboring peoples—Edom, Moab, and Ammon—watched the political vacuum closely, hoping to expand their influence. The scripture notes the return of Jewish fugitives from those lands (Jeremiah 40:11-12), suggesting heightened regional tension as displaced Judeans reclaimed property under Babylonian oversight. The Assassination Plot Jeremiah 40:14: “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” Baalis commissioned Ishmael—a Davidic royal still harboring ambition—to murder Gedaliah. Political motives likely included: Gedaliah dismissed the warning, and Ishmael executed the conspiracy (Jeremiah 41:1-3), slaughtering the governor, Babylonian soldiers, and many Judeans. The remnant, fearing Babylonian retaliation, fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 41:17-18), a move Jeremiah had repeatedly urged them to avoid (Jeremiah 42:19-22). Thus Baalis’ intrigue catalyzed further disobedience and exile. Theological Implications 1. Opposition to God’s Purposes: While Babylon was an instrument of divine judgment (Jeremiah 25:9), Baalis’ interference sought to overturn the order God allowed, illustrating how human schemes cannot thwart divine sovereignty. Lessons for Ministry and Faith • Vigilance in Leadership: Spiritual and civic leaders must be alert to threats that undermine God-given responsibilities. Related Biblical References Ammonite hostility: Numbers 21:24; Judges 11:4-33; 1 Samuel 11:1-11; 2 Samuel 10:1-14. Prophetic oracles against Ammon: Jeremiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 25:1-7; Amos 1:13-15. Post-exilic intrigue: 2 Kings 25:22-26 (parallel account of Ishmael’s conspiracy). Legacy in the Biblical Narrative Though mentioned only once, Baalis’ role critically shaped Judah’s final days in the land. His successful plot precipitated the remnant’s flight to Egypt, fulfilling earlier warnings and setting the stage for further prophetic messages (Jeremiah 42–44). Baalis thus stands as a reminder that even brief appearances in Scripture can carry enduring lessons on sovereignty, obedience, and the unseen spiritual warfare within historical events. Forms and Transliterations בַּעֲלִ֣יס ׀ בעליס ba‘ălîs ba·‘ă·lîs baaLisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 40:14 HEB: תֵּדַע֙ כִּ֞י בַּעֲלִ֣יס ׀ מֶ֣לֶךְ בְּנֵֽי־ NAS: aware that Baalis the king KJV: know that Baalis the king INT: aware that Baalis the king of the sons 1 Occurrence |
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