Introduction:
Ba'al-ta'mar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is associated with a significant event in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance.

Biblical Reference:
Ba'al-ta'mar is mentioned in Judges 20:33. The context of this passage is the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The conflict arose due to a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes.

Scriptural Account:
In Judges 20:33 , the narrative describes a strategic military maneuver by the Israelites: "So all the men of Israel got up from their places and took their positions at Baal-tamar, while the Israelites in ambush charged out of their places west of Gibeah." This verse highlights Ba'al-ta'mar as a staging ground for the Israelite forces as they prepared to engage the Benjamites in battle.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Ba'al-ta'mar is believed to be located near Gibeah, although its exact location remains uncertain. The name "Ba'al-ta'mar" suggests a place associated with a palm tree or grove, as "tamar" means "palm" in Hebrew. The prefix "Ba'al" indicates a possible connection to a Canaanite deity, though in this context, it likely refers to a geographical landmark rather than a place of worship.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Ba'al-ta'mar in the narrative of Judges underscores the severity of the internal strife within Israel during the time of the Judges. The civil war against Benjamin serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of moral and spiritual decline. The Israelites' gathering at Ba'al-ta'mar reflects their unity and determination to address the sin that had arisen within their community.

Lessons and Reflections:
The account of Ba'al-ta'mar and the subsequent battle against Benjamin illustrate the importance of justice and righteousness within a covenant community. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral compromise and the need for collective action to uphold God's standards. The account also highlights the complexities of human conflict and the necessity of seeking divine guidance in resolving disputes.

Conclusion:
While Ba'al-ta'mar is a minor geographical reference in the biblical text, its role in the narrative of Judges 20 provides insight into the turbulent period of the Judges and the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to live faithfully under God's covenant.Ba'al-ta'mar (1 Occurrence)

Judges 20:33
And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Ba'al-ta'mar; and the men of Israel who were in ambush rushed out of their place west of Geba.
(DBY RSV)

Ba'al-ta'mar (1 Occurrence)
Ba'al-ta'mar. Baal-tamar, Ba'al-ta'mar. Baalzebub . Multi-Version
Concordance Ba'al-ta'mar (1 Occurrence). Judges 20:33 And all ...
/b/ba'al-ta'mar.htm - 6k

Baal-tamar (1 Occurrence)
Baal-tamar. Baaltamar, Baal-tamar. Ba'al-ta'mar . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lord of palm trees, a place in the tribe of Benjamin ...
/b/baal-tamar.htm - 7k

Baalzebub (4 Occurrences)

/b/baalzebub.htm - 9k

Baaltamar (1 Occurrence)
...ba-al-ta'-mar ba`al tamar; Baal Thamar, ("Baal of the palm tree"): Evidently a seat
of heathen worship (Judges 20:33) between Bethel and Gibeah (compare Judges ...
/b/baaltamar.htm - 7k

Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Ba'al-ta'mar; and the men of Israel who were in ambush rushed ...
/r/rushed.htm - 14k

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