Ba'alah is a name that appears in the Old Testament, referring to both a location and a person. The term "Ba'alah" is derived from the Hebrew root "ba'al," which means "lord" or "master." This name is associated with several significant references in the biblical narrative.

1. Ba'alah as a Location:

· Geographical Significance: Ba'alah is identified as a city in the territory of Judah. It is mentioned in the context of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:9-10 , Ba'alah is described as part of the boundary of the tribe of Judah: "Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron and went down to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim)." This indicates its location near Kiriath-jearim, a significant site in the history of Israel.

· Alternate Names: Ba'alah is also known by other names in the biblical text. It is referred to as Kiriath-jearim in some passages, highlighting the common practice of places having multiple names or titles. This is seen in 1 Chronicles 13:6 , where David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah to bring up the Ark of God: "David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name."

2. Ba'alah as a Person:

· Genealogical Reference: Ba'alah is also mentioned as a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. In 1 Chronicles 8:30 , Ba'alah is listed among the sons of Jeiel, the father of Gibeon: "His firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab." This genealogical reference places Ba'alah within the broader context of the tribal lineage of Benjamin.

3. Cultural and Religious Context:

· Religious Connotations: The name Ba'alah, derived from "ba'al," carries with it the cultural and religious connotations associated with the Canaanite deity Baal. While Ba'alah as a location and person is distinct from the worship of Baal, the linguistic connection serves as a reminder of the religious challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal faith amidst surrounding pagan influences.

4. Historical and Theological Implications:

· Role in Israel's History: The mention of Ba'alah in the context of the Ark of the Covenant underscores its importance in Israel's religious history. The transportation of the Ark from Ba'alah (Kiriath-jearim) to Jerusalem by King David marks a pivotal moment in establishing Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel.

· Symbol of God's Presence: The Ark's association with Ba'alah highlights the theological significance of God's presence among His people. The movement of the Ark symbolizes the unifying of the tribes under a central place of worship, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

In summary, Ba'alah serves as both a geographical and genealogical reference within the biblical narrative, reflecting the complex interplay of history, culture, and theology in the life of ancient Israel.1173. Baalah -- the name of several places in Isr.
... NASB Word Usage Baalah (5). Baalah. The same as ba'alah; Baalah, the name of three
places in Palestine -- Baalah. see HEBREW ba'alah. 1172, 1173. ...
/hebrew/1173.htm - 6k

1192. Baalath Beer -- "mistress of a well," a city in Simeon
... Baalath-beer. From ba'alah and 'er; mistress of a well; Baalath-Beer, a place in
Palestine -- Baalath-beer. see HEBREW ba'alah. see HEBREW 'er. 1191, 1192. ...
/hebrew/1192.htm - 6k

1191. Baalath -- a city in Dan
... Baalath. A modification of ba'alah; mistressship; Baalath, a place in Palestine --
Baalath. see HEBREW ba'alah. 1190, 1191. Baalath. 1192 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/1191.htm - 6k

1175. Bealoth -- "mistresses," a city in S. Judah, also a city of ...
... Plural of ba'alah; mistresses; Bealoth, a place in Palestine -- Bealoth, in Aloth
(by mistake for a plural from alah with prepositional prefix). ...
/hebrew/1175.htm - 6k

Ba'alah (5 Occurrences)
Ba'alah. Baalah, Ba'alah. Baalam . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'alah
(5 Occurrences). Joshua 15:9 The border extended from the top ...
/b/ba'alah.htm - 7k

Baalah (5 Occurrences)
... ba'-a-la ba`alah; ("possessor," "mistress "): Three occurrences of this name: (1) =
KIRIATH-JEARIM (which see) (Joshua 15:9, 10 1 Chronicles 13:6). (2) A city ...
/b/baalah.htm - 10k

Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... mis'-tres (ba`alah, gebhereth): Is the translation of ba`alah, "lady," "owner"
(1 Kings 17:17 Nahum 3:4); in 1 Samuel 28:7, "a woman that hath a familiar spirit ...
/m/mistress.htm - 14k

Baalam (1 Occurrence)

/b/baalam.htm - 6k

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