Ba'alis was a king of the Ammonites during the time of the prophet Jeremiah, as mentioned in the Old Testament. His reign is noted in the context of the political turmoil following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Ammonites, a people descended from Lot, were often in conflict with Israel and Judah, and Ba'alis's actions reflect the complex alliances and enmities of the period.

Biblical Reference:

Ba'alis is specifically mentioned in Jeremiah 40:14. The verse states: "and said to him, 'Are you aware that Ba'alis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them." . This passage highlights Ba'alis's involvement in a plot against Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over the remnant of Judah. Gedaliah's assassination was a significant event, leading to further instability and fear among the remaining Jewish population.

Historical and Political Context:

The Ammonites, under Ba'alis, were likely seeking to exploit the weakened state of Judah following the Babylonian conquest. By supporting Ishmael's conspiracy, Ba'alis aimed to destabilize the Babylonian-appointed governance and possibly extend Ammonite influence or control over the region. This reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time, where smaller states like Ammon sought to navigate the power struggles between larger empires such as Babylon and Egypt.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Ba'alis's actions can be seen as part of the ongoing narrative of opposition to God's chosen people, Israel. The Ammonites, like other neighboring nations, often stood in opposition to Israel, both politically and spiritually. The plot against Gedaliah, though politically motivated, also serves as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by the remnant of Judah and the challenges of maintaining faith and identity amidst external pressures.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The mention of Ba'alis in the Bible underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern cultures and the constant interplay between political and religious spheres. The Ammonites, though related to the Israelites through Lot, had distinct religious practices and deities, often leading to conflicts with Israel. Ba'alis's role in the assassination plot is a testament to the enduring enmity and rivalry between these groups.

In summary, Ba'alis represents a figure of political intrigue and opposition during a critical period in Judah's history. His actions, as recorded in the book of Jeremiah, provide insight into the challenges faced by the Jewish people in maintaining their identity and faith amidst external threats and internal strife.Ba'alis (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 40:14
and said to him, Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam didn't believe them.
(See RSV)

Ba'alis (1 Occurrence)
Ba'alis. Baalis, Ba'alis. Baalmeon . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'alis
(1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 40:14 and said to him, Do you know ...
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Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)

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Baalis (1 Occurrence)

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