Introduction:
Baal-berith, meaning "Lord of the Covenant," is a deity mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelites' interactions with the Canaanite peoples. This entry explores the biblical references to Baal-berith, its significance, and the implications of Israel's apostasy in worshiping this deity.

Biblical References:
Baal-berith is primarily mentioned in the Book of Judges. After the death of Gideon, the Israelites turned away from Yahweh and began to worship Baal-berith. Judges 8:33 states, "As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-berith as their god." This indicates a period of spiritual decline and syncretism, where the Israelites adopted the religious practices of the surrounding Canaanite culture.

In Judges 9:4 , Baal-berith is further mentioned in the context of Abimelech's rise to power: "They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless scoundrels who became his followers." This passage highlights the existence of a temple dedicated to Baal-berith, signifying the organized worship and the influence of this deity in Shechem.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Baal-berith was one of the many Baals worshiped by the Canaanites. The term "Baal" itself means "lord" or "master" and was used to refer to various local deities. The addition of "berith," meaning "covenant," suggests a specific role or aspect of this deity, possibly as a god of agreements or treaties. This reflects the Canaanite practice of associating deities with specific functions or localities.

The worship of Baal-berith by the Israelites represents a significant departure from their covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The covenant established at Sinai was meant to set Israel apart as a people dedicated to the worship of the one true God. The adoption of Baal-berith worship indicates a breach of this covenant and a return to idolatry, which was repeatedly condemned by the prophets and leaders of Israel.

Theological Implications:
The worship of Baal-berith underscores the recurring theme of Israel's unfaithfulness and the consequences of idolatry. The Israelites' attraction to Baal-berith and other Canaanite deities often led to moral and spiritual decline, resulting in divine judgment and oppression by foreign powers. This cycle of apostasy and repentance is a central narrative in the Book of Judges.

From a theological perspective, the worship of Baal-berith serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant. It highlights the need for spiritual vigilance and the rejection of cultural influences that lead away from the worship of Yahweh.

Conclusion:
While Baal-berith is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, the deity's mention serves as a poignant reminder of the Israelites' struggles with idolatry and the constant call to return to the covenantal faithfulness demanded by God. The account of Baal-berith is a testament to the enduring challenge of maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of external pressures and temptations.Baal-Berith

idol of the covenant

Covenant lord, the name of the god worshipped in Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judges 8:33; 9:4). In 9:46 he is called simply "the god Berith." The name denotes the god of the covenant into which the Israelites entered with the Canaanites, contrary to the command of Jehovah (Exodus 34:12), when they began to fall away to the worship of idols. BAAL-BERITH

ba-al-be'-rith ba`al berith = ("Baal of the Covenant"): An idol worshipped by the Shechemites after Gideon's death (Judges 8:33), as protector and guardian of engagements. His temple is also referred to in Judges 9:4. See BAAL (1).

1170. Baal Berith -- "Baal of (the) covenant," a Shechemite god
Baal Berith. 1169, 1170. Baal Berith. 1171 . "Baal of (the) covenant,"
a Shechemite god. Transliteration: Baal Berith Phonetic ...
/hebrew/1170.htm - 6k

The Crowning of Abimelech
... And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned
again, and went a whoring after the Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii the crowning of abimelech.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Baal-G-ad, or "Master of Gad;"** the Baal of Shechem, at the time of the Israelite
invasion, was "Master of the Covenant""Baal-Berith"doubtless in memory ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... death by his people; from whence it came to pass afterwards, that powers of this
kind were called Baalim or Baals, as Baal Peor, Baalberith, Baalzebub, Baal ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith
(the Lord of the Covenant), wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Baalberith (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BAAL-BERITH. ... His temple is also referred to in
Judges 9:4. See BAAL (1). Multi-Version Concordance Baalberith (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/baalberith.htm - 8k

Baal-berith (2 Occurrences)
Baal-berith. Baalberith, Baal-berith. Ba'al-be'rith . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Baalberith, Baal-berith. Ba'al-be'rith . Reference Bible.
/b/baal-berith.htm - 8k

Berith (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BERITH. be'-rith (berith, "covenant"). See
BAAL-BERITH. Multi-Version Concordance Berith (3 Occurrences). ...
/b/berith.htm - 7k

Baal (94 Occurrences)
... 1. Baal-berith: Baal-berith ba`al berith; Baalberith, "Covenant Baal," was worshipped
at Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judges 8:33; Judges 9:4). In Judges ...
/b/baal.htm - 53k

Uncontrolled (58 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 And they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the house of Baal-berith,
with which Abimelech got the support of a number of uncontrolled and good ...
/u/uncontrolled.htm - 23k

Unstable (8 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 and they give to him seventy silverings out of the house of Baal-Berith,
and Abimelech hireth with them men, vain and unstable, and they go after him ...
/u/unstable.htm - 8k

Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 And they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the house of Baal-berith,
with which Abimelech got the support of a number of uncontrolled and good ...
/g/good-for-nothing.htm - 13k

Whoring (17 Occurrences)
... 8:33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel
turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. ...
/w/whoring.htm - 12k

Fellows (30 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of BaalBerith,
with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him. ...
/f/fellows.htm - 16k

Who was Baal? | GotQuestions.org

What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org

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