Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Baal-meon, also known as Beth-baal-meon, is a name that means "Lord of the dwelling" or "House of Baal's habitation." The name reflects the Canaanite influence in the region, where Baal was a prominent deity worshiped by the local populations. Biblical References: Baal-meon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of territorial allotments and prophetic judgments. It is first noted in the Book of Numbers as part of the land allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Numbers 32:38 states, "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." This indicates that the Israelites renamed the city, likely to remove the association with the Canaanite god Baal. In the Book of Joshua, Baal-meon is again listed among the cities given to the Reubenites: "Heshbon, and all its cities on the plain: Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon" (Joshua 13:17). This confirms its location within the territory east of the Jordan River, in the region of Moab. The city is also mentioned in the prophetic literature. In Ezekiel 25:9, the Lord declares judgment against Moab, including Baal-meon, for their pride and contempt against Israel: "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land." Historical and Geographical Context: Baal-meon was situated in the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. The area was known for its fertile land and strategic location, making it a valuable possession for the tribes of Israel. The city was part of the territory that the Israelites conquered from the Amorite king Sihon before it was allocated to the tribe of Reuben. The Moabite Stone, an ancient inscription by King Mesha of Moab, also mentions Baal-meon, indicating its significance in the region. The stone records Mesha's rebellion against Israel and his subsequent building projects, including the fortification of Baal-meon. Theological Significance: Baal-meon serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan practices that surrounded the Israelites. The renaming of the city by the Reubenites reflects the biblical mandate to reject idolatry and establish a distinct identity centered on the worship of the one true God. The prophetic references to Baal-meon highlight God's sovereignty over the nations and His judgment against those who oppose His people. The inclusion of Baal-meon in these judgments underscores the broader biblical theme of divine retribution against idolatry and pride. Archaeological Insights: Modern archaeological efforts have identified Baal-meon with the site of Khirbet Ma'in in Jordan. Excavations have uncovered remains that suggest a settlement with significant fortifications, consistent with its historical role as a fortified city in the region. These findings provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative. Conclusion: Baal-meon stands as a testament to the complex history of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land and their interactions with surrounding cultures. Its biblical mentions serve as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining faithfulness to God amidst external influences and the ever-present temptation of idolatry. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Baal-MeonATS Bible Dictionary Baal-MeonIn Reuben beyond the Jordan, Numbers 32:38; called also Bethmeon, Jeremiah 48:23, and Beth-baal-meon, Joshua 13:17. Its ruins are found two miles southeast of Heshbon. Ezekiel 25:9, speaks of it as then a Moabitish town. Easton's Bible Dictionary Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben (Numbers 32:38), called also Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23) and Beth-baal-meon (Joshua 13:17). It is supposed to have been the birth-place of Elisha. It is identified with the modern M'ain, about 3 miles south-east of Heshbon. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAAL-MEONba'-al-me'-on ba`al me`on; Beelmeon: A town built by the children of Reuben along with Nebo, "their names being changed" (Numbers 32:38), identical with Beon of Numbers 32:3. As Beth-baal-meon it was given by Moses to the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:17). Mesha names it as fortified by him (MS, L. 9). It appears in Jeremiah 48:23 as Beth-meon, one of the cities of Moab. Eusebius, Onomasticon speaks of it as a large village near the hot springs, i.e. Callirrhoe, in Wady Zerka Ma`in, 9 miles from Heshbon. This points to the ruined site of Ma`in, about 4 miles Southwest of Madeba. The ruins now visible however are not older than Roman times. Strong's Hebrew 1010. Beth Baal Meon -- "house of Baal of (the) habitation," a ...Beth Baal Meon. 1009, 1010. Beth Baal Meon. 1011 . "house of Baal of (the) habitation," a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration ... /hebrew/1010.htm - 6k 1186. Baal Meon -- "Baal of (the) habitation," a place East of the ... Library Perea. Beyond Jordan. Appendices Thesaurus Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)... of Reuben along with Nebo, "their names being changed" (Numbers 32:38), identical with Beon of Numbers 32:3. As Beth-baal-meon it was ...Baalmeon (3 Occurrences). ... /b/baalmeon.htm - 8k Baal-meon (3 Occurrences) Beth-baal-meon (1 Occurrence) Meon (5 Occurrences) Ba'al-me'on (3 Occurrences) Nebo (13 Occurrences) Proper (62 Occurrences) Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence) Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence) Stone (290 Occurrences) Resources What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Baal? | GotQuestions.org Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Baal-meon (3 Occurrences)Numbers 32:38 1 Chronicles 5:8 Ezekiel 25:9 Subtopics Baal-Meon: A City of the Reubenites Related Terms Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence) |
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