Biblical Reference:
Baal-shalishah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 4:42. The passage reads: "Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. 'Give it to the people to eat,' said Elisha."

Geographical Context:
Baal-shalishah is believed to have been a location in the region of Ephraim, in the northern kingdom of Israel. The name "Baal-shalishah" suggests a connection to the Canaanite deity Baal, which was common in place names of the region, indicating a historical period when Canaanite religious practices were prevalent. The exact location of Baal-shalishah is not definitively known today, but it is thought to have been situated near the area of Mount Ephraim.

Historical and Cultural Context:
During the time of the prophet Elisha, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom, where Baal-shalishah was located, often struggled with idolatry and the worship of Baal, which was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The presence of Baal in the name of the town reflects the syncretism that was prevalent in the region.

Theological Significance:
The account of the man from Baal-shalishah bringing bread to Elisha is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the faithfulness of a remnant within Israel who continued to honor the prophets of Yahweh despite the widespread idolatry. The offering of the firstfruits, represented by the barley loaves, signifies an act of devotion and recognition of God's provision.

Second, this event prefigures the miraculous provision of food, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament with Jesus' feeding of the multitudes. Elisha's command to "Give it to the people to eat" and the subsequent multiplication of the loaves highlight God's power to provide abundantly for His people, even in times of scarcity.

Prophetic Ministry of Elisha:
Elisha, the successor of Elijah, was a prominent prophet in the northern kingdom. His ministry was marked by numerous miracles, which served to affirm his role as a true prophet of Yahweh and to call the people of Israel back to covenant faithfulness. The miracle at Baal-shalishah is one of several instances where Elisha's actions pointed to God's sovereignty and care for His people.

Lessons and Applications:
The account of Baal-shalishah encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to remain faithful amidst a culture that may be contrary to biblical values. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting God's work and His messengers, as the man from Baal-shalishah did by bringing his offering to Elisha. This narrative invites reflection on the ways God can use small acts of faithfulness to accomplish His purposes and bless others.BAAL-SHALISHAH

ba-al-shal'-i-sha, ba-al-shale-'sha ba`al shalishah; Baithsarisa: Whence a man came to Gilgal with first-fruits (2 Kings 4:42) was probably not far from the latter place. According to the Talmud (Sanh. 12a) the fruits of the earth nowhere ripened so quickly. It is called by Eusebius Baithsarith (Jerome "Bethsalisa"), and located 15 miles North of Diospolis (Lydda). Khirbet Sirisia almost exactly fits this description. Gilgal (Jiljulieh) lies in the plain about 4 1/2 miles to the Northwest Khirbet Kefr Thilth, 3 1/2 miles farther north, has also been suggested. The Arabic Thilth exactly corresponds to the Hebrew Shalishah.

W. Ewing

1190. Baal Shalishah -- "Baal of Shalishah," a place in Palestine
Baal Shalishah. 1189, 1190. Baal Shalishah. 1191 . "Baal of Shalishah,"
a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Baal Shalishah ...
/hebrew/1190.htm - 6kBaalshalishah
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAAL-SHALISHAH. ba-al-shal'-i-sha,
ba-al-shale-'sha ba`al shalishah; Baithsarisa: Whence a man came ...
/b/baalshalishah.htm - 7k

Baal-shalishah (1 Occurrence)
Baal-shalishah. Baalshalishah, Baal-shalishah. Ba'al-shal'ishah . Int. ...
Baalshalishah, Baal-shalishah. Ba'al-shal'ishah . Reference Bible.
/b/baal-shalishah.htm - 7k

Shalishah (2 Occurrences)
... slope of the range. Baal-shalishah would most likely be in the district,
and may indeed have given its name to it. If Conder is ...
/s/shalishah.htm - 8k

Ba'al-shal'ishah (1 Occurrence)
Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baal-shalishah, Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baaltamar . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Baal-shalishah, Ba'al-shal'ishah. Baaltamar . Reference Bible
/b/ba'al-shal'ishah.htm - 6k

Baal-shalisha (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 4:42 And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God
bread of the first-fruits, twenty ... Baalshalisha, Baal-shalisha. Baalshalishah ...
/b/baal-shalisha.htm - 7k

Land (19790 Occurrences)
... slope of the range. Baal-shalishah would most likely be in the district,
and may indeed have given its name to it. If Conder is ...
/l/land.htm - 21k

Baked (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 4:42 A man from BaalShalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of
the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack ...
/b/baked.htm - 14k

Ripe (29 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 4:42 A man from BaalShalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of
the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack ...
/r/ripe.htm - 16k

Sack (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 4:42 A man from BaalShalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of
the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack ...
/s/sack.htm - 12k

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