Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The term "Bamoth" is derived from the Hebrew word "בָּמוֹת" (bamot), which means "high places." In the biblical context, "high places" often refer to elevated sites used for worship, both of Yahweh and, at times, of pagan deities. Biblical References: Bamoth is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It is specifically noted in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. 1. Numbers 21:19-20 : "From Mattanah they went to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth. And from Bamoth they went to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland." This passage situates Bamoth as a location on the Israelites' route as they traveled towards the Promised Land. It is part of the itinerary that leads them through the territory of Moab. 2. Numbers 22:41 : "The next morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal, and from there he saw the outskirts of the people." Here, Bamoth is associated with Bamoth-baal, indicating a high place dedicated to the Canaanite deity Baal. This site is significant in the narrative of Balaam, a prophet who was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. 3. Joshua 13:17 : "Heshbon and all its cities on the plain, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon." In this passage, Bamoth-baal is listed among the cities and regions allocated to the tribe of Reuben as part of their inheritance in the Transjordan area. Historical and Theological Significance: Bamoth, as a "high place," holds both geographical and spiritual significance. Geographically, it marks a point in the Israelites' journey and is part of the broader narrative of their conquest and settlement in the land of Canaan. Spiritually, the mention of Bamoth-baal highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the temptation to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The high places, including Bamoth, often became centers of syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan rituals. This was a recurring issue for the Israelites, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where the prophets frequently condemned the use of high places for idolatrous worship. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for Bamoth itself is limited, the general concept of high places has been well-documented in ancient Near Eastern archaeology. These sites typically included altars, standing stones, and other cultic installations, often located on elevated terrain to signify closeness to the divine. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, high places were common sites for worship due to their elevation, which was believed to bring worshippers closer to the gods. The Israelites' use of high places, despite divine prohibitions, reflects the cultural and religious influences they encountered from neighboring peoples. Conclusion: Bamoth serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey and the challenges they faced in maintaining their covenantal faithfulness amidst external influences. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh and the dangers of idolatry, themes that resonate throughout the Scriptures. Easton's Bible Dictionary Heights, the forty-seventh station of the Israelites (Numbers 21:19, 20) in the territory of the Moabites. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAMOTH; BAMOTH-BAALba'-moth, ba'-moth-ba'-al (bamoth-ba'al, "high places of Baal"): Bamoth is referred to in Numbers 21:19, 20, as a station in the journeyings of Israel North of the Arnon. It is probably the same place as the Bamoth-baal of Numbers 22:41 (Revised Version margin), whither Balak, king of Moab, conducted Balaam to view and to curse Israel. Bamoth-baal is named in Joshua 13:17 as one of the cities given to Reuben. Mesha, on the Moabite Stone, speaks of having "rebuilt" Beth-bamoth. Strong's Hebrew 1120. Bamoth -- "high place," a place in Moab... 1119, 1120. Bamoth. 1121 . "high place," a place in Moab. Transliteration: Bamoth Phonetic Spelling: (baw-moth') Short Definition: Bamoth. ... /hebrew/1120.htm - 6k 1181. baale bamoth -- lords of (the) high places 1168a. Baal -- a heathen god Library Perea. Beyond Jordan. Appendices Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Bamoth-baal (2 Occurrences)Bamoth-baal. Bamothbaal, Bamoth-baal. Bamoth-ba'al . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... Numbers 21:28). It has been supposed to be the same place as Bamoth. Int. ... /b/bamoth-baal.htm - 8k Bamoth (4 Occurrences) Bamoth-ba'al (1 Occurrence) Bamothbaal (1 Occurrence) Proper (62 Occurrences) Nahaliel (1 Occurrence) Ba'moth-ba'al (1 Occurrence) Names (133 Occurrences) Nahal'iel (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bamoth (4 Occurrences)Numbers 21:19 Numbers 21:20 Numbers 22:41 Joshua 13:17 Subtopics Bamoth: A Camping Place of the Israelites Bamoth: Called Bamoth-Baal, a City of Reuben Related Terms |
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