Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Beth-ba'al-me'on, often referred to simply as Baal-meon, is a name that translates to "house of Baal of the habitation" or "house of Baal of the dwelling." The name reflects the ancient Canaanite practice of naming places after their deities, in this case, Baal, a prominent god in the Canaanite pantheon. Biblical References: Beth-ba'al-me'on is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of territorial descriptions and conquests. It is located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. 1. Numbers 32:38 : "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." This verse describes the allocation of land to the tribe of Reuben. The Reubenites rebuilt and renamed several cities, including Baal-meon, as part of their inheritance. 2. Joshua 13:17 : "Heshbon, and all its cities on the plain, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon." This passage lists Beth-ba'al-meon among the cities on the plain of Moab that were part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Reuben. 3. 1 Chronicles 5:8 : "and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal-meon." This genealogical record mentions Baal-meon as part of the territory where the descendants of Reuben settled. 4. Ezekiel 25:9 : "therefore I will expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land." In this prophetic judgment against Moab, Baal-meon is listed as one of the significant cities that will face desolation. Historical and Archaeological Context: Beth-ba'al-me'on was a significant settlement in the ancient Near East, located in the region historically known as Moab. The city is identified with the modern archaeological site of Ma'in in Jordan. Excavations in the area have revealed evidence of occupation dating back to the Iron Age, consistent with the biblical timeline. The city's association with Baal worship indicates its importance in the religious practices of the Moabites and possibly the Israelites before the reforms that sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem. The renaming of the city by the Reubenites suggests an effort to distance themselves from its pagan associations. Theological Significance: Beth-ba'al-me'on serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures. The city's mention in the context of territorial inheritance underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, despite the presence of idolatrous influences. The prophetic references to Beth-ba'al-meon in Ezekiel highlight the theme of divine judgment against nations and cities that opposed Israel or engaged in idolatry. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. Concordance Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence)Joshua 13:17 Thesaurus Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence)Beth-ba'al-me'on. Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on. Bethbarah . Multi-Version Concordance Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence). Joshua ... /b/beth-ba'al-me'on.htm - 6k Beth-baal-meon (1 Occurrence) Bethbarah (1 Occurrence) Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence) Resources Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org Who was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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