Topical Bible: Baal: A Benjamite

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Baal, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Baal" itself is noteworthy, as it is also the name of a Canaanite deity, which suggests that the use of this name among the Israelites may reflect a period of syncretism or cultural influence from surrounding peoples.

Biblical Reference:

Baal is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:30 and 1 Chronicles 9:36, where he is listed among the descendants of Benjamin. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following references:

1 Chronicles 8:30 : "And his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,"

1 Chronicles 9:36 : "And his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,"

In these passages, Baal is identified as one of the sons of Jehiel, the father of Gibeon, and his wife Maacah. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the continuity of the Israelite tribes and their familial connections.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The use of the name "Baal" within an Israelite context is intriguing, given its association with the Canaanite god of fertility and weather. This suggests that during certain periods, Israelite culture may have been influenced by Canaanite practices and names. The name "Baal" was not uncommon in ancient Israel, as it was sometimes used as a component in personal names, such as "Ishbaal" or "Merib-baal," which were later altered in the biblical text to avoid direct association with the Canaanite deity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the presence of the name "Baal" in the genealogies of Israel highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the temptation to adopt the religious practices of neighboring cultures. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, as seen in numerous passages throughout the Old Testament. The inclusion of such names in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct identity and faithfulness to Yahweh.

Significance in the Tribe of Benjamin:

The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history, being the tribe of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and later, the Apostle Paul, a key figure in the New Testament. The genealogical records, including the mention of Baal, underscore the importance of lineage and heritage in understanding the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenantal relationship with His people.

In summary, Baal, a Benjamite, is a minor yet intriguing figure within the biblical genealogies, reflecting the complex interplay of cultural influences and religious identity in ancient Israel. His mention in the Scriptures serves as a testament to the rich and multifaceted history of the Israelite tribes.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 8:30
And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 9:36
And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Rachel.
... hereafter; the latter was noted for Gideon, the subverter of Baal, and Elisha ... beside
being the youngest born, the hatred of Saul the Benjamite, against David ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the reason of the order 2.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Esh-Baal, the successor of Saul in Gilead, was the enemy of both: his frontier ... the
Israelitish conquest of the country, and was murdered by the Benjamite Ehud. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... in the common sanctuary, which was known as "the temple of Baal of the ... Thus, Ehud
the Benjamite, who treacherously gained admittance to the presence of Eglon ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Israelites
... sort of pantheistic monotheism, based on the worship of the Asiatic Baal as represented ...
Saul, the Benjamite of Gibeah, was elected, and events soon proved the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... covenant"The Philistine dominion over Israel; Samuel, Saul, the Benjamite
monarchy"David ... where the conflict between Elijah and the prophets of Baal for the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm