Baale, also referred to as Baalah, is a city located in the tribal territory of Judah. This city is mentioned in the context of the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of King David. The name "Baale" is derived from the Hebrew word "Ba'al," which means "lord" or "master," and it is often associated with places of significance in ancient Israelite history.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 6:2 : "And David and all his men set out from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD of Hosts who is enthroned between the cherubim." This passage highlights Baale as the starting point for the significant event of transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark, representing God's presence, was central to Israelite worship and identity, and its movement from Baale to Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in consolidating David's rule and establishing Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel.

2. 1 Chronicles 13:6 : "David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name." This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, identifying Baale with Kiriath-jearim, another name for the same location. Kiriath-jearim was known as the resting place of the Ark after it was returned by the Philistines, and before it was moved to Jerusalem.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Baale, or Baalah, is identified with the modern site of Deir el-Azar, located near the ancient city of Kiriath-jearim. This area is situated in the hill country of Judah, approximately 8 miles west of Jerusalem. The city's association with the Ark of the Covenant underscores its importance in the religious history of Israel.

Theological Significance:

The movement of the Ark from Baale to Jerusalem signifies a unifying moment for the tribes of Israel under King David's leadership. It reflects the centralization of worship and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual heart of the nation. The Ark's journey from Baale is emblematic of God's presence and favor moving with His chosen king and people.

Cultural and Religious Influence:

Baale's mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the Ark and the reverence with which it was regarded. The city's role in the Ark's journey highlights the deep connection between geography and theology in the biblical text, where locations are often imbued with spiritual significance.

In summary, Baale, as a city of Judah, holds a notable place in biblical history due to its association with the Ark of the Covenant and its role in the religious and political consolidation of Israel under King David.2 Samuel 6:2
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwells between the cherubim.
Nave's Topical Index

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
... Kiriath-jearim was before-time called Baale, 2 Samuel 6 ... 15:29); "namely, the houses
were of Judah,"the fields ... in Ephratah" (that is, Shiloh, a city of Ephraim ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 45 emmaus kiriath-jearim.htm

Death and Life from the Ark
... people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring ... the house of Obed-edom into
the city of David ... in 1 Chronicles tates that Baalah, or Baale, was Kirjath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/death and life from the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... however, now and again to act against a common foe, for we know that the people
of Judah aided the tribe of Simeon in the reduction of the city of Zephath ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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