Topical Encyclopedia Baalis was a king of the Ammonites during the late 7th century BC, a period marked by significant political upheaval in the ancient Near East. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites. Baalis is mentioned in the context of the turbulent events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC.Biblical Reference: Baalis is specifically mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. After the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the remnant of Judah. However, a plot against Gedaliah's life was orchestrated by Baalis. In Jeremiah 40:14 , it is recorded: "and said to him, 'Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them." This passage highlights Baalis's involvement in the political intrigue of the time, as he sought to destabilize the Babylonian-appointed governance in Judah. The assassination of Gedaliah by Ishmael, as recounted in Jeremiah 41, led to further chaos and fear among the remaining inhabitants of Judah, causing many to flee to Egypt. Historical and Cultural Context: The Ammonites, with their capital at Rabbah (modern-day Amman, Jordan), were a Semitic people closely related to the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, they are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel, engaging in various conflicts and skirmishes. The political landscape during Baalis's reign was complex, with the major powers of Babylon and Egypt vying for control over the region. Baalis's actions can be seen as an attempt to assert Ammonite influence and possibly to curry favor with the Babylonians or other regional powers by destabilizing Judah. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Baalis and the assassination of Gedaliah underscores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of political alliances. Gedaliah's refusal to heed warnings about Baalis's plot reflects a tragic misjudgment that led to further suffering for the people of Judah. This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the potential dangers of political machinations. Legacy: Baalis's legacy is primarily tied to this singular biblical mention, yet it reflects the broader historical enmity between the Ammonites and Israelites. His actions contributed to the instability in Judah during a critical period of its history, illustrating the complex interplay of regional politics in the ancient Near East. The account of Baalis in the Bible provides insight into the challenges faced by the Jewish remnant in maintaining their identity and governance amidst external threats and internal strife. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 40:14And said to him, Do you certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. Nave's Topical Index Library How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... The Nations of the South-East Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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