Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Baal-Berith

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Topical Encyclopedia

Baal-Berith, meaning "Lord of the Covenant," is a deity mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelites' recurring struggle with idolatry. This idol is primarily associated with the city of Shechem and the surrounding region. The worship of Baal-Berith is indicative of the syncretism that plagued Israel during the period of the Judges, as the people frequently turned away from the worship of Yahweh to embrace the gods of the surrounding nations.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 8:33 : "As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals. They made Baal-Berith their god." This passage highlights the Israelites' quick departure from faithfulness to Yahweh following the death of Gideon, a judge who had delivered them from Midianite oppression. The adoption of Baal-Berith as their god signifies a covenantal betrayal, as the Israelites forsook their unique relationship with Yahweh for a foreign deity.

2. Judges 9:4 : "They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless scoundrels who became his followers." This verse illustrates the political and social influence of Baal-Berith worship in Shechem. The temple of Baal-Berith served not only as a religious center but also as a source of economic and political power, funding Abimelech's rise to power through the hiring of mercenaries.

3. Judges 9:46 : "On hearing this, all the leaders of the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-Berith." While this verse refers to El-Berith, it is often considered synonymous with Baal-Berith, suggesting a blending of Canaanite deities. The leaders of Shechem sought refuge in the temple, indicating its significance as a place of sanctuary and its central role in the community's religious life.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Baal-Berith's worship reflects the broader Canaanite religious practices that were prevalent in the land during the time of the Judges. The Canaanites worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Baal being one of the most prominent. The title "Berith" suggests a covenantal aspect, possibly indicating a local adaptation of Baal worship that emphasized agreements or treaties, which may have appealed to the Israelites' own covenantal traditions.

The Israelites' attraction to Baal-Berith and other Canaanite deities can be attributed to several factors, including the allure of fertility rites, the desire for political alliances, and the temptation to conform to the surrounding culture. This idolatry was a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibited the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3).

Theological Implications:

The worship of Baal-Berith represents a significant theological crisis for the Israelites. It underscores the tension between the call to be a distinct, holy people devoted to Yahweh and the persistent temptation to assimilate into the surrounding pagan cultures. The narrative of Baal-Berith serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of forsaking the covenant with the one true God.

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets and leaders continually called the people back to exclusive worship of Yahweh, emphasizing the need for repentance and renewal of the covenant. The account of Baal-Berith is a reminder of the Israelites' struggle with faithfulness and the enduring challenge of idolatry in the life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 8:33
And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 9:4,46
And they gave him three score and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... and statue of
Dagon are mentioned in the ... harmony with history and other parts of Scripture. ...
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