Topical Encyclopedia Ba'ale-judah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's reign. It is referenced in 2 Samuel 6:2, where it is associated with the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. The name "Ba'ale-judah" can be translated as "Lords of Judah," indicating its significance within the tribal territory of Judah.Biblical Reference: In 2 Samuel 6:2 , the text states: "And David and all his men set out from Baale-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 the importance of Ba'ale-judah as the starting point for the significant event of moving the Ark to Jerusalem, which was a pivotal moment in establishing Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel. Geographical and Historical Context: Ba'ale-judah is believed to be synonymous with Kiriath-jearim, a town located in the hill country of Judah. Kiriath-jearim is mentioned in several other biblical passages, such as 1 Samuel 7:1-2, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a period after being returned by the Philistines. The association with Kiriath-jearim is supported by the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 13:6, which refers to the same event and location. The town's name, "Ba'ale-judah," reflects its status as a place of significance within the tribe of Judah, possibly indicating a center of local governance or religious activity. The prefix "Ba'ale" suggests the presence of multiple "lords" or leaders, which may imply a confederation of settlements or a notable administrative center. Theological Significance: The movement of the Ark from Ba'ale-judah to Jerusalem under King David's leadership is a theologically rich event. It symbolizes the unification of the tribes of Israel under a central monarchy and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of the nation. The Ark, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel, being brought to Jerusalem, underscores the city's future role as the site of the Temple and the focal point of worship for the Israelites. David's actions in transporting the Ark also reflect his desire to honor God and centralize worship, aligning the political capital with the religious center. This event foreshadows the construction of the Temple by Solomon, David's son, further solidifying Jerusalem's central role in Israelite worship and identity. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Ba'ale-judah/Kiriath-jearim has been a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally identified with the modern site of Deir el-Azar, near Abu Ghosh, west of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations in the area have provided insights into the settlement patterns and material culture of the region during the time of the united monarchy. The identification of Ba'ale-judah with Kiriath-jearim is supported by its strategic location along ancient trade routes and its proximity to other significant biblical sites. This location would have made it an ideal staging point for the transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem, aligning with the biblical narrative. In summary, Ba'ale-judah holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as the starting point for the Ark's journey to Jerusalem, marking a key moment in the religious and political history of Israel under King David. Concordance Ba'ale-judah (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 6:2 Thesaurus Ba'ale-judah (1 Occurrence)Ba'ale-judah. Baale-judah, Ba'ale-judah. Baalgad . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'ale-judah (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 6:2 David arose ... /b/ba'ale-judah.htm - 6k Baale-judah (1 Occurrence) Baalgad (3 Occurrences) Resources Who/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the scepter will not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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