Etymology and Meaning:
Beth-baal-meon, sometimes referred to simply as Baal-meon, is a name that combines "Beth," meaning "house," with "Baal," a Canaanite deity, and "Meon," which may mean "habitation" or "dwelling." Thus, the name can be understood as "House of Baal's Habitation."

Biblical References:
Beth-baal-meon is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of territorial descriptions and conquests. It is located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River.

1. Numbers 32:38 · The city is listed among the towns rebuilt by the tribe of Reuben after the conquest of the Transjordan area. "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt."

2. Joshua 13:17 · In the division of the land, Beth-baal-meon is included in the territory assigned to the tribe of Reuben. "Heshbon and all its cities on the plain, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon."

3. 1 Chronicles 5:8 · The genealogical records of the tribe of Reuben mention Beth-baal-meon as part of their inheritance. "And Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal-meon."

4. Ezekiel 25:9 · The prophet Ezekiel, in his oracle against Moab, references Beth-baal-meon as part of the judgment pronounced against Moab. "Therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land."

Historical and Archaeological Context:
Beth-baal-meon was situated in the region historically known as Moab, which is present-day Jordan. The city was strategically located on the plateau east of the Dead Sea, an area known for its fertile land and significant trade routes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site, identified with modern-day Ma'in, was occupied during various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The inclusion of "Baal" in the name indicates the city's association with the worship of Baal, a prominent deity in Canaanite religion. This reflects the syncretistic practices that were common in the region, where local deities were often worshipped alongside the God of Israel. The biblical narrative often highlights the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the influence of Canaanite religions, with Beth-baal-meon serving as a geographical and cultural marker of this ongoing struggle.

Tribal and Territorial Importance:
As part of the territory of Reuben, Beth-baal-meon held significance for the tribe's identity and heritage. The Reubenites, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle in the Transjordan area due to its suitability for livestock. The city's mention in the context of territorial allotments underscores its role in the broader narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.

Prophetic and Eschatological Themes:
The prophetic mention of Beth-baal-meon in Ezekiel's oracle against Moab serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations and His judgment against idolatry and pride. The city's inclusion in these prophecies highlights the broader theme of divine justice and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes for Israel and the surrounding nations.BETH-BAAL-MEON

beth-ba-al-me'-on (Joshua 13:17).

See BAAL-MEON.

1010. Beth Baal Meon -- "house of Baal of (the) habitation," a ...
Beth Baal Meon. 1009, 1010. Beth Baal Meon. 1011 . "house of Baal of
(the) habitation," a place East of the Jordan. Transliteration ...
/hebrew/1010.htm - 6k

Perea. Beyond Jordan.
... &c. "The plain of it was Heshbon, with all its cities, which are in the
plain, Dibon, and Bamoth-Baal, and Beth-Baal-Meon," &c. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 91 perea beyond jordan.htm

Appendices
... I built. 29. Beth-Medeba (Numbers 21:30), and Beth-diblathain (Jeremiah
48:22), and Beth-baal-meon, and transported thereto the ... 30. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-BAAL-MEON. beth-ba-al-me'-on (Joshua 13:17).
See BAAL-MEON. Multi-Version Concordance Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bethbaalmeon.htm - 7k

Beth-baal-meon (1 Occurrence)
Beth-baal-meon. Bethbaalmeon, Beth-baal-meon. Beth-ba'al-me'on . Int. ...
Bethbaalmeon, Beth-baal-meon. Beth-ba'al-me'on . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-baal-meon.htm - 7k

Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben (Numbers 32:38), called
also Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23) and Beth-baal-meon (Joshua 13:17). ...
/b/baalmeon.htm - 8k

Baal-meon (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben (Numbers 32:38), called
also Beth-meon (Jeremiah 48:23) and Beth-baal-meon (Joshua 13:17). ...
/b/baal-meon.htm - 8k

Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ba'al-me'on. Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on. Bethbarah . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on. Bethbarah . Reference Bible
/b/beth-ba'al-me'on.htm - 6k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... house of lionesses," to Lebaoth; Beth-azmaveth to Azmaveth; Beth-rehob to Rehob;
Beth-bamoth to Bamoth (MS, l. 27, with Numbers 21:19); Beth-baal-meon to Baal ...
/p/proper.htm - 57k

Jahaz (8 Occurrences)
... It is named along with Beth-baal-meon and Kedemoth (Joshua 13:18), with Kedemoth
(Joshua 21:37) pointing to a position in the Southeast of the Amorite territory ...
/j/jahaz.htm - 11k

Tableland (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the table-land; Dibon,
and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon; (See RSV). Joshua ...
/t/tableland.htm - 8k

Table-land (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon,
and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon, (See JPS BBE). Joshua ...
/t/table-land.htm - 9k

Dibon (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, Bamoth Baal,
BethBaalMeon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dibon.htm - 12k

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