Topical Encyclopedia Bethbaalmeon, also known as Baal-meon, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is situated in the territory east of the Jordan River, within the region historically inhabited by the tribe of Reuben. The name "Bethbaalmeon" translates to "house of Baal-meon," indicating its association with the Canaanite deity Baal, which suggests that it may have been a center of Baal worship before the Israelite conquest.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 32:38 · In the context of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, the tribe of Reuben is recorded as having rebuilt several cities, including Bethbaalmeon. The verse states, "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." 2. Joshua 13:17 · This passage lists the cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Bethbaalmeon is mentioned alongside other cities, indicating its significance within the tribal inheritance: "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 Bethbaalmeon as part of their heritage: "and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal-meon." 4. Ezekiel 25:9 · The prophet Ezekiel, in his pronouncement of judgment against Moab, references Bethbaalmeon as part of the Moabite territory: "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: Bethbaalmeon is identified with the modern archaeological site of Ma'in, located in present-day Jordan. The site has yielded evidence of ancient occupation, including remnants from the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical period of the Israelite settlement. The presence of Canaanite religious artifacts suggests that the city was indeed a center of Baal worship before its incorporation into Israelite territory. Theological Significance: The mention of Bethbaalmeon in the context of Israelite settlement and its association with Baal worship highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan practices of the surrounding nations. The renaming of cities, as noted in Numbers 32:38, reflects the Israelites' efforts to establish their identity and religious purity in the land God had promised them. Bethbaalmeon's inclusion in the prophetic literature, such as Ezekiel's oracle against Moab, underscores the city's continued significance in the geopolitical and spiritual landscape of the region. The judgment pronounced upon Moab, including Bethbaalmeon, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan for His people. Cultural and Religious Influence: The city's association with Baal worship is indicative of the syncretistic challenges faced by the Israelites. The presence of such sites within their territory required constant vigilance and adherence to the covenantal laws given by God to maintain their distinct identity as His chosen people. The historical narrative of Bethbaalmeon serves as a testament to the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful amidst external influences and internal temptations. Smith's Bible Dictionary Bethbaalmeon(house of Baalmeon), a place in the possessions of Reuben, on the downs (Authorized Version "plain") east of the Jordan. (Joshua 13:17) At the Israelites' first approach is name was BAAL-MEON, (Numbers 32:38) or, in its contracted form, BEON (Numbers 32:3) to which the Beth was possibly a Hebrew addition. Later it would seem to have come into possession of Moab, and to be known either as Beth-meon, (Jeremiah 48:23) or Baal-meon. (Ezekiel 25:9) The name is still attached to a ruined place of considerable size a short distance to the southwest of Hesban , and bearing the name of "the fortress of Miun, " or Makin . International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-BAAL-MEONbeth-ba-al-me'-on (Joshua 13:17). Thesaurus Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence)...Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, (KJV). ... /b/bethbaalmeon.htm - 7k Beth-baal-meon (1 Occurrence) Bamothbaal (1 Occurrence) Beth-az'maveth (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Bethbaalmeon (1 Occurrence)Joshua 13:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |