Dictionary of Bible Themes Literally "master", used to refer to a variety of local gods in the Near East, encountered by Israel in Canaan. In the later period, the word comes to refer especially to the local god of the city of Tyre (Baal Melgart), on account of the increasing importance of that city in the region. Numbers 25:3-5The history of Baal worship In the exodus period See also Numbers 22:41A Moabite deity whose worship involved sexual immorality. Deuteronomy 4:3Psalms 106:28 Hosea 9:10 Judges 2:12-13 In the time of the judges See also Judges 3:7; 6:31-32; 8:33; 10:6Ashtoreth was the consort of Baal. 1 Samuel 7:4; 12:101 Kings 17:1 In the time of Elijah See also 1 Kings 16:30-33; 18:18-19:1; 22:53The proclamation of a drought and the contest on Carmel challenged the supposed power of Baal. 2 Kings 10:18-29; 11:17-18Hosea 2:2-13 During the later monarchy in the north See also Hosea 11:2; 13:1Lovers are gods such as Baal. 2 Chronicles 28:1-2During the later monarchy in the south See also Jeremiah 2:8; 7:9The Judean kingdom copied the idolatry in the north. Hosea 3:3See also 5093 Eve7774 prophets, false 8237 doctrine, false 8747 false gods 8748 false religion 8752 false worship 8768 idolatry |
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