בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה

Baal of Shalishah, Baal-Shalishah, a place in Palestine

Definition

Baal-shalishah is a proper noun referring to a specific location in ancient Palestine, mentioned only once in the Old Testament. The name means 'Baal (lord) of Shalishah' or 'lord of the third part,' likely indicating a place associated with the Canaanite deity Baal. In its sole biblical appearance (2 Kings 4:42), it is described as the origin of a man who brought an offering of firstfruits—bread made from barley and fresh ears of grain—to the prophet Elisha during a famine. The passage uses the place name to geographically situate this act of provision and faithfulness.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Kings 4:42. It functions strictly as a geographical identifier, specifying the hometown of a man who brings a food offering to the prophet Elisha. The context is a narrative about God's miraculous provision during a famine, where Elisha multiplies this man's offering to feed a hundred people. The usage provides a concrete, localized setting for the story.

Etymology

The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'Baʻal' (H1168), meaning 'lord, master, or owner,' often used as the name of the Canaanite storm god, and 'Shâlishâh' (H8031), derived from the root for 'three' or 'third.' Thus, it likely means 'Lord of the Third (District)' or 'Lord of Threefoldness/Abundance.' It may refer to a region known as a third of a larger territory or to a triadic aspect of the deity, though the precise geographical or theological nuance is uncertain.

Semantic Range

While the place name itself is not a central theological term, its appearance in 2 Kings 4:42 is theologically significant. It highlights God's provision through unexpected means—a man from a region named for a pagan god brings firstfruits to God's prophet. This act, occurring during famine, underscores themes of faithfulness, divine multiplication, and God's sovereignty over all lands, even those bearing idolatrous names. Understanding the name's pagan connotations enriches the reading by contrasting human idolatry with the true source of provision.

In its original setting, the name 'Baal-shalishah' would have immediately signaled a location under the patronage or domain of the Canaanite god Baal, a major rival deity to Yahweh in Israel's religious landscape. For the original audience, a man from such a place bringing an offering to Yahweh's prophet would have been a striking detail, possibly indicating the reach of Yahweh's influence or a personal rejection of local paganism. The 'firstfruits' offering also connects to Israelite agricultural and religious law, making the man's act one of covenantal obedience.

No direct synonyms as a proper place name. Related conceptually to other Baal-compound place names like Baal-peor (H1187) or Baal-hermon (H1179).

Word Details

Scripture References