בַּעֲלֵי בָּמוֹת

Baale-Bamoth, a place East of the Jordan

Definition

בַּעֲלֵי בָּמוֹת (Baʻălêy Bâmôwth) is a proper noun referring to a specific location east of the Jordan River, mentioned in Numbers 21:19–20. The name literally means 'lords of the high places' or 'Baals of the heights,' indicating a site associated with Canaanite worship practices. It appears in the itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness journey, marking a stage between Mattanah and Nahaliel. While the exact location is uncertain, the name itself provides a geographical and religious marker in the narrative of Israel's approach to the Promised Land.

Biblical Usage

This term is used only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 21:19–20, within a poetic fragment listing the stations of Israel's travel. It functions strictly as a place name in a historical-geographical context, with no other occurrences or varied usages elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible.

Etymology

The name is a compound phrase derived from the plural construct form of בַּעַל (baʻal, H1168), meaning 'lord' or 'master' (often referring to the Canaanite deity Baal), and the plural of בָּמָה (bāmâh, H1116), meaning 'high place'—a raised site used for worship. Thus, it literally translates to 'lords of the high places,' likely describing a location characterized by multiple cultic platforms dedicated to Baal.

Semantic Range

This place name serves as a subtle theological reminder of the idolatrous Canaanite culture that Israel was entering, contrasting with Yahweh's worship. Its mention in Israel's travel log (Numbers 21:19–20) highlights God's guidance through a spiritually contested land, reinforcing themes of divine providence and the ongoing struggle against syncretism. Understanding the Hebrew enriches reading by revealing the pervasive presence of Baal worship that Israel would later confront.

In the ancient Near East, 'high places' (bāmôt) were elevated natural or artificial sites used for local worship, often associated with Canaanite deities like Baal. The name 'Baale-Bamoth' reflects a common cultural practice of naming locations after religious features, indicating a region where multiple Baal shrines existed. This contrasts with modern place-naming conventions, which are less explicitly religious.

בָּמָה (bāmâh, H1116) — a single 'high place' for worship, as opposed to the plural 'heights' in this compound name. בַּעַל (baʻal, H1168) — the singular 'lord' or the deity Baal, whereas this term uses the plural 'lords.'

Word Details