בַּיִת

Bajith, a place in Palestine

Definition

The word בַּיִת (Bayith) in Isaiah 15:2 refers specifically to 'Bajith,' a place in Moab, likely a temple or high place dedicated to a pagan deity. This is a proper noun derived from the common Hebrew noun for 'house' (H1004). In this singular prophetic context, it signifies a location of Moabite worship that the prophet Isaiah declares will be lamented and destroyed. The term highlights a specific site of idolatry facing divine judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 15:2, within a prophecy of judgment against Moab. It is used as a proper name for a place. The context describes people going up to 'Bajith' and to Dibon's high places to weep, indicating it was a known cultic center.

Etymology

It is identical to the common noun בַּיִת (bayith, H1004), meaning 'house,' 'household,' or 'temple.' As a proper noun here, it likely functioned as a shortened form or a specific epithet for a Moabite temple, meaning 'The House' (i.e., the house/temple of a god).

Semantic Range

The mention of 'Bajith' underscores the theme of God's judgment on pagan nations and their idolatrous worship sites. It serves as a specific example within Isaiah's oracles against the nations, contrasting the true worship of Yahweh with false gods. Understanding this enriches the reading of Isaiah 15 by showing the concrete targets of prophetic pronouncements.

In the ancient Near East, major temples were often simply called 'the house' of a particular deity. For a Moabite audience, 'Bajith' would have been a recognizable and significant religious location. Its condemnation by Isaiah reflects the biblical view that such places of false worship were destined for ruin.

בֵּית־אֵל (Beyth-'El, H1008) — A well-known Israelite sanctuary/town name meaning 'house of God,' contrasted with the pagan 'Bajith.'

Word Details

Scripture References