מְרִי בַעַל
Meri-Baal, an epithet of Gideon
Definition
Meri-Baal is a proper name meaning 'rebellion against Baal' or 'Baal's rebel.' It appears as an epithet for Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, in 1 Chronicles 9:40. This name is a variant of Merib-Baal (1 Chronicles 8:34), which carries a similar meaning. The term highlights a deliberate opposition to the Canaanite god Baal, likely reflecting a theological stance or a historical event of defiance within the bearer's lineage.
Biblical Usage
This term is used exclusively as a proper name in the Old Testament, appearing only once in 1 Chronicles 9:40 within a genealogical list of Saul's descendants. It identifies Mephibosheth, contrasting with the more common spelling 'Merib-Baal' found in the parallel genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:34. The usage is strictly historical and genealogical, with no narrative context provided beyond identification.
Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root מְרִי (mᵉrî, H4805), meaning 'rebellion' or 'bitterness,' and בַּעַל (baʻal, H1168), the name of the Canaanite storm god meaning 'lord' or 'master.' The compound literally means 'rebellion of Baal' or 'rebel against Baal,' suggesting an active opposition. It is a cognate variant of מְרִיב בַּעַל (Merib-Baal, H4807), which has an identical meaning.
Semantic Range
This name serves as a theological marker, contrasting loyalty to Yahweh with rejection of Canaanite idolatry. In the context of Saul's family, it may signify a legacy of covenant faithfulness amidst a king (Saul) whose reign was flawed. Understanding the name enriches reading by highlighting the ongoing biblical theme of choosing between Yahweh and false gods, even in personal identities within Israel's history.
In ancient Israel, names often conveyed religious commitments or historical events. 'Meri-Baal' would have been a provocative name, publicly denouncing the prominent Canaanite deity Baal. This reflects the cultural and religious tensions in Israel, where worship of Yahweh and Baal were in conflict, especially during the monarchy period. The variant spellings may indicate textual transmission or dialectal differences.
Merib-Baal (Mᵉrîy-Baʻal, H4807) — A variant spelling with identical meaning, used interchangeably in Chronicles for the same person.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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