Baal

Definition

“Baal” means “lord” or “master” and was the name of the primary false god that was worshiped by the Canaanites.

• There were also local false gods that had “Baal” as part of their names, such as “Baal of Peor.” Sometimes all these gods together are referred to as “the Baals.”
• Some people had names that included the word “Baal” in them.
• The worship of Baal included evil practices such as sacrificing children and using prostitutes.
• At different time periods throughout their history, the Israelites also became deeply involved in Baal worship, following the example of the pagan nations around them.
• During the reign of King Ahab, God’s prophet Elijah set up a test to prove to the people that Baal does not exist and that Yahweh is the only true God. As a result, the prophets of Baal were destroyed and the people started worshiping Yahweh again.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Ahab, Asherah, Elijah, false god, prostitute, Yahweh)

Bible References

• 1 Kings 16:31
• 1 Samuel 7:3-4
• Jeremiah 2:7-8
• Judges 2:11
• Numbers 22:41

Examples from the Bible stories

• __19:2 Ahab was an evil man who encouraged people to worship a false god named Baal__.
• __19:6 All the people of the entire kingdom of Israel, including the 450 prophets of Baal, came to Mount Carmel. Elijah said to the people, “How long will you keep changing your mind? If Yahweh is God, serve him! If Baal__ is God, serve him!”
• __19:7 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal__, “Kill a bull and prepare it as a sacrifice, but do not light the fire.”
• __19:8 Then the prophets of Baal prayed to Baal, “Hear us, O Baal__!”
• __19:12 So the people captured the prophets of Baal__. Then Elijah took them away from there and killed them.

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1120, G08960