Baal-Berith
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Baal-berith was a deity worshipped by the inhabitants of Shechem, particularly following the death of the judge Gideon, and was associated with the sanctity of covenants and treaties.
What is the meaning of Baal-Berith in the Bible?
Baal-berith was a deity worshipped by the inhabitants of Shechem, particularly following the death of the judge Gideon, and was associated with the sanctity of covenants and treaties.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Baal-berith clarifies the political and religious tensions in Judges 9, where the Shechemites' loyalty shifts from Gideon's lineage to this local deity, highlighting the syncretism and covenantal conflicts central to the narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Baal-Berith in this passage?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.