Baal-Zephon
LocationsGeographical Setting
Baal-zephon is a geographical site mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the location where the Israelite camp was encamped opposite the Red Sea during the Exodus narrative.
âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The name Baal-zephon translates to 'Lord of the North' and likely refers to a shrine dedicated to the Canaanite deity Baal, situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean or a northern branch of the Red Sea, directly opposite the Israelite encampment between Migdol and the sea.
What is the meaning of Baal-Zephon in the Bible?
The name Baal-zephon translates to 'Lord of the North' and likely refers to a shrine dedicated to the Canaanite deity Baal, situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean or a northern branch of the Red Sea, directly opposite the Israelite encampment between Migdol and the sea.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Baal-zephon as a site associated with Canaanite religious geography clarifies the cultural and spiritual context of the Exodus narrative, illustrating the confrontation between the Israelite God and the deities of the surrounding region.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Baal-Zephon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Baal-Zephon clarify?
Related Topics
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.