Topical Encyclopedia
Baalis was a king of the Ammonites during the late 7th century BC, a period marked by significant political upheaval in the ancient Near East. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were a people often in conflict with the Israelites, and their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan.
The primary biblical reference to Baalis is found in the Book of Jeremiah. In
Jeremiah 40:14 , Baalis is mentioned in the context of the political intrigue following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The verse states: "and said to him, 'Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them."
This passage highlights Baalis's involvement in a conspiracy against Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians had appointed as governor over the remnant of Judah. Baalis's support of Ishmael son of Nethaniah suggests that he sought to destabilize the Babylonian control over the region by eliminating Gedaliah, thereby creating an opportunity to expand Ammonite influence or to weaken a potential rival.
The political landscape of the time was complex, with various small states like Ammon navigating the power struggles between larger empires such as Babylon and Egypt. Baalis's actions can be seen as part of a broader strategy to assert Ammonite interests amidst these larger geopolitical forces.
The historical and archaeological record outside of the biblical text provides limited information about Baalis. However, the mention of his name in the Bible underscores the interconnectedness of the various peoples and nations in the region during this tumultuous period. The Ammonites, like other neighboring nations, often found themselves in opposition to Israel and Judah, both in military conflicts and in political machinations.
Baalis's role in the assassination plot against Gedaliah is a reminder of the fragile nature of leadership and alliances in the ancient world. It also reflects the ongoing enmity between the Ammonites and the Israelites, a theme that recurs throughout the Old Testament narrative.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Baalisa rejoicing; a proud lord
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Baalisking of the Ammonites at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 40:14) (B.C. 588.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
BaalisKing of the Ammonites in the time of the captivity. He caused the assassination of Gedaliah, then governor of Judah,Jeremiah 40:14; 41:1- 10.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
King of the Ammonites at the time of the Babylonian captivity (
Jeremiah 40:14). He hired Ishmael to slay Gedaliah who had been appointed governor over the cities of Judah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BAALISba'-a-lis ba`lic, perhaps for Baalim, "gods"; Septuagint Beleisa, Belisa, [Baalis]; Ant, X, ix, 3, Baalimos: King of the children of Ammon, the instigator of the murder of Gedaliah (Jeremiah 40:14). Compare Ant, X, ix, 3.
Strong's Hebrew
1185.Baalis -- perhaps "son of delight," an Ammonite king... 1184, 1185.
Baalis. 1186 . perhaps "son of delight," an Ammonite king.
Transliteration:
Baalis Phonetic Spelling: (bah-al-ece') Short Definition:
Baalis.
...Library
How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea...
... Now there was of the royal family one Ishmael, a wicked man, and very crafty, who,
during the siege of Jerusalem, fled toBaalis, the king of the Ammonites...
The Nations of the South-East
... name as "Shinab, King of Admah." The storm of Babylonian conquest which overwhelmed
Judah spared Ammon; after the destruction of JerusalemBaalis was still...
Thesaurus
Baalis (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BAALIS. ba'-a
... 14). Compare Ant, X, ix, 3.
Multi-Version Concordance
Baalis (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah
...Ba'alis (1 Occurrence)
Ba'alis.Baalis, Ba'alis. Baalmeon . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'alis (1
Occurrence).... (See RSV).Baalis, Ba'alis. Baalmeon . Reference Bible.
Gedaliah (31 Occurrences)
... 3. His Treacherous Assassination: But evil spirits were at work against him.Baalis,
king of Ammon, had determined upon his life (Jeremiah 40:13-16)....
Baalim (18 Occurrences)
Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 40:14 and they say unto him, 'Dost thou really know thatBaalis king of
the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to smite thy soul?' And...
Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 40:14 and said to him, Do you know thatBaalis the king of the children
of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?...
Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... 586 BC (2 Kings 25:23 Jeremiah 40:7-43:7). He warned Gedaliah of the plot of Ishmael
ben Nethaniah, who was instigated by the Ammonite kingBaalis, to murder...
Ahi'kam (19 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 40:14 and they say unto him, 'Dost thou really know thatBaalis king of
the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to smite thy soul?' And...
Gedali'ah (28 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 40:14 and they say unto him, 'Dost thou really know thatBaalis king of
the sons of Ammon hath sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to smite thy soul?' And...
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