Encyclopedia of The Bible – Baalah
Resources chevron-right Encyclopedia of The Bible chevron-right B chevron-right Baalah
Baalah

BAALAH bā’ ə lə (בַּעֲלָ֔ה); BAAL bā’ əl (בָּ֑עַל, owner); BAALATH bā’ ə lăth (בַּעֲלָ֛ת, mistress). Variations in the name Baalah are found in Scripture as follows: 1. The same as Kiriath-jearim. Perhaps it should be identified with Tellel-Azhar, nine m. W of Jerusalem. The location is first mentioned in connection with the border designating the territory of Judah (Josh 15:9, 10, 11, 29; 1 Chron 13:6).

2. A city in the S of Judah, perhaps the same as Balah (Josh 19:3) and Bealoth (15:24). It is in the Shephelah, formerly a part of Simeon. It can possibly be identified with Khirbet el-Meshash, one of the southernmost cities of Judah (15:29).

3. Baalah mountain is a ridge from Ekron to Jabneel, located on Judah’s N border (15:11). Possibly it is the known hill of Mughar.

4. Baalah is a town of Dan on the border (19:44), sometimes associated with Bel ’ain.

5. Perhaps identifiable with number four, a city W of Gezer, built by Solomon. It was a store-city (1 Kings 9:18; 2 Chron 8:6).

6. Baal is mentioned in respect to the border of Simeon, and may be identified with Baalath-beer q.v. (1 Chron 4:33).