Introduction:
Baalberith, meaning "Lord of the Covenant," is a deity mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelites' interactions with the Canaanite peoples. This entry explores the biblical references to Baalberith, its significance, and the implications of Israel's apostasy in worshiping this deity.

Biblical References:
Baalberith is primarily mentioned in the Book of Judges. After the death of Gideon, the Israelites turned away from Yahweh and began to worship Baalberith. Judges 8:33 states, "As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baalberith as their god." This passage highlights the recurring theme of Israel's infidelity to the covenant with Yahweh, as they repeatedly fall into idolatry.

In Judges 9:4 , Baalberith is further mentioned in the context of Abimelech's rise to power: "They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baalberith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless scoundrels who became his followers." This indicates that Baalberith had a temple, suggesting an organized cult and a significant following among the Israelites at that time.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Baalberith was one of the many Baals worshiped by the Canaanites, and his name suggests a role as a deity of covenants or agreements. The worship of Baalberith reflects the syncretism that occurred when the Israelites settled in Canaan, as they were influenced by the religious practices of the surrounding peoples. This syncretism often led to the Israelites' spiritual downfall, as they adopted pagan customs and deities, contrary to the commandments given by Yahweh.

Theological Implications:
The worship of Baalberith represents a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods. The Israelites' turn to Baalberith signifies a breach of their covenant with Yahweh, who had delivered them from Egypt and established them in the Promised Land. This apostasy is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the tension between faithfulness to Yahweh and the temptation to conform to the surrounding pagan cultures.

The narrative of Baalberith serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant. It underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and the consequences of turning away from the true God.

Conclusion:
The account of Baalberith in the Book of Judges is a sobering reminder of the Israelites' struggle with idolatry and the constant call to return to the worship of Yahweh. The account of Baalberith is not just a historical account but a theological lesson on the importance of covenant faithfulness and the perils of spiritual compromise.Covenant lord, the name of the god worshipped in Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judges 8:33; 9:4). In 9:46 he is called simply "the god Berith." The name denotes the god of the covenant into which the Israelites entered with the Canaanites, contrary to the command of Jehovah (Exodus 34:12), when they began to fall away to the worship of idols. BAAL-BERITH

ba-al-be'-rith ba`al berith = ("Baal of the Covenant"): An idol worshipped by the Shechemites after Gideon's death (Judges 8:33), as protector and guardian of engagements. His temple is also referred to in Judges 9:4. See BAAL (1).

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... death by his people; from whence it came to pass afterwards, that powers of this
kind were called Baalim or Baals, as Baal Peor, Baalberith, Baalzebub, Baal ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Baalberith (2 Occurrences)
... engagements. His temple is also referred to in Judges 9:4. See BAAL (1).
Multi-Version Concordance Baalberith (2 Occurrences). Judges ...
/b/baalberith.htm - 8k

Whoring (17 Occurrences)
... 8:33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel
turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. ...
/w/whoring.htm - 12k

Baal-berith (2 Occurrences)
Baal-berith. Baalberith, Baal-berith. Ba'al-be'rith . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE JPS WBS YLT NAS NIV). Baalberith, Baal-berith. Ba'al-be'rith . ...
/b/baal-berith.htm - 8k

Baalim (18 Occurrences)
... 8:33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel
turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. ...
/b/baalim.htm - 12k

Baalbek
Baalbek. Baalbec, Baalbek. Baalberith . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
bal'-bek, bal-bek'. See AVEN; ON. Baalbec, Baalbek. Baalberith . Reference
/b/baalbek.htm - 6k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house
of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

Baal (94 Occurrences)
... 1. Baal-berith: Baal-berith ba`al berith; Baalberith, "Covenant Baal," was worshipped
at Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judges 8:33; Judges 9:4). In Judges ...
/b/baal.htm - 53k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house
of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

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