Baal
      n : any of numerous local fertility and nature deities
          worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples; the Hebrews
          considered Baal a false god


 Baal
    lord. (1.) The name appropriated to the principal male god of
    the Phoenicians. It is found in several places in the plural
    BAALIM (Judg. 2:11; 10:10; 1 Kings 18:18; Jer. 2:23; Hos. 2:17).
    Baal is identified with Molech (Jer. 19:5). It was known to the
    Israelites as Baal-peor (Num. 25:3; Deut. 4:3), was worshipped
    till the time of Samuel (1 Sam 7:4), and was afterwards the
    religion of the ten tribes in the time of Ahab (1 Kings
    16:31-33; 18:19, 22). It prevailed also for a time in the
    kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 8:27; comp. 11:18; 16:3; 2 Chr. 28:2),
    till finally put an end to by the severe discipline of the
    Captivity (Zeph. 1:4-6). The priests of Baal were in great
    numbers (1 Kings 18:19), and of various classes (2 Kings 10:19).
    Their mode of offering sacrifices is described in 1 Kings
    18:25-29. The sun-god, under the general title of Baal, or
    "lord," was the chief object of worship of the Canaanites. Each
    locality had its special Baal, and the various local Baals were
    summed up under the name of Baalim, or "lords." Each Baal had a
    wife, who was a colourless reflection of himself.

      (2.) A Benjamite, son of Jehiel, the progenitor of the
    Gibeonites (1 Chr. 8:30; 9:36).

      (3.) The name of a place inhabited by the Simeonites, the same
    probably as Baal-ath-beer (1 Chr. 4:33; Josh. 19:8).



 Baal, master; lord