בַּ֫עַל תָּמָר (ba.al ta.mar)
ba.al ta.mar
Baal-tamar
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Baal-tamar, meaning "lord of the palms," refers to a specific location mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 20:33. Situated near Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin, this place served as a strategic assembly point for the Israelite tribes during their civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.
The term combines baal, often translated as "lord" or "master," with tamar, the Hebrew word for date palm. While baal can denote ownership or possession, in this geographical context it likely describes a landmark characterized by abundant palm trees, possibly indicating an oasis or a fertile area that stood out in the landscape. The singular occurrence of this name highlights its role as a tactical gathering spot rather than a major city.
Translators typically render Baal-tamar as a proper noun without altering the meaning, preserving the reference to the location's distinctive feature. The verse describes the Israelites positioning themselves at this site, using the palms as a recognizable marker for their military formation. This usage underscores how ancient place names often reflected natural features that guided movement and strategy in the region.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Baal-tamar means "lord of the palms." It appears only once in Scripture, in Judges 20:33. This was a gathering place for the Israelite tribes before battle against Benjamin. The location likely featured date palms, serving as a clear landmark for military strategy.
While this verse records a moment of civil conflict, the name itself points to something enduring. Palms are known for their deep roots and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. In our own lives, we may face seasons of division or confusion. We can look to the stability that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
This single mention reminds us that God is present in every detail of history. Whether in times of peace or strife, He remains the Lord over all situations. We find comfort knowing that no event is outside His view or control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ Baal1×
- Tamar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּמָ֑ר1×
- בְּ/בַ֣עַל1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 20:33
All the men of Israel rose up out of their place and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar. Then the ambushers of Israel broke out of their place, even out of Maareh Geba.
This verse identifies Baal-tamar as the strategic assembly point where Israel positioned its forces, using the palm trees as a recognizable marker for their military formation.