Bible Dictionary
Baal-berith
Baal-berith, meaning “Baal of the covenant,” was an idol worshipped by the people of Shechem after Gideon’s death.
Definition
Baal-berith means “Baal of the covenant” or “covenant lord.” It was an idol worshipped by the people of Shechem after Gideon’s death. The same deity is called simply “the god Berith” in another passage.
Biblical Usage
The Shechemites worshipped Baal-berith after turning away from the Lord. His worship was connected with the covenant the Israelites had made with the Canaanites contrary to the Lord’s command.
Historical Background
Baal-berith was regarded as the protector and guardian of engagements, and his temple is mentioned in the account of Abimelech and Shechem.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Covenant lord, the name of the god worshipped in Shechem after the death of Gideon (Judg. 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 (Ex. 34:12), when they began to fall away to the worship of idols.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ba-al-be'-rith ba`al berith = ("Baal of the Covenant"): An idol worshipped by the Shechemites after Gideon's death (Jud 8:33), as protector and guardian of engagements. His temple is also referred to in Jud 9:4. See BAAL (1).</p>