Bible Dictionary
Baali
Baali, meaning “my lord,” was a title Israel had applied to the Lord. Hosea called the people to use “my husband” instead, avoiding association with Baal worship.
Definition
Baali means “my lord” or “my master.” It was a title that had been applied to Yahweh, although Baal was also a common name for heathen gods.
Biblical Usage
Hosea calls Israel to cease addressing Yahweh as Baali and instead to call him Ishi, “my husband.” The change avoided the association of Yahweh with Baal worship, and later Israelites abandoned Baal as a name for Yahweh.
Historical Background
The title had been used in common practice of Yahweh, but its association with heathen worship made it unsuitable in Hosea’s message.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
My lord, a title the prophet (Hos. 2:16) reproaches the Jewish church for applying to Jehovah, instead of the more endearing title Ishi, meaning “my husband.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Hosea 2:16) [Baal]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ba'-a-li ba`ali, ("my master"): Baal, a common name for all heathen gods, had in common practice been used also of Yahweh. Hosea (Ho 2:16,17) demands that Yahweh be no longer called Ba`ali ("my Baal" = "my lord") but 'Ishi ("my husband"), and we find that later the Israelites abandoned the use of Ba`al for Yahweh.</p>