Bible Figure
Baal
Canaanite storm deity
Baal is the name or title of a Canaanite deity repeatedly condemned in Scripture; Baal is not a human biblical figure.
Biography
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is repeatedly tempted to worship the Baals associated with surrounding Canaanite religion. Baal worship becomes especially prominent during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, when Elijah confronts Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel. The biblical writers consistently present worship of Baal as idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The word can function as a title meaning 'lord' or 'master' and appears in several compound place and personal names, so not every occurrence has exactly the same referent.
Biblical Significance
Baal belongs more naturally in a Bible dictionary or false-gods category than in a table of human biblical figures. If retained here, the record should be clearly typed as a deity and crosslinked rather than presented with a human biography.