Bible Figure
Baalis
Biblical character, king of Ammon
Baalis was king of the Ammonites after Jerusalem's fall and was accused of sponsoring the assassination of Gedaliah.
Biography
Jeremiah 40 records that Johanan and other Judean commanders warned Gedaliah, Babylon's appointed governor at Mizpah, that Baalis king of the Ammonites had sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill him. Gedaliah did not believe the report and refused Johanan's proposal to kill Ishmael preemptively. Ishmael later assassinated Gedaliah. Scripture gives no further direct narrative about Baalis.
Biblical Significance
Baalis appears in the political turmoil following Jerusalem's destruction. His alleged involvement in Gedaliah's assassination connects Ammon with an event that destabilized the remaining Judean community.