Bible Location

Baal-hazor

Also known as: Baal-hazor Canaanite city
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Baal-hazor was a location in the hill country of Ephraim mentioned in connection with Absalom, the son of David. Second Samuel 13:23 describes Absalom's sheep-shearing taking place there and states that Baal-hazor was near Ephraim.

The site is remembered principally as the setting for Absalom's carefully planned revenge against his half-brother Amnon. Scripture provides little additional information concerning the settlement itself.

A location at or near Jebel el-Asur, north of Bethel, has frequently been proposed for Baal-hazor, but the identification is not archaeologically certain.

Biblical Significance

Baal-hazor is the setting of the climax of the tragic events that followed Amnon's assault on Tamar. According to 2 Samuel 13:23, two years after the assault Absalom held sheep-shearing festivities at Baal-hazor and invited all the king's sons.

David declined Absalom's invitation to attend but allowed Amnon and the other royal sons to go. At Absalom's command, his servants killed Amnon during the feast. Absalom then fled to Geshur, where he remained for three years.

Baal-hazor therefore marks an important stage in the deterioration of David's household that ultimately contributed to Absalom's estrangement, return, and later rebellion.

Historical Background

Sheep-shearing was an important seasonal activity in the agricultural economy of ancient Israel and could be accompanied by feasting and celebration. The account in 2 Samuel 13 presents Absalom as possessing sheep and arranging such a gathering at Baal-hazor.

The biblical description places Baal-hazor near Ephraim but supplies little further geographical or historical information. Its name contains the element "Baal," common in ancient Canaanite place names.

Because no securely identified archaeological site can be tied to Baal-hazor, detailed reconstruction of the settlement's history is not possible from the presently available evidence.

Modern Identification

Baal-hazor is commonly associated with the high hill known as Jebel el-Asur, approximately five miles north of Bethel and northeast of et-Tayibeh. The elevation and geographical setting have made this an attractive proposal.

The identification remains a geographical proposal rather than a securely demonstrated archaeological identification. AVWJ should therefore treat a marker at Jebel el-Asur as approximate or traditional rather than certain.

Scripture References

2 Samuel 13:23

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: 2 Samuel 13:23-38; Encyclopedia of the Bible: Baal-Hazor; biblical geographical reference works concerning Ephraim and Jebel el-Asur