Learn more about Baal-Shalishah

Introduction to Baal-Shalishah

Baal-Shalishah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 4:42, during the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The name combines "Baal," meaning "lord" or "master," with "Shalishah," often interpreted as "third" or "threefold." The exact meaning of the name remains uncertain, but it could suggest a region divided into thirds or governed by a local deity. This site is significant for its association with Elisha's miraculous feeding of a hundred men, prefiguring New Testament accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes.

Baal-Shalishah Pronunciation

The name "Baal-Shalishah" is pronounced as "BAH-uhl SHAHL-ih-shah." In Hebrew, it is written as בַּעַל שָׁלִשָׁה (Baʿal Shalishah), with the guttural ʿayn influencing the pronunciation. Modern English pronunciations may vary slightly.

Baal-Shalishah in the Bible

Baal-Shalishah appears in 2 Kings 4:42, where a man from this region brings the prophet Elisha twenty loaves of barley bread and fresh grain during a time of famine. Elisha instructs that the food be distributed to a hundred men, and through divine intervention, the food miraculously multiplies, leaving leftovers. This account parallels other biblical miracles of provision and underscores God's power to provide abundantly in times of need.

Baal-Shalishah in Biblical History and Context

The exact location of Baal-Shalishah is uncertain, but it is believed to have been in the hill country of Ephraim, near Mount Ephraim. The prefix "Baal" suggests that the area may have once been associated with Canaanite worship of Baal before the Israelites settled the land. By the time of Elisha, however, it appears to be an Israelite community, with its residents contributing to the support of the prophetic ministry.

Theological Significance of Baal-Shalishah

The account of Baal-Shalishah highlights themes of faith, generosity, and divine provision. The unnamed man’s willingness to offer his limited resources in a time of scarcity reflects trust in God's ability to multiply and provide. This miracle reinforces the prophetic message that Yahweh, not Baal or any other deity, is the true source of life and sustenance. The event also anticipates the miracles of Jesus, particularly the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13–21), drawing a line of continuity between God's provision in the Old and New Testaments.

Related Terms and Meanings

- **Shalishah**: May refer to a region or district name, possibly denoting a "third" division of land or governance. - **Baal**: While generally referring to a Canaanite deity, in this context, it may serve as a geographic marker rather than a religious reference. - **Elisha**: The prophet central to the narrative, whose miracles often serve as demonstrations of God's power and provision.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Baal-Shalishah

- Baal-Shalishah is one of several locations in the Bible with "Baal" in its name, reflecting the historical influence of Canaanite religion in the region. - The miracle of multiplication at Baal-Shalishah is one of Elisha's many miracles that mirror those of Elijah, emphasizing the continuity of God’s work through successive prophets. - The story emphasizes the significance of small offerings—twenty barley loaves and fresh grain—as instruments for God's miraculous provision.

Baal-Shalishah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, even in times of scarcity, and its brief mention in Scripture carries profound theological and practical lessons for readers.