Berith/Beherit
Baʿal Berith, also known as El Berith, is a deity or deities worshiped in the ancient Canaanite city of Shechem, primarily referenced in the Hebrew Bible. The name translates to 'Lord of the Covenant' or 'God of the Covenant,' with scholars debating the exact nature of the covenant and the entity's relationship to other Canaanite gods like Baʿal and El. In later Rabbinic tradition, Baʿal Berith became associated with Beelzebub and an object of idolatrous worship.
Key Facts
- ›Baʿal Berith and El Berith are titles of a god or gods worshiped in Shechem, mentioned in the biblical book of Judges.
- ›The name signifies 'Lord of the Covenant' or 'God of the Covenant,' though the specific covenant is not clearly defined in the text.
- ›Scholars suggest worship may have been connected to fertility and vegetation, based on Judges 9:27.
- ›Yehezkel Kaufmann proposed that Baʿal-berith and El-berith might be epithets for YHWH.
- ›Rabbinic literature equates Baʿal Berith with Beelzebub and describes him as an idol of obscene worship.
- ›In Christian demonology, Baʿal Berith is cited as a demon that possessed a nun and revealed names during an exorcism.
El Berith, BaʿAl of the Covenant, God of the Covenant, Beelzebub
Covenant, Fertility, Vegetation
Book of Judges, Rabbinic Literature, SéBastien MichaëLis's Admirable History
BaʿAl, El, Yhwh, Hamor, Shechem, Beelzebub
Covenant, Idolatry, Obscenity
- Worshiped In Shechem.
- In Rabbinic Tradition, Some Jews Carried An Image of BaʿAl Berith and Kissed It, Suggesting A Form of Devotion Or Idolatry.
Saints
- In Rabbinic Tradition, Equated With Beelzebub, the Philistine God of Ekron.
- In Christian Demonology, Identified As A Possessing Demon.
Fly
About Berith/Beherit
Baʿal Berith
Baʿal Berith, also referred to as El Berith, is a deity or deities recognized for their worship in the ancient Canaanite city of Shechem. The name itself, translating from Hebrew as 'Lord of the Covenant' or 'God of the Covenant,' points to a significant aspect of their veneration, though the precise nature of these covenants remains a subject of scholarly discussion. The primary attestation for Baʿal Berith appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Book of Judges, where their worship in Shechem is noted.
Scholars have proposed various interpretations of Baʿal Berith's role and significance. Some suggest that worship may have been linked to agricultural cycles, with connections to fertility and vegetation, as hinted at in Judges 9:27. There is also speculation that Baʿal Berith could be an epithet for YHWH, the God of Israel, reflecting an earlier period when 'ba'al' was used as a title for the deity. The name 'Berith' itself has been linked to the Hebrew word for covenant, and potentially to the city name Beirut or even primordial sea concepts.
Later traditions expanded upon the identity of Baʿal Berith. In Rabbinic literature, Baʿal Berith is equated with Beelzebub, the Philistine god of Ekron, often depicted as the 'lord of flies.' This association led to descriptions of Baʿal Berith as an object of idolatrous worship, sometimes characterized as an obscenity. Within Christian demonology, as documented by Sébastien Michaëlis in the early 17th century, Baʿal Berith is listed as a demon who possessed a nun and, during an exorcism, was noted for revealing the names of other demons and the saints most effective against them.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Baʿal Berith mean?
Baʿal Berith translates from Hebrew as 'Lord of the Covenant' or 'Baʿal of the Covenant.' El Berith means 'God of the Covenant.'
Where is Baʿal Berith mentioned in the Bible?
Baʿal Berith and El Berith are mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 8 and 9, in relation to the city of Shechem.
Is Baʿal Berith a single deity or multiple?
It is not clearly defined in the biblical text whether Baʿal Berith and El Berith refer to one god or separate deities. Scholars continue to debate this point.
What is the significance of the 'covenant' in Baʿal Berith's name?
The exact covenant referred to by the name Berith is unclear in the biblical accounts. Suggestions range from covenants related to the city of Shechem to broader religious or political agreements.
How is Baʿal Berith viewed in later Jewish tradition?
In Rabbinic literature, Baʿal Berith is equated with Beelzebub, the 'lord of flies,' and is described as an object of idolatrous worship, sometimes associated with obscene practices.
What role does Baʿal Berith play in Christian demonology?
In Sébastien Michaëlis's 1612 work, Baʿal Berith is identified as a demon that possessed a nun and, during an exorcism, provided the names of other possessing demons and effective saints.
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