Baalis
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Baalis in the Bible?
Baalis was the king of the Ammonites who supported Ishmael and his men in the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, as recorded in Jeremiah 40:13-14.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Baalis clarifies the geopolitical tensions of the period, showing how neighboring kingdoms like Ammon exploited Judah's political instability following the Babylonian conquest to undermine local governance and assert regional influence.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Baalis reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Baalis in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Baalis clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Jeremiah 40:13-14
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Baalis." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/baalis/