Bamah
LocationsGeographical Setting
A generic term for an elevated site used for ritual activities in the ancient Near East.
What is the meaning of Bamah in the Bible?
The Hebrew term ba'mah denotes an elevated place of worship, often associated with local shrines distinct from the central sanctuary, with Gibeon serving as a notable example before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the ba'mah clarifies the tension between centralized and decentralized worship in ancient Israel, explaining why biblical authors frequently condemned these local altars as idolatrous or illegitimate.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bamah held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bamah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bamah clarify?
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
"Bamah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bamah/