082 God Baal

Museum Description: Bronze Figure with Silver Overlay

Room: 57/Case: None/Number: WA 25096

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:4

This is possibly the god Baal, frequently mentioned in the Bible.  Baal is often depicted as a storm god with a club in one hand that made the sound of the thunder, and a stylised spear in the other hand representing lightning.  The Canaanites were primarily farmers.  They would want to ensure the rain came on time and to avoid droughts, so would sacrifice to this god.  There would be local versions of Baal, for example the Baal of Peor mentioned in Numbers 25.  The names of these Baals would even become part of the place name, such as Baal-hermon, Baal-hazor etc.  It was understood, however, that despite these local variations there was only actually one god Baal.