Baʿal-zəvuv
deity earth Philistines single tradition · 1
Baʿal-zəvuv was a deity worshipped by the Philistines in the city of Ekron. King Ahaziah of the Northern Kingdom of Israel sent messengers to inquire of this god to learn whether he would recover from injuries sustained in a fall. The deity was consulted for oracular purposes regarding health and recovery.
When
- First attested
- 900 BCE
- Attested period
- -900 – -800
- Historical notes
- Attested in the Books of Kings (2 Kings 1:2-16), referring to events during the reign of King Ahaziah of Israel, circa 9th century BCE.
Relationships
- enemy of
- Baal
Mentioned by
Sources
wikipedia (1)
Source passages
“Rabbinical literature commentary equates the Baʿal-zəvuv of Ekron as lord of the "fly". The word Baʿal-zəvuv in rabbinical texts is a mockery of the worship of Baal, which ancient Hebrews considered to be idol worship.”
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