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Baal

The main Canaanite storm god — Israel's most persistent idol temptation

lightbulbMeans 'lord' or 'master' — the knockoff god Israel kept choosing over the real one

Definition

Baal (meaning 'lord' or 'master') was the primary Canaanite deity, associated with storms, fertility, and agriculture. Israel repeatedly chased after Baal worship, blending it with worship of the true God. Elijah's showdown on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) was the ultimate Baal vs. God moment. The prophets Hosea and Jeremiah especially hammered Israel for running to Baal. The name became shorthand for any idol that competes with God.