Baalath-beer

Baalath-beer is a place-name meaning “mistress” or “lady of the well.” Like the masculine name “Baal,” “Baalath” often appears as part of a longer place-name. The name may show that people connected the Canaanite goddess Baalath, the protector of Byblos, with a certain place or well.

Baalath-beer was a town in the territory of the tribe of Simeon. It was also called:

• Baal or Baalath (1 Chronicles 4:33),

• Ramah of the Negev (Joshua 19:8), and

• Ramoth Negev (1 Samuel 30:27).

The town may have stood near the southern border of Simeon’s land.