Astro*Dictionary
by Michael Erlewine

2 articles for
"Baal"

(pl baals or baalim).

Means "lord" in Hebrew. Applied to any of numerous Canaanite and Phoenician local deities. A male divinity associated with the constellation Taurus, especially the sun in Taurus. Baal of Tyre was introduced to the Israelite settlers by Ahab. Hannibal (247-183 BC) was so named, as he was thought to be 'in favor of Baal'.

 

See also: ♦ Anu ♦ Bel

(Lord).

Among the Phoenicians the chief male divinity who appears to have symbolized the Sun, more particularly the Sun in Taurus. Baal was worshipped in agricultural festivals as the god of fertility of soil and increase of flocks. In successive periods of the history of the ancient Semitic races, the name was assigned to innumerable local deities. The Baal of Tyre was introduced among the Israelite settlers by Ahab. Hannibal was so named because he was supposed to be in favor with Baal.

 

See also: ♦ Anu ♦ Bel