BAAL

a Semitic word meaning ‘lord’ or ‘husband,’ and sometimes used in that sense in Hebrew; used more specifically of the God of the Can a a nites, corresponding to the Babylonian Bel. He was often worshipped on mountain-tops, and his cult was accompanied by immortal rites. In II. Kings 1 Ahaziah wishes to seek information of Baalzebub (Lord of flies), the god of Ezkron, Raisin-cakes were eaten at his sacrificial ancient city, Syria, on lower slope of Anti-Libanus; formerly magnificent; has remains of three temples, of which greatest was built by Ant on in us Pius; sacked by Saracens in 748, and by Timur {nm 1400; present village is to H. of ruins; has Brit. mi ion school.