Baal-berith

Canaanite deity

Also known as: Baʿal-Berit

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June 18, 2026

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Baal-berith was a Canaanite deity, specifically the god of the city of Shechem. The name Baal-berith translates to "Lord of the Covenant" or "God of the Covenant". He was part of the Canaanite pantheon, which primarily worshipped fertility gods known as the Baalim (Lords) and their consorts, the Baalot (Ladies). Canaanite religion focused on fertility motifs, believing their gods revitalized nature for agriculture. This involved rituals, including a sacred marriage, to ensure abundance. Baal-berith's temple in Shechem was a significant cultic center for the early Israelite tribes. The worship of Canaanite deities, including Baal, was a strong attraction for the Israelites, leading to syncretism where some Israelites adopted these practices and even named their children after Baal.12

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Abraham
The Genesis narrative in the light of recent scholarship of Abraham
…cult of the Canaanite god Baʿal-Berit (Lord of the Covenant). The architecture uncovered on the site by archaeologists would date to the 18th century bce, in which the presence of the patriarchs in Shechem is placed.
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…cult of the Canaanite god Baʿal-Berit (Lord of the Covenant). The architecture uncovered on the site by archaeologists would date to the 18th century bce, in which the presence of the patriarchs in Shechem is placed.
Read More

biblical literature
Canaanite culture and religion
…peacefully under Joshua, was called Baal-berith (Lord of the Covenant) or El-berith (God of the Covenant). Shechem became the first cultic center of the religious tribal confederacy (called an amphictyony by the Greeks) of the Israelites during the period of the judges. When Shechem was excavated in the early 1960s,…
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…peacefully under Joshua, was called Baal-berith (Lord of the Covenant) or El-berith (God of the Covenant). Shechem became the first cultic center of the religious tribal confederacy (called an amphictyony by the Greeks) of the Israelites during the period of the judges. When Shechem was excavated in the early 1960s,…
Read More