Bible Encyclopedias
Merib-Baal

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mer - ib - bā´al ( מריב־בּעל , merı̄bhba‛al ; also מרי־בעל , merı̄ - bha‛al , "Baal contends"): The spelling varies in a single verse; 1 Chronicles 9:40 contains the name twice: first, in the first form above; second, in the second form. The name is given also in 1 Chronicles 8:34 . It is the other name of MEPHIBOSHETH (2) (which see).

In Jeremiah 11:13 and Hosea 9:10 the terms "Baal" and "Bosheth" seem to stand in apposition, the latter form being a slightly contemptuous alternative rendered "shame." This is akin to other like changes, such as Esh-baal for Ish-bosheth, Jerub-besheth for Jerub-baal, etc. The change in the first part of the name could occur through a clerical confusion of the Hebrew aspirate pē (p ) and rēsh (r ) in Hebrew.

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Merib-Baal'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​m/merib-baal.html. 1915.