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[[File:Beelzebub.png|300px|thumb|Beelzebub as depicted in the Infernal Dictionary]] | [[File:Beelzebub.png|300px|thumb|Beelzebub as depicted in the Infernal Dictionary]] | ||
'''Beelzebub''' ( | '''Beelzebub''' (Hebrew: בַּעַל זְבוּב ''Baʿal Zəḇūḇ'') or '''Beelzebul''' is a name derived from a Philistine god, formerly worshipped in Ekron, and later adopted by some [[Abrahamic religion]]s as a major [[demon]]. The name Beelzebub is associated with the Canaanite god [[Bael|Baal]]. | ||
In [[Christianity|Christian]] theology texts, Beelzebub is another name for [[Satan]]. He is known in demonology as one of the seven princes of [[Hell]]. The ''[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]'' describes Beelzebub as a being capable of flying, known as the "Lord of the Flyers," or the "Lord of the Flies." | In [[Christianity|Christian]] theology texts, Beelzebub is another name for [[Satan]]. He is known in demonology as one of the seven princes of [[Hell]]. The ''[[Dictionnaire Infernal]]'' describes Beelzebub as a being capable of flying, known as the "Lord of the Flyers," or the "Lord of the Flies." | ||
In the [[hierarchy of Hell]], he rules over the 1st degree of diabolical spirits, the False Gods. | |||
==Lord of the Flies== | |||
In one understanding, ''Ba'al Zəbûb'' is translated literally as "lord of the flies"." It was long ago suggested that there was a relationship between the Philistine god, and cults of flies—referring to a view of them as pests, feasting on excrement—appearing in the Hellenic world, such as Zeus Apomyios or Myiagros. This is confirmed by the Ugaritic text which depicts Ba'al expelling flies, which are the cause of a person's sickness. | |||
Alternatively, the deity's actual name could have been ''Ba'al Zəbûl'', "lord of the (heavenly) dwelling", and ''Ba'al Zebub'' could have been a derogatory pun used by the Israelites. | |||
===Name for Ra=== | |||
Jewish scholars have interpreted the title of "Lord of the Flies" as the Hebrew way of calling [[Bael|Ba'al]] a pile of excrement, and comparing Ba'al followers to flies. If true, this may indicate a connection between Ba'al and the Egyptian sun god [[Ra]], who was often symbolized as a dung beetle and with whom the concept of a dung pile was closely linked as a symbol of rebirth. | |||
Many depictions of Baal show the god in the "smiting pose." This pose is most closely associated with depictions of Ra and the pharaohs of Egypt showing their role in putting down rebellions and maintaining order. This is most evident in the Narmer Palette, which shows King Narmer, the ruler who united northern and southern Egypt, in the smiting pose holding a mace. | |||
The "Baal Stele" discovered in 1932 in Syria shows Baal in a virtually identical pose as King Narmer on the Narmer Palette. Both are barefoot, holding a mace in the smiting pose, wearing similar clothing, with an attendant nearby. The Baal Stele dates to the 15th century BC, when Caan was a vassal state of Egypt. | |||
==Old Testament== | ==Old Testament== | ||
The source for the name Beelzebub is found in the Books of Kings (2 Kings 1:2–3, 6, 16), written ''Ba'al Zəbûb'', referring to a deity worshipped by the Philistines. The title Baal, meaning "Lord" in Ugaritic, was used in conjunction with a descriptive name of a specific god. Opinions differ on what the name means | The source for the name Beelzebub is found in the Books of Kings (2 Kings 1:2–3, 6, 16), written ''Ba'al Zəbûb'', referring to a deity worshipped by the Philistines. The title "Baal," meaning "Lord" in Ugaritic, was used in conjunction with a descriptive name of a specific god. Opinions differ on what the name means. | ||
According to Francesco Saracino (1982) this series of elements may be inconclusive as evidence, but the fact that in relationship to Ba'al Zebub, the two constituent terms are here linked, joined by a function (''ndy'') that is typical of some divinities attested in the Mediterranean world, is a strong argument in favor of the authenticity of the name of the god of Ekron, and of his possible therapeutic activities, which are implicit in 2 Kings 1:2–3, etc. | According to Francesco Saracino (1982) this series of elements may be inconclusive as evidence, but the fact that in relationship to Ba'al Zebub, the two constituent terms are here linked, joined by a function (''ndy'') that is typical of some divinities attested in the Mediterranean world, is a strong argument in favor of the authenticity of the name of the god of Ekron, and of his possible therapeutic activities, which are implicit in 2 Kings 1:2–3, etc. | ||
The Septuagint renders the name as Baalzebub (Βααλζεβούβ) and as Baal muian (Βααλ μυῗαν, "Baal of flies"). However, Symmachus may have reflected a tradition of its offensive ancient name, when he rendered it as Beelzeboul. | The Septuagint renders the name as Baalzebub (Βααλζεβούβ) and as Baal muian (Βααλ μυῗαν, "Baal of flies"). However, Symmachus may have reflected a tradition of its offensive ancient name, when he rendered it as Beelzeboul. | ||