Bamoth-baal

Bamoth-baal (meaning heights of Baal) was a place in the plains of Moab or on the plateau north of the Arnon, mentioned in Numbers 22:41 as the first vantage point from which Balak brought Balaam to view and curse Israel. From this height Balaam could see the outermost edge of the Israelite camp. The site is also listed in Joshua 13:17 among the cities in the plain assigned to the tribe of Reuben in the Transjordanian allotment, and Numbers 21:28 connects it with Heshbon.

Like many sites in Moabite territory, Bamoth-baal reflects the pervasive presence of Baal worship in the elevated places of the region. Its use as the first viewing platform in the Balaam narrative establishes the thematic connection between high places, Baal, and the attempt to invoke supernatural cursing against Israel — all elements that will recur in the Baal-peor episode that follows the Balaam oracles.