Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

MELQART

(Phoen. mlqrt, mlk qrt)

A god associated with Tyre. The name means “king of the city,” either Tyre or (euphemistically) the underworld (cf. Melqart’s association with chthonic deities such as Nergal and Resheph), but his cult was widespread throughout the Mediterranean. The first mention of Melqart dates from the 9th/8th century b.c.e. Melqart is mentioned in the theogony of Philo of Byblos, who connects him to Heracles (cf. Herodotus Hist. 2.44; 2 Macc 4:18-20). The evidence would suggest that Melqart was a deified king or hero who evolved into a cosmic god of prosperity.

Though the name Melqart is not found in the Bible, Ezekiel’s oracle against the king of Tyre (Ezek. 28:1-19; cf. 26:11) may refer to this god. Several scholars believe that Melqart’s cult was brought to Israel by Jezebel (cf. 1 Kgs. 16:31-32). The priests of Baal with whom Elijah contends (1 Kgs. 18:20-40) would thus be the priests of Melqart.

Bibliography. S. Ribichini, “Melqart,” in DDD, 563-65.

Brent A. Strawn






Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)

Info Language Arrow Return to Top
Prayer Tents is a Christian mission organization that serves Christians around the world and their local bodies to make disciples ("evangelize") more effectively in their communities. Prayer Tents provides resources to enable Christians to form discipleship-focused small groups and make their gatherings known so that other "interested" people may participate and experience Christ in their midst. Our Vision is to make disciples in all nations through the local churches so that anyone seeking God can come to know Him through relationships with other Christians near them.

© Prayer Tents 2024.
Prayer Tents Facebook icon Prayer Tents Twitter icon Prayer Tents Youtube icon Prayer Tents Linkedin icon