[436] Philo Jud. lib. 2. Allegor. p. 79.
Baal-Tsephon is thought by the Hebrews,[437] to have been an Idol made by the Ægytian Magicians, and placed in the Wilderness, to observe and stop the Israelites in their departure from Ægypt; whence it was termed צפן Tsephon, from צפה Tsapha, signifying to watch, & observe in manner of a watchman: because we may call him Baal speculator, as, among the Romans; because Jupiter stayed the Romans when they were flying, he was called Jupiter stator.[438]
[437] P. Fag. Exod. 14. 1.
[438] Rosin. lib. 2. antiq. Rom. cap. 5.
Baal-Zebub, soundeth as much as the Lord of the Flies, or a Master fly,[439] which hath power and authority over the rest, in which respect the Prince of the Devils in the Gospel is termed Beel-Zebub, זבוב Zebub signifieth a Fly. This Idol was worshipped by the Cyrenians,[440] but principally by the Ekronites, because whensoever they sacrificed unto him, the swarms of flies which at that time molested the Country, died. But it is certain, that this was not the alone reason, for they were wont to repair to him, as to an Oracle, 2 King. 1. 2. We may call him Jupiter muscarius, or Hercules muscarius:[441] for the Inhabitants of the City Elis sacrificed to Jupiter under the name ἀπομύιος, (i.) A driver away of flies: and the Romans to Hercules, under the same name. Some Greek Copies in the Gospel read Βεελζεβοὺλ, Beelzebul: which change is interpreted to be, for to shew the greater contempt of the Idol, as if they should say Jupiter stercoreus, זבל Zebel signifieth stercus, and Beel, or Baal, signifieth Dominus.
[439] Ζητήσουσι μυῖαν Θεὸν Ἀκκαρῶν. Gregor. Nazianz. orat. 2. contr. Julian. p. 102.
[440] Plin. l. 10. c. 28.
[441] Clemens Alexand. in protrep.
Baal-berith was the Idol of the Shechemites; of his Temple we read, Judges 9. 4. ברית Berith signifieth a Covenant; so that Baal-berith may be translated Jupiter fœderatus,[442] The God unto whom they bound themselves by Covenant. Concerning Bel and the Dragon, little is spoken, besides what we read in that off the Apocrypha, where the History is described.
[442] Ἔθηκαν ἑαυτοῖς τῷ βάαλ διαθήκην, τοῦ εἶναι αὐτοῖς αὐτὸν εἰς θεὸν. Septuagint. interp. Jud. 8. 33.