'''Baal''' is the name of several pagan [[other gods|gods]] that date back to the 14th century BC among the ancient [[Semitic]] peoples, and most specifically the fertility deity of the ancient [[Canaanite]] peoples. The cult of Baal celebrated annually his death and resurrection as a part of the Canaanite fertility rituals and involved human sacrifices and temple prostitution. <ref>http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/baal.html</ref> The worship of Baal often led the Israelites astray from [[God]] due to the carnal pleasures derived from temple prostitutes. | '''Baal''' is the name of several pagan [[other gods|gods]] that date back to the 14th century BC among the ancient [[Semitic]] peoples, and most specifically the fertility deity of the ancient [[Canaanite]] peoples. The cult of Baal celebrated annually his death and resurrection as a part of the Canaanite fertility rituals and involved human sacrifices and temple prostitution. <ref>http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/baal.html</ref> The worship of Baal often led the Israelites astray from [[God]] due to the carnal pleasures derived from temple prostitutes. |