BAAL-ZEBUB, Beel-zebub, or Belzebub, the idol or god VOL. IV.
of the Ekronites. In Scripture he is called the Prince of Devils. His name is usually rendered the "Lord of Flies," which, some think, was a mock appellation bestowed on him by the Jews. But Scaliger derives the name of this deity from Baalim-zebahim, which signifies the "Lord of Sacrifices;" the plural number (Baalim) being here, as in many other instances, used with a singular effect.