Instructions
- Read the story section titled "The Mystery of the Storm God" to learn about who Baal was in ancient history.
- Complete the Symbol Chart by filling in the empty boxes based on what you read.
- Solve the "Stormy Scramble" by putting the letters in the correct order.
- Answer the True or False questions to test your memory.
- Try the Bonus Challenge at the bottom if you finish early!
The Mystery of the Storm God
Thousands of years ago, in a land called Canaan (near the Mediterranean Sea), the people did not have science to explain the weather. Instead, they believed in many different gods. One of the most important ones was named Baal.
Baal was known as the Storm God. The Canaanites believed that when they heard thunder, it was Baal’s voice. They thought he rode on the clouds and brought the rain. Because rain helps plants grow, farmers would pray to Baal and leave gifts for him, hoping for a good harvest of grain and grapes.
In art, Baal was often shown holding a lightning bolt like a spear. He was also linked to the bull, which represented strength. However, other groups of people, like the ancient Israelites, believed that Baal was a "false god" and that people should not worship him. Today, we study Baal as a part of ancient history and mythology to understand how people lived long ago.
Activity 1: The Symbol Chart
Look at the example in the first row. Use the reading passage above to fill in the rest of the chart showing what different things represented to the people who believed in Baal.
| Object or Animal | What it represented / Why it was important |
|---|---|
| Rain | Example: It helped the farmers grow food like grain. |
| Lightning Bolt | |
| Thunder | |
| The Bull | |
| Clouds | |
| Canaan |
Activity 2: Stormy Scramble
Unscramble these words related to the story of Baal.
-
ROSTM (Something Baal was the god of): ____
-
NNAAAC (The land where he was famous): ____
-
LLUB (The animal that stood for strength): ____
-
NIRAA (What farmers wanted for their crops): ____
Activity 3: History Hunt
Circle TRUE if the sentence is correct, or FALSE if it is wrong.
- Baal was known as the god of the sunshine and the moon. (TRUE / FALSE)
- Ancient farmers prayed to Baal because they wanted their plants to grow. (TRUE / FALSE)
- Canaanite artists often drew Baal holding a lightning bolt. (TRUE / FALSE)
- Everyone in the ancient world thought Baal was a real god. (TRUE / FALSE)
Activity 4: Drawing Prompt
In the box below, draw what you think a "Storm God" would look like based on the symbols mentioned (lightning, clouds, and strength).
Bonus Challenge!
The Archaeologist's Question: If you were an explorer and found an ancient statue of a man holding a lightning bolt and standing next to a bull, how would you know it might be a statue of Baal? Write one sentence explaining your answer.
Answer: __
Answer Key
Activity 1: The Symbol Chart
- Lightning Bolt: Baal's weapon or spear.
- Thunder: Baal's voice.
- The Bull: Strength.
- Clouds: Baal's "chariot" or where he lived/rode.
- Canaan: The land/place where people worshipped him.
Activity 2: Stormy Scramble
- STORM
- CANAAN
- BULL
- GRAIN
Activity 3: History Hunt
- FALSE (He was the Storm God)
- TRUE
- TRUE
- FALSE (Groups like the Israelites believed he was a false god)
Bonus Challenge Sample Answer: I would know it is Baal because he is carrying a lightning bolt and is shown with a bull, which were his special symbols.