The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as "the figure of
him who was to come." On this account our Lord is sometimes called the
second Adam. This typical relation is described in Ro 5:14-19
Is referred to in Jos 3:16 It stood "beside
Zarethan, "on the west bank of Jordan 1Ki 4:12 At this city the flow of
the water was arrested and rose up "upon an heap" at the time of the
Israelites' passing over Jos 3:16
Large, the sixth month of the civil and the twelfth of
the ecclesiastical year of the Jews Es 3:7,13 8:12 9:1,15,17,19,21 It included
the days extending from the new moon of our March to the new moon of April. The
name was first used after the Captivity. When the season was backward, and the
lambs not yet of a paschal size, or the barley not forward enough for abib,
then a month called Veadar, i.e., a second Adar, was intercalated.
Miracle of God, the third of the twelve sons of Ishmael,
and head of an Arabian tribe Ge 25:13 1Ch 1:29
Ample, splendid, son of Bela 1Ch 8:3 called also
"Ard" Ge 46:21
Ps 140:3 Ro 3:13 ("asp") is the rendering of,
1. Akshub ("coiling" or "lying in
wait"), properly an asp or viper, found only in this passage.
2. Pethen ("twisting") a viper or venomous
serpent identified with the cobra (Naja haje) Ps 58:4 91:13 elsewhere
"asp."
3. Tziphoni ("hissing") Pr 23:32 elsewhere
rendered "cockatrice, " Isa 11:8 14:29 59:5 Jer 8:17 as it is here in
the margin of the Authorized Version. The Revised Version has
"basilisk." This may have been the yellow viper, the Daboia xanthina,
the largest and most dangerous of the vipers of Palestine.
4. Shephiphon ("creeping"), occurring only in
Ge 49:17 the small speckled venomous snake, the "horned snake, "or
cerastes. Dan is compared to this serpent, which springs from its hiding-place
on the passer-by.
Ornament, Lu 3:28 the son of Cosam, and father of Melchi,
one of the progenitors of Christ.
Low, one of the persons named in Ne 7:61 who could not
"shew their father's house" on the return from captivity. This, with
similar instances Ne 7:63 indicates the importance the Jews attached to their
genealogies.
Ornament of God.
1. The father of Azmaveth, who was treasurer under David
and Solomon 1Ch 27:25
2. A family head of the tribe of Simeon 1Ch 4:36
3. A priest 1Ch 9:12
Effeminate.
1. Ezr 8:6
2. Ne 10:16
Slender, one of David's warriors 1Ch 11:42 a Reubenite.
The Eznite, one of David's mighty men 2Sa 23:8
A solemn appeal whereby one person imposes on another the
obligation of speaking or acting as if under an oath 1Sa 14:24 Jos 6:26 1Ki
22:16 We have in the New Testament a striking example of this Mt 26:63 Mr 5:7
where the high priest calls upon Christ to avow his true character. It would
seem that in such a case the person so adjured could not refuse to give an
answer. The word "adjure", i.e., cause to swear is used with
reference to the casting out of demons Ac 19:13
Earth, one of the five cities of the vale of Siddim Ge
10:19 It was destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah Ge 19:24 De 29:23 It is
supposed by some to be the same as the Adam of Jos 3:16 the name of which still
lingers in Damieh, the ford of Jordan.
Delight.
1. A chief of the tribe of Manasseh who joined David at
Ziklag 1Ch 12:20
2. A general under Jehoshaphat, chief over 300,000 men
2Ch 17:14
Lord of Bezek, a Canaanitish king who, having subdued
seventy of the chiefs that were around him, made an attack against the armies
of Judah and Simeon, but was defeated and brought as a captive to Jerusalem,
where his thumbs and great toes were cut off. He confessed that God had
requited him for his like cruelty to the seventy kings whom he had subdued Jud
1:4-7 comp. 1Sa 15:33
My Lord is Jehovah.
1. The fourth son of David 2Sa 3:4 After the death of his
elder brothers, Amnon and Absalom, he became heir-apparent to the throne. But
Solomon, a younger brother, was preferred to him. Adonijah, however, when his
father was dying, caused himself to be proclaimed king. But Nathan and
Bathsheba induced David to give orders that Solomon should at once be
proclaimed and admitted to the throne. Adonijah fled and took refuge at the
altar, and received pardon for his conduct from Solomon on the condition that
he showed himself "a worthy man" 1Ki 1:5-53 He afterwards made a
second attempt to gain the throne, but was seized and put to death 1Ki 2:13-25
2. A Levite sent with the princes to teach the book of
the law to the inhabitants of Judah 2Ch 17:8
3. One of the "chiefs of the people" after the
Captivity Ne 10:16
Whom the Lord sets up, one of those "which came with
Zerubbabel" Ezr 2:13 His "children, "or retainers, to the number
of 666 came up to Jerusalem Ezr 8:13
1Ki 12:18 the son of Abda, was "over the tribute,
"i.e., the levy or forced labour. He was stoned to death by the people of
Israel 1Ki 4:6 5:14 12:18
Lord of justice or righteousness, was king in Jerusalem
at the time when the Israelites invaded Palestine Jos 10:1,3 He formed a
confederacy with the other Canaanitish kings against the Israelites, but was
utterly routed by Joshua when he was engaged in besieging the Gibeonites. The
history of this victory and of the treatment of the five confederated kings is
recorded in Jos 10:1-27 Comp. De 21:23 Among the Tell Amarna tablets are some
very interesting letters from Adoni-zedec to the King of Egypt. These
illustrate in a very remarkable manner the history recorded in Jos 23:1-16 and
indeed throw light on the wars of conquest generally, so that they may be read
as a kind of commentary on the book of Joshua.
Here the conquering career of the Abiri (i.e., Hebrews) is graphically
described: "Behold, I say that the land of the king my lord is
ruined", "The wars are mighty against me", "The Hebrew
chiefs plunder all the king's lands", "Behold, I the chief of the
Amorites am breaking to pieces." Then he implores the king of Egypt to
send soldiers to help him, directing that the army should come by sea to
Ascalon or Gaza, and thence march to Wru-sa-lim (Jerusalem) by the valley of
Elah.
The giving to any one the name and place and privileges
of a son who is not a son by birth.
1. Natural. Thus Pharaoh's daughter adopted Moses Ex 2:10
and Mordecai Esther Es 2:7
2. National. God adopted Israel Ex 4:22 De 7:6 Hos 11:1
Ro 9:4
3. Spiritual. An act of God's grace by which he brings
men into the number of his redeemed family, and makes them partakers of all the
blessings he has provided for them. Adoption represents the new relations into
which the believer is introduced by justification, and the privileges connected
therewith, viz., an interest in God's peculiar love Joh 17:23 Ro 5:5-8 a
spiritual nature 2Pe 1:4 Joh 1:13 the possession of a spirit becoming children
of God 1Pe 1:14 2Jo 1:4 Ro 8:15-21 Ga 5:1 Heb 2:15 present protection,
consolation, supplies Lu 12:27-32 Joh 14:18 1Co 3:21-23 2Co 1:4 fatherly
chastisements Heb 12:5-11 and a future glorious inheritance Ro 8:17,23 Jas 2:5
Php 3:21
See ADONIRAM
To worship; to express reverence and homage. The forms of
adoration among the Jews were putting off the shoes Ex 3:5 Jos 5:15 and
prostration Ge 17:3 Ps 95:6 Isa 44:15,17,19 46:6 To "kiss the Son" in
Ps 2:12 is to adore and worship him. See Da 3:5,6 The word itself does not
occur in Scripture.
Adar the king.
1. An idol; a form of the sun-god worshipped by the
inhabitants of Sepharvaim 2Ki 17:31 and brought by the Sepharvite colonists
into Samaria.
2. A son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria 2Ki 19:37 Isa
37:38
A city of Asia Minor on the coast of Mysia, which in
early times was called AEolis. The ship in which Paul embarked at Caesarea
belonged to this city Ac 27:2 He was conveyed in it only to Myra, in Lycia, whence
he sailed in an Alexandrian ship to Italy. It was a rare thing for a ship to
sail from any port of Palestine direct for Italy. It still bears the name
Adramyti, and is a place of some traffic.
Ac 27:27 R.V., "the sea of Adria", the Adriatic
Sea, including in Paul's time the whole of the Mediterranean lying between
Crete and Sicily. It is the modern Gulf of Venice, the _Mare Superum_ of the
Romans, as distinguished from the _Mare Inferum_ or Tyrrhenian Sea.
Flock of God, the son of Barzillai, the Meholathite, to
whom Saul gave in marriage his daughter Merab 1Sa 18:19 The five sons that
sprang from this union were put to death by the Gibeonites 2Sa 21:8,9 Here it is
said that Michal "brought up" [R.V., "bare"] these five
sons, either that she treated them as if she had been their own mother, or that
for "Michal" we should read "Merab, "as in 1Sa 18:19
One of the royal cities of the Canaanites, now 'Aid-el-ma
Jos 12:15 15:35 It stood on the old Roman road in the valley of Elah (q.v.),
which was the scene of David's memorable victory over Goliath 1Sa 17:2 and not
far from Gath. It was one of the towns which Rehoboam fortified against Egypt
2Ch 11:7 It was called "the glory of Israel" Mic 1:15 The Cave of
Adullam has been discovered about 2 miles south of the scene of David's
triumph, and about 13 miles west from Bethlehem. At this place is a hill some
500 feet high pierced with numerous caverns, in one of which David gathered
together "every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt,
and every one that was discontented" 1Sa 22:2 Some of these caverns are
large enough to hold 200 or 300 men. According to tradition this cave was at
Wady Khureitun, between Bethlehem and the Dead Sea, but this view cannot be
well maintained.
An inhabitant of the city of Adullam Ge 38:1,12,20
Conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had
illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was
an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was
fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great
sin. The Mosaic law Nu 5:11-31 prescribed that the suspected wife should be
tried by the ordeal of the "water of jealousy." There is, however, no
recorded instance of the application of this law. In subsequent times the
Rabbis made various regulations with the view of discovering the guilty party,
and of bringing about a divorce. It has been inferred from Joh 8:1-11 that this
sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem.
Idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy are spoken of as adultery spiritually Jer
3:6,8,9 Eze 16:32 Ho 1:2:3 Re 2:22 An apostate church is an adulteress Isa 1:21
Eze 23:4,7,37 and the Jews are styled "an adulterous generation" Mt
12:39 Comp Re 12:1ff.
The red ones, a place apparently on the road between
Jericho and Jerusalem, "on the south side of the torrent" Wady Kelt,
looking toward Gilgal, mentioned Jos 15:7 18:17 It was nearly half-way between
Jerusalem and Jericho, and now bears the name of Tal-at-ed-Dumm. It is supposed
to have been the place referred to in the parable of the Good Samaritan Lu
10:30-37 Recently a new carriage-road has been completed, and carriages for the
first time have come along this road from Jerusalem.
(Heb. satan), an opponent or foe 1Ki 5:4 11:14,23,25 Lu
13:17 one that speaks against another, a complainant Mt 5:25 Lu 12:58 an enemy
Lu 18:3 and specially the devil 1Pe 5:8
(Gr. parakletos), one who pleads another's cause, who
helps another by defending or comforting him. It is a name given by Christ
three times to the Holy Ghost Joh 14:16 15:26 16:7 where the Greek word is
rendered "Comforter, "q.v.). It is applied to Christ in 1Jo 2:1 where the same Greek word is
rendered "Advocate, "the rendering which it should have in all the
places where it occurs. Tertullus "the orator" Ac 24:1 was a Roman
advocate whom the Jews employed to accuse Paul before Felix.
Springs, a place near Salim where John baptized Joh 3:23
It was probably near the upper source of the Wady Far'ah, an open valley
extending from Mount Ebal to the Jordan. It is full of springs. A place has been
found called 'Ainun, four miles north of the springs.
Feeling or emotion. Mention is made of "vile
affections" Ro 1:26 and
"inordinate affection" Col 3:5 Christians are exhorted to set their
affections on things above Col 3:2 There is a distinction between natural and
spiritual or gracious affections Eze 33:32
Relationship by alliance 2Ch 18:1 or by marriage 1Ki 3:1 Marriages
are prohibited within certain degrees of affinity, enumerated Le 18:6-17
Consanguinity is relationship by blood.
Common to all Job 5:7 14:1 Ps 34:19 are for the good of
men Jas 1:2,3,12 2Co 12:7 and the glory of God 2Co 12:7-10 1Pe 4:14 and are to
be borne with patience by the Lord's people Ps 94:12 Pr 3:12 They are all
directed by God La 3:33 and will result in the everlasting good of his people
2Co 4:16-18 in Christ Jesus Ro 8:35-39
A "prophet, "probably one of the seventy
disciples of Christ. He prophesied at Antioch of an approaching famine Ac
11:27,28 Many years afterwards he met Paul at Caesarea, and warned him of the
bonds and affliction that awaited him at Jerusalem should he persist in going
thither Ac 21:10-12
Flame, the usual title of the Amalekite kings, as
"Pharaoh" was of the Egyptian.
1. A king of the Amalekites referred to by Balaam Nu 24:7
He lived at the time of the Exodus.
2. Another king of the Amalekites whom Saul spared
unlawfully, but whom Samuel on his arrival in the camp of Saul ordered, in
retributive justice Jud 1:1ff. to be brought out and cut in pieces 1Sa 15:8-33
Comp. Ex 17:11, Nu 14:45
A name applied to Haman and also to his father Es 3:1,10
8:3,5 Probably it was equivalent to Amalekite.
(Heb. shebo), a precious stone in the breast-plate of the
high priest Ex 28:19 39:12 the second in the third row. This may be the agate
properly so called, a semi-transparent crystallized quartz, probably brought
from Sheba, whence its name. In Isa 54:12 and Eze 27:16 this word is the rendering
of the Hebrew cadcod, which means "ruddy, " and denotes a variety of
minutely crystalline silica more or less in bands of different tints. This word
is from the Greek name of a stone found in the river Achates in Sicily.
Used to denote the period of a man's life Ge 47:28 the
maturity of life Joh 9:21 the latter end of life Job 11:17 a generation of the
human race Job 8:8 and an indefinite period Eph 2:7 3:5,21 Col 1:26 Respect to
be shown to the aged Le 19:32 It is a blessing to communities when they have
old men among them Isa 65:20 Zec 8:4 The aged supposed to excel in
understanding Job 12:20 15:10 32:4,9 1Ki 12:6,8 A full age the reward of piety
Job 5:26 Ge 15:15
Fugitive, the father of Shammah, who was one of David's
mighty men 2Sa 23:11
Contest; wrestling; severe struggling with pain and
suffering. Anguish is the reflection on evil that is already past, while agony
is a struggle with evil at the time present. It is only used in the New
Testament by Lu 22:44 to describe our Lord's fearful struggle in Gethsemane.
The verb from which the noun "agony" is derived is used to denote an
earnest endeavour or striving, as "Strive [agonize] to enter" Lu
13:24 "Then would my servants fight" [agonize] Joh 18:36 Comp. 1Co
9:25 Col 1:29 4:12 1Ti 6:12 2Ti 4:7 where the words "striveth,
""labour, ""conflict, ""fight, "are the renderings
of the same Greek verb.
Tilling the ground Ge 2:15 4:2,3,12 and rearing cattle
were the chief employments in ancient times. The Egyptians excelled in
agriculture. And after the Israelites entered into the possession of the
Promised Land, their circumstances favoured in the highest degree a remarkable
development of this art. Agriculture became indeed the basis of the Mosaic
commonwealth.
The year in Palestine was divided into six agricultural
periods:-
1. SOWING TIME. Tisri, latter half (beginning about the
autumnal equinox.) Marchesvan. Kisleu, former half. Early rain due first
showers of autumn.
2. UNRIPE TIME. Kisleu, latter half. Tebet. Sebat, former
half.
3. COLD SEASON. Sebat, latter half. Adar. [Veadar.]
Nisan, former half. Latter rain due De 11:14 Jer 5:24 Ho 6:3 Zec 10:1 Jas 5:7
Job 29:23
4. HARVEST TIME. Nisan, latter half. (Beginning about
vernal equinox. Barley green.
Passover.) Ijar. Sivan, former half., Wheat ripe. Pentecost.
5. SUMMER (total absence of rain) Sivan, latter half.
Tammuz. Ab, former half.
6. SULTRY SEASON Ab, latter half. Elul. Tisri, former
half., Ingathering of fruits. The six months from the middle of Tisri to the
middle of Nisan were occupied with the work of cultivation, and the rest of the
year mainly with the gathering in of the fruits.
The extensive and easily-arranged system of irrigation
from the rills and streams from the mountains made the soil in every part of
Palestine richly productive Ps 1:3 65:10 Pr 21:1 Isa 30:25 32:2,20 Ho 12:11 and
the appliances of careful cultivation and of manure increased its fertility to
such an extent that in the days of Solomon, when there was an abundant
population, measures of wheat year by year" were sent to Hiram in exchange
for timber 1Ki 5:11 and in large quantities also wheat was sent to the Tyrians
for the merchandise in which they traded Eze 27:17 The wheat sometimes produced
an hundredfold Ge 26:12 Mt 13:23 Figs and pomegranates were very plentiful Nu
13:23 and the vine and the olive grew luxuriantly and produced abundant fruit
De 33:24 Lest the productiveness of the soil should be exhausted, it was
enjoined that the whole land should rest every seventh year, when all
agricultural labour would entirely cease Le 25:1-7 De 15:1-10 It was forbidden
to sow a field with divers seeds De 22:9 A passer-by was at liberty to eat any
quantity of corn or grapes, but he was not permitted to carry away any De
23:24,25 Mt 12:1 The poor were permitted to claim the corners of the fields and
the gleanings. A forgotten sheaf in the field was to be left also for the poor.
(See) Le 19:9,10 De 24:19
Agricultural implements and operations.
The sculptured monuments and painted tombs of Egypt and
Assyria throw much light on this subject, and on the general operations of
agriculture. Ploughs of a simple construction were known in the time of Moses
De 22:10 comp. Job 1:14 They were very light, and required great attention to
keep them in the ground Lu 9:62 They were drawn by oxen Job 1:14 cows 1Sa 6:7
and asses Isa 30:24 but an ox and an ass must not be yoked together in the same
plough De 22:10 Men sometimes followed the plough with a hoe to break the clods
Isa 28:24 The oxen were urged on by a "goad, "or long staff pointed
at the end, so that if occasion arose it could be used as a spear also Jud 3:31
1Sa 13:21 When the soil was prepared, the seed was sown broadcast over the
field Mt 13:3-8 The "harrow" mentioned in Job 39:10 was not used to
cover the seeds, but to break the clods, being little more than a thick block
of wood. In highly irrigated spots the seed was trampled in by cattle Isa 32:20
but doubtless there was some kind of harrow also for covering in the seed
scattered in the furrows of the field. The reaping of the corn was performed
either by pulling it up by the roots, or cutting it with a species of sickle,
according to circumstances. The corn when cut was generally put up in sheaves
Ge 37:7 Le 23:10-15 Ru 2:7,15 Job 24:10 Jer 9:22 Mic 4:12 which were afterwards
gathered to the threshing-floor or stored in barns Mt 6:26 The process of
threshing was performed generally by spreading the sheaves on the
threshing-floor and causing oxen and cattle to tread repeatedly over them De
25:4 Isa 28:28 On occasions flails or sticks were used for this purpose Ru 2:17
Isa 28:27 There was also a "threshing instrument" Isa 41:15 Am 1:3
which was drawn over the corn. It was called by the Hebrews a moreg, a
threshing roller or sledge 2Sa 24:22 1Ch 21:23 Isa 3:15 It was somewhat like
the Roman tribulum, or threshing instrument. When the grain was threshed, it
was winnowed by being thrown up against the wind Jer 4:11 and afterwards tossed
with wooden scoops Isa 30:24 The shovel and the fan for winnowing are mentioned
in Ps 35:5 Job 21:18 Isa 17:13 The refuse of straw and chaff was burned Isa
5:24 Freed from impurities, the grain was then laid up in granaries till used
De 28:8 Pr 3:10 Mt 6:26 13:30 Lu 12:18
The grandson of Herod the Great, and son of Aristobulus and
Bernice. The Roman emperor Caligula made him governor first of the territories
of Philip, then of the tetrarchy of Lysanias, with the title of king
Herod"), and finally of that of Antipas, who was banished, and of Samaria
and Judea. Thus he became ruler over the whole of Palestine. He was a
persecutor of the early Christians. He slew James, and imprisoned Peter Ac
12:1-4 He died at Caesarea, being "eaten of worms" Ac 12:23 A.D. 44.
(Comp. Josephus, Ant. xix. 8)
Son of the foregoing, was born at Rome, A.D. 27 He was
the brother of Bernice and Drusilla. The Emperor Claudius (A.D. 48 invested him
with the office of superintendent of the Temple of Jerusalem, and made him
governor (A.D. 50 of Chalcis. He was afterwards raised to the rank of king, and
made governor over the tetrarchy of Philip and Lysanias Ac 25:13 26:2,7 It was
before him that Paul delivered (A.D. 59 his speech recorded in Ac 26:1-29 His
private life was very profligate. He died (the last of his race) at Rome, at
the age of about seventy years, A.D. 100
The translation in Le 26:16 (R.V., "fever") of
the Hebrew word kaddah'ath, meaning "kindling", i.e., an inflammatory
or burning fever. In De 28:22 the word is rendered "fever."
Gatherer; the collector, mentioned as author of the
sayings in Pr 30:1-33 Nothing is known of him beyond what is there recorded.
An exclamation of sorrow or regret Ps 35:25 Isa 1:4,24
Jer 1:6 22:18 Mr 15:29
An exclamation of ridicule Ps 35:21 40:15 70:3 In Isa
44:16 it signifies joyful surprise, as also in Job 39:25 R.V.
Father's brother.
1. The son of Omri, whom he succeeded as the seventh king
of Israel. His history is recorded in 1Ki 16:1-22:53 His wife was Jezebel
(q.v.), who exercised a very evil influence over him. To the calf-worship
introduced by Jeroboam he added the worship of Baal. He was severely admonished
by Elijah (q.v.) for his wickedness. His anger was on this account kindled
against the prophet, and he sought to kill him. He undertook three campaigns
against Ben-hadad II., king of Damascus. In the first two, which were
defensive, he gained a complete victory over Ben-hadad, who fell into his
hands, and was afterwards released on the condition of his restoring all the
cities of Israel he then held, and granting certain other concessions to Ahab.
After three years of peace, for some cause Ahab renewed war 1Ki 22:3 with
Ben-hadad by assaulting the city of Ramoth-gilead, although the prophet Micaiah
warned him that he would not succeed, and that the 400 false prophets who
encouraged him were only leading him to his ruin. Micaiah was imprisoned for
thus venturing to dissuade Ahab from his purpose. Ahab went into the battle
disguised, that he might if possible escape the notice of his enemies; but an
arrow from a bow "drawn at a venture" pierced him, and though stayed
up in his chariot for a time he died towards evening, and Elijah's prophecy 1Ki
21:19 was fulfilled. He reigned twenty-three years. Because of his idolatry,
lust, and covetousness, Ahab is referred to as pre-eminently the type of a
wicked king 2Ki 8:18 2Ch 22:3 Mic 6:16
2. A false prophet referred to by Jeremiah Jer 29:21 of
whom nothing further is known.
There are three kings designated by this name in Scripture.
1. The father of Darius the Mede, mentioned in Da 9:1
This was probably the Cyaxares I. known by this name in profane history, the
king of Media and the conqueror of Nineveh.
2. The king mentioned in Ezr 4:6 probably the Cambyses of
profane history, the son and successor of Cyrus (B.C. 529)
3. The son of Darius Hystaspes, the king named in the
Book of Esther. He ruled over the kingdoms of Persia, Media, and Babylonia,
"from India to Ethiopia." This was in all probability the Xerxes of
profane history, who succeeded his father Darius (B.C. 485) In the LXX. version
of the Book of Esther the name Artaxerxes occurs for Ahasuerus. He reigned for
twenty-one years (B.C. 486) He invaded Greece with an army, it is said, of more
than 2,000,000 soldiers, only 5,000 of whom returned with him. Leonidas, with
his famous 300 arrested his progress at the Pass of Thermopylae, and then he
was defeated disastrously by Themistocles at Salamis. It was after his return
from this invasion that Esther was chosen as his queen.
Water, the river Ezr 8:21 by the banks of which the
Jewish exiles assembled under Ezra when about to return to Jerusalem from
Babylon. In all probability this was one of the streams of Mesopotamia which
flowed into the Euphrates somewhere in the north-west of Babylonia. It has,
however, been supposed to be the name of a place Ezr 8:15 now called Hit, on
the Euphrates, east of Damascus.
Possessor.
1. A grandson of Jonathan 1Ch 8:35 9:42
2. The son and successor of Jotham, king of Judah 2Ki
16:1ff. Isa 7:1-Isa 9:21 2Ch 28:1ff. He gave himself up to a life of wickedness
and idolatry. Notwithstanding the remonstrances and warnings of Isaiah, Hosea,
and Micah, he appealed for help against Rezin, king of Damascus, and Pekah,
king of Israel, who threatened Jerusalem, to Tiglath-pileser, the king of
Assyria, to the great injury of his kingdom and his own humilating subjection
to the Assyrians 2Ki 16:7,9 15:29 He also introduced among his people many
heathen and idolatrous customs Isa 8:19 38:8 2Ki 23:12 He died at the age of
thirty-five years, after reigning sixteen years (B.C. 740 and was succeeded by
his son Hezekiah. Because of his wickedness he was "not brought into the
sepulchre of the kings."
Held by Jehovah.
1. The son and successor of Ahab. He followed the
counsels of his mother Jezebel, and imitated in wickedness the ways of his
father. In his reign the Moabites revolted from under his authority 2Ki 3:5-7
He united with Jehoshaphat in an attempt to revive maritime trade by the Red
Sea, which proved a failure 2Ch 20:35-37 His messengers, sent to consult the
god of Ekron regarding his recovery from the effects of a fall from the
roof-gallery of his palace, were met on the way by Elijah, who sent them back
to tell the king that he would never rise from his bed 1Ki 22:51-2Ki 1:18
2. The son of Joram, or Jehoram, and sixth king of Judah.
Called Jehoahaz 2Ch 21:17 25:23 and Azariah 2Ch 22:6 Guided by his idolatrous
mother Athaliah, his reign was disastrous 2Ki 8:24-29 9:29 He joined his uncle
Jehoram, king of Israel, in an expedition against Hazael, king of Damascus; but
was wounded at the pass of Gur when attempting to escape, and had strength only
to reach Megiddo, where he died 2Ki 9:22-28 He reigned only one year.
Mother's brother, one of David's thirty heroes 2Sa 23:33
1Ch 11:35
Brother of help; i.e., "helpful."
1. The chief of the tribe of Dan at the time of the
Exodus Nu 1:12 2:25 10:25
2. The chief of the Benjamite slingers that repaired to
David at Ziklag 1Ch 12:3
Brother (i.e., "friend") of union.
1. A son of Bela, the son of Benjamin 1Ch 8:7
2. Name different in Hebrew, meaning brother of Judah.
Chief of the tribe of Asher; one of those appointed by Moses to superintend the
division of Canaan among the tribe Nu 34:27
Brother (i.e., "friend") of Jehovah.
1. One of the sons of Bela 1Ch 8:7 R.V. In A.V. called
"Ahiah."
2. One of the five sons of Jerahmeel, who was
great-grandson of Judah 1Ch 2:25
3. Son of Ahitub 1Sa 14:3,18 Ichabod's brother; the same
probably as Ahimelech, who was high priest at Nob in the reign of Saul 1Sa
22:11 Some, however, suppose that Ahimelech was the brother of Ahijah, and that
they both officiated as high priests, Ahijah at Gibeah or Kirjath-jearim, and
Ahimelech at Nob.
4. A Pelonite, one of David's heroes 1Ch 11:36 called
also Eliam 2Sa 23:34
5. A Levite having charge of the sacred treasury in the
temple 1Ch 26:20
6. One of Solomon's secretaries 1Ki 4:3
7. A prophet of Shiloh 1Ki 11:29 14:2 called the
"Shilonite, "in the days of Rehoboam. We have on record two of his
remarkable prophecies, 1Ki 11:31-39 announcing the rending of the ten tribes
from Solomon; and 1Ki 14:6-16 delivered to Jeroboam's wife, foretelling the
death of Abijah the king's son, the destruction of Jeroboam's house, and the
captivity of Israel "beyond the river." Jeroboam bears testimony to
the high esteem in which he was held as a prophet of God 1Ki 14:2,3
Brother of support helper, one of the five whom Josiah
sent to consult the prophetess Huldah in connection with the discovery of the
book of the law 2Ki 22:12-14 2Ch 34:20 He was the son of Shaphan, the royal
secretary, and the father of Gedaliah, governor of Judea after the destruction
of Jerusalem by the Babylonians 2Ki 25:22 Jer 40:5-16 43:6 On one occasion he
protected Jeremiah against the fury of Jehoiakim Jer 26:24 It was in the
chamber of another son (Germariah) of Shaphan that Baruch read in the ears of
all the people Jeremiah's roll.
Brother of anger irascible.
1. The father of Ahinoam, the wife of Saul 1Sa 14:50
2. The son and successor of Zadok in the office of high priest
1Ch 6:8,53 On the occasion of the revolt of Absalom he remained faithful to
David, and was of service to him in conveying to him tidings of the proceedings
of Absalom in Jerusalem 2Sa 15:24-37 17:15-21 He was swift of foot, and was the
first to carry to David tidings of the defeat of Absalom, although he
refrained, from delicacy of feeling, from telling him of his death 2Sa 18:19-33
Brother of a gift liberal.
1. One of the three giant Anakim brothers whom Caleb and
the spies saw in Mount Hebron Nu 13:22 when they went in to explore the land.
They were afterwards driven out and slain Jos 15:14 Jud 1:10
2. One of the guardians of the temple after the Exile 1Ch
9:17
Brother of the king, the son of Ahitub and father of
Abiathar 1Sa 22:20-23 He descended from Eli in the line of Ithamar. In 1Ch
18:16 he is called Abimelech, and is probably the same as Ahiah 1Sa 14:3,18 He
was the twelfth high priest, and officiated at Nob, where he was visited by
David (to whom and his companions he gave five loaves of the showbread) when he
fled from Saul 1Sa 21:1-9 He was summoned into Saul's presence, and accused, on
the information of Doeg the Edomite, of disloyalty because of his kindness to
David; whereupon the king commanded that he, with the other priests who stood
beside him (86 in all), should be put to death. This sentence was carried into
execution by Doeg in the most cruel manner 1Sa 22:9-23 Possibly Abiathar had a
son also called Ahimelech.
Brother of liberality liberal, one of the twelve
commissariat officers appointed by Solomon in so many districts of his kingdom
to raise supplies by monthly rotation for his household. He was appointed to
the district of Mahanaim 1Ki 4:14 east of Jordan.
Brother of pleasantness pleasant.
1. The daughter of Ahimaaz, and wife of Saul 1Sa 14:50
2. A Jezreelitess, the first wife of David 1Sa 25:43 27:3
She was the mother of Amnon 2Sa 3:2 1Sa 30:5,18 2Sa 2:2
Brotherly.
1. One of the sons of Beriah 1Ch 8:14
2. One of the sons of Jehiel the Gibeonite 1Ch 8:31 9:37
3. One of the sons of Abinadab the Levite. While Uzzah
went by the side of the ark, he walked before it guiding the oxen which drew
the cart on which it was carried, after having brought it from his father's
house in Gibeah 1Ch 13:7 2Sa 6:3,4
Brother of evil unlucky, or my brother is friend, chief
of the tribe of Naphtali at the Exodus Nu 1:15 2:29
Brother of song singer, the officer who was "over
the household" of Solomon 1Ki 4:6
Brother of insipidity or impiety, a man greatly renowned
for his sagacity among the Jews. At the time of Absalom's revolt he deserted
David Ps 41:9 55:12-14 and espoused the cause of Absalom 2Sa 15:12 David sent his
old friend Hushai back to Absalom, in order that he might counteract the
counsel of Ahithophel 2Sa 15:31-37 This end was so far gained that Ahithophel
saw he had no longer any influence, and accordingly he at once left the camp of
Absalom and returned to Giloh, his native place, where, after arranging his
wordly affairs, he hanged himself, and was buried in the sepulchre of his
fathers 2Sa 17:1-23 He was the type of Judas Ps 41:9
Brother of goodness good.
1. The son of Phinehas. On the death of his grandfather
Eli he succeeded to the office of high priest, and was himself succeeded by his
son Ahijah 1Sa 14:3 22:9,11,12,20
2. The father of Zadok, who was made high priest by Saul
after the extermination of the family of Ahimelech 1Ch 6:7,8 2Sa 8:17
Fatness, a town of Asher lying within the unconquered
Phoenician border Jud 1:31 north-west of the Sea of Galilee; commonly
identified with Giscala, now el-Jish.
Brotherly, one of the sons of Bela, the son of Benjamin
1Ch 8:4 He is also called Ahiah 1Ch 8:7 and Iri 1Ch 7:7 His descendants were
called Ahohites 2Sa 23:9,28
An epithet applied to Dodo, one of Solomon's captains 1Ch
27:4 to his son Eleazar, one of David's three mightiest heroes 2Sa 23:9 1Ch
11:12 and to Zalmon, one of the thirty 2Sa 23:28 1Ch 11:29 from their descent
from Ahoah.
She has her own tent, a name used by Eze 23:4,5,36,44 as
a symbol of the idolatry of the kingdom of Israel. This kingdom is described as
a lewdwoman, an adulteress, given up to the abominations and idolatries of the
Egyptians and Assyrians. Because of her crimes, she was carried away captive,
and ceased to be a kingdom. (Comp.) Ps 78:67-69 1Ki 12:25-33 2Ch 11:13-16
Tent of the father, an artist of the tribe of Dan,
appointed to the work of preparing materials for the tabernacle Ex 31:6 35:34
Ex 36:1,2 38:23
My tent is in her, the name of an imaginary harlot,
applied symbolically to Jerusalem, because she had abandoned the worship of the
true God and given herself up to the idolatries of foreign nations. Eze
23:4,11,22,36,44
Tent of the height, the name given to Judith, the
daughter of Beeri Anah Ge 26:34 36:2 when she became the wife of Esau. A
district among the mountains of Edom, probably near Mount Hor, was called after
her name, or it may be that she received her name from the district. From her
descended three tribes of Edomites, founded by her three sons.
Ruins.
1. One of the royal cities of the Canaanites Jos 10:1 Ge
12:8 13:3 It was the scene of Joshua's defeat, and afterwards of his victory.
It was the second Canaanite city taken by Israel Jos 7:2-5 8:1-29 It lay
rebuilt and inhibited by the Benjamites Ezr 2:28 Ne 7:32 11:31 It lay to the
east of Bethel, "beside Beth-aven." The spot which is most probably
the site of this ancient city is Haiyan, 2 miles east from Bethel. It lay up
the Wady Suweinit, a steep, rugged valley, extending from the Jordan valley to
Bethel.
2. A city in the Ammonite territory Jer 49:3 Some have
thought that the proper reading of the word is Ar Isa 15:1
Hind of the dawn, a name found in the title of Ps 22:1 It
is probably the name of some song or tune to the measure of which the psalm was
to be chanted. Some, however, understand by the name some instrument of music,
or an allegorical allusion to the subject of the psalm.
The atmosphere, as opposed to the higher regions of the
sky 1Th 4:17 Re 9:2 16:17 This word occurs once as the rendering of the Hebrew
_ruah_ Job 41:16 elsewhere it is the rendering of _shamaiyim_, usually
translated "heavens." The expression "to speak into the
air" 1Co 14:9 is a proverb denoting to speak in vain, as to "beat the
air" 1Co 9:26 denotes to labour in vain.
And Aij'alon, place of deer.
1. A town and valley originally assigned to the tribe of
Dan, from which, however, they could not drive the Amorites Jud 1:35 It was one
of the Levitical cities given to the Kohathites 1Ch 6:69 It was not far from
Beth-shemesh 2Ch 28:18 It was the boundary between the kingdoms of Judah and
Israel, and is frequently mentioned in Jewish history 2Ch 11:10 1Sa 14:31 1Ch
8:13 With reference to the valley named after the town, Joshua uttered the
celebrated command, "Sun, stand thou still on Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in
the valley of Ajalon" Jos 10:12 It has been identified as the modern Yalo,
at the foot of the Beth-horon pass (q.v.). In the Tell Amarna letters
Adoni-zedek (q.v.) speaks of the destruction of the "city of Ajalon"
by the invaders, and describes himself as "afflicted, greatly afflicted"
by the calamities that had come on the land, urging the king of Egypt to hasten
to his help.
2. A city in the tribe of Zebulun Jud 12:12 the modern
Jalun, three miles north of Cabul.
(another form of Jacob).
1. The head of one of the families of Nethinim Ezr 2:45
2. A Levite who kept the gate of the temple after the
return from Babylon 1Ch 9:17 Ezr 2:42 Ne 7:45
3. A descendant of David 1Ch 3:24
Scorpions, probably the general name given to the ridge
containing the pass between the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, es-Sufah, by
which there is an ascent to the level of the land of Palestine. Scorpions are
said to abound in this whole district, and hence the name Nu 34:4 It is called
"Maaleh-acrabbim" in Jos 15:3 and "the ascent of Akrabbim"
in Nu 34:4
Occurs only in the New Testament in connection with the
box of "ointment of spikenard very precious, "with the contents of
which a woman anointed the head of Jesus as he sat at supper in the house of
Simon the leper Mt 26:7 Mr 14:3 Lu 7:37 These boxes were made from a stone
found near Alabastron in Egypt, and from this circumstance the Greeks gave them
the name of the city where they were made. The name was then given to the stone
of which they were made; and finally to all perfume vessels, of whatever
material they were formed. The woman "broke" the vessel; i.e., she
broke off, as was usually done, the long and narrow neck so as to reach the
contents. This stone resembles marble, but is softer in its texture, and hence
very easily wrought into boxes. Mark says Mr 14:5 that this box of ointment was
worth more than 300 pence, i.e., denarii, each of the value of sevenpence
halfpenny of our money, and therefore worth about 10 pounds. But if we take the
denarius as the day's wage of a labourer Mt 20:2 say two shillings of our
money, then the whole would be worth about 30 pounds, so costly was Mary's
offering.
Virgins, a musical term 1Ch 15:20 denoting that the psalm
which bears this inscription Ps 46:1 was to be sung by soprano or female
voices.
A particular quivering sound of the silver trumpets to give
warning to the Hebrews on their journey through the wilderness Nu 10:5,6 a call
to arms, or a war-note Jer 4:19 49:2 Zep 1:16
Covering.
1. One of the nine sons of Becher, the son of Benjamin
1Ch 7:8
2. One of the sons of Jehoadah, or Jarah, son of Ahaz 1Ch
8:36
3. A sacerdotal city of Benjamin 1Ch 6:60 called also
Almon Jos 21:18 now Almit, a mile north-east of the ancient Anathoth.
Man-defender.
1. A relative of Annas the high priest, present when
Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim Ac 4:6
2. A man whose father, Simon the Cyrenian, bore the cross
of Christ Mr 15:21
3. A Jew of Ephesus who took a prominent part in the
uproar raised there by the preaching of Paul Ac 19:33 The Jews put him forward
to plead their cause before the mob. It was probably intended that he should
show that he and the other Jews had no sympathy with Paul any more than the
Ephesians had. It is possible that this man was the same as the following.
4. A coppersmith who, with Hymenaeus and others,
promulgated certain heresies regarding the resurrection 1Ti 1:19 2Ti 4:14 and
made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. Paul excommunicated him 1Ti
1:20 comp. 1Co 5:5
The king of Macedonia, the great conqueror; probably
represented in Daniel by the "belly of brass" Da 2:32 and the leopard
and the he-goat Da 7:6 11:3,4 He succeeded his father Philip, and died at the
age of thirty-two from the effects of intemperance, B.C. 323 His empire was
divided among his four generals.
The ancient metropolis of Lower Egypt, so called from its
founder, Alexander the Great (about B.C. 333 It was for a long period the
greatest of existing cities, for both Nineveh and Babylon had been destroyed,
and Rome had not yet risen to greatness. It was the residence of the kings of
Egypt for 200 years. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, and only
incidentally in the New. Apollos, eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures, was a
native of this city Ac 18:24 Many Jews from Alexandria were in Jerusalem, where
they had a synagogue Ac 6:9 at the time of Stephen's martyrdom. At one time it
is said that as many as 10,000 Jews resided in this city. It possessed a famous
library of 700,000 volumes, which was burned by the Saracens (A.D. 642) It was
here that the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek. This is called the
Septuagint version, from the tradition that seventy learned men were engaged in
executing it. It was, however, not all
translated at one time. It was begun B.C. 280 and finished about B.C. 200 or
150
2Ch 2:8 9:10,11 the same as almug 1Ki 10:11
A foreigner, or person born in another country, and therefore
not entitled to the rights and privileges of the country where he resides.
Among the Hebrews there were two classes of aliens.
1. Those who were strangers generally, and who owned no
landed property.
2. Strangers dwelling in another country without being
naturalized Le 22:10 Ps 39:12 Both of these classes were to enjoy, under
certain conditions, the same rights as other citizens Le 19:33,34 De 10:19 They
might be naturalized and permitted to enter into the congregation of the Lord
by submitting to circumcision and abandoning idolatry De 23:3-8
3. This term is used Eph 2:12 to denote persons who have
no interest in Christ.
Used only in Ga 4:24 where the apostle refers to the
history of Isaac the free-born, and Ishmael the slave-born, and makes use of it
allegorically. Every parable is an allegory. Nathan 2Sa 12:1-4 addresses David
in an allegorical narrative. In the eightieth Psalm there is a beautiful
allegory: "Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt, " etc. In Ec 12:2-6
there is a striking allegorical description of old age.
The Greek form Re 19:1,3,4,6 of the Hebrew Hallelujah
Praise ye Jehovah, which begins or ends several of the psalms
(Ps 106:1 111:1 112:1 113:1 etc.).
A treaty between nations, or between individuals, for
their mutual advantage. Abraham formed an alliance with some of the Canaanitish
princes Ge 14:13 also with Abimelech Ge 21:22-32 Joshua and the elders of
Israel entered into an alliance with the Gibeonites Jos 9:3-27 When the
Israelites entered Palestine they were forbidden to enter into alliances with
the inhabitants of the country Le 18:3,4 20:22,23 Solomon formed a league with
Hiram 1Ki 5:12 This "brotherly covenant" is referred to 250 years
afterwards Am 1:9 He also appears to have entered into an alliance with Pharaoh
1Ki 10:28,29 In the subsequent history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel
various alliances were formed between them and also with neighbouring nations
at different times. From patriarchal times a covenant of alliance was sealed by
the blood of some sacrificial victim. The animal sacrificed was cut in two
(except birds), and between these two parts the persons contracting the
alliance passed Ge 15:10 There are frequent allusions to this practice Jer
34:18 Such alliances were called "covenants of salt" Nu 18:19 2Ch
13:5 salt being the symbol of perpetuity. A pillar was set up as a memorial of
the alliance between Laban and Jacob Ge 31:52 The Jews throughout their whole
history attached great importance to fidelity to their engagements. Divine
wrath fell upon the violators of them Jos 9:18 2Sa 21:1,2 Eze 17:16
Oak.
1. The expression in the Authorized Version of Jos 19:33
"from Allon to Zaanannim, "is more correctly rendered in the Revised
Version, "from the oak in Zaanannim." The word denotes some
remarkable tree which stood near Zaanannim, and which served as a landmark.
2. The son of Jedaiah, of the family of the Simeonites,
who expelled the Hamites from the valley of Gedor 1Ch 4:37
Oak of weeping, a tree near Bethel, at the spot where Deborah,
Rebekah's nurse, was buried Ge 35:8 Large trees, from their rarity in the
plains of Palestine, were frequently designated as landmarks. This particular
tree was probably the same as the "palm tree of Deborah" Jud 4:5
Immeasurable, the first named of the sons of Joktan Ge
10:26 the founder of an Arabian tribe.
Hidden, one of the sacerdotal cities of Benjamin Jos
21:18 called also Alemeth 1Ch 6:60
A native of Syria and Palestine. In form, blossoms, and
fruit it resembles the peach tree. Its blossoms are of a very pale pink colour,
and appear before its leaves. Its Hebrew name, _shaked_, signifying
"wakeful, hastening, "is given to it on account of its putting forth
its blossoms so early, generally in February, and sometimes even in January. In
Ec 12:5 it is referred to as illustrative, probably, of the haste with which
old age comes. There are others, however, who still contend for the old
interpretation here. "The almond tree bears its blossoms in the midst of
winter, on a naked, leafless stem, and these blossoms (reddish or
flesh-coloured in the beginning) seem at the time of their fall exactly like
white snow-flakes. In this way the almond blossom is a very fitting symbol of
old age, with its silvery hair and its wintry, dry, barren, unfruitful
condition." In Jer 1:11 "I see a rod of an almond tree [shaked] for I
will hasten [shaked] my word to perform it" the word is used as an emblem
of promptitude. Jacob desired his sons Ge 43:11 to take with them into Egypt of
the best fruits of the land, almonds, etc., as a present to Joseph, probably
because this tree was not a native of Egypt. Aaron's rod yielded almonds Nu
17:8 Heb 9:4 Moses was directed to make certain parts of the candlestick for
the ark of carved work "like unto almonds" Ex 25:33,34 The Hebrew
word _luz_, translated "hazel" in the Authorized Version Ge 30:37 is
rendered in the Revised Version "almond." It is probable that _luz_
denotes the wild almond, while _shaked_ denotes the cultivated variety.
Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the
New. The Mosaic legislation Le 25:35 De 15:7 tended to promote a spirit of
charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such
passages as these, Ps 41:1 112:9 Pr 14:31 Isa 10:2 Am 2:7 Jer 5:28 Eze 22:29
would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit. In the time of our Lord
begging was common Mr 10:46 Ac 3:2 The Pharisees were very ostentatious in
their almsgivings Mt 6:2 The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated
in this duty is set forth in 1Jo 3:17 A regard to the state of the poor and
needy is enjoined as a Christian duty Lu 3:11 Lu 6:30 Mt 6:1 Ac 9:36 10:2,4 a
duty which was not neglected by the early Christians Lu 14:13 Ac 20:35 Ga 2:10
Ro 15:25-27 1Co 16:1-4 They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but
contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance Ac 11:29 24:17 2Co
9:12 Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this Joh 13:29 In
modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which
modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.
1Ki 10:11,12 algum 2Ch 2:8 9:10,11 in the Hebrew
occurring only in the plural _almuggim_ (indicating that the wood was brought
in planks), the name of a wood brought from Ophir to be used in the building of
the temple, and for other purposes. Some suppose it to have been the white
sandal-wood of India, the Santalum album of botanists, a native of the
mountainous parts of the Malabar coasts. It is a fragrant wood, and is used in
China for incense in idol-worship. Others, with some probability, think that it
was the Indian red sandal-wood, the pterocarpus santalinus, a heavy,
fine-grained wood, the Sanscrit name of which is valguka. It is found on the
Coromandel coast and in Ceylon.
(Heb. 'ahalim), a fragrant wood Nu 24:6 Ps 45:8 Pr 7:17
So 4:14 the Aquilaria agallochum of botanists, or, as some suppose, the costly
gum or perfume extracted from the wood. It is found in China, Siam, and
Northern India, and grows to the height sometimes of 120 feet. This species is
of great rarity even in India. There is another and more common species, called
by Indians aghil, whence Europeans have given it the name of Lignum aquile, or
eagle-wood. Aloewood was used by the Egyptians for embalming dead bodies.
Nicodemus brought it (pounded aloe-wood) to embalm the body of Christ Joh 19:39
but whether this was the same as that mentioned elsewhere is uncertain. The
bitter aloes of the apothecary is the dried juice of the leaves Aloe vulgaris.
1. The father of James the Less, the apostle and writer
of the epistle Mt 10:3 Mr 3:18 Lu 6:15 Ac 1:13 and the husband of Mary Joh
19:25 The Hebrew form of this name is Cleopas, or Clopas (q.v.).
2. The father of Levi, or Matthew Mr 2:14
(Heb. mizbe'ah, from a word meaning "to slay"),
any structure of earth Ex 20:24 or unwrought stone Ex 20:25 on which sacrifices
were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places Ge 22:9 Eze
6:3 2Ki 23:12 16:4 23:8 Ac 14:13 The word is used in Heb 13:10 for the
sacrifice offered upon it--the sacrifice Christ offered. Paul found among the
many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, "To the unknown
God" Ac 17:23 or rather "to an [i.e., some] unknown God." The
reason for this inscription cannot now be accurately determined. It afforded
the apostle the occasion of proclaiming the gospel to the "men of
Athens." The first altar we read of is that erected by Noah Ge 8:20 Altars
were erected by Abraham Ge 12:7 13:4 22:9 by Isaac Ge 26:25 by Jacob Ge 33:20
35:1,3 and by Moses Ex 17:15 "Jehovah-nissi". In the tabernacle, and
afterwards in the temple, two altars were erected.
1. The altar of burnt offering Ex 30:28 called also the
"brasen altar" Ex 39:39 and "the table of the Lord" Mal 1:7
This altar, as erected in the tabernacle, is described in Ex 27:1-8 It was a
hollow square, 5 cubits in length and in breadth, and 3 cubits in height. It
was made of shittim wood, and was overlaid with plates of brass. Its corners
were ornamented with "horns" Ex 29:12 Le 4:18 In Ex 27:3 the various
utensils appertaining to the altar are enumerated. They were made of brass.
(Comp.) 1Sa 2:13,14 Le 16:12 Nu 16:6,7 In Solomon's temple the altar was of
larger dimensions 2Ch 4:1 Comp. 1Ki 8:22,64 9:25 and was made wholly of brass,
covering a structure of stone or earth. This altar was renewed by Asa 2Ch 15:8
It was removed by Ahaz 2Ki 16:14 and "cleansed" by Hezekiah, in the latter
part of whose reign it was rebuilt. It was finally broken up and carried away
by the Babylonians Jer 52:17 After the return from captivity it was re-erected
Ezr 3:3,6 on the same place where it had formerly stood. (Comp. 1 Macc. 4:47.)
When Antiochus Epiphanes pillaged Jerusalem the altar of burnt offering was
taken away. Again the altar was erected by Herod, and remained in its place
till the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (70 A.D.). The fire on the
altar was not permitted to go out Le 6:9 In the Mosque of Omar, immediately
underneath the great dome, which occupies the site of the old temple, there is
a rough projection of the natural rock, of about 60 feet in its extreme length,
and 50 in its greatest breadth, and in its highest part about 4 feet above the
general pavement. This rock seems to have been left intact when Solomon's
temple was built. It was in all probability the site of the altar of burnt
offering. Underneath this rock is a cave, which may probably have been the
granary of Araunah's threshing-floor 1Ch 21:22
2. The altar of incense Ex 30:1-10 called also "the
golden altar" Ex 39:38 Nu 4:11 stood in the holy place "before the
vail that is by the ark of the testimony." On this altar sweet spices were
continually burned with fire taken from the brazen altar. The morning and the
evening services were commenced by the high priest offering incense on this
altar. The burning of the incense was a type of prayer Ps 141:2 Re 5:8 8:3,4
This altar was a small movable table, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold Ex
37:25,26 It was 1 cubit in length and breadth, and 2 cubits in height. In
Solomon's temple the altar was similar in size, but was made of cedar-wood 1Ki
6:20 7:48 overlaid with gold. In Eze 41:22 it is called "the altar of wood."
Comp. Ex 30:1-6 In the temple built after the Exile the altar was restored.
Antiochus Epiphanes took it away, but it was afterwards restored by Judas
Maccabaeus (1 Macc. 1:23 4:49) Among the trophies carried away by Titus on the
destruction of Jerusalem the altar of incense is not found, nor is any mention
made of it in Heb 9:1ff. It was at this altar Zacharias ministered when an
angel appeared to him Lu 1:11 It is the only altar which appears in the
heavenly temple Isa 6:6 Re 8:3,4
Destroy not, the title of Ps 57:1 58:1 59:1 75:1 It was
probably the name of some song to the melody of which these psalms were to be
chanted.
One of the places, the last before Rephidim, at which the
Hebrews rested on their way to Sinai Nu 33:13,14 It was probably situated on
the shore of the Red Sea.
Dweller in a valley, the son of Eliphaz and grandson of
Esau Ge 36:12 1Ch 1:36 the chief of an Idumean tribe Ge 36:16 His mother was a
Horite, a tribe whose territory the descendants of Esau had seized.
A tribe that dwelt in Arabia Petraea, between the Dead
Sea and the Red Sea. They were not the descendants of Amalek, the son of
Eliphaz, for they existed in the days of Abraham Ge 14:7 They were probably a
tribe that migrated from the shores of the Persian Gulf and settled in Arabia.
"They dwelt in the land of the south from Havilah until thou comest to
Shur" Nu 13:29 1Sa 15:7 They were a pastoral, and hence a nomadic race.
Their kings bore the hereditary name of Agag Nu 24:7 1Sa 15:8 They attempted to
stop the Israelites when they marched through their territory De 25:18
attacking them at Rephidim Ex 17:8-13 comp. De 25:17 1Sa 15:2 They afterwards
attacked the Israelites at Hormah Nu 14:45 We read of them subsequently as in
league with the Moabites Jud 3:13 and the Midianites Jud 6:3 Saul finally
desolated their territory and destroyed their power 1Sa 14:48 15:3 and David
recovered booty from them 1Sa 30:18-20 In the Babylonian inscriptions they are
called Sute, in those of Egypt Sittiu, and the Amarna tablets include them
under the general name of Khabbati, or "plunderers."
Perennial.
1. The Hebrew margin of 2Ki 5:12 gives this as another
reading of Abana (q.v.), a stream near Damascus.
2. A mountain So 4:8 probably the southern summit of
Anti-Libanus, at the base of which are the sources of the Abana.
Said by Jehovah.
1. One of the descendants of Aaron by Eleazar 1Ch 6:7,52
He was probably the last of the high priests of Eleazar's line prior to the
transfer of that office to Eli, of the line of Ithamar.
2. A Levite, son of Hebron, of the lineage of Moses 1Ch
23:19 24:23
3. A "chief priest" who took an active part in
the reformation under Jehoshaphat 2Ch 19:11 probably the same as mentioned in
1Ch 6:9
4. 1Ch 6:11 Ezr 7:3
5. One of the high priests in the time of Hezekiah 2Ch
31:15
6. Zep 1:1
7. Ne 11:4
8. Ne 10:3
9. Ezr 10:42
Burden.
1. The son of Abigail, a sister of king David 1Ch 2:17
2Sa 17:25 He was appointed by David to command the army in room of his cousin
Joab 2Sa 19:13 who afterwards treacherously put him to death as a dangerous
rival 2Sa 20:4-12
2. A son of Hadlai, and chief of Ephraim 2Ch 28:12 in the
reign of Ahaz.
Burdensome.
1. A Levite, son of Elkanah, of the ancestry of Samuel
1Ch 6:25,35
2. The leader of a body of men who joined David in the
"stronghold, " probably of Adullam 1Ch 12:18
3. One of the priests appointed to precede the ark with
blowing of trumpets on its removal from the house of Obed-edom 1Ch 15:24
4. The father of a Levite, one of the two Kohathites who
took a prominent part at the instance of Hezekiah in the cleansing of the
temple 2Ch 29:12