Baal

 

Lord.

1. The name appropriated to the principal male god of the Phoenicians. It is found in several places in the plural BAALIM Jud 2:11 10:10 1Ki 18:18 Jer 2:23 Ho 2:17 Baal is identified with Molech Jer 19:5 It was known to the Israelites as Baal-peor Nu 25:3 De 4:3 was worshipped till the time of Samuel 1Sa 7:4 and was afterwards the religion of the ten tribes in the time of Ahab 1Ki 16:31-33 18:19,22 It prevailed also for a time in the kingdom of Judah 2Ki 8:27 comp. 2Ki 11:18 16:3 2Ch 28:2 till finally put an end to by the severe discipline of the Captivity Zep 1:4-6 The priests of Baal were in great numbers 1Ki 18:19 and of various classes 2Ki 10:19 Their mode of offering sacrifices is described in 1Ki 18:25-29 The sun-god, under the general title of Baal, or "lord, "was the chief object of worship of the Canaanites. Each locality had its special Baal, and the various local Baals were summed up under the name of Baalim, or "lords." Each Baal had a wife, who was a colourless reflection of himself.

2. A Benjamite, son of Jehiel, the progenitor of the Gibeonites 1Ch 8:30 9:36

3. The name of a place inhabited by the Simeonites, the same probably as Baal-ath-beer 1Ch 4:33 Jos 19:8

 

Baalah

 

Mistress; city.

1. A city in the south of Judah Jos 15:29 elsewhere called Balah Jos 19:3 and Bilhah 1Ch 4:29 Now Khurbet Zebalah.

2. A city on the northern border of the tribe of Judah Jos 15:10 called also Kirjath-jearim, q.v. Jos 15:9 1Ch 13:6 now Kuriet-el-Enab, or as some think, 'Erma.

3. A mountain on the north-western boundary of Judah and Dan Jos 15:11

 

Baalath

 

A town of the tribe of Dan Jos 19:44 It was fortified by Solomon 1Ki 9:18 2Ch 8:6 Some have identified it with Bel'ain, in Wady Deir Balut.

 

Baalath-beer

 

Baalah of the well, Jos 19:8 probably the same as Baal, mentioned in 1Ch 4:33 a city of Simeon.

 

Baalbec

 

Called by the Greeks Heliopolis i.e., "the city of the sun", because of its famous Temple of the Sun, has by some been supposed to be Solomon's "house of the forest of Lebanon" 1Ki 7:2 10:17 2Ch 9:16 by others it is identified with Baal-gad (q.v.). It was a city of Coele-Syria, on the lowest declivity of Anti-Libanus, about 42 miles north-west of Damascus. It was one of the most splendid of Syrian cities, existing from a remote antiquity. After sustaining several sieges under the Moslems and others, it was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1759. Its ruins are of great extent.

 

Baal-berith

 

Covenant lord, the name of the god worshipped in Shechem after the death of Gideon Jud 8:33 9:4 In Jud 9:46 he is called simply "the god Berith." The name denotes the god of the covenant into which the Israelites entered with the Canaanites, contrary to the command of Jehovah Ex 34:12 when they began to fall away to the worship of idols.

 

Baale of Judah

 

Lords of Judah, a city in the tribe of Judah from which David brought the ark into Jerusalem 2Sa 6:2 Elsewhere 1Ch 13:6 called Kirjath-jearim.

 

See BAALAH

 

Baal-gad

 

Lord of fortune, or troop of Baal, a Canaanite city in the valley of Lebanon at the foot of Hermon, hence called Baal-hermon Jud 3:3 1Ch 5:23 near the source of the Jordan Jos 13:5 11:17 12:7 It was the most northern point to which Joshua's conquests extended. It probably derived its name from the worship of Baal. Its modern representative is Banias. Some have supposed it to be the same as Baalbec.

 

See BAALBEC

 

Baal-hamon

 

Place of a multitude, a place where Solomon had an extensive vineyard So 8:11 It has been supposed to be identical with Baal-gad, and also with Hammon in the tribe of Asher Jos 19:28 Others identify it with Belamon, in Central Palestine, near Dothaim.

 

Baal-hanan

 

Lord of grace.

1. A king of Edom, son of Achbor Ge 36:38,39 1Ch 1:49,50

2. An overseer of "the olive trees and sycomore trees in the low plains" (the Shephelah) under David 1Ch 27:28

 

Baal-hazor

 

Having a courtyard, or Baal's village, the place on the borders of Ephraim and Benjamin where Absalom held the feast of sheep-shearing when Amnon was assassinated 2Sa 13:23 Probably it is the same with Hazor Ne 11:33 now Tell' Asur, 5 miles north-east of Bethel.

 

Baal-hermon

 

Lord of Hermon.

1. A city near Mount Hermon inhabited by the Ephraimites 1Ch 5:23 Probably identical with Baal-gad Jos 11:17

2. A mountain east of Lebanon Jud 3:3 Probably it may be the same as Mount Hermon, or one of its three peaks.

 

Baali

 

My lord, a title the prophet Ho 2:16 reproaches the Jewish church for applying to Jehovah, instead of the more endearing title Ishi, meaning "my husband."

 

Baalim

 

Plural of Baal; images of the god Baal Jud 2:11 1Sa 7:4

 

Baalis

 

King of the Ammonites at the time of the Babylonian captivity Jer 40:14 He hired Ishmael to slay Gedaliah who had been appointed governor over the cities of Judah.

 

Baal-meon

 

Lord of dwelling, a town of Reuben Nu 32:38 called also Beth-meon Jer 48:23 and Beth-baal-meon Jos 13:17 It is supposed to have been the birth-place of Elisha. It is identified with the modern M'ain, about 3 miles south-east of Heshbon.

 

Baal-peor

 

Lord of the opening, a god of the Moabites Nu 25:3 31:16 Jos 22:17 worshipped by obscene rites. So called from Mount Peor, where this worship was celebrated, the Baal of Peor. The Israelites fell into the worship of this idol Nu 25:3,5,18 De 4:3 Ps 106:28 Ho 9:10

 

Baal-perazim

 

Baal having rents, bursts, or destructions, the scene of a victory gained by David over the Philistines 2Sa 5:20 1Ch 14:11 Called Mount Perazim Isa 28:21 It was near the valley of Rephaim, west of Jerusalem. Identified with the modern Jebel Aly.

 

Baal-shalisha

 

Lord of Shalisha, a place from which a man came with provisions for Elisha, apparently not far from Gilgal 2Ki 4:42 It has been identified with Sirisia, 13 miles north of Lydda.

 

Baal-tamar

 

Lord of palm trees, a place in the tribe of Benjamin near Gibeah of Saul Jud 20:33 It was one of the sanctuaries or groves of Baal. Probably the palm tree of Deborah Jud 4:5 is alluded to in the name.

 

Baal-zebub

 

Fly-lord, the god of the Philistines at Ekron 2Ki 1:2,3,16 This name was given to the god because he was supposed to be able to avert the plague of flies which in that region was to be feared. He was consulted by Ahaziah as to his recovery.

 

Baal-zephon

 

Baal of the north, an Egyptian town on the shores of the Gulf of Suez Ex 14:2 Nu 33:7 over against which the children of Israel encamped before they crossed the Red Sea. It is probably to be identified with the modern Jebel Deraj or Kulalah, on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Baal-zapuna of the Egyptians was a place of worship.

 

Baana

 

Son of affliction.

1. One of Solomon's purveyors 1Ki 4:12

2. Son of Hushai, another of Solomon's purveyors 1Ki 4:16

3. Father of Zadok Ne 3:4

 

Baanah

 

Son of affliction.

1. One of the two sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, a captain in Saul's army. He and his brother Rechab assassinated Ishbosheth 2Sa 4:2 and were on this account slain by David, and their mutilated bodies suspended over the pool at Hebron 2Sa 4:5,6,12

2. The father of Heled, who was one of David's thirty heroes 2Sa 23:29 1Ch 11:30

 

Baasha

 

Bravery, the third king of the separate kingdom of Israel, and founder of its second dynasty 1Ki 15:1ff. 1Ki 16:1ff. 2Ch 16:1-6 He was the son of Ahijah of the tribe of Issachar. The city of Tirzah he made the capital of his kingdom, and there he was buried, after an eventful reign of twenty-four years 1Ki 15:33 On account of his idolatries his family was exterminated, according to the word of the prophet Jehu 1Ki 16:3,4,10-13

 

Babe

 

Used of children generally Mt 11:25 21:16 Lu 10:21 Ro 2:20 It is used also of those who are weak in Christian faith and knowledge 1Co 3:1 Heb 5:13 1Pe 2:2 In Isa 3:4 the word "babes" refers to a succession of weak and wicked princes who reigned over Judah from the death of Josiah downward to the destruction of Jerusalem.

 

Babel, Tower of

 

The name given to the tower which the primitive fathers of our race built in the land of Shinar after the Deluge Ge 11:1-9 Their object in building this tower was probably that it might be seen as a rallying-point in the extensive plain of Shinar, to which they had emigrated from the uplands of Armenia, and so prevent their being scattered abroad. But God interposed and defeated their design by condounding their language, and hence the name Babel, meaning "confusion." In the Babylonian tablets there is an account of this event, and also of the creation and the deluge.

See CHALDEA The Temple of Belus, which is supposed to occupy its site, is described by the Greek historian Herodotus as a temple of great extent and magnificence, erected by the Babylonians for their god Belus. The treasures Nebuchadnezzar brought from Jerusalem were laid up in this temple 2Ch 36:7 The Birs Nimrud, at ancient Borsippa, about 7 miles south-west of Hillah, the modern town which occupies a part of the site of ancient Babylon, and 6 miles from the Euphrates, is an immense mass of broken and fire-blasted fragments, of about 2,300 feet in circumference, rising suddenly to the height of 235 feet above the desert-plain, and is with probability regarded as the ruins of the tower of Babel. This is "one of the most imposing ruins in the country." Others think it to be the ruins of the Temple of Belus.

 

Babylon

 

The Greek form of BABEL; Semitic form Babilu, meaning "The Gate of God." In the Assyrian tablets it means "The city of the dispersion of the tribes." The monumental list of its kings reaches back to B.C. 2300 and includes Khammurabi, or Amraphel (q.v.), the contemporary of Abraham. It stood on the Euphrates, about 200 miles above its junction with the Tigris, which flowed through its midst and divided it into two almost equal parts. The Elamites invaded Chaldea (i.e., Lower Mesopotamia, or Shinar, and Upper Mesopotamia, or Accad, now combined into one) and held it in subjection. At length Khammu-rabi delivered it from the foreign yoke, and founded the new empire of Chaldea (q.v.), making Babylon the capital of the united kingdom. This city gradually grew in extent and grandeur, but in process of time it became subject to Assyria. On the fall of Nineveh (B.C. 606) it threw off the Assyrian yoke, and became the capital of the growing Babylonian empire. Under Nebuchadnezzar it became one of the most splendid cities of the ancient world. After passing through various vicissitudes the city was occupied by Cyrus, "king of Elam, "B.C. 538) who issued a decree permitting the Jews to return to their own land Ezr 1:1ff. It then ceased to be the capital of an empire. It was again and again visited by hostile armies, till its inhabitants were all driven from their homes, and the city became a complete desolation, its very site being forgotten from among men. On the west bank of the Euphrates, about 50 miles south of Bagdad, there is found a series of artificial mounds of vast extent. These are the ruins of this once famous proud city. These ruins are principally

1. the great mound called Babil by the Arabs. This was probably the noted Temple of Belus, which was a pyramid about 480 feet high.

2. The Kasr (i.e., "the palace"). This was the great palace of Nebuchadnezzar. It is almost a square, each side of which is about 700 feet long. The little town of Hillah, near the site of Babylon, is built almost wholly of bricks taken from this single mound.

3. A lofty mound, on the summit of which stands a modern tomb called Amran ibn-Ali. This is probably the most ancient portion of the remains of the city, and represents the ruins of the famous hanging-gardens, or perhaps of some royal palace. The utter desolation of the city once called "The glory of kingdoms" Isa 13:19 was foretold by the prophets Isa 13:4-22 Jer 25:12 Jer 50:2,3 Da 2:31-38 The Babylon mentioned in 1Pe 5:13 was not Rome, as some have thought, but the literal city of Babylon, which was inhabited by many Jews at the time Peter wrote. In Re 14:8 16:19 17:5 18:2 "Babylon" is supposed to mean Rome, not considered as pagan, but as the prolongation of the ancient power in the papal form. Rome, pagan and papal, is regarded as one power. "The literal Babylon was the beginner and supporter of tyranny and idolatry. This city and its whole empire were taken by the Persians under Cyrus; the Persians were subdued by the Macedonians, and the Macedonians by the Romans; so that Rome succeeded to the power of old Babylon. And it was her method to adopt the worship of the false deities she had conquered; so that by her own act she became the heiress and successor of all the Babylonian idolatry, and of all that was introduced into it by the immediate successors of Babylon, and consequently of all the idolatry of the earth." Rome, or "mystical Babylon, "is "that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth" Re 17:18

 

Babylonish Garment

 

A robe of rich colours fabricated at Babylon, and hence of great value Jos 7:21

 

Babylon, Kingdom of

 

Called "the land of the Chaldeans" Jer 24:5 Eze 12:13 was an extensive province in Central Asia along the valley of the Tigris from the Persian Gulf northward for some 300 miles. It was famed for its fertility and its riches. Its capital was the city of Babylon, a great commercial centre Eze 17:4 Isa 43:14 Babylonia was divided into the two districts of Accad in the north, and Summer (probably the Shinar of the Old Testament) in the south. Among its chief cities may be mentioned Ur (now Mugheir or Mugayyar), on the western bank of the Euphrates; Uruk, or Erech Ge 10:10 (now Warka), between Ur and Babylon; Larsa (now Senkereh), the Ellasar of Ge 14:1 a little to the east of Erech; Nipur (now Niffer), south-east of Babylon; Sepharvaim 2Ki 17:24 "the two Sipparas" (now Abu-Habba), considerably to the north of Babylon; and Eridu, "the good city" (now Abu-Shahrein), which lay originally on the shore of the Persian Gulf, but is now, owing to the silting up of the sand, about 100 miles distant from it. Another city was Kulunu, or Calneh Ge 10:10 The salt-marshes at the mouths of the Euphrates and Tigris were called Marratu, "the bitter" or "salt", the Merathaim of Jer 50:21 They were the original home of the Kalda, or Chaldeans. The most famous of the early kings of Babylonia were Sargon of Accad (B.C.3800) and his son, Naram-Sin, who conquered a large part of Western Asia, establishing their power in Palestine, and even carrying their arms to the Sinaitic peninsula. A great Babylonian library was founded in the reign of Sargon. Babylonia was subsequently again broken up into more than one state, and at one time fell under the domination of Elam. This was put an end to by Khammu-rabi (Amraphel), who drove the Elamites out of the country, and overcame Arioch, the son of an Elamite prince. From this time forward Babylonia was a united monarchy. About B.C. 1750 it was conquered by the Kassi, or Kosseans, from the mountains of Elam, and a Kassite dynasty ruled over it for 576 years and 9 months. In the time of Khammu-rabi, Syria and Palestine were subject to Babylonia and its Elamite suzerain; and after the overthrow of the Elamite supremacy, the Babylonian kings continued to exercise their influence and power in what was called "the land of the Amorites." In the epoch of the Kassite dynasty, however, Canaan passed into the hands of Egypt. In B.C. 729 Babylonia was conquered by the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III.; but on the death of Shalmaneser IV. it was seized by the Kalda or "Chaldean" prince Merodach-baladan 2Ki 20:12-19 who held it till B.C. 709 when he was driven out by Sargon. Under Sennacherib, Babylonia revolted from Assyria several times, with the help of the Elamites, and after one of these revolts Babylon was destroyed by Sennacherib, B.C. 689 It was rebuilt by Esarhaddon, who made it his residence during part of the year, and it was to Babylon that Manasseh was brought a prisoner 2Ch 33:11 After the death of Esarhaddon, Saul-sumyukin, the viceroy of Babylonia, revolted against his brother the Assyrian king, and the revolt was suppressed with difficulty. When Nineveh was destroyed, B.C. 606 Nabopolassar, the viceroy of Babylonia, who seems to have been of Chaldean descent, made himself independent. His son Nebuchadrezzar (Nabu-kudur-uzur), after defeating the Egyptians at Carchemish, succeeded him as king, B.C. 604 and founded the Babylonian empire.  He strongly fortified Babylon, and adorned it with palaces and other buildings. His son, Evil-merodach, who succeeded him in B.C. 561 was murdered after a reign of two years. The last monarch of the Babylonian empire was Nabonidus (Nabu-nahid), B.C. 555 whose eldest son, Belshazzar (Bilu-sar-uzur), is mentioned in several inscriptions. Babylon was captured by Cyrus, B.C. 538 and though it revolted more than once in later years, it never succeeded in maintaining its independence.

 

Baca, Valley of

 

Ps 84:6 R.V., "valley of weeping, "marg., "or balsam trees"), probably a valley in some part of Palestine, or generally some one of the valleys through which pilgrims had to pass on their way to the sanctuary of Jehovah on Zion; or it may be figuratively "a valley of weeping."

 

Backbite

 

In Ps 15:3 the rendering of a word which means to run about tattling, calumniating; in Pr 25:23 secret talebearing or slandering; in Ro 1:30 2Co 12:20 evil-speaking, maliciously defaming the absent.

 

Backslide

 

To draw back or apostatize in matters of religion Ac 21:21 2Th 2:3 1Ti 4:1 This may be either partial Pr 14:14 or complete Heb 6:4-6 10:38,39 The apostasy may be both doctrinal and moral.

 

Badger

 

This word is found in Ex 25:5 26:14 35:7,23 36:19 39:34 Nu 4:6 etc. The tabernacle was covered with badgers' skins; the shoes of women were also made of them Eze 16:10 Our translators seem to have been misled by the similarity in sound of the Hebrew _tachash_ and the Latin _taxus_, "a badger." The revisers have correctly substituted "seal skins." The Arabs of the Sinaitic peninsula apply the name _tucash_ to the seals and dugongs which are common in the Red Sea, and the skins of which are largely used as leather and for sandals. Though the badger is common in Palestine, and might occur in the wilderness, its small hide would have been useless as a tent covering. The dugong, very plentiful in the shallow waters on the shores of the Red Sea, is a marine animal from 12 to 30 feet long, something between a whale and a seal, never leaving the water, but very easily caught. It grazes on seaweed, and is known by naturalists as Halicore tabernaculi.

 

Bag

 

1. A pocket of a cone-like shape in which Naaman bound two pieces of silver for Gehazi 2Ki 5:23 The same Hebrew word occurs elsewhere only in Isa 3:22 where it is rendered "crisping-pins, "but denotes the reticules (or as R.V., "satchels") carried by Hebrew women.

2. Another word (kees) so rendered means a bag for carrying weights De 25:13 Pr 16:11 Mic 6:11 It also denotes a purse Pr 1:14 and a cup Pr 23:31

3. Another word rendered "bag" in 1Sa 17:40 is rendered "sack" in Ge 42:25 and in 1Sa 9:7 21:5 "vessel, "or wallet for carrying food.

4. The word rendered in the Authorized Version "bags, "in which the priests bound up the money contributed for the restoration of the temple 2Ki 12:10 is also rendered "bundle" Ge 42:35 1Sa 25:29 It denotes bags used by travellers for carrying money during a journey Pr 7:20 Hag 1:6

5. The "bag" of Judas was a small box Joh 12:6 13:29

 

Bahurim

 

Young men, a place east of Jerusalem 2Sa 3:16 19:16 on the road to the Jordan valley. Here Shimei resided, who poured forth vile abuse against David, and flung dust and stones at him and his party when they were making their way down the eastern slopes of Olivet toward Jordan 2Sa 16:5 and here Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid themselves 2Sa 17:18 With the exception of Shimei, Azmaveth, one of David's heroes, is the only other native of the place who is mentioned 2Sa 23:31 1Ch 11:33

 

Bajith

 

House, probably a city of Moab, which had a celebrated idol-temple Isa 15:2 It has also been regarded as denoting simply the temple of the idol of Moab as opposed to the "high place."

 

Bake

 

The duty of preparing bread was usually, in ancient times, committed to the females or the slaves of the family Ge 18:6 Le 26:26 1Sa 8:13 but at a later period we find a class of public bakers mentioned Ho 7:4,6 Jer 37:21 The bread was generally in the form of long or round cakes Ex 29:23 1Sa 2:36 of a thinness that rendered them easily broken Isa 58:7 Mt 14:19 26:26 Ac 20:11 Common ovens were generally used; at other times a jar was half-filled with hot pebbles, and the dough was spread over them. Hence we read of "cakes baken on the coals" 1Ki 19:6 and "baken in the oven" Le 2:4

 

See BREAD

 

Bake-meats

 

Baked provisions Ge 40:17 literally "works of the baker, "such as biscuits and cakes.

 

Balaam

 

Lord of the people; foreigner or glutton, as interpreted by others, the son of Beor, was a man of some rank among the Midianites Nu 31:8 comp. Nu 31:16 He resided at Pethor De 23:4 in Mesopotamia Nu 23:7 It is evident that though dwelling among idolaters he had some knowledge of the true God; and was held in such reputation that it was supposed that he whom he blessed was blessed, and he whom he cursed was cursed. When the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, on the east of Jordan, by Jericho, Balak sent for Balaam "from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, "to curse them; but by the remarkable interposition of God he was utterly unable to fulfil Balak's wish, however desirous he was to do so. The apostle Peter refers 2Pe 2:15,16 to this as an historical event. In Mic 6:5 reference also is made to the relations between Balaam and Balak. Though Balaam could not curse Israel, yet he suggested a mode by which the divine displeasure might be caused to descend upon them Nu 25:1ff. In a battle between Israel and the Midianites (q.v.) Balaam was slain while fighting on the side of Balak Nu 31:8 The  "doctrine of Balaam" is spoken of in Re 2:14 in allusion to the fact that it was through the teaching of Balaam that Balak learned the way by which the Israelites might be led into sin.

See NICOLAITANES Balaam was constrained to utter prophecies regarding the future of Israel of wonderful magnificence and beauty of expression Nu 24:5-9,17

 

Baladan

 

He has given a son, the father of the Babylonian king 2Ki 20:12 Isa 39:1 Merodach-baladan (q.v.).

 

Balah

 

A city in the tribe of Simeon Jos 19:3 elsewhere called Bilhah 1Ch 4:29 and Baalah Jos 15:29

 

Balak

 

Empty; spoiler, a son of Zippor, and king of the Moabites Nu 22:2,4 From fear of the Israelites, who were encamped near the confines of his territory, he applied to Balaam (q.v.) to curse them; but in vain Jos 24:9

 

Balance

 

Occurs in Le 19:36 Isa 46:6 as the rendering of the Hebrew _kanch'_,which properly means "a reed" or "a cane, "then a rod or beam of a balance. This same word is translated "measuring reed" in Eze 40:3,5 42:16-18 There is another Hebrew word, _mozena'yim_, i.e., "two poisers", also so rendered Da 5:27 The balances as represented on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A "pair of balances" is a symbol of justice and fair dealing Job 31:6 Ps 62:9 Pr 11:1 The expression denotes great want and scarcity in Re 6:5

 

Baldness

 

From natural causes was uncommon 2Ki 2:23 Isa 3:24 It was included apparently under "scab" and "scurf, "which disqualified for the priesthood Le 21:20 The Egyptians were rarely subject to it. This probably arose from their custom of constantly shaving the head, only allowing the hair to grow as a sign of mourning. With the Jews artificial baldness was a sign of mourning Isa 22:12 Jer 7:29 16:6 it also marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow Ac 18:18 21:24 Nu 6:9 It is often alluded to Mic 1:16 Am 8:10 Jer 47:5 The Jews were forbidden to follow the customs of surrounding nations in making themselves bald De 14:1

 

Balm

 

Contracted from Bal'sam, a general name for many oily or resinous substances which flow or trickle from certain trees or plants when an incision is made through the bark.

1. This word occurs in the Authorized Version Ge 37:25 43:11 Jer 8:22 46:11 51:8 Eze 27:17 as the rendering of the Hebrew word _tsori_ or _tseri_, which denotes the gum of a tree growing in Gilead (q.v.), which is very precious. It was celebrated for its medicinal qualities, and was circulated as an article of merchandise by Arab and Phoenician merchants. The shrub so named was highly valued, and was almost peculiar to Palestine. In the time of Josephus it was cultivated in the neighbourhood of Jericho and the Dead Sea. There is an Arab tradition that the tree yielding this balm was brought by the queen of Sheba as a present to Solomon, and that he planted it in his gardens at Jericho.

2. There is another Hebrew word, _basam_ or _bosem_, from which our word "balsam, "as well as the corresponding Greek balsamon, is derived. It is rendered "spice" So 5:1,13 6:2 margin of Revised Version, "balsam; "Ex 35:28 1Ki 10:10 and denotes fragrance in general. _Basam_ also denotes the true balsam-plant, a native of South Arabia  (Cant. l.c.).

 

Bamah

 

A height, a name used simply to denote a high place where the Jews worshipped idols Eze 20:29 The plural is translated "high places" in Nu 22:41 Eze 36:2

 

Bamoth

 

Heights, the forty-seventh station of the Israelites Nu 21:19,20 in the territory of the Moabites.

 

Bamoth-baal

 

Heights of Baal, a place on the river Arnon, or in the plains through which it flows, east of Jordan Jos 13:17 comp. Nu 21:28 It has been supposed to be the same place as Bamoth.

 

Bands

 

1. of love Ho 11:4

2. of Christ Ps 2:3

3. uniting together Christ's body the church Col 2:19 3:14 Eph 4:3

4. the emblem of the captivity of Israel Eze 34:27 Isa 28:22 52:2

5. of brotherhood Eze 37:15-28

6. no bands to the wicked in their death Ps 73:4 Job 21:7 Ps 10:6 Also denotes chains Lu 8:29 companies of soldiers Ac 21:31 a shepherd's staff, indicating the union between Judah and Israel Zec 11:7

 

Bani

 

Built.

1. 1Ch 6:46

2. One of David's thirty-seven warriors, a Gadite 2Sa 23:36

3. Ezr 2:10 10:29,34,38

4. A Levite who was prominent in the reforms on the return from Babylon Ne 8:7 9:4,5 His son Rehum took part in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem Ne 3:17

 

Banner

 

1. The flag borne by each separate tribe, of a smaller form. Probably it bore on it the name of the tribe to which it belonged, or some distinguishing device Nu 2:2,34

2. A lofty signal-flag, not carried about, but stationary. It was usually erected on a mountain or other lofty place. As soon as it was seen the war-trumpets were blown Ps 60:4 Isa 5:26 11:12 Isa 13:2 18:3 30:17 Jer 4:6 21:1 Eze 27:7

3. A "sign of fire" Jer 6:1 was sometimes used as a signal. The banners and ensigns of the Roman army had idolatrous images upon them, and hence they are called the "abomination of desolation" (q.v.). The principal Roman standard, however, was an eagle. See Mt 24:28 Lu 17:37 where the Jewish nation is compared to a dead body, which the eagles gather together to devour. God's setting up or giving a banner Ps 20:5 60:4 So 2:4 imports his presence and protection and aid extended to his people. See ENSEIGN

 

Banquet

 

A feast provided for the entertainment of a company of guests Es 5:1ff. 1Pe 4:3 such as was provided for our Lord by his friends in Bethany Mt 26:6 Mr 14:3 comp. Joh 12:2 These meals were in the days of Christ usually called "suppers, "after the custom of the Romans, and were partaken of toward the close of the day. It was usual to send a second invitation Mt 22:3 Lu 14:17 to those who had been already invited. When the whole company was assembled, the master of the house shut the door with his own hands Lu 13:25 Mt 25:10 The guests were first refreshed with water and fragrant oil Lu 7:38 Mr 7:4 A less frequent custom was that of supplying each guest with a robe to be worn during the feast Ec 9:8 Re 3:4,5 Mt 22:11 At private banquets the master of the house presided; but on public occasions a "governor of the feast" was chosen Joh 2:8 The guests were placed in order according to seniority Ge 43:33 or according to the rank they held Pr 25:6,7 Mt 23:6 Lu 14:7 As spoons and knives and forks are a modern invention, and were altogether unknown in the East, the hands alone were necessarily used, and were dipped in the dish, which was common to two of the guests Joh 13:26 In the days of our Lord the guests reclined at table; but the ancient Israelites sat around low tables, cross-legged, like the modern Orientals. Guests were specially honoured when extra portions were set before them Ge 43:34 and when their cup was filled with wine till it ran over Ps 23:5 The hands of the guests were usually cleaned by being rubbed on bread, the crumbs of which fell to the ground, and were the portion for dogs Mt 15:27 Lu 16:21 At the time of the three annual festivals at Jerusalem family banquets were common. To these the "widow, and the fatherless, and the stranger" were welcome De 16:11 Sacrifices also included a banquet Ex 34:15 Jud 16:23 Birthday banquets are mentioned Ge 40:20 Mt 14:6 They were sometimes protracted, and attended with revelry and excess Ge 21:8 Ge 29:22 1Sa 25:2,36 2Sa 13:23 Portions were sometimes sent from the table to poorer friends Ne 8:10 Es 9:19,22

 

See MEALS See ENTERTAIN

 

Baptism, Christian

 

An ordinance immediately instituted by Christ Mt 28:19,20 and designed to be observed in the church, like that of the Supper, "till he come." The words "baptize" and "baptism" are simply Greek words transferred into English. This was necessarily done by the translators of the Scriptures, for no literal translation could properly express all that is implied in them.

 

1.This term, which designates a NT rite, is confined to the vocabulary of the NT. It does not occur in the LXX, neither is the verb with

which it is connected ever used of an initiatory ceremony. This verb is a derivative from one which means to dip Joh 13:26 Re 19:13, but itself has a wider meaning..to wash whether the whole or part of the body by immersion or pouring of water Mr 7:4 Lu 11:38 The substantive is used:

a. of Jewish ceremonial washings Mr 7:4 He 9:10

b. in a metaphorical sense Mr 10:38 Lu 12:50 cf. plunged in calamaty

c. most commonly in the technical sense of a religious ceremony of initiation.

2. The earliest use of the word baptism to describe a religious and not merely ceremonial observance is in connection to the baptism of John and the title which is given him is probably an indication of the novelty of his procedure Mt 3:1 Mr 8:28. He preached the baptism for the repentance of sins Mr 1:4 i.e. the result of his preaching was to induce men to seek baptism as an outward sign and a pledge to inward repentance on their part, and of their forgiveness on the part of God.

3. Jesus himself accepted baptism at the hands of John Mr 1:9 See Baptism of Christ

4. Baptism was given as part of the great commission Mt 28:19 Ac 2:37-38

5. In the Epistles, Christian baptism is analysed into its various elements.

a. In baptism the believer was to realize most vividly the total breach with his old life involved in his new attitude to God through Christ, a breach comparable only with that affected by death Ro 6:2-7 Col 2:12. He was to realize that also that the consequences of this fellowship with Christ were not only death to sin, but a new life in righteousness as real as that which followed the resurection

b. Baptism confered incorporation in the one body of Christ 1Co 12:13 and was thus adapted to serve as a symbol of the true unity of Christians Eph 4:5.  The body with which the believer is thus incorporated is conceived of sometimes as the corporate community of Christians.

 

Baptism for the dead

 

Only mentioned in 1Co 15:29 This expression as used by the apostle may be equivalent to saying, "He who goes through a baptism of blood in order to join a glorified church which has no existence [i.e., if the dead rise not] is a fool." Some also regard the statement here as an allusion to the strange practice which began, it is said, to prevail at Corinth, in which a person was baptized in the stead of others who had died before being baptized, to whom it was hoped some of the benefits of that rite would be extended. This they think may have been one of the erroneous customs which Paul went to Corinth to "set in order."

 

Baptism, John's

 

Was not Christian baptism, nor was that which was practised by the disciples previous to our Lord's crucifixion. Till then the New Testament economy did not exist. John's baptism bound its subjects to repentance, and not to the faith of Christ. It was not administered in the name of the Trinity, and those whom John baptized were rebaptized by Paul Ac 18:24-19:7

 

Baptism Of Christ

 

Christ had to be formally inaugurated into the public discharge of his offices. For this purpose he came to John, who was the representative of the law and the prophets, that by him he might be introduced into his offices, and thus be publicly recognized as the Messiah of whose coming the prophecies and types had for many ages borne witness. John refused at first to confer his baptism on Christ, for he understood not what he had to do with the "baptism of repentance." But Christ said, it to be so now, 'NOW as suited to my state of humiliation, my state as a substitute in the room of sinners." His reception of baptism was not necessary on his own account. It was a voluntary act, the same as his act of becoming incarnate. Yet if the work he had engaged to accomplish was to be completed, then it became him to take on him the likeness of a sinner, and to fulfil all righteousness Mt 3:15 The official duty of Christ and the sinless person of Christ are to be distinguished. It was in his official capacity that he submitted to baptism. In coming to John our Lord virtually said, "Though sinless, and without any personal taint, yet in my public or official capacity as the Sent of God, I stand in the room of many, and bring with me the sin of the world, for which I am the propitiation." Christ was not made under the law on his own account. It was as surety of his people, a position which he spontaneously assumed. The administration of the rite of baptism was also a symbol of the baptism of suffering before him in this official capacity Lu 12:50 In thus presenting himself he in effect dedicated or consecrated himself to the work of fulfilling all righteousness.

 

Bar

 

Used to denote the means by which a door is bolted Ne 3:3 a rock in the sea Jon 2:6 the shore of the sea Job 38:10 strong fortifications and powerful impediments, etc. Isa 45:2 Am 1:5 defences of a city 1Ki 4:13 A bar for a door was of iron Isa 45:2 brass Ps 107:16 or wood Na 3:13

 

Barabbas

 

I.e., son of Abba or of a father, a notorious robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus, whom he wished to release, in accordance with the Roman custom Joh 18:40 Mr 15:7 Lu 23:19 But the Jews were so bent on the death of Jesus that they demanded that Barabbas should be pardoned Mt 27:16-26 Ac 3:14 This Pilate did.

 

Barachel

 

Whom God has blessed, a Buzite, the father of Elihu, one of Job's friends Job 32:2,6

 

Barachias, Berechiah

 

(q.v.), whom Jehovah hath blessed, father of the prophet Zechariah Zec 1:1,7 Mt 23:35

 

Barak

 

Lightning, the son of Abinoam Jud 4:6 At the summons of Deborah he made war against Jabin. She accompanied him into the battle, and gave the signal for the little army to make the attack; in which the host of Jabin was completely routed. The battle was fought Jud 4:16 in the plain of Jezreel (q.v.). This deliverance of Israel is commemorated in Jud 5:1ff. Barak's faith is commended Heb 11:32 "The character of Barak, though pious, does not seem to have been heroic. Like Gideon, and in a sense Samson, he is an illustration of the words in Heb 11:34 'Out of weakness were made strong.'"

 

See DEBORAH

 

Barbarian

 

A Greek word used in the New Testament Ro 1:14 to denote one of another nation. In Col 3:11 the word more definitely designates those nations of the Roman empire that did not speak Greek. In 1Co 14:11 it simply refers to one speaking a different language. The inhabitants of Malta are so called Ac 28:1,2,4 They were originally a Carthaginian colony. This word nowhere in Scripture bears the meaning it does in modern times.

 

Barber

 

Found only once, in Eze 5:1 where reference is made to the Jewish custom of shaving the head as a sign of mourning. The Nazarites were untouched by the razor from their birth Nu 6:5 Comp. Jud 16:19

 

Barefoot

 

To go barefoot was a sign of great distress Isa 20:2,3,4 or of some great calamity having fallen on a person 2Sa 15:30

 

Bariah

 

Fugitive, one of Shemaiah's five sons. Their father is counted along with them in 1Ch 3:22

 

Bar-jesus

 

Son of Joshua, the patronymic of Elymas the sorcerer Ac 13:6 who met Paul and Barnabas at Paphos. Elymas is a word of Arabic origin meaning "wise."

 

Bar-jona

 

Son of Jonah, the patronymic of Peter Mt 16:17 Joh 1:42 because his father's name was Jonas.

 

See PETER

 

Barkos

 

Painter, Ezr 2:53 Ne 7:55 The father of some of the Nethinim.

 

Barley

 

A grain much cultivated in Egypt Ex 9:31 and in Palestine Le 27:16 De 8:8 It was usually the food of horses 1Ki 4:28 Barley bread was used by the poorer people Jud 7:13 2Ki 4:42 Barley of the first crop was ready for the harvest by the time of the Passover, in the middle of April Ru 1:22 2Sa 21:9 Mention is made of barley-meal Nu 5:15 Our Lord fed five thousand with "five barley loaves and two small fishes" Joh 6:9

 

Barn

 

A storehouse De 28:8 Job 39:12 Hag 2:19 for grain, which was usually under ground, although also sometimes above ground Lu 12:18

 

Barnabas

 

Son of consolation, the surname of Joses, a Levite Ac 4:36 His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch Ac 13:1 Luke speaks of him as a "good man" Ac 11:24 He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land Ac 4:36,37 which he sold. His personal appearance is supposed to have been dignified and commanding Ac 14:11,12 When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas took him and introduced him to the apostles Ac 9:27 They had probably been companions as students in the school of Gamaliel. The prosperity of the church at Antioch led the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem to send Barnabas thither to superintend the movement. He found the work so extensive and weighty that he went to Tarsus in search of Saul to assist him. Saul returned with him to Antioch and laboured with him for a whole year Ac 11:25,26 The two were at the end of this period sent up to Jerusalem with the contributions the church at Antioch had made for the poorer brethren there Ac 11:28-30 Shortly after they returned, bringing John Mark with them, they were appointed as missionaries to the heathen world, and in this capacity visited Cyprus and some of the principal cities of Asia Minor Ac 13:14 Returning from this first missionary journey to Antioch, they were again sent up to Jerusalem to consult with the church there regarding the relation of Gentiles to the church Ac 15:2 Ga 2:1 This matter having been settled, they returned again to Antioch, bringing the decree of the council as the rule by which Gentiles were to be admitted into the church. When about to set forth on a second missionary journey, a dispute arose between Saul and Barnabas as to the propriety of taking John Mark with them again. The dispute ended by Saul and Barnabas taking separate routes. Saul took Silas as his companion, and journeyed through Syria and Cilicia; while Barnabas took his nephew John Mark, and visited Cyprus Ac 15:36-41 Barnabas is not again mentioned by Luke in the Acts.

 

Barrel

 

A vessel used for keeping flour 1Ki 17:12,14,16 The same word (cad) so rendered is also translated "pitcher, "a vessel for carrying water Ge 24:14 Jud 7:16

 

Barren

 

For a woman to be barren was accounted a severe punishment among the Jews Ge 16:2 30:1-23 1Sa 1:6,27 Isa 47:9 49:21 Lu 1:25 Instances of barrenness are noticed Ge 11:30 25:21 29:31 Jud 13:2,3 Lu 1:7,36

 

Barsabas

 

Son of Saba, the surname

1. of Joseph, also called Justus Ac 1:23 some identify him with Barnabas;

2. of Judas, who was a "prophet." Nothing more is known of him than what is mentioned in Ac 15:32

 

Bartholomew

 

Son of Tolmai, one of the twelve apostles Mt 10:3 Ac 1:13 generally supposed to have been the same as Nathanael. In the synoptic gospels Philip and Bartholomew are always mentioned together, while Nathanael is never mentioned; in the fourth gospel, on the other hand, Philip and Nathanael are similarly mentioned together, but nothing is said of Bartholomew. He was one of the disciples to whom our Lord appeared at the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection Joh 21:2 He was also a witness of the Ascension Ac 1:4,12,13 He was an "Israelite indeed" Joh 1:47

 

Bartimaeus

 

Son of Timaeus, one of the two blind beggars of Jericho Mr 10:46 Mt 20:30 His blindness was miraculously cured on the ground of his faith.

 

Baruch

 

Blessed.

1. The secretary of the prophet Jeremiah Jer 32:12 36:4 He was of the tribe of Judah Jer 51:59 To him Jeremiah dictated his prophecies regarding the invasion of the Babylonians and the Captivity. These he read to the people from a window in the temple in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah Jer 36:1ff. He afterwards read them before the counsellors of the king at a private interview; and then to the king himself, who, after hearing a part of the roll, cut it with a penknife, and threw it into the fire of his winter parlour, where he was sitting. During the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, he was the keeper of the deed of purchase Jeremiah had made of the territory of Hanameel Jer 32:12 Being accused by his enemies of favouring the Chaldeans, he was cast, with Jeremiah, into prison, where he remained till the capture of Jerusalem (B.C. 586) He probably died in Babylon.

2. Ne 3:20 10:6 11:5

 

Barzillai

 

Of iron.

1. A Meholathite, the father of Adriel 2Sa 21:8

2. A Gileadite of Rogelim who was distinguished for his loyalty to David. He liberally provided for the king's followers 2Sa 17:27 David on his death-bed, remembering his kindness, commended Barzillai's children to the care of Solomon 1Ki 2:7

3. A priest who married a daughter of the preceding Ezr 2:61

 

Bashan

 

Light soil, first mentioned in Ge 14:5 where it is said that Chedorlaomer and his confederates "smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth, " where Og the king of Bashan had his residence. At the time of Israel's entrance into the Promised Land, Og came out against them, but was utterly routed Nu 21:33-35 De 3:1-7 This country extended from Gilead in the south to Hermon in the north, and from the Jordan on the west to Salcah on the east. Along with the half of Gilead it was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh Jos 13:29-31 Golan, one of its cities, became a "city of refuge" Jos 21:27 Argob, in Bashan, was one of Solomon's commissariat districts 1Ki 4:13 The cities of Bashan were taken by Hazael 2Ki 10:33 but were soon after reconquered by Jehoash 2Ki 13:25 who overcame the Syrians in three battles, according to the word of Elisha 2Ki 13:19. From this time Bashan almost disappears from history, although we read of the wild cattle of its rich pastures Eze 39:18 Ps 22:12 the oaks of its forests Isa 2:13 Eze 27:6 Zec 11:2 and the beauty of its extensive plains Am 4:1 Jer 50:19 Soon after the conquest, the name "Gilead" was given to the whole country beyond Jordan. After the Exile, Bashan was divided into four districts,

1. Gaulonitis, or Jaulan, the most western;

2. Auranitis, the Hauran Eze 47:16

3. Argob or Trachonitis, now the Lejah; and

4. Batanaea, now Ard-el-Bathanyeh, on the east of the Lejah, with many deserted towns almost as perfect as when they were inhabited.

 

See EDREI See HAURAN

 

Bashan-havoth-jair

 

The Bashan of the villages of Jair, the general name given to Argob by Jair, the son of Manasseh De 3:14 containing sixty cities with walls and brazen gates Jos 13:30 1Ki 4:13

 

See ARGOB

 

Bashan, Hill of

 

Ps 68:15 probably another name for Hermon, which lies to the north of Bashan.

 

Bashemath

 

Sweet-smelling.

1. The daughter of Ishmael, the last of Esau's three wives Ge 36:3,4,13 from whose son Reuel four tribes of the Edomites sprung. She is also called Mahalath Ge 28:9 It is noticeable that Esau's three wives receive different names in the genealogical table of the Edomites Ge 36:1ff. from those given to them in the history Ge 26:34 28:9

2. A daughter of Solomon, and wife of Ahimaaz, one of his officers 1Ki 4:15

 

Basilisk

 

(in R.V.,)Isa 11:8 14:29 59:5 Jer 8:17 the "king serpent, "as the name imports; a fabulous serpent said to be three spans long, with a spot on its head like a crown. Probably the yellow snake is intended.

 

See COCKATRICE See ADDER

 

Basin

 

Or Bason.

1. A trough or laver (Heb. aggan')for washing Ex 24:6 rendered also "goblet" So 7:2 and "cups" Isa 22:24

2. A covered dish or urn (Heb. k'for) among the vessels of the temple 1Ch 28:17 Ezr 1:10 8:27

3. A vase (Heb. mizrak) from which to sprinkle anything. A metallic vessel; sometimes rendered "bowl" Am 6:6 Zec 9:15 The vessels of the tabernacle were of brass Ex 27:3 while those of the temple were of gold 2Ch 4:8

4. A utensil (Heb. saph) for holding the blood of the victims Ex 12:22 also a basin for domestic purposes 2Sa 17:28 The various vessels spoken of by the names "basin, bowl, charger, cup, and dish, "cannot now be accurately distinguished. The basin in which our Lord washed the disciples' feet Joh 13:5 must have been larger and deeper than the hand-basin.

 

Basket

 

There are five different Hebrew words so rendered in the Authorized Version:

1. A basket (Heb. sal, a twig or osier) for holding bread Ge 40:16 Ex 29:3,23 Le 8:2,26,31 Nu 6:15,17,19 Sometimes baskets were made of twigs peeled; their manufacture was a recognized trade among the Hebrews.

2. That used (Heb. salsilloth')in gathering grapes Jer 6:9

3. That in which the first fruits of the harvest were presented, Heb. tene, De 26:2,4 It was also used for household purposes. In form it tapered downwards like that called _corbis_ by the Romans.

4. A basket (Heb. kelub) having a lid, resembling a bird-cage. It was made of leaves or rushes. The name is also applied to fruit-baskets Am 8:1,2

5. A basket (Heb. dud) for carrying figs Jer 24:2 also clay to the brick-yard (R.V.,)Ps 81:6 and bulky articles 2Ki 10:7 This word is also rendered in the Authorized Version "kettle" 1Sa 2:14 "caldron" 2Ch 35:13 "seething-pot" Job 41:20 In the New Testament mention is made of the basket (Gr. kophinos, small "wicker-basket") for the "fragments" in the miracle recorded Mr 6:43 and in that recorded Mt 15:37 (Gr. spuris, large "rope-basket"); also of the basket in which Paul escaped Ac 9:25 Gr. spuris; 2Co 11:33 Gr. sargane, "basket of plaited cords".

 

Bastard

 

In the Old Testament the rendering of the Hebrew word _mamzer'_,which means "polluted." In De 23:2 it occurs in the ordinary sense of illegitimate offspring. In Zec 9:6 the word is used in the sense of foreigner. From the history of Jephthah we learn that there were bastard offspring among the Jews Jud 11:1-7 In Heb 12:8 the word (Gr. nothoi) is used in its ordinary sense, and denotes those who do not share the privileges of God's children.

 

Bastinado

 

Beating, a mode of punishment common in the East. It is referred to by "the rod of correction" Pr 22:15 "scourging" Le 19:20 "chastising" De 22:18 The number of blows could not exceed forty De 25:2,3

 

Bat

 

The Hebrew word (atalleph')so rendered Le 11:19 De 14:18 implies "flying in the dark." The bat is reckoned among the birds in the list of unclean animals. To cast idols to the "moles and to the bats" means to carry them into dark caverns or desolate places to which these animals resort Isa 2:20 i.e., to consign them to desolation or ruin.

 

Bath

 

A Hebrew liquid measure, the tenth part of an homer 1Ki 7:26,38 Eze 45:10,14 It contained 8 gallons 3 quarts of our measure. "Ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath" Isa 5:10 denotes great unproductiveness.

 

Bath-rabbim

 

Daughter of many, the name of one of the gates of the city of Heshbon, near which were pools So 7:4

 

Baths

 

The use of the bath was very frequent among the Hebrews Le 14:8 Nu 19:19 etc. The high priest at his inauguration Le 8:6 and on the day of atonement, was required to bathe himself Le 16:4,24 The "pools" mentioned in Ne 3:15,16, 2Ki 20:20, Isa 22:11, Joh 9:7 were public bathing-places.

 

Bath-sheba

 

Daughter of the oath, or of seven, called also Bath-shu'a 1Ch 3:5 was the daughter of Eliam 2Sa 11:3 or Ammiel 1Ch 3:5 and wife of Uriah the Hittite. David committed adultery with her 2Sa 11:4,5 Ps 51:1 The child born in adultery died 2Sa 12:15-19 After her husband was slain 2Sa 11:15 she was married to David 2Sa 11:27 and became the mother of Solomon 2Sa 12:24 1Ki 1:11 2:13 She took a prominent part in securing the succession of Solomon to the throne 1Ki 1:11, 16-21

 

Battering-ram

 

Eze 4:2 21:22 a military engine, consisting of a long beam of wood hung upon a frame, for making breaches in walls. The end of it which was brought against the wall was shaped like a ram's head.

 

Battle-axe

 

A mallet or heavy war-club. Applied metaphorically Jer 51:20 to Cyrus, God's instrument in destroying Babylon.

 

Battle-bow

 

The war-bow used in fighting Zec 9:10 10:4 "Thy bow was made quite naked" Hab 3:9 means that it was made ready for use. By David's order 2Sa 1:18 the young men were taught the use, or rather the song of the bow.

 

See ARMOUR See BOW

 

Battlement

 

A parapet wall or balustrade surrounding the flat roofs of the houses, required to be built by a special law De 22:8 In Jer 5:10 it denotes the parapet of a city wall.

 

Bay

 

Denotes the estuary of the Dead Sea at the mouth of the Jordan Jos 15:5 18:19 also the southern extremity of the same sea Jos 15:2 The same Hebrew word is rendered "tongue" in Isa 11:15 where it is used with reference to the forked mouths of the Nile. Bay in Zec 6:3,7 denotes the colour of horses, but the original Hebrew means strong, and is here used rather to describe the horses as fleet or spirited.

 

Bay Tree

 

named only in Ps 37:35 Authorized Version. The Hebrew word so rendered is _ereh_, which simply means "native born", i.e., a tree not transplanted, but growing on its native soil, and therefore luxuriantly. If the psalmist intended by this word to denote any particular tree, it may have been the evergreen bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), which is a native of Palestine. Instead of "like a green bay tree" in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version has, "like a green tree in its native soil."

 

Bdellium

 

Occurs only in Ge 2:12 where it designates a product of the land of Havilah; and in Nu 11:7 where the manna is likened to it in colour. It was probably an aromatic gum like balsam which exuded from a particular tree (Borassus flabelliformis) still found in Arabia, Media, and India. It bears a resemblance in colour to myrrh. Others think the word denotes "pearls, "or some precious stone.

 

Beacon

 

A pole (Heb. to'ren) used as a standard or ensign set on the tops of mountains as a call to the people to assemble themselves for some great national purpose Isa 30:17 In Isa 33:23 Eze 27:5 the same word is rendered "mast."

 

See BANNER

 

Bealiah

 

Whose Lord is Jehovah, a Benjamite, one of David's thirty heroes of the sling and bow 1Ch 12:5

 

Bealoth

 

Citizens, a town in the extreme south of Judah Jos 15:24 probably the same as Baalath-beer Jos 19:8 In 1Ki 4:16 the Authorized Version has "in Aloth, "the Revised Version "Bealoth."

 

Beam

 

Occurs in the Authorized Version as the rendering of various Hebrew words.

1. 1Sa 17:7 it means a weaver's frame or principal beam;

2. Hab 2:11 a crossbeam or girder;

3. 2Ki 6:2,5 a cross-piece or rafter of a house;

4. 1Ki 7:6 an architectural ornament as a projecting step or moulding;

5. Eze 41:25 a thick plank. In the New Testament the word occurs only in Mt 7:3,4,5 Lu 6:41,42 where it means (Gr. dokos) a large piece of wood used for building purposes, as contrasted with "mote" (Gr. karphos), a small piece or mere splinter. "Mote" and "beam" became proverbial for little and great faults.

 

Beans

 

Mentioned in 2Sa 17:28 as having been brought to David when flying from Absalom. They formed a constituent in the bread Ezekiel Eze 4:9 was commanded to make, as they were in general much used as an article of diet. They are extensively cultivated in Egypt and Arabia and Syria.

 

Bear

 

A native of the mountain regions of Western Asia, frequently mentioned in Scripture. David defended his flocks against the attacks of a bear 1Sa 17:34-37 Bears came out of the wood and destroyed the children who mocked the prophet Elisha 2Ki 2:24 Their habits are referred to in Isa 59:11 Pr 28:15 La 3:10 The fury of the female bear when robbed of her young is spoken of 2Sa 17:8 Pr 17:12 Ho 13:8 In Daniel's vision of the four great monarchies, the Medo-Persian empire is represented by a bear Da 7:5

 

Beard

 

The mode of wearing it was definitely prescribed to the Jews Le 19:27 21:5 Hence the import of Ezekiel's Eze 5:1-4 description of the "razor" i.e., the agents of an angry providence being used against the guilty nation of the Jews. It was a part of a Jew's daily toilet to anoint his beard with oil and perfume Ps 133:2 Beards were trimmed with the most fastidious care 2Sa 19:24 and their neglet was an indication of deep sorrow Isa 15:2 Jer 41:5 The custom was to shave or pluck off the hair as a sign of mourning Isa 50:6 Jer 48:37 Ezr 9:3 The beards of David's ambassadors were cut off by Hanun 2Sa 10:4 as a mark of indignity. On the other hand, the Egyptians carefully shaved the hair off their faces, and they compelled their slaves to do so also Ge 41:14

 

Beast

 

This word is used of flocks or herds of grazing animals Ex 22:5 Nu 20:4,8,11 Ps 78:48 of beasts of burden Ge 45:17 of eatable beasts Pr 9:2 and of swift beasts or dromedaries Isa 60:6 In the New Testament it is used of a domestic animal as property Re 18:13 as used for food 1Co 15:39 for service Lu 10:34 Ac 23:24 and for sacrifice Ac 7:42 When used in contradistinction to man Ps 36:6 it denotes a brute creature generally, and when in contradistinction to creeping things Le 11:2-7 27:26 a four- footed animal. The Mosaic law required that beasts of labour should have rest on the Sabbath Ex 20:10 23:12 and in the Sabbatical year all cattle were allowed to roam about freely, and eat whatever grew in the fields Ex 23:11 Le 25:7 Animals of different kinds were to be always kept separate Le 19:19 De 22:10 Oxen when used in threshing were not to be prevented from eating what was within their reach De 25:4 1Co 9:9 This word is used figuratively of an infuriated multitude 1Co 15:32 Ac 19:29 comp. Ps 22:12,16 Ec 3:18 Isa 11:6-8 and of wicked men 2Pe 2:12 The four beasts of Daniel Da 7:3,17,23 represent four kingdoms or kings.

 

Beaten Gold

 

In Nu 8:4 means "turned" or rounded work in gold. The Greek Version, however, renders the word "solid gold; "the Revised Version, "beaten work of gold." In 1Ki 10:16,17 it probably means "mixed" gold, as the word ought to be rendered, i.e., not pure gold. Others render the word in these places "thin plates of gold."

 

Beaten Oil

 

Ex 27:20 29:40 obtained by pounding olives in a mortar, not by crushing them in a mill. It was reckoned the best.

 

See OLIVE

 

Beautiful Gate

 

The name of one of the gates of the temple Ac 3:2 It is supposed to have been the door which led from the court of the Gentiles to the court of the women. It was of massive structure, and covered with plates of Corinthian brass.

 

Becher

 

First-born; a youth, the second son of Benjamin Ge 46:21 who came down to Egypt with Jacob. It is probable that he married an Ephraimitish heiress, and that his descendants were consequently reckoned among the tribe of Ephraim Nu 26:35 1Ch 7:20,21 They are not reckoned among the descendants of Benjamin Nu 26:38

 

Bed

 

(Heb. mittah), for rest at night Ex 8:3 1Sa 19:13,15,16 etc; during sickness Ge 47:31 48:2 49:33 etc.; as a sofa for rest 1Sa 28:23 Am 3:12 Another Hebrew word (er'es) so rendered denotes a canopied bed, or a bed with curtains De 3:11 Ps 132:3 for sickness Ps 6:6 41:3 In the New Testament it denotes sometimes a litter with a coverlet Mt 9:2,6 Lu 5:18 Ac 5:15 The Jewish bedstead was frequently merely the divan or platform along the sides of the house, sometimes a very slight portable frame, sometimes only a mat or one or more quilts.  The only material for bed-clothes is mentioned in 1Sa 19:13 Sleeping in the open air was not uncommon, the sleeper wrapping himself in his outer garment Ex 22:26,27 De 24:12,13

 

Bedan

 

One of the judges of Israel 1Sa 12:11 It is uncertain who he was. Some suppose that Barak is meant, others Samson, but most probably this is a contracted form of Abdon Jud 12:13

 

Bed-chamber

 

An apartment in Eastern houses, furnished with a slightly elevated platform at the upper end and sometimes along the sides, on which were laid mattresses. This was the general arrangement of the public sleeping-room for the males of the family and for guests, but there were usually besides distinct bed-chambers of a more private character 2Ki 4:10 Ex 8:3 2Ki 6:12 In 2Ki 11:2 this word denotes, as in the margin of the Revised Version, a store-room in which mattresses were kept.

 

Bedstead

 

Used in De 3:11 but elsewhere rendered "couch, ""bed." In 2Ki 1:4 Ps 132:3 Am 3:12 the divan is meant by this word.

 

Bee

 

First mentioned in De 1:44 Swarms of bees, and the danger of their attacks, are mentioned in Ps 118:12 Samson found a "swarm of bees" in the carcass of a lion he had slain Jud 14:8 Wild bees are described as laying up honey in woods and in clefts of rocks De 32:13 Ps 81:16 In Isa 7:18 the "fly" and the "bee" are personifications of the Egyptians and Assyrians, the inveterate enemies of Israel.

 

Beelzebub

 

(Gr. form Beel'zebul), the name given to Satan, and found only in the New Testament Mt 10:25 12:24,27 Mr 3:22 It is probably the same as Baalzebub (q.v.), the god of Ekron, meaning "the lord of flies, "or, as others think, "the lord of dung, "or "the dung-god."

 

See FLY

 

Beer

 

Well.

1. A place where a well was dug by the direction of Moses, at the forty-fourth station of the Hebrews in their wanderings Nu 21:16-18 in the wilderness of Moab. See WELL

2. A town in the tribe of Judah to which Jotham fled for fear of Abimelech Jud 9:21 Some have identified this place with Beeroth.

 

Beer-elim

 

Well of heroes, probably the name given to Beer, the place where the chiefs of Israel dug a well Nu 21:16 Isa 15:8

 

Beeri

 

Illustrious, or the well-man.

1. The father of Judith, one of the wives of Esau Ge 26:34 the same as Adah Ge 36:2

2. The father of the prophet Ho 1:1

 

Beer-lahai-roi

 

I.e., "the well of him that liveth and seeth me, "or, as some render it, "the well of the vision of life", the well where the Lord met with Hagar Ge 16:7-14 Isaac dwelt beside this well Ge 24:62 25:11 It has been identified with 'Ain Muweileh, or Moilahhi, south-west of Beersheba, and about 12 miles W. from Kadesh-barnea.

 

Beeroth

 

Wells, one of the four cities of the Hivites which entered by fraud into a league with Joshua. It belonged to Benjamin Jos 18:25 It has by some been identified with el-Bireh on the way to Nablus, 10 miles north of Jerusalem.

 

Beeroth of the Children of

 

Jaakan De 10:6 The same as Bene-jaakan Nu 33:31

 

Beersheba

 

Well of the oath, or well of seven, a well dug by Abraham, and so named because he and Abimelech here entered into a compact Ge 21:31 On re-opening it, Isaac gave it the same name Ge 26:31-33 It was a favourite place of abode of both of these patriarchs Ge 21:33-34 Ge 22:1,19 26:33 28:10 It is mentioned among the "cities" given to the tribe of Simeon Jos 19:2 1Ch 4:28 From Dan to Beersheba, a distance of about 144 miles Jud 20:1 1Ch 21:2 2Sa 24:2 became the usual way of designating the whole Promised Land, and passed into a proverb.  After the return from the Captivity the phrase is narrowed into "from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom" Ne 11:30 The kingdom of the ten tribes extended from Beersheba to Mount Ephraim 2Ch 19:4 The name is not found in the New Testament. It is still called by the Arabs Bir es-Seba, i.e., "well of the seven", where there are to the present day two principal wells and five smaller ones. It is nearly midway between the southern end of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean.

 

Beetle

 

(Heb. hargol, meaning "leaper"). Mention of it is made only in Le 11:22 where it is obvious the word cannot mean properly the beetle.  It denotes some winged creeper with at least four feet, "which has legs above its feet, to leap withal." The description plainly points to the locust (q.v.). This has been an article of food from the earliest times in the East to the present day. The word is rendered "cricket" in the Revised Version.

 

Beeves

 

(an old English plural of the word beef), a name applicable to all ruminating animals except camels, and especially to the Bovidce, or horned cattle Le 22:19,21 Nu 31:28,30,33,38,44

 

Beg

 

That the poor existed among the Hebrews we have abundant evidence Ex 23:11 De 15:11 but there is no mention of beggars properly so called in the Old Testament. The poor were provided for by the law of Moses Le 19:10 De 12:12 14:29 It is predicted of the seed of the wicked that they shall be beggars Ps 37:25 109:10 In the New Testament we find not seldom mention made of beggars Mr 10:46 Lu 16:20,21 Ac 3:2 yet there is no mention of such a class as vagrant beggars, so numerous in the East. "Beggarly, "in Ga 4:9 means worthless.

 

Behead

 

A method of taking away life practised among the Egyptians Ge 40:17-19 There are instances of this mode of punishment also among the Hebrews 2Sa 4:8 20:21,22 2Ki 10:6-8 It is also mentioned in the New Testament Mt 14:8-12 Ac 12:2

 

Behemoth

 

Job 40:15-24 Some have supposed this to be an Egyptian word meaning a "water-ox." The Revised Version has here in the margin "hippopotamus, " which is probably the correct rendering of the word. The word occurs frequently in Scripture, but, except here, always as a common name, and translated "beast" or "cattle."

 

Bekah

 

Both the name and its explanation, "a half shekel, "are given in Ex 38:26 The word properly means a "division, "a "part." (R.V., "beka.")

 

Bel

 

The Aramaic form of Baal, the national god of the Babylonians Isa 46:1 Jer 50:2 51:44 It signifies "lord."

 

See BAAL

 

Bela

 

A thing swallowed.

1. A city on the shore of the Dead Sea, not far from Sodom, called also Zoar. It was the only one of the five cities that was spared at Lot's intercession Ge 19:20,23 It is first mentioned in Ge 14:2,8

2. The eldest son of Benjamin Nu 26:38 "Belah, "Ge 46:21

3. The son of Beor, and a king of Edom Ge 36:32,33 1Ch 1:43

4. A son of Azaz 1Ch 5:8

 

Belial

 

Worthlessness, frequently used in the Old Testament as a proper name. It is first used in De 13:13 In the New Testament it is found only in 2Co 6:15 where it is used as a name of Satan, the personification of all that is evil. It is translated "wicked" in De 15:9 Ps 41:8 (R.V. marg.); Ps 101:3 Pr 6:12 etc. The expression "son" or "man of Belial" means simply a worthless, lawless person Jud 19:22 20:13 1Sa 1:16 2:12

 

Bell

 

The bells first mentioned in Scripture are the small golden bells attached to the hem of the high priest's ephod Ex 28:33,34,35 The "bells of the horses" mentioned by Zechariah Zec 14:20 were attached to the bridles or belts round the necks of horses trained for war, so as to accustom them to noise and tumult.

 

Bellows

 

Occurs only in Jer 6:29 in relation to the casting of metal. Probably they consisted of leather bags similar to those common in Egypt.

 

Belly

 

The seat of the carnal affections Ti 1:12 Php 3:19 Ro 16:18 The word is used symbolically for the heart Pr 18:8 20:27 22:18 marg. The "belly of hell" signifies the grave or underworld Jon 2:2

 

Belshazzar

 

Bel protect the king!, the last of the kings of Babylon Da 5:1 He was the son of Nabonidus by Nitocris, who was the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar and the widow of Nergal-sharezer. When still young he made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and when heated with wine sent for the sacred vessels his "father" Da 5:2 or grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from the temple in Jerusalem, and he and his princes drank out of them. In the midst of their mad revelry a hand was seen by the king tracing on the wall the announcement of God's judgment, which that night fell upon him. At the instance of the queen (i.e., his mother) Daniel was brought in, and he interpreted the writing. That night the kingdom of the Chaldeans came to an end, and the king was slain Da 5:30

See NERGAL-SHAREZER The absence of the name of Belshazzar on the monuments was long regarded as an argument against the genuineness of the Book of Daniel. In 1854 Sir Henry Rawlinson found an inscription of Nabonidus which referred to his eldest son. Quite recently, however, the side of a ravine undermined by heavy rains fell at Hillah, a suburb of Babylon. A number of huge, coarse earthenware vases were laid bare. These were filled with tablets, the receipts and contracts of a firm of Babylonian bankers, which showed that Belshazzar had a household, with secretaries and stewards. One was dated in the third year of the king Marduk-sar-uzur. As Marduk-sar-uzar was another name for Baal, this Marduk-sar-uzur was found to be the Belshazzar of Scripture. In one of these contract tablets, dated in the July after the defeat of the army of Nabonidus, we find him paying tithes for his sister to the temple of the sun-god at Sippara.

 

Belteshazzar

 

Beltis protect the king!, the Chaldee name given to Daniel by Nebuchadnezzar Da 1:7

 

Benaiah

 

Built up by Jehovah.

1. The son of Jehoiada, chief priest 1Ch 27:5 He was set by David over his body-guard of Cherethites and Pelethites 2Sa 8:18 1Ki 1:32 1Ch 18:17 His exploits are enumerated in 2Sa 23:20,21,22 1Ch 11:22 He remained faithful to Solomon 1Ki 1:8,10,26 by whom he was raised to the rank of commander-in-chief 1Ki 2:25,29,30,34,35 4:4

2. 2Sa 23:30 1Ch 11:31

3. A musical Levite 1Ch 15:18,20

4. A priest 1Ch 15:24 16:6

5. The son of Jeiel 2Ch 20:14

 

Ben-ammi

 

Son of my kindred; i.e., "born of incest", the son of Lot by his youngest daughter Ge 19:38

 

Bench

 

Deck of a Tyrian ship, described by Ezekiel Eze 27:6 as overlaid with box-wood.

 

Bene-jaakan

 

Children of Jaakan Nu 33:31,32 the same as Beeroth.

 

Ben-hadad

 

The standing title of the Syrian kings, meaning "the son of Hadad." See HADADEZER 24569

1. The king of Syria whom Asa, king of Judah, employed to invade Israel 1Ki 15:18

2. Son of the preceding, also king of Syria. He was long engaged in war against Israel. He was murdered probably by Hazael, by whom he was succeeded 2Ki 8:7-15 after a reign of some thirty years.

3. King of Damascus, and successor of his father Hazael on the throne of Syria 2Ki 13:3,4 His misfortunes in war are noticed by Am 1:4

 

Benjamin

 

Son of my right hand.

1. The younger son of Jacob by Rachel Ge 35:18 His birth took place at Ephrath, on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, at a short distance from the latter place. His mother died in giving him birth, and with her last breath named him Ben-oni, son of my pain, a name which was changed by his father into Benjamin. His posterity are called Benjamites Ge 49:27 De 33:12 Jos 18:21 The tribe of Benjamin at the Exodus was the smallest but one Nu 1:36,37 Ps 68:27 During the march its place was along with Manasseh and Ephraim on the west of the tabernacle. At the entrance into Canaan it counted 45,600 warriors. It has been inferred by some from the words of Jacob Ge 49:27 that the figure of a wolf was on the tribal standard. This tribe is mentioned in Ro 11:1 Php 3:5 The inheritance of this tribe lay immediately to the south of that of Ephraim, and was about 26 miles in length and 12 in breadth. Its eastern boundary was the Jordan. Dan intervened between it and the Philistines. Its chief towns are named in Jos 18:21-28 The history of the tribe contains a sad record of a desolating civil war in which they were engaged with the other eleven tribes. By it they were almost exterminated Jud 20:20,21 21:10 See GIBEAH The first king of the Jews was Saul, a Benjamite. A close alliance was formed between this tribe and that of Judah in the time of David 2Sa 19:16,17 which continued after his death 1Ki 11:13 12:20 After the Exile these two tribes formed the great body of the Jewish nation Ezr 1:5 10:9 The tribe of Benjamin was famous for its archers 1Sa 20:20,36 2Sa 1:22 1Ch 8:40 12:2 and slingers Jud 20:6 The gate of Benjamin, on the north side of Jerusalem Jer 37:13 38:7 Zec 14:10 was so called because it led in the direction of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. It is called by Jeremiah Jer 20:2 "the high gate of Benjamin; "also "the gate of the children of the people" Jer 17:19 (Comp.) 2Ki 14:13