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
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
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.
Baalah of the well, Jos 19:8 probably the same as Baal,
mentioned in 1Ch 4:33 a city of Simeon.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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."
Plural of Baal; images of the god Baal Jud 2:11 1Sa 7:4
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
A robe of rich colours fabricated at Babylon, and hence
of great value Jos 7:21
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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."
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
Baked provisions Ge 40:17 literally "works of the
baker, "such as biscuits and cakes.
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
He has given a son, the father of the Babylonian king 2Ki
20:12 Isa 39:1 Merodach-baladan (q.v.).
A city in the tribe of Simeon Jos 19:3 elsewhere called
Bilhah 1Ch 4:29 and Baalah Jos 15:29
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
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
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
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.).
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
Heights, the forty-seventh station of the Israelites Nu
21:19,20 in the territory of the Moabites.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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."
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
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.
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
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.
Whom God has blessed, a Buzite, the father of Elihu, one
of Job's friends Job 32:2,6
(q.v.), whom Jehovah hath blessed, father of the prophet
Zechariah Zec 1:1,7 Mt 23:35
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
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.
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
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
Fugitive, one of Shemaiah's five sons. Their father is
counted along with them in 1Ch 3:22
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."
Son of Jonah, the patronymic of Peter Mt 16:17 Joh 1:42
because his father's name was Jonas.
See PETER
Painter, Ezr 2:53 Ne 7:55 The father of some of the
Nethinim.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Ps 68:15 probably another name for Hermon, which lies to
the north of Bashan.
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
(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
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.
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".
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.
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
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.
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.
Daughter of many, the name of one of the gates of the
city of Heshbon, near which were pools So 7:4
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.
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
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.
A mallet or heavy war-club. Applied metaphorically Jer
51:20 to Cyrus, God's instrument in destroying Babylon.
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
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.
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.
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."
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.
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
Whose Lord is Jehovah, a Benjamite, one of David's thirty
heroes of the sling and bow 1Ch 12:5
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."
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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."
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
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.
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
(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
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
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.
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.
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.
(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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Jaakan De 10:6 The same as Bene-jaakan Nu 33:31
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.
(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.
(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
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.
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
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."
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.")
The Aramaic form of Baal, the national god of the Babylonians
Isa 46:1 Jer 50:2 51:44 It signifies "lord."
See BAAL
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Beltis protect the king!, the Chaldee name given to
Daniel by Nebuchadnezzar Da 1:7
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
Son of my kindred; i.e., "born of incest", the
son of Lot by his youngest daughter Ge 19:38
Deck of a Tyrian ship, described by Ezekiel Eze 27:6 as
overlaid with box-wood.
Children of Jaakan Nu 33:31,32 the same as Beeroth.
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
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