Oppression,
1. A small Syrian kingdom near Geshur, east of the
Hauran, the district of Batanea Jos 13:13 2Sa 10:6,8 1Ch 19:7
2. A daughter of Talmai, king of the old native population
of Geshur. She became one of David's wives, and was the mother of Absalom 2Sa
3:3
3. The father of Hanan, who was one of David's body-guard
1Ch 11:43
4. The daughter of Abishalom (called Absalom,)2Ch
11:20-22 the third wife of Rehoboam, and mother of Abijam 1Ki 15:2 She is
called "Michaiah the daughter of Uriel, "who was the husband of
Absalom's daughter Tamar 2Ch 13:2 Her son Abijah or Abijam was heir to the
throne.
5. The father of Achish, the king of Gath 1Ki 2:39 called
also Maoch 1Sa 27:2
Ascent of the scorpions; i.e., "scorpion-hill",
a pass on the south-eastern border of Palestine Nu 34:4 Jos 15:3 It is
identified with the pass of Sufah, entering Palestine from the great Wady
el-Fikreh, south of the Dead Sea.
See AKRABBIM
Desolation, a place in the mountains of Judah Jos 15:59
probably the modern village Beit Ummar, 6 miles north of Hebron.
The work of Jehovah.
1. One of the Levites whom David appointed as porter for
the ark 1Ch 15:18,20
2. One of the "captains of hundreds" associated
with Jehoiada in restoring king Jehoash to the throne 2Ch 23:1
3. The "king's son, "probably one of the sons
of king Ahaz, killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by Pekah, king of
Israel 2Ch 28:7
4. One who was sent by king Josiah to repair the temple
2Ch 34:8 He was governor (Heb. sar, rendered elsewhere in the Authorized
Version "prince, ""chief captain, "chief ruler") of
Jerusalem.
5. The father of the priest Zephaniah Jer 21:1 37:3
6. The father of the false prophet Zedekiah Jer 29:21
Maase'iah, refuge is Jehovah, a priest, the father of Neriah Jer 32:12 51:59
Work of Jehovah, one of the priests resident at Jerusalem
at the Captivity 1Ch 9:12
Small, a person named in our Lord's ancestry Lu 3:26
Strength or consolation of Jehovah.
1. The head of the twenty-fourth priestly course 1Ch
24:18 in David's reign.
2. A priest Ne 10:8
This word does not occur in Scripture. It was the name
given to the leaders of the national party among the Jews who suffered in the
persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, who succeeded to the Syrian throne B.C.
175 It is supposed to have been derived from the Hebrew word (makkabah) meaning
"hammer, "as suggestive of the heroism and power of this Jewish
family, who are, however, more properly called Asmoneans or Hasmonaeans, the
origin of which is much disputed. After the expulsion of Antiochus Epiphanes
from Egypt by the Romans, he gave vent to his indignation on the Jews, great
numbers of whom he mercilessly put to death in Jerusalem. He oppressed them in
every way, and tried to abolish altogether the Jewish worship. Mattathias, an
aged priest, then residing at Modin, a city to the west of Jerusalem, became
now the courageous leader of the national party; and having fled to the
mountains, rallied round him a large band of men prepared to fight and die for
their country and for their religion, which was now violently suppressed. In 1
Macc. 2:60 is recorded his dying counsels to his sons with reference to the war
they were now to carry on. His son Judas, "the Maccabee, "succeeded
him (B.C. 166) as the leader in directing the war of independence, which was
carried on with great heroism on the part of the Jews, and was terminated in
the defeat of the Syrians.
There were originally five books of the Maccabees. The
first contains a history of the war of independence, commencing (B.C. 175) in a series of patriotic struggles
against the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, and terminating B.C. 135) It became
part of the Vulgate Version of the Bible, and was thus retained among the
Apocrypha. The second gives a history of the Maccabees' struggle from B.C. 176
to B.C. 161 Its object is to encourage and admonish the Jews to be faithful to
the religion of their fathers. The third does not hold a place in the
Apocrypha, but is read in the Greek Church.
Its design is to comfort the Alexandrian Jews in their persecution. Its writer was evidently an Alexandrian Jew.
The fourth was found in the Library of Lyons, but was afterwards burned. The
fifth contains a history of the Jews from B.C. 184 to B.C. 86 It is a
compilation made by a Jew after the destruction of Jerusalem, from ancient
memoirs, to which he had access. It need scarcely be added that none of these
books has any divine authority.
In New Testament times, was a Roman province lying north
of Greece. It was governed by a propraetor with the title of proconsul. Paul
was summoned by the vision of the "man of Macedonia" to preach the
gospel there Ac 16:9 Frequent allusion is made to this event Ac 18:5 Ac 19:21
Ro 15:26 2Co 1:16 11:9 Php 4:15 The history of Paul's first journey through
Macedonia is given in detail in Ac 16:10-17:15 At the close of this journey he
returned from Corinth to Syria. He again passed through this country Ac 20:1-6
although the details of the route are not given. After many years he probably
visited it for a third time Php 2:24 1Ti 1:3 The first convert made by Paul in
Europe was Ac 16:13-15 Lydia (q.v.), a "seller of purple, " residing
in Philippi, the chief city of the eastern division of Macedonia.
The Black Fortress, was built by Herod the Great in the
gorge of Callirhoe, one of the wadies 9 miles east of the Dead Sea, as a
frontier rampart against Arab marauders. John the Baptist was probably cast
into the prison connected with this castle by Herod Antipas, whom he had
reproved for his adulterous marriage with Herodias. Here Herod "made a
supper" on his birthday. He was at this time marching against Aretas, king
of Perea, to whose daughter he had been married. During the revelry of the
banquet held in the border fortress, to please Salome, who danced before him,
he sent an executioner, who beheaded John, and "brought his head in a
charger, and gave it to the damsel" Mr 6:14-29 This castle stood
"starkly bold and clear" 3,860 feet above the Dead Sea, and 2,546
above the Mediterranean. Its ruins, now called M'khaur, are still visible on
the northern end of Jebel Attarus.
Clad with a mantle, or bond of the Lord, one of the
Gadite heroes who joined David in the wilderness 1Ch 12:13
Sold.
1. Manasseh's oldest son Jos 17:1 or probably his only
son (see) 1Ch 7:14,15 comp. Nu 26:29-33 Jos 13:31 His descendants are referred
to under the name of Machirites, being the offspring of Gilead Nu 26:29 They
settled in land taken from the Amorites Nu 32:39,40 De 3:15 by a special
enactment Nu 36:1-3 Jos 17:3,4 He is once mentioned as the representative of
the tribe of Manasseh east of Jordan Jud 5:14
2. A descendant of the preceding, residing at Lo-debar,
where he maintained Jonathan's son Mephibosheth till he was taken under the
care of David 2Sa 9:4 and where he afterwards gave shelter to David himself
when he was a fugitive 2Sa 17:27
Portion; double cave, the cave which Abraham bought,
together with the field in which it stood, from Ephron the Hittite, for a
family burying-place Ge 23:1ff. It is one of those Bible localities about the
identification of which there can be no doubt. It was on the slope of a hill on
the east of Hebron, "before Mamre." Here were laid the bodies of
Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah Ge 23:19 25:9 49:31 50:13
Over the cave an ancient Christian church was erected, probably in the time of
Justinian, the Roman emperor. This church has been converted into a Muslim
mosque. The whole is surrounded by the el-Haram i.e., "the sacred
enclosure, "about 200 feet long, 115 broad, and of an average height of
about 50 This building, from the immense size of some of its stones, and the
manner in which they are fitted together, is supposed by some to have been
erected in the days of David or of Solomon, while others ascribe it to the time
of Herod. It is looked upon as the most ancient and finest relic of Jewish
architecture. On the floor of the mosque are erected six large cenotaphs as
monuments to the dead who are buried in the cave beneath. Between the cenotaphs
of Isaac and Rebekah there is a circular opening in the floor into the cavern
below, the cave of Machpelah. Here it may be that the body of Jacob, which was
embalmed in Egypt, is still preserved (much older embalmed bodies have recently
been found in the cave of Deir el-Bahari in Egypt,)
See PHARAOH though those of the others there buried may
have long ago mouldered into dust. The interior of the mosque was visited by
the Prince of Wales in 1862 by a special favour of the Muslim authorities. An
interesting account of this visit is given in Dean Stanley's Lectures on the
Jewish Church. It was also visited in 1866 by the Marquis of Bute, and in 1869
by the late Emperor (Frederick) of Germany, then the Crown Prince of Prussia.
In 1881 it was visited by the two sons of the Prince of Wales, accompanied by
Sir C. Wilson and others. (See Palestine Quarterly Statement, October 1882
Middle land, the third "son" of Japheth Ge 10:2
the name by which the Medes are known on the Assyrian monuments.
Dunghill, the modern el-Minyay, 15 miles south-south-west
of Gaza Jos 15:31 1Ch 2:49 in the south of Judah. The Pal. Mem., however,
suggest Umm Deimneh, 12 miles north-east of Beersheba, as the site.
Ibid., a Moabite town threatened with the sword of the
Babylonians Jer 48:2
Ibid., a town in Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, towards
the north Isa 10:31 The same Hebrew word occurs in Isa 25:10 where it is
rendered "dunghill." This verse has, however, been interpreted as
meaning "that Moab will be trodden down by Jehovah as teben [broken straw]
is trodden to fragments on the threshing-floors of Madmenah."
This word is used in its proper sense in De 28:34 Joh
10:20 1Co 14:23 It also denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various
causes, as over-study Ec 1:17 2:12 blind rage Lu 6:11 or a depraved temper Ec
7:25 9:3 2Pe 2:16 David feigned madness 1Sa 21:13 at Gath because he "was
sore afraid of Achish."
Strife, a Canaanitish city in the north of Palestine Jos
11:1 12:19 whose king was slain by Joshua; perhaps the ruin Madin, near Hattin,
some 5 miles west of Tiberias.
A tower, a town in Galilee, mentioned only in Mt 15:39 In
the parallel passage in Mr 8:10 this place is called Dalmanutha. It was the
birthplace of Mary called the Magdalen, or Mary Magdalene. It was on the west
shore of the Lake of Tiberias, and is now probably the small obscure village
called el-Mejdel, about 3 miles north-west of Tiberias. In the Talmud this city
is called "the city of colour, " and a particular district of it was
called "the tower of dyers." The indigo plant was much cultivated
here.
A surname derived from Magdala, the place of her
nativity, given to one of the Marys of the Gospels to distinguish her from the
other Marys Mt 27:56,61 28:1 etc. A mistaken notion has prevailed that this
Mary was a woman of bad character, that she was the woman who is emphatically
called "a sinner" Lu 7:36-50
See MARY
The Jews seem early to have consulted the teraphim (q.v.)
for oracular answers Jud 18:5,6 Zec 10:2 There is a remarkable illustration of
this divining by teraphim in Eze 21:19-22 We read also of the divining cup of
Joseph Ge 44:5 The magicians of Egypt are frequently referred to in the history
of the Exodus. Magic was an inherent part of the ancient Egyptian religion, and
entered largely into their daily life. All magical arts were distinctly
prohibited under penalty of death in the Mosaic law. The Jews were commanded
not to learn the "abomination" of the people of the Promised Land Le
19:31 De 18:9-14 The history of Saul's consulting the witch of Endor 1Sa
28:3-20 gives no warrant for attributing supernatural power to magicians. From
the first the witch is here only a bystander. The practice of magic lingered
among the people till after the Captivity, when they gradually abandoned it. It
is not much referred to in the New Testament. The Magi mentioned in Mt 2:1-12
were not magicians in the ordinary sense of the word. They belonged to a
religious caste, the followers of Zoroaster, the astrologers of the East.
Simon, a magician, was found by Philip at Samaria Ac 8:9-24 and Paul and
Barnabas encountered Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer, at Paphos Ac 13:6-12 At Ephesus
there was a great destruction of magical books Ac 19:18,19
Heb. hartumim, Da 1:20 were sacred scribes who acted as
interpreters of omens, or "revealers of secret things."
A public civil officer invested with authority.
1. The Hebrew shophetim, or judges, were magistrates
having authority in the land De 1:16,17
2. In Jud 18:7 the word "magistrate" (A.V.) is
rendered in the Revised Version "possessing authority", i.e., having
power to do them harm by invasion.
3. In the time of Ezra Ezr 9:2 and Nehemiah Ne 2:16 4:14
Ne 13:11 the Jewish magistrates were called _seganim_, properly meaning
"nobles."
4. In the New Testament the Greek word _archon_, rendered
"magistrate" Lu 12:58 Ti 3:1 means one first in power, and hence a
prince, as in Mt 20:25 1Co 2:6,8 This term is used of the Messiah, "Prince
of the kings of the earth" Re 1:5
5. In Ac 16:20,22,35,36,38 the Greek term _strategos_,
rendered "magistrate, "properly signifies the leader of an army, a
general, one having military authority. The _strategoi_ were the duumviri, the
two praetors appointed to preside over the administration of justice in the
colonies of the Romans. They were
attended by the sergeants (properly lictors or "rod bearers").
Region of Gog, the second of the "sons" of
Japheth Ge 10:2 1Ch 1:5 In Ezekiel Eze 38:2 39:6 it is the name of a nation,
probably some Scythian or Tartar tribe descended from Japheth. They are
described as skilled horsemen, and expert in the use of the bow. The Latin
father Jerome says that this word denotes "Scythian nations, fierce and
innumerable, who live beyond the Caucasus and the Lake Maeotis, and near the
Caspian Sea, and spread out even onward to India." Perhaps the name
"represents the Assyrian Mat Gugi, or 'country of Gugu, 'the Gyges of the
Greeks" (Sayce's Races, etc.).
Fear on every side, Jer 20:3 a symbolical name given to
the priest Pashur, expressive of the fate announced by the prophet as about to
come upon him. Pashur was to be carried to Babylon, and there die.
Praise of God.
1. The son of Cainan, of the line of Seth Ge 5:12-17
called Maleleel Lu 3:37
2. Ne 11:4 a descendant of Perez.
A lute; lyre.
1. The daughter of Ishmael, and third wife of Esau Ge
28:9 called also Bashemath Ge 36:3
2. The daughter of Jerimoth, who was one of David's sons.
She was one of Rehoboam's wives 2Ch 11:18
This word leannoth seems to point to some kind of
instrument unknown Ps 88:1 title). The whole phrase has by others been
rendered, "On the sickness of affliction: a lesson; "or,
"Concerning afflictive sickness: a didactic psalm."
In the title of Ps 53:1 denoting that this was a didactic
psalm, to be sung to the accompaniment of the lute or guitar. Others regard
this word "mahalath" as the name simply of an old air to which the
psalm was to be sung. Others, again, take the word as meaning "sickness,
"and regard it as alluding to the contents of the psalm.
Two camps, a place near the Jabbok, beyond Jordan, where
Jacob was met by the "angels of God, "and where he divided his
retinue into "two hosts" on his return from Padan-aram Ge 32:2 This
name was afterwards given to the town which was built at that place. It was the
southern boundary of Bashan Jos 13:26,30 and became a city of the Levites Jos
21:38 Here Saul's son Ishbosheth reigned 2Sa 2:8,12 while David reigned at
Hebron. Here also, after a troubled reign, Ishbosheth was murdered by two of
his own bodyguard 2Sa 4:5-7 who brought his head to David at Hebron, but were,
instead of being rewarded, put to death by him for their cold-blooded murder.
Many years after this, when he fled from Jerusalem on the rebellion of his son
Absalom, David made Mahanaim, where Barzillai entertained him, his
headquarters, and here he mustered his forces which were led against the army
that had gathered around Absalom. It was while sitting at the gate of this town
that tidings of the great and decisive battle between the two hosts and of the
death of his son Absalom reached him, when he gave way to the most violent
grief 2Sa 17:24-27 The only other reference to Mahanaim is as a station of one
of Solomon's purveyors 1Ki 4:14 It has been identified with the modern
Mukhumah, a ruin found in a depressed plain called el-Bukie'a, "the little
vale, "near Penuel, south of the Jabbok, and north-east of es-Salt.
Jud 18:12 "camp of Dan" Jud 13:25 (R.V.,
"Mahaneh-dan"), a place behind (i.e., west of) Kirjath-jearim, where
the six hundred Danites from Zorah and Eshtaol encamped on their way to capture
the city of Laish, which they rebuilt and called "Dan, after the name of
their father" Jud 18:11-31 The Palestine Explorers point to a ruin called
'Erma, situated about 3 miles from the great corn valley on the east of
Samson's home.
Grasping.
1. A Kohathite Levite, father of Elkanah 1Ch 6:35
2. Another Kohathite Levite, of the time of Hezekiah 2Ch
29:12
Visions, a Kohathite Levite, chief of the twenty-third course
of musicians 1Ch 25:4,30
Plunder speedeth; spoil hasteth, Isa 8:1-3 comp. Zep 1:14
a name Isaiah was commanded first to write in large characters on a tablet, and
afterwards to give as a symbolical name to a son that was to be born to him Isa
8:1,3 as denoting the sudden attack on Damascus and Syria by the Assyrian army.
Disease, one of the five daughters of Zelophehad Nu
27:1-11 who had their father's inheritance, the law of inheritance having been
altered in their favour.
Sickly, the elder of Elimelech the Bethlehemite's two
sons by Naomi. He married Ruth and died childless Ru 1:2,5 4:9,10 in the land
of Moab.
Dance, the father of four sons 1Ki 4:31 who were inferior
in wisdom only to Solomon.
"A corselet of scales, "a cuirass formed of
pieces of metal overlapping each other, like fish-scales 1Sa 17:5 38 a corselet
or garment thus encased.
(Gr. artemon), answering to the modern "mizzen-sail,
"as some suppose. Others understand the "jib, "near the prow, or
the "fore-sail, "as likely to be most useful in bringing a ship's
head to the wind in the circumstances described Ac 27:40
Assemblies, a station of the Israelites in the desert Nu
33:25,26
Herdsman's place, one of the royal cities of the
Canaanites Jos 12:16 near which was a cave where the five kings who had
confederated against Israel sought refuge Jos 10:10-29 They were put to death
by Joshua, who afterwards suspended their bodies upon five trees. It has been
identified with the modern village called Sumeil, standing on a low hill about
7 miles to the north-west of Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), where are ancient
remains and a great cave. The Palestine Exploration surveyors have, however,
identified it with el-Mughar, or "the caves, "3 miles from Jabneh and
2 1/2 southwest of Ekron, because, they say, "at this site only of all
possible sites for Makkedah in the Palestine plain do caves still exist."
See ADONI-ZEDEC
Mortar, a place in or near Jerusalem inhabited by silver
merchants Zep 1:11 It has been conjectured that it was the "Phoenician
quarter" of the city, where the traders of that nation resided, after the
Oriental custom.
Messenger or angel, the last of the minor prophets, and
the writer of the last book of the Old Testament canon Mal 4:4,5,6 Nothing is
known of him beyond what is contained in his book of prophecies. Some have
supposed that the name is simply a title descriptive of his character as a
messenger of Jehovah, and not a proper name. There is reason, however, to
conclude that Malachi was the ordinary name of the prophet. He was contemporary
with Nehemiah (comp.)
Mal 2:8
with Ne 13:15 Mal 2:10-16
with Ne 13:23
No allusion is made to him by Ezra, and he does not
mention the restoration of the temple, and hence it is inferred that he
prophesied after Haggai and Zechariah, and when the temple services were still
in existence Mal 1:10 3:1,10 It is probable that he delivered his prophecies
about B.C. 420 after the second return of Nehemiah from Persia Ne 13:6 or
possibly before his return.
The contents of the book are comprised in four chapters.
In the Hebrew text the third and fourth chapters (of the A.V.) form but one.
The whole consists of three sections, preceded by an introduction Mal 1:1-5 in
which the prophet reminds Israel of Jehovah's love to them.
1. The first section Mal 1:6-14 2:1-9 contains a stern
rebuke addressed to the priests who had despised the name of Jehovah, and been
leaders in a departure from his worship and from the covenant, and for their
partiality in administering the law.
2. In the second Mal 2:9-16 the people are rebuked for
their intermarriages with idolatrous heathen.
3. In the third Mal 2:17-4:6 he addresses the people as a
whole, and warns them of the coming of the God of judgment, preceded by the
advent of the Messiah.
This book is frequently referred to in the New Testament
Mt 11:10 Mt 17:12 Mr 1:2 9:11,12 Lu 1:17 Ro 9:13
2Sa 12:30 Heb., R.V., "their king; "Jer 49:1,3
R.V.; Zep 1:5 ("Malcham) the national idol of the Ammonites. When Rabbah
was taken by David, the crown of this idol was among the spoils. The weight is
said to have been "a talent of gold" (above 100 lbs.). The expression
probably denotes its value rather than its weight. It was adorned with precious
stones.
Jehovah's king.
1. The head of the fifth division of the priests in the
time of David 1Ch 24:9
2. A priest, the father of Pashur 1Ch 9:12 Jer 38:1
3. One of the priests appointed as musicians to celebrate
the completion of the walls of Jerusalem Ne 12:42
4. A priest who stood by Ezra when he "read in the
book of the law of God" Ne 8:4
5. The son of Harim Ne 3:11
6. Son of the goldsmith. Repaired the wall at Jerusalem
Ne 3:31
7. Son of Rechab who repaired the dung gate Ne 3:14
King of help, one of the four sons of Saul 1Ch 8:33 He
perished along with his father in the battle of Gilboa 1Sa 31:2
Reigning, the personal servant or slave of the high
priest Caiaphas. He is mentioned only by John. Peter cut off his right ear in
the garden of Gethsemane Joh 18:10 But our Lord cured it with a touch Mt 26:51
Mr 14:47 Lu 22:51 This was the last miracle of bodily cure wrought by our Lord.
It is not mentioned by John.
My fulness, a Kohathite Levite, one of the sons of Heman
the Levite 1Ch 25:4 and chief of the nineteenth division of the temple
musicians 1Ch 25:26.
Occurs only in Job 30:4 (R.V., "saltwort"). The
word so rendered (malluah, from melah, "salt") most probably denotes
the Atriplex halimus of Linnaeus, a species of sea purslane found on the shores
of the Dead Sea, as also of the Mediterranean, and in salt marshes. It is a
tall shrubby orach, growing to the height sometimes of 10 feet. Its buds and
leaves, with those of other saline plants, are eaten by the poor in Palestine.
Reigned over, or reigning.
1. A Levite of the family of Merari 1Ch 6:44
2. A priest who returned from Babylon Ne 12:2
3. Ezr 10:29
4. Ezr 10:32
A Chaldee or Syriac word meaning "wealth" or
"riches" Lu 16:9-11 also, by personification, the god of riches Mt
6:24 Lu 16:9-11
Manliness.
1. An Amoritish chief in alliance with Abraham Ge 14:24
2. The name of the place in the neighbourhood of Hebron
(q.v.) where Abraham dwelt Ge 23:17,19 35:27 called also in Authorized Version
Ge 13:18 the "plain of Mamre, "but in Revised Version more correctly
"the oaks [marg., 'terebinths']of Mamre." The name probably denotes
the "oak grove" or the "wood of Mamre, " thus designated
after Abraham's ally. This "grove" must have been within sight of or
"facing" Machpelah (q.v.). The site of Mamre has been identified with
Ballatet Selta, i.e., "the oak of rest", where there is a tree called
"Abraham's oak, "about a mile and a half west of Hebron. Others
identify it with er-Rameh, 2 miles north of Hebron.
1. Heb. 'Adam, used as the proper name of the first man.
The name is derived from a word meaning "to be red, "and thus the
first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also
the generic name of the human race Ge 1:26,27 5:2 Ge 8:21 De 8:3 Its
equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos Mt 5:13,16 It denotes
also man in opposition to woman Ge 3:12 Mt 19:10
2. Heb. 'ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes
properly a man in opposition to a woman 1Sa 17:33 Mt 14:21 a husband Ge 3:16 Ho
2:16 man with reference to excellent mental qualities.
3. Heb. 'enosh, man as mortal, transient, perishable 2Ch
14:11 Isa 8:1 Job 15:14 Ps 8:4 9:19,20 103:15 It is applied to women Jos 8:25
4. Heb. geber, man with reference to his strength, as
distinguished from women De 22:5 and from children Ex 12:37 a husband Pr 6:34
5. Heb. methim, men as mortal Isa 41:14 and as opposed to
women and children De 3:6 Job 11:3 Isa 3:25
Man was created by the immediate hand of God, and is
generically different from all other creatures Ge 1:26,27 2:7 His complex
nature is composed of two elements, two distinct substances, viz., body and
soul Ge 2:7 Ec 12:7 2Co 5:1-8 The words translated "spirit" and
"soul, "in 1Th 5:23 Heb 4:12 are habitually used interchangeably Mt
10:28 16:26 1Pe 1:22 The "spirit" (Gr. pneuma) is the soul as rational; the "soul" (Gr.
psuche) is the same, considered as the animating and vital principle of the
body. Man was created in the likeness of God as to the perfection of his
nature,
1. in knowledge Col 3:10
2. righteousness, and holiness Eph 4:24
3. as having dominion over all the inferior creatures Ge
1:28
He had in his original state God's law written on his
heart, and had power to obey it, and yet was capable of disobeying, being left
to the freedom of his own will. He was
created with holy dispositions, prompting him to holy actions; but he was
fallible, and did fall from his integrity Ge 3:1-6
See FALL
Consoler, a Christian teacher at Antioch. Nothing else is
known of him beyond what is stated in Ac 13:1 where he is spoken of as having
been brought up with (Gr. syntrophos; rendered in R.V. "foster
brother" of) Herod, i.e., Herod Antipas, the tetrach, who, with his
brother Archelaus, was educated at Rome.
Who makes to forget. "God hath made me forget"
(Heb. nashshani), Ge 41:51
1. The elder of the two sons of Joseph. He and his
brother Ephraim were afterwards adopted by Jacob as his own sons Ge 48:1 There
is an account of his marriage to a Syrian 1Ch 7:14 and the only thing
afterwards recorded of him is, that his grandchildren were "brought up
upon Joseph's knees" Ge 50:23 R.V., "born upon Joseph's knees")
i.e., were from their birth adopted by Joseph as his own children. The tribe of
Manasseh was associated with that of Ephraim and Benjamin during the wanderings
in the wilderness. They encamped on the west side of the tabernacle. According
to the census taken at Sinai, this tribe then numbered 32,200 Nu 1:10,35
2:20,21 Forty years afterwards its numbers had increased to 52,700 Nu 26:34,37
and it was at this time the most distinguished of all the tribes. The half of
this tribe, along with Reuben and Gad, had their territory assigned them by
Moses on the east of the Jordan Jos 13:7-14 but it was left for Joshua to
define the limits of each tribe. This territory on the east of Jordan was more
valuable and of larger extent than all that was allotted to the nine and a half
tribes in the land of Palestine. It is sometimes called "the land of
Gilead, "and is also spoken of as "on the other side of Jordan."
The portion given to the half tribe of Manasseh was the largest on the east of
Jordan. It embraced the whole of Bashan. It was bounded on the south by
Mahanaim, and extended north to the foot of Lebanon. Argob, with its sixty
cities, that "ocean of basaltic rocks and boulders tossed about in the
wildest confusion, "lay in the midst of this territory. The whole
"land of Gilead" having been conquered, the two and a half tribes
left their wives and families in the fortified cities there, and accompanied
the other tribes across the Jordan, and took part with them in the wars of
conquest. The allotment of the land having been completed, Joshua dismissed the
two and a half tribes, commending them for their heroic service Jos 22:1-34
Thus dismissed, they returned over Jordan to their own inheritance. See ED
24125 On the west of Jordan the other half of the tribe of Manasseh was
associated with Ephraim, and they had their portion in the very centre of
Palestine, an area of about 1,300 square miles, the most valuable part of the
whole country, abounding in springs of water. Manasseh's portion was
immediately to the north of that of Ephraim Jos 16:1ff. Thus the western
Manasseh defended the passes of Esdraelon as the eastern kept the passes of the
Hauran.
2. The only son and successor of Hezekiah on the throne
of Judah. He was twelve years old when he began to reign 2Ki 21:1 and he
reigned fifty-five years (B.C. 698-643) Though he reigned so long, yet
comparatively little is known of this king. His reign was a continuation of that
of Ahaz, both in religion and national polity. He early fell under the
influence of the heathen court circle, and his reign was characterized by a sad
relapse into idolatry with all its vices, showing that the reformation under
his father had been to a large extent only superficial Isa 7:10 2Ki 21:10-15 A
systematic and persistent attempt was made, and all too successfully, to banish
the worship of Jehovah out of the land. Amid this wide-spread idolatry there
were not wanting, however, faithful prophets (Isaiah, Micah) who lifted up
their voice in reproof and in warning. But their fidelity only aroused bitter
hatred, and a period of cruel persecution against all the friends of the old
religion began. "The days of Alva in Holland, of Charles IX. in France, or
of the Covenanters under Charles II. in Scotland, were anticipated in the
Jewish capital. The streets were red with blood." There is an old Jewish
tradition that Isaiah was put to death at this time 2Ki 21:16 24:3,4 Jer 2:30
having been sawn asunder in the trunk of a tree. Ps 49:1 73:1 77:1 140:1
141:1ff. seem to express the feelings of the pious amid the fiery trials of
this great persecution. Manasseh has been called the "Nero of
Palestine." Esarhaddon, Sennacherib's successor on the Assyrian throne,
who had his residence in Babylon for thirteen years (the only Assyrian monarch
who ever reigned in Babylon), took Manasseh prisoner (B.C. 681) to Babylon.
Such captive kings were usually treated with great cruelty. They were brought
before the conqueror with a hook or ring passed through their lips or their
jaws, having a cord attached to it, by which they were led. This is referred to
in 2Ch 33:11 where the Authorized Version reads that Esarhaddon "took
Manasseh among the thorns; "while the Revised Version renders the words,
"took Manasseh in chains; "or literally, as in the margin, "with
hooks." (Comp.) 2Ki 19:28 The severity of Manasseh's imprisonment brought
him to repentance. God heard his cry, and he was restored to his kingdom 2Ch
33:11-13 He abandoned his idolatrous ways, and enjoined the people to worship
Jehovah; but there was no thorough reformation. After a lengthened reign
extending through fifty-five years, the longest in the history of Judah, he
died, and was buried in the garden of Uzza, the "garden of his own
house" 2Ki 21:17,18 2Ch 33:20 and not in the city of David, among his
ancestors. He was succeeded by his son Amon. In Jud 18:30 the correct reading
is "Moses, "and not "Manasseh." The name "Manasseh"
is supposed to have been introduced by some transcriber to avoid the scandal of
naming the grandson of Moses the great lawgiver as the founder of an idolatrous
religion.
Hebrew dudaim; i.e., "love-plants", occurs only
in Ge 30:14-16 So 7:13 Many interpretations have been given of this word
_dudaim_. It has been rendered "violets, ""Lilies,
""jasmines, ""truffles or mushrooms, ""flowers,
"the "citron, "etc. The weight of authority is in favour of its
being regarded as the Mandragora officinalis of botanists, "a near
relative of the night-shades, the 'apple of Sodom' and the potato plant."
It possesses stimulating and narcotic properties Ge 30:14-16 The fruit of this
plant resembles the potato-apple in size, and is of a pale orange colour. It
has been called the "love-apple." The Arabs call it "Satan's
apple." It still grows near Jerusalem, and in other parts of Palestine.
Portion Eze 45:12 rendered "pound" 1Ki 10:17
Ezr 2:69 Ne 7:71,72 a weight variously estimated, probably about 2 1/2 or 3
lbs. A maneh of gold consisted of a hundred common shekels (q.v.). (Comp.) 1Ki
10:17 2Ch 9:16
Lu 2:7,12,16 the name (Gr. phatne, rendered
"stall" in) Lu 13:15 given to the place where the infant Redeemer was
laid. It seems to have been a stall or crib for feeding cattle. Stables and
mangers in our modern sense were in ancient times unknown in the East. The word
here properly denotes "the ledge or projection in the end of the room used
as a stall on which the hay or other food of the animals of travellers was
placed."
See INN
Heb. man-hu, "What is that?" the name given by
the Israelites to the food miraculously supplied to them during their
wanderings in the wilderness Ex 16:15-35 The name is commonly taken as derived
from _man_, an expression of surprise, "What is it?" but more
probably it is derived from _manan_, meaning "to allot, "and hence
denoting an "allotment" or a "gift." This "gift"
from God is described as "a small round thing, "like the
"hoar-frost on the ground, "and "like coriander seed,
""of the colour of bdellium, "and in taste "like wafers
made with honey." It was capable of being baked and boiled, ground in
mills, or beaten in a mortar Ex 16:23 Nu 11:7 If any was kept over till the
following morning, it became corrupt with worms; but as on the Sabbath none
fell, on the preceding day a double portion was given, and that could be kept
over to supply the wants of the Sabbath without becoming corrupt. Directions
concerning the gathering of it are fully given Ex 16:16-18,33 De 8:3,16 It fell
for the first time after the eighth encampment in the desert of Sin, and was
daily furnished, except on the Sabbath, for all the years of the wanderings,
till they encamped at Gilgal, after crossing the Jordan, when it suddenly
ceased, and where they "did eat of the old corn of the land; neither had
the children of Israel manna any more" Jos 5:12 They now no longer needed
the "bread of the wilderness." This manna was evidently altogether a
miraculous gift, wholly different from any natural product with which we are
acquainted, and which bears this name. The manna of European commerce comes
chiefly from Calabria and Sicily. It drops from the twigs of a species of ash
during the months of June and July. At night it is fluid and resembles dew, but
in the morning it begins to harden. The manna of the Sinaitic peninsula is an
exudation from the "manna-tamarisk" tree (Tamarix mannifera), the
el-tarfah of the Arabs. This tree is found at the present day in certain
well-watered valleys in the peninsula of Sinai. The manna with which the people
of Israel were fed for forty years differs in many particulars from all these
natural products. Our Lord refers to the manna when he calls himself the
"true bread from heaven" Joh 6:31-35 48-51 He is also the "hidden
manna" Re 2:17 comp. Joh 6:49,51
Rest, a Danite, the father of Samson Jud 13:1-22 14:2-4
A designation of Antichrist given in 2Th 2:3-10 usually
regarded as descriptive of the Papal power; but "in whomsoever these
distinctive features are found, whoever wields temporal and spiritual power in
any degree similar to that in which the man of sin is here described as
wielding it, he, be he pope or potentate, is beyond all doubt a distinct type
of Antichrist."
One who was guilty of accidental homicide, and was
entitled to flee to a city of refuge Nu 35:6,12,22,23 his compulsory residence
in which terminated with the death of the high priest.
See CITY OF REFUGE
1. Heb. 'addereth, a large over-garment. This word is
used of Elijah's mantle 1Ki 19:13,19 2Ki 2:8,13 etc., which was probably a
sheepskin. It appears to have been his only garment, a strip of skin or leather
binding it to his loins. _'Addereth_ twice occurs with the epithet "hairy"
Ge 25:25 Zec 13:4 R.V. It is the word denoting the "goodly Babylonish
garment" which Achan coveted Jos 7:21
2. Heb. me'il, frequently applied to the "robe of
the ephod" Ex 28:4,31 Le 8:7 which was a splendid under tunic wholly of
blue, reaching to below the knees. It was woven without seam, and was put on by
being drawn over the head. It was worn not only by priests but by kings 1Sa
24:4 prophets 1Sa 15:27 and rich men Job 1:20 2:12 This was the "little
coat" which Samuel's mother brought to him from year to year to Shiloh 1Sa
2:19 a miniature of the official priestly robe.
3. Semikah, "a rug, "the garment which Jael
threw as a covering over Sisera Jud 4:18 The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else in
Scripture.
4. Maataphoth, plural, only in Isa 3:22 denoting a large
exterior tunic worn by females.
See DRESS
Compressed, the father of Achish, king of Gath 1Sa 27:2
Called also Maachah 1Ki 2:39
Habitation, a town in the tribe of Judah, about 7 miles
south of Hebron, which gave its name to the wilderness, the district round the
conical hill on which the town stood. Here David hid from Saul, and here Nabal had
his possessions and his home 1Sa 23:24,25 25:2 "Only some small
foundations of hewn stone, a square enclosure, and several cisterns are now to
be seen at Maon. Are they the remains of Nabal's great establishment?" The
hill is now called Tell M'ain.
Bitter; sad, a symbolical name which Naomi gave to
herself because of her misfortunes Ru 1:20
Bitterness, a fountain at the sixth station of the
Israelites Ex 15:23,24 Nu 33:8 whose waters were so bitter that they could not
drink them. On this account they murmured against Moses, who, under divine
direction, cast into the fountain "a certain tree" which took away
its bitterness, so that the people drank of it. This was probably the 'Ain
Hawarah, where there are still several springs of water that are very
"bitter, "distant some 47 miles from 'Ayun Mousa.
Trembling, a place on the southern boundary of Zebulun
Jos 19:11 It has been identified with the modern M'alul, about 4 miles
south-west of Nazareth.
1Co 16:22 consists of two Aramean words, Maran'athah,
meaning, "our Lord comes, "or is "coming." If the latter
interpretation is adopted, the meaning of the phrase is, "Our Lord is
coming, and he will judge those who have set him at nought." (Comp.) Php
4:5 Jas 5:8,9
As a mineral, consists of carbonate of lime, its texture
varying from the highly crystalline to the compact. In Es 1:6 there are four
Hebrew words which are rendered marble:,
1. Shesh, "pillars of marble." But this word
probably designates dark-blue limestone rather than marble.
2. Dar, some regard as Parian marble. It is here rendered
"white marble." But nothing is certainly known of it.
3. Bahat, "red marble, "probably the
verd-antique or half-porphyry of Egypt.
4. Sohareth, "black marble, "probably some
spotted variety of marble. "The marble pillars and tesserae of various
colours of the palace at Susa came doubtless from Persia itself, where marble
of various colours is found, especially in the province of Hamadan
Susiana." The marble of Solomon's architectural works may have been
limestone from near Jerusalem, or from Lebanon, or possibly white marble from
Arabia. Herod employed Parian marble in the temple, and marble columns still
exist in great abundance at Jerusalem.
The post-biblical name of the month which was the eighth
of the sacred and the second of the civil year of the Jews. It began with the
new moon of our November. It is once called Bul 1Ki 6:38 Assyrian, Arah Samna,
"eighth month, "
Col 4:10 Phm 1:24 1Pe 5:13 R.V., "Mark" (q.v.).
Possession, a city in the plain of Judah Jos 15:44 Here
Asa defeated Zerah the Ethiopian 2Ch 14:9,10 It is identified with the ruin el-Mer'ash,
about 1 1/2 mile south of Beit Jibrin.
The evangelist; "John whose surname was Mark"
Ac 12:12,25 Mark (Marcus, Col 4:10 etc.) was his Roman name, which gradually
came to supersede his Jewish name John. He is called John in Ac 13:5,13 and
Mark in Ac 15:39 2Ti 4:11 etc. He was the son of Mary, a woman apparently of
some means and influence, and was probably born in Jerusalem, where his mother
resided Ac 12:12 Of his father we know nothing. He was cousin of Barnabas Col
4:10 It was in his mother's house that Peter found "many gathered together
praying" when he was released from prison; and it is probable that it was
here that he was converted by Peter, who calls him his "son" 1Pe 5:13
It is probable that the "young man" spoken of in Mr 14:51,52 was Mark
himself. He is first mentioned in Ac 12:25 He went with Paul and Barnabas on
their first journey (about A.D. 47) as their "minister, "but from
some cause turned back when they reached Perga in Pamphylia Ac 12:25 Ac 13:13
Three years afterwards a "sharp contention" arose between Paul and
Barnabas Ac 15:36-40 because Paul would not take Mark with him. He, however, was evidently at length
reconciled to the apostle, for he was with him in his first imprisonment at
Rome Col 4:10 Phm 1:24 At a later period he was with Peter in Babylon 1Pe 5:13
then, and for some centuries afterwards, one of the chief seats of Jewish
learning; and he was with Timothy in Ephesus when Paul wrote him during his
second imprisonment 2Ti 4:11 He then disappears from view.
Any place of public resort, and hence a public place or
broad street Mt 11:16 20:3 as well as a forum or market-place proper, where
goods were exposed for sale, and where public assemblies and trials were held
Ac 16:19 17:17 This word occurs in the Old Testament only in Eze 27:13 In early
times markets were held at the gates of cities, where commodities were exposed
for sale 2Ki 7:18 In large towns the sale of particular articles seems to have
been confined to certain streets, as we may infer from such expressions as
"the bakers' street" Jer 37:21 and from the circumstance that in the
time of Josephus the valley between Mounts Zion and Moriah was called the
Tyropoeon or the "valley of the cheesemakers."
1.It is the current and apparently well-founded tradition
that Mark derived his information mainly from the discourses of Peter. In his
mother's house he would have abundant opportunities of
obtaining information from the other apostles and their coadjutors, yet he was
"the disciple and interpreter of Peter" specially.
2. As to the time when it was written, the Gospel
furnishes us with no definite information.
Mark makes no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem, hence it must
have been written before that event, and probably about A.D. 63 The place where
it was written was probably Rome. Some have supposed Antioch (comp.) Mr 15:21
Ac 11:20
3. It was intended primarily for Romans. This appears
probable when it is considered that it makes no reference to the Jewish law,
and that the writer takes care to interpret words which a Gentile would be
likely to misunderstand, such as,
a. "Boanerges" Mr 3:17
b. "Talitha cumi" Mr 5:41
c. "Corban" Mr 7:11
d. "Bartimaeus" Mr 10:46
e. "Abba" Mr 14:36
f. "Eloi, "etc. Mr 15:34
Jewish usages are also explained Mr 7:3 14:3 14:12 15:42
Mark also uses certain Latin words not found in any of the other Gospels,
as"
a. "speculator" Mr 6:27 rendered, A.V.,
"executioner; "R.V., "soldier of his guard"),
b. "xestes" a corruption of sextarius, rendered
"pots, "Mr 7:4,8
c. "quadrans" Mr 12:42, rendered "a
farthing",
d. "centurion" Mr 15:39,44,45
He only twice quotes from the Old Testament Mr 1:2 15:28
4. The characteristics of this Gospel are:
a. the absence of the genealogy of our Lord,
b. whom he represents as clothed with power, the
"lion of the tribe of Judah."
c. Mark also records with wonderful minuteness
1. The very words Mr 3:17 5:41 7:11,34 14:36
2. The position Mr 9:35
3. Gestures Mr 3:5,34 5:32 9:36 10:16 of our Lord.
d. He is also careful to record
1. particulars of person Mr 1:29,36 3:6,22 etc.,
2. number Mr 5:13 6:7 etc.,
3. place Mr 2:13 4:1 7:31 etc.,
4. Time Mr 1:35 2:1 4:35 etc., which the other
evangelists omit.
e. The phrase "and straightway" occurs nearly
forty times in this Gospel; while in Luke's Gospel, which is much longer, it is
used only seven times, and in John only four times. "The Gospel of Mark,
"says Westcott, "is essentially a transcript from life. The course and issue of facts are imaged in it
with the clearest outline." "In Mark we have no attempt to draw up a
continuous narrative. His Gospel is a rapid succession of vivid pictures
loosely strung together without much attempt to bind them into a whole or give
the events in their natural sequence. This pictorial power is that which
specially characterizes this evangelist, so that 'if any one desires to know an
evangelical fact, not only in its main features and grand results, but also in
its most minute and so to speak more graphic delineation, he must betake
himself to Mark.'"
5. The leading principle running through this Gospel may
be expressed in the motto: "Jesus came...preaching the gospel of the
kingdom" Mr 1:14 "Out of a total of 662 verses, Mark has
406 in common with Matthew and Luke, 145 with Matthew, 60
with Luke, and at most 51 peculiar to itself."
See MATTHEW
Bitterness; i.e., "perfect grief", a place not far
from Jerusalem; mentioned in connection with the invasion of the Assyrian army
Mic 1:12
1. Was instituted in Paradise when man was in innocence
Ge 2:18-24 Here we have its original charter, which was confirmed by our Lord,
as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed Mt 19:4,5 It is evident
that monogamy was the original law of marriage Mt 19:5 1Co 6:16 This law was
violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced Ge 4:19 6:2
2. We meet with the prevalence of polygamy and
concubinage in the patriarchal age Ge 16:1-4 22:21-24 28:8,9 29:23-30 etc.
Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosaic law and made the basis of legislation,
and continued to be practised all down through the period of Jewish histroy to
the Captivity, after which there is no instance of it on record.
3. It seems to have been the practice from the beginning
for fathers to select wives for their sons Ge 24:3 38:6 Sometimes also proposals
were initiated by the father of the maiden Ex 2:21 The brothers of the maiden
were also sometimes consulted Ge 24:51 Ge 34:11 but her own consent was not
required. The young man was bound to give a price to the father of the maiden
Ge 31:15 Ge 34:12 Ex 22:16,17 1Sa 18:23,25 Ru 4:10 Ho 3:2 On these patriarchal
customs the Mosaic law made no change. In the pre- Mosaic times, when the
proposals were accepted and the marriage price given, the bridegroom could come
at once and take away his bride to his own house Ge 24:63-67 But in general the
marriage was celebrated by a feast in the house of the bride's parents, to
which all friends were invited Ge 29:22,27 and on the day of the marriage the
bride, concealed under a thick veil, was conducted to her future husband's
home.
4. Our Lord corrected many false notions then existing on
the subject of marriage Mt 22:23-30 and placed it as a divine institution on
the highest grounds.
5. The apostles
a. state clearly and enforce the nuptial duties of
husband and wife Eph 5:22-33 Col 3:18,19 1Pe 3:1-7
b. Marriage is said to be "honourable" Heb 13:4
c. And the prohibition of it is noted as one of the marks
of degenerate times 1Ti 4:3
d. The marriage relation is used to represent the union
between God and his people Isa 54:5 Jer 3:1-14 Ho 2:9,20 In the New Testament
the same figure is employed in representing the love of Christ to his saints
Eph 5:25-27 The Church of the redeemed is the "Bride, the Lamb's
wife" Re 19:7-9
Joh 2:1-11 "lasted usually for a whole week; but the
cost of such prolonged rejoicing is very small in the East. The guests sit
round the great bowl or bowls on the floor, the meal usually consisting of a
lamb or kid stewed in rice or barley. The most honoured guests sit nearest,
others behind; and all in eating dip their hand into the one smoking mound,
pieces of the thin bread, bent together, serving for spoons when necessary.
After the first circle have satisfied themselves, those lower in honour sit
down to the rest, the whole company being men, for women are never seen at a
feast. Water is poured on the hands before eating; and this is repeated when
the meal closes, the fingers having first been wiped on pieces of bread, which,
after serving the same purpose as table-napkins with us, are thrown on the
ground to be eaten by any dog that may have stolen in from the streets through
the ever-open door, or picked up by those outside when gathered and tossed out
to them Mt 15:27 Mr 7:28 Rising from the ground and retiring to the seats round
the walls, the guests then sit down cross-legged and gossip, or listen to
recitals, or puzzle over riddles, light being scantily supplied by a small lamp
or two, or if the night be chilly, by a smouldering fire of weeds kindled in
the middle of the room, perhaps in a brazier, often in a hole in the floor. As
to the smoke, it escapes as it best may; but indeed there is little of it,
though enough to blacken the water or wine or milk skins hung up on pegs on the
wall. (Comp.) Ps 119:83 To some such marriage-feast Jesus and his five
disciples were invited at Cana of Galilee." Geikie's Life of Christ.
See CANA
The Areopagus or rocky hill in Athens, north-west of the
Acropolis, where the Athenian supreme tribunal and court of morals was held.
From some part of this hill Paul delivered the address recorded in Ac 17:22-31
See AREOPAGUS
Bitterness, the sister of Lazarus and Mary, and probably
the eldest of the family, who all resided at Bethany Lu 10:38,40,41 Joh 11:1-39
From the residence being called "her house, "some have supposed that she
was a widow, and that her brother and sister lodged with her. She seems to have
been of an anxious, bustling spirit, anxious to be helpful in providing the
best things for the Master's use, in contrast to the quiet earnestness of Mary,
who was more concerned to avail herself of the opportunity of sitting at his
feet and learning of him. Afterwards at a supper given to Christ and his
disciples in her house "Martha served." Nothing further is known of
her. "Mary and Martha are representatives of two orders of human
character. One was absorbed, preoccupied, abstracted; the other was
concentrated and single-hearted. Her own world was the all of Martha; Christ
was the first thought with Mary. To Martha life was 'a succession of particular
businesses; 'to Mary life 'was rather the flow of one spirit.' Martha was
Petrine, Mary was Johannine. The one was a well-meaning, bustling busybody; the
other was a reverent disciple, a wistful listener." Paul had such a
picture as that of Martha in his mind when he spoke of serving the Lord
"without distraction" 1Co 7:35
One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in
the cause of Christ Ac 22:20 Re 2:13 17:6 In this sense Stephen was the first
martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated
"witness."
1. In a court of justice Mt 18:16 26:65 Ac 6:13 7:58 Heb
10:28 1Ti 5:19
2. As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he
has seen or known Lu 24:48 Ac 1:8,22 Ro 1:9 1Th 2:5,10 1Jo 1:2
Hebrew Miriam.
1. The wife of Joseph, the mother of Jesus, called the
"Virgin Mary, "though never so designated in Scripture Mt 2:11 Ac
1:14 Little is known of her personal history. Her genealogy is given in Lu
3:1ff. She was of the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David Ps 132:11 Lu 1:32
She was connected by marriage with Elisabeth, who was of the lineage of Aaron
Lu 1:36 While she resided at Nazareth with her parents, before she became the
wife of Joseph, the angel Gabriel announced to her that she was to be the
mother of the promised Messiah Lu 1:35 After this she went to visit her cousin
Elisabeth, who was living with her husband Zacharias (probably at Juttah, Jos
15:55 21:16 in the neighbourhood of Maon), at a considerable distance, about
100 miles, from Nazareth. Immediately on entering the house she was saluted by
Elisabeth as the mother of her Lord, and then forthwith gave utterance to her
hymn of thanksgiving Lu 1:46-56 comp. 1Sa 2:1-10 After three months Mary
returned to Nazareth to her own home. Joseph was supernaturally made aware Mt
1:18-25 of her condition, and took her to his own home. Soon after this the
decree of Augustus Lu 2:1 required that they should proceed to Bethlehem Mic
5:2 some 80 or 90 miles from Nazareth; and while they were there they found
shelter in the inn or khan provided for strangers Lu 2:6,7 But as the inn was
crowded, Mary had to retire to a place among the cattle, and there she brought
forth her son, who was called Jesus Mt 1:21 because he was to save his people
from their sins. This was followed by the presentation in the temple, the
flight into Egypt, and their return in the following year and residence at
Nazareth Mt 2:1ff. There for thirty years Mary, the wife of Joseph the
carpenter, resides, filling her own humble sphere, and pondering over the
strange things that had happened to her. During these years only one event in
the history of Jesus is recorded, viz., his going up to Jerusalem when twelve
years of age, and his being found among the doctors in the temple Lu 2:41-52
Probably also during this period Joseph died, for he is not again mentioned.
After the commencement of our Lord's public ministry little notice is taken of
Mary. She was present at the marriage in Cana. A year and a half after this we
find her at Capernaum Mt 12:46,48,49 where Christ uttered the memorable words,
"Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his
hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!"
The next time we find her is at the cross along with her sister Mary, and Mary
Magdalene, and Salome, and other women Joh 19:26 From that hour John took her
to his own abode. She was with the little company in the upper room after the
Ascension Ac 1:14 From this time she wholly disappears from public notice. The
time and manner of her death are unknown.
2. Mary Magdalene, i.e., Mary of Magdala, a town on the
western shore of the Lake of Tiberias. She is for the first time noticed in Lu
8:2 as one of the women who "ministered to Christ of their
substance." Their motive was that of gratitude for deliverances he had
wrought for them. Out of Mary were cast seven demons. Gratitude to her great
Deliverer prompted her to become his follower. These women accompanied him also
on his last journey to Jerusalem Mt 27:55 Mr 15:41 Lu 23:55 They stood near the
cross. There Mary remained till all was over, and the body was taken down and
laid in Joseph's tomb. Again, in the earliest dawn of the first day of the week
she, with Salome and Mary the mother of James Mt 28:1 Mr 16:1 came to the
sepulchre, bringing with them sweet spices, that they might anoint the body of
Jesus. They found the sepulchre empty, but saw the "vision of angels"
Mt 28:5 She hastens to tell Peter and John, who were probably living together
at this time Joh 20:1,2 and again immediately returns to the sepulchre. There
she lingers thoughtfully, weeping at the door of the tomb. The risen Lord
appears to her, but at first she knows him not. His utterance of her name
"Mary" recalls her to consciousness, and she utters the joyful,
reverent cry, "Rabboni." She would fain cling to him, but he forbids
her, saying, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."
This is the last record regarding Mary of Magdala, who now returned to
Jerusalem. The idea that this Mary was "the woman who was a sinner,
"or that she was unchaste, is altogether groundless.
3. Mary the sister of Lazarus is brought to our notice in
connection with the visits of our Lord to Bethany. She is contrasted with her
sister Martha, who was "cumbered about many things" while Jesus was
their guest, while Mary had chosen "the good part." Her character
also appears in connection with the death of her brother Joh 11:20,31,33 On the
occasion of our Lord's last visit to Bethany, Mary brought "a pound of
ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus" as he
reclined at table in the house of one Simon, who had been a leper Mt 26:6 Mr 14:3
Joh 12:2,3 This was an evidence of her overflowing love to the Lord. Nothing is
known of her subsequent history. It would appear from this act of Mary's, and
from the circumstance that they possessed a family vault Joh 11:38 and that a
large number of Jews from Jerusalem came to condole with them on the death of
Lazarus Joh 11:19 that this family at Bethany belonged to the wealthier class
of the people. See MARTHA 25426
4. Mary the wife of Cleopas is mentioned Joh 19:25 as
standing at the cross in company with Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of
Jesus. By comparing Mt 27:56 Mr 15:40 we find that this Mary and "Mary the
mother of James the little" are on and the same person, and that she was
the sister of our Lord's mother. She was that "other Mary" who was
present with Mary of Magdala at the burial of our Lord Mt 27:61 Mr 15:47 and
she was one of those who went early in the morning of the first day of the week
to anoint the body, and thus became one of the first witnesses of the
resurrection Mt 28:1 Mr 16:1 Lu 24:1
5. Mary the mother of John Mark was one of the earliest
of our Lord's disciples. She was the sister of Barnabas Col 4:10 and joined
with him in disposing of their land and giving the proceeds of the sale into
the treasury of the Church Ac 4:37 Ac 12:12 Her house in Jerusalem was the
common meeting-place for the disciples there.
6. A Christian at Rome who treated Paul with special
kindness Ro 16:6
Instructing, occurs in the title of thirteen Psalms
(32,42,44 etc.). It denotes a song enforcing some lesson of wisdom or piety, a
didactic song. In Ps 47:7 it is rendered, Authorized Version, "with
understanding; "Revised Version, marg., "in a skilful psalm."
(=Meshech 1Ch 1:17 one of the four sons of Aram, and the
name of a tribe descended from him Ge 10:23 inhabiting some part probably of
Mesopotamia. Some have supposed that they were the inhabitants of Mount Masius,
the present Karja Baghlar, which forms part of the chain of Taurus.