Senaah

 

Thorny, a place many of the inhabitants of which returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel Ezr 2:35 Ne 7:38

 

Senate

 

Ac 5:21 the "elders of Israel" who formed a component part of the Sanhedrin.

 

Seneh

 

The acacia; rock-thorn, the southern cliff in the Wady es-Suweinit, a valley south of Michmash, which Jonathan climbed with his armour- bearer 1Sa 14:4,5 The rock opposite, on the other side of the wady, was called Bozez.

 

Senir

 

=Shenir, the name given to Hermon by the Amorites De 3:9 It means "coat of mail" or "breastplate, "and is equivalent to "Sirion." Some interpret the word as meaning "the prominent" or "the snowy mountain." It is properly the name of the central of the three summits of Hermon (q.v.).

 

Sennacherib

 

Sin (the god) sends many brothers, son of Sargon, whom he succeeded on the throne of Assyria (B.C. 705) in the 23rd year of Hezekiah. "Like the Persian Xerxes, he was weak and vainglorious, cowardly under reverse, and cruel and boastful in success." He first set himself to break up the powerful combination of princes who were in league against him. Among these was Hezekiah, who had entered into an alliance with Egypt against Assyria. He accordingly led a very powerful army of at least 200,000 men into Judea, and devastated the land on every side, taking and destroying many cities 2Ki 18:13-16 comp. Isa 22ff. Isa 24:1ff. and 2Ch 32:1-8 His own account of this invasion, as given in the Assyrian annals, is in these words: "Because Hezekiah, king of Judah, would not submit to my yoke, I came up against him, and by force of arms and by the might of my power I took forty-six of his strong fenced cities; and of the smaller towns which were scattered about, I took and plundered a countless number. From these places I took and carried off 200,156 persons, old and young, male and female, together with horses and mules, asses and camels, oxen and sheep, a countless multitude; and Hezekiah himself I shut up in Jerusalem, his capital city, like a bird in a cage, building towers round the city to hem him in, and raising banks of earth against the gates, so as to prevent escape...Then upon Hezekiah there fell the fear of the power of my arms, and he sent out to me the chiefs and the elders of Jerusalem with 30 talents of gold and 800 talents of silver, and divers treasures, a rich and immense booty...All these things were brought to me at Nineveh, the seat of my government." (Comp.) Isa 22:1-13 for description of the feelings of the inhabitants of Jerusalem at such a crisis.) Hezekiah was not disposed to become an Assyrian feudatory. He accordingly at once sought help from Egypt 2Ki 18:20-24 Sennacherib, hearing of this, marched a second time into Palestine 2Ki 18:17,37 19:1ff. 2Ch 32:9-23 Isa 36:2-22 Isa 37:25 should be rendered "dried up all the Nile-arms of Matsor, "i.e., of Egypt, so called from the "Matsor" or great fortification across the isthmus of Suez, which protected it from invasions from the east). Sennacherib sent envoys to try to persuade Hezekiah to surrender, but in vain.

See TIRHAKAH He next sent a threatening letter 2Ki 19:10-14 which Hezekiah carried into the temple and spread before the Lord. Isaiah again brought an encouraging message to the pious king 2Ki 19:20-34 "In that night" the angel of the Lord went forth and smote the camp of the Assyrians.  In the morning, "behold, they were all dead corpses." The Assyrian army was annihilated. This great disaster is not, as was to be expected, taken notice of in the Assyrian annals. Though Sennacherib survived this disaster some twenty years, he never again renewed his attempt against Jerusalem. He was murdered by two of his own sons (Adrammelech and Sharezer), and was succeeded by another son, Esarhaddon (B.C. 681) after a reign of twenty-four years.

 

Seorim

 

Barley, the chief of the forth priestly course 1Ch 24:8

 

Sephar

 

Numbering, Ge 10:30 supposed by some to be the ancient Himyaritic capital, "Shaphar, "Zaphar, on the Indian Ocean, between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.

 

Sepharad

 

Ob 1:20 some locality unknown. The modern Jews think that Spain is meant, and hence they designate the Spanish Jews "Sephardim, "as they do the German Jews by the name "Ashkenazim, "because the rabbis call Germany Ashkenaz. Others identify it with Sardis, the capital of Lydia. The Latin father Jerome regarded it as an Assyrian word, meaning "boundary, "and interpreted the sentence, "which is in Sepharad, "by "who are scattered abroad in all the boundaries and regions of the earth." Perowne says: "Whatever uncertainty attaches to the word Sepharad, the drift of the prophecy is clear, viz., that not only the exiles from Babylon, but Jewish captives from other and distant regions, shall be brought back to live prosperously within the enlarged borders of their own land."

 

Sepharvaim

 

Taken by Sargon, king of Assyria 2Ki 17:24 18:34 19:13 Isa 37:13 It was a double city, and received the common name Sepharvaim, i.e., "the two Sipparas, "or "the two booktowns." The Sippara on the east bank of the Euphrates is now called Abu-Habba; that on the other bank was Accad, the old capital of Sargon I., where he established a great library.

See SARGON The recent discovery of cuneiform inscriptions at Tel el-Amarna in Egypt, consisting of official despatches to Pharaoh Amenophis IV. and his predecessor from their agents in Palestine, proves that in the century before the Exodus an active literary intercourse was carried on between these nations, and that the medium of the correspondence was the Babylonian language and script.

 

See KIRJATH-SEPHER

 

Septuagint

 

See VERSIONS

 

Sepulchre

 

First mentioned as purchased by Abraham for Sarah from Ephron the Hittite Ge 23:20 This was the "cave of the field of Machpelah, " where also Abraham and Rebekah and Jacob and Leah were burried Ge 49:29-32 In Ac 7:16 it is said that Jacob was "laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem." It has been proposed, as a mode of reconciling the apparent discrepancy between this verse and Ge 23:20 to read Ac 7:16 thus: "And they [i.e., our fathers] were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the son] of Sychem." In this way the purchase made by Abraham is not to be confounded with the purchase made by Jacob subsequently in the same district. Of this purchase by Abraham there is no direct record in the Old Testament.

 

See TOMB

 

Serah

 

Abundance; princess, the daughter of Asher and grand-daughter of Jacob Ge 46:17 called also Sarah Nu 26:46 R.V., "Serah").

 

Seraiah

 

Soldier of Jehovah.

1. The father of Joab 1Ch 4:13,14

2. The grandfather of Jehu 1Ch 4:35

3. One of David's scribes or secretaries 2Sa 8:17

4. A Netophathite Jer 40:8 a chief priest of the time of Zedekiah. He was carried captive by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon, and there put to death 2Ki 25:18-23

5. Ezr 2:2

6. Father of Ezra the scribe Ezr 7:1

7. A ruler of the temple Ne 11:11

8. A priest of the days of Jehoiakim Ne 12:1,12

9. The son of Neriah. When Zedekiah made a journey to Babylon to do homage to Nebuchadnezzar, Seraiah had charge of the royal gifts to be presented on that occasion. Jeremiah took advantage of the occasion, and sent with Seraiah a word of cheer to the exiles in Babylon, and an announcement of the doom in store for that guilty city. The roll containing this message Jer 50:1-8 Seraiah was to read to the exiles, and then, after fixing a stone to it, was to throw it into the Euphrates, uttering, as it sank, the prayer recorded in Jer 51:59-64 Babylon was at this time in the height of its glory, the greatest and most powerful monarchy in the world. Scarcely seventy years elapsed when the words of the prophet were all fulfilled. Jer 51:59 is rendered in the Revised Version, "Now Seraiah was chief chamberlain, " instead of "was a quiet prince, "as in the Authorized Version.

 

Seraphim

 

Mentioned in Isa 6:2,3,6,7 This word means fiery ones, in allusion, as is supposed, to their burning love. They are represented as "standing" above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of wings.

See ANGELS This word, in the original, is used elsewhere only of the "fiery serpents" Nu 21:6,8 De 8:15 comp.  Isa 14:29 30:6 sent by God as his instruments to inflict on the people the righteous penalty of sin.

 

Sered

 

Fear, one of the sons of Zebulun Ge 46:14

 

Sergeants

 

Ac 16:35,38 (R.V., "lictors"), officers who attended the magistrates and assisted them in the execution of justice.

 

Sergius Paulus

 

A "prudent man" (R.V., "man of understanding"), the deputy (R.V., "proconsul") of Cyprus Ac 13:6-13 He became a convert to Christianity under Paul, who visited this island on his first mission to the heathen. A remarkable memorial of this proconsul was recently (1887) discovered at Rome. On a boundary stone of Claudius his name is found, among others, as having been appointed (A.D. 47) one of the curators of the banks and the channel of the river Tiber.  After serving his three years as proconsul at Cyprus, he returned to Rome, where he held the office referred to. As he is not saluted in Paul's letter to the Romans, he probably died before it was written.

 

Sermon on the Mount

 

After spending a night in solemn meditation and prayer in the lonely mountain-range to the west of the Lake of Galilee Lu 6:12 on the following morning our Lord called to him his disciples, and from among them chose twelve, who were to be henceforth trained to be his apostles Mr 3:14,15 After this solemn consecration of the twelve, he descended from the mountain-peak to a more level spot Lu 6:17 and there he sat down and delivered the "sermon on the mount" Mt 5:1-7:29 Lu 6:20-49 to the assembled multitude. The mountain here spoken of was probably that known by the name of the "Horns of Hattin" (Kurun Hattin), a ridge running east and west, not far from Capernaum. It was afterwards called the "Mount of Beatitudes."

 

Serpent

 

(Heb. nahash; Gr. ophis), frequently noticed in Scripture. More than forty species are found in Syria and Arabia. The poisonous character of the serpent is alluded to in Jacob's blessing on Dan Ge 49:17 see Pr 30:18,19 Jas 3:7 Jer 8:17

See ADDER This word is used symbolically of a deadly, subtle, malicious enemy Lu 10:19 The serpent is first mentioned in connection with the history of the temptation and fall of our first parents Ge 3:1-6 It has been well remarked regarding this temptation: "A real serpent was the agent of the temptation, as is plain from what is said of the natural characteristic of the serpent in the first verse of the chapter Ge 3:1 and from the curse pronounced upon the animal itself. But that Satan was the actual tempter, and that he used the serpent merely as his instrument, is evident

1. from the nature of the transaction; for although the serpent may be the most subtle of all the beasts of the field, yet he has not the high intellectual faculties which the tempter here displayed.

2. In the New Testament it is both directly asserted and in various forms assumed that Satan seduced our first parents into sin" Joh 8:44 Ro 16:20 2Co 11:3,14 Re 12:9 20:2 Hodge's System. Theol., ii. 127

 

Serpent, Fiery

 

(LXX. "deadly, "Vulg. "burning"), Nu 21:6 probably the naja haje of Egypt; some swift-springing, deadly snake Isa 14:29 After setting out from their encampment at Ezion-gaber, the Israelites entered on a wide sandy desert, which stretches from the mountains of Edom as far as the Persian Gulf. While traversing this region, the people began to murmur and utter loud complaints against Moses. As a punishment, the Lord sent serpents among them, and much people of Israel died. Moses interceded on their behalf, and by divine direction he made a "brazen serpent, "and raised it on a pole in the midst of the camp, and all the wounded Israelites who looked on it were at once healed. (Comp.) Joh 3:14,15

See ASP This "brazen serpent" was preserved by the Israelites till the days of Hezekiah, when it was destroyed 2Ki 18:4

 

See BRASS

 

Serug

 

Branch, the father of Nahor Ge 11:20-23 called Saruch in Lu 3:35

 

Servitor

 

Occurs only in 2Ki 4:43 Authorized Version (R.V., "servant"). The Hebrew word there rendered "servitor" is elsewhere rendered "minister, ""servant" Ex 24:13 33:11 Probably Gehazi, the personal attendant on Elisha, is here meant.

 

Seth

 

Appointed; a substitute, the third son of Adam and Eve Ge 4:25 5:3 His mother gave him this name, "for God, "said she, "hath appointed me [i.e., compensated me with] another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew."

 

Sethur

 

Hidden, one of the spies sent to search the Promised Land. He was of the tribe of Asher Nu 13:13

 

Seven

 

This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it Ge 2:2,3 The division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. "Jacob's seven years' service to Laban; Pharaoh's seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number" (see) Le 25:4 1Sa 2:5 Ps 12:6 79:12 Pr 26:16 Isa 4:1 Mt 18:21,22 Lu 17:4

1. The feast of Passover Ex 12:15,16

2. the feast of Weeks De 16:9

3. of Tabernacles De 13:15

4. and the Jubilee Le 25:8 were all ordered by seven.

5. Seven is the number of sacrifice 2Ch 29:21 Job 42:8

6. of purification and consecration Le 4:6,17 8:11,33 14:9,51

7. of forgiveness Mt 18:21,22 Lu 17:4

8. of reward De 28:7 1Sa 2:5

9. of punishment Le 26:21,24,28 De 28:25

10. It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19 Pr 26:16,25 Isa 4:1 Mt 12:45

11. It is used also to mean "abundantly" Ge 4:15,24 Le 26:24 Ps 79:12

 

Seventy Weeks

 

A prophetic period mentioned in Da 9:24 and usually interpreted on the "year-day" theory, i.e., reckoning each day for a year. This period will thus represent 490 years. This is regarded as the period which would elapse till the time of the coming of the Messiah, dating "from the going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem" i.e., from the close of the Captivity.

 

Shaalabbin

 

Or Shaal'bim, a place of foxes, a town of the tribe of Dan Jos 19:42 Jud 1:35 It was one of the chief towns from which Solomon drew his supplies 1Ki 4:9 It is probably the modern village of Selbit, 3 miles north of Ajalon.

 

Shaaraim

 

Two gates.

1. A city in the plain of Judah 1Sa 17:52 called also Sharaim Jos 15:36

2. A town in Simeon 1Ch 4:31

 

Shaashgaz

 

Servant of the beautiful, a chief eunuch in the second house of the harem of king Ahasuerus Es 2:14

 

Shabbethai

 

Sabbath-born, a Levite who assisted in expounding the law and investigating into the illegal marriages of the Jews Ezr 10:15 Ne 8:7 11:16

 

Shaddai

 

The Omnipotent, the name of God in frequent use in the Hebrew Scriptures, generally translated "the Almighty."

 

Shadow

 

Used in Col 2:17 Heb 8:5 10:1 to denote the typical relation of the Jewish to the Christian dispensation.

 

Shadrach

 

Aku's command, the Chaldean name given to Hananiah, one of the Hebrew youths whom Nebuchadnezzar carried captive to Babylon Da 1:6,7 Da 3:12-30 He and his two companions refused to bow down before the image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up on the plains of Dura. Their conduct filled the king with the greatest fury, and he commanded them to be cast into the burning fiery furnace. Here, amid the fiery flames, they were miraculously preserved from harm. Over them the fire had no power, "neither was a hair of their head singed, neither had the smell of fire passed on them." Thus Nebuchadnezzar learned the greatness of the God of Israel.

 

See ABEDNEGO

 

Shalem

 

Perfect, a place (probably the village of Salim) some 2 miles east of Jacob's well. There is an abundant supply of water, which may have been the reason for Jacob's settling at this place Ge 33:18-20 The Revised Version translates this word, and reads, "Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, "thus not regarding it as a proper name at all.

 

Shalim, Land of

 

Land of foxes, a place apparently to the north-west of Jerusalem 1Sa 9:4 perhaps in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin in Dan Jos 19:42

 

Shalisha, Land of

 

Probably the district of Baal-shalisha 2Ki 4:42 lying about 12 miles north of Lydda 1Sa 9:4

 

Shallecheth, The gate of

 

i.e., "the gate of casting out, "hence supposed to be the refuse gate; one of the gates of the house of the Lord, "by the causeway of the going up" i.e., the causeway rising up from the Tyropoeon valley valley of the cheesemakers 1Ch 26:16

 

Shallum

 

Retribution.

1. The son of Jabesh, otherwise unknown. He "conspired against Zachariah, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead" 2Ki 15:10 He reigned only "a month of days in Samaria" 2Ki 15:13 marg. Menahem rose up against Shallum and put him to death 2Ki 15:14,15,17 and became king in his stead.

2. Keeper of the temple vestments in the reign of Josiah 2Ki 22:14

3. One of the posterity of Judah 1Ch 2:40,41

4. A descendant of Simeon 1Ch 4:25

5. One of the line of the high priests 1Ch 6:13

6. 1Ch 7:13

7. A keeper of the gate in the reign of David 1Ch 9:17

8. A Levite porter 1Ch 9:19,31 Jer 35:4

9. An Ephraimite chief 2Ch 28:12

10. The uncle of the prophet Jeremiah Jer 32:7

11. A son of king Josiah 1Ch 3:15 Jer 22:11 who was elected to succeed his father on the throne, although he was two years younger than his brother Eliakim. He assumed the crown under the name of Jehoahaz (q.v.). He did not imitate the example of his father 2Ki 23:32 but was "a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men" Eze 19:3 His policy was anti-Egyptian therefore. Necho, at that time at Riblah, sent an army against Jerusalem, which at once yielded, and Jehoahaz was carried captive to the Egyptian camp, Eliakim being appointed king in his stead. He remained a captive in Egypt till his death, and was the first king of Judah that died in exile.

 

Shalman

 

An Assyrian king Ho 10:14 identified with Shalmaneser II. (Sayce) or IV. (Lenormant), the successor of Pul on the throne of Assyria (B.C. 728 He made war against Hoshea, the king of Israel, whom he subdued and compelled to pay an annual tribute. Hoshea, however, soon after rebelled against his Assyrian conquerer. Shalmaneser again marched against Samaria, which, after a siege of three years, was taken 2Ki 17:3-5 18:9 by Sargon (q.v.). A revolution meantime had broken out in Assyria, and Shalmaneser was deposed. Sargon usurped the vacant throne. Schrader thinks that this is probably the name of a king of Moab mentioned on an inscription of Tiglath-pileser as Salamanu.

 

Shamgar

 

The Philistines from the maritime plain had made incursions into the Hebrew upland for the purposes of plunder, when one of this name, the son of Anath, otherwise unknown, headed a rising for the purpose of freeing the land from this oppression. He repelled the invasion, slaying 600 men with an "ox goad" (q.v.). The goad was a formidable sharpointed instrument, sometimes ten feet long. He was probably contemporary for a time with Deborah and Barak Jud 3:31 5:6

 

Shamir

 

A sharp thorn.

1. One of the sons of Michah 1Ch 24:24

2. A town among the mountains of Judah Jos 15:48 probably Somerah, 2 1/2 miles north-west of Debir.

3. The residence of Tola, one of the judges, on Mount Ephraim Jud 10:1,2

 

Shammah

 

Desert.

1. One of the "dukes" of Edom Ge 36:13,17

2. One of the sons of Jesse 1Sa 16:9 He is also called Shimeah 2Sa 13:3 and Shimma 1Ch 2:13

3. One of David's three mighty men 2Sa 23:11,12

4. One of David's mighties 2Sa 23:25 called also Shammoth 1Ch 11:27 and Shamhuth 1Ch 27:8

 

Shammua

 

Heard.

1. One of the spies sent out by Moses to search the land Nu 13:4 He represented the tribe of Reuben.

2. One of David's sons 1Ch 14:4 3:5 "Shimea; "2Sa 5:14

3. A Levite under Nehemiah Ne 11:17

 

Shaphan

 

A coney, a scribe or secretary of king Josiah 2Ki 22:3-7 He consulted Huldah concerning the newly-discovered copy of the law which was delivered to him by Hilkiah the priest 2Ki 22:8-14 His grandson Gedaliah was governor of Judea 2Ki 25:22

 

Shaphat

 

Judge.

1. One of the spies. He represented the tribe of Simeon Nu 13:5

2. The father of Elisha 1Ki 19:16-19

3. One of David's chief herdsmen 1Ch 27:29

 

Shapher

 

Brightness, one of the stations where Israel encamped in the wilderness Nu 33:23,24

 

Sharaim

 

Two gates Jos 15:36 more correctly Shaaraim 1Sa 17:52 probably Tell Zakariya and Kefr Zakariya, in the valley of Elah, 3 1/2 miles north-west of Socoh.

 

Sharezer

 

(god) protect the king!, a son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He and his brother Adrammelech murdered their father, and then fled into the land of Armenia 2Ki 19:37

 

Sharon, Saron

 

A plain, a level tract extending from the Mediterranean to the hill country to the west of Jerusalem, about 30 miles long and from 8 to 15 miles broad, celebrated for its beauty and fertility 1Ch 27:29 Isa 33:9 35:2 65:10 The "rose of Sharon" is celebrated So 2:1 It is called Lasharon (the article la being here a part of the word) in Jos 12:18

 

Shaveh-Kiriathaim

 

Plain of Kirja-thaim where Chedorlaomer defeated the Emims, the original inhabitants Ge 14:5 Now Kureiyat, north of Dibon, in the land of Moab.

 

Shaveh, Valley of

 

Valley of the plain the ancient name of the "king's dale" (q.v.), or Kidron, on the north side of Jerusalem Ge 14:17

 

Shavsha

 

("Seraiah, ")2Sa 8:17 "Shisha, "1Ki 4:3 one of David's secretaries  1Ch 18:16

 

Shealtiel

 

Asked for of God, father of Zerubbabel Ezr 3:2,8 Ne 12:1

 

Shearing-house

 

2Ki 10:12,14 marg., "house of shepherds binding sheep." R.V., "the shearing-house of the shepherds; "marg., "house of gathering"), some place between Samaria and Jezreel, where Jehu slew "two and forty men" of the royal family of Judah. The Heb. word Beth-eked so rendered is supposed by some to be a proper name.

 

Shear-Jashub

 

A remnant shall escape or return (i.e., to God), a symbolical name which the prophet Isaiah gave to his son Isa 7:3 perhaps his eldest son.

 

Sheba

 

An oath, seven.

1. Heb. shebha, the son of Raamah Ge 10:7 whose descendants settled with those of Dedan on the Persian Gulf.

2. Heb. id. A son of Joktan Ge 10:28 probably the founder of the Sabeans.

3. Heb. id. A son of Jokshan, who was a son of Abraham by Keturah Ge 25:3

4. Heb. id. A kingdom in Arabia Felix. Sheba, in fact, was Saba in Southern Arabia, the Sabaeans of classical geography, who carried on the trade in spices with the other peoples of the ancient world. They were Semites, speaking one of the two main dialects of Himyaritic or South Arabic. Sheba had become a monarchy before the days of Solomon. Its queen brought him gold, spices, and precious stones 1Ki 10:1-13 She is called by our Lord the "queen of the south" Mt 12:42

5. Heb. shebha',"seven" or "an oak." A town of Simeon Jos 19:2

6. Heb. id. A "son of Bichri, "of the family of Becher, the son of Benjamin, and thus of the stem from which Saul was descended 2Sa 20:1-22 When David was returning to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom, a strife arose between the ten tribes and the tribe of Judah, because the latter took the lead in bringing back the king. Sheba took advantage of this state of things, and raised the standard of revolt, proclaiming, "We have no part in David." With his followers he proceeded northward. David seeing it necessary to check this revolt, ordered Abishai to take the gibborim, "mighty men, "and the body-guard and such troops as he could gather, and pursue Sheba. Joab joined the expedition, and having treacherously put Amasa to death, assumed the command of the army. Sheba took refuge in Abel-Bethmaachah, a fortified town some miles north of Lake Merom. While Joab was engaged in laying siege to this city, Sheba's head was, at the instigation of a "wise woman" who had held a parley with him from the city walls, thrown over the wall to the besiegers, and thus the revolt came to an end.

 

Shebaniah

 

Whom Jehovah hides, or has made grow up.

1. A Levite appointed to blow the trumpet before the ark of God 1Ch 15:24

2. Another Levite Ne 9:4,5

3. A priest Ne 10:12

4. A Levite Ne 10:4

 

Shebarim

 

Breaks; ruins, a place near Ai Jos 7:5 (R.V. marg., "the quarries").

 

Shebna

 

Tender youth, "treasurer" over the house in the reign of Hezekiah, i.e., comptroller or governor of the palace. On account of his pride he was ejected from his office, and Eliakim was promoted to it Isa 22:15-25 He appears to have been the leader of the party who favoured an alliance with Egypt against Assyria. It is conjectured that "Shebna the scribe, "who was one of those whom the king sent to confer with the Assyrian ambassador 2Ki 18:18,26,37 19:2 Isa 36:3,11,22 37:2 was a different person.

 

 

Shebuel

 

Captive of God.

1. One of the descendants of Gershom, who had charge of the temple treasures in the time of David 1Ch 23:16 26:24

2. One of the sons of Heman; one of those whose duty it was to "lift up the horn" in the temple service 1Ch 25:4,5 called also Shubael ver. 1Ch 25:20

 

Shecaniah

 

One intimate with Jehovah.

1. A priest to whom the tenth lot came forth when David divided the priests 1Ch 24:11

2. One of the priests who were set "to give to their brethren by courses" of the daily portion 2Ch 31:15 Shechani'ah, id.

3. A priest whose sons are mentioned in 1Ch 3:21,22

4. Ezr 8:5

5. Ezr 10:2-4

6. The father of Shemaiah, who repaired the wall of Jerusalem Ne 3:29

7. The father-in-law of Tobiah Ne 6:18

8. A priest who returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel Ne 12:3 marg., or Shebaniah.

 

Shechem

 

Shoulder.

1. The son of Hamor the Hivite Ge 33:19 34:1ff.

2. A descendant of Manasseh Nu 26:31 Jos 17:2

3. A city in Samaria Ge 33:18 called also Sichem Ge 12:6 Sychem Ac 7:16 It stood in the narrow sheltered valley between Ebal on the north and Gerizim on the south, these mountains at their base being only some 500 yards apart. Here Abraham pitched his tent and built his first altar in the Promised Land, and received the first divine promise Ge 12:6,7 Here also Jacob "bought a parcel of a field at the hands of the children of Hamor" after his return from Mesopotamia, and settled with his household, which he purged from idolatry by burying the teraphim of his followers under an oak tree, which was afterwards called "the oak of the sorcerer" Ge 33:19 35:4 Jud 9:37 See MEONENIM Here too, after a while, he dug a well, which bears his name to this day Joh 4:5,39-42 To Shechem Joshua gathered all Israel "before God, "and delivered to them his second parting address Jos 24:1-15 He "made a covenant with the people that day" at the very place where, on first entering the land, they had responded to the law from Ebal and Gerizim Jos 24:25 the terms of which were recorded "in the book of the law of God", i.e., in the roll of the law of Moses; and in memory of this solemn transaction a great stone was set up "under an oak" (comp.) Ge 28:18 31:44-48 Ex 24:4 Jos 4:3,8,9 possibly the old "oak of Moreh, "as a silent witness of the transaction to all coming time. Shechem became one of the cities of refuge, the central city of refuge for Western Palestine Jos 20:7 and here the bones of Joseph were buried Jos 24:32 Rehoboam was appointed king in Shechem 1Ki 12:1,19 but Jeroboam afterwards took up his residence here. This city is mentioned in connection with our Lord's conversation with the woman of Samaria Joh 4:5 and thus, remaining as it does to the present day, it is one of the oldest cities of the world. It is the modern Nablus, a contraction for Neapolis, the name given to it by Vespasian. It lies about a mile and a half up the valley on its southern slope, and on the north of Gerizim, which rises about 1,100 feet above it, and is about 34 miles north of Jerusalem. It contains about 10,000 inhabitants, of whom about 160 are Samaritans and 100 Jews, the rest being Christians and Muslims. The site of Shechem is said to be of unrivalled beauty. Stanley says it is "the most beautiful, perhaps the only very beautiful, spot in Central Palestine." Gaza, near Shechem, only mentioned 1Ch 7:28 has entirely disappeared. It was destroyed at the time of the Conquest, and its place was taken by Shechem.

 

See SYCHAR

 

Shechinah

 

A Chaldee word meaning resting-place, not found in Scripture, but used by the later Jews to designate the visible symbol of God's presence in the tabernacle, and afterwards in Solomon's temple. When the Lord led Israel out of Egypt, he went before them "in a pillar of a cloud." This was the symbol of his presence with his people. For references made to it during the wilderness wanderings, see Ex 14:20 Ex 40:34-38 Le 9:23,24 Nu 14:10 16:19,42 It is probable that after the entrance into Canaan this glory-cloud settled in the tabernacle upon the ark of the covenant in the most holy place. We have, however, no special reference to it till the consecration of the temple by Solomon, when it filled the whole house with its glory, so that the priests could not stand to minister 1Ki 8:10-13 2Ch 5:13,14 7:1-3 Probably it remained in the first temple in the holy of holies as the symbol of Jehovah's presence so long as that temple stood. It afterwards disappeared.

 

See CLOUD

 

Sheep

 

Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God's care over his people Ps 23:1,2 74:1 77:20 Isa 40:11 53:6 Joh 10:1-5,7-16 "The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs., but sometimes extending to 30 lbs. The tails are indeed huge masses of fat" (Geikie's Holy Land, etc.). The tail was no doubt the "rump" so frequently referred to in the Levitical sacrifices Ex 29:22 Le 3:9 7:3 9:19 Sheep-shearing was generally an occasion of great festivity Ge 31:19 38:12,13 1Sa 25:4-8,36 2Sa 13:23-28

 

 

Sheep-fold

 

A strong fenced enclosure for the protection of the sheep gathered within it Nu 32:24 1Ch 17:7 Ps 50:9 78:70 In Joh 10:16 the Authorized Version renders by "fold" two distinct Greek words, aule and poimne, the latter of which properly means a "flock, "and is so rendered in the Revised Version. (See also) Mt 26:31 Lu 2:8 1Co 9:7

 

See FOLD

 

Sheep-gate

 

One of the gates of Jerusalem mentioned by Nehemiah Ne 3:1,32 12:39 It was in the eastern wall of the city.

 

Sheep-market

 

Occurs only in Joh 5:2 (marg., also R.V., "sheep-gate"). The word so rendered is an adjective, and it is uncertain whether the noun to be supplied should be "gate" or, following the Vulgate Version, "pool."

 

Shekel

 

Weight, the common standard both of weight and value among the Hebrews. It is estimated at 220 English grains, or a little more than half an ounce avoirdupois. The "shekel of the sanctuary" Ex 30:13 Nu 3:47 was equal to twenty gerahs Eze 45:12 There were shekels of gold 1Ch 21:25 of silver 1Sa 9:8 of brass 1Sa 17:5 and of iron 1Sa 17:7 When it became a coined piece of money, the shekel of gold was equivalent to about 2 pound of our money. Six gold shekels, according to the later Jewish system, were equal in value to fifty silver ones. The temple contribution, with which the public sacrifices were bought Ex 30:13 2Ch 24:6 consisted of one common shekel, or a sanctuary half-shekel, equal to two Attic drachmas. The coin, a stater (q.v.), which Peter found in the fish's mouth paid this contribution for both him and Christ Mt 17:24,27 A zuza, or quarter of a shekel, was given by Saul to Samuel 1Sa 9:8

 

Shelah

 

Petition.

1. Judah's third son Ge 38:2,5,11,14

2. A son of Arphaxad 1Ch 1:18

 

Shelemiah

 

Whom Jehovah repays.

1. Ezr 10:39

2. The father of Hananiah Ne 3:30

3. A priest in the time of Nehemiah Ne 13:13

4. Father of one of those who accused Jeremiah to Zedekiah Jer 37:3 38:1

5. Father of a captain of the ward Jer 37:13

6. Jer 36:14

 

Shem

 

A name; renown, the first mentioned of the sons of Noah Ge 5:32 6:10 He was probably the eldest of Noah's sons. The words "brother of Japheth the elder" in Ge 10:21 are more correctly rendered "the elder brother of Japheth, "as in the Revised Version. Shem's name is generally mentioned first in the list of Noah's sons. He and his wife were saved in the ark Ge 7:13 Noah foretold his preeminence over Canaan Ge 9:23-27 He died at the age of six hundred years, having been for many years contemporary with Abraham, according to the usual chronology. The Israelitish nation sprang from him Ge 11:10-26 1Ch 1:24-27

 

Shema

 

Rumour.

1. A Reubenite 1Ch 5:8

2. A Benjamite 1Ch 8:13

3. One who stood by Ezra when he read the law Ne 8:4

4. A town in the south of Judah Jos 15:26

 

Shemaah

 

Rumour, a Benjamite whose sons "came to David to Ziklag" 1Ch 12:3

 

Shemaiah

 

Whom Jehovah heard.

1. A prophet in the reign of Rehoboam 1Ki 12:22-24

2. Ne 3:29

3. A Simeonite 1Ch 4:37

4. A priest Ne 12:42

5. A Levite 1Ch 9:16

6. 1Ch 9:14 Ne 11:15

7. A Levite in the time of David, who with 200 of his brethren took part in the bringing up of the ark from Obed-edom to Hebron 1Ch 15:8

8. A Levite 1Ch 24:6

9. The eldest son of Obed-edom 1Ch 26:4-8

10. A Levite 2Ch 29:14

11. A false prophet who hindered the rebuilding of Jerusalem Ne 6:10

12. A prince of Judah who assisted at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem Ne 12:34-36

13. A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah Jer 29:24-32

14. One of the Levites whom Jehoshaphat appointed to teach the law 2Ch 17:8

15. A Levite appointed to "distribute the oblations of the Lord" 2Ch 31:15

16. A Levite 2Ch 35:9

17. The father of Urijah the prophet Jer 26:20

18. The father of a prince in the reign of Jehoiakim Jer 36:12

 

Shemariah

 

Whom Jehovah guards.

1. One who joined David at Ziklag 1Ch 12:5

2. Ezr 10:32,41

 

Shemeber

 

Soaring on high, the king of Zeboiim, who joined with the other kings in casting off the yoke of Chedorlaomer. After having been reconquered by him, he was rescued by Abraham Ge 14:2

 

Sheminith

 

Eight; octave, a musical term, supposed to denote the lowest note sung by men's voices 1Ch 15:21 Ps 6:1 12:1 (title).

 

Shemiramoth

 

Most high name.

1. A Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat 2Ch 17:8

2. A Levite in David's time 1Ch 15:18,20

 

Shemuel

 

Heard of God.

1. The son of Ammihud. He represented Simeon in the division of the land Nu 34:20

2. Used for "Samuel" 1Ch 6:33 R.V.

3. A prince of the tribe of Issachar 1Ch 7:2

 

Shen

 

A tooth, probably some conspicuous tooth-shaped rock or crag 1Sa 7:12 a place between which and Mizpeh Samuel set up his "Ebenezer." In the Hebrew the word has the article prefixed, "the Shen." The site is unknown.

 

Shenir

 

=Senir, De 3:9 So 4:8 the name given to Mount Hermon (q.v.) by the Sidonians.

 

Sheol

 

(Heb., "the all-demanding world" Gr. Hades, "the unknown region"), the invisible world of departed souls.

 

See HELL

 

Shepham

 

A treeless place, Nu 34:10,11 "The coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah."

 

Shephatiah

 

Judged of the Lord.

1. A son of David by Abital 2Sa 3:4

2. A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag 1Ch 12:5

3. A Simeonite prince in David's time 1Ch 27:16

4. One of Jehoshaphat's sons 2Ch 21:2

5. Ezr 2:4

6. Ezr 2:57 Ne 7:59

7. One of the princes who urged the putting of Jeremiah to death Jer 38:1-4

 

Shepherd

 

A word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead Jer 2:8 3:15 10:21 12:10 17:16 This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people Ps 23:1 80:1 Isa 40:11 44:28 Jer 25:34,35 Na 3:18 Joh 10:11,14 Heb 13:20 1Pe 2:25 5:4 The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see) 1Sa 17:34 Deane's David.

 

Sherebiah

 

Flame of the Lord, a priest whose name is prominent in connection with the work carried on by Ezra and Nehemiah at Jerusalem Ezr 8:17,18,24-30 Ne 8:7 9:4,5 10:12

 

Sheresh

 

Root, a descendant of Manasseh 1Ch 7:16

 

Sherezer

 

One of the messengers whom the children of the Captivity sent to Jerusalem "to pray for them before the Lord" Zec 7:2

 

Sheriffs

 

Da 3:2 Babylonian officers.

 

Sheshach

 

Jer 25:26 supposed to be equivalent to Babel (Babylon), according to a secret (cabalistic) mode of writing among the Jews of unknown antiquity, which consisted in substituting the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet for the first, the last but one for the second, and so on. Thus the letters sh, sh, ch become b, b, l, i.e., Babel. This is supposed to be confirmed by a reference to Jer 51:41 where Sheshach and Babylon are in parallel clauses. There seems to be no reason to doubt that Babylon is here intended by this name. (See Streane's Jeremiah, l.c.)

 

Sheshai

 

Whitish, one of the sons of Anak Nu 13:22 When the Israelites obtained possession of the country the sons of Anak were expelled and slain Jos 15:14 Jud 1:10

 

Sheshbazzar

 

O sun-god, defend the lord! Ezr 1:8,11 probably another name for Zerubbabel (q.v.), Ezr 2:2 Hag 1:12,14 Zec 4:6,10

 

Sheth

 

Tumult.

1. "The children of Sheth" Nu 24:17 R.V., "the sons of tumult, " which is probably the correct rendering, as there is no evidence that this is a proper name here.

2. The antediluvian patriarch 1Ch 1:1

 

Shethar

 

A star, a prince at the court of Ahasuerus Es 1:14

 

Shethar-boznai

 

Star of splendour, a Persian officer who vainly attempted to hinder the rebuilding of the temple Ezr 5:3,6 6:6,13

 

Sheva

 

Heb. Shebher.

1. The son of Caleb 1Ch 2:49

2. Heb. Sheva',one of David's scribes 2Sa 20:25

 

Shewbread

 

Ex 25:30 (R.V. marg., "presence bread"); 1Ch 9:32 (marg., "bread of ordering"); Nu 4:7 called "hallowed bread" (R.V., "holy bread") in 1Sa 21:1-6 This bread consisted of twelve loaves made of the finest flour. They were flat and thin, and were placed in two rows of six each on a table in the holy place before the Lord. They were renewed every Sabbath Le 24:5-9 and those that were removed to give place to the new ones were to be eaten by the priests only in the holy place (see) 1Sa 21:3-6 comp. Mt 12:3,4 The number of the loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and also the entire spiritual Israel, "the true Israel; "and the placing of them on the table symbolized the entire consecration of Israel to the Lord, and their acceptance of God as their God. The table for the bread was made of acacia wood, 3 feet long, 18 inches broad, and 2 feet 3 inches high. It was plated with pure gold. Two staves, plated with gold, passed through golden rings, were used for carrying it.

 

Shibboleth

 

River, or an ear of corn. The tribes living on the east of Jordan, separated from their brethren on the west by the deep ravines and the rapid river, gradually came to adopt peculiar customs, and from mixing largely with the Moabites, Ishmaelites, and Ammonites to pronounce certain letters in such a manner as to distinguish them from the other tribes. Thus when the Ephraimites from the west invaded Gilead, and were defeated by the Gileadites under the leadership of Jephthah, and tried to escape by the "passages of the Jordan, "the Gileadites seized the fords and would allow none to pass who could not pronounce "shibboleth" with a strong aspirate. This the fugitives were unable to do. They said "sibboleth, "as the word was pronounced by the tribes on the west, and thus they were detected Jud 12:1-6 Forty-two thousand were thus detected, and "Without reprieve, adjudged to death, For want of well-pronouncing shibboleth."

 

Shibmah

 

Fragrance, a town of Reuben, east of Jordan Nu 32:38

 

Shield

 

1. Used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material 1Sa 17:7 2Sa 1:21 1Ki 10:17 1Ch 12:8,24,34 Isa 22:6 Eze 39:9 Na 2:3

2. Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people Ge 15:1 De 33:29 Ps 33:20 84:11

3. Faith is compared to a shield Eph 6:16

4. Shields were usually "anointed" Isa 21:5 in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.

 

Shiggaion

 

From the verb shagah, "to reel about through drink, "occurs in the title of Ps 7:1 The plural form, shigionoth, is found in Hab 3:1 The word denotes a lyrical poem composed under strong mental emotion; a song of impassioned imagination accompanied with suitable music; a dithyrambic ode.

 

Shihon

 

Overturning, a town of Issachar Jos 19:19

 

Shihor

 

Dark, 1Ch 13:5 the southwestern boundary of Canaan, the Wady el-'Arish.

 

See SIHOR See NILE

 

Shihor-Libnath

 

Black-white, a stream on the borders of Asher, probably the modern Nahr Zerka, i.e., the "crocodile brook, "or "blue river", which rises in the Carmel range and enters the Mediterranean a little to the north of Caesarea Jos 19:26 Crocodiles are still found in the Zerka. Thomson suspects "that long ages ago some Egyptians, accustomed to worship this ugly creature, settled here (viz., at Caesarea), and brought their gods with them. Once here they would not easily be exterminated" (The Land and the Book).

 

Shilhim

 

Aqueducts, a town in the south of Judah Jos 15:32 called also Sharuhen and Shaaraim Jos 19:6

 

Shiloah, The waters of

 

=Siloah, Ne 3:15 and Siloam (q.v.)

 

Shiloh

 

Generally understood as denoting the Messiah, "the peaceful one, "as the word signifies Ge 49:10 The Vulgate Version translates the word, "he who is to be sent, "in allusion to the Messiah; the Revised Version, margin, "till he come to Shiloh; "and the LXX., "until that which is his shall come to Shiloh." It is most simple and natural to render the expression, as in the Authorized Version, "till Shiloh come, "interpreting it as a proper name (comp.) Isa 9:6 Shiloh, a place of rest, a city of Ephraim, "on the north side of Bethel, "from which it is distant 10 miles Jud 21:19 the modern Seilun (the Arabic for Shiloh), a "mass of shapeless ruins." Here the tabernacle was set up after the Conquest Jos 18:1-10 where it remained during all the period of the judges till the ark fell into the hands of the Philistines. "No spot in Central Palestine could be more secluded than this early sanctuary, nothing more featureless than the landscape around; so featureless, indeed, the landscape and so secluded the spot that from the time of St. Jerome till its re-discovery by Dr. Robinson in 1838 the very site was forgotten and unknown." It is referred to by Jeremiah Jer 7:12,14 26:4-9 five hundred years after its destruction.

 

Shilonite

 

Ahijah the prophet, whose home was in Shiloh, is so designated 1Ki 11:29 15:29 The plural form occurs 1Ch 9:5 denoting the descendants of Shelah, Judah's youngest son.

 

Shimea

 

The hearing prayer.

1. One of David's sons by Bathsheba 1Ch 3:5 called also Shammua 1Ch 14:4

2. A Levite of the family of Merari 1Ch 6:30

3. Another Levite of the family of Gershon 1Ch 6:39

4. One of David's brothers 1Sa 16:9 marg.

 

Shimeah

 

1. One of David's brothers 2Sa 13:3 same as Shimea 2Sa 13:4

2. A Benjamite, a descendant of Gibeon 1Ch 8:32 called also Shimeam 1Ch 9:38

 

Shimei

 

Famous.

1. A son of Gershon, and grandson of Levi Nu 3:18 1Ch 6:17,29 called Shimi in Ex 6:17

2. A Benjamite of the house of Saul, who stoned and cursed David when he reached Bahurim in his flight from Jerusalem on the occasion of the rebellion of Absalom 2Sa 16:5-13 After the defeat of Absalom he "came cringing to the king, humbly suing for pardon, bringing with him a thousand of his Benjamite tribesmen, and representing that he was heartily sorry for his crime, and had hurried the first of all the house of Israel to offer homage to the king" 2Sa 19:16-23 David forgave him; but on his death-bed he gave Solomon special instructions regarding Shimei, of whose fidelity he seems to have been in doubt 1Ki 2:8,9 He was put to death at the command of Solomon, because he had violated his word by leaving Jerusalem and going to Gath to recover two of his servants who had escaped 1Ki 2:36-46.

3. One of David's mighty men who refused to acknowledge Adonijah as David's successor 1Ki 1:8 He is probably the same person who is called elsewhere 1Ki 4:18 "the son of Elah."

4. A son of Pedaiah, the brother of Zerubbabel 1Ch 3:19

5. A Simeonite 1Ch 4:26,27

6. A Reubenite 1Ch 5:4

7. A Levite of the family of Gershon 1Ch 6:42

8. A Ramathite who was "over the vineyards" of David 1Ch 27:27

9. One of the sons of Heman, who assisted in the purification of the temple 2Ch 29:14

10. A Levite 2Ch 31:12,13

11. Another Levite Ezr 10:23 "The family of Shimei" Zec 12:13 R.V., "the family of the Shimeites" were the descendants of Shimei (1)

 

Shimeon

 

Hearkening. Ezr 10:31

 

Shimhi

 

Famous, a Benjamite 1Ch 8:21

 

Shimrath

 

Guardian, a Benjamite, one of Shimhi's sons (id.).

 

Shimri

 

Watchman.

1. A Simeonite 1Ch 4:37

2. The father of one of the "valiant men" of David's armies 1Ch 11:45

3. Assisted at the purification of the temple in the time of Hezekiah 2Ch 29:13

 

Shimrom

 

Watchman, the fourth son of Issachar Ge 46:13 1Ch 7:1 R.V., correctly, "Shimron".

 

Shimron

 

Watch-post, an ancient city of the Canaanites; with its villages, allotted to Zebulun Jos 19:15 now probably Semunieh, on the northern edge of the plain of Esdraelon, 5 miles west of Nazareth.

 

Shimron-meron

 

The same, probably, as Shimron Jos 12:20

 

Shimshai

 

The shining one, or sunny, the secretary of Rehum the chancellor, who took part in opposing the rebuilding of the temple after the Captivity Ezr 4:8,9,17-23

 

Shinab

 

Cooling, the king of Adamah, in the valley of Siddim, who with his confederates was conquered by Chedorlaomer Ge 14:2

 

Shinar, The Land of

 

LXX. and Vulgate "Senaar; "in the inscriptions, "Shumir; "probably identical with Babylonia or Southern Mesopotamia, extending almost to the Persian Gulf. Here the tower of Babel was built Ge 11:1-6 and the city of Babylon. The name occurs later in Jewish history Isa 11:11 Zec 5:11 Shinar was apparently first peopled by Turanian tribes, who tilled the land and made bricks and built cities. Then tribes of Semites invaded the land and settled in it, and became its rulers. This was followed in course of time by an Elamite invasion; from which the land was finally delivered by Khammurabi, the son of Amarpel ("Amraphel, king of Shinar, ")Ge 14:1 who became the founder of the new empire of Chaldea.

 

See AMRAPHEL

 

Shiphmite

 

Probably the designation of Zabdi, who has charge of David's vineyards 1Ch 27:27

 

Shiphrah

 

Beauty, one of the Egyptian midwives Ex 1:15

 

Shiphtan

 

Judicial, an Ephraimite prince at the time of the division of Canaan Nu 34:24

 

Ships

 

Early used in foreign commerce by the Phoenicians Ge 49:13 Moses De 28:68 and Job Job 9:26 make reference to them, and Balaam speaks of the "ships of Chittim" Nu 24:24 Solomon constructed a navy at Ezion-geber by the assistance of Hiram's sailors 1Ki 9:26-28 2Ch 8:18 Afterwards, Jehoshaphat sought to provide himself with a navy at the same port, but his ships appear to have been wrecked before they set sail 1Ki 22:48,49 2Ch 20:35-37 In our Lord's time fishermen's boats on the Sea of Galilee were called "ships." Much may be learned regarding the construction of ancient merchant ships and navigation from the record in Ac 27:1-28:12

 

Shishak I

 

=Sheshonk I., king of Egypt. His reign was one of great national success, and a record of his wars and conquests adorns the portico of what are called the "Bubastite kings" at Karnak, the ancient Thebes. Among these conquests is a record of that of Judea. In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign Shishak came up against the kingdom of Judah with a powerful army. He took the fenced cities and came to Jerusalem. He pillaged the treasures of the temple and of the royal palace, and carried away the shields of gold which Solomon had made 1Ki 11:40 1Ki 14:25 2Ch 12:2

See REHOBOAM This expedition of the Egyptian king was undertaken at the instigation of Jeroboam for the purpose of humbling Judah. Hostilities between the two kingdoms still continued; but during Rehoboam's reign there was not again the intervention of a third party.

 

Shittah-tree

 

Isa 41:19 (R.V., "acacia tree"). Shittah wood was employed in making the various parts of the tabernacle in the wilderness, and must therefore have been indigenous in the desert in which the Israelites wandered. It was the acacia or mimosa (Acacia Nilotica and A. seyal). "The wild acacia (Mimosa Nilotica), under the name of _sunt_, everywhere represents the seneh, or senna, of the burning bush. A slightly different form of the tree, equally common under the name of _seyal_, is the ancient 'shittah, 'or, as more usually expressed in the plural form, the 'shittim, 'of which the tabernacle was made." Stanley's Sinai, etc. Ex 25:10,13,23,28

 

Shittim

 

Acacias, also called "Abel-shittim" Nu 33:49 a plain or valley in the land of Moab where the Israelites were encamped after their two victories over Sihon and Og, at the close of their desert wanderings, and from which Joshua sent forth two spies (q.v.) "secretly" to "view" the land and Jericho Jos 2:1

 

Shoa

 

Opulent, the mountain district lying to the north-east of Babylonia, anciently the land of the Guti, or Kuti, the modern Kurdistan. The plain lying between these mountains and the Tigris was called su-Edina, i.e., "the border of the plain." This name was sometimes shortened into Suti and Su, and has been regarded as Shoa Eze 23:23 Some think it denotes a place in Babylon.

 

See PEKOD

 

Shobab

 

Apostate.

1. One of David's sons by Bathseheba 2Sa 5:14

2. One of the sons of Caleb 1Ch 2:18 the son of Hezron.

 

Shobach

 

Poured out, the "captain of the host of Hadarezer" when he mustered his vassals and tributaries from beyond "the river Euphrates" 2Sa 10:15-18 called also Shophach 1Ch 19:16

 

Shobai

 

Captors Ezr 2:42

 

Shobal

 

Pilgrim.

1. The second son of Seir the Horite; one of the Horite "dukes" Ge 36:20

2. One of the sons of Caleb, and a descendant of Hur 1Ch 2:50,52 4:1,2

 

Shobi

 

Captor, son of Nahash of Rabbah, the Ammonite. He showed kindness to David when he fled from Jerusalem to Mahanaim 2Sa 17:27

 

Shocho

 

2Ch 28:18 Shochoh 1Sa 17:1 =Shoco 2Ch 11:7

 

See SOCOH

 

Shoe

 

Of various forms, from the mere sandal (q.v.) to the complete covering of the foot. The word so rendered (A.V.) in De 33:25 _min'al_, "a bar, "is derived from a root meaning "to bolt" or "shut fast, "and hence a fastness or fortress. The verse has accordingly been rendered "iron and brass shall be thy fortress, "or, as in the Revised Version, "thy bars [marg., "shoes"] shall be iron and brass."

 

Shomer

 

Watchman.

1. The mother of Jehozabad, who murdered Joash 2Ki 12:21 called also Shimrith, a Moabitess 2Ch 24:26

2. A man of Asher 1Ch 7:32 called also Shamer 1Ch 7:34

 

Shophan

 

Hidden, or hollow, a town east of Jordan Nu 32:35 built by the children of Gad. This word should probably be joined with the word preceding it in this passage, Atroth-Shophan, as in the Revised Version.

 

Shoshannim

 

Lilies, the name of some musical instrument, probably like a lily in shape Ps 45:1 69:1 (title). Some think that an instrument of six strings is meant.

 

Shoshannim-Eduth

 

In title of Ps 80:1 (R.V. marg., "lilies, a testimony"), probably the name of the melody to which the psalm was to be sung.

 

Shrines, Silver

 

Little models and medallions of the temple and image of Diana of Ephesus Ac 19:24 The manufacture of these was a very large and profitable business.

 

Shua

 

Wealth.

1. A Canaanite whose daughter was married to Judah 1Ch 2:3

2. A daughter of Heber the Asherite 1Ch 7:32

 

Shuah

 

Prostration; a pit.

1. One of Abraham's sons by Keturah Ge 25:2 1Ch 1:32

2. 1Ch 4:11

 

Shual, The land of

 

Land of the fox, a district in the tribe of Benjamin 1Sa 13:17 possibly the same as Shalim 1Sa 9:4 in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin Jos 19:42

 

Shuhite

 

A designation of Bildad Job 2:11 probably because he was a descendant of Shuah.

 

Shulamite

 

The same, as some think, with "Shunammite, "from "Shunem:" otherwise, the import of the word is uncertain So 6:13 (R.V., "Shulammite").

 

Shunammite

 

A person of Shunem 1Ki 1:3 2Ki 4:12 The Syr. and Arab. read "Sulamite."

 

Shunem

 

Two resting-places, a little village in the tribe of Issachar, to the north of Jezreel and south of Mount Gilboa Jos 19:18 where the Philistines encamped when they came against Saul 1Sa 28:4 and where Elisha was hospitably entertained by a rich woman of the place. On the sudden death of this woman's son she hastened to Carmel, 20 miles distant across the plain, to tell Elisha, and to bring him with her to Shunem. There, in the "prophet's chamber, "the dead child lay; and Elisha entering it, shut the door and prayed earnestly: and the boy was restored to life 2Ki 4:8-37 This woman afterwards retired during the famine to the low land of the Philistines; and on returning a few years afterwards, found her house and fields in the possession of a stranger. She appealed to the king at Samaria, and had them in a somewhat remarkable manner restored to her (comp.) 2Ki 8:1-6

 

Shur

 

An enclosure; a wall, a part, probably, of the Arabian desert, on the north-eastern border of Egypt, giving its name to a wilderness extending from Egypt toward Philistia Ge 16:7 20:1 25:18 Ex 15:22 The name was probably given to it from the wall (or shur) which the Egyptians built to defend their frontier on the north-east from the desert tribes. This wall or line of fortifications extended from Pelusium to Heliopolis.

 

Shushan

 

A lily, the Susa of Greek and Roman writers, once the capital of Elam. It lay in the uplands of Susiana, on the east of the Tigris, about 150 miles to the north of the head of the Persian Gulf. It is the modern Shush, on the northwest of Shuster. Once a magnificent city, it is now an immense mass of ruins. Here Daniel saw one of his visions Da 8:1 and here also Nehemiah Ne 1:1ff. began his public life.  Most of the events recorded in the Book of Esther took place here.  Modern explorers have brought to light numerous relics, and the ground-plan of the splendid palace of Shushan, one of the residences of the great king, together with numerous specimens of ancient art, which illustrate the statements of Scripture regarding it Da 8:2 The great hall of this palace Es 1:2ff. "consisted of several magnificent groups of columns, together with a frontage of 343 feet 9 inches, and a depth of 244 feet. These groups were arranged into a central phalanx of thirty-six columns (six rows of six each), flanked on the west, north, and east by an equal number, disposed in double rows of six each, and distant from them 64 feet 2 inches." The inscriptions on the ruins represent that the palace was founded by Darius and completed by Artaxerxes.

 

Shushan-Eduth

 

Lily of the testimony, the title of Ps 60:1

 

See SHOSHANNIM

 

Sibbecai

 

The Lord sustains, one of David's heroes 1Ch 11:29 general of the eighth division of the army 1Ch 27:11 He slew the giant Saph in the battle of Gob 2Sa 21:18 R.V., "Sibbechai". Called also Mebunnai 2Sa 23:27

 

Sibmah

 

Coolness; fragrance, a town in Reuben, in the territory of Moab, on the east of Jordan Jos 13:19 called also Shebam and Shibmah Nu 32:3,38 It was famous for its vines Isa 16:9 Jer 48:32 It has been identified with the ruin of Sumieh, where there are rock-cut wine-presses. This fact explains the words of the prophets referred to above. It was about 5 miles east of Heshbon.

 

Sichem

 

=She'chem, (q.v.), Ge 12:6

 

Sickle

 

Of the Egyptians resembled that in modern use. The ears of corn were cut with it near the top of the straw. There was also a sickle used for warlike purposes, more correctly, however, called a pruning-hook De 16:9 Jer 50:16 marg., "scythe; "Joe 3:13 Mr 4:29

 

Siddim, Vale of

 

Valley of the broad plains, "which is the salt sea" Ge 14:3,8,10 between Engedi and the cities of the plain, at the south end of the Dead Sea. It was "full of slime-pits" (R.V., "bitumen pits"). Here Chedorlaomer and the confederate kings overthrew the kings of Sodom and the cities of the plain. God afterwards, on account of their wickedness, "overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities; "and the smoke of their destruction "went up as the smoke of a furnace" Ge 19:24-28 and was visible from Mamre, where Abraham dwelt. Some, however, contend that the "cities of the plain" were somewhere at the north of the Dead Sea.

 

See SODOM

 

Sidon

 

Fishing; fishery, Ge 10:15,19 (A.V. marg., Tzidon; R.V., Zidon); Mt 11:21,22 Lu 6:17

 

See ZIDON

 

Signet

 

A seal used to attest documents Da 6:8-10,12 In Da 6:17 this word properly denotes a ring. The impression of a signet ring on fine clay has recently been discovered among the ruins at Nineveh. It bears the name and title of an Egyptian king. Two actual signet rings of ancient Egyptian monarchs (Cheops and Horus) have also been discovered. When digging a shaft close to the south wall of the temple area, the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund, at a depth of 12 feet below the surface, came upon a pavement of polished stones, formerly one of the streets of the city. Under this pavement they found a stratum of 16 feet of concrete, and among this concrete, 10 feet down, they found a signet stone bearing the inscription, in Old Hebrew characters, "Haggai, son of Shebaniah." It has been asked, Might not this be the actual seal of Haggai the prophet? We know that he was in Jerusalem after the Captivity; and it is somewhat singular that he alone of all the minor prophets makes mention of a signet Hag 2:23

 

See SEAL

 

Sihon

 

Striking down. The whole country on the east of Jordan, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, was possessed by the Amorites, whose king, Sihon, refused to permit the Israelites to pass through his territory, and put his army in array against them. The Israelites went forth against him to battle, and gained a complete victory. The Amorites were defeated; Sihon, his sons, and all his people were smitten with the sword, his walled towns were captured, and the entire country of the Amorites was taken possession of by the Israelites Nu 21:21-30 De 2:24-37 The country from the Jabbok to Hermon was at this time ruled by Og, the last of the Rephaim. He also tried to prevent the progress of the Israelites, but was utterly routed, and all his cities and territory fell into the hands of the Israelites (comp.) Nu 21:33-35 De 3:1-14 Ps 135:10-12 136:17-22 These two victories gave the Israelites possession of the country on the east of Jordan, from the Arnon to the foot of Hermon. The kingdom of Sihon embraced about 1,500 square miles, while that of Og was more than 3,000 square miles.

 

Sihor

 

(correctly Shi'hor) black; dark the name given to the river Nile in Isa 23:3 Jer 2:18 In Jos 13:3 it is probably "the river of Egypt", i.e., the Wady el-Arish 1Ch 13:5 which flows "before Egypt", i.e., in a north-easterly direction from Egypt, and enters the sea about 50 miles south-west of Gaza.

 

Silas

 

Wood, a prominent member of the church at Jerusalem; also called Silvanus. He and Judas, surnamed Barsabas, were chosen by the church there to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch from the council of the apostles and elders Ac 15:22 as bearers of the decree adopted by the council. He assisted Paul there in his evangelistic labours, and was also chosen by him to be his companion on his second missionary tour Ac 16:19-24 He is referred to in the epistles under the name of Silvanus 2Co 1:19 1Th 1:1 2Th 1:1 1Pe 5:12 There is no record of the time or place of his death.

 

Silk

 

Heb. demeshek, "damask, "silk cloth manufactured at Damascus, Am 3:12 A.V., "in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch; "R.V., "in the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed" (marg., "in Damascus on a bed"). Heb. meshi, Eze 16:10,13 rendered "silk"). In Ge 41:42 (marg. A.V.), Pr 31:22 (R.V., "fine linen"), the word "silk" ought to be "fine linen." Silk was common in New Testament times Re 18:12