Eastons Bible Dictionary

Numbering - OF THE PEOPLE Besides the Numbering of the tribes mentioned in the history of the wanderings in the Wilderness we have an account of a general Census of the whole nation from Dan to Beersheba which David gave directions to Joab to make (1 Chronicles 21:1). Joab very reluctantly began to carry out the king’s command. ...

This act of David in ordering a Numbering of the people arose from pride and a self-glorifying Spirit It indicated a reliance on his part on an Arm of Flesh an estimating of his power not by the divine favour but by the material resources of his Kingdom He thought of military achievement and of conquest, and forgot that he was God’s vicegerent. In all this he sinned against God While Joab was engaged in the Census David’s heart smote him, and he became deeply conscious of his fault; and in profound Humiliation he confessed, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done.” The prophet Gad was sent to him to Put before him three dreadful alternatives (2 Samuel 24:13; for “seven years” in this verse, the LXX. and 1 Chronicles 21:12 have “three years”), three of Jehovah’s four sore Judgments (Ezekiel 14:21). Two of these David had already experienced. He had fled for some months before Absalom and had suffered three years’ Famine on account of the slaughter of the Gibeonites. In his “strait” David said, “Let me Fall into the hands of the Lord ” A pestilence broke out among the people, and in three days swept away 70,000. At David’s Intercession the Plague was stayed, and at the threshing-floor of Araunah (q.v.), where the destroying Angel was arrested in his progress, David erected an Altar and there offered up sacrifies to God (2 Chronicles 3:1).

The Census so far as completed, showed that there were at least 1,300,000 fighting men in the Kingdom indicating at that time a population of about six or Seven millions in all. (See Census )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Numbers - , Book OF the fourth of the books of the Pentateuch called in the Hebrew be-midbar, i.e., “in the Wilderness ” In the LXX. Version it is called “Numbers,” and this name is now the usual title of the book. It is so called because it contains a record of the Numbering of the people in the Wilderness of Sinai (1-4), and of their Numbering afterwards on the Plain of Moab (26). ...

This book is of special historical interest as furnishing us with details as to the route of the Israelites in the Wilderness and their principal encampments. It may be divided into three parts:

1. The Numbering of the people at Sinai, and preparations for their resuming their march (1-10: 10). The sixth Chapter gives an account of the vow of a Nazarite

2. An account of the Journey from Sinai to Moab the sending out of the Spies and the report they brought back, and the murmurings (eight times) of the people at the hardships by the way (10:1 1-21:20).

3. The transactions in the Plain of Moab before crossing the Jordan (21:21 -eh. 36).

The period comprehended in the history extends from the second Month of the second Year after the Exodus to the beginning of the eleventh Month of the fortieth Year in all about thirty-eight years and ten months; a dreary period of wanderings, during which that disobedient Generation all died in the Wilderness They were fewer in number at the End of their wanderings than when they Left the land of Egypt We see in this history, on the one Hand the unceasing care of the Almighty over his Chosen people during their wanderings; and, on the other Hand the murmurings and rebellions by which they offended their heavenly Protector, drew down repeated marks of his displeasure, and provoked him to say that they should “not enter into his rest” because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).

This, l ik e the other books of the Pentateuch bears evidence of having been written by Moses

The expression “the book of the wars of the Lord ” occurring in 21:14, has given rise to much discussion. But, after all, “what this book was is uncertain, whether some Writing of Israel not now extant, or some Writing of the Amorites which contained songs and triumphs of their King Sihon’s victories, out of which Moses may cite this Testimony as Paul sometimes does out of Heathen poets (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12).”

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Nun - Beyond the fact that he was the Father of Joshua nothing more is known of him (Exodus 33: 1 1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Nuts - were among the presents Jacob sent into Egypt for the purpose of conciliating Joseph (Genesis 43:11). This was the Fruit of the pistachio Tree which resembles the sumac. It is of the size of an Olive In Cant. 6:11 a different Hebrew Word (‘egoz), which means “walnuts,” is used.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Nymphas - nymph, saluted by Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians as a member of the Church of Laodicea (Colossians 4: 15).

Oak

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Oath - a solemn Appeal to God permitted on fitting occasions (Deuteronomy 6:13; Jeremiah 4:2), in various forms (Genesis 16:5; 2 Samuel 12:5; Ruth 1:17; Hos. 4:15; Romans 1:9), and taken in different ways (Genesis 14:22; 24:2; 2 Chronicles 6:22). God is represented as taking an Oath (Hebrews 6:16-18), so also Christ (Matthew 26:64), and Paul (Romans 9:1; Galatians 1:20; Phil. ... 1:8). The precept, “Swear not at all,” refers probably to ordinary Conversation between Man and Man (Matthew 5:34,37). But if the words are taken as referring to oaths, then their intention may have been to show “that the proper state of Christians is to require no oaths; that when evil is expelled from among them every yea and nay Will be as decisive as an Oath every promise as binding as a vow.”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Obadiah - , BOOK OF consists of one Chapter “concerning Edom ” its impending doom (1:1-16), and the restoration of Israel (1:17-21). This is the shortest book of the Old Testament

There are on record the account of four captures of Jerusalem (1) by Shishak in the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25); (2) by the Philistines and Arabians in the reign of Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:16); (3) by Joash the King of Israel in the reign of Amaziah (2 Kings 14:13); and (4) by the Babylonians, when Jerusalem was taken and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. ... 586). Obadiah (1:11-14) speaks of this capture as a thing past. He sees the calamity as having already come on Jerusalem and the Edomites as joining their Forces with those of the Chaldeans in bringing about the degradation and ruin of Israel We do not indeed read that the Edomites actually took part with the Chaldeans, but the probabilities are that they did so, and this explains the words of Obadiah in denouncing against Edom the Judgments of God The Date of his prophecies was thus in or about the Year of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Edom is the type of Israel’s and of God’s last foe (Isaiah 63:1-4). These Will finally all be vanquished, and the kingdom Will be the Lord’s (comp. Psalm 22:28).

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Oral - stripped, the eight Son of Joktan (Genesis 10:28); called also Ebal (1 Chronicles 1:22).

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Obed - serving; worshipping. (1.) A Son of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:21, 22), and the grandfather of David (Matthew 1:5).

(2.) 1 Chronicles 2:34-38.

(3.) 1 Chronicles 26:7.

(4.) 2 Chronicles 23:1.

OBED-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Edom - servant of Edom (1.) “The Gittite” (probably so called because he was a native of Gath-rimmon), a Levite of the family of the Korhites (1 Chronicles 26:1, 4-8), to whom was specially intrusted the custody of the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:18). When David was bringing up the Ark “from the House of Abinadab that was in Gibeah” (probably some Hill or eminence near Kirjath-jearim), and had reached Nachon’s threshing-floor, he became afraid because of the “breach upon Uzzah ” and carried it aside into the House of Obededom (2 Samuel 6:1-12). ... There it remained for six months, and was to him and his House the occasion of great blessing. David then removed it with great rejoicing to Jerusalem and set it in the midst of the Tabernacle he had pitched for it.

(2.) A Merarite Levite a Temple porter, who with his eight sons guarded the southern Gate (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21; 26:4, 8, 15).

(3.) One who had charge of the Temple treasures (2 Chronicles 25:24).

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Obeisance - homage or reverence to any one (Genesis 37:7; 43:28).

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Obil - a Keeper of camels, an Ishmaelite who was “over the camels” in the time of David (1 Chronicles 27:30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Oboth - bottles, an encampment of the Israelites during the wanderings in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:43), the first after the setting up of the brazen Serpent

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Oded - restoring, or setting up. (1.) Father of the prophet Azariah (2 Chronicles 15:1, 8).

(2.) A Prophet in the time of Ahaz and Pekah (2 Chronicles 28:9-15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Offence - (1.) An injury or wrong done to one (1 Samuel 25:31; Romans 5:15).

(2.) A stumbling-block or cause of Temptation (Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 16:23; 18:7). Greek skandalon, properly that at which one stumbles or takes Offence The “offence of the cross” (Galatians 5:11) is the Offence the Jews took at the teaching that Salvation was by the crucified One, and by him alone. Salvation by the Cross was a stumbling-block to their national pride.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Og - gigantic, the King of Bashan who was defeated by Moses in a pitched battle at Edrei and was slain along with his sons (Deuteronomy :4), and whose Kingdom was given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half the Tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 21:32-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-13). ... His Bedstead (or rather sarcophagus) was of Iron (or ironstone), 9 cubits in length and 4 cubits in breadth. His overthrow was afterwards celebrated in song (Psalm 135:11; 136:20). (See SIHON.)

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Ohad - united, or power, the third Son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10).

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Ohel - a House Tent the fourth Son of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Oil - Only olive Oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews It was used for many purposes: for anointing the body or the Hair (Exodus 29:7; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalm 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46); in some of the offerings (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 7: 12; Numbers 6:15; 15:4), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Leviticus 5:11) and the jealousy-offering (Numbers 5:15); for burning in lamps (Exodus 25:6; 27:20; Matthew 25:3); for medicinal purposes (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34; James 5:14); and for anointing the Dead (Matthew 26:12; Luke 23:56). ...

It was one of the most valuable products of the country (Deuteronomy 32:13; Ezekiel 16:13), and formed an article of extensive commerce with Tyre (27:17).

The use of it was a sign of gladness (Psalm 92:10; Isaiah 61:3), and its omission a token of sorrow (2 Samuel 14:2; Matthew 6:17). It was very abundant in Galilee. (See Olive )

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Oint - ME NT Various fragrant preparations, also compounds for medical purposes, are so called (Exodus 30:25; Psalm 133:2; Isaiah 1:6; Amos 6:6; John 12:3; Revelation 18:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Old - GATE one of the gates in the North wall of Jerusalem so called because built by the Jebusites (Nehemiah 3:6; 12:39).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Olive - the Fruit of the olive-tree. This Tree yielded Oil which was highly valued. The best Oil was from olives that were plucked before being fully ripe, and then Beaten or squeezed (Deuteronomy 24:20; Isaiah 17:6; 24:13). It was called “beaten,” or “fresh oil” (Exodus 27:20). There were also oil-presses, in which the... class=tip id="oil~"7583415 href=#oil onclick="bC(this);"> Oil was trodden out by the feet (Micah 6:15). James (3:12) calls the Fruit “olive berries.” The phrase “vineyards and olives” (Judges 15:5, A.V.) should be simply “olive-yard,” or “olive-garden,” as in the Revised Version (See Oil )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ves - , Mount OF so called from the Olive trees with which its sides are clothed, is a mountain ridge on the East of Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7; Ezekiel 11:23; Zechariah 14:4), from which it is separated by the Valley of Kidron. It is first mentioned in connection with David’s flight from Jerusalem through the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:30), and is only once again mentioned in the Old Testament in Zechariah 14:4. ... It is, however, frequently alluded to (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13; Nehemiah 8:15; Ezekiel 11:23).

It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 21:1; 26:30, etc.). It now bears the name of Jebel et-Tur, i.e., “Mount of the Summit;” also sometimes called Jebel ez-Zeitun, i.e., “Mount of Olives.” It is about 200 feet above the level of the City The Road from Jerusalem to Bethany runs as of Old over this Mount It was on this Mount that Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalem “No name in Scripture ” says Dr. Porter “calls up associations at once so sacred and so pleasing as that of Olivet. The ‘mount’ is so intimately connected with the private, the devotional Life of the Saviour that we read of it and look at it with feelings of deepest interest and Affection Here he often sat with his disciples, telling them of wondrous events yet to come, of the Destruction of the Holy City of the sufferings, the Persecution and the final triumph of his followers (Matthew 24). Here he gave them the Beautiful parables of the ten virgins and the five talents (25); here he was wont to retire on each Evening for meditation, and Prayer and Rest of body, when weary and harassed by the labours and trials of the Day (Luke 21:37); and here he came on the night of his betrayal to utter that wonderful Prayer ‘O my Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I Will but as thou wilt’ (Matthew 26:39). And when the cup of God’s wrath had been Drunk and Death and the Grave conquered, he led his disciples out again over Olivet as far as to Bethany and after a parting blessing ascended to Heaven (Luke 24:50, 51; Acts 1:12).”

This Mount or rather mountain range, has four summits or peaks: (1) the “Galilee” peak, so called from a Tradition that the angels stood here when they spoke to the disciples (Acts 1:11); (2) the “Mount of Ascension,” the supposed site of that event, which was, however, somewhere probably nearer Bethany (Luke 24:51, 52); (3) the “Prophets,” from the catacombs on its side, called “the prophets’ tombs;” and (4) the “Mount of Corruption,” so called because of the “high places” erected there by Solomon for the idolatrous Worship of his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13; Vulg., “Mount of Offence”).

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Olympas - a Roman Christian whom Paul salutes (Romans 16:15).

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Omar - eloquent, the Son of Eliphaz who was Esau’s eldest Son (Genesis 36:11-15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Omega - (Revelation 1:8), the last Letter in the Greek alphabet. (See A.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Omer - a handful, one-tenth of an ephah=half a gallon dry Measure (Exodus 16:22, 32, 33, 36)=“tenth deal.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Omri - servant of Jehovah When Elah was murdered by Zimri at Tirzah (1 Kings 16:15-27), Omri his Captain was made King (B.C. 931). For four years there was continued opposition to his reign, Tibni, another claimant to the Throne leading the opposing party; but at the close of that period all his rivals were defeated, and he became King of Israel “Tibni died and Omri reigned” (B.C. ... 927). By his vigour and power he gained great eminence and consolidated the Kingdom He fixed his dynasty on the Throne so firmly that it continued during four succeeding reigns. Tirza was for six years the seat of his government. He then removed the capital to Samaria (q.v.), where he died, and was succeeded by his Son Ahab. “He wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord and did worse than all that were before him.”

Beth-omri, “the house” or “city of Omri ” is the name usually found on Assyrian inscriptions for Samaria In the stele of Mesha (the “Moabite stone”), which was erected in Moab about twenty or thirty years after Omri’s Death it is recorded that Omri oppressed Moab till Mesha delivered the land: “Omri, King of Israel oppressed Moab many days, for Chemosh was angry with his land. His Son succeeded him, and he also said, I Will oppress Moab” (comp. 2 Kings 1:1; 3:4, 5). The “Moabite stone” also records that “Omri took the land of Medeba and occupied it in his Day and in the days of his Son forty years.”

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Onan - strong, the second Son of Judah (Genesis 38:4-10; comp. Deuteronomy 25:5; Matthew 22:24). He died before the going down of Jacob and his family into Egypt

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Onesimus - useful, a Slave who, after robbing his master Philemon (q.v.) at Colosse, fled to Rome where he was converted by the apostle Paul who sent him back to his master with the epistle which bears his name. In it he beseeches Philemon to receive his Slave as a “faithful and beloved Brother ” Paul offers to pay to Philemon anything his Slave had taken, and to bear the wrong he had done him. ... He was accompanied on his return by Tychicus the Bearer of the Epistle to the Colossians (Philemon 1:16, 18).

The story of this Fugitive Colossian Slave is a remarkable evidence of the Freedom of access to the prisoner which was granted to all, and “a Beautiful illustration both of the character of St. Paul and the transfiguring power and righteous principles of the gospel.”

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Onesiphorus - bringing profit, an Ephesian Christian who showed great kindness to Paul at Rome He served him in many things, and had oft refreshed him. Paul expresses a warm interest in him and his household (2 Timothy 1:16-18; 4:19).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Onion - The Israelites in the Wilderness longed for the “onions and garlick of Egypt” (Numbers 1 1:5). This was the betsel of the Hebrews the Allium cepe of botanists, of which it is said that there are some thirty or forty species now growing in Palestine The Onion is “the ‘undivided’ Leek unio , unus, one.”

Ono

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Onyx - a Hail claw; Hoof (Hebrews shoham), a precious Stone adorning the breast-plate of the high Priest and the shoulders of the Ephod (Exodus 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28: 16; Ezekiel 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Genesis 2:12). ... The LXX. translates the Hebrew Word by smaragdos, an Emerald Some think that the Sardonyx is meant. But the Onyx differs from the Sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).

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Open - PLACE Genesis 38:14, 21, mar. Enaim; the same probably as Enam (Joshua 15:34), a City in the lowland or Shephelah.

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Ophel - hill; mound, the long, narrow, rounded promontory on the southern slope of the Temple hill, between the Tyropoeon and the Kedron Valley (2 Chronicles 27:3; 33:14; Nehemiah 3:26, 27). It was surrounded by a separate Wall and was occupied by the Nethinim after the Captivity

This Wall has been discovered by the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund at the south-eastern angle of the Temple area. ... It is 4 feet below the present surface. In 2 Kings 5:24 this Word is translated “tower” (R.V., “hill”), denoting probably some eminence near Elisha’s House

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Ophir - (1.) One of the sons of Joktan (Genesis 10:29).

(2.) Some region famous for its Gold (1 Kings 9:28; 10:11; 22:48; Job 22:24; 28:16; Isaiah 13:12). In the LXX. this Word is rendered “Sophir,” and “Sofir” is the Coptic name for India which is the rendering of the Arabic Version as also of the Vulgate. ... Josephus has identified it with the Golden Chersonese, i.e., the Malay peninsula. It is now generally identified with Abhira, at the mouth of the Indus. Much may be said, however, in favour of the opinion that it was somewhere in Arabia

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Ophni - mouldy, a City of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24).

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Ophrah - a fawn. 1 Chronicles 4:14. (1.) A City of Benjamin (Joshua 18:23); probably identical with Ephron (2 Chronicles 13:19) and Ephraim (John 11:54).

(2.) “Of the Abi-ezrites.” A City of Manasseh 6 miles south-west of Shechem the residence of Gideon (Judges 6:11; 8:27, 32). ... After his great victory over the Midianites, he slew at this Place the Captive kings (8:18-21). He then assumed the function of high Priest and sought to make Ophrah what Shiloh should have been. This thing “became a snare” to Gideon and his House After Gideon’s Death his family resided here till they were Put to Death by Abimelech (Judges 9:5). It is identified with Ferata.

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Oracle - In the Old Testament used in every case, except 2 Samuel 16:23, to denote the most holy Place in the Temple (1 Kings 6:5, 19-23; 8:6). In 2 Samuel 16:23 it means the Word of God A Man inquired “at the Oracle of God” by means of the Urim and Thummim in the Breastplate on the High priest’s Ephod In the New Testament it is used only in the plural, and always denotes the Word of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12, etc.). ... The Scriptures are called “living oracles” (comp. Hebrews 4:12) because of their quickening power (Acts 7:38).

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Oreb - , THE Rock OF the Place where Gideon slew Oreb after the defeat of the Midianites (Judges 7:25; Isaiah 10:26). It was probably the Place now called Orbo, on the East of Jordan near Bethshean.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Oren - ash or pine, the Son of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:25).

Organ

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Orion - Hebrews Kesil; i.e., “the fool”, the name of a Constellation (Job 9:9; 38:31; Amos 5:8) consisting of about eighty Stars The Vulgate renders thus, but the LXX. renders by Hesperus, i.e., “the evening-star,” Venus. The Orientals “appear to have conceived of this Constellation under the figure of an impious giant bound upon the sky.” This giant was, according to Tr ... adition Nimrod the type of the folly that contends against God In Isaiah 13:10 the plural form of the Hebrew Word is rendered “constellations.”

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Ornan - 1 Chronicles 21:15. (See Araunah )

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Orpah - forelock or fawn, a Moabitess, the Wife of Chilion (Ruth 1:4; 4:10). On the Death of her Husband she accompanied Naomi her mother-in-law, part of the way to Bethlehem and then returned to Moab

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Orphans - (Lamentations 5:3), i.e., desolate and without protectors. The Word occurs only here. In John 14:18 the Word there rendered “comfortless” (R.V., “desolate;” marg., “orphans”) properly means “orphans.” The same Greek Word is rendered “fatherless” in James 1:27.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Osprey - Hebrews ‘ozniyyah, an unclean Bird according to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy 14:12); the fish-eating eagle (Pandion haliaetus); one of the lesser eagles. But the Hebrew Word may be taken to denote the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus of Southern Europe), one of the most abundant of the eagle Tribe found in Palestine

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ossifrage - Hebrews peres = to “break” or “crush”, the lammer-geier, or bearded Vulture the largest of the whole Vulture tribe. It was an unclean Bird (Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy 14:12). It is not a gregarious Bird and is found but rarely in Palestine “When the other vultures have picked the Flesh off any Animal he comes in at the End of the Feast and swallows the bones, or breaks them, and swallows the Pieces if he cannot otherwise extract the marrow. ... The bones he cracks [hence the appropriateness of the name Ossifrage i.e., “bone-breaker”] by letting them Fall on a Rock from a great height. He does not, however, confine himself to these delicacies, but whenever he has an opportunity Will devour lambs, kids, or hares. These he generally obtains by pushing them over cliffs, when he has watched his opportunity; and he has been known to attack men while climbing rocks, and dash them against the bottom. But tortoises and serpents are his ordinary Food No doubt it was a lammer-geier that mistook the bald head of the poet AEschylus for a Stone and dropped on it the Tortoise which killed him” (Tristram’s Nat. Hist.).

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Ostrich - (Lamentations 4:3), the rendering of Hebrew pi. enim; so called from its greediness and gluttony. The allusion here is to the habit of the Ostrich with reference to its eggs, which is thus described: “The outer layer of eggs is generally so ill covered that they are destroyed in quantities by jackals, wild-cats, etc., and that the natives carry them away, only taking care not to leave the marks of their footsteps, since, when the Ostrich comes and finds that her nest is discovered, she crushes the whole brood, and builds a nest elsewhere.” In Job 39:13 this Word in the Authorized Version is the rendering of a Hebrew Word (notsah) which means “feathers,” as in the Revised Version In the same verse the Word “peacocks” of the Authorized Version is the rendering of the Hebrew pi. ... renanim, properly meaning “ostriches,” as in the Revised Version (See Owl [1].)

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Othni - a lion of Jehovah a Son of Shemaiah and one of the Temple porters in the time of David (1 Chronicles 26:7). He was a “mighty Man of valour.”

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Othniel - lion of God the first of the Judges His Wife Achsah was the Daughter of Caleb (Joshua 15:16, 17; Judges 1:13). He gained her Hand as a reward for his Bravery in leading a successful expedition against Debir (q.v.). ... Some thirty years after the Death of Joshua the Israelites fell under the subjection of Chushan-rishathaim (q.v.), the King of Mesopotamia. He oppressed them for full eight years, when they “cried” unto Jehovah and Othniel was raised up to be their deliverer. He was the younger Brother of Caleb (Judges 3:8, 9-11). He is the only Judge mentioned connected with the Tribe of Judah Under him the land had Rest forty years.

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Ouches - an Old English Word denoting cavities or sockets in which gems were set (Exodus 28:11).

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Oven - Hebrews tannur, (Hos. 7:4). In towns there appear to have been public ovens. There was a Street in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37:21) called “bakers’ street” (the only case in which the name of a Street in Jerusalem is preserved). The words “tower of the furnaces” (Nehemiah 3:11; 12:38) is more properly “tower of the ovens” (Hebrews tannurim). These resemble the ovens in use among ourselves.

There were other private ovens of different kinds. Some were like large jars made of earthenware or Copper which were heated inside with Wood (1 Kings 17:12; Isaiah 44:15; Jeremiah 7:18) or Grass (Matthew 6:30), and when the Fire had burned out, small Pieces of Dough were placed inside or spread in thin layers on the outside, and were thus baked. ... (See Furnace )

Pits were also formed for the same purposes, and lined with cement. These were used after the same manner.

Heated Stones or sand heated by a Fire heaped over it, and also flat irons pans, all served as ovens for the preparation of Bread (See Genesis 18:6; 1 Kings 19:6.)

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Owl - (1.) Hebrews bath-haya’anah, “daughter of greediness” or of “shouting.” In the list of unclean birds (Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15); also mentioned in Job 30:29; Isaiah 13:21; 34:13; 43:20; Jeremiah 0:39; Micah 1:8. In all these passages the Revised Version translates “ostrich” (q.v.), which is the correct rendering. ...

(2.) Hebrews yanshuph, rendered “great owl” in Leviticus 11:17; Deuteronomy 14:16, and “owl” in Isaiah 34:11. This is supposed to be the Egyptian eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus), which takes the Place of the eagle-owl (Bubo maximus) found in Southern Europe. It is found frequenting the ruins of Egypt and also of the Holy Land. “Its cry is a loud, prolonged, and very powerful hoot. I know nothing which more vividly brought to my mind the sense of desolation and loneliness than the re-echoing hoot of two or three of these great owls as I stood at midnight among the ruined temples of Baalbek” (Tristram).

The LXX. and Vulgate render this Word by “ibis”, i.e., the Egyptian Heron

(3.) Hebrews kos, rendered “little owl” in Leviticus 11:17; Deuteronomy 14:16, and “owl” in Psalm 102:6. The Arabs Call this Bird “the mother of ruins.” It is by far the most common of all the owls of Palestine It is the Athene persica, the Bird of Minerva, the symbol of Ancient Athens.

(4.) Hebrews kippoz, the “great owl” (Isaiah 34:15); Revised Version “arrow-snake;” LXX. and Vulgate, “hedgehog,” reading in the text, kippod, instead of kippoz. There is no reason to doubt the correctness of the rendering of the Authorized Version Tristram says: “The Word [i.e., kippoz] is very possibly an imitation of the cry of the scops Owl (Scops giu), which is very common among ruins, caves, and Old walls of towns. ..It is a migrant, returning to Palestine in Spring ”

(5.) Hebrews lilith, “screech owl” (Isaiah 34:14, marg. and R.V., “night monster”). The Hebrew Word is from a root signifying “night.” Some species of the Owl is obviously intended by this Word It may be the hooting or tawny Owl (Syrnium aluco), which is common in Egypt and in many parts of Palestine This verse in Isaiah is “descriptive of utter and perpetual desolation, of a land that should be full of ruins, and inhabited by the animals that usually make such ruins their abode.”

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Ox - GOAD mentioned only in Judges 3:31, the weapon with which Shamgar (q.v.) slew six hundred Philistines “The ploughman still carries his Goad a weapon apparently more fitted for the Hand of the soldier than the peaceful Husbandman The one I saw was of the ‘oak of Bashan ’ and measured upwards of ten feet in length. ... At one End was an Iron spear, and at the other a piece of the same metal flattened. One can well understand how a warrior might use such a weapon with effect in the battle-field” (Porter’s Syria etc.). (See Goad )

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Ozem - strong. (1.) One of David’s brothers; the sixth Son of Jesse (1 Chronicles 2:15).

(2.) A Son of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:25).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ozias - son of Joram (Matthew 1:8); called also Uzziah (2 Kings 15:32, 34).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ozni - hearing, one of the sons of Gad also called Ezbon (Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:16).

Paarai

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Padan - a Plain occurring only in Genesis 48:7, where it designates Padan-aram.

PADAN-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pagiel - God allots, a Prince of the Tribe of Asher (Numbers 1:13), in the Wilderness

PAHATH-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Moab - governor of Moab a person whose descendants returned from the Captivity and assisted in rebuilding Jerusalem (Ezra 2:6; 8:4; 10:30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Paint - Jezebel “painted her face” (2 Kings 9:30); and the practice of painting the Face and the eyes seems to have been common (Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40). An allusion to this practice is found in the name of Job’s Daughter (42:14) Kerenhappuch (q.v.). Paintings in the modern sense of the Word were unknown to the Ancient Jews.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Palace - Used now only of royal Dwellings although originally meaning simply (as the Latin Word palatium, from which it is derived, shows) a Building surrounded by a Fence or a paling. In the Authorized Version there are many different words so rendered, presenting different ideas, such as that of citadel or lofty fortress or royal residence (Nehemiah 1:1; Daniel 8:2). ... It is the name given to the Temple fortress (Nehemiah 2:8) and to the Temple itself (1 Chronicles 29:1). It denotes also a spacious Building or a great House (Daniel 1:4; 4:4, 29: Esther 1:5; 7:7), and a fortified Place or an enclosure (Ezekiel 25:4). Solomon’s Palace is described in 1 Kings 7:1-12 as a series of buildings rather than a single great structure. Thirteen years were spent in their erection. This Palace stood on the eastern Hill adjoining the Temple on the South

In the New Testament it designates the official residence of Pilate or that of the high Priest (Matthew 26:3, 58, 69; Mark 14:54, 66; John 18:15). In Phil. 1:13 this Word is the rendering of the Greek praitorion, meaning the praetorian cohorts at Rome (the life-guard of the Caesars). Paul was continually chained to a soldier of that corps (Acts 28:16), and hence his name and sufferings became known in all the Praetorium The “soldiers that kept” him would, on relieving one another on Guard naturally spread the tidings regarding him among their comrades. Some, however, regard the praetroium (q.v.) as the barrack within the Palace (the palatium) of the Caesars in Rome where a detachment of these praetorian guards was stationed, or as the Camp of the guards placed outside the eastern walls of Rome

“In the chambers which were occupied as guard-rooms,” says Dr. Manning, “by the praetorian troops on duty in the Palace a number of rude caricatures are found roughly scratched upon the walls, just such as may be seen upon barrack walls in every part of the world. Amongst these is one of a human figure nailed upon a Cross To add to the ‘offence of the Cross ’ the crucified one is represented with the head of an Animal probably that of an Ass Before it stands the figure of a Roman legionary with one Hand upraised in the attitude of Worship Underneath is the rude, misspelt, ungrammatical inscription, Alexamenos worships his God It can scarcely be doubted that we have here a contemporary caricature, executed by one of the praetorian Guard ridiculing the Faith of a Christian comrade.”

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Palestine - originally denoted only the sea-coast of the land of Canaan inhabited by the Philistines (Exodus 15:14; Isaiah 14:29, 31; Joel 3:4), and in this sense exclusively the Hebrew name Pelesheth (rendered “Philistia” in Psalm 60:8; 83:7; 87:4; 108:9) occurs in the Old Testament

Not till a late period in Jewish history was this name used to denote “the land of the Hebrews” in general (Genesis 40:15). ... It is also called “the Holy land” (Zechariah 2:12), the “land of Jehovah” (Hos. 9:3; Psalm 85:1), the “land of promise” (Hebrews 11:9), because promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 24:7), the “land of Canaan” (Genesis 12:5), the “land of Israel” (1 Samuel 13:19), and the “land of Judah” (Isaiah 19:17).

The territory promised as an inheritance to the seed of Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21; Numbers 34:1-12) was bounded on the East by the river Euphrates on the west by the Mediterranean, on the North by the entrance of Hamath ” and on the South by the “river of Egypt ” This extent of territory, about 60,000 square miles, was at length conquered by David and was ruled over also by his son Solomon (2 Samuel 8; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Kings 4:1, 21). This vast empire was the Promised Land; but Palestine was only a part of it, terminating in the North at the southern extremity of the Lebanon range, and in the South in the Wilderness of Paran thus extending in all to about 144 miles in length. Its average breadth was about 60 miles from the Mediterranean on the west to Beyond the Jordan It has fittingly been designated “the least of all lands.” Western Palestine on the South of Gaza is only about 40 miles in breadth from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea narrowing gradually toward the North where it is only 20 miles from the sea-coast to the Jordan

Palestine, “set in the midst” (Ezekiel 5:5) of all other lands, is the most remarkable country on the Face of the earth. No single country of such an extent has so great a variety of climate, and hence also of plant and animal Life Moses describes it as “a good land, a land of brooks of Water of fountains and depths that Spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat, and Barley and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of Oil olive, and Honey a land wherein thou shalt not eat Bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose Stones are Iron and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass” (Deuteronomy 8:7-9).

“In the time of Christ the country looked, in all probability, much as now. The whole land consists of rounded limestone hills, fretted into countless stony valleys, Offering but rarely level tracts, of which Esdraelon alone, below Nazareth, is large enough to be seen on the map. The original woods had for ages disappeared, though the slopes were dotted, as now, with figs, olives, and other fruit-trees where there was any soil. Permanent streams were even then unknown, the passing Rush of winter torrents being all that was seen among the hills. The autumn and Spring rains, caught in Deep cisterns hewn out like huge underground jars in the soft limestone, with artificial mud-banked ponds still found near all Villages furnished Water Hills now bare, or at best rough with stunted growth, were then terraced, so as to grow vines, olives, and Grain To-day almost desolate, the country then teemed with population. Wine-presses cut in the rocks, endless terraces, and the ruins of Old vineyard Towers are now found amidst solitudes overgrown for ages with thorns and thistles, or with wild shrubs and poor gnarled scrub” (Geikie’s Life of Christ).

From an early period the land was inhabited by the descendants of Canaan who retained possession of the whole land “from Sidon to Gaza” till the time of the conquest by Joshua when it was occupied by the twelve tribes. Two tribes and a half had their allotments given them by Moses on the East of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:12-20; comp. Numbers 1:17-46; Joshua 4:12-13). The remaining tribes had their portion on the west of Jordan

From the conquest till the time of Saul about four hundred years, the people were governed by Judges For a period of one hundred and twenty years the Kingdom retained its unity while it was ruled by Saul and David and Solomon On the Death of Solomon his son Rehoboam ascended the Throne but his conduct was such that ten of the tribes revolted, and formed an independent monarchy, called the Kingdom of Israel or the northern Kingdom the capital of which was first Shechem and afterwards Samaria This Kingdom was destroyed. The Israelites were carried Captive by Shalmanezer, King of Assyria B.C. 722, after an independent existence of two hundred and fifty-three years. The Place of the captives carried away was supplied by tribes brought from the East and thus was formed the Samaritan nation (2 Kings 17:24-29).

Nebuchadnezzar came up against the Kingdom of the two tribes, the Kingdom of Judah the capital of which was Jerusalem one hundred and thirty-four years after the overthrow of the Kingdom of Israel He overthrew the City plundered the Temple and carried the people into Captivity to Babylon (B.C. 587), where they remained Seventy years. At the close of the period of the Captivity they returned to their own land, under the edict of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4). They rebuilt the City and Temple and restored the Old Jewish commonwealth.

For a while after the Restoration the Jews were ruled by Zerubbabel Ezra, and Nehemiah and afterwards by the High priests, assisted by the Sanhedrin. After the Death of Alexander the Great at Babylon (B.C. 323), his vast empire was divided between his four generals. Egypt Arabia, Palestine and Coele-Syria fell to the Lot of Ptolemy Lagus. Ptolemy took possession of Palestine in B.C. 320, and carried nearly one hundred thousand of the inhabitants of Jerusalem into Egypt He made Alexandria the capital of his Kingdom and treated the Jews with consideration, confirming them in the enjoyment of many privileges.

After suffering Persecution at the hands of Ptolemy’s successors, the Jews threw off the Egyptian Yoke and became subject to Antiochus the Great, the King of Syria The cruelty and opression of the successors of Antiochus at length led to the revolt under the Maccabees (B.C. 163), when they threw off the Syrian Yoke

In the Year B.C. 68, Palestine was reduced by Pompey the Great to a Roman province. He laid the walls of the City in ruins, and massacred some twelve thousand of the inhabitants. He Left the Temple however, unijured. About twenty-five years after this the Jews revolted and cast off the Roman Yoke They were however, subdued by Herod the Great (q.v.). The City and the Temple were destroyed, and many of the inhabitants were Put to Death About B.C. 20, Herod proceeded to rebuild the City and restore the ruined Temple which in about nine years and a half was so far completed that the sacred services could be resumed in it (comp. John 2:20). He was succeeded by his Son Archelaus, who was deprived of his power, however, by Augustus A.D. 6, when Palestine became a Roman province, ruled by Roman governors or procurators. Pontius Pilate was the fifth of these procurators. He was appointed to his office A.D. 25.

Exclusive of Idumea, the Kingdom of Herod the Great comprehended the whole of the country originally divided among the twelve tribes, which he divided into four provinces or districts. This division was recognized so long as Palestine was under the Roman dominion. These four provinces were, (1) Judea the southern portion of the country; (2) Samaria the middle province, the northern boundary of which ran along the hills to the South of the Plain of Esdraelon (3) Galilee, the northern province; and (4) Peraea (a Greek name meaning the “opposite country”), the country lying East of the Jordan and the Dead Sea This province was subdivided into these districts, (1) Peraea proper, lying between the rivers Arnon and Jabbok (2) Galaaditis (Gilead); (3) Batanaea; (4) Gaulonitis (Jaulan); (5) Ituraea or Auranitis, the Ancient Bashan; (6) Trachonitis (7) Abilene (8) Decapolis, i.e., the region of the ten cities. The whole territory of Palestine including the portions alloted to the trans-Jordan tribes, extended to about eleven thousand square miles. Recent exploration has shown the territory on the west of Jordan alone to be six thousand square miles in extent, the size of the principality of Wales.

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Pallu - separated, the second Son of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:3); called Phallu Genesis 46:9. He was the Father of the Phalluites (Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5, 8).

PALMER-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Palm - TREES, The City OF the name given to Jericho (q.v.), Deuteronomy 34:3; Judges 1:16; 3:13.

Palsy

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Palti - deliverance from the Lord one of the Spies representing the Tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 13:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Palt - 1TE the designation of one of David’s heroes (2 Samuel 23:26); called also the Pelonite (1 Chronicles 11:27).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pamphylia - Paul and his company, loosing from Paphos, sailed north-west and came to Perga the capital of Pamphylia (Acts 13:13, 14), a province about the middle of the southern sea-board of Asia Minor. It lay between Lycia on the west and Cilicia on the East There were strangers from Pamphylia at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (2: 10).

Pan

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pannag - (Ezekiel 27:17; marg. R.V., “perhaps a kind of confection”) the Jews explain as the name of a kind of sweet pastry. Others take it as the name of some Place identifying it with Pingi, on the Road between Damascus and Baalbec “Pannaga” is the Sanscrit name of an aromatic plant (comp. Genesis 43:11).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Paper - The expression in the Authorized Version (Isaiah 19:7), “the Paper reeds by the brooks,” is in the Revised Version more correctly “the meadows by the Nile.” The words undoubtedly refer to a grassy Place on the banks of the Nile fit for pasturage.

In 2 John 1:12 the Word is used in its proper sense. The material so referred to was manufactured from the papyrus, and hence its name. ... The papyrus (Hebrews gome) was a kind of Bulrush (q.v.). It is mentioned by Job (8:11) and Isaiah (35:7). It was used for many purposes. This plant (Papyrus Nilotica) is now unknown in Egypt no trace of it can be found. The unaccountable disappearance of this plant from Egypt was foretold by Isaiah (19:6, 7) as a part of the divine Judgment on that land. The most extensive papyrus growths now known are in the marshes at the northern End of the lake of Merom

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Parable - (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Hebrews Mashal a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a Proverb (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Numbers 23:7; Ezekiel 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Psalm 78:2; Proverbs 1:6). ... In the New Testament (1) a Proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Hebrews 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or Allegory (Matthew 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning,” as in the parables of our Lord

Instruction by parables has been in use from the earliest times. A large portion of our Lord’s public teaching consisted of parables. He himself explains his reasons for this in his answer to the inquiry of the disciples, “Why speakest thou to them in parables?” (Matthew 13:13-15; Mark 4:11, 12; Luke 8:9, 10). He followed in so doing the rule of the divine procedures, as recorded in Matthew 13:13.

The parables uttered by our Lord are all recorded in the synoptical (i.e., the first three) Gospels The fourth Gospel contains no Parable properly so called, although the illustration of the good Shepherd (John 10:1-16) has all the essential features of a Parable (See List of Parables in Appendix.)

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Paradise - a Persian Word (pardes), properly meaning a “pleasure-ground” or “park” or “king’s garden.” (See EDEN.) It came in course of time to be used as a name for the world of happiness and Rest hereafter (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7). Lor “garden” in Genesis 2:8 the LXX. has “paradise.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parah - the heifer, a town in Benjamin (Joshua 18:23), supposed to be identical with the mins called Ear’ ah, about 6 miles north-east of Jerusalem in the Wady Lai - ’ ah, which is a Branch of the Wady Kelt.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Paran - , Mount probably the hilly region or upland Wilderness on the North of the Desert of Paran forming the southern boundary of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 33:2; Habakkuk 3:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parbar - (1 Chronicles 26:18), a Place apparently connected with the Temple probably a “suburb” (q.v.), as the Word is rendered in 2 Kings 23:11; a space between the Temple wall and the Wall of the Court an Open portico into which the chambers of the official persons opened (1 Chronicles 26:18).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parched - GROUND (Isaiah 35:7), Hebrews sharab, a “mirage”, a phenomenon caused by the refraction of the rays of the Sun on the glowing sands of the Desert causing them suddenly to assume the appearance of a Beautiful lake. It is called by the modern Arabs by the same Hebrew name serab.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parchment - a Skin prepared for Writing on; so called from Pergamos (q.v.), where this was first done (2 Timothy 4:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pardon - the Forgiveness of sins granted freely (Isaiah 43:25), readily (Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:5), abundantly (Isaiah 55:7; Romans 5:20). Pardon is an act of a sovereign, in pure Sovereignty granting simply a remission of the penalty due to sin, but securing neither honour nor reward to the pardoned. Justification (q.v.), on the other... hand~"18695816 href=#hand onclick="bC(this);"> Hand is the act of a Judge and not of a sovereign, and includes Pardon and, at the same time, a title to all the rewards and blessings promised in the Covenant of Life

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Parlour - (from the Fr. parler, “to speak”) denotes an “audience Chamber ” but that is not the import of the Hebrew Word so rendered. It corresponds to what the Turks Call a kiosk, as in Judges 3:20 (the “summer parlour”), or as in the margin of the Revised Version (“the upper Chamber of cooling”), a small room built on the roof of the House with Open windows to catch the breeze, and having a door communicating with the outside by which persons seeking an audience may be admitted. ... While Eglon was resting in such a Parlour Ehud, under pretence of having a message from God to him, was admitted into his presence, and murderously plunged his dagger into his body (21, 22).

The “inner parlours” in 1 Chronicles 28:11 were the small rooms or chambers which Solomon built all round two sides and one End of the Temple (1 Kings 6:5), “side chambers;” or they may have been, as some think, the Porch and the holy Place

In 1 Samuel 9:22 the Revised Version reads “guest Chamber ” a Chamber at the high Place specially used for sacrificial Feasts

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Parmashta - strong-fisted, a Son of Haman slain in Shushan (Esther 9:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parmenas - constant, one of the Seven “deacons” (Acts 6:5).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parshandatha - an interpreter of the Law the eldest of Haman’ s sons, slain in Shushan (Esther 9:7).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Parthians - were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:9). Parthia lay on the East of Media and South of Hyrcania, which separated it from the Caspian Sea It corresponded with the western half of the modern Khorasan, and now forms a part of Persia.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Partridge - (Hebrews Kore i.e., “caller”). This Bird unlike our own Partridge is distinguished by “its ringing call-note, which in early morning echoes from cliff to cliff amidst the barrenness of the Wilderness of Judea and the glens of the Forest of Carmel” hence its Hebrew name. ... This name occurs only twice in Scripture

In 1 Samuel 26:20 “David alludes to the mode of chase practised now, as of Old when the Partridge continuously chased, was at length, when fatigued, knocked down by sticks thrown along the Ground ” It endeavours to save itself “by running, in preference to flight, unless when suddenly started. It is not an inhabitant of the Plain or the corn-field, but of rocky hill-sides” (Tristram’s Nat. Hist.).

In Jeremiah 17:11 the Prophet is illustrating the fact that riches unlawfully acquired are precarious and short-lived. The exact nature of the illustration cannot be precisely determined. Some interpret the words as meaning that the covetous Man will be as surely disappointed as the Partridge which gathers in eggs, not of her own laying, and is unable to hatch them; others (Tristram), with more probability, as denoting that the Man who enriches himself by unjust means “will as surely be disappointed as the Partridge which commences to sit, but is speedily robbed of her hopes of a brood” by her eggs being stolen away from her.

The commonest Partridge in Palestine is the Caccabis saxatilis, the Greek Partridge The Partridge of the Wilderness (Ammo-perdix heyi) is a smaller species. Both are essentially mountain and Rock birds, thus differing from the English Partridge which loves cultivated fields.

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Paruah - flourishing, the Father of Jehoshaphat appointed to provide monthly supplies for Solomon from the Tribe of Issachar (1 Kings 4:17).

PARy

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Aim - the name of a country from which Solomon obtained Gold for the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:6). Some have identified it with Ophir but it is uncertain whether it is even the name of a Place It may simply, as some think, denote “Oriental regions.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pasach - clearing, one of the sons of Japhlet, of the Tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:33).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pas - -DAMMIM the border of blood = Ephes-dammim (q.v.), between Shochoh and Azekah (1 Samuel 17:1; 1 Chronicles 11:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pashur - release. (1.) The Son of Immer (probably the same as Amariah Nehemiah 10:3; 12:2), the head of one of the priestly Courses was “chief Governor [Hebrews paqid nagid, meaning “deputy governor”] of the temple” (Jeremiah 20:1, 2). At this time the nagid , or “governor,” of the Temple was Seraiah the high Priest (1 Chronicles 6:14), and Pashur was his paqid , or “deputy.” Enraged at the plainness with which Jeremiah uttered his Solemn warnings of Coming judgements, because of the abounding iniquity of the times, Pashur ordered the Temple police to seize him, and after inflicting on him corporal Punishment (forty Stripes save one, Deuteronomy 25:3; comp. ... 2 Corinthians 11:24), to Put him in the stocks in the high Gate of Benjamin where he remained all night. On being set free in the morning, Jeremiah went to Pashur (Jeremiah 20:3, 5), and announced to him that God had changed his name to Magor-missabib, i.e., “terror on every side.” The Punishment that fell upon him was probably remorse, when he saw the ruin he had brought upon his country by advising a close Alliance with Egypt in opposition to the counsels of Jeremiah (20:4-6). He was carried Captive to Babylon and died there.

(2.) A Priest sent by king Zedekiah to Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord (1 Chronicles 24:9; Jeremiah 21:1; 38:1-6). He advised that the Prophet should be Put to Death

(3.) The Father of Gedaliah He was probably the same as (1).

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Passage - denotes in Joshua 22:1 1, as is generally understood, the Place where the children of Israel passed over Jordan The words “the Passage of’ are, however, more correctly rendered “by the side of,” or “at the other side of,” thus designating the position of the great Altar erected by the eastern tribes on their return home. ... This Word also designates the fords of the Jordan to the South of the Sea of Galilee (Judges 12:5, 6), and a pass or rocky defile (1 Samuel 13:23; 14:4). “Passages” in Jeremiah 22:20 is in the Revised Version more correctly “Abarim” (q.v.), a proper name.

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Passion - Only once found, in Acts 1:3, meaning suffering, referring to the sufferings of our Lord

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Passover - the name given to the Chief of the three great historical annual Festivals of the Jews. It was kept in remembrance of the Lord’s passing over the houses of the Israelites (Exodus 12:13) when the first Born of all the Egyptians were destroyed. It is called also the “feast of unleavened bread” (Exodus 23:15; Mark 14:1; Acts 12:3), because during its celebration no leavened Bread was to be eaten or even kept in the household (Exodus 12:15). ... The Word afterwards came to denote the Lamb that was slain at the Feast (Mark 14:12-14; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

A detailed account of the institution of this Feast is given in Exodus 12 and 13. It was afterwards incorporated in the ceremonial Law (Leviticus 23:4-8) as one of the great Festivals of the nation. In after times many Changes seem to have taken Place as to the mode of its celebration as compared with its first celebration (comp. Deuteronomy 16:2, 5, 6; 2 Chronicles 30:16; Leviticus 23:10-14; Numbers 9:10, 11; 28:16-24). Again, the use of wine (Luke 22:17, 20), of sauce with the Bitter herbs (John 13:26), and the service of praise were introduced.

There is recorded only one celebration of this Feast between the Exodus and the entrance into Canaan namely, that mentioned in Numbers 9:5. (See Josiah ) It was primarily a commemorative ordinance, reminding the children of Israel of their deliverance out of Egypt but it was, no doubt, also a type of the great deliverance wrought by the Messiah for all his people from the doom of Death on account of sin, and from the Bondage of sin itself, a worse than Egyptian Bondage (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 19:32-36; 1 Peter 1:19; Galatians 4:4, 5). The appearance of Jerusalem on the occasion of the Passover in the time of our Lord is thus fittingly described: “The City itself and the neighbourhood became more and more crowded as the Feast approached, the narrow streets and dark arched bazaars showing the same throng of men of all nations as when Jesus had first visited Jerusalem as a boy. Even the Temple offered a strange sight at this season, for in parts of the outer courts a wide space was covered with pens for Sheep goats, and Cattle to be used for offerings. Sellers shouted the merits of their beasts, Sheep bleated, oxen lowed. Sellers of doves also had a Place set apart for them. Potters offered a choice from huge stacks of Clay dishes and ovens for roasting and Eating the Passover Lamb Booths for wine, Oil Salt and all else needed for sacrifices invited customers. Persons going to and from the City shortened their Journey by crossing the Temple grounds, often carrying burdens... Stalls to change foreign Money into the Shekel of the Temple which alone could be paid to the priests, were numerous, the whole confusion making the Sanctuary like a noisy market” (Geikie’s Life of Christ).

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Patara - a City on the south-west coast of Lycia at which Paul landed on his return from his third missionary Journey (Acts 21:1,2). Here he found a larger vessel, which was about to sail across the open Sea to the coast of Phoenicia In this vessel he set forth, and reached the City of Tyre in perhaps two or three days.

Pathros

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Patriarch - a name employed in the New Testament with reference to Abraham (Hebrews 7:4), the sons of Jacob (Acts 7:8, 9), and to David (2:29). This name is generally applied to the progenitors of families or “heads of the fathers” (Joshua 14:1) mentioned in Scripture and they are spoken of as antediluvian (from Adam to Noah) and post-diluvian (from Noah to Jacob) patriachs. ... But the expression “the Patriarch ” by way of eminence, is applied to the twelve sons of Jacob or to Abraham Isaac, and Jacob

“Patriachal longevity presents itself as one of the most striking of the facts concerning mankind which the early history of the Book of Genesis places before us... There is a large amount of consentient Tradition to the effect that the Life of Man was originally far more prolonged than it is at present, extending to at least several hundred years. The Babylonians, Egyptians, and Chinese exaggerated these hundreds into thousands. The Greeks and Romans with more moderation, limited human Life within a thousand or eight hundred years. The Hindus still farther shortened the term. Their books taught that in the first Age of the world Man was free from diseases, and lived ordinarily four hundred years; in the second Age the term of Life was reduced from four hundred to three hundred; in the third it became two hundred; in the fourth and last it was brought down to one hundred” (Rawlinson’s Historical Illustrations).

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Pau - (Genesis 36:39) or Pai (1 Chronicles 1:50), bleating, an Edomitish City ruled over by Hadar

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Paul - =Saul (q.v.) was bom about the same time as our Lord His circumcision-name was Saul and probably the name Paul was also given to him in infancy “for use in the Gentile world,” as “Saul” would be his Hebrew home-name. He was a native of Tarsus the capital of Cilicia, a Roman province in the south-east of Asia Minor. That City stood on the banks of the River Cydnus, which was navigable thus far; hence it became a centre of extensive commercial traffic with many countries along the shores of the Mediterranean, as well as with the countries of central Asia Minor. ... It thus became a City distinguished for the wealth of its inhabitants.

Tarsus was also the seat of a famous university, higher in reputation even than the universities of Athens and Alexandria the only others that then existed. Here Saul was Born and here he spent his youth, doubtless enjoying the best education his native City could afford. His Father was of the straitest Sect of the Jews, a Pharisee, of the Tribe of Benjamin of pure and unmixed Jewish blood (Acts 23:6; Phil. 3:5). We learn nothing regarding his mother; but there is reason to conclude that she was a pious Woman and that, like-minded with her Husband she exercised all a mother influence in moulding the character of her Son so that he could afterwards speak of himself as being, from his youth up, “touching the righteousness which is in the Law blameless” (Phil. 3:6).

We read of his sister and his sister’s Son (Acts 23:16), and of other relatives (Romans 16:7, 11, 12). Though a Jew his Father was a Roman citizen. How he obtained this privilege we are not informed. “It might be bought, or won by distinguished service to the state, or acquired in several other ways; at all events, his Son was freeborn. It was a valuable privilege, and one that was to prove of great use to Paul although not in the way in which his Father might have been expected to Desire him to make use of it.” Perhaps the most natural career for the youth to follow was that of a Merchant “But it was decided that... he should go to College and become a Rabbi that is, a Minister a teacher, and a Lawyer all in one.”

According to Jewish Custom however, he learned a trade before entering on the more direct preparation for the sacred profession. The trade he acquired was the making of tents from goats’ Hair cloth, a trade which was one of the commonest in Tarsus

His preliminary education having been completed, Saul was sent, when about thirteen years of Age probably, to the great Jewish school of sacred learning at Jerusalem as a student of the Law Here he became a pupil of the celebrated Rabbi Gamaliel, and here he spent many years in an elaborate study of the Scriptures and of the many questions concerning them with which the rabbis exercised themselves. During these years of diligent study he lived “in all good Conscience ” unstained by the vices of that great City

After the period of his student-life expired, he probably left Jerusalem for Tarsus where he may have been engaged in connection with some Synagogue for some years. But we find him back again at Jerusalem very soon after the Death of our Lord Here he now learned the particulars regarding the Crucifixion and the rise of the New sect of the “Nazarenes.”

For some two years after Pentecost Christianity was quietly spreading its influence in Jerusalem At length Stephen, one of the Seven deacons, gave forth more public and aggressive Testimony that Jesus was the Messiah and this led to much excitement among the Jews and much disputation in their synagogues. Persecution arose against Stephen and the followers of Christ generally, in which Saul of Tarsus took a prominent part. He was at this time probably a member of the great Sanhedrin, and became the active leader in the furious Persecution by which the rulers then sought to exterminate Christianity.

But the object of this Persecution also failed. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word ” The Anger of the persecutor was thereby kindled into a fiercer Flame Hearing that fugitives had taken Refuge in Damascus he obtained from the chief Priest letters authorizing him to proceed thither on his persecuting career. This was a long Journey of about 130 miles, which would occupy perhaps six days, during which, with his few attendants, he steadily went onward, “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.” But the crisis of his Life was at Hand He had reached the last stage of his Journey and was within sight of Damascus As he and his companions rode on, suddenly at mid-day a brilliant Light shone round them, and Saul was laid prostrate in terror on the Ground a voice sounding in his ears, “Saul, Saul why persecutes! thou me?” The risen Saviour was there, clothed in the vesture of his glorified humanity. In answer to the anxious inquiry of the stricken persecutor, “Who art thou, Lord?” he said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15).

This was the moment of his Conversion the most Solemn in all his Life Blinded by the dazzling Light (Acts 9:8), his companions led him into the City where, absorbed in Deep thought for three days, he neither ate nor drank (9:11). Ananias a Disciple living in Damascus was informed by a Vision of the change that had happened to Saul and was sent to him to Open his eyes and admit him by Baptism into the Christian church (9: 1 1-16). The whole purpose of his Life was now permanently changed.

Immediately after his Conversion he retired into the solitudes of Arabia (Galatians 1:17), perhaps of “Sinai in Arabia ” for the purpose, probably, of devout study and meditation on the marvellous Revelation that had been made to him. “A Veil of thick Darkness hangs over this visit to Arabia Of the scenes among which he moved, of the thoughts and occupations which engaged him while there, of all the circumstances of a crisis which must have shaped the whole tenor of his after-life, absolutely nothing is known. ‘Immediately,’ says St. Paul ‘I went away into Arabia ’ The historian passes over the incident [comp. Acts 9:23 and 1 Kings 11:38, 39]. It is a mysterious pause, a moment of suspense, in the apostle’s history, a breathless calm, which ushers in the tumultuous storm of his active missionary Life ” Coming back, after three years, to Damascus he began to preach the gospel “boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27), but was soon obliged to flee (9:25; 2 Corinthians 11:33) from the Jews and betake himself to Jerusalem Here he tarried for three weeks, but was again forced to flee (Acts 9:28, 29) from Persecution He now returned to his native Tarsus (Galatians 1:21), where, for probably about three years, we lose sight of him. The time had not yet come for his entering on his great life-work of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles

At length the City of Antioch the capital of Syria became the scene of great Christian activity. There the gospel gained a firm footing, and the cause of Christ prospered. Barnabas (q.v.), who had been sent from Jerusalem to superintend the work at Antioch found it too much for him, and remembering Saul he set out to Tarsus to seek for him. He readily responded to the Call thus addressed to him, and came down to Antioch

which for “a whole year” became the scene of his labours, which were crowned with great success. The disciples now, for the first time, were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

The Church at Antioch now proposed to send out missionaries to the Gentiles and Saul and Barnabas with John Mark as their attendant, were Chosen for this work. This was a great epoch in the history of the Church Now the disciples began to give effect to the Master’s command: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every Creature ”

The three missionaries went forth on the first missionary tour. They sailed from Seleucia the seaport of Antioch across to Cyprus some 80 miles to the south-west. Here at Paphos, Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, was converted, and now Saul took the Lead and was ever afterwards called Paul The missionaries now crossed to the mainland, and then proceeded 6 or 7 miles up the River Cestrus to Perga (Acts 13:13), where John Mark deserted the work and returned to Jerusalem The two then proceeded about 100 miles inland, passing through Pamphylia Pisidia, and Lycaonia. The towns mentioned in this tour are the Pisidian Antioch where Paul delivered his first address of which we have any record (13:16-51; comp. 10:30-43), Iconium Lystra, and Derbe They returned by the same route to see and encourage the converts they had made, and ordain elders in every City to watch over the churches which had been gathered. From Perga they sailed direct for Antioch from which they had set out.

After remaining “a long time”, probably till A.D. 50 or 51, in Antioch a great controversy broke out in the Church there regarding the relation of the Gentiles to the Mosaic Law For the purpose of obtaining a settlement of this question, Paul and Barnabas were sent as deputies to consult the Church at Jerusalem The Council or synod which was there held (Acts 15) decided against the Judaizing party; and the deputies, accompanied by Judas and Silas returned to Antioch bringing with them the decree of the Council

After a short Rest at Antioch Paul said to Barnabas “Let us go again and visit our brethren in every City where we have preached the Word of the Lord and see how they do.” Mark proposed again to accompany them; but Paul refused to allow him to go. Barnabas was resolved to take Mark and thus he and Paul had a sharp contention. They separated, and never again met. Paul however, afterwards speaks with honour of Barnabas and sends for Mark to come to him at Rome (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Paul took with him Silas instead of Barnabas and began his second missionary Journey about A.D. 51. This time he went by land, revisiting the churches he had already founded in Asia. But he longed to enter into “regions Beyond ” and still went forward through Phrygia and Galatia (16:6). Contrary to his intention, he was constrained to linger in Galatia (q.v.), on account of some bodily affliction (Galatians 4:13, 14). Bithynia, a populous province on the shore of the Black Sea lay now before him, and he wished to enter it; but the way was shut, the Spirit in some manner guiding him in another direction, till he came down to the shores of the AEgean and arrived at Troas on the north-western coast of Asia Minor (Acts 16:8). Of this long Journey from Antioch to Troas we have no account except some references to it in his Epistle to the Galatians (4:13).

As he waited at Troas for indications of the Will of God as to his future movements, he saw, in the Vision of the night, a Man from the opposite shores of Macedonia standing before him, and heard him cry, “Come over, and help us” (Acts 16:9). Paul recognized in this Vision a message from the Lord and the very next Day set sail across the Hellespont, which separated him from Europe, and carried the tidings of the gospel into the Western world. In Macedonia, churches were planted in Philippi Thessalonica and Berea Leaving this province, Paul passed into Achaia “the Paradise of genius and renown.” He reached Athens but quitted it after, probably, a brief sojourn (17:17-31). The Athenians had received him with cold disdain, and he never visited that City again. He passed over to Corinth the seat of the Roman government of Achaia and remained there a Year and a half, labouring with much success. While at Corinth he wrote his two Epistles to the Church of Thessalonica his earliest apostolic letters, and then sailed for Syria that he might be in time to keep the Feast of Pentecost at Jerusalem He was accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla, whom he Left at Ephesus at which he touched, after a voyage of thirteen or fifteen days. He landed at Caesarea and went up to Jerusalem and having “saluted the church” there, and kept the Feast he Left for Antioch where he abode “some time” (Acts 18:20-23).

He then began his third missionary tour. He journeyed by land in the “upper coasts” (the more eastern parts) of Asia Minor, and at length made his way to Ephesus where he tarried for no less than three years, engaged in ceaseless Christian labour. “This City was at the time the Liverpool of the Mediterranean. It possessed a splendid harbour, in which was concentrated the traffic of the Sea which was then the Highway of the nations; and as Liverpool has behind her the great towns of Lancashire, so had Ephesus behind and around her such cities as those mentioned along with her in the Epistles to the churches in the book of Revelation Smyrna, Pergamos Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea It was a City of vast wealth, and it was given over to every kind of pleasure, the fame of its theatres and race-course being world-wide” (Stalker’s Life of St. Paul). Here a “great door and effectual” was opened to the Apostle His fellow-labourers aided him in his work, carrying the gospel to Colosse and Laodicea and other places which they could reach.

Very shortly before his departure from Ephesus the Apostle wrote his First Epistle to the Corinthians (q.v.). The silversmiths, whose traffic in the little images which they made was in danger (see DEMETRIUS), organized a riot against Paul and he Left the City and proceeded to Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12), whence after some time he went to Meet Titus in Macedonia. Here, in consequence of the report Titus brought from Corinth he wrote his second epistle to that Church Having spent probably most of the summer and autumn in Macedonia, visiting the churches there, specially the churches of Philippi Thessalonica and Berea probably penetrating into the interior, to the shores of the Adriatic (Romans 15:19), he then came into Greece where he abode three Month spending probably the greater part of this time in Corinth (Acts 20:2). During his stay in this City he wrote his Epistle to the Galatians and also the great Epistle to the Romans At the End of the three months he left Achaia for Macedonia, thence crossed into Asia Minor, and touching at Miletus there addressed the Ephesian presbyters, whom he had sent for to Meet him (Acts 20: 17), and then sailed for Tyre, finally reaching Jerusalem probably in the Spring of A.D. 58.

While at Jerusalem at the Feast of Pentecost he was almost murdered by a Jewish mob in the Temple (See Temple HEROD’S.) Rescued from their violence by the Roman commandant, he was conveyed as a prisoner to Caesarea where, from various causes, he was detained a prisoner for two years in Herod’s Praetorium (Acts 23:35). “Paul was not kept in close confinement; he had at least the range of the barracks in which he was detained. There we can imagine him pacing the ramparts on the edge of the Mediterranean, and gazing wistfully across the Blue waters in the direction of Macedonia, Achaia and Ephesus where his spiritual children were pining for him, or perhaps encountering dangers in which they sorely needed his presence. It was a mysterious Providence which thus arrested his energies and condemned the ardent worker to inactivity; yet we can now see the reason for it. Paul was needing Rest After twenty years of incessant evangelization, he required leisure to gamer the Harvest of experience... During these two years he wrote nothing; it was a time of internal mental activity and silent progress” (Stalker’s Life of St. Paul).

At the End of these two years Felix (q.v.) was succeeded in the governorship of Palestine by Porcius Festus before whom the Apostle was again heard. But judging it right at this crisis to claim the privilege of a Roman citizen, he appealed to the emperor (Acts 25:11). Such an Appeal could not be disregarded, and Paul was at once sent on to Rome under the charge of one Julius a Centurion of the “Augustan cohort.” After a long and perilous voyage, he at length reached the imperial City in the early Spring probably, of A.D. 61. Here he was permitted to occupy his own hired House under constant military custody. This privilege was accorded to him, no doubt, because he was a Roman citizen, and as such could not be Put into prison without a trial. The soldiers who kept Guard over Paul were of course changed at frequent intervals, and thus he had the opportunity of preaching the gospel to many of them during these “two whole years,” and with the blessed result of spreading among the imperial guards, and even in Caesar’s household, an interest in the Truth (Phil. 1:13). His rooms were resorted to by many anxious inquirers, both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 28:23, 30, 31), and thus his imprisonment “turned rather to the furtherance of the gospel,” and his “hired house” became the centre of a gracious influence which spread over the whole City According to a Jewish Tradition it was situated on the borders of the modern Ghetto, which has been the Jewish quarters in Rome from the time of Pompey to the present Day During this period the Apostle wrote his Epistles to the Colossians Ephesians, Philippians and to Philemon and probably also to the Hebrews

This first imprisonment came at length to a close, Paul having been acquitted, probably because no witnesses appeared against him. Once more he set out on his missionary labours, probably visiting western and eastern Europe and Asia Minor. During this period of Freedom he wrote his First Epistle to Timothy and his Epistle to Titus. The Year of his release was signalized by the burning of Rome which Nero saw fit to attribute to the Christians. A fierce Persecution now broke out against the Christians. Paul was siezed, and once more conveyed to Rome a prisoner. During this imprisonment he probably wrote the Second Epistle to Timothy the last he ever wrote. “There can be little doubt that he appered again at Nero’s Bar and this time the charge did not break down. In all history there is not a more startling illustration of the irony of human Life than this scene of Paul at the Bar of Nero On the judgment-seat, clad in the imperial purple, sat a Man who, in a bad world, had attained the eminence of being the very worst and meanest being in it, a Man stained with every crime, a Man whose whole being was so steeped in every nameable and unnameable vice, that body and soul of him were, as some one said at the time, nothing but a compound of mud and blood; and in the prisoner’s dock stood the best Man the world possessed, his Hair whitened with labours for the good of men and the Glory of God The trial ended: Paul was condemned, and delivered over to the Executioner He was led out of the City with a crowd of the lowest rabble at his heels. The fatal spot was reached; he knelt beside the block; the headsman’s Axe gleamed in the Sun and fell; and the head of the Apostle of the world rolled down in the dust” (probably A.D. 66), four years before the Fall of Jerusalem

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Pave - ME NT It was the Custom of the Roman governors to erect their tribunals in Open places, as the market-place, the circus, or even the Highway Pilate caused his seat of Judgment to be set down in a Place called “the Pavement” (John 19:13) i.e., a... k="bC(this);"> Place paved with a mosaic of coloured Stones It was probably a Place thus prepared in front of the “judgment Hall ” (See Gabbatha )

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Pavilion - a Tent or Tabernacle (2 Samuel 22:12; 1 Kings 20:12-16), or enclosure (Psalm 18:11; 27:5). In Jeremiah 43:10 it probably denotes the canopy suspended over the judgement-seat of the King

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Peace - OFFERINGS (Hebrews shelamim), detailed regulations regarding given in Leviticus 3; 7:11-21, 29-34. They were of three kinds, (1) eucharistic or thanksgiving offerings, expressive of gratitude for blessings received; (2) in fulfilment of a vow, but expressive also of thanks for benefits recieved; and (3) free-will offerings, something spontaneously devoted to God

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Peacock - (Hebrews tuk, apparently borrowed from the Tamil tokei). This Bird is indigenous to India It was brought to Solomon by his Ships from Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21), which in this case was probably a district on the Malabar coast of India or in Ceylon. The Word so rendered in Job 39:13 literally means wild, tumultuous crying, and properly denotes the female Ostrich (q.v.).

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Pearl - (Hebrews gabish, Job 28:18; Gr. margarites, Matthew 7:6; 13:46; Revelation 21:21). The Pearl oyster is found in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea Its shell is the “mother of Pearl ” which is of great value for ornamental purposes (1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:4). Each shell contains eight or ten pearls of various sizes.

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Peculiar - as used in the phrase “peculiar people” in 1 Peter 2:9, is derived from the Lat. peculium, and denotes, as rendered in the Revised Version (“a people for God’s own possession”), a special possession or property. The Church is the “property” of God his “purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:14; R.V., “God’s own possession”).

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Pedahel - redeemed of God the Son of Ammihud a Prince of Naphtali (Numbers 34:28).

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Pedahzur - rock of Redemption the Father of Gamaliel and Prince of Manasseh at the time of the Exodus (Numbers 1:10; 2:20).

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Pedaiah - redemption of the Lord (1.) The Father of Zebudah who was the Wife of Josiah and mother of King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36).

(2.) The Father of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:17-19). ...

(3.). The Father of Joel ruler of the half-tribe of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 27:20).

(4.) Nehemiah 3:25.

(5.) A Levite (8:4).

(6.) A Benjamite (11:7).

(7.) A Levite (13:13).

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Pekah - open-eyed, the Son of Remaliah a Captain in the Army of Pekahiah king of Israel whom he slew, with the aid of a band of Gileadites, and succeeded (B.C. 758) on the Throne (2 Kings 15:25). Seventeen years after this he entered into an Alliance with Rezin, King of Syria and took part with him in besieging Jerusalem (2 Kings 15:37; 16:5). ... But Tiglath-pilser, who was in Alliance with Ahaz king of Judah came up against Pekah and carried away Captive many of the inhabitants of his Kingdom (2 Kings 15:29). This was the beginning of the “Captivity.” Soon after this Pekah was Put to Death by Hoshea, the Son of Elah who usurped the Throne (2 Kings 15:30; 16:1-9. Comp. Isaiah 7:16; 8:4; 9:12). He is supposed by some to have been the “shephard” mentioned in Zechariah 11:16.

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Pekahiah - the Lord opened his eyes, the Son and successor of Menahem on the Throne of Israel He was murdered in the royal Palace of Samaria by Pekah one of the captains of his Army (2 Kings 15:23-26), after a reign of two years (B.C. 761-759). He “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord ”

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Pekod - probably a Place in Babylonia (Jeremiah 50:21; Ezekiel 23:23). It is the opinion, however, of some that this Word signifies “visitation,” “punishment,” and allegorically “designates Babylon as the City which was to be destroyed.”

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Pelaiah - distinguished of the Lord (1.) One of David’s posterity (1 Chronicles 3:24).

(2.) A Levite who expounded the Law (Nehemiah 8:7).

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Pelatiah - deliverance of the Lord (1.) A Son of Hananiah and grandson of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:21).

(2.) A Captain of “the sons of Simeon” (4:42).

(3.) Nehemiah 10:22.

(4.) One of the twenty-five princes of the people against whom Ezekiel prophesied on account of their wicked counsel (Ezekiel 11:1-13).

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Peleg - division, one of the sons of Eber so called because “in his days was the earth divided” (Genesis 10:25). Possibly he may have lived at the time of the Dispersion from Babel But more probably the reference is to the Dispersion of the two races which sprang from Eber the one spreading towards Mesopotamia and Syria and the other southward into Arabia

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Pelet - deliverance. (1.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:47).

(2.) A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3).

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Peleth - swiftness. (1.) A Reubenite whose Son was one of the conspirators against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1).

(2.) One of the sons of Jonathan (1 Chronicles 2:33).

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Pelethites - mentioned always along with the Cherethites, and only in the time of David The Word probably means “runners” or “couriers,” and may denote that while forming part of David’s bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed as couriers (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:7, 23;1 Kings 1:38, 44; 1 Chronicles 18:17). Some, however, think that these are the names simply of two Philistine tribes from which David selected his body-guard. They are mentioned along with the Gittites (2 Samuel 15:18), another body of foreign troops whom David gathered round him.

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Pelicans - are frequently met with at the waters of Merom and the Sea of Galilee. The pelican is ranked among unclean birds (Leviticus 11:18; Deuteronomy 14:17). It is of an enormous size, being about 6 feet long, with wings stretching out over 12 feet. The Hebrew name (kaath, i.e., “vomiter”) of this Bird is incorrectly rendered “cormorant” in the Authorized Version of Isaiah 34:11 and Zephaniah 2:14, but correctly in the Revised Version It receives its Hebrew name from its habit of storing in its pouch large quantities of Fish which it disgorges when it feeds its young. ... Two species are found on the Syrian coast, the Pelicanus onocrotalus, or white pelican, and the Pelicanus Crispus or Dalmatian pelican.

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Penny - (Gr. denarion), a silver Coin of the value of about 7 l/2d. or 8d. of our present Money It is thus rendered in the New Testament and is more frequently mentioned than any other Coin (Matthew 18:28; 20:2, 9, 13; Mark 6:37; 14:5, etc.). It was the Daily pay of a Roman soldier in the time of Christ In the reign of Edward III. ... an English Penny was a labourer’s day’s Wages This was the “tribute money” with reference to which our Lord said, “Whose image and superscription is this?” When they answered, “Caesar’s,” he replied, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:19; Mark 12:15).

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Pentateuch - the five-fold volume, consisting of the first five books of the Old Testament This Word does not occur in Scripture nor is it certainly known when the roll was thus divided into five portions Genesis Exodus, Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Probably that was done by the LXX. ... translators. Some modem critics speak of a Hexateuch, introducing the Book of Joshua as one of the group. But this book is of an entirely different character from the other books, and has a different author. It stands by itself as the first of a series of historical books beginning with the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan (See Joshua )

The books composing the Pentateuch are properly but one book, the “Law of Moses ” the “Book of the Law of Moses ” the “Book of Moses ” or, as the Jews designate it, the “Torah” or “Law.” That in its present form it “proceeds from a single author is proved by its plan and Aim according to which its whole contents refer to the Covenant concluded between Jehovah and his people, by the instrumentality of Moses in such a way that everything before his time is perceived to be preparatory to this fact, and all the Rest to be the development of it. Nevertheless, this unity has not been stamped upon it as a matter of necessity by the latest redactor: it has been there from the beginning, and is visible in the first plan and in the whole execution of the work.”, Keil, Einl. i.d. A. T.

A certain school of critics have set themselves to reconstruct the books of the Old Testament By a process of “scientific study” they have discovered that the so-called historical books of the Old Testament are not history at all, but a miscellaneous Collection of stories, the inventions of many different writers, patched together by a variety of editors! As regards the Pentateuch they are not ashamed to attribute fraud, and even conspiracy, to its authors, who sought to find acceptance to their work which was composed partly in the Age of Josiah and partly in that of Ezra and Nehemiah by giving it out to be the work of Moses! This is not the Place to enter into the details of this controversy. We may say frankly, however, that we have no Faith in this “higher criticism.” It degrades the books of the Old Testament below the level of fallible human writings, and the arguments on which its speculations are built are altogether untenable.

The evidences in favour of the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch are conclusive. We may thus state some of them briefly:

(1.) These books profess to have been written by Moses in the name of God (Exodus 17:14; 24:3, 4, 7; 32:7-10, 30-34; 34:27; Leviticus 26:46; 27:34; Deuteronomy 31:9, 24, 25).

(2.) This also is the uniform and persistent Testimony of the Jews of all sects in all ages and countries (comp. Joshua 8:31, 32; 1 Kings 2:3; Jeremiah 7:22; Ezra 6:18; Nehemiah 8:1; Malachi 4:4; Matthew 22:24; Acts 15:21).

(3.) Our Lord plainly taught the Mosaic authorship of these books (Matthew 5:17, 18; 19:8; 22:31, 32; 23:2; Mark 10:9; 12:26; Luke 16:31; 20:37; 24:26, 27, 44; John 3:14; 5:45, 46, 47; 6:32, 49; 7:19, 22). In the Face of this fact, Will any one venture to allege either that Christ was ignorant of the composition of the Bible or that, knowing the true state of the case, he yet encouraged the people in the delusion they clung to?

(4.) From the time of Joshua down to the time of Ezra there is, in the intermediate historical books, a constant reference to the Pentateuch as the “Book of the Law of Moses ” This is a point of much importance, inasmuch as the critics deny that there is any such reference; and hence they deny the historical character of the Pentateuch As regards the Passover e.g., we find it frequently spoken of or alluded to in the historical books following the Pentateuch showing that the “Law of Moses” was then certainly known. It was celebrated in the time of Joshua (Joshua 5:10, cf. 4:19), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30), Josiah (2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35), and Zerubbabel (Ezra 6:19-22), and is referred to in such passages as 2 Kings 23:22; 2 Chronicles 35:18; 1 Kings 9:25 (“three times in a year”); 2 Chronicles 8:13. Similarly we might show frequent references to the Feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish institutions, although we do not admit that any valid argument can be drawn from the silence of Scripture in such a case. An examination of the following texts, 1 Kings 2:9; 2 Kings 14:6; 2 Chronicles 23:18; 25:4; 34:14; Ezra 3:2; 7:6; Daniel 9:11, 13, Will also plainly show that the “Law of Moses” was known during all these centuries.

Granting that in the time of Moses there existed certain Oral traditions or written records and documents which he was divinely led to make use of in his history, and that his Writing was revised by inspired successors, this Will fully account for certain peculiarities of expression which critics have called “anachronisms” and “contradictions,” but in no way militates against the doctrine that Moses was the original author of the whole of the Pentateuch It is not necessary for us to affirm that the whole is an original composition; but we affirm that the evidences clearly demonstrate that Moses was the author of those books which have come down to us bearing his name. The Pentateuch is certainly the basis and necessary preliminary of the whole of the Old Testament history and literature. (See Deuteronomy )

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Pentecost - i.e., “fiftieth”, found only in the New Testament (Acts 2:1; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8). The festival so named is first spoken of in Exodus 23: 16 as “the Feast of Harvest ” and again in Exodus 34:22 as “the Day of the firstfruits” (Numbers 28:26). From the sixteenth of the Month of Nisan (the second Day of the Passover), Seven complete weeks, i.e., forty-nine days, were to be reckoned, and this Feast was held on the fiftieth Day The manner in which it was to be kept is described in Leviticus 23:15-19; Numbers 28:27-29. ... Besides the sacrifices prescribed for the occasion, every one was to bring to the Lord his “tribute of a free-will offering” (Deuteronomy 16:9-11). The purpose of this Feast was to commemorate the completion of the Grain harvest. Its distinguishing feature was the Offering of “two leavened loaves” made from the New corn of the completed Harvest which, with two lambs, were waved before the Lord as a thank Offering

The Day of Pentecost is noted in the Christian Church as the Day on which the Spirit descended upon the apostles, and on which, under Peter’s preaching, so many thousands were converted in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

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Penuel - face of God a Place not far from Succoth on the East of the Jordan and North of the river Jabbok It is also called “Peniel.” Here Jacob wrestled (Genesis 32:24-32) “with a man” (“the angel”, Hos. ... 12:4. Jacob says of him, “I have seen God face to face”) “till the break of Day ”

A town was afterwards built there (Judges 8:8; 1 Kings 12:25). The men of this Place refused to succour Gideon and his little Army when they were in pursuit of the Midianites (Judges 8:1-21). On his return, Gideon slew the men of this City and razed its lofty watch-tower to the Ground

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Perez - =Pharez, (q.v.), breach, the Son of Judah (Nehemiah 11:4). “The Chief of all the captains of the Host for the first month” in the reign of David was taken from his family (1 Chronicles 27:3). Four hundred and sixty-eight of his “sons” came back from Captivity with Zerubbabel who himself was one of them (1 Chronicles 9:4; Nehemiah 11:6).

PEREZ-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Uzzah - strength, a Son of Abinadab in whose House the men of Kirjath-jearim placed the Ark when it was brought back from the land of the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1). He with his Brother Ahio drove the Cart on which the Ark was placed when David sought to bring it up to Jerusalem When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah in direct violation of the divine Law (Numbers 4:15), Put forth his Hand to steady the Ark and was immediately smitten unto Death The Place where this occurred was henceforth called Perez-uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:1 1). David on this feared to proceed further, and placed the Ark in the House of Obed-edom the Gittite (2 Samuel 6:2-1 1; 1 Chronicles 13:6-13). ...

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Perfumes - were used in religious Worship and for personal and domestic enjoyment (Exodus 30:35-37; Proverbs 7:17; Cant. 3:6; Isaiah 57:9); and also in Embalming the Dead and in other Funeral ceremonies (Mark 14:8; Luke 24:1; John 19:39).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Perga - the capital of Pamphylia on the coast of Asia Minor. Paul and his companions landed at this Place from Cyprus on their first missionary Journey (Acts 13:13, 14), and here Mark forsook the party and returned to Jerusalem Some time afterwards Paul and Barnabas again visited this City and “preached the word” (14:25). ... It stood on the banks of the River Cestrus, some 7 miles from its mouth, and was a Place of some commercial importance. It is now a ruin, called Eski Kalessi.

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Pergamos - the chief City of Mysia, in Asia Minor. One of the “seven churches” was planted here (Revelation 1:11; 2:17). It was noted for its wickedness, insomuch that our Lord says “Satan’s seat” was there. The Church of Pergamos was rebuked for swerving from the Truth and embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. Antipas Christ’s “faithful Martyr ” here sealed his Testimony with his blood. ...

This City stood on the banks of the River Caicus, about 20 miles from the Sea It is now called Bergama, and has a population of some twenty thousand, of whom about two thousand profess to be Christians. Parchment (q.v.) was first made here, and was called by the Greeks pergamene, from the name of the City

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Perida - kernel, Nehemiah 7:57. (See Peruda )

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Perizzites - villagers; dwellers in the Open country, the Canaanitish nation inhabiting the fertile regions South and south-west of Carmel “They were the graziers, farmers, and peasants of the time.” They were to be driven out of the land by the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 15:20; Exodus 3:8, 17; 23:23; 33:2; 34:11). They are afterwards named among the conquered tribes (Joshua 24:1 1). Still lingering in the land, however, they were reduced to servitude by Solomon (1 Kings 9:20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Persecution - The first great Persecution for religious opinion of which we have any record was that which broke out against the worshippers of God among the Jews in the days of Ahab when that King at the instigation of his wife Jezebel “a Woman in whom, with the reckless and licentious habits of an Oriental Queen were united the fiercest and sternest qualities inherent in the Old Semitic race”, sought in the most relentless manner to extirpate the Worship of Jehovah and substitute in its Place the Worship of Ashtoreth and Baal Ahab’s example in this respect was followed by Manasseh who “shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one End to another” (2 Kings 21:16; comp. ... 24:4). In all ages, in one form or another, the people of God have had to suffer Persecution In its earliest history the Christian church passed through many Bloody persecutions. Of subsequent centuries in our own and in other lands the same sad record may be made.

Christians are forbidden to seek the propagation of the gospel by force (Matthew 7:1; Luke 9:54-56; Romans 14:4; James 4:11, 12). The words of Psalm 7:13, “He ordaineth his Arrows against the persecutors,” ought rather to be, as in the Revised Version “He maketh his Arrows fiery [shafts].”

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Perseverance - OF THE SAINTS their certain continuance in a state of Grace Once justified and regenerated, the believer can neither totally nor finally Fall away from Grace but Will certainly persevere therein and attain everlasting Life

This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, John 10:28, 29; Romans 11:29; Phil. ... 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5. It, moreover, follows from a consideration of (1) the immutability of the divine Decrees (Jeremiah 31:3; Matthew 24:22-24; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:30); (2) the provisions of the Covenant of Grace (Jeremiah 32:40; John 10:29; 17:2-6); (3) the Atonement and Intercession of Christ (Isaiah 53:6, 11; Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:24; John 11:42; 17:11, 15, 20; Romans 8:34); and (4) the indwelling of the Holy Ghost (John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14; 1 John 3:9).

This doctrine is not inconsistent with the Truth that the believer may nevertheless Fall into grievous sin, and continue therein for some time. (See Backslide )

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Peruda - one whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:55); called also Perida (Nehemiah 7:57).

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Peter - , Second Epistle OF The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favour of its claim to be the production of the Apostle whose name it bears. It appears to have been written shortly before the apostle’s Death (1:14). This epistle contains eleven references to the Old Testament It also contains (3:15, 16) a remarkable reference to Paul’s Epistles Some think this reference is to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11. ... A few years ago, among other documents, a Parchment fragment, called the “Gospel of Peter ” was discovered in a Christian tomb at Akhmim in Upper Egypt Origen (obiit A.D. 254), Eusebius (obiit 340), and Jerome (obiit 420) refer to such a work, and hence it has been concluded that it was probably written about the middle of the second century. It professes to give a history of our Lord’s Resurrection and ascension. While differing in not a few particulars from the canonical Gospels the writer shows plainly that he was acquinted both with the synoptics and with the Gospel of John Though apocryphal, it is of considerable value as showing that the main facts of the history of our Lord were then widely known.

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Pethahiah - loosed of the Lord (1.) The Chief of one of the priestly Courses (the nineteenth) in the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:16). (2.) A Levite (Ezra 10:23). (3.) Nehemiah 9:5. (4.) A descendant of Judah who had some office at the Court of Persia (Nehemiah 1 1:24).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pethor - interpretation of dreams, identified with Pitru, on the west bank of the Euphrates a few miles South of the Hittite capital of Carchemish (Numbers 22:5, “which is by the River of the land of the children of [the God] Ammo”). (See Balaam )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pethuel - vision of God the Father of Joel the Prophet (Joel 1:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Petra - rock, Isaiah 16:1, marg. (See SELA.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Peulthai - wages of the Lord one of the sons of Obed-edom, a Levite porter (1 Chronicles 26:5).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phalec - (Luke 3:35)=Peleg (q.v.), Genesis 11:16.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phallu - separated, the second Son of Reuben (Genesis 46:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phalti - deliverance of the Lord the Son of Laish of Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44)= Phaltiel (2 Samuel 3:15). Michal, David’s Wife was given to him.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phanuel - face of God father of the prophetess Anna (q.v.), Luke 2:36.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pharaoh - ’S DAUGHTERS Three princesses are thus mentioned in Scripture (1.) The princess who adopted the infant Moses (q.v.), Exodus 2:10. She is twice mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 7:21: Hebrews 1 1:24). It would seem that she was alive and in some position of influence about the Court when Moses was compelled to flee from Egypt and thus for forty years he had in some way been under her influence. ... She was in all probability the sister of Rameses and the Daughter of Seti I. Josephus calls her Thermuthis. It is supposed by some that she was Nefert-ari, the Wife as well as sister of Rameses The mummy of this Queen was among the treasures found at Deir-el-Bahari.

(2.) “Bithiah the Daughter of Pharaoh which Mered took (1 Chronicles 4:18).

(3.) The Wife of Solomon (1 Kings 3:1). This is the first reference since the Exodus to any connection of Israel with Egypt

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Pharez - breach, the elder of the twin sons of Judah (Genesis 38:29). From him the royal line of David sprang (Ruth 4: 18-22). “The Chief of all the captains of the host” was of the children of Perez (1 Chronicles 27:3; Matthew 1:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pharisees - separatists (Hebrews persahin, fromparash, “to separate”). They were probably the successors of the Assideans (i.e., the “pious”), a party that originated in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes in revolt against his heathenizing policy. The first mention of them is in a description by Josephus of the three sects or Schools into which the Jews were divided (B.C. 145). The other two sects were the Essenes and the Sadducees In the time of our Lord they were the popular party (John 7:48). ... They were extremely accurate and minute in all matters appertaining to the Law of Moses (Matthew 9:14; 23:15; Luke 11:39; 18:12). Paul when brought before the Council of Jerusalem professed himself a Pharisee (Acts 23:6-8; 26:4, 5).

There was much that was sound in their creed, yet their system of religion was a form and nothing more. Theirs was a very lax morality (Matthew 5:20; 15:4, 8; 23:3, 14, 23, 25; John 8:7). On the first notice of them in the New Testament (Matthew 3:7), they are ranked by our Lord with the Sadducees as a “generation of vipers.” They were noted for their self-righteousness and their pride (Matthew 9:11; Luke 7:39; 18:11, 12). They were frequently rebuked by our Lord (Matthew 12:39; 16:1-4).

Lrom the very beginning of his ministry the Pharisees showed themselves Bitter and persistent enemies of our Lord They could not bear his doctrines, and they sought by every means to destroy his influence among the people.

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Pharpar - swift, one of the Rivers of Damascus (2 Kings 5:12). It has been identified with the ‘Awaj, “a small lively River ” The whole of the district watered by the ‘Awaj is called the Wady el-‘Ajam, i.e., “the Valley of the Persians”, so called for some unknown reason. This River empties itself into the lake or marsh Bahret Hijaneh, on the East of Damascus One of its branches bears the modern name of Wady Barbar, which is probably a corruption of Pharpar

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phebe - a “deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea ” the port of Corinth She was probably the Bearer of Paul’s epistle to the Romans Paul commended her to the Christians at Rome “for she Hath been,” says he, “a succourer of many, and of myself also” (Romans 16:1, 2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phenice - properly Phoenix a palm-tree (as in the R.V.), a town with a harbour on the southern side of Crete (Acts 27:12), west of the Fair Havens. It is now called Lutro.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phenicia - (Acts 21:2) = Phenice (11:19; 15:3; R.V., Phoenicia), Gr. phoinix, “a palm”, the land of palm-trees; a strip of land of an average breadth of about 20 miles along the shores of the Mediterranean, from the River Eleutherus in the North to the promotory of Carmel in the South about 120 miles in length. This name is not found in the Old Testament and in the New Testament it is mentioned only in the passages above referred to. ...

“In the Egyptian inscriptions Phoenicia is called Keft, the inhabitants being Kefa; and since Keft-ur, or ‘Greater Phoenicia ’ was the name given to the delta of the Nile from the Phoenician colonies settled upon it, the Philistines who came from Caphtor or Keft-ur must have been of Phoenician origin” (comp. Deuteronomy 2:23; Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7)., Sayce’s Bible and the Monuments.

Phoenicia lay in the very centre of the Old world, and was the natural entrepot for commerce with foreign nations. It was the “England of antiquity.” “The trade routes from all Asia converged on the Phoenician coast; the centres of commerce on the Euphrates and Tigris forwarding their goods by way of Tyre to the Nile, to Arabia and to the west; and, on the other Hand the productions of the vast regions bordering the Mediterranean passing through the Canaanite capital to the eastern world.” It was “situate at the entry of the Sea a Merchant of the people for many isles” (Ezekiel 27:3, 4). The far-reaching commercial activity of the Phoenicians, especially with Tarshish and the western world, enriched them with vast wealth, which introduced boundless luxury and developed among them a great activity in all manner of arts and manufactures. (See TYRE.)

The Phoenicians were the most enterprising merchants of the Old world, establishing colonies at various places, of which Carthage was the Chief They were a Canaanite Branch of the race of Ham and are frequently called Sidonians, from their principal City of Sidon. None could “skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians” (1 Kings 5:6). King Hiram rendered important service to Solomon in connection with the planning and Building of the Temple casting for him all the vessels for the Temple service, and the two pillars which stood in the front of the Porch and “the molten sea” (1 Kings 7:21-23). Singular marks have been found by recent exploration on the great Stones that form the substructure of the Temple These marks, both painted and engraved, have been regarded as made by the workmen in the Quarries and as probably intended to indicate the Place of these Stones in the Building “The Biblical account (1 Kings 5:17, 18) is accurately descriptive of the massive masonry now existing at the south-eastern angle (of the Temple area), and standing on the native Rock 80 feet below the present surface. The Royal Engineers found, buried deeply among the rubbish of many centuries, great Stones costly and hewed Stones forming the foundation of the sanctuary Wall while Phoenician fragments of Pottery and Phoenician marks painted on the massive blocks seem to proclaim that the Stones were prepared in the quarry by the cunning workmen of Hiram, the King of Tyre.” (See Temple )

The Phoenicians have been usually regarded as the inventors of alphabetic Writing The Egyptians expressed their thoughts by certain symbols, called “hieroglyphics”, i.e., sacred carvings, so styled because used almost exclusively on sacred subjects. The recent discovery, however, of inscriptions in Southern Arabia (Yemen and Hadramaut), known as Hemyaritic, in connection with various philogical considerations, has led some to the conclusion that the Phoenician alphabet was derived from the Mineans (admitting the antiquity of the Kingdom of Ma’in, Judges 10:12; 2 Chronicles 26:7). Thus the Phoenician alphabet ceases to be the mother alphabet. Sayce thinks “it is more than possible that the Egyptians themselves were emigrants from Southern Arabia ” (See Moabite STONE.)

“The Phoenicians were renowned in Ancient times for the manufacture of Glass and some of the specimens of this work that have been preserved are still the wonder of mankind. ..In the matter of shipping, whether ship-building be thought of or traffic upon the Sea the Phoenicians surpassed all other nations.” “The name Phoenicia is of uncertain origin, though it may be derived from Fenkhu, the name given in the Egyptian inscriptions to the natives of Palestine Among the Chief Phoenician cities were Tyre and Sidon, Gebal North of Beirut, Arvad or Arados and Zemar.”

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Phicol - great, the Chief captain of the Army of Abimelech the Philistine King of Gerar He entered into an Alliance with Abraham with reference to a certain well which, from this circumstance, was called Beersheba (q.v.), “the well of the oath” (Genesis 21:22, 32; 26:26).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Philadelphia - brotherly Love a City of Lydia in Asia Minor, about 25 miles south-east of Sardis. It was the seat of one of the “seven churches” (Revelation 3:7-12). It came into the possession of the Turks in A.D. 1392. It has several times been nearly destroyed by earthquakes. It is still a town of considerable size, called Allahshehr, “the City of God ”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Philemon - , Epistle TO was written from Rome at the same time as the Epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians and was sent also by Onesimus It was addressed to Philemon and the members of his family.

It was written for the purpose of interceding for Onesimus (q.v.), who had deserted his master Philemon and been “unprofitable” to him. Paul had found Onesimus at Rome and had there been instrumental in his Conversion and now he sends him back to his master with this Letter

This epistle has the character of a strictly private Letter and is the only one of such Epistles preserved to us. ... “It exhibits the Apostle in a New light. He throws off as far as possible his apostolic dignity and his fatherly authority over his converts. He speaks simply as Christian to Christian He speaks, therefore, with that Peculiar grace of Humility and courtesy which has, under the reign of Christianity, developed the Spirit of chivalry and what is called ‘the character of a gentleman,’ certainly very little known in the Old Greek and Roman civilization” (Dr. Barry). (See Slave )

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Philetus - amiable, with Hymenaeus, at Ephesus said that the “resurrection was past already” (2 Timothy 2:17, 18). This was a Gnostic Heresy held by the Nicolaitanes. (See Alexander [4].)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Philip - lover of horses. (1.) One of the twelve apostles; a native of Bethsaida “the City of Andrew and Peter” (John 1:44). He readily responded to the Call of Jesus when first addressed to him (43), and forthwith brought Nathanael also to Jesus (45,46). ... He seems to have held a prominent Place among the apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; John 6:5-7; 12:21,22; 14:8, 9; Acts 1:13). Of his later Life nothing is certainly known. He is said to have preached in Phrygia and to have met his Death at Hierapolis.

(2.) One of the “seven” (Acts 6:5), called also “the evangelist” (21:8, 9). He was one of those who were “scattered abroad” by the Persecution that arose on the Death of Stephen. He went first to Samaria where he laboured as an Evangelist with much success (8:5-13). While he was there he received a divine command to proceed toward the South along the Road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza These towns were connected by two roads. The one Philip was directed to take was that which led through Hebron and thence through a district little inhabited, and hence called “desert.” As he travelled along this Road he was overtaken by a Chariot in which sat a Man of Ethiopia the Eunuch or Chief officer of Queen Candace, who was at that moment reading, probably from the Septuagint Version a portion of the prophecies of Isaiah (53:6,7). Philip entered into Conversation with him, and expounded these verses, preaching to him the glad tidings of the Saviour The Eunuch received the message and believed, and was forthwith baptized, and then “went on his way rejoicing.” Philip was instantly caught away by the Spirit after the Baptism and the Eunuch saw him no more. He was next found at Azotus whence he went forth in his evangelistic work till he came to Caesarea He is not mentioned again for about twenty years, when he is still found at Caesarea (Acts 21:8) when Paul and his companions were on the way to Jerusalem He then finally disappears from the page of history.

(3.) Mentioned only in connection with the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:3; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19). He was the Son of Herod the Great, and the first Husband of Herodias and the Father of Salome (See HEROD Philip I.)

(4.) The “tetrarch of Ituraea” (Luke 3:1); a Son of Herod the Great, and Brother of Herod Antipas. The City of Caesarea- Philippi was named partly after him (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27). (See HEROD Philip II.)

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Philippi - (1.) Formerly Crenides, “the Fountain ” the capital of the province of Macedonia. It stood near the head of the Sea about 8 miles north-west of Kavalla. It is now a ruined village, called Philibedjik. Philip of Macedonia fortified the Old Thracian town of Crenides, and called it after his own name Philippi (B.C. 359-336). In the time of the Emperor Augustus this City became a Roman Colony i.e., a military settlement of Roman soldiers, there planted for the purpose of controlling the district recently conquered. ... It was a “miniature Rome ” under the municipal Law of Rome and governed by military officers, called duumviri, who were appointed directly from Rome Having been providentially guided thither, here Paul and his companion Silas preached the gospel and formed the first Church in Europe. (See Lydia ) This success stirred up the Enmity of the people, and they were “shamefully entreated” (Acts 16:9-40; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). Paul and Silas at length Left this City and proceeded to Amphipolis (q.v.).

(2.) When Philip the Tetrarch the Son of Herod succeeded to the government of the northern portion of his Kingdom he enlarged the City of Paneas, and called it Caesarea in honour of the emperor. But in order to distinguish it from the Caesarea on the Sea coast, he added to it subsequently his own name, and called it Caesarea-Philippi (q.v.).

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Philippians - , EPISTLE TO was written by Paul during the two years when he was “in bonds” in Rome (Phil. 1:7-13), probably early in the Year A.D. 62 or in the End of 61.

The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus their Messenger with contributions to Meet the necessities of the Apostle and on his return Paul sent back with him this Letter With this precious communication Epaphroditus sets out on his homeward Journey “The joy caused by his return, and the effect of this wonderful Letter when first read in the Church of Philippi are hidden from us. ... And we may almost say that with this Letter the Church itself passes from our view. To-day, in silent meadows, quiet Cattle browse among the ruins which Mark the site of what was once the flourishing Roman Colony of Philippi the home of the most attractive Church of the apostolic Age But the name and fame and spiritual influence of that church Will never pass. To myriads of men and women in every Age and nation the Letter written in a Dungeon at Rome and carried along the Egnatian Way by an obscure Christian messenger, has been a Light divine and a cheerful guide along the most rugged paths of life” (Professor Beet).

The Church at Philippi was the first-fruits of European Christianity. Their attachment to the Apostle was very fervent, and so also was his Affection for them. They alone of all the churches helped him by their contributions, which he gratefully acknowledges (Acts 20:33-35; 2 Corinthians 11:7-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). The pecuniary liberality of the Philippians comes out very conspicuously (Phil. 4:15). “This was a characteristic of the Macedonian missions, as 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 amply and beautifully prove. It is remarkable that the Macedonian converts were, as a class, very poor (2 Corinthians 8:2); and the parallel facts, their poverty and their open-handed support of the great missionary and his work, are deeply harmonious. At the present Day the missionary liberality of poor Christians is, in Proportion really greater than that of the rich” (Moule’s Philippians Introd.).

The contents of this epistle give an interesting insight into the condition of the Church at Rome at the time it was written. Paul’s imprisonment, we are informed, was no hindrance to his preaching the gospel, but rather “turned out to the furtherance of the gospel.” The gospel spread very extensively among the Roman soldiers, with whom he was in constant contact, and the Christians grew into a “vast multitude.” It is Plain that Christianity was at this time making rapid advancement in Rome

The doctrinal statements of this epistle bear a close relation to those of the Epistle to the Romans Compare also Phil. 3:20 with Ephesians 2:12, 19, where the Church is presented under the idea of a City or commonwealth for the first time in Paul’s writings. The personal Glory of Christ is also set forth in almost parallel forms of expression in Phil. 2:5-11, compared with Ephesians 1:17-23; 2:8; and Colossians 1:15-20. “This exposition of the Grace and wonder of His personal majesty, personal self-abasement, and personal exaltation after it,” found in these Epistles “is, in a great Measure a New development in the revelations given through St. Paul” (Moule). Other minuter analogies in forms of expression and of thought are also found in these Epistles of the Captivity

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Listia - =Palestine (q.v.), “the land of the Philistines” (Psalm 60:8; 87:4; 108:9). The Word is supposed to mean “the land of wanderers” or “of strangers.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Philistines - (Genesis 10:14, R.V.; but in A.V., “Philistim”), a Tribe allied to the Phoenicians. They were a Branch of the primitive race which spread over the whole district of the Lebanon and the Valley of the Jordan and Crete and other Mediterranean islands. Some suppose them to have been a Branch of the Rephaim (2 Samuel 21:16-22). ... In the time of Abraham they inhabited the south-west of Judea Abimelech of Gerar being their King (Genesis 21:32, 34; 26:1). They are, however, not noticed among the Canaanitish tribes mentioned in the Pentateuch They are spoken of by Amos (9:7) and Jeremiah (47:4) as from Caphtor i.e., probably Crete or, as some think, the Delta of Egypt In the whole record from Exodus to Samuel they are represented as inhabiting the tract of country which lay between Judea and Egypt (Exodus 13:17; 15:14, 15; Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 4).

This powerful Tribe made frequent incursions against the Hebrews There was almost perpetual war between them. They sometimes held the tribes, especially the southern tribes, in degrading servitude (Judges 15:11; 1 Samuel 13: 19-22); at other times they were defeated with great slaughter (1 Samuel 14:1-47; 17). These hostilities did not cease till the time of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:8), when they were entirely subdued. They still, however, occupied their territory, and always showed their old Hatred to Israel (Ezekiel 25:15-17). They were finally conquered by the Romans

The Philistines are called Pulsata or Pulista on the Egyptian monuments; the land of the Philistines (Philistia) being termed Palastu and Pilista in the Assyrian inscriptions. They occupied the five cities of Gaza Ashkelon Ashdod, Ekron and Gath in the south-western Corner of Canaan which belonged to Egypt up to the closing days of the Nineteenth Dynasty. The occupation took Place during the reign of Rameses III. of the Twentieth Dynasty. The Philistines had formed part of the great naval confederacy which attacked Egypt but were eventually repulsed by that Pharaoh who, however, could not dislodge them from their settlements in Palestine As they did not enter Palestine till the time of the Exodus the use of the name Philistines in Genesis 26: 1 must be proleptic. Indeed the country was properly Gerar as in eh. 20.

They are called Allophyli, “foreigners,” in the Septuagint and in the Books of Samuel they are spoken of as uncircumcised. It would therefore appear that they were not of the Semitic race, though after their establishment in Canaan they adopted the Semitic language of the country. We learn from the Old Testament that they came from Caphtor usually supposed to be Crete From Philistia the name of the land of the Philistines came to be extended to the whole of “Palestine.” Many scholars identify the Philistines with the Pelethites of 2 Samuel 8:18.

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Phinehas - mouth of Brass or from Old Egypt, the negro. (1.) Son of Eleazar the high Priest (Exodus 6:25). While yet a youth he distinguished himself at Shittim by his Zeal against the immorality into which the Moabites had tempted the people (Numbers 25:1-9), and thus “stayed the plague” that had broken out among the people, and by which twenty-four thousand of them perished. ... For his faithfulness on that occasion he received the divine approbation (10-13). He afterwards commanded the Army that went out against the Midianites (31:6-8). When representatives of the people were sent to expostulate with the two and a half tribes who, just after crossing Jordan built an Altar and departed without giving any explanation, Phinehas was their leader, and addressed them in the words recorded in Joshua 22:16-20. Their explanation follows. This great Altar was intended to be all ages only a Witness that they still formed a part of Israel Phinehas was afterwards the Chief adviser in the war with the Benjamites. He is commemorated in Psalm 106:30, 31. (See ED.)

(2.) One of the sons of Eli the high Priest (1 Samuel 1:3; 2:12). He and his brother Hophni were guilty of great crimes, for which Destruction came on the House of Eli (31). He died in battle with the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:4, 11); and his Wife on hearing of his Death gave Birth to a Son whom she called “Ichabod,” and then she died (19-22).

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Phlegon - burning, a Roman Christian to whom Paul sent salutations (Romans 16:14).

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Phoenicia - (Acts 21 :2). (See Phenicia )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phrygia - dry, an irregular and ill-defined district in Asia Minor. It was divided into two parts, the Greater Phrygia on the South and the Lesser Phrygia on the west. It is the Greater Phrygia that is spoken of in the New Testament The towns of Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:14), Colosse, Hierapolis, Iconium and Laodicea were situated in it.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phut - Phut is placed between Egypt and Canaan in Genesis 10:6, and elsewhere we find the people of Phut described as mercenaries in the armies of Egypt and Tyre (Jeremiah 46:9; Ezekiel 30:5; 27:10). In a fragment of the annuals of Nebuchadrezzar which records his invasion of Egypt reference is made to “Phut of the Ionians.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phygellus - fugitive, a Christian of Asia, who “turned away” from Paul during his second imprisonment at Rome (2 Timothy 1:15). Nothing more is known of him.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phylacteries - (Gr. phulakteria; i.e., “defences” or “protections”), called by modern Jews tephillin (i.e., “prayers”) are mentioned only in Matthew 23:5. They consisted of strips of Parchment on which were inscribed these four texts: (1.) Exodus 13:1-10; (2.) 11-16; (3.) Deuteronomy 6:4-9; (4.) 11:18-21, and which were enclosed in a square leather case, on one side of which was inscribed the Hebrew Letter shin, to which the rabbis attached some significance. ... This case was fastened by certain straps to the Forehead just between the eyes. The “making broad the phylacteries” refers to the enlarging of the case so as to make it conspicuous. (See Frontlets )

Another form of the phylactery consisted of two rolls of Parchment on which the same texts were written, enclosed in a case of Black calfskin. This was worn on the left Arm near the elbow, to which it was bound by a thong. It was called the “Tephillah on the Arm ”

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Physician - Asa, afflicted with some bodily malady, “sought not to the Lord but to the physicians” (2 Chronicles 16:12). The “physicians” were those who “practised Heathen arts of magic, disavowing recognized methods of cure, and dissociating the healing art from dependence on the God of Israel The sin of Asa was not, therefore, in seeking medical advice, as we understand the phrase, but in forgetting Jehovah ”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Beseth - (Ezekiel 30:17), supposed to mean, “a cat,” or a deity in the form of a cat, worshipped by the Egyptians. It was called by the Greeks Bubastis. The hieroglyphic name is “Pe-bast”, i.e., the House of Bast, the Artemis of the Egyptians. The town of Bubasts was situated on the Pelusian Branch i.e., the easternmost Branch of the Delta. It was the seat of one of the Chief annual Festivals of the Egyptians. Its ruins bear the modem name of Tel-Basta.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pieces - (1) of Silver In Psalm 68:30 denotes “fragments,” and not properly Money In 1 Samuel 2:36 (Hebrews agorah), properly a “small sum” as Wages weighed rather than coined. Joshua 24:32 (Hebrews Kesitah q.v.), supposed by some to have been a piece of Money bearing the figure of a Lamb but rather simply a certain amount. ... (Comp. Genesis 33:19).

(2.) The Word pieces is omitted in many passages, as Genesis 20:16; 37:28; 45:22, etc. The Passage in Zechariah 11:12, 13 is quoted in the Gospel (Matthew 26:15), and from this we know that the Word to be supplied is “shekels.” In all these omissions we may thus warrantably supply this Word

(3.) The “piece of money” mentioned in Matthew 17:27 is a stater=a Hebrew Shekel or four Greek drachmae; and that in Luke 15:8, 9, Act 19:19, a Greek drachma=a denarius. (See Penny )

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Piety - Lat. pietas, properly honour and respect toward parents (1 Timothy 5:4). In Acts 17:23 the Greek verb is rendered “ye Worship ” as applicable to God

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pigeon - Pigeons are mentioned as among the offerings which, by divine appointment, Abram presented unto the Lord (Genesis 15:9). They were afterwards enumerated among the sin-offerings (Leviticus 1:14; 12:6), and the Law provided that those who could not offer a Lamb might offer two young pigeons (5:7; comp. Luke 2:24). (See Dove )

Pl-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Hahiroth - Place where the reeds grow (LXX. and Copt, read “farmstead”), the name of a Place in Egypt where the children of Israel encamped (Exodus 14:2, 9), how long is uncertain. Some have identified it with Ajrud, a fortress between Etham and Suez. The condition of the Isthmus of Suez at the time of the Exodus is not exactly known, and hence this, with the other places mentioned as encampments of Israel in Egypt cannot be definitely ascertained. ... The isthmus has been formed by the Nile deposits. This increase of deposit still goes on, and so rapidly that within the last fifty years the mouth of the Nile has advanced Northward about four geographical miles. In the maps of Ptolemy (of the second and third centuries A.D.) the mouths of the Nile are forty miles further South than at present. (See Exodus )

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Pilate - , PONTIUS probably connected with the Roman family of the Pontii, and called “Pilate” from the Latin pileatus, i.e., “wearing the pileus”, which was the “cap or badge of a manumitted Slave ” as indicating that he was a “freedman,” or the descendant of one. He was the sixth in the order of the Roman procurators of Judea (A.D. 26-36). His headquarters were at Caesarea but he frequently went up to Jerusalem His reign extended over the period of the ministry of John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ in connection with whose trial his name comes into prominent notice. Pilate was a “typical Roman, not of the antique, simple stamp, but of the imperial period, a Man not without some remains of the Ancient Roman Justice in his soul, yet pleasure-loving, imperious, and corrupt. ... He hated the Jews whom he ruled, and in times of irritation freely shed their blood. They returned his Hatred with cordiality, and accused him of every crime, maladministration, cruelty, and Robbery He visited Jerusalem as seldom as possible; for, indeed, to one accustomed to the pleasures of Rome with its theatres, baths, Games and gay society, Jerusalem with its religiousness and ever- smouldering revolt, was a dreary residence. When he did visit it he stayed in the Palace of Herod the Great, it being common for the officers sent by Rome into conquered countries to occupy the palaces of the displaced sovereigns.”

After his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus was brought to the Roman procurator, Pilate who had come up to Jerusalem as usual to preserve order during the Passover and was now residing, perhaps, in the Castle of Antonia or it may be in Herod’s Palace Pilate came forth from his Palace and met the deputation from the Sanhedrin, who, in answer to his inquiry as to the nature of the accusation they had to prefer against Jesus accused him of being a “malefactor.” Pilate was not satisfied with this, and they further accused him (1) of sedition, (2) preventing the payment of the Tribute to Caesar and (3) of assuming the title of King (Luke 23:2). Pilate now withdrew with Jesus into the Palace (John 18:33) and examined him in private (37,38); and then going out to the deputation still standing before the Gate he declared that he could find no fault in Jesus (Luke 23:4). This only aroused them to more furious clamour, and they cried that he excited the populace “throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee.” When Pilate heard of Galilee, he sent the accused to Herod Antipas, who had jurisdiction over that province, thus hoping to escape the difficulty in which he found himself. But Herod with his men of war, set Jesus at nought, and sent him back again to Pilate clad in a purple robe of mockery (23:11, 12).

Pilate now proposed that as he and Herod had found no fault in him, they should release Jesus and anticipating that they would consent to this proposal, he ascended the judgment-seat as if ready to ratify the Decision (Matthew 27:19). But at this moment his Wife (Claudia Procula) sent a message to him imploring him to have nothing to do with the “just person.” Pilate’s feelings of perplexity and awe were deepened by this incident, while the crowd vehemently cried out, “Not this Man but Barabbas ” Pilate answered, “What then shall I do with Jesus?” The fierce cry immediately followed. “Let him be crucified.” Pilate apparently vexed, and not knowning what to do, said, “Why, what evil Hath he done?” but with yet fiercer fanaticism the crowd yelled out, “Away with him! crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate yielded, and sent Jesus away to be scourged. This Scourging was usually inflicted by lictors; but as Pilate was only a procurator he had no lictor, and hence his soldiers inflicted this terrible Punishment This done, the soldiers began to deride the sufferer, and they threw around him a purple robe, probably some Old cast-off robe of state (Matthew 27:28; John 19:2), and putting a Reed in his right Hand and a crowd of thorns on his head, bowed the knee before him in mockery, and saluted him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They took also the Reed and smote him with it on the head and Face and spat in his Face heaping upon him every indignity.

Pilate then led forth Jesus from within the Praetorium (Matthew 27:27) before the people, wearing the Crown of thorns and the purple robe, saying, “Behold the man!” But the sight of Jesus now scourged and crowned and bleeding, only stirred their Hatred the more, and again they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” and brought forth this additional charge against him, that he professed to be “the Son of God ” Pilate heard this accusation with a superstitious awe, and taking him once more within the Praetorium asked him, “Whence art thou?” Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate was irritated by his continued silence, and said, “Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee?” Jesus with calm dignity, answered the Roman, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.”

After this Pilate seemed more resolved than ever to let Jesus go. The crowd perceiving this cried out, “If thou let this Man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend.” This settled the matter. He was afraid of being accused to the emperor. Calling for Water he washed his hands in the sight of the people, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person.” The mob, again scorning his scruples, cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Pilate was stung to the heart by their insults, and putting forth Jesus before them, said, “Shall I crucify your King?” The fatal moment had now come. They madly exclaimed, “We have no King but Caesar ” and now Jesus is given up to them, and led away to be crucified.

By the direction of Pilate an inscription was placed, according to the Roman Custom over the Cross stating the crime for which he was crucified. Having ascertained from the Centurion that he was Dead he gave up the body to Joseph of Arimathea to be buried. Pilate’s name now disappears from the Gospel history. References to him, however, are found in the Acts of the Apostles (3:13; 4:27; 13:28), and in 1 Timothy 6:13. In A.D. 36 the Governor of Syria brought serious accusations against Pilate and he was banished to Vienne in Gaul, where, according to Tradition he committed suicide.

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Pillar - used to support a Building (Judges 16:26, 29); as a trophy or memorial (Genesis 28:18; 35:20; Exodus 24:4; 1 Samuel 15:12, A.V., “place,” more correctly “monument,” or “trophy of victory,” as in 2 Samuel 18:18); of Fire by which the Divine Presence was manifested (Exodus 13:2). The “plain of the pillar” in Judges 9:6 ought to be, as in the Revised Version the “oak of the pillar”, i.e., of the monument or Stone set up by Joshua (24:26).

Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pinnacle - a little wing, (Matthew 4:5; Luke 4:9). On the southern side of the Temple court was a range of porches or cloisters forming three arcades. At the south-eastern Corner the roof of this cloister was some 300 feet above the Kidron Valley The Pinnacle some parapet or wing-like projection, was above this roof, and hence at a great height, probably 350 feet or more above the Valley

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pipe - (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 1:40; Isaiah 5:12; 30:29). The Hebrew Word halil, so rendered, means “bored through,” and is the name given to various kinds of wind instruments, as the fife, Flute Pan-pipes, etc. In Amos 6:5 this Word is rendered “instrument of Music ” This instrument is mentioned also in the New Testament (Matthew 11:17; 1 Corinthians 14:7). ... It is still used in Palestine and is, as in Ancient times, made of different materials, as Reed copper, bronze, etc.

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Rathon - Prince or summit, a Place “in the land of Ephraim” (Judges 12:15), now Fer’on, some 10 miles south-west of Shechem This was the home of Abdon the Judge

Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rathonite - (1.) Abdon the Son of Hillel, so called, Judges 12:13, 15.

(2.) Benaiah the Ephraimite (2 Samuel 23:30), one of David’s thirty heroes.

Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sgah - a part, a mountain summit in the land of Moab in the territory of Reuben where Balak offered up sacrifices (Numbers 21:20; 23:14), and from which Moses viewed the promised land (Deuteronomy 3:27). It is probably the modem Jebel Siaghah. (See Nebo )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sidia - a district in Asia Minor, to the North of Pamphylia The Taurus range of mountains extends through it. Antioch one of its Chief cities, was twice visited by Paul (Acts 13:14; 14:21-24).

Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Son - OF Man (1.) Denotes mankind generally, with special reference to their weakness and frailty (Job 25:6; Psalm 8:4; 144:3; 146:3; Isaiah 51:12, etc.).

(2.) It is a title frequently given to the Prophet Ezekiel, probably to remind him of his human weakness.

(3.) In the New Testament it is used forty-three times as a distinctive title of the Saviour In the Old Testament it is used only in Psalm 80:17 and Daniel 7:13 with this application. ... It denotes the true humanity of our Lord He had a true body (Hebrews 2: 14; Luke 24:39) and a rational soul. He was perfect Man

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Pit - a hole in the Ground (Exodus 21:33, 34), a Cistern for Water (Genesis 37:24; Jeremiah 14:3), a vault (41:9), a Grave (Psalm 30:3). It is used as a figure for mischief (Psalm 9:15), and is the name given to the unseen Place of woe (Revelation 20:1, 3). The slime-pits in the vale of Siddim were wells which yielded asphalt (Genesis 14:10).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pitch - (Genesis 6:14), asphalt or Bitumen in its soft state, called “slime” (Genesis 11:3; 14:10; Exodus 2:3), found in pits near the Dead Sea (q.v.). It was used for various purposes, as the coating of the outside of vessels and in Building Allusion is made in Isaiah 34:9 to its inflammable character. (See Slime )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pitcher - a vessel for containing liquids. In the East pitchers were usually carried on the head or shoulders (Genesis 24:15-20; Judges 7:16, 19; Mark 14:13).

Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thom - Egyptian, Pa-Tum, “house of Turn,” the sun-God, one of the “treasure” cities built for Pharaoh Rameses II. by the Israelites (Exodus 1:11). It was probably the Patumos of the Greek historian Herodotus. It has now been satisfactorily identified with Tell-el-Maskhuta, about 12 miles west of Ismailia, and 20 East of Tel-el-Kebir, on the southern bank of the present Suez Canal. Here have recently (1883) been discovered the ruins of supposed grain-chambers, and other evidences to show that this was a great “store City ” Its immense ruin-heaps show that it was built of bricks, and partly also of bricks without Straw Succoth (Exodus 12:37) is supposed by some to be the secular name of this City Pithom being its sacred name. ... This was the first halting-place of the Israelites in their Exodus It has been argued (Dr. Lansing) that these “store” cities “were residence cities, royal Dwellings such as the Pharaohs of Old the Kings of Israel and our modern Khedives have ever loved to build, thus giving employment to the superabundant muscle of their enslaved peoples, and making a name for themselves.”

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Plague - a “stroke” of affliction, or disease. Sent as a divine chastisement (Numbers 11:33; 14:37; 16:46-49; 2 Samuel 24:21). Painful Afflictions or diseases, (Leviticus 13:3, 5, 30; 1 Kings 8:37), or severe calamity (Mark 5:29; Luke 7:21), or the Judgment of God so called (Exodus 9:14). Plagues of Egypt were ten in number. ...

(1.) The River Nile was turned into blood, and the Fish died, and the River stank, so that the Egyptians loathed to Drink of the River (Exodus 7:14-25).

(2.) The Plague of frogs (Exodus 8:1-15).

(3.) The Plague of Lice (Hebrews kinnim, properly gnats or mosquitoes; comp. Psalm 78:45; 105:31), “out of the dust of the land” (Exodus 8:16-19).

(4.) The Plague of flies (Hebrews arob, rendered by the LXX. dog-fly), Exodus 8:21-24.

(5.) The Murrain (Ex. 9: 1-7), or epidemic pestilence which carried off vast Numbers of Cattle in the field. Warning was given of its Coming

(6.) The sixth Plague of “boils and Blains ” like the third, was sent without warning (Ex. 9:8-12). It is called (Deuteronomy 28:27) “the botch of Egypt ” A.V.; but in R.V., “the Boil of Egypt ” “The Magicians could not stand before Moses” because of it.

(7.) The Plague of Hail with Fire and Thunder (Exodus 9:13-33). Warning was given of its Coming (Comp. Psalm 18:13; 105:32, 33).

(8.) The Plague of locusts, which covered the whole Face of the earth, so that the land was darkened with them (Exodus 10:12-15). The Hebrew name of this insect, arbeh, points to the “multitudinous” character of this visitation. Warning was given before this Plague came.

(9.) After a short interval the Plague of Darkness succeeded that of the locusts; and it came without any special warning (Exodus 10:21-29). The Darkness covered “all the land of Egypt” to such an extent that “they saw not one another.” It did not, however, extend to the land of Goshen

(10.) The last and most fearful of these plagues was the Death of the first-born of Man and of beast (Exodus 11:4, 5; 12:29,30). The exact time of the visitation was announced, “about midnight”, which would add to the horror of the infliction. Its extent also is specified, from the first-born of the King to the first-born of the humblest Slave and all the first-born of beasts. But from this Plague the Hebrews were completely exempted. The Lord “put a difference” between them and the Egyptians. (See Passover )

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Plain - OF Mamre (Genesis 13:18; 14:13; R.V., “oaks of Mamre ” marg., “terebinths”). (See Mamre TEIL-TREE.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Plane - TREE Hebrews ‘armon (Genesis 30:37; Ezekiel 31:8), rendered “chesnut” in the Authorized Version but correctly “plane tree” in the Revised Version and the LXX. This Tree is frequently found in Palestine both on the coast and in the North It usually sheds its outer bark, and hence its Hebrew name, which means “naked.” (See Chestnut )

Pledge

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pleiades - Hebrews kimah, “a cluster” (Job 9:9; 38:31; Amos 5:8, A.V., “seven Stars ” R.V., “Pleiades”), a name given to the cluster of Stars seen in the shoulder of the Constellation Taurus.

Plough

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Poetry - has been well defined as “the measured language of emotion.” Hebrew Poetry deals almost exclusively with the great question of man’s relation to God “Guilt, condemnation, Punishment Pardon Redemption Repentance are the awful themes of this heaven-born Poetry ”

In the Hebrew scriptures there are found three distinct kinds of Poetry (1) that of the Book of Job and the Song of Solomon which is dramatic; (2) that of the Book of Psalms which is lyrical; and (3) that of the Book of Ecclesiastes which is didactic and sententious. ...

Hebrew Poetry has nothing akin to that of Western nations. It has neither Metre nor rhyme. Its great peculiarity consists in the mutual correspondence of sentences or clauses, called parallelism, or “thought-rhyme.” Various kinds of this parallelism have been pointed out:

(1.) Synonymous or cognate parallelism, where the same idea is repeated in the same words (Psalm 93:3; 94:1; Proverbs 6:2), or in different words (Psalm 22, 23, 28, 114, etc.); or where it is expressed in a positive form in the one clause and in a negative in the other (Psalm 40:12; Proverbs 6:26); or where the same idea is expressed in three successive clauses (Psalm 40:15, 16); or in a double parallelism, the first and second clauses corresponding to the third and fourth (Isaiah 9:1; 61:10, 11).

(2.) Antithetic parallelism, where the idea of the second clause is the converse of that of the first (Psalm 20:8; 27:6, 7; 34:1 1; 37:9, 17, 21, 22). This is the common form of gnomic or proverbial Poetry (See Proverbs 10-15.)

(3.) Synthetic or constructive or compound parallelism, where each clause or sentence contains some accessory idea enforcing the main idea (Psalm 19:7-10; 85:12; Job 3:3-9; Isaiah 1:5-9).

(4.) Introverted parallelism, in which of four clauses the first answers to the fourth and the second to the third (Psalm 135:15-18; Proverbs 23:15, 16), or where the second line reverses the order of words in the first (Psalm 86:2).

Hebrew Poetry sometimes assumes other forms than these. (1.) An alphabetical arrangement is sometimes adopted for the purpose of connecting clauses or sentences. Thus in the following the initial words of the respective verses begin with the letters of the alphabet in regular succession: Proverbs 31:10-31; Lamentations 1, 2, 3, 4; Psalm 25, 34, 37, 145. Psalm 119 has a Letter of the alphabet in regular order beginning every eighth verse.

(2.) The repetition of the same verse or of some emphatic expression at intervals (Psalm 42, 107, where the refrain is in verses, 8, 15, 21, 31). (Comp, also Isaiah 9:8-10:4; Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6.)

(3.) Gradation, in which the thought of one verse is resumed in another (Psalm 121).

Several odes of great poetical beauty are found in the historical books of the Old Testament such as the song of Moses (Exodus 15), the song of Deborah (Judges 5), of Hannah (1 Samuel 2), of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:9-20),

of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3), and David’s “song of the bow” (2 Samuel 1:19-27).

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Poison - (1.) Hebrews hemah, “heat,” the Poison of certain venomous reptiles (Deuteronomy 32:24, 33; Job 6:4; Psalm 58:4), causing inflammation.

(2.) Hebrews Rosh “a head,” a poisonous plant (Deuteronomy 29:18), growing luxuriantly (Hos. 10:4), of a Bitter taste (Psalm 69:21; Lamentations 3:5), and coupled with Wormwood probably the poppy. ... This Word is rendered “gall”, q.v., (Deuteronomy 29:18; 32:33; Psalm 69:21; Jeremiah 8:14, etc.), “hemlock” (Hos. 10:4; Amos 6:12), and “poison” (Job 20:16), “the Poison of asps,” showing that the Rosh was not exclusively a vegetable Poison

(3.) In Romans 3:13 (comp. Job 20:16; Psalm 140:3), James 3:8, as the rendering of the Greek ios.

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Pomegranate - i.e., “grained apple” (pomum granatum), Hebrews Rimmon Common in Egypt (Numbers 20:5) and Palestine (13:23; Deuteronomy 8:8). The Romans called it Punicum malum, i.e., Carthaginian Apple because they received it from Carthage. It belongs to the myrtle family of trees. The withering of the Pomegranate tree is mentioned among the Judgments of God (Joel 1:12). ... It is frequently mentioned in the Song of Solomon (Cant. 4:3, 13, etc.). The skirt of the High priest’s Blue robe and Ephod was adorned with the representation of pomegranates, alternating with Golden bells (Exodus 28:33,34), as also were the “chapiters upon the two pillars” (1 Kings 7:20) which “stood before the House ”

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Pommels - (2 Chronicles 4:12, 13), or bowls (1 Kings 7:41), were balls or “rounded knobs” on the top of the chapiters (q.v.).

Pontius

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pontus - a province of Asia Minor, stretching along the southern coast of the Euxine Sea corresponding nearly to the modem province of Trebizond. In the time of the apostles it was a Roman province. Strangers from this province were at Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:9), and to “strangers scattered throughout Pontus ” among others, Peter addresses his first epistle (1 Peter 1:1). It was evidently the resort of many Jews of the Dispersion Aquila was a native of Pontus (Acts 18:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pool - a pond, or reservoir, for holding Water (Hebrews berekhah; modern Arabic, birket), an artificial Cistern or tank. Mention is made of the Pool of Gibeon (2 Samuel 2: 13); the Pool of Hebron (4: 12); the upper Pool at Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17; 20:20); the Pool of Samaria (1 Kings 22:38); the king’s Pool (Nehemiah 2:14); the Pool of Siloah (Nehemiah 3:15; Ecclesiastes 2:6); the fishpools of Heshbon (Cant. ... 7:4); the “lower Pool ” and the “old pool” (Isaiah 22:9,11).

The “pool of Bethesda” (John 5:2,4, 7) and the “pool of Siloam” (John 9:7, 11) are also mentioned. Isaiah (35:7) says, “The Parched ground shall become a Pool ” This is rendered in the Revised Version “glowing sand,” etc. (marg., “the mirage,” etc.). The Arabs Call the mirage “serab,” plainly the same as the Hebrew Word scirab, here rendered “parched Ground ” “The mirage shall become a pool”, i.e., the mock-lake of the burning Desert shall become a real lake, “the pledge of refreshment and joy.” The “pools”

spoken of in Isaiah 14:23 are the marshes caused by the ruin of the canals of the Euphrates in the neighbourhood of Babylon

The cisterns or Pools of the Holy City are for the most part excavations beneath the surface. Such are the vast cisterns in the Temple hill that have recently been discovered by the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund. These underground caverns are about thirty-five in number, and are capable of storing about ten million gallons of Water They are connected with one another by passages and tunnels.

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Poplar - Hebrews libneh, “white”, (Genesis 30:37; Hos. 4:13), in all probability the storax Tree (Styrax officinalis) or white Poplar distinguished by its white blossoms and pale leaves. It is common in the Anti-Libanus. Other species of the Poplar are found in Palestine such as the white Poplar (P. alba) of our own country, the black Poplar (P. nigra), and the aspen (P. tremula). (See WILLOW.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Porch - , Solomon’s a colonnade on the East of the Temple so called from a Tradition that it was a relic of Solomon’s Temple left standing after the Destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. (Comp. 1 Kings 7:6.)

The Word “porch” is in the New Testament the rendering of three different Greek words:

(1.) Stoa, meaning aportico or veranda (John 5:2; 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12). ... (2.) Pulon, a gateway (Matthew 26:71).

(3.) Proaulion, the entrance to the inner Court (Mark 14:68).

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Porter - a gate-keeper (2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Kings 7:10; 1 Chronicles 9:21; 2 Chronicles 8:14). Of the Levites, 4,000 were appointed as porters by David (1 Chronicles 23:5), who were arranged according to their families (26:1-19) to take charge of the doors and gates of the Temple They were sometimes employed as musicians (1 Chronicles 15:18).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Post - (1.) A runner, or courier, for the rapid transmission of letters, etc. (2 Chronicles 30:6; Esther 3:13, 15; 8:10, 14; Job 9:25; Jeremiah 51:31). Such messengers were used from very early times. Those employed by the Hebrew kings had a military character (1 Samuel 22:17; 2 Kings 10:25, “guard,” marg. “runners”). The modern system of postal communication was first established by Louis XI. of France in A.D. 1464.

(2.) This Word sometimes also is used for lintel or Threshold (Isaiah 6:4).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Potiphar - dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-God, the Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Genesis 39:1). He was “captain of the guard”, i.e., Chief probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian Army were also largely employed in civil duties (37:36; marg., “chief of the executioners”). Joseph though a Foreigner gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. ... Believing the false accusation which his profligate Wife brought against Joseph Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained for some years. (See Joseph )

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Potipherah - a Priest of On, whose Daughter Asenath became Joseph’s Wife (Genesis 41:45).

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Potsherd - a “shred”, i.e., anything severed, as a fragment of earthenware (Job 2:8; Proverbs 26:23; Isaiah 45:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pottage - Hebrews nazid, “boiled”, a dish of boiled Food as of lentils (Genesis 25:29; 2 Kings 4:38).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Potters - FIELD the name given to the piece of Ground which was afterwards bought with the Money that had been given to Judas It was called the “field of blood” (Matthew 27:7-10). Tradition places it in the Valley of Hinnom. (See Aceldama )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pottery - the art of, was early practised among all nations. Various materials seem to have been employed by the potter. Earthenware is mentioned in connection with the history of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18), of Abraham (18:4-8), of Rebekah (27:14), of Rachel (29:2, 3, 8, 10). The potter’s Wheel is mentioned by Jeremiah (18:3). ... See also 1 Chronicles 4:23; Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 45:9; 64:8; Jeremiah 19:1; Lamentations 4:2; Zechariah 11:13; Romans 9:21.

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Pound - (1.) A weight. Hebrews maneh, equal to 100 shekels (1 Kings 10:17; Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:71, 72). Gr. litra, equal to about 12 oz. avoirdupois (John 12:3; 19:39).

(2.) A sum of Money the Gr. mna or mina (Luke 19:13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25). It was equal to 100 drachmas, and was of the value of about $3, 6s. 8d. of our Money (See Money )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Praetorium - The Greek Word (praitorion) thus rendered in Mark 15:16 is rendered “common hall” (Matthew 27:27, marg., “governor’s house”), “judgment Hall ” (John 18:28, 33, marg., “Pilate’s house”, 19:9;

Acts 23:35), “palace” (Phil. 1:13). This is properly a military Word It denotes (1) the general’s Tent or headquarters; (2) the governor’s residence, as in Acts 23:35 (R.V., “palace”); and (3) the praetorian Guard (See PALACE), or the Camp or quarters of the praetorian cohorts (Acts 28: 16), the imperial guards in immediate attendance on the emperor, who was “praetor” or commander-in-chief.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Prayer - is converse with God the intercourse of the soul with God not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be Oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a “beseeching the Lord” (Exodus 32:11); “pouring out the soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15); “praying and crying to heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20); “seeking unto God and making supplication” (Job 8:5); “drawing near to God” (Psalm 73:28); “bowing the knees” (Ephesians 3:14). ...

Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God his ability and willingness to hold intercourse with us, his personal control of all things and of all his creatures and all their actions.

Acceptable Prayer must be sincere (Hebrews 10:22), offered with reverence and godly Fear with a humble sense of our own insignificance as creatures and of our own unworthiness as sinners, with Earnest importunity, and with unhesitating submission to the divine Will Prayer must also be offered in the Faith that God is, and is the hearer and answerer of Prayer and that he Will fulfil his Word “Ask, and ye shall receive” (Matthew 7:7, 8; 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 14:13, 14), and in the name of Christ (16:23, 24; 15:16; Ephesians 2:18; 5:20; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 2:5).

Prayer is of different kinds, secret (Matthew 6:6); social, as family prayers, and in social Worship and public, in the service of the Sanctuary

Intercessory Prayer is enjoined (Numbers 6:23; Job 42:8; Isaiah 62:6; Psalm 122:6; 1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:14), and there are many instances on record of answers having been given to such prayers, e.g., of Abraham (Genesis 17:18, 20; 18:23-32; 20:7, 17, 18), of Moses for Pharaoh (Exodus 8:12, 13, 30, 31; Exodus 9:33), for the Israelites (Exodus 17:11, 13; 32:11-14, 31-34; Numbers 21:7, 8; Deuteronomy 9:18, 19, 25), for Miriam (Numbers 12:13), for Aaron (Deuteronomy 9:20), of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:5-12), of Solomon (1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 6), Elijah (1 Kings 17:20-23),

Elisha (2 Kings 4:33-36), Isaiah (2 Kings 19), Jeremiah (42:2-10), Peter (Acts 9:40), the Church (12:5-12), Paul (28:8).

No rules are anywhere in Scripture laid down for the manner of Prayer or the attitude to be assumed by the suppliant. There is mention made of kneeling in Prayer (1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 45:23; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; Ephesians 3:14, etc.); of Bowing and falling prostrate (Genesis 24:26, 52; Exodus 4:31; 12:27; Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35, etc.); of spreading out the hands (1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 88:9; 1 Timothy 2:8, etc.); and of standing (1 Samuel 1:26; 1 Kings 8:14, 55; 2 Chronicles 20:9; Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11, 13).

If we except the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13), which is, however, rather a model or pattern of Prayer than a set Prayer to be offered up, we have no special form of Prayer for general use given us in Scripture

Prayer is frequently enjoined in Scripture (Exodus 22:23, 27; 1 Kings 3:5; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 37:4; Isaiah 55:6; Joel 2:32; Ezekiel 36:37, etc.), and we have very many testimonies that it has been answered (Psalm 3:4; 4:1; 6:8; 18:6; 28:6; 30:2; 34:4; 118:5; James 5:16-18, etc.).

“Abraham’s servant prayed to God and God directed him to the person who should be Wife to his master’s Son and Heir (Genesis 24:10-20).

“Jacob prayed to God and God inclined the heart of his irritated Brother so that they met in Peace and friendship (Genesis 32:24-30; 33:1-4).

“Samson prayed to God and God showed him a well where he quenched his burning thirst, and so lived to judge Israel (Judges 15:18-20).

“David prayed, and God defeated the counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31; 16:20-23; 17:14-23).

“Daniel prayed, and God enabled him both to tell Nebuchadnezzar his Dream and to give the interpretation of it (Daniel 2: 16-23).

“Nehemiah prayed, and God inclined the heart of the King of Persia to grant him leave of absence to visit and rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:11; 2 : 1 - 6 ).

“Esther and Mordecai prayed, and God defeated the purpose of Haman and saved the Jews from Destruction (Esther 4:15-17; 6:7, 8).

“The believers in Jerusalem prayed, and God opened the prison doors and set Peter at liberty, when Herod had resolved upon his Death (Acts 12 : 1 - 12 ).

“Paul prayed that the Thorn in the Flesh might be removed, and his Prayer brought a large increase of spiritual strength, while the Thorn perhaps remained (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

“Prayer is like the Dove that Noah sent forth, which blessed him not only when it returned with an olive-leaf in its mouth, but when it never returned at all.”, Robinson’s Job

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Predestination - This Word is properly used only with reference to God’s plan or purpose of Salvation The Greek Word rendered “predestinate” is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Romans 8:29, 30; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the Eternal sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or “determinate purpose” of God governs all events. ...

This doctrine of Predestination or Election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the “secret things” of God But if we take the revealed Word of God as our guide, we must accept this doctrine with all its mysteriousness, and settle all our questionings in the humble, devout acknowledgment, “Even so, Father for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

For the teaching of Scripture on this subject let the following passages be examined in addition to those referred to above; Genesis 21:12; Exodus 9:16; 33:19; Deuteronomy 10:15; 32:8; Joshua 11:20; 1 Samuel 12:22; 2 Chronicles 6:6; Psalm 33:12; 65:4; 78:68; 135:4; Isaiah 41:1-10; Jeremiah 1:5; Mark 13:20; Luke 22:22; John 6:37; 15:16; 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 2:28; 3:18; 4:28; 13:48; 17:26; Romans 9:11, 18, 21; 11:5; Ephesians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2. (See Decrees OF God ELECTION.)

Hodge has well remarked that, “rightly understood, this doctrine (1) exalts the majesty and absolute Sovereignty of God while it illustrates the riches of his free Grace and his just displeasure with sin. (2.) It enforces upon us the essential Truth that Salvation is entirely of Grace That no one can either complain if passed over, or boast himself if saved. (3.) It brings the inquirer to absolute self-despair and the cordial embrace of the free offer of Christ (4.) In the case of the believer who has the Witness in himself, this doctrine at once deepens his Humility and elevates his confidence to the full Assurance of hope” (Outlines).

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Presidents - Three Presidents are mentioned, of whom Daniel was the first (Daniel 6:2-7). The name in the original is sarkhin, probably a Persian Word meaning perfects or ministers.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Priest - The Hebrews kohen, Gr. hierus, Lat. sacerdos, always denote one who offers sacrifices.

At first every Man was his own Priest and presented his own sacrifices before God Afterwards that office devolved on the head of the family, as in the cases of Noah (Genesis 8:20), Abraham (12:7; 13:4), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (31:54), and Job (Job 1:5). ...

The name first occurs as applied to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18). Under the Levitical arrangements the office of the priesthood was limited to the Tribe of Levi and to only one family of that Tribe the family of Aaron Certain laws respecting the qualifications of priests are given in Leviticus 21:16-23. There are ordinances also regarding the priests’ Dress (Exodus 28:40-43) and the manner of their Consecration to the office (29: 1-37).

Their duties were manifold (Exodus 27:20, 21; 29:38-44; Leviticus 6:12; 10:11; 24:8; Numbers 10:1-10; Deuteronomy 17:8-13; 33:10; Malachi 2:7). They represented the people before God and offered the various sacrifices prescribed in the Law

In the time of David the priests were divided into twenty-four Courses or classes (1 Chronicles 24:7-18). This number was retained after the Captivity (Ezra 2:36-39; Nehemiah 7:39-42).

“The priests were not distributed over the country, but lived together in certain cities [forty-eight in number, of which six were cities of Refuge q.v.], which had been assigned to their use. From thence they went up by turns to Minister in the Temple at Jerusalem Thus the religious instruction of the people in the country generally was Left to the heads of families, until the establishment of synagogues, an event which did not take Place till the return from the Captivity and which was the main source of the Freedom from Idolatry that became as Marked a feature of the Jewish people thenceforward as its practice had been hitherto their great national sin.”

The whole priestly system of the Jews was typical. It was a Shadow of which the body is Christ The priests all prefigured the great Priest who offered “one Sacrifice for sins” “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10, 12). There is now no human priesthood. (See Epistle to the Hebrews throughout.) The term “priest” is indeed applied to believers (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6), but in these cases it implies no sacerdotal functions. All true believers are now “kings and priests unto God ” As priests they have free access into the holiest of all, and offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, and the sacrifices of grateful service from Day to Day

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Prince - the title generally applied to the Chief men of the state. The “princes of the provinces” (1 Kings 20:14) were the governors or Lord-lieutenants of the provinces. So also the “princes” mentioned in Daniel 6:1, 3, 4, 6, 7 were the officers who administered the affairs of the provinces; the “satraps” (as rendered in R.V.). These are also called “lieutenants” (Esther 3:12; 8:9; R.V., “satraps”). The promised Saviour is called by Daniel (9:25) “Messiah the Prince” (Hebrews nagid); compare Acts 3:15; 5:31. The Angel Micheal is called (Daniel 12:1) a “prince” (Hebrews sar, whence “Sarah,” the “princes”).

Priscilla

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Prophecy - or prediction, was one of the functions of the Prophet It has been defined as a “miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or representation of something future, Beyond the power of human sagacity to foresee, discern, or conjecture.” (See Prophet )

The great prediction which runs like a Golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament is that regarding the Coming and work of the Messiah and the great use of Prophecy was to perpetuate Faith in his Coming and to prepare the world for that event. ... But there are many subordinate and intermediate prophecies also which hold an important Place in the great Chain of events which illustrate the Sovereignty and all-wise overruling Providence of God

Then there are many prophecies regarding the Jewish nation, its founder Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:16; 15:5; 17:2, 4-6, etc.), and his posterity, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants (12:7; 13:14, 15, 17; 15:18-21; Exodus 3:8, 17), which have all been fulfilled. The twenty-eighth Chapter of Deuteronomy contains a series of predictions which are even now in the present Day being fulfilled. In the writings of the prophets Isaiah (2:18-21), Jeremiah (27:3-7; 29:11-14), Ezekiel (5:12; 8), Daniel (8; 9:26, 27), Hosea (9:17), there are also many prophecies regarding the events which were to befall that people.

There is in like manner a large number of prophecies relating to those nations with which the Jews came into contact, as Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3-5, 14-21), Egypt (Ezekiel 29:10, 15; 30:6, 12, 13), Ethiopia (Nahum 3:8-10), Nineveh (Nahum 1:10; 2:8-13; 3:17-19), Babylon (Isaiah 13:4; Jeremiah 51:7; Isaiah 44:27; Jeremiah 50:38; 51:36, 39, 57), the land of the Philistines (Jeremiah 47:4-7; Ezekiel 25:15-17; Amos 1:6-8; Zephaniah 2:4-7; Zechariah 9:5-8), and of the four great monarchies (Daniel 2:39, 40; 7:17-24; 8:9).

But the great body of Old Testament Prophecy relates directly to the advent of the Messiah beginning with Genesis 3:15, the first great promise, and extending in ever-increasing Fulness and clearness all through to the very close of the Canon The Messianic prophecies are too numerous to be quoted. “To him gave all the prophets Witness ” (Comp. Micah 5:2; Hag. 2:6-9; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1, 2; 53; 60:10, 13; Psalm 16:11; 68:18.)

Many predictions also were delivered by Jesus and his apostles. Those of Christ were very numerous. (Comp. Matthew 10:23:24; 11:23; 19:28; 21:43,44; 24; 25:31-46; 26:17-35, 46, 64; Mark 9:1; 10:30; 13; 11:1-6, 14; 14:12-31,42, 62; 16:17, etc.)

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Prophet - (Hebrews nabi, from a root meaning “to bubble forth, as from a Fountain ” hence “to utter”, comp. Psalm 45:1). This Hebrew Word is the first and the most generally used for a Prophet In the time of Samuel another Word ro’eh, “seer”, began to be used (1 Samuel 9:9). It occurs Seven times in reference to Samuel Afterwards another Word hozeh, “seer” (2 Samuel 24:11), was employed. ... In 1 Ch. 29:29 all these three words are used: “Samuel the Seer (ro’eh), Nathan the Prophet (nabi’), Gad the seer” (hozeh). In Joshua 13:22 Balaam is called (Hebrews ) a kosem “diviner,” a Word used only of a false Prophet

The “prophet” proclaimed the message given to him, as the “seer” beheld the Vision of God (See Numbers 12:6, 8.) Thus a Prophet was a spokesman for God he spake in God’s name and by his authority (Exodus 7:1). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 51:16), and hence what the Prophet says is not of Man but of God (2 Peter 1:20, 21; comp. Hebrews 3:7; Acts 4:25; 28:25). Prophets were the immediate organs of God for the communication of his mind and Will to men (Deuteronomy 18:18, 19). The whole Word of God may in this general sense be spoken of as prophetic, inasmuch as it was written by men who received the Revelation they communicated from God no matter what its nature might be. The foretelling of future events was not a necessary but only an incidental part of the prophetic office. The great task assigned to the prophets whom God raised up among the people was “to correct moral and religious abuses, to proclaim the great moral and religious truths which are connected with the character of God and which he at the foundation of his government.”

Any one being a spokesman for God to Man might thus be called a Prophet Thus Enoch Abraham and the patriarchs, as bearers of God’s message (Genesis 20:7; Exodus 7:1; Psalm 105:15), as also Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15; 34:10; Hos. 12:13), are ranked among the prophets.

The Seventy elders of Israel (Numbers 11:16-29), “when the Spirit rested upon them, prophesied;” Asaph and Jeduthun “prophesied with a harp” (1 Chronicles 25:3). Miriam and Deborah were prophetesses (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4). The title thus has a general application to all who have messages from God to men.

But while the prophetic Gift was thus exercised from the beginning, the prophetical order as such began with Samuel Colleges, “schools of the prophets”, were instituted for the training of prophets, who were constituted, a distinct order (1 Samuel 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2:3, 15; 4:38), which continued to the close of the Old Testament Such “schools” were established at Ramah, Bethel, Gilgal Gibeah, and Jericho The “sons” or “disciples” of the prophets were young men (2 Kings 5:22; 9:1, 4) who lived together at these different “schools” (4:38-41). These young men were taught not only the rudiments of secular knowledge, but they were brought up to Exercise the office of Prophet “to preach pure morality and the heart-felt Worship of Jehovah and to act along and co-ordinately with the priesthood and monarchy in guiding the state aright and checking all attempts at illegality and tyranny.”

In New Testament times the prophetical office was continued. Our Lord is frequently spoken of as a Prophet (Luke 13:33; 24:19). He was and is the great Prophet of the Church There was also in the Church a distinct order of prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), who made New revelations from God They differed from the “teacher,” whose office it was to impart truths already revealed.

Of the Old Testament prophets there are sixteen, whose prophecies form part of the inspired Canon These are divided into four groups:

(1.) The prophets of the northern Kingdom (Israel), viz., Hosea Amos, Joel Jonah

(2.) The prophets of Judah viz., Isaiah Jeremiah Obadiah, Micah, Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah.

(3.) The prophets of Captivity viz., Ezekiel and Daniel

(4.) The prophets of the Restoration, viz., Haggai Zechariah, and Malachi

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Propitiation - that by which God is rendered propitious, i.e., by which it becomes consistent with his character and government to Pardon and Bless the sinner. The Propitiation does not procure his Love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to execise his Love towards sinners.

In Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:5 (A.V., “mercy-seat”) the Greek Word hilasterion is used. ... It is the Word employed by the LXX. translators in Exodus 25:17 and elsewhere as the equivalent for the Hebrew kapporeth, which means “covering,” and is used of the lid of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:21; 30:6). This Greek Word (hilasterion) came to denote not only the mercy-seat or lid of the Ark but also propitation or reconciliation by blood. On the great Day of Atonement the high Priest carried the blood of the Sacrifice he offered for all the people within the Veil and sprinkled with it the “mercy-seat,” and so made Propitiation

In 1 John 2:2; 4: 10, Christ is called the “propitiation for our sins.” Here a different Greek Word is used (hilasmos). Christ is “the Propitiation ” because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious Punishment which he endured. (Comp. Hebrews 2:17, where the expression “make reconciliation” of the A.V. is more correctly in the R.V. “make Propitiation ”)

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Proportion - OF Faith (Romans 12:6). Paul says here that each one was to Exercise his Gift of Prophecy i.e., of teaching, “according to the Proportion of Faith ” The meaning is, that the utterances of the “prophet” were not to fluctuate according to his own impulses or independent thoughts, but were to be adjusted to the Truth revealed to him as a beliver, i.e., were to be in accordance with it. ...

In post-Reformation times this phrase was used as meaning that all Scripture was to be interpreted with reference to all other Scripture i.e., that no words or expressions were to be isolated or interpreted in a way contrary to its general teaching. This was also called the “analogy of Faith ”

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Proselyte - is used in the LXX. for “stranger” (1 Chronicles 22:2), i.e., a comer to Palestine a sojourner in the land (Exodus 12:48; 20:10; 22:21), and in the New Testament for a convert to Judaism. There were such converts from early times (Isaiah 56:3; Nehemiah 10:28; Esther 8:17). The Law of Moses made specific regulations regarding the admission into the Jewish Church of such as were not Born Israelites (Exodus 20:10; 23:12; 12:19, 48; Deuteronomy 5:14; 16:11, 14, etc.). ... The Kenites the Gibeonites, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites were thus admitted to the privileges of Israelites. Thus also we hear of individual proselytes who Rose to positions of prominence in Israel as of Doeg the Edomite, Uriah the Hittite, Araunah the Jebusite, Zelek the Ammonite Ithmah and Ebedmelech the Ethiopians.

In the time of Solomon there were one hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundred strangers in the land of Israel (1 Chronicles 22:2; 2 Chronicles 2:17, 18). And the prophets speak of the time as Coming when the strangers shall share in all the privileges of Israel (Ezekiel 47:22; Isaiah 2:2; 11:10; 56:3-6; Micah 4:1). Accordingly, in New Testament times, we read of proselytes in the synagogues, (Acts 10:2, 7; 13:42, 43, 50; 17:4; 18:7; Luke 7:5). The “religious proselytes” here spoken of were proselytes of righteousness, as distinguished from proselytes of the Gate

The distinction between “proselytes of the gate” (Exodus 20:10) and “proselytes of righteousness” originated only with the rabbis. According to them, the “proselytes of the gate” (half proselytes) were not required to be circumcised nor to comply with the Mosaic ceremonial Law They were bound only to conform to the so-called Seven precepts of Noah viz., to abstain from Idolatry Blasphemy bloodshed, uncleaness, the Eating of blood, theft, and to yield obedience to the authorities. Besides these laws, however, they were required to abstain from work on the Sabbath and to refrain from the use of leavened Bread during the time of the Passover

The “proselytes of righteousness”, religious or devout proselytes (Acts 13:43), were bound to all the doctrines and precepts of the Jewish economy, and were members of the Synagogue in full Communion

The name “proselyte” occurs in the New Testament only in Matthew 23:15; Acts 2:10; 6:5; 13:43. The name by which they are commonly designated is that of “devout men,” or men “fearing God” or “worshipping God ”

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Proverb - a trite maxim; a similitude; a Parable The Hebrew Word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning “to be like,” “parable.” Rendered “proverb” in Isaiah 14:4; Habakkuk 2:6; “dark saying” in Psalm 49:4, Numbers 12:8. Ahab’s defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, “Let not him that girdeth on his Harness boast himself as he that putteth it off,” is a well known instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:1 1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Proverbs - , Book OF a Collection of moral and philosophical maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form. This book sets forth the “philosophy of practical Life It is the sign to us that the Bible does not despise common sense and discretion. It impresses upon us in the most forcible manner the value of intelligence and prudence and of a good education. The whole strength of the Hebrew language and of the sacred authority of the book is thrown upon these homely truths. ... It deals, too, in that refined, discriminating, careful view of the Finer shades of human character so often overlooked by theologians, but so necessary to any true estimate of human life” (Stanley’s Jewish Church).

As to the origin of this book, “it is probable that Solomon gathered and recast many Proverbs which sprang from human experience in preceeding ages and were floating past him on the tide of time, and that he also elaborated many New ones from the material of his own experience. Towards the close of the book, indeed, are preserved some of Solomon’s own sayings that seem to have fallen from his lips in later Life and been gathered by other hands’ (Amot’s Laws from Heaven etc.)

This book is usually divided into three parts: (1.) Consisting of ch. 1-9, which contain an exhibition of wisdom as the highest good.

(2.) Consisting of ch. 10-24.

(3.) Containing Proverbs of Solomon “which the men of Hezekiah, the King of Judah collected” (ch. 25-29).

These are followed by two supplements, (1) “The words of Agur” (ch. 30); and (2) “The words of King Lemuel” (ch. 31).

Solomon is said to have written three thousand Proverbs and those contained in this book may be a selection from these (1 Kings 4:32). In the New Testament there are thirty-five direct Quotations from this book or allusions to it.

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Providence - literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God’s preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Psalm 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). God’s Providence extends to the natural world (Psalm 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute Creation (Psalm 104:21-29; Matthew 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalm 47:7; Proverbs 21:1; Job 12:23; Daniel 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Samuel 2:6; Psalm 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). ... It extends also to the free actions of men (Exodus 12:36; 1 Samuel 24:9-15; Psalm 33:14, 15; Proverbs 16:1; 19:21; 20:24; 21:1), and things sinful (2 Samuel 16:10; 24:1; Romans 11:32; Acts 4:27, 28), as well as to their good actions (Phil. 2:13; 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10; Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:22-25).

As regards sinful actions of men, they are represented as occurring by God’s permission (Genesis 45:5; 50:20. Comp. 1 Samuel 6:6; Exodus 7:13; 14:17; Acts 2:3; 3:18; 4:27, 28), and as controlled (Psalm 76:10) and overruled for good (Genesis 50:20; Acts 3:13). God does not cause or approve of sin, but only limits, restrains, overrules it for good.

The mode of God’s providential government is altogether unexplained. We only know that it is a fact that God does govern all his creatures and all their actions; that this government is universal (Psalm 103:17-19), particular (Matthew 10:29-31), efficacious (Psalm 33:11; Job 23:13), embraces events apparently contingent (Proverbs 16:9, 33; 19:21; 21:1), is consistent with his own perfection (2 Timothy 2:13), and to his own Glory (Romans 9:17; 11:36).

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Psalms - The Psalms are the production of various authors. “Only a portion of the Book of Psalms claims David as its author. Other inspired poets in successive generations added now one now another contribution to the sacred Collection and thus in the wisdom of Providence it more completely reflects every phase of human emotion and circumstances than it otherwise could.” But it is specially to David and his contemporaries that we owe this precious book. ... In the “titles” of the Psalms the genuineness of which there is no sufficient reason to doubt, 73 are ascribed to David Peter and John (Acts 4:25) ascribe to him also the second psalm, which is one of the 48 that are anonymous. About two-thirds of the whole Collection have been ascribed to David

Psalms 39, 62, and 77 are addressed to Jeduthun to be sung after his manner or in his choir. Psalms 50 and 73-83 are addressed to Asaph, as the master of his choir, to be sung in the Worship of God The “sons of Korah,” who formed a leading part of the Kohathite singers (2 Chronicles 20:19), were intrusted with the arranging and singing of Psalm 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, and 88.

In Luke 24:44 the Word “psalms” means the Hagiographa, i.e., the Holy writings, one of the sections into which the Jews divided the Old Testament (See Bible )

None of the Psalms can be proved to have been of a later Date than the time of Ezra and Nehemiah hence the whole Collection extends over a period of about 1,000 years. There are in the New Testament 116 direct Quotations from the Psalter.

The Psalter is divided, after the analogy of the Pentateuch into five books, each closing with a doxology or benediction:

(1.) The first book comprises the first 41 Psalms all of which are ascribed to David except 1, 2, 10, and 33, which, though anonymous, may also be ascribed to him.

(2.) Book second consists of the next 31 Psalms (42-72), 18 of which are ascribed to David and 1 to Solomon (the 72nd). The Rest are anonymous.

(3.) The third book contains 17 Psalms (73-89), of which the 86th is ascribed to David the 88th to Heman the Ezrahite and the 89th to Ethan the Ezrahite

(4.) The fourth book also contains 17 Psalms (90-106), of which the 90th is ascribed to Moses and the 101st and 103rd to David

(5.) The fifth book contains the remaining Psalms 44 in number. Of these, 15 are ascribed to David and the 127th to Solomon

Psalm 136 is generally called “the great Hallel ” But the Talmud includes also Psalm 120-135. Psalm 113-118, inclusive, constitute the “hallel” recited at the three great Feasts at the New moon, and on the eight days of the Feast of Dedication

“It is presumed that these several collections were made at times of High religious Life the first, probably, near the close of David’s Life the second in the days of Solomon the third by the singers of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:19); the fourth by the men of Hezekiah (29, 30, 31); and the fifth in the days of Ezra.”

The Mosaic ritual makes no provision for the service of song in the Worship of God David first taught the Church to sing the praises of the Lord He first introduced into the ritual of the tabernacle Music and song.

Divers names are given to the Psalms (1.) Some bear the Hebrew designation shir (Gr. ode, a song). Thirteen have this title. It means the flow of speech, as it were, in a straight line or in a regular Strain This title includes secular as well as sacred song.

(2.) Fifty-eight Psalms bear the designation (Hebrews ) mitsmor (Gr. psalmos, a psalm), a lyric ode, or a song set to Music a sacred song accompanied with a musical instrument.

(3.) Psalm 145, and many others, have the designation (Hebrews ) tehillah (Gr. hymnos, a hymn), meaning a song of praise; a song the prominent thought of which is the praise of God

(4.) Six Psalms (16, 56-60) have the title (Hebrews ) michtam (q.v.).

(5.) Psalm 7 and Habakkuk 3 bear the title (Hebrews ) Shiggaion (q.v.).

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Psaltery - a musical instrument, supposed to have been a kind of lyre, or a Harp with twelve strings. The Hebrew Word nebhel, so rendered, is translated “viol” in Isaiah 5:12 (R.V., “lute”); 14:11. In Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15, the Word thus rendered is Chaldaic, pesanterin, which is supposed to be a Word of Greek origin denoting an instrument of the Harp ki nd.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ptolemais - a maritime City of Galilee (Acts 21:7). It was originally called “Accho” (q.v.), and received the name Ptolemais from Ptolemy Soter when he was in possession of Coele-Syria.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Puah - splendid. (1.) One of the two midwives who feared God and refused to kill the Hebrew male children at their Birth (Exodus 1:15-21).

(2.) A descendant of Issachar (Judges 10: 1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Publican - one who farmed the Taxes (e.g., Zacchaeus, Luke 19:2) to be levied from a town or district, and thus undertook to pay to the supreme government a certain amount. In order to collect the Taxes the publicans employed subordinates (5:27; 15:1; 18:10), who, for their own ends, were often guilty of extortion and peculation. In New Testament times these Taxes were paid to the Romans and hence were regarded by the Jews as a very heavy Burden and hence also the collectors of Taxes who were frequently Jews, were hated, and were usually spoken of in very opprobrious terms. Jesus was accused of being a “friend of publicans and sinners” (Luke 7:34). ...

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Publius - “the chief Man of the island” of Malta (Acts 28:7), who courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days, till they found a more permanent Place of residence; for they remained on the Island for three months, till the stormy season had passed. The Word here rendered “chief man” (protos) is supposed by some to be properly a Maltese term, the official title of the Governor

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pudens - bashful, a Christian at Rome who sent his greetings to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:21). (See Claudia )

Pul

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Pulpit - (Nehemiah 8:4). (See EZRA.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pulse - (Daniel 1:12, 16), R.V. “herbs,” vegetable Food in general.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Punishment - The New Testament lays down the general principles of good government, but contains no code of laws for the Punishment of offenders. Punishment proceeds on the principle that there is an Eternal distinction between right and wrong, and that this distinction must be maintained for its own sake. It is not primarily intended for the reformation of criminals, nor for the purpose of deterring others from sin. These results may be gained, but crime in itself demands Punishment (See Murder THEFT.)

Endless, of the impenitent and unbelieving. ... The rejection of this doctrine “cuts the Ground from under the gospel... blots out the attribute of retributive Justice transmutes sin into misfortune instead of guilt; turns all suffering into chastisement; converts the piacular work of Christ into moral influence... The attempt to retain the evangelical theology in connection with it is futile” (Shedd).

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Purification - the process by which a person unclean, according to the Levitical Law and thereby cut off from the Sanctuary and the Festivals was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges.

The great annual Purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.).

But in the details of Daily life there were special causes of cermonial uncleanness which were severally provided for by ceremonial laws enacted for each separate case. ... For example, the case of the leper (Leviticus 13, 14), and of the House defiled by Leprosy (14:49-53; see also Matthew 8:2-4). Uncleanness from touching a Dead body (Numbers 19:11; Hos. 9:4; Hag. 2:13; Matthew 23:27; Luke 11:44). The case of the high Priest and of the Nazarite (Leviticus 21:1-4, 10, 11; Numbers 6:6, 7; Ezekiel 44:25). Purification was effected by bathing and Washing the clothes (Leviticus 14:8, 9); by Washing the hands (Deuteronomy 21:6; Matthew 27:24); Washing the hands and feet (Exodus 30:18-21; Hebrews 6:2, “baptisms”, R.V. marg., “washings;” 9:10); sprinkling with blood and Water (Exodus 24:5-8; Hebrews 9:19), etc. Allusions to this rite are found in Psalm 26:6; 51:7; Ezekiel 36:25; Hebrews 10:22.

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Pur - , PURIM a Lot lots, a festival instituted by the Jews (Esther 9:24-32) in ironical commemoration of Haman’s consultation of the Pur (a Persian word), for the purpose of ascertaining the auspicious Day for executing his cruel plot against their nation. It became a national institution by the common consent of the Jews, and is observed by them to the present Day on the 14th and 15th of the Month Adar, a Month before the Passover

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Purse - (l.) Gr. balantion, a Bag (Luke 10:4; 22:35, 36).

(2.) Gr. zone, properly a Girdle (Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8), a money-belt. As to our Lord’s sending forth his disciples without Money in their purses, the remark has been made that in this “there was no departure from the simple manners of the country. At this Day the farmer sets out on excursions quite as extensive without a para in his Purse and a modern Moslem Prophet of Tarshisha thus sends forth his apostles over this identical region. ... No traveller in the East would hestitate to throw himself on the hospitality of any village.” Thomson’s Land and the Book. (See SCRIP.)

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Puteoli - a City on the coast of Campania, on the North shore of a Bay running North from the Bay of Naples, at which Paul landed on his way to Rome from which it was distant 170 miles. Here he tarried for Seven days (Acts 28:13, 14). ... This was the great emporium for the Alexandrian corn Ships Here Paul and his companions began their Journey by the “Appian Way,” to Rome It is now called Pozzuoli. The remains of a huge amphitheatre, and of the quay at which Paul landed, may still be seen here.

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Put - , PHUT(1.) One of the sons of Ham (Genesis 10:6).

(2.) A land or people from among whom came a portion of the mercenary troops of Egypt Jeremiah 46:9 (A.V., “Libyans,” but correctly, R.V., “Put”); Ezekiel 27:10; 30:5 (A.V., “Libya;” R.V., “Put”); 38:5; Nahum 3:9.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pygarg - Hebrews dishon, “springing”, (Deuteronomy 14:5), one of the animals permitted for Food It is supposed to be the Antelope addax. It is described as “a large Animal over 3 1/2 feet High at the shoulder, and, with its gently-twisted horns, 2 1/2 feet long. Its Colour is pure white, with the exception of a short Black mane, and a tinge of tawny on the shoulders and back.”, Tristram’s Natural History.

Q Quails

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Quarantania - a mountain some 1,200 feet High about 7 miles north-west of Jericho the traditional scene of our Lord’s Temptation (Matthew 4:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Quarries - (1.) The “Royal Quarries” (not found in Scripture) is the name given to the vast caverns stretching far underneath the northern Hill Bezetha, on which Jerusalem is built. Out of these mammoth caverns Stones a hard lime-stone, have been quarried in Ancient times for the buildings in the City and for the temples of Solomon Zerubbabel, and Herod Huge blocks of Stone are still found in these caves bearing the marks of pick and chisel. ... The general appearance of the whole suggests to the explorer the idea that the Phoenician quarrymen have just suspended their work. The supposition that the polished blocks of Stone for Solomon’s Temple were sent by Hiram from Lebanon or Tyre is not supported by any evidence (comp. 1 Kings 5:8). Hiram sent masons and stone-squarers to Jerusalem to assist Solomon’s workmen in their great undertaking, but did not send Stones to Jerusalem where, indeed, they were not needed, as these royal Quarries abundantly testify.

(2.) The “quarries” (Hebrews pesilim) by Gilgal (Judges 3:19), from which Ehud turned back for the purpose of carrying out his design to put Eglon king of Moab to Death were probably the “graven images” (as the Word is rendered by the LXX. and the Vulgate and in the marg. A.V. and R.V.), or the Idol temples the Moabites had erected at Gilgal where the children of Israel first encamped after crossing the Jordan The Hebrew Word is rendered “graven images” in Deuteronomy 7:25, and is not elsewhere translated “quarries.”

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Quartus - fourth, a Corinthian Christian who sent by Paul his salutations to friends at Rome (Romans 16:23).

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Quaternion - a band of four soldiers. Peter was committed by Herod to the custody of four quaternions, i.e., one Quaternion for each watch of the night (Acts 12:4). Thus every precaution was taken against his escape from prison. Two of each Quaternion were in turn stationed at the door (12:6), and to two the Apostle was chained according to Roman Custom

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Queen - OF Heaven (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17, 25), the moon, worshipped by the Assyrians as the receptive power in nature.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Quicksands - found only in Acts 27:17, the rendering of the Greek Syrtis. On the North coast of Africa were two localities dangerous to sailors, called the Greater and Lesser Syrtis. The former of these is probably here meant. It lies between Tripoli and Barca, and near Cyrene The Lesser Syrtis lay farther to the west.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Quiver - the sheath for Arrows The Hebrew Word (aspah) thus commonly rendered is found in Job 39:23; Psalm 127:5; Isaiah 22:6; 49:2; Jeremiah 5:16; Lamentations 3:13. In Genesis 27:3 this Word is the rendering of the Hebrew teli, which is supposed rather to mean a suspended weapon, literally “that which hangs from one”, i.e., is suspended from the shoulder or Girdle

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Quotations - from the Old Testament in the New which are very numerous, are not made according to any uniform method. When the New Testament was written, the Old was not divided, as it now is, into chapters and verses, and hence such peculiarities as these: When Luke (20:37) refers to Exodus 3:6, he quotes from “Moses at the bush”, i.e., the section containing the record of Moses at the bush. ... So also Mark (2:26) refers to 1 Samuel 21:1-6, in the words, “in the days of Abiathar ” and Paul (Romans 11:2) refers to 1 Kings ch. 17-19, in the words, “in Elias”, i.e., in the portion of the history regarding Elias

In general, the New Testament writers quote from the Septuagint (q.v.) Version of the Old Testament as it was then in common use among the Jews. But it is noticeable that these Quotations are not made in any uniform manner. Sometimes, e.g., the quotation does not agree literally either with the LXX. or the Hebrew text. This occurs in about one hundred instances. Sometimes the LXX. is literally quoted (in about ninety instances), and sometimes it is corrected or altered in the Quotations (in over eighty instances).

Quotations are sometimes made also directly from the Hebrew text (Matthew 4:15, 16; John 19:37; 1 Corinthians 15:54). Besides the Quotations made directly, there are found numberless allusions, more or less distinct, showing that the minds of the New Testament writers were filled with the expressions and ideas as well as historical facts recorded in the Old

There are in all two hundred and eighty-three direct Quotations from the Old Testament in the New but not one clear and certain case of quotation from the Apocrypha (q.v.).

Besides Quotations in the New from the Old Testament there are in Paul’s writings three Quotations from certain Greek poets, Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Titus 1:12. These Quotations are memorials of his early classical education.

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Raamah - Thunder (1.) One of the sons of Cush (Genesis 10:7). (2.) A country which traded with Tyre (Ezekiel 27:22).

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Raamiah - thunder of the Lord one of the princes who returned from the Exile (Nehemiah 7:7); called also Reelaiah (Ezra 2:2).

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Raamses - (Exodus 1:11). (See Rameses )

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Rabbah - or Rab’bath, great. (1.) “Rabbath of the children of Ammon ” the chief City of the Ammonites, among the eastern hills, some 20 miles East of the Jordan on the southern of the two streams which united with the Jabbok Here the Bedstead of Og was preserved (Deuteronomy 3:11), perhaps as a trophy of some victory gained by the Ammonites over the King of Bashan After David had subdued all their allies in a great war, he sent Joab with a strong force to take their City For two years it held out against its assailants. ... It was while his Army was engaged in this protracted siege that David was guilty of that deed of shame which Left a blot on his character and cast a gloom over the Rest of his Life At length, having taken the “royal city” (or the “city of waters,” 2 Samuel 12:27, i.e., the lower City on the River as distinguished from the citadel), Joab sent for David to direct the final assault (11:1; 12:26-31). The City was given up to plunder, and the people were ruthlessly Put to Death and “thus did he with all the cities of the children of Ammon ” The Destruction of Rabbath was the last of David’s conquests. His Kingdom now reached its farthest limits (2 Samuel 8:1-15; 1 Chronicles 18:1-15). The capture of this City is referred to by Amos (1:14), Jeremiah (49:2, 3), and Ezekiel (21:20; 25:5).

(2.) A City in the Hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:60), possibly the ruin Rubba, six miles north-east of Beit-Jibrin.

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Rabbi - my master, a title of dignity given by the Jews to their doctors of the Law and their distinguished teachers. It is sometimes applied to Christ (Matthew 23:7, 8; Mark 9:5 (R.V.); John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 6:25, etc.); also to John (3:26).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rabboni - (id.) occurs only twice in the New Testament (Mark 10:51, A.V., “Lord,” R.V., “Rabboni;” John 20:16). It was the most honourable of all the titles.

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Rabmag - Assyrian Rab-mugi, “chief Physician ” “who was attached to the King (Jeremiah 39:3, 13), the title of one of Sennacherib’s officers sent with messages to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17-19:13; Isaiah 36:12-37:13) demanding the surrender of the City He was accompanied by a “great Army ” but his mission was unsuccessful.

Rabsaris

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Rabshakeh - chief of the princes, the name given to the Chief cup-bearer or the vizier of the Assyrian Court one of Sennacherib’s messengers to Hezekiah. See the speech he delivered, in the Hebrew language, in the hearing of all the people, as he stood near the Wall on the North side of the City (2 Kings 18:17-37). He and the other envoys returned to their master and reported that Hezekiah and his people were obdurate, and would not submit.

Raca

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Rachab - =Rahab, a name found in the genealogy of our Lord (Matthew :5).

Rachal

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Rachel - ewe, “the daughter”, “the somewhat petulant, peevish, and self-willed though Beautiful younger daughter” of Laban and one of Jacob’s wives (Genesis 29:6, 28). He served Laban fourteen years for her, so Deep was Jacob’s Affection for her. She was the mother of Joseph (Genesis 30:22-24). Afterwards, on Jacob’s departure from Mesopotamia, she took with her her father’s Teraphim (31:34, 35). ... As they journeyed on from Bethel, Rachel died in giving Birth to Benjamin (35:18, 19), and was buried “in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem And Jacob set a Pillar upon her grave”. Her Sepulchre is still regarded with great veneration by the Jews. Its traditional site is about half a mile from Jerusalem

This name is used poetically by Jeremiah (31:15-17) to denote God’s people mourning under their calamities. This Passage is also quoted by Matthew as fulfilled in the Lamentation at Bethlehem on account of the slaughter of the infants there at the command of Herod (Matthew 2:17, 18).

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Raguel - friend of God (Numbers 10:29)=Reuel (q.v.), Exodus 2:18, the father-in-law of Moses and probably identical with Jethro (q.v.).

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Rahab - insolence; pride, a poetical name applied to Egypt in Psalm 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 51:9, as “the proud one.”

Rahab, (Hebrews Rahab i.e., “broad,” “large”). When the Hebrews were encamped at Shittim in the “Arabah” or Jordan valley opposite Jericho ready to Cross the River Joshua as a final preparation, sent out two Spies to “spy the land.” After five days they returned, having swum across the River which at this season, the Month Abib, overflowed its banks from the melting of the Snow on Lebanon The Spies reported how it had fared with them (Joshua 2:1-7). ... They had been exposed to danger in Jericho and had been saved by the fidelity of Rahab the Harlot to whose House they had gone for protection. When the City of Jericho fell (6: 17-25), Rahab and her whole family were preserved according to the promise of the Spies and were incorporated among the Jewish people. She afterwards became the Wife of Salmon a Prince of the Tribe of Judah (Ruth 4:21; 1 Chronicles 2:11; Matthew 1:5). “Rahab’ s being asked to bring out the Spies to the soldiers (Joshua 2:3) sent for them, is in strict keeping with Eastern manners, which would not permit any Man to enter a woman’s House without her permission. The fact of her Covering the Spies with bundles of Flax which lay on her house-roof (2:6) is an ‘undesigned coincidence’ which strictly corroborates the narrative. It was the time of the Barley harvest, and Flax and Barley are ripe at the same time in the Jordan valley, so that the bundles of Flax stalks might have been expected to be drying just then” (Geikie’s Hours, etc., ii., 390).

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Raham - merciful, one of the descendants of Caleb the Son of Hezron (1 Chronicles 2:44).

Rain

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Rainbow - caused by the reflection and refraction of the rays of the Sun shining on falling rain. It was appointed as a Witness of the divine faithfulness (Genesis 9:12-17). It existed indeed before, but it was then constituted as a sign of the Covenant Others, however (as Delitzsch, Commentary on Pentateuch), think that it “appeared then for the first time in the vault and clouds of Heaven ” It is argued by those holding this opinion that the atmosphere was differently constituted before the Flood. It is referred to three other times in Scripture (Ezekiel 1:27, 28; Revelation 4:1-3; 10:1).

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Raisins - dried grapes; mentioned 1 Samuel 25:18; 30:12; 2 Samuel 16:1; 1 Chronicles 12:40.

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Rakkath - shore-town, a “fenced city” of the Tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35). The Old name of Tiberias according to the Rabbins.

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Rakkon - a Place upon the shore, a town belonging to Dan (Joshua 19:46). It is now Tell er-Rakkeit, 6 miles North of Joppa on the sea-shore, near the mouth of the River ‘Aujeh, i.e., “yellow Water ” (See Kanah )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rama - (Matthew 2:18), the Greek form of Ramah. (1.) A City first mentioned in Joshua 18:25, near Gibeah of Benjamin It was fortified by Baasha King of Israel (1 Kings 15:17-22; 2 Chronicles 16:1-6). Asa King of Judah employed Benhadad the Syrian King to drive Baasha from this City (1 Kings 15:18, 20). Isaiah (10:29) refers to it, and also Jeremiah who was once a prisoner there among the other captives of Jerusalem when it was taken by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 39:8-12; 40:1). Rachel whose tomb lies close to Bethlehem is represented as weeping in Ramah (Jeremiah 31:15) for her slaughtered children. ... This Prophecy is illustrated and fulfilled in the re-awakening of Rachel’s grief at the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:18). It is identified with the modern village of er-Ram, between Gibeon and Beeroth about 5 miles due North of Jerusalem (See Samuel )

(2.) A town identified with Rameh, on the border of Asher about 13 miles south-east of Tyre, “on a solitary Hill in the midst of a basin of green fields” (Joshua 19:29).

(3.) One of the “fenced cities” of Naphtali (Joshua 19:36), on a mountain slope, about Seven and a half miles west-south- west of Safed, and 15 miles west of the North end of the Sea of Galilee, the present large and well-built village of Rameh.

(4.) The same as Ramathaim-zophim (q.v.), a town of Mount Ephraim (1 Samuel 1:1, 19).

(5.) The same as Ramoth-gilead (q.v.), 2 Kings 8:29; 2 Chronicles 22:6.

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Ramathite - the designation given to Shimei the manager of David’s vineyard (1 Chronicles 27:27).

RAMATH-

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Mizpeh - the height of Mizpeh or of the watch-tower (Joshua 13:26), a Place mentioned as one of the limits of Gad There were two Mizpehs on the East of the Jordan This was the Mizpeh where Jacob and Laban made a Covenant “Mizpeh of Gilead,” called also Galeed and Jegar-sahadutha. ... It has been identified with the modern es-Salt, where the roads from Jericho and from Shechem to Damascus unite, about 25 miles East of the Jordan and 13 South of the Jabbok

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Ramath - OF THE South (Hebrews Ramath-negeb). The Hebrews negeb is the general designation for South or south-west of Judah This was one of the towns of Simeon (Joshua 19:8). It is the same as “south Ramoth” (1 Samuel 30:27; R.V., “Ramoth of the south”). Its site is doubtful. Some have thought it another name for Baalath-beer.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rameses - “the land of” (Genesis 47:11), was probably “the land of Goshen” (q.v.) 45:10. After the Hebrews had built Rameses one of the “treasure cities,” it came to be known as the “land” in which that City was built.

The City bearing this name (Exodus 12:37) was probably identical with Zoan which Rameses II. ... (“son of the sun”) rebuilt. It became his special residence, and ranked next in importance and magnificance to Thebes. Huge masses of bricks, made of Nile mud, sun-dried, some of them mixed with stubble, possibly moulded by Jewish hands, still Mark the site of Rameses This was the general rendezvous of the Israelites before they began their march out of Egypt Called also Raamses (Exodus 1:11).

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Ramoth - heights. A Levitical City in the Tribe of Issachar (1 Samuel 30:27; 1 Chronicles 6:73), the same as Jarmuth (Joshua 21:29) and Remeth (q.v.), 19:21.

RAMOTH-

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Ranges - (1.) Leviticus 11:35. Probably a cooking Furnace for two or more pots, as the Hebrew Word here is in the dual number; or perhaps a fire-place fitted to receive a pair of ovens.

(2.) 2 Kings 11:8. A Hebrew Word is here used different from the preceding, meaning “ranks of soldiers.” The Levites were appointed to Guard the king’s person within the... 7027 href=#temple onclick="bC(this);"> Temple (2 Chronicles 23:7), while the soldiers were his Guard in the Court and in going from the Temple to the Palace The soldiers are here commanded to slay any one who should break through the “ranks” (as rendered in the R.V.) to come near the King In 2 Kings 1 1:15 the expression, “Have her forth without the Ranges ” is in the Revised Version “Have her forth between the ranks;” i.e., Jehoiada orders that Athaliah should be kept surrounded by his own guards, and at the same time conveyed Beyond the precincts of the Temple

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Ransom - the price or payment made for our Redemption as when it is said that the Son of Man “gave his Life a Ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28; comp. Acts 20:28; Romans 3:23, 24; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Galatians 3:13; 4:4, 5: Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19. ... In all these passages the same idea is expressed). This Word is derived from the Fr. rancon; Lat. redemptio. The Debt is represented not as cancelled but as fully paid. The Slave or Captive is not liberated by a mere gratuitous favour, but a Ransom price has been paid, in consideration of which he is set free. The original owner receives back his alienated and lost possession because he has bought it back “with a price.” This price or Ransom (Gr. lutron) is always said to be Christ his blood, his Death He secures our Redemption by the payment of a Ransom (See Redemption )

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Rapha - tall. (1.) A Benjamite, the Son of Binea (1 Chronicles 8:2, 37), a descendant of Saul (2.) Margin of 1 Chronicles 20:4, 6, where “giant” is given in the text.

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Raphu - healed, a Benjamite, whose Son Palti was one of the twelve Spies (Numbers 13:9).

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Raven - Hebrews ‘orebh, from a root meaning “to be black” (comp. Cant. 5:11); first mentioned as “sent forth” by Noah from the Ark (Genesis 8:7). “Every Raven after his ki nd” was forbidden as Food (Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14). Ravens feed mostly on carrion, and hence their Food is procured with difficulty (Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9). ... When they attack kids or lambs or weak animals, it is said that they first pick out the eyes of their victims (Proverbs 30:17). When Elijah was concealed by the brook Cherith God commanded the ravens to bring him “bread and Flesh in the morning, and Bread and Flesh in the evening” (1 Kings 17:3-6). (See Elijah )

There are eight species of ravens in Palestine and they are everywhere very numerous in that land.

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Razor - The Nazarites were forbidden to make use of the Razor (Numbers 6:5; Judges 13:5). At their Consecration the Levites were shaved all over with a Razor (Numbers 8:7; comp. Psalm 52:2; Ezekiel 5:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Reba - fourth, one of the Midianite chiefs slain by the Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rebekah - a noose, the Daughter of Bethuel and the Wife of Isaac (Genesis 22:23; 24:67). The circumstances under which Abraham’s “steward” found her at the “city of Nahor ” in Padan-aram, are narrated in Genesis 24-27. “She can hardly be regarded as an amiable Woman When we first see her she is ready to leave her father’s House for ever at an hour’s notice; and her future Life showed not only a full share of her Brother Laban’s duplicity, but the Grave fault of partiality in her relations to her children, and a strong Will which soon controlled the gentler nature of her Husband ” The time and circumstances of her Death are not recorded, but it is said that she was buried in the Cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:31). ...

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Rechab - horseman, or Chariot (1.) One of Ishbosheth’s “captains of bands” or leaders of predatory troops (2 Samuel 4:2).

(2.) The Father of Jehonadab who was the Father of the Rechabites (2 Kings 10:15, 23; Jeremiah 35:6-19).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rechabites - the descendants of Rechab through Jonadab or Jehonadab They belonged to the Kenites who accompanied the children of Israel into Palestine and dwelt among them. Moses married a Kenite Wife (Judges 1:16), and Jael was the Wife of “Heber the Kenite” (4:17). Saul also showed kindness to the Kenites (1 Samuel 15:6). ... The main body of the Kenites dwelt in cities, and adopted settled habits of Life (30:29); but Jehonadab forbade his descendants to Drink wine or to live in cities. They were commanded to Lead always a nomad Life They adhered to the Law laid down by Jonadab and were noted for their fidelity to the old-established Custom of their family in the days of Jeremiah (35); and this feature of their character is referred to by the Prophet for the purpose of giving point to his own exhortation. They are referred to in Nehemiah 3:14 and 1 Chronicles 2:55. Dr. Wolff (1839) found in Arabia near Mecca, a Tribe claiming to be descendants of Jehonadab and recently a Bedouin Tribe has been found near the Dead Sea who also profess to be descendants of the same Kenite Chief

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Reconcilation - a change from Enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a change wrought in both parties who have been at Enmity

(1.) In Colossians 1:21, 22, the Word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked Works and yields up to him his full confidence and Love In 2 Corinthians 5:20 the Apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be “reconciled to God”, i.e., to lay aside their Enmity

(2.) Romans 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God but to God himself, as the party reconciled. Romans 5:11 teaches the same Truth From God we have received “the reconciliation” (R.V.), i.e., he has conferred on us the token of his friendship. ... So also 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19 speaks of a reconciliation originating with God and consisting in the removal of his merited wrath. In Ephesians 2: 16 it is clear that the Apostle does not refer to the winning back of the sinner in Love and loyalty to God but to the restoration of God’s forfeited favour. This is effected by his Justice being satisfied, so that he can, in consistency with his own nature, be favourable toward sinners. Justice demands the Punishment of sinners. The Death of Christ satisfies Justice and so reconciles God to us. This reconciliation makes God our friend, and enables him to Pardon and save us. (See Atonement )

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Recorder - (Hebrews mazkir, i.e., “the mentioner,” “rememberancer”), the office first held by Jehoshaphat in the Court of David (2 Samuel 8:16), also in the Court of Solomon (1 Kings 4:3). The next Recorder mentioned is Joah in the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18, 37; Isaiah 36:3, 22). ... In the reign of Josiah another of the name of Joah filled this office (2 Chronicles 34:8). The “recorder” was the Chancellor or vizier of the Kingdom He brought all weighty matters under the notice of the King “such as complaints, petitions, and wishes of subjects or foreigners. He also drew up papers for the king’s guidance, and prepared drafts of the royal Will for the Scribes All treaties came under his oversight; and he had the care of the national archives or records, to which, as royal historiographer, like the same state officer in Assyria and Egypt he added the current annals of the Kingdom ”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Redemption - the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a Ransom The Greek Word so rendered is apolutrosis, a Word occurring nine times in Scripture and always with the idea of a Ransom or price paid, i.e., Redemption by a lutron (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). ... There are instances in the LXX. Version of the Old Testament of the use of lutron in man’s relation to Man (Leviticus 19:20; 25:51; Exodus 21:30; Numbers 35:31, 32; Isaiah 45:13; Proverbs 6:35), and in the same sense of man’s relation to God (Numbers 3:49; 18:15).

There are many passages in the New Testament which represent Christ’s sufferings under the idea of a Ransom or price, and the result thereby secured is a purchase or Redemption (comp. Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; Galatians 3:13; 4:4, 5; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Revelation 5:9). The idea running through all these texts, however various their reference, is that of payment made for our Redemption The Debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but is fully paid. Christ’s blood or Life which he surrendered for them, is the “ransom” by which the deliverance of his people from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences is secured. It is the Plain doctrine of Scripture that “Christ saves us neither by the mere Exercise of power, nor by his doctrine, nor by his example, nor by the moral influence which he exerted, nor by any subjective influence on his people, whether natural or mystical, but as a satisfaction to divine Justice as an Expiation for sin, and as a Ransom from the curse and authority of the Law thus reconciling us to God by making it consistent with his perfection to Exercise mercy toward sinners” (Hodge’s Systematic Theology).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Red - SEA, Passage OF The account of the march of the Israelites through the Red Sea is given in Exodus 14:22-31. There has been great diversity of opinion as to the precise Place where this occurred. The difficulty of arriving at any definite conclusion on the matter is much increased by the consideration that the head of the Gulf of Suez, which was the Branch of the Sea that was crossed, must have extended at the time of the Exodus probably 50 miles farther North than it does at present. ... Some have argued that the crossing took Place opposite the Wady Tawarik, where the Sea is at present some 7 miles broad. But the opinion that seems to be best supported is that which points to the neighbourhood of Suez. This position perfectly satisfies all the conditions of the stupendous Miracle as recorded in the sacred narrative. (See Exodus )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Reed - (1.) “Paper reeds” (Isaiah 19:7; R.V., “reeds”). Hebrews ‘aroth, properly green herbage growing in marshy places.

(2.) Hebrews kaneh (1 Kings 14:15; Job 40:21; Isaiah 19:6), whence the Gr. kanna, a “cane,” a generic name for a Reed of any kind.

The Reed of Egypt and Palestine is the Arundo donax, which grows to the height of 12 feet, its stalk jointed like the bamboo, “with a magnificent panicle of blossom at the top, and so slender and yielding that it will Lie perfectly flat under a gust of wind, and immediately resume its upright position.” It is used to illustrate weakness (2 Kings 18:21; Ezekiel 29:6), also fickleness or instability (Matthew 11:7; comp. Ephesians 4:14). ...

A “bruised reed” (Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20) is an emblem of a believer weak in Grace A Reed was Put into our Lord’s hands in derision (Matthew 27:29); and “they took the Reed and smote him on the head” (30). The “reed” on which they Put the Sponge filled with Vinegar (Matthew 27:48) was, according to John (19:29), a Hyssop stalk, which must have been of some length, or perhaps a Bunch of Hyssop twigs fastened to a rod with the Sponge (See Cane )

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Refuge - , Cities OF were six in number (Numbers 35). 1. On the west of Jordan were (1) Kadesh in Naphtali (2) Shechem in Mount Ephraim; (3) Hebron in Judah 2. On the... C(this);"> East of Jordan were, (1) Golan in Bashan (2) Ramoth-Gilead, in Gad and (3) Bezer, in Reuben (See under each of these names.)

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Regeneration - only found in Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5. This Word literally means a “new Birth ” The Greek Word so rendered (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the Changes produced by the return of Spring In Matthew 19:28 the Word is equivalent to the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21). ... In Titus 3:5 it denotes that change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from Death to Life (1 John 3:14); becoming a New creature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17); being bom again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2); a Resurrection from the Dead (Ephesians 2:6); a being quickened (2: 1, 5).

This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit It originates not with Man but with God (John 1:12, 13; 1 John 2:29; 5:1, 4).

As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a New principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual Life to those who are by nature “dead in trespasses and sins.”

The necessity of such a change is emphatically affirmed in Scripture (John 3:3; Romans 7:18; 8:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1; 4:21-24).

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Rehabiah - enlargement of the Lord the Son of Eliezer and grandson of Moses (1 Chronicles 23:17; 24:21).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rehob - street; broad Place (1.) The Father of Hadadezer King of Tobah (2 Samuel 8:3, 12).

(2.) Nehemiah 10:11.

(3.) The same, probably, as Beth-rehob (2 Samuel 10:6, 8; Judges 18:28), a Place in the North of Palestine (Numbers 13:21). ... It is now supposed to be represented by the Castle of Hunin, south-west of Dan on the Road from Hamath into Coele-Syria.

(4.) A town of Asher (Joshua 19:28), to the East of Zidon.

(5.) Another town of Asher (Joshua 19:30), kept possession of by the Canaanites (Judges 1:31).

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Rehoboam - he enlarges the people, the successor of Solomon on the Throne and apparently his only Son He was the Son of Naamah “the Ammonitess,” some well-known Ammonitish princess (1 Kings 14:21; 2 Chronicles 12:13). He was forty-one years Old when he ascended the Throne and he reigned seventeen years (B.C. ... 975-958). Although he was acknowledged at once as the rightful Heir to the Throne yet there was a strongly-felt Desire to modify the character of the government. The Burden of taxation to which they had been subjected during Solomon’s reign was very oppressive, and therefore the people assembled at Shechem and demanded from the King an alleviation of their burdens. He went to Meet them at Shechem and heard their demands for relief (1 Kings 12:4). After three days, having consulted with a younger Generation of courtiers that had grown up around him, instead of following the advice of elders, he answered the people haughtily (6-15). “The King hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord” (comp. 11:31). This brought matters speedily to a crisis. The terrible cry was heard (comp. 2 Samuel 20 : 1 ):

“What portion have we in David? Neither have we inheritance in the Son of Jesse To your tents, O Israel Now see to thine own House David” (1 Kings 12:16).

And now at once the Kingdom was rent in twain. Rehoboam was appalled, and tried concessions, but it was too late (18). The Tribe of Judah Rehoboam’ s own Tribe alone remained Faithful to him. Benjamin was reckoned along with Judah and these two tribes formed the southern Kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital; while the northern ten tribes formed themselves into a separate Kingdom choosing Jeroboam as their King Rehoboam tried to win back the revolted ten tribes by making war against them, but he was prevented by the prophet Shemaiah (21-24; 2 Chronicles 11:1-4) from fulfilling his purpose. (See Jeroboam )

In the fifth Year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak (q.v.), one of the kings of Egypt of the Assyrian dynasty, stirred up, no doubt, by Jeroboam his son-in-law, made war against him. Jerusalem submitted to the invader, who plundered the Temple and virtually reduced the Kingdom to the position of a vassal of Egypt (1 Kings 14:25, 26; 2 Chronicles 12:5-9). A remarkable memorial of this invasion has been discovered at Karnac, in Upper Egypt in certain sculptures on the walls of a small Temple there. These sculptures represent the King Shishak, holding in his Hand a train of prisoners and other figures, with the names of the captured towns of Judah the towns which Rehoboam had fortified (2 Chronicles 11:5-12).

The Kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam sank more and more in moral and spiritual decay. “There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.” At length, in the fifty-eighth Year of his Age Rehoboam “slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the City of David” (1 Kings 14:31). He was succeeded by his Son Abijah. (See Egypt )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rehoboth - broad places. (1.) A well in Gerar dug by Isaac (Genesis 26:22), supposed to be in Wady er-Ruheibeh, about 20 miles South of Beersheba

(2.) An Ancient city on the Euphrates (Genesis 36:37; 1 Chronicles 1:48), “Rehoboth by the River ”

(3.) Named among the cities of Asshur (Genesis 10:11). ... Probably, however, the words “rehoboth’ ir” are to be translated as in the Vulgate and the margin of A.V., “the streets of the City ” or rather “the public square of the city”, i.e., of Nineveh

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Rehum - merciful. (1.) One of “the children of the province” who returned from the Captivity (Ezra 2:2); the same as “Nehum” (Nehemiah 7:7).

(2.) The “chancellor” of Artaxerxes who sought to stir him up against the Jews (Ezra 4:8-24) and prevent the rebuilding of the walls and the Temple of Jerusalem

(3.) A Levite (Nehemiah 3:17).

(4.) Nehemiah 10:25.

(5.) A Priest (Nehemiah 12:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Re - 3 friendly, one who maintained true allegiance to king David (1 Kings 1:8) when Adonijah rebelled.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Reins - the kidneys, the supposed seat of the desires and affections; used metaphorically for “heart.” The “reins” and the “heart” are often mentioned together, as denoting the whole moral constitution of Man (Psalm 7:9; 16:7; 26:2; 139:13; Jeremiah 17:10, etc.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rekem - embroidered; variegated. (1.) One of the five Midianite kings whom the Israelites destroyed (Numbers 31:8).

(2.) One of the sons of Hebron (1 Chronicles 2:43, 44).

(3.) A town of Benjamin (Joshua 18:27).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Remaliah - adorned by the Lord the Father of Pekah who conspired successfully against Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25, 27, 30, 32, 37; Isaiah 7:1, 4, 5, 9; 8:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Remeth - another form of Ramah (q.v.) or Ramoth (1 Chronicles 6:73; Joshua 19:21), and probably also of Jarmuth (Joshua 21:29).

REMMON-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Methoar - (Joshua 19:13), rendered correctly in the Revised Version “Rimmon, which stretcheth unto Neah ” a Landmark of Zebulun called also Rimmon (1 Chronicles 6:77).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Remphan - (Acts 7:43; R.V., “Rephan”). In Amos 5:26 the Hebrews Chiun (q.v.) is rendered by the LXX. “Rephan,” and this name is adopted by Luke in his narrative of the Acts These names represent the star-God Saturn or Moloch

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Repentance - There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote Repentance (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This Word is used with reference to the Repentance of Judas (Matthew 27:3).

(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. ... This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true Repentance a change of mind and purpose and Life to which remission of sin is promised.

Evangelical Repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ (3) an actual Hatred of sin (Psalm 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Corinthians 7:10) and turning from it to God and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy Life in a walking with God in the way of his Commandments

The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Psalm 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But Repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true Repentance (Psalm 51:1; 130:4).

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Rephael - healed of God one of Shemaiah’s sons. He and his brethren, on account of their “strength for service,” formed one of the divisions of the Temple porters (1 Chronicles 26:7, 8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rephaim - , Valley OF (Joshua 15:8; 18:16, R.V.). When David became King over all Israel the Philistines judging that he would now become their uncompromising enemy, made a sudden attack upon Hebron compelling David to retire from it. ... He sought Refuge in “the hold” at Adullam (2 Samuel 5:17-22), and the Philistines took up their position in the Valley of Rephaim on the west and south-west of Jerusalem Thus all communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was intercepted. While David and his Army were encamped here, there occurred that incident narrated in 2 Samuel 23:15-17. Having obtained divine direction, David led his Army against the Philistines and gained a complete victory over them. The scene of this victory was afterwards called Baalperazim (q.v.).

A second time, however, the Philistines rallied their Forces in this Valley (2 Samuel 5:22). Again warned by a divine Oracle David led his Army to Gibeon, and attacked the Philistines from the South inflicting on them another severe defeat, and chasing them with great slaughter to Gezer (q.v.). There David kept in check these enemies of Israel This Valley is now called el-Bukei’a.

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Rephidim - supports, one of the stations of the Israelites, situated in the Wady Feiran, near its junction with the Wady esh-Sheikh. Here no Water could be found for the people to Drink and in their impatience they were ready to stone Moses as if he were the cause of their distress. At the command of God Moses smote “the Rock in Horeb ” and a copious Stream flowed forth, enough for all the people. ... After this the Amalekites attacked the Israelites while they were here encamped, but they were utterly defeated (Exodus 17:1, 8-16). They were the “first of the nations” to make war against Israel (Numbers 24:20).

Leaving Rephidim the Israelites advanced into the Wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 19:1, 2; Numbers 33:14, 15), marching probably through the two passes of the Wady Solaf and the Wady esh-Sheikh, which converge at the entrance to the Plain er-Rahah, the “desert of Sinai,” which is two miles long and about half a mile broad. (See SINAI; Meribah )

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Reprobate - that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jeremiah 6:30; Hebrews 6:8; Gr. adokimos, “rejected”). This Word is also used with reference to persons cast away or rejected because they have failed to make use of opportunities offered them (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rereward - (Joshua 6:9), the troops in the rear of an Army on the march, the rear-guard. This Word is a corruption of the French arriere-garde. During the Wilderness march the Tribe of Dan formed the rear-guard (Numbers 10:25; comp. 1 Samuel 29:2; Isaiah 52:12; 58:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Resen - head of the Stream Bridle one of Nimrod’s cities (Genesis 10:12), “between Nineveh and Calah ” It has been supposed that the four cities named in this verse were afterwards combined into one under the name of Nineveh (q.v.). Resen was on the East side of the Tigris. It is probably identified with the mound of ruins called Karamless.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rest - (1.) Gr. katapausis, equivalent to the Hebrew Word noah (Hebrews 4:1).

(2.) Gr. anapausis, “rest from weariness” (Matthew 11:28).

(3.) Gr. anesis, “relaxation” (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

(4.) Gr. sabbatismos, a Sabbath Rest a Rest from all work (Hebrews 4:9; R.V., “sabbath”), a Rest like that of God when he had finished the work of Creation

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Resurrection - OF THE Dead will be simultaneous both of the just and the unjust (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Romans 2:6-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). The qualities of the Resurrection body Will be different from those of the body laid in the Grave (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54; Phil. ... 3:21); but its identity Will nevertheless be preserved. It Will still be the same body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) which rises again.

As to the nature of the Resurrection body, (1) it Will be spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:44), i.e., a body adapted to the use of the soul in its glorified state, and to all the conditions of the heavenly state; (2) glorious, incorruptible, and powerful (54); (3) like unto the glorified body of Christ (Phil. 3:21); and (4) immortal (Revelation 21:4).

Christ’s Resurrection secures and illustrates that of his people. “(1.) Because his Resurrection seals and consummates his redemptive power; and the Redemption of our persons involves the Redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). (2.) Because of our federal and vital union with Christ (1 Corinthians 15:21, 22; 1 Thessalonians 4:14). (3.) Because of his Spirit which dwells in us making our bodies his members (1 Corinthians 6:15; Romans 8: 11). (4.) Because Christ by Covenant is Lord both of the Living and the Dead (Romans 14:9). This same federal and vital union of the Christian with Christ likewise causes the Resurrection of the believer to be similar to as well as consequent upon that of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:49; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2).” Hodge’s Outlines of Theology.

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Reuben - , Tribe OF at the Exodus numbered 46,500 male adults, from twenty years Old and upwards (Numbers 1:20, 21), and at the close of the Wilderness wanderings they numbered only 43,730 (26:7). This Tribe united with that of Gad in asking permission to settle in the “land of Gilead,” “on the other side of Jordan” (32:1-5). ... The Lot assigned to Reuben was the smallest of the lots given to the trans-Jordanic tribes. It extended from the Arnon in the South along the coast of the Dead Sea to its northern End where the Jordan flows into it (Joshua 13:15-21, 23). It thus embraced the original Kingdom of Sihon. Reuben is “to the eastern tribes what Simeon is to the western. ‘Unstable as Water ’ he vanishes away into a mere Arabian Tribe ‘His men are few;’ it is all he can do ‘to live and not die.’ We hear of nothing Beyond the multiplication of their Cattle in the land of Gilead, their spoils of ‘camels fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand’ (1 Chronicles 5:9, 10, 20, 21). In the great struggles of the nation he never took part. The complaint against him in the song of Deborah is the summary of his whole history. ‘By the streams of Reuben ’ i.e., by the fresh streams which descend from the eastern hills into the Jordan and the Dead Sea on whose banks the Bedouin chiefs met then as now to debate, in the ‘streams’ of Reuben great were the ‘desires’”, i.e., resolutions which were never carried out, the people idly resting among their flocks as if it were a time of Peace (Judges 5:15, 16). Stanley’s Sinai and Palestine

All the three tribes on the East of Jordan at length fell into complete apostasy, and the time of retribution came. God “stirred up the Spirit of Pul, King of Assyria and the Spirit of Tiglath-pileser, King of Assyria ” to carry them away, the first of the tribes, into Captivity (1 Chronicles 5:25, 26).

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Reuel - friend of God (1.) A Son of Esau and Bashemath (Genesis 36:4, 10; 1 Chronicles 1:35). (2.) “The Priest of Midian,” Moses’ father-in-law (Exodus 2:18)=Raguel (Numbers 10:29). If he be identified with Jethro q.v.), then this may be regarded as his proper name, and Jether or Jethro (i.e., “excellency”) as his official title. (3.) Numbers 2:14, called also Deuel (1:14; 7:42).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Revelation - OF Christ the second advent of Christ Three different Greek words are used by the apostles to express this, (1) apokalupsis (1 Corinthians 1;7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7, 13); (2) parousia (Matthew 24:3, 27; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; James 5:7, 8); (3) epiphaneia (1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; 4:1-8; Titus 2:13). ... There existed among Christians a wide expectation, founded on Matthew 24:29, 30, 34, of the speedy return of Christ (See Millennium )

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Rezeph - solid; a Stone (2 Kings 19:12; Isaiah 37:12), a fortress near Haran probably on the west of the Euphrates conquered by Sennacherib

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rezon - prince, Son of Eliadah. Abandoning the service of Hadadezer the King of Zobah on the occasion of his being defeated by David he became the “captain over a band” of marauders, and took Damascus and became King of Syria (1 Kings 11:23-25; 2 Samuel 8:3-8). ... For centuries after this the Syrians were the foes of Israel He “became an Adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon ”

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Rhegium - breach, a town in the South of Italy on the Strait of Messina, at which Paul touched on his way to Rome (Acts 28: 13). It is now called Rheggio.

Rhesa

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rhodes - a Rose an Island to the South of the western extremity of Asia Minor, between Coos and Patara about 46 miles long and 1 8 miles broad.

Here the Apostle probably landed on his way from Greece to Syria (Acts 21:1), on returning from his third missionary Journey

Rl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Blah - fruitful, an Ancient town on the northern frontier of Palestine 35 miles north-east of Baalbec and 10 or 12 South of Lake Homs, on the eastern bank of the Orontes, in a wide and fertile Plain Here Nebuchadnezzar had his head-quarters in his campaign against Jerusalem and here also Necho fixed his Camp after he had routed Josiah’s Army at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-35; 25:6, 20, 21; Jeremiah 39:5; 52:10). ... It was on the great caravan Road from Palestine to Carchemish on the Euphrates It is described (Numbers 34:11) as “on the eastern side of Ain.” A Place still called el Ain, i.e., “the fountain”, is found in such a position about 10 miles distant. (See Jerusalem )

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Riddle - (Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a Riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judges 14:12-18). The parabolic Prophecy in Ezekiel 17:2-18 is there called a “riddle.” It was rather, however, an Allegory The Word “darkly” in 1 Corinthians 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., “in a Riddle ”

Righteousness

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Mmon - Pomegranate (1.) A Man of Beeroth (2 Samuel 4:2), one of the four Gibeonite cities. (See Joshua 9:17.)

(2.) A Syrian Idol mentioned only in 2 Kings 5:18.

(3.) One of the “uttermost cities” of Judah afterwards given to Simeon (Joshua 15:21, 32; 19:7; 1 Chronicles 4:32). ... In Joshua 15:32 Ain and Rimmon are mentioned separately, but in 19:7 and 1 Chronicles 4:32 (comp. Nehemiah 11:29) the two words are probably to be combined, as forming together the name of one Place Ain-Rimmon=the Spring of the Pomegranate It has been identified with Um er-Rumamin, about 13 miles south-west of Hebron

(4.) “Rock of,” to which the Benjamites fled (Judges 20:45, 47; 21:13), and where they maintained themselves for four months after the fearful battle at Gibeah, in which they were almost exterminated, 600 only surviving out of about 27,000. It is the present village of Rummon, “on the very edge of the Hill country, with a precipitous descent toward the Jordan valley,” supposed to be the site of Ai.

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Parez - a Pomegranate breach, or Rimmon of the breach, one of the stations of the Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:19, 20).

Ring

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phath - a crusher, Gomer’s second Son (Genesis 10:3), supposed to have been the ancestor of the Paphlagonians.

Rl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ssah - Heap of ruins; Dew a station of the Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:21, 22).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thmah - wild broom, a station in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:18, 19), the “broom Valley ” or “valley of broombushes,” the Place apparently of the original encampment of Israel near Kadesh

Eastons Bible Dictionary

River - OF God (Psalm 65:9), as opposed to earthly streams, denoting that the divine resources are inexhaustible, or the sum of all fertilizing streams that Water the earth (Genesis 2:10).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rivers - OF Judah (Joel 3: 1 8), the watercourses of Judea

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zpah - Coal hot Stone the Daughter of Aiah, and one of Saul’s concubines. She was the mother of Armoni and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 3:7; 21:8, 10, 11).

It happened that a grievous Famine which lasted for three years, fell upon the land during the earlier half of David’s reign at Jerusalem This calamity was sent “for Saul and for his Bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.” David inquired of the Gibeonites what satisfaction they demanded, and was answered that nothing would compensate for the wrong Saul had done to them but the Death of Seven of Saul’s sons. David accordingly delivered up to them the two sons of Rizpah and five of the sons of Merab (q.v.), Saul’s eldest Daughter whom she bore to Adriel These the Gibeonites Put to Death and hung up their bodies before the Lord at the Sanctuary at Gibeah. ... Rizpah thereupon took her Place on the Rock of Gibeah (q.v.), and for five months watched the suspended bodies of her children, to prevent them from being devoured by the beasts and birds of prey, till they were at length taken down and buried by David

Her marriage to Abner was the occasion of a quarrel between him and Ishbosheth, which led to Abner’s going over to the side of David (2 Samuel 3:17-21).

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Road - (1 Samuel 27:10; R.V., “raid”), an inroad, an incursion. This Word is never used in Scripture in the sense of a way or path.

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Robbery - Practised by the Ishmaelites (Genesis 16:12), the Chaldeans and Sabeans (Job 1:15, 17), and the men of Shechem (Judges 9:25. See also 1 Samuel 27:6-10; 30; Hos. 4:2; 6:9). Robbers infested Judea in our Lord’s time (Luke 10:30; John 18:40; Acts 5:36, 37; 21:38; 2 Corinthians 11:26). The words of the Authorized Version “counted it not Robbery to be equal,” etc. ... (Phil. 2:6, 7), are better rendered in the Revised Version “counted it not a prize to be on an equality,” etc., i.e., “did not look upon equality with God as a prize which must not slip from his grasp” = “did not cling with avidity to the prerogatives of his divine majesty; did not ambitiously display his equality with God ”

“Robbers of churches” should be rendered, as in the Revised Version “of temples.” In the Temple at Ephesus there was a great treasure-chamber, and as all that was laid up there was under the guardianship of the goddess Diana to steal from such a Place would be sacrilege (Acts 19:37).

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Rock - (Hebrews tsur), employed as a symbol of God in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 22:3; Isaiah 17:10; Psalm 28:1; 31:2,3; 89:26; 95:1); also in the New Testament (Matthew 16:18; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 10:4). ... In Daniel 2:45 the Chaldaic form of the Hebrew Word is translated “mountain.” It ought to be translated “rock,” as in Habakkuk 1:12 in the Revised Version The “rock” from which the Stone is cut there signifies the divine origin of Christ (See Stone )

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Roe - (Hebrews tsebi), properly the gazelle (Arab, ghazal), permitted for Food (Deuteronomy 14:5; comp. Deuteronomy 12:15, 22; 15:22; 1 Kings 4:23), noted for its swiftness and beauty and Grace of form (2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8; Cant. 2:9; 7:3; 8:14).

The gazelle (Gazella dorcas) is found in great Numbers in Palestine “Among the gray hills of Galilee it is still ‘the Roe upon the mountains of Bether,’ and I have seen a little troop of gazelles feeding on the Mount of Olives close to Jerusalem itself’ (Tristram). ...

The Hebrew Word (‘ayyalah) in Proverbs 5: 19 thus rendered (R.V., “doe”), is properly the “wild she-goat,” the mountain Goat the ibex. (See 1 Samuel 24:2; Psalm 104:18; Job 39:1.)

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Rogelim - fullers, a town of Gilead, the residence of Barzillai the Gileadite (2 Samuel 17:27; 19:31), probably near to Mahanaim

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Romans - , Epistle TO THE This epistle was probably written at Corinth Phoebe (Romans 16:1) of Cenchrea conveyed it to Rome and Gaius of Corinth entertained the Apostle at the time of his Writing it (16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14), and Erastus was Chamberlain of the City i.e., of Corinth (2 Timothy 4:20). ...

The precise time at which it was written is not mentioned in the epistle, but it was obviously written when the Apostle was about to “go unto Jerusalem to Minister unto the saints”, i.e., at the close of his second visit to Greece during the winter preceding his last visit to that City (Romans 15:25; comp. Acts 19:21; 20:2, 3, 16; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4), early in A.D. 58.

It is highly probable that Christianity was planted in Rome by some of those who had been at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). At this time the Jews were very numerous in Rome and their synagogues were probably resorted to by Romans also, who in this way became acquainted with the great facts regarding Jesus as these were reported among the Jews. Thus a Church composed of both Jews and Gentiles was formed at Rome Many of the brethren went out to meet Paul on his approach to Rome There are evidences that Christians were then in Rome in considerable Numbers and had probably more than one Place of meeting (Romans 16:14, 15).

The object of the Apostle in Writing to this Church was to explain to them the great doctrines of the gospel. His epistle was a “word in season.” Himself deeply impressed with a sense of the value of the doctrines of Salvation he opens up in a clear and connected form the whole system of the gospel in its relation both to Jew and Gentile. This epistle is Peculiar in this, that it is a systematic exposition of the gospel of universal application. The subject is here treated argumentatively, and is a plea for Gentiles addressed to Jews. In the Epistle to the Galatians the same subject is discussed, but there the Apostle pleads his own authority, because the Church in Galatia had been founded by him.

After the introduction (1:1-15), the Apostle presents in it divers aspects and relations the doctrine of Justification by Faith (1:16-11:36) on the Ground of the imputed righteousness of Christ He shows that Salvation is all of Grace and only of Grace This main section of his Letter is followed by various practical exhortations (12:1-15:13), which are followed by a conclusion containing personal explanations and salutations, which contain the names of twenty-four Christians at Rome a benediction, and a doxology (Romans 15:14-ch. 16).

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Rome - the most celebrated City in the world at the time of Christ It is said to have been founded B.C. 753. When the New Testament was written, Rome was enriched and adorned with the spoils of the world, and contained a population estimated at 1,200,000, of which the half were slaves, and including representatives of nearly every nation then known. It was distinguished for its wealth and luxury and profligacy. The empire of which it was the capital had then reached its greatest prosperity. ...

On the Day of Pentecost there were in Jerusalem “strangers from Rome ” who doubtless carried with them back to Rome tidings of that great Day and were instrumental in founding the Church there. Paul was brought to this City a prisoner, where he remained for two years (Acts 28:30, 31) “in his own hired House ” While here, Paul wrote his Epistles to the Philippians to the Ephesians to the Colossians to Philemon and probably also to the Hebrews He had during these years for companions Luke and Aristarchus (Acts 27:2), Timothy (Phil. 1:1; Colossians 1:1),

Tychicus (Ephesians 6: 21), Epaphroditus (Phil. 4:18), and John Mark (Colossians 4:10). (See Paul )

Beneath this City are extensive galleries, called “catacombs,” which were used from about the time of the apostles (one of the inscriptions found in them bears the Date A.D. 71) for some three hundred years as places of Refuge in the time of Persecution and also of Worship and Burial About four thousand inscriptions have been found in the catacombs. These give an interesting insight into the history of the Church at Rome down to the time of Constantine.

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Rose - Many varieties of the Rose proper are indigenous to Syria The famed Rose of Damascus is white, but there are also Red and yellow roses. In Cant. 2:1 and Isaiah 35:1 the Hebrew Word habatstseleth (found only in these passages), rendered “rose” (R.V. ... marg., “autumn crocus”), is supposed by some to mean the oleander, by others the sweet-scented Narcissus (a native of Palestine), the tulip, or the daisy; but nothing definite can be affirmed regarding it.

The “rose of Sharon” is probably the cistus or rock-rose, several species of which abound in Palestine “Mount Carmel especially abounds in the cistus, which in April covers some of the barer parts of the mountain with a glow not inferior to that of the Scottish heather.” (See Myrrh [2].)

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Rosh - (Ezekiel 38:2, 3; 39:1) is rendered “chief’ in the Authorized Version It is Left untranslated as a proper name in the Revised Version Some have supposed that the Russians are here meant, as one of the three Scythian tribes of whom Magog was the Prince They invaded the land of Judah in the days of Josiah Herodotus, the Greek historian, says: “For twenty-eight years the Scythians ruled over Asia, and things were turned upside down by their violence and contempt.” (See BETHSHEAN.)

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ruby - (Hebrews peninim), only in plural (Lamentations 4:7). The Ruby was one of the Stones in the High priest’s Breastplate (Exodus 28:17). A comparison is made between the value of wisdom and rubies (Job 28:18;

Proverbs 3:15; 8:11). The price of a virtuous Woman is said to be “far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). The exact meaning of the Hebrew Word is uncertain. Some render it “red Coral ” others, “pearl” or “mother-of-pearl.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rudder - BANDS Ancient ships had two great broad-bladed oars for rudders. These, when not in use, were lifted out of the Water and bound or tied up. When required for use, these Bands were unloosed and the rudders allowed to drop into the Water (Acts 27:40).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rue - a garden Herb (Ruta graveolens) which the Pharisees were careful to Tithe (Luke 11:42), neglecting weightier matters. It is omitted in the parallel Passage of Matthew 23:23. There are several species growing wild in Palestine It is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It has a powerful scent, and is a stimulant. (See Mint )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rufus - red, the Son of Simon the Cyrenian (Mark 15:21), whom the Roman soldiers compelled to carry the Cross on which our Lord was crucified. Probably it is the same person who is again mentioned in Romans 16:13 as a Disciple at Rome whose mother also was a Christian held in esteem by the Apostle Mark mentions him along with his Brother Alexander as persons well known to his readers (Mark 15:21). ...

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Rumah - elevation, probably the same as Arumah (Judges 9:41; 2 Kings 23:36), near Shechem Others identify it with Tell Rumeh, in Galilee, about 6 miles North of Nazareth.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rush - the papyrus (Job 8:11). (See Bulrush ) The expression “branch and rush” in Isaiah 9:14; 19:15 means “utterly.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ruth - The Book OF was originally a part of the Book of Judges but it now forms one of the twenty-four separate books of the Hebrew Bible

The history it contains refers to a period perhaps about one hundred and twenty-six years before the Birth of David It gives (1) an account of Naomi’s going to Moab with her Husband Elimelech and of her subsequent return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law; (2) the marriage of Boaz and Ruth and (3) the Birth of Obed of whom David sprang. ...

The author of this book was probably Samuel according to Jewish Tradition

‘‘Brief as this book is, and simple as is its story, it is remarkably rich in examples of Faith patience, industry, and kindness, nor less so in indications of the care which God takes of those who Put their trust in him.”

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Sabachthani - thou hast forsaken me, one of the Aramaic words uttered by our Lord on the Cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).

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Sabaoth - the transliteration of the Hebrew Word tsebha ’ oth , meaning “hosts,” “armies” (Romans 9:29; James 5:4). In the LXX. the Hebrew Word is rendered by “Almighty.” (See Revelation 4:8; comp. Isaiah 6:3.) It may designate Jehovah as either (1) God of the armies of earth, or (2) God of the armies of the Stars or (3) God of the unseen armies of angels; or perhaps it may include all these ideas.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sabbath - DAY’S Journey supposed to be a distance of 2,000 cubits, or less than half-a-mile, the distance to which, according to Jewish Tradition it was allowable to travel on the Sabbath day without violating the Law (Acts 1:12; comp. Exodus 16:29; Numbers 35:5; Joshua 3:4).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sabbatical - YEAR every seventh Year during which the land, according to the Law of Moses had to remain uncultivated (Leviticus 25:2-7; comp. Exodus 23:10, 11, 12; Leviticus 26:34, 35). Whatever grew of itself during that Year was not for the owner of the land, but for the poor and the Stranger and the beasts of the field. ... All debts, except those of foreigners, were to be remitted (Deuteronomy 15:1-11). There is little notice of the observance of this Year in Biblical history. It appears to have been much neglected (2 Chronicles 36:20, 21).

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Sabeans - descendants of Seba (Genesis 10:7); Africans (Isaiah 43:3). They were “men of stature,” and engaged in merchandise (Isaiah 45:14).

Their Conversion to the Lord was predicted (Psalm 72:10). This Word in Ezekiel 23:42, should be read, as in the margin of the Authorized Version and in the Revised Version “drunkards.” Another Tribe apparently given to war, is mentioned in Job 1:15.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sabtah - rest, the third Son of Cush (Genesis 10:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sabtecha - the fifth Son of Cush (id.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sachar - hire. (1.) One of David’s heroes (1 Chronicles 11:35); called also Sharar (2 Samuel 23:33).

(2.) A Son of Obed-edom the Gittite, and a Temple porter (1 Chronicles 26:4).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sackbut - (Chald. sabkha; Gr. sambuke), a Syrian stringed instrument resembling a Harp (Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15); not the modern Sackbut which is a wind instrument.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sackcloth - cloth made of Black goats’ Hair coarse, rough, and thick, used for sacks, and also worn by mourners (Genesis 37:34; 42:25; 2 Samuel 3:31; Esther 4:1, 2; Psalm 30:11, etc.), and as a sign of Repentance (Matthew 11:21). It was Put upon animals by the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sacrifice - The Offering up of sacrifices is to be regarded as a divine institution. It did not originate with Man God himself appointed it as the mode in which acceptable Worship was to be offered to him by guilty Man The language and the idea of Sacrifice pervade the whole Bible

Sacrifices were offered in the ante-diluvian Age The Lord clothed Adam and Eve with the skins of animals, which in all probability had been offered in Sacrifice (Genesis 3:21). ... Abel offered a Sacrifice “of the firstlings of his flock” (4:4; Hebrews 11:4). A distinction also was made between Clean and unclean animals, which there is every reason to believe had reference to the Offering up of sacrifices (Genesis 7:2, 8), because animals were not given to Man as Food till after the Flood.

The same practice is continued down through the patriarchal Age (Genesis 8:20; 12:7; 13:4, 18; 15:9-11; 22:1-18, etc.). In the Mosaic period of Old Testament history definite laws were prescribed by God regarding the different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered and the manner in which the Offering was to be made. The Offering of stated sacrifices became indeed a prominent and distinctive feature of the whole period (Exodus 12:3-27; Leviticus 23:5-8; Numbers 9:2-14). (See Altar )

We leam from the Epistle to the Hebrews that sacrifices had in themselves no value or efficacy. They were only the “shadow of good things to come,” and pointed the worshippers forward to the Coming of the great High Priest who, in the fullness of the time, “was offered once for all to bear the sin of many.” Sacrifices belonged to a temporary economy, to a system of types and emblems which served their purposes and have now passed away. The “one Sacrifice for sins” Hath “perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

Sacrifices were of two kinds: 1. Unbloody, such as (1) first-fruits and tithes; (2) meat and drink-offerings; and (3) Incense 2. Bloody such as (1) burnt-offerings; (2) peace-offerings; and (3) sin and Trespass offerings. (See OLLERINGS.)

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Sadducees - The origin of this Jewish Sect cannot definitely be traced. It was probably the outcome of the influence of Grecian customs and philosophy during the period of Greek domination. The first time they are met with is in connection with John the Baptist’s ministry. They came out to him when on the banks of the Jordan and he said to them, “O Generation of vipers, who Hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7.) The next time they are spoken of they are represented as Coming to our Lord tempting him. ... He calls them “hypocrites” and “a wicked and adulterous generation” (Matthew 16:1-4; 22:23). The only reference to them in the Gospels of Mark (12:18-27) and Luke (20:27-38) is their attempting to ridicule the doctrine of the Resurrection which they denied, as they also denied the existence of angels. They are never mentioned in John’s Gospel.

There were many Sadducees among the “elders” of the Sanhedrin. They seem, indeed, to have been as numerous as the Pharisees (Acts 23:6). They showed their Hatred of Jesus in taking part in his condemnation (Matthew 16:21; 26:1-3, 59; Mark 8:31; 15:1; Luke 9:22; 22:66). They endeavoured to prohibit the apostles from preaching the Resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:24, 31, 32; 4:1, 2; 5:17, 24-28). They were the deists or sceptics of that Age They do not appear as a separate Sect after the Destruction of Jerusalem

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Sadoc - just, mentioned in the genealogy of our Lord (Matthew 1:14).

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Saffron - Hebrews karkom, Arab zafran (i.e., “yellow”), mentioned only in Cant. 4:13, 14; the Crocus sativus. Many species of the crocus are found in Palestine The pistils and stigmata, from the centre of its Flowers are pressed into “saffron cakes,” common in the East “We found,” says Tristram, “saffron a very useful condiment in travelling cookery, a very small pinch of it giving not only a rich yellow Colour but an agreable flavour to a dish of rice or to an insipid stew.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Saint - one separated from the world and consecrated to God one Holy by profession and by Covenant a believer in Christ (Psalm 16:3; Romans 1:7; 8:27; Phil. 1:1; Hebrews 6:10).

The “saints” spoken of in Jude 1:14 are probably not the disciples of Christ but the “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22; Psalm 68:17), with reference to Deuteronomy 33:2. ...

This Word is also used of the holy Dead (Matthew 27:52; Revelation 18:24). It was not used as a distinctive title of the apostles and evangelists and of a “spiritual nobility” till the fourth century. In that sense it is not a scriptural title.

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Sala - a shoot, a descendant of Arphaxed (Luke 3:35, 36); called also Shelah (1 Chronicles 1:18, 24).

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Salamis - a City on the south-east coast of Cyprus (Acts 13:5), where Saul and Barnabas on their first missionary Journey preached the Word in one of the Jewish synagogues, of which there seem to have been several in that Place It is now called Famagusta.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Salathiel - whom I asked of God the Son of Jeconiah (Matthew 1:12; 1 Chronicles 3:17); also called the Son of Neri (Luke 3:27). The probable explanation of the apparent discrepancy is that he was the Son of Neri, the descendant of Nathan and thus Heir to the Throne of David on the Death of Jeconiah (comp. Jeremiah 22:30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Salcah - wandering, a City of Bashan assigned to the half Tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 12:5; 13:11), identified with Salkhad, about 56 miles East of Jordan

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Salem - peace, commonly supposed to be another name of Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 76:2; Hebrews 7:1, 2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Salim - peaceful, a Place near Aenon (q.v.), on the west of Jordan where John baptized (John 3:23). It was probably the Shalem mentioned in Genesis 33:18, about 7 miles South of Aenon at the head of the great Wady Far’ ah, which formed the northern boundary of Judea in the Jordan valley.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sallai - basket-maker. (1.) A Benjamite (Nehemiah 11:8).

(2.) A Priest in the days of Joshua and Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:20).

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Sallu - weighed. (1.) A Priest (Nehemiah 12:7).

(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 9:7; Nehemiah 11:7).

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Salmon - shady; or Zalmon (q.v.), a Hill covered with dark forests, South of Shechem from which Abimelech and his men gathered Wood to burn that City (Judges 9:48). In Psalm 68:14 the change from war to Peace is likened to Snow on the dark mountain, as some interpret the expression. ... Others suppose the words here mean that the bones of the slain Left unburied covered the land, so that it seemed to be white as if covered with Snow The reference, however, of the psalm is probably to Joshua 11 and 12. The scattering of the kings and their followers is fitly likened unto the snow-flakes rapidly falling on the dark Salmon It is the modern Jebel Suleiman.

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Salmone - a promontory on the East of Crete under which Paul sailed on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:7); the modem Cape Sidero.

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Salome - perfect. (1.) The Wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John (Mat. 27:56), and probably the sister of Mary, the mother of our Lord (John 19:25). She sought for her sons places of honour in Christ’s Kingdom (Matthew 20:20, 21; comp. 19:28). She witnessed the Crucifixion (Mark 15:40), and was present with the other women at the Sepulchre (Matthew 27:56). ...

(2.) “The Daughter of Herodias ” not named in the New Testament On the occasion of the birthday festival held by Herod Antipas, who had married her mother Herodias in the fortress of Machaerus she “came in and danced, and pleased Herod” (Mark 6:14-29). John the Baptist, at that time a prisoner in the dungeons underneath the Castle was at her request beheaded by order of Herod and his head given to the damsel in a Charger “and the damsel gave it to her mother,” whose revengeful Spirit was thus gratified. “A luxurious Feast of the period” (says Farrar, Life of Christ) “was not regarded as complete unless it closed with some gross pantomimic representation; and doubtless Herod had adopted the evil fashion of his Day But he had not anticipated for his guests the rare luxury of seeing a princess, his own niece, a grand-daughter of Herod the Great and of Mariamne, a descendant, therefore, of Simon the high Priest and the great line of Maccabean princes, a princess who afterwards became the Wife of a Tetrarch [Philip, Tetrarch of Trachonitis] and the mother of a King honouring them by degrading herself into a scenic dancer.”

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Salt - , Valley OF a Place where it is said David smote the Syrians (2 Samuel 8:13). This Valley (the’ Arabah) is between Judah and Edom on the South of the Dead Sea Hence some interpreters would insert the words, “and he smote Edom ” after the words, “Syrians” in the above text. ... It is conjectured that while David was leading his Army against the Ammonites and Syrians, the Edomites invaded the South of Judah and that David sent Joab or Abishai against them, who drove them back and finally subdued Edom (Comp, title to Psalm 60.)

Here also Amaziah “slew of Edom ten thousand men” (2 Kings 14:7; comp. 8: 20-22 and 2 Chronicles 25:5-11).

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Salutation - “Eastern modes of Salutation are not unfrequently so prolonged as to become wearisome and a positive waste of time. The profusely polite Arab asks so many questions after your health, your happiness, your welfare, your House and other things, that a person ignorant of the habits of the country would imagine there must be some secret ailment or mysterious sorrow oppressing you, which you wished to conceal, so as to spare the feelings of a dear, sympathizing friend, but which he, in the depth of his anxiety, would Desire to hear of. ... I have often listened to these prolonged salutations in the House the Street and the Highway and not unfrequently I have experienced their tedious monotony, and I have bitterly lamented useless waste of time” (Porter, Through Samaria etc.). The work on which the disciples were sent forth was one of urgency, which Left no time for empty compliments and prolonged greetings (Luke 10:4).

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Salvation - This Word is used of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ “the great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). (See Redemption REGENERATION.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Samaria - a watch-mountain or a watch-tower. In the heart of the mountains of Israel a few miles north-west of Shechem stands the “hill of Shomeron,” a solitary mountain, a great “mamelon.” It is an oblong Hill with steep but not inaccessible sides, and a long flat top. Omri the King of Israel purchased this Hill from Shemer its owner for two talents of Silver and built on its broad summit the City to which he gave the name of “Shomeron”, i.e., Samaria as the New capital of his Kingdom instead of Tirzah (1 Kings 16:24). ... As such it possessed many advantages. Here Omri resided during the last six years of his reign. As the result of an unsuccessful war with Syria he appears to have been obliged to grant to the Syrians the right to “make streets in Samaria”, i.e., probably permission to the Syrian merchants to carry on their trade in the Israelite capital. This would imply the existence of a considerable Syrian population. “It was the only great City of Palestine created by the sovereign. All the others had been already consecrated by patriarchal Tradition or previous possession. But Samaria was the choice of Omri alone. He, indeed, gave to the City which he had built the name of its former owner, but its especial connection with himself as its founder is proved by the designation which it seems Samaria bears in Assyrian inscriptions, Beth-khumri (‘the House or Palace of Omri’).”, Stanley.

Samaria was frequently besieged. In the days of Ahab Benhadad II. came up against it with thirty-two vassal kings, but was defeated with a great slaughter (1 Kings 20:1-21). A second time, next Year he assailed it; but was again utterly routed, and was compelled to surrender to Ahab (20:28-34), whose Army as compared with that of Benhadad, was no more than “two little flocks of kids.”

In the days of Jehoram this Benhadad again laid siege to Samaria during which the City was reduced to the direst extremities. But just when success seemed to be within their reach, they suddenly broke up the seige, alarmed by a mysterious noise of chariots and horses and a great Army and fled, leaving their Camp with all its contents behind them. The famishing inhabitants of the City were soon relieved with the abundance of the spoil of the Syrian Camp and it came to pass, according to the Word of Elisha, that “a Measure of fine Flour was sold for a Shekel and two measures of barely for a Shekel in the gates of Samaria” (2 Kings 7:1-20).

Shalmaneser invaded Israel in the days of Hoshea, and reduced it to vassalage. He laid siege to Samaria (B.C. 723), which held out for three years, and was at length captured by Sargon who completed the conquest Shalmaneser had begun (2 Kings 18:9-12; 17:3), and removed vast Numbers of the tribes into Captivity (See Sargon )

This City after passing through various vicissitudes, was given by the emperor Augustus to Herod the Great, who rebuilt it, and called it Sebaste (Gr. form of Augustus) in honour of the emperor. In the New Testament the only mention of it is in Acts 8:5-14, where it is recorded that Philip went down to the City of Samaria and preached there.

It is now represented by the hamlet of Sebustieh, containing about three hundred inhabitants. The ruins of the Ancient town are all scattered over the Hill down the sides of which they have rolled. The shafts of about one hundred of what must have been grand Corinthian columns are still standing, and attract much attention, although nothing definite is known regarding them. (Comp. Micah 1:6.)

In the time of Christ Western Palestine was divided into three provinces, Judea Samaria, and Galilee. Samaria occupied the centre of Palestine (John :4). It is called in the Talmud the “land of the Cuthim,” and is not regarded as a part of the Holy Land at all.

It may be noticed that the distance between Samaria and Jerusalem the respective capitals of the two kingdoms, is only 35 miles in a direct line.

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Samaritan - PENTATEUCH On the return from the Exile, the Jews refused the Samaritans participation with them in the Worship at Jerusalem and the latter separated from all Fellowship with them, and built a Temple for themselves on Mount Gerizim. This Temple was razed to the Ground more than one hundred years B.C. ... Then a system of Worship was instituted similar to that of the Temple at Jerusalem It was founded on the Law copies of which had been multiplied in Israel as well as in Judah Thus the Pentateuch was preserved among the Samaritans although they never called it by this name, but always “the Law ” which they read as one book. The division into five books, as we now have it, however, was adopted by the Samaritans as it was by the Jews, in all their priests’ copies of “the Law ” for the sake of convenience. This was the only portion of the Old Testament which was accepted by the Samaritans as of divine authority.

The form of the letters in the manuscript copies of the Samaritan Pentateuch is different from that of the Hebrew copies, and is probably the same as that which was in general use before the Captivity There are other peculiarities in the Writing which need not here be specified.

There are important differences between the Hebrew and the Samaritan copies of the Pentateuch in the readings of many sentences. In about two thousand instances in which the Samaritan and the Jewish texts differ, the LXX. agrees with the former. The New Testament also, when quoting from the Old Testament agrees as a rule with the Samaritan text, where that differs from the Jewish. Thus Exodus 12:40 in the Samaritan reads, “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel and of their fathers which they had dwelt in the land of Canaan and in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years” (comp. Galatians 3:17). It may be noted that the LXX. has the same reading of this text.

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Samaritans - the name given to the New and mixed inhabitants whom Esarhaddon (B.C. 677), the King of Assyria brought from Babylon and other places and settled in the cities of Samaria instead of the original inhabitants whom Sargon (B.C. ... 721) had removed into Captivity (2 Kings 7:24; comp. Ezra 4:2, 9, 10). These strangers (comp. Luke 17:18) amalgamated with the Jews still remaining in the land, and gradually abandoned their old Idolatry and adopted partly the Jewish religion.

After the return from the Captivity the Jews in Jerusalem refused to allow them to take part with them in rebuilding the Temple and hence sprang up an open Enmity between them. They erected a rival Temple on Mount Gerizim, which was, however, destroyed by a Jewish King (B.C. 130). They then built another at Shechem The bitter Enmity between the Jews and Samaritans continued in the time of our Lord the Jews had “no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9; comp. Luke 9:52, 53). Our Lord was in contempt called “a Samaritan” (John 8:48). Many of the Samaritans early embraced the gospel (John 4:5-42; Acts 8:25; 9:31; 15:3). Of these Samaritans there still remains a small population of about one hundred and sixty, who all reside in Shechem where they carefully observe the religious customs of their fathers. They are the “smallest and oldest Sect in the world.”

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Samos - an Island in the AEgean Sea which Paul passed on his voyage from Assos to Miletus (Acts 20:15), on his third missionary Journey It is about 27 miles long and 20 broad, and lies about 42 miles south-west of Smyrna

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Samothracia - an Island in the AEgean Sea off the coast of Thracia, about 32 miles distant. This Thracian Samos was passed by Paul on his voyage from Troas to Neapolis (Acts 16:11) on his first missionary Journey It is about 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. Its modern name is Samothraki.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Samson - of the Sun the Son of Manoah born at Zorah The narrative of his Life is given in Judges 13-16. He was a “Nazarite unto God” from his Birth the first Nazarite mentioned in Scripture (Judges 13:3-5; comp. Numbers 6:1-21). ... The first recorded event of his Life was his marriage with a Philistine Woman of Timnath (Judges 14:1-5). Such a marriage was not forbidden by the Law of Moses as the Philistines did not form one of the Seven doomed Canaanite nations (Exodus 34:11-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-4). It was, however, an ill-assorted and unblessed marriage. His Wife was soon taken from him and given “to his companion” (Judges 14:20). For this Samson took revenge by burning the “standing corn of the Philistines” (15:1-8), who, in their turn, in revenge “burnt her and her Father with Fire ” Her Death he terribly avenged (15:7-19). During the twenty years following this he judged Israel but we have no record of his Life Probably these twenty years may have been simultaneous with the last twenty years of Eli’s Life After this we have an account of his exploits at Gaza (16:1-3), and of his infatuation for Delilah and her treachery (16:4-20), and then of his melancholy Death (16:21-31). He perished in the last terrible Destruction he brought upon his enemies. “So the Dead which he slew at his Death were more [in social and political importance=the elite of the people] than they which he slew in his Life ”

“Straining all his nerves, he bowed: As with the force of Winds and waters pent, When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars With horrible convulsion to and fro He tugged, he shook, till down they came, and drew The whole roof after them, with burst of Thunder Upon the heads of all who sat beneath, Lords, ladies, captains, counsellors, or priests, Their choice nobility and flower.” Milton’s Samson Agonistes.

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Samuel - , Books OF The LXX. translators regarded the books of Samuel and of Kings as forming one continuous history, which they divided into four books, which they called “Books of the Kingdom ” The Vulgate Version followed this division, but styled them “Books of the Kings.” These books of Samuel they accordingly called the “First” and “Second” Books of Kings, and not, as in the modern Protestant versions, the “First” and “Second” Books of Samuel

The authors of the books of Samuel were probably Samuel Gad and Nathan Samuel penned the first twenty-four chapters of the first book. Gad the companion of David (1 Samuel 22:5), continued the history thus commenced; and Nathan completed it, probably arranging the whole in the form in which we now have it (1 Chronicles 29:29). ...

The contents of the books. The first book comprises a period of about a hundred years, and nearly coincides with the Life of Samuel It contains (1) the history of Eli (1-4); (2) the history of Samuel (5-12); (3) the history of Saul and of David in exile (13-31). The second book, comprising a period of perhaps fifty years, contains a history of the reign of David (1) over Judah (1-4), and (2) over all Israel (5-24), mainly in its political aspects.

The last four chapters of Second Samuel may be regarded as a sort of appendix recording various events, but not chronologically. These books do not contain complete histories. Frequent gaps are met with in the record, because their object is to present a history of the Kingdom of God in its gradual development, and not of the events of the reigns of the successive rulers. It is noticeable that the section (2 Samuel 11:2-12: 29) containing an account of David’s sin in the matter of Bathsheba is omitted in the corresponding Passage in 1 Chronicles 20.

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Sanballat - held some Place of authority in Samaria when Nehemiah went up to Jerusalem to rebuild its ruined walls. He vainly attempted to hinder this work (Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:1-12; 6). His Daughter became the Wife of one of the sons of Joiada a Son of the high Priest much to the grief of Nehemiah (13:28).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sanctification - involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the Truth it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the New gracious principles implanted in the soul in Regeneration In other words, Sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in Regeneration and it extends to the whole Man (Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19). ... It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of Redemption to carry on this work (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Faith is instrumental in securing Sanctification inasmuch as it (1) secures union to Christ (Galatians 2:20), and (2) brings the believer into Living contact with the Truth whereby he is led to yield obedience “to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this Life and that which is to come.”

Perfect Sanctification is not attainable in this Life (1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8). See Paul’s account of himself in Romans 7:14-25; Phil. 3:12-14; and 1 Timothy 1:15; also the confessions of David (Psalm 19:12, 13; 51), of Moses (90:8), of Job (42:5, 6), and of Daniel (9:3-20). “The more Holy a Man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their Life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the Kingdom of Heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father’s loving Hand which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves.”, Hodge’s Outlines.

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Sanctuary - denotes, (1) the Holy Land (Exodus 15:17; comp. Psalm 114:2); (2) the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 29:21); (3) the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 12:4; 21:12); (4) the holy Place the Place of the Presence (Gr. ... hieron, the temple-house; not the naos, which is the Temple area, with its courts and porches), Leviticus 4:6; Ephesians 2:21, R.V., marg.; (5) God’s holy Habitation in Heaven (Psalm 102:19). In the final state there is properly “no sanctuary” (Revelation 21:22), for God and the Lamb “are the sanctuary” (R.V., “temple”). All is there hallowed by the Divine Presence; all is sancturary.

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Sandals - Mentioned only in Mark 6:9 and Acts 12:8. The sandal was simply a sole, made of Wood or palm-bark, fastened to the foot by leathern straps. Sandals were also made of seal-skin (Ezekiel 16:10; lit. tahash, “leather;” A.V., “badger’s Skin ” R.V., “sealskin,” or marg., “porpoise-skin”). (See Shoe )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sanhedrim - more correctly Sanhedrin (Gr. synedrion), meaning “a Sitting together,” or a “council.” This Word (rendered “council,” A.V.) is frequently used in the New Testament (Matthew 5:22; 26:59; Mark 15:1, etc.) to denote the supreme judicial and administrative Council of the Jews, which, it is said, was first instituted by Moses and was composed of Seventy men (Numbers 11:16, 17). ... But that seems to have been only a temporary arrangement which Moses made. This Council is with greater probability supposed to have originated among the Jews when they were under the domination of the Syrian kings in the time of the Maccabees The name is first employed by the Jewish historian Josephus. This “council” is referred to simply as the “chief priests and elders of the people” (Matthew 26:3, 47, 57, 59; 27:1, 3, 12, 20, etc.), before whom Christ was tried on the charge of claiming to be the Messiah Peter and John were also brought before it for promulgating Heresy (Acts. 4:1-23; 5:17-41); as was also Stephen on a charge of Blasphemy (6:12-15), and Paul for violating a Temple by-law (22:30; 23:1-10).

The Sanhedrin is said to have consisted of seventy-one members, the high Priest being president. They were of three classes (1) the Chief priests, or heads of the twenty-four priestly Courses (1 Chronicles 24), (2) the Scribes and (3) the elders. As the highest Court of judicature, “in all causes and over all persons, ecclesiastical and civil, supreme,” its Decrees were binding, not only on the Jews in Palestine but on all Jews wherever scattered abroad. Its jurisdiction was greatly curtailed by Herod and afterwards by the Romans Its usual Place of meeting was within the precincts of the Temple in the Hall “Gazith,” but it sometimes met also in the House of the high Priest (Matthew 26:3), who was assisted by two vice-presidents.

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Sansannah - a palm Branch or a Thorn bush, a town in the South (the negeb) of Judah (Joshua 15:31); called also Hazarsusah (19:5), or Hazar-susim (1 Chronicles 4:31).

Saph

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Saphir - beautiful, a town of Judah (Micah 1:11), identified with es-Suafir, 5 miles south-east of Ashdod

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sapphira - beautiful, the Wife of Ananias (q.v.). She was a partner in his guilt and also in his Punishment (Acts 5:1-11).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sapphire - Associated with diamonds (Exodus 28:18) and emeralds (Ezekiel 28:13); one of the Stones in the High priest’s Breastplate It is a precious Stone of a sky-blue Colour probably the lapis lazuli, brought from Babylon The Throne of God is described as of the Colour of a Sapphire (Exodus 24:10; comp. Ezekiel 1:26).

Sarah

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sarai - my princess, the name originally borne by Sarah (Genesis 11:31; 17:15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sardine - STONE (Revelation 4:3, R.V., “sardius;” Hebrews ‘odhem; LXX., Gr. sardion, from a root meaning “red”), a gem of a blood-red Colour It was called “sardius” because obtained from Sardis in Lydia It is enumerated among the precious Stones in the High priest’s Breastplate (Exodus 28:17; 39:10). It is our Red camelian.

Sardis

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sardonyx - (Revelation 21:20), a species of the carnelian combining the sard and the Onyx having three layers of opaque spots or Stripes on a transparent Red basis. Like the Sardine it is a variety of the Chalcedony

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sarepta - (Luke 4:26). See Zarephath

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sargon - (In the inscriptions, “Sarra-yukin” [the God] has appointed the King also “Sarru-kinu,” the legitimate King ) On the Death of Shalmaneser (B.C. 723), one of the Assyrian generals established himself on the vacant Throne taking the name of “Sargon,” after that of the famous monarch, the Sargon of Accad founder of the first Semitic empire, as well as of one of the most famous libraries of Chaldea He forthwith began a conquering career, and became one of the most powerful of the Assyrian monarchs. ... He is mentioned by name in the Bible only in connection with the siege of Ashdod (Isaiah 20:1).

At the very beginning of his reign he besieged and took the City of Samaria (2 Kings 17:6; 18:9-12). On an inscription found in the Palace he built at Khorsabad, near - Nieveh, he says, “The City of Samaria I besieged, I took; 27,280 of its inhabitants I carried away; fifty chariots that were among them I collected,” etc. The northern Kingdom he changed into an Assyrian satrapy. He afterwards drove Merodach-baladan (q.v.), who kept him at Bay for twelve years, out of Babylon which he entered in triumph. By a succession of victories he gradually enlarged and consolidated the empire, which now extended from the frontiers of Egypt in the west to the mountains of Elam in the East and thus carried almost to completion the ambitious designs of Tiglath-pileser (q.v.). He was murdered by one of his own soldiers (B.C. 705) in his Palace at Khorsabad, after a reign of sixteen years, and was succeeded by his Son Sennacherib.

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Satan - adversary; Accuser When used as a proper name, the Hebrew Word so rendered has the article “the adversary” (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the Devil and is so used more than thirty times.

He is also called “the Dragon ” “the Old serpent” (Revelation 12:9; 20:2); “the Prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30); “the Prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2); “the God of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4); “the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). ... The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He is “Beelzebub, the Prince of the devils” (12:24). He is “the constant enemy of God of Christ of the divine Kingdom of the followers of Christ and of all Truth full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way.” His power is very great in the world. He is a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Men are said to be “taken Captive by him” (2 Timothy 2:26). Christians are warned against his “devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11), and called on to “resist” him (James 4:7). Christ redeems his people from “him that had the power of Death that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Satan has the “power of Death ” not as Lord but simply as Executioner

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Satyr - hairy one. Mentioned in Greek mythology as a Creature composed of a Man and a Goat supposed to inhabit wild and desolate regions. The Hebrew Word is rendered also “goat” (Leviticus 4:24) and “devil”, i.e., an Idol in the form of a Goat (17:7; 2 Chronicles 11:15). ... When it is said (Isaiah 13:21; comp. 34:14) “the satyrs shall Dance there,” the meaning is that the Place referred to shall become a desolate waste. Some render the Hebrew Word “baboon,” a species of which is found in Babylonia.

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Saul - asked for. (1.) A King of Edom (Genesis 36:37, 38); called Shaul in 1 Chronicles 1:48.

(2.) The Son of Kish (probably his only Son and a Child of Prayer “asked for”), of the Tribe of Benjamin the first King of the Jewish nation. ... The singular providential circumstances connected with his Election as King are recorded in 1 Samuel 8-10. His father’s she-asses had strayed, and Saul was sent with a servant to seek for them. Leaving his home at Gibeah (10:5, “the Hill of God ” A.V.; lit., as in R.V. marg., “Gibeah of God”), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and then turning north-east they came to “the land of Shalisha ” and thence eastward to the land of Shalim and at length came to the district of Zuph near Samuel’s home at Ramah (9:5-10). At this point Saul proposed to return from the three days’ fruitless search, but his servant suggested that they should first consult the “seer.” Hearing that he was about to offer Sacrifice the two hastened into Ramah, and “behold, Samuel came out against them,” on his way to the “bamah”, i.e., the “height”, where Sacrifice was to be offered; and in answer to Saul’s question, “Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s House is,” Samuel made himself known to him. Samuel had been divinely prepared for his Coming (9: 15-17), and received Saul as his guest. He took him with him to the Sacrifice and then after the Feast “communed with Saul upon the top of the house” of all that was in his heart. On the morrow Samuel “took a vial of Oil and poured it on his head,” and anointed Saul as King over Israel (9:25-10:8), giving him three signs in confirmation of his Call to be King When Saul reached his home in Gibeah the last of these signs was fulfilled, and the Sprit of God came upon him, and “he was turned into another Man ” The simple countryman was transformed into the King of Israel a remarkable change suddenly took Place in his whole demeanour, and the people said in their astonishment, as they looked on the stalwart Son of Kish, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”, a saying which passed into a “proverb.” (Comp. 19:24.)

The intercourse between Saul and Samuel was as yet unknown to the people. The “anointing” had been in secret. But now the time had come when the transaction must be confirmed by the nation. Samuel accordingly summoned the people to a Solemn assembly “before the Lord” at Mizpeh Here the Lot was drawn (10:17-27), and it fell upon Saul and when he was presented before them, the stateliest Man in all Israel the air was rent for the first time in Israel by the loud cry, “God save the king!” He now returned to his home in Gibeah, attended by a kind of bodyguard, “a band of men whose hearts God had touched.” On reaching his home he dismissed them, and resumed the quiet toils of his former Life

Soon after this, on hearing of the conduct of Nahash the Ammonite at Jabeshgilead (q.v.), an Army out of all the tribes of Israel rallied at his summons to the try sting-place at Bezek and he led them forth a great Army to battle, gaining a complete victory over the Ammonite invaders at Jabesh (11:1-11). Amid the universal joy occasioned by this victory he was now fully recognized as the King of Israel At the invitation of Samuel “all the people went to Gilgal and there they made Saul King before the Lord in Gilgal ” Samuel now officially anointed him as King (11:15). Although Samuel never ceased to be a Judge in Israel yet now his work in that capacity practically came to an End

Saul now undertook the great and difficult enterprise of freeing the land from its hereditary enemies the Philistines and for this End he gathered together an Army of 3,000 men (1 Samuel 13:1, 2). The Philistines were encamped at Geba. Saul with 2,000 men, occupied Michmash and Mount Bethel; while his Son Jonathan, with 1,000 men, occupied Gibeah, to the South of Geba, and seemingly without any direction from his Father “smote” the Philistines in Geba. Thus roused, the Philistines who gathered an Army of 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and “people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude,” encamped in Michmash, which Saul had evacuated for Gilgal Saul now tarried for Seven days in Gilgal before making any movement, as Samuel had appointed (10:8); but becoming impatient on the seventh Day as it was drawing to a close, when he had made an End of Offering the Burnt offering, Samuel appeared and warned him of the fatal consequences of his act of disobedience, for he had not waited long enough (13:13, 14).

When Saul after Samuel’s departure, went out from Gilgal with his 600 men, his followers having decreased to that number (13:15), against the Philistines at Michmash (q.v.), he had his head-quarters under a pomegrante Tree at Migron, over against Michmash, the Wady esSuweinit alone intervening. Here at Gibeah-Geba Saul and his Army rested, uncertain what to do. Jonathan became impatient, and with his armour-bearer planned an assault against the Philistines unknown to Saul and the Army (14:1-15). Jonathan and his armour-bearer went down into the wady, and on their hands and knees climbed to the top of the narrow rocky ridge called Bozez, where was the outpost of the Philistine Army They surprised and then slew twenty of the Philistines and immediately the whole Host of the Philistines was thrown into disorder and fled in great terror. “It was a very great trembling;” a supernatural panic seized the Host Saul and his 600 men, a band which speedily increased to 10,000, perceiving the confusion, pursued the Army of the Philistines and the tide of battle rolled on as far as to Bethaven, halfway between Michmash and Bethel. The Philistines were totally routed. “So the Lord saved Israel that Day ” While pursuing the Philistines Saul rashly adjured the people, saying, “Cursed be the Man that eateth any Food until Evening ” But though faint and weary, the Israelites “smote the Philistines that Day from Michmash to Aijalon” (a distance of from 15 to 20 miles). Jonathan had, while passing through the Wood in pursuit of the Philistines tasted a little of the honeycomb which was abundant there (14:27). This was afterwards discovered by Saul (ver. 42), and he threatened to Put his Son to Death The people, however, interposed, saying, “There shall not one Hair of his head Fall to the Ground ” He whom God had so signally owned, who had “wrought this great Salvation in Israel ” must not die. “Then Saul went up from following the Philistines and the Philistines went to their own place” (1 Samuel 14:24-46); and thus the campaign against the Philistines came to an End This was Saul’s second great military success.

Saul’s reign, however, continued to be one of almost constant war against his enemies round about (14:47, 48), in all of which he proved victorious. The war against the Amalekites is the only one which is recorded at length (1 Samuel 15). These oldest and hereditary (Exodus 17:8; Numbers 14:43-45) enemies of Israel occupied the territory to the South and south-west of Palestine Samuel summoned Saul to execute the “ban” which God had pronounced (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) on this cruel and relentless foe of Israel The cup of their iniquity was now full. This command was “the test of his moral qualification for being King ” Saul proceeded to execute the divine command; and gathering the people together, marched from Telaim (1 Samuel 15:4) against the Amalekites, whom he smote “from Havilah until thou comest to Shur ” utterly destroying “all the people with the edge of the sword”, i.e., all that fell into his hands. He was, however, guilty of rebellion and disobedience in sparing Agag their King and in conniving at his soldiers’ sparing the best of the Sheep and Cattle and Samuel following Saul to Gilgal in the Jordan valley, said unto him, “Because thou hast rejected the Word of the Lord he also Hath rejected thee from being king” (15:23). The Kingdom was rent from Saul and was given to another, even to David whom the Lord chose to be Saul’s successor, and whom Samuel anointed (16:1-13). Lrom that Day “the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil Spirit from the Lord troubled him.” He and Samuel parted only to Meet once again at one of the Schools of the prophets.

David was now sent for as a “cunning player on an harp” (1 Samuel 16: 16, 18), to play before Saul when the evil Spirit troubled him, and thus was introduced to the Court of Saul He became a great favourite with the King At length David returned to his father’s House and to his wonted avocation as a Shepherd for perhaps some three years. The Philistines once more invaded the land, and gathered their Army between Shochoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim, on the southern slope of the Valley of Elah Saul and the men of Israel went forth to Meet them, and encamped on the northern slope of the same Valley which lay between the two armies. It was here that David slew Goliath of Gath the Champion of the Philistines (17:4-54), an exploit which led to the flight and utter defeat of the Philistine Army Saul now took David permanently into his service (18:2); but he became jealous of him (ver. 9), and on many occasions showed his Enmity toward him (ver. 10, 11), his Enmity ripening into a purpose of Murder which at different times he tried in vain to carry out.

After some time the Philistines “gathered themselves together” in the Plain of Esdraelon and pitched their Camp at Shunem on the slope of Little Hermon and Saul “gathered all Israel together,” and “pitched in Gilboa” (1 Samuel 28:3-14). Being unable to discover the mind of the Lord Saul, accompanied by two of his retinue, betook himself to the “witch of Endor ” some 7 or 8 miles distant. Here he was overwhelmed by the startling communication that was mysteriously made to him by Samuel (ver. 16-19), who appeared to him. “He fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel” (ver. 20). The Philistine Host “fought against Israel and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell down slain in Mount Gilboa” (31:1). In his despair at the disaster that had befallen his Army Saul “took a Sword and fell upon it.” And the Philistines on the morrow “found Saul and his three sons fallen in Mount Gilboa.” Having cut off his head, they sent it with his weapons to Philistia, and hung up the skull in the Temple of Dagon at Ashdod They suspended his headless body, with that of Jonathan from the walls of Bethshan. The men of Jabesh-gilead afterwards removed the bodies from this position; and having Burnt the Flesh they buried the bodies under a Tree at Jabesh The remains were, however, afterwards removed to the family Sepulchre at Zelah (2 Samuel 21:13, 14). (See David )

(3.) “Who is also called Paul” (q.v.), the Circumcision name of the Apostle given to him, perhaps, in memory of King Saul (Acts 7:58; 8: 1; 9: 1).

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Saviour - one who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest sense the Word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to his redeemed ones, he is their Saviour The great message of the gospel is about Salvation and the Saviour It is the “gospel of Salvation ”... 3255056 href=#faith onclick="bC(this);"> Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the work of Redemption Salvation is Redemption made effectual to the individual by the power of the Holy Spirit

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Scapegoat - Leviticus 16:8-26; R.V., “the Goat for Azazel” (q.v.), the name given to the Goat which was taken away into the Wilderness on the Day of Atonement (16:20-22). The Priest made Atonement over the Scapegoat laying Israel’s guilt upon it, and then sent it away, the Goat bearing “upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited.”

At a later period an evasion or modification of the Law of Moses was introduced by the Jews. ... “The Goat was conducted to a mountain named Tzuk, situated at a distance of ten Sabbath days’ Journey or about six and a half English miles, from Jerusalem At this Place the Judean Desert was supposed to commence; and the Man in whose charge the Goat was sent out, while setting him free, was instructed to push the unhappy beast down the slope of the mountain side, which was so steep as to insure the Death of the Goat whose bones were broken by the Fall The reason of this barbarous Custom was that on one occasion the Scapegoat returned to Jerusalem after being set free, which was considered such an evil omen that its recurrence was prevented for the future by the Death of the goat” (Twenty-one Years’ Work in the Holy Land). This mountain is now called el-Muntar.

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Scarlet - This Dye was obtained by the Egyptians from the shell-fish Carthamus tinctorius; and by the Hebrews from the Coccus ilicis, an insect which infests oak trees, called kermes by the Arabians.

This Colour was early known (Genesis 38:28). It was one of the colours of the Ephod (Exodus 28:6), the Girdle (8), and the Breastplate (15) of the high Priest It is also mentioned in various other connections (Joshua 2:18; 2 Samuel 1:24; Lamentations 4:5; Nahum 2:3). ... A Scarlet robe was in mockery placed on our Lord (Matthew 27:28; Luke 23:11). “Sins as scarlet” (Isaiah 1:18), i.e., as Scarlet robes “glaring and habitual.” Scarlet and crimson were the firmest of dyes, and thus not easily washed out.

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Sceptre - (Hebrews shebet = Gr. skeptron), properly a staff or rod. As a symbol of authority, the use of the Sceptre originated in the idea that the ruler was as a Shepherd of his people (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Psalm 45:6; Isaiah 14:5). There is no example on record of a Sceptre having ever been actually handled by a Jewish King

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sceva - an implement, a Jew chief of the priests at Ephesus (Acts 19:13-16); i.e., the head of one of the twenty-four Courses of the House of Levi He had Seven sons, who “took upon them to Call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus ” in imitation of Paul They tried their method of exorcism on a fierce demoniac, and failed. ... His answer to them was to this effect (19:15): “The Jesus whom you invoke is One whose authority I acknowledge; and the Paul whom you name I recognize to be a servant or Messenger of God but what sort of men are ye who have been empowered to act as you do by neither?” (Lindsay on the Acts of the Apostles.)

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Schism - a separation, an alienation causing divisions among Christians, who ought to be united (1 Corinthians 12:25).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Schoolmaster - the Law so designated by Paul (Galatians 3:24, 25). As so used, the Word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the modern page), i.e., one who was intrusted with the supervision of a family, taking them to and from the school, being responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stem and severe in his discipline. Thus the Law was a pedagogue to the Jews, with a view to Christ i.e., to prepare for Faith in Christ by producing convictions of guilt and helplessness. ... The office of the pedagogue ceased when “faith came”, i.e., the object of that Faith the seed, which is Christ

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Schools - OF THE Prophets (1 Samuel 19: 18-24; 2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, 12, 15) were instituted for the purpose of training young men for the prophetical and priestly offices. (See Prophet SAMUEL.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Scorpions - mentioned along with serpents (Deuteronomy 8:15). Used also figuratively to denote wicked persons (Ezekiel 2:6; Luke 10:19); also a particular kind of scourge or whip (1 Kings 12:11). Scorpions were a species of Spider They abounded in the Jordan valley.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Scourging - (1 Kings 12:11). Variously administered. In no case were the Stripes to exceed forty (Deuteronomy 25:3; comp. 2 Corinthians 1:24). In the time of the apostles, in consequence of the passing of what was called the Porcian Law no Roman citizen could be scourged in any case (Acts 16:22-37). (See Bastinado ) In the Scourging of our Lord (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15) the words of Prophecy (Isaiah 53:5) were fulfilled.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Scribes - anciently held various important offices in the public affairs of the nation. The Hebrew Word so rendered (sopher) is first used to designate the holder of some military office (Judges 5:14; A.V., “pen of the writer;” R.V., “the marshal’s staff;” marg., “the staff of the scribe”). The Scribes acted as secretaries of state, whose business it was to prepare and issue Decrees in the name of the King (2 Samuel 8: 17; 20:25; 1 Chronicles 18:16; 24:6; 1 Kings 4:3; 2 Kings 12:9-11; 18:18-37, etc.). ... They discharged various other important public duties as men of High authority and influence in the affairs of state.

There was also a subordinate class of Scribes most of whom were Levites. They were engaged in various ways as writers. Such, for example, was Baruch who “wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord” (Jeremiah 36:4, 32).

In later times, after the Captivity when the nation lost its independence, the Scribes turned their attention to the Law gaining for themselves distinction by their intimate acquaintance with its contents. On them devolved the duty of multiplying copies of the Law and of teaching it to others (Ezra 7:6, 10-12; Nehemiah 8:1, 4, 9, 13). It is evident that in New Testament times the Scribes belonged to the Sect of the Pharisees who supplemented the Ancient written Law by their traditions (Matthew 23), thereby obscuring it and rendering it of none effect. The titles “scribes” and “lawyers” (q.v.) are in the Gospels interchangeable (Matthew 22:35; Mark 12:28; Luke 20:39, etc.). They were in the time of our Lord the public teachers of the people, and frequently came into collision with him. They afterwards showed themselves greatly hostile to the apostles (Acts 4:5; 6:12).

Some of the Scribes however, were men of a different Spirit and showed themselves friendly to the gospel and its preachers. Thus Gamaliel advised the Sanhedrin, when the apostles were before them charged with “teaching in this name,” to “refrain from these men and let them alone” (Acts 5:34-39; comp. 23:9).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Scripture - invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite Collection of sacred books, regarded as given by Inspiration of God which we usually Call the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Galatians 3:22; 2 Peter 1:20). ... It was God’s purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed Will From time to time he raised up men to commit to Writing in an infallible record the Revelation he gave. The “Scripture,” or Collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed “Scripture,” consisting of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament canon in the time of our Lord was precisely the same as that which we now possess under that name. He placed the Seal of his own authority on this Collection of writings, as all equally given by Inspiration (Matthew 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:29, 31). (See Bible CANON.)

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Scythian - The Scythians consisted of “all the pastoral tribes who dwelt to the North of the Black Sea and the Caspian, and were scattered far away toward the East Of this vast country but little was anciently known. Its modern representative is Russia, which, to a great extent, includes the same territories.” They were the descendants of Japheth (Genesis 9:27). It appears that in apostolic times there were some of this people that embraced Christianity (Colossians 3: 1 1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seah - In land Measure a space of 50 cubits long by 50 broad. In Measure of capacity, a Seah was a little over one peck. (See Measure )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seal - commonly a ring engraved with some device (Genesis 38:18, 25). Jezebel “wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal” (1 Kings 21:8). Seals are frequently mentioned in Jewish history (Deuteronomy 32:34; Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1; Esther 3:12; Cant. 8:6; Isaiah 8:16; Jeremiah 22:24; 32:44, etc.). Sealing a document was equivalent to the signature of the owner of the Seal “The use of a signet-ring by the from the bezel of a metallic finger-ring. ... It is an oval, 2 inches in length by 1 inch wide, and bears the image, name, and titles of the Egyptian King Sabaco” (Rawlinson’s Hist. Illus. of the O.T., p. 46). The actual signet-rings of two Egyptian kings (Cheops and Horus) have been discovered. (See Signet )

The use of seals is mentioned in the New Testament only in connection with the record of our Lord’s Burial (Matthew 27:66). The tomb was sealed by the Pharisees and Chief priests for the purpose of making sure that the disciples would not come and steal the body away (ver. 63, 64). The mode of doing this was probably by stretching a Cord across the Stone and sealing it at both ends with sealing-clay. When God is said to have sealed the Redeemer, the meaning is, that he has attested his divine mission (John 6:27). Circumcision is a Seal an attestation of the Covenant (Romans 4: 1 1). Believers are sealed with the Spirit as God’s Mark put upon them (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). Converts are by Paul styled the Seal of his apostleship, i.e., they are its attestation (1 Corinthians 9:2). Seals and sealing are frequently mentioned in the book of Revelation (5:1; 6:1; 7:3; 10:4; 22:10).

Ancient Jewish Seals monarch has recently received a remarkable illustration by the discovery of an impression of such a Signet on fine Clay at Koyunjik, the site of the Ancient Nineveh. This Seal appears to have been impressed Read more

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sea - , THE MOLTEN the great Laver made by Solomon for the use of the priests in the Temple described in 1 Kings 7:23-26; 2 Chronicles 4:2-5. It stood in the south-eastern Corner of the inner Court It was 5 cubits High

10 in diameter from brim to brim, and 30 in circumference. ... It was placed on the backs of twelve oxen, standing with their faces outward. It was capable of containing two or three thousand baths of Water (comp. 2 Chronicles 4:5), which was originally supplied by the Gibeonites, but was afterwards brought by a Conduit from the Pools of Bethlehem It was made of “brass” (copper), which Solomon had taken from the captured cities of Hadarezer the King of Zobah (1 Chronicles 18:8). Ahaz afterwards removed this Laver from the oxen, and placed it on a Stone pavement (2 Kings 16:17). It was destroyed by the Chaldeans (25:13).

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Seasons - (Genesis 8:22). See Agriculture Month

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seba - (1.) One of the sons of Cush (Genesis 10:7).

(2.) The name of a country and nation (Isaiah 43:3; 45: 14) mentioned along with Egypt and Ethiopia and therefore probably in north-eastern Africa. The Ancient name of Meroe. The kings of Sheba and Seba are mentioned together in Psalm 72:10.

S upposed F orm Of T he Molten S ea

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sebat - the eleventh Month of the Hebrew Year extending from the New moon of February to that of March (Zechariah 1:7). Assyrian sabatu, “storm.” (See Month )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Secacah - enclosure, one of the six cities in the Wilderness of Judah noted for its “great cistern” (Joshua 15:61). It has been identified with the ruin Sikkeh, East of Bethany

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sechu - a Hill or watch-tower, a Place between Gibeah and Ramah noted for its “great well” (1 Samuel 19:22); probably the modem Suweikeh, South of Beeroth

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sect - (Gr. hairesis, usually rendered “heresy”, Acts 24:14; 1 Chronicles 11:19; Galatians 5:20, etc.), meaning properly “a choice,” then “a Chosen manner of Life ” and then “a religious party,” as the “sect” of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (15:5), the Nazarenes, i.e., Christians (24:5). It afterwards came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief (2 Peter 2: 1 ; Galatians 5:20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Secundus - second, a Christian of Thessalonica who accompanied Paul into Asia (Acts 20:4).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seer - a name sometimes applied to the prophets because of the visions granted to them. It is first found in 1 Samuel 9:9. It is afterwards applied to Zadok Gad, etc. (2 Samuel 15:27; 24:11; 1 Chronicles 9:22; 25:5; 2 Chronicles 9:29; Amos 7:12; Micah 3:7). The “sayings of the seers” (2 Chronicles 33:18, 19) is rendered in the Revised Version “the history of Hozai” (marg., the seers; so the LXX.), of whom, however, nothing is known. (See Prophet )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seethe - to Boil (Exodus 16:23).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seething - POT a vessel for boiling provisions in (Job 41:20; Jeremiah 1:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Segub - elevated. (1.) The youngest Son of Hiel the Bethelite. His Death is recorded in 1 Kings 16:34 (comp. Joshua 6:26).

(2.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:21, 22).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seir - rough; hairy. (1.) A Horite; one of the “dukes” of Edom (Genesis 36:20-30).

(2.) The name of a mountainous region occupied by the Edomites, extending along the eastern side of the Arabah from the south-eastern extremity of the Dead Sea to near the Akabah, or the eastern Branch of the Red Sea It was originally occupied by the Horites (Genesis 14:6), who were afterwards driven out by the Edomites (Genesis 32:3; 33:14, 16). ... It was allotted to the descendants of Esau (Deuteronomy 2:4, 22; Joshua 24:4; 2 Chronicles 20:10; Isaiah 21:11; Exek. 25:8).

(3.) A mountain range (not the Edomite range, Genesis 32:3) lying between the Wady Aly and the Wady Ghurab (Joshua 15:10).

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Seirath - woody district; shaggy, a Place among the mountains of Ephraim bordering on Benjamin to which Ehud fled after he had assassinated Eglon at Jericho (Judges 3:26, 27).

«S f,ta =Se’lah, Rock the capital of Edom situated in the great Valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). ... It was near Mount Hor, close by the Desert of Zin. It is called “the rock” (Judges 1:36). When Amaziah took it he called it Joktheel (q.v.) It is mentioned by the prophets (Isaiah 16:1; Obad. 1:3) as doomed to Destruction

It appears in later history and in the Vulgate Version under the name of Petra “The caravans from all ages, from the interior of Arabia and from the Gulf of Persia, from Hadramaut on the ocean, and even from Sabea or Yemen, appear to have pointed to Petra as a common centre; and from Petra the tide seems again to have branched out in every direction, to Egypt Palestine and Syria through Arsinoe, Gaza Tyre, Jerusalem and Damascus and by other routes, terminating at the Mediterranean.” (See Edom [2].)

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Selah - a Word frequently found in the Book of Psalms and also in Habakkuk 3:9, 13, about seventy-four times in all in Scripture Its meaning is doubtful. Some interpret it as meaning “silence” or “pause;” others, “end,” “a louder Strain ” “piano,” etc. The LXX. render the Word by daplasma i.e., “a division.”

SELA-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Hammahlekoth - cliff of divisions the name of the great gorge which lies between Hachilah and Maon, south-east of Hebron This gorge is now called the Wady Malaky. This was the scene of the interview between David and Saul mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:13. Each stood on an opposing cliff, with this Deep chasm between.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seleucia - the sea-port of Antioch near the mouth of the Orontes. Paul and his companions sailed from this port on their first missionary Journey (Acts 13:4). This City was built by Seleucus Nicator, the “king of Syria ” It is said of him that “few princes have ever lived with so great a Passion for the Building of cities. ... He is reputed to have built in all nine Seleucias, sixteen Antiochs, and six Laodiceas.” Seleucia became a City of great importance, and was made a “free city” by Pompey. It is now a small village, called el-Kalusi.

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Semei - mentioned in the genealogy of our Lord (Luke 3:26).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Senaah - thorny, a Place many of the inhabitants of which returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:35; Nehemiah 7:38).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Senate - (Acts 5:21), the “elders of Israel” who formed a component part of the Sanhedrin.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (1 Samuel 14:4, 5). The Rock opposite, on the other side of the wady, was called Bozez.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Senir - =Shenir, the name given to Hermon by the Amorites (Deuteronomy 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.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (2 Kings 18:13-16; comp. Isaiah 22, 24, 29, and 2 Chronicles 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. Isaiah 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 (2 Kings 18:20-24). Sennacherib hearing of this, marched a second time into Palestine (2 Kings 18:17, 37; 19; 2 Chronicles 32:9-23; Isaiah 36:2-22. Isaiah 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 (2 Kings 19:10-14), which Hezekiah carried into the Temple and spread before the Lord Isaiah again brought an encouraging message to the pious King (2 Kings 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.

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Seorim - barley, the Chief of the forth priestly course (1 Chronicles 24:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sephar - numbering, (Genesis 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

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sepharad - (Obad. 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... his);"> 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.”

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Pharvaim - taken by Sargon King of Assyria (2 Kings 17:24; 18:34; 19:13; Isaiah 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.)

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Septuagint - See VERSIONS.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sepulchre - first mentioned as purchased by Abraham for Sarah from Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:20). This was the “cave of the field of Machpelah ” where also Abraham and Rebekah and Jacob and Leah were hurried (79:29-32). In Acts 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 Genesis 23:20, to read Acts 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.)

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Serah - abundance; princess, the Daughter of Asher and grand-daughter of Jacob (Genesis 46:17); called also Sarah (Numbers 26:46; R.V., “Serah”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seraiah - soldier of Jehovah (1.) The Father of Joab (1 Chronicles 4:13, 14).

(2.) The grandfather of Jehu (1 Chronicles 4:35).

(3.) One of David’s Scribes or secretaries (2 Samuel 8:17). ...

(4.) A Netophathite (Jeremiah 40:8), a chief Priest of the time of Zedekiah He was carried Captive by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon and there Put to Death (2 Kings 25:18, 23).

(5.) Ezra 2:2.

(6.) Father of Ezra the scribe (7:1).

(7.) A ruler of the Temple (Nehemiah 11:11).

(8.) A Priest of the days of Jehoiakim (Nehemiah 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 (Jeremiah 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 Jeremiah 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. Jeremiah 51:59 is rendered in the Revised Version “Now Seraiah was chief Chamberlain ” instead of “was a quiet Prince ” as in the Authorized Version

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Seraphim - mentioned in Isaiah 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” (Numbers 21:6, 8; Deuteronomy 8:15; comp. Isaiah 14:29; 30:6) sent by God as his instruments to inflict on the people the righteous penalty of sin. ...

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Sered - fear, one of the sons of Zebulun (Genesis 46: 14).

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Sergeants - Acts 16:35, 38 (R.V., “lictors”), officers who attended the magistrates and assisted them in the execution of Justice

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sergius - PAULUS a “prudent man” (R.V., “man of understanding”), the Deputy (R.V., “proconsul”) of Cyprus (Acts 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.

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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 (Luke 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 (Mark 3:14, 15). After this Solemn consecration of the twelve, he descended from the mountain-peak to a more level spot (Luke 6:17), and there he sat down and delivered the “sermon on the mount” (Matthew 5-7; Luke 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.”

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Serpent - , Fiery (LXX. “deadly,” Vulg. “burning”), Numbers 21:6, probably the naja haje of Egypt some swift-springing, deadly snake (Isaiah 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. John 3:14, 15.) (See Asp ) This “brazen serpent” was preserved by the Israelites till the days of Hezekiah, when it was destroyed (2 Kings 18:4). (See Brass )

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Serug - branch, the Father of Nahor (Genesis 11:20-23); called Saruch in Luke 3:35.

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Servitor - occurs only in 2 Kings 4:43, Authorized Version (R.V., “servant”). The Hebrew Word there rendered “servitor” is elsewhere rendered “minister,” “servant” (Exodus 24:13; 33:11). Probably Gehazi the personal attendant on Elisha, is here meant.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Seth - appointed; a substitute, the third Son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 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.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sethur - hidden, one of the Spies sent to search the Promised Land. He was of the Tribe of Asher (Numbers 13:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Genesis 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 Leviticus 25:4; 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalm 12:6; 79:12; Proverbs 26:16; Isaiah 4:1; Matthew 18:21, 22; Luke 17:4). ... The Feast of Passover (Exodus 12:15, 16), the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9), of Tabernacles (13:15), and the Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8), were all ordered by Seven Seven is the number of Sacrifice (2 Chronicles 29:21; Job 42:8), of Purification and Consecration (Leviticus 42:6, 17; 8:11, 33; 14:9, 51), of Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21, 22; Luke 17:4), of reward (Deuteronomy 28:7; 1 Samuel 2:5), and of Punishment (Leviticus 26:21, 24, 28; Deuteronomy 28:25). It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Proverbs 26:16, 25; Isaiah 4:1; Matthew 12:45. It is used also to mean “abundantly” (Genesis 4:15, 24; Leviticus 26:24; Psalm 79:12).

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Seventy - W EE KS a prophetic period mentioned in Daniel 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

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaalabbin - or Shaal’bim, a Place of foxes, a town of the Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:42; Judges 1:35). It was one of the Chief towns from which Solomon drew his supplies (1 Kings 4:9). It is probably the modern village of Selbit, 3 miles North of Ajalon.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaaraim - two gates. (1.) A City in the Plain of Judah (1 Samuel 17:52); called also Sharaim (Joshua 15:36).

(2.) A town in Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:31).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaashgaz - servant of the Beautiful a Chief eunuch in the second House of the harem of King Ahasuerus (Esther 2:14).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shabbethai - Sabbath-born, a Levite who assisted in expounding the Law and investigating into the illegal marriages of the Jews (Ezra 10:15; Nehemiah 8:7; 11:16).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaddai - the Omnipotent, the name of God in frequent use in the Hebrew Scriptures, generally translated “the Almighty.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shadow - used in Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1 to denote the typical relation of the Jewish to the Christian dispensation.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shadrach - Aku’s command, the Chaldean name given to Hananiah one of the Hebrew youths whom Nebuchadnezzar carried Captive to Babylon (Daniel 1:6, 7; 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 )

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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 (Genesis 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.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shalim - , LAND OF land of foxes, a Place apparently to the north-west of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 9:4), perhaps in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin in Dan (Joshua 19:42).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (1 Chronicles 26:16).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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” (2 Kings 15:10). He reigned only “a Month of days in Samaria” (15:13, marg.). Menahem Rose up against Shallum and Put hi m to Death (2 Kings 15: 14, 15, 17), and became King in his stead. ...

(2.) Keeper of the Temple vestments in the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 22:14).

(3.) One of the posterity of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:40, 41).

(4.) A descendant of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:25).

(5.) One of the line of the High priests (1 Chronicles 6: 13).

(6.) 1 Chronicles 7:13.

(7.) A Keeper of the Gate in the reign of David (1 Chronicles 9:17).

(8.) A Levite porter (1 Chronicles 9:19, 31; Jeremiah 35:4).

(9.) An Ephraimite Chief (2 Chronicles 28:12).

(10.) The uncle of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:7).

(11.) A Son of King Josiah (1 Chronicles 3:15; Jeremiah 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 (2 Kings 23:32), but was “a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men” (Ezekiel 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 E liakim 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.

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Shalman - an Assyrian King (Hos. 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 (2 Kings 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.

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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 (Judges 3:31; 5:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shamir - a sharp Thorn (1.) One of the sons of Michah (1 Chronicles 24:24).

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

(3.) The residence of Tola, one of the Judges on Mount Ephraim (Judges 0 : 1 , 2 ).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shammua - heard. (1.) One of the Spies sent out by Moses to search the land (Numbers 13:4). He represented the Tribe of Reuben

(2.) One of David’s sons (1 Chronicles 14:4; 3:5, “Shimea;” 2 Samuel 5:14).

(3.) A Levite under Nehemiah (11:17).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaphan - a Coney a scribe or secretary of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-7). He consulted Huldah concerning the newly-discovered copy of the Law which was delivered to him by Hilkiah the Priest (8-14). His grandson Gedaliah was Governor of Judea (25:22).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shaphat - judge. (1.) One of the Spies He represented the Tribe of Simeon (Numbers 13:5).

(2.) The Father of Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-19).

(3.) One of David’s Chief herdsmen (1 Chronicles 27:29).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shapher - brightness, one of the stations where Israel encamped in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:23, 24).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sharaim - two gates (Joshua 15:36), more correctly Shaaraim (1 Samuel 17:52), probably Tell Zakariya and Kefr Zakariya, in the Valley of Elah 3 1/2 miles north-west of Socoh.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (2 Kings 19:37).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (1 Chronicles 27:29; Isaiah 33:9; 35:2; 65:10). The “rose of Sharon” is celebrated (Cant. 2:1). It is called Lasharon (the article la being here a part of the word) in Joshua 12:18.

ShAVEH-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Kiriathaim - Plain of Kirja-thaim where Chedorlaomer defeated the Emims the original inhabitants (Genesis 14:5). Now Kureiyat, North of Dibon, in the land of Moab

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Genesis 14:17).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shavsha - (“Seraiah,” 2 Samuel 8:17; “Shisha,” 1 Kings 4:3), one of David’s secretaries (1 Chronicles 18:16).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

S - TEEL The “bow of steel” in (A.V.) 2 Samuel 22:35; Job 20:24; Psalm 18:34 is in the Revised Version “bow of brass” (Hebrews kesheth-nehushah). In Jeremiah 15:12 the same Word is used, and is also rendered in the Revised Version “brass.” But more correctly it is Copper (q.v.), as Brass in the ordinary sense of the Word (an alloy of Copper and zinc) was not known to the ancients.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shebaniah - whom Jehovah hides, or has made grow up. (1.) A Levite appointed to blow the trumpet before the Ark of God (1 Chronicles 15:24).

(2.) Another Levite (Nehemiah 9:4, 5).

(3.) A Priest (Nehemiah 10:12).

(4.) A Levite (Nehemiah 10:4).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shebarim - breaks; ruins, a Place near Ai (Joshua 7:5; R.V. marg., “the quarries”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Isaiah 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 (2 Kings 18:18, 26, 37; 19:2; Isaiah 36:3, 11, 22; 37:2), was a different person. ...

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Shebuel - captive of God (1.) One of the descendants of Gershom who had charge of the Temple treasures in the time of David (1 Chronicles 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 (1 Chronicles 25:4, 5); called also Shubael (ver. 20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shecaniah - one intimate with Jehovah (1.) A Priest to whom the Tenth lot came forth when David divided the priests (1 Chronicles 24: 1 1).

(2.) One of the priests who were set “to give to their brethren by courses” of the Daily portion (2 Chronicles 31:15). ...

Shechani’ah, id. (1.) A Priest whose sons are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:21,22.

(2.) Ezra 8:5.

(3.) Ezra 10:2-4.

(4.) The Father of Shemaiah who repaired the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:29).

(5.) The father-in-law of Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:18).

(6.) A Priest who returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:3; marg., or Shebaniah).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shechem - shoulder. (1.) The Son of Hamor the Hivite (Genesis 33:19; 34).

(2.) A descendant of Manasseh (Numbers 26:31; Joshua 17:2).

(3.) A City in Samaria (Genesis 33:18), called also Sichem (12:6), Sychem (Acts 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 (Genesis 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” (Genesis 33:19; 35:4; Judges 9:37). (See MEONENIM.) Here too, after a while, he dug a well, which bears his name to this Day (John 4:5, 39-42). To Shechem Joshua gathered all Israel “before God ” and delivered to them his second parting address (Joshua 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 (Joshua 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. Genesis 28:18; 31:44-48; Exodus 24:4; Joshua 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 (Joshua 20:7), and here the bones of Joseph were buried (24:32). Rehoboam was appointed King in Shechem (1 Kings 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 (John 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 Mohammedans.

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 1 Chronicles 7:28, has entirely disappeared. It was destroyed at the time of the Conquest, and its Place was taken by Shechem (See Sychar )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 Exodus 14:20; 40:34-38; Leviticus 9:23, 24; Numbers 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 (1 Kings 8:10-13; 2 Chronicles 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 )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Psalm 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isaiah 40:11; 53:6; John 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 (Exodus 29:22; Leviticus 9; 7:3; 9:19). Sheep- shearing was generally an occasion of great festivity (Genesis 31:19; 38:12, 13; 1 Samuel 25:4-8, 36; 2 Samuel 13:23-28).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Market - occurs only in John 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.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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” (Exodus 30:13; Numbers 3:47) was equal to twenty gerahs (Ezekiel 45:12). There were shekels of Gold (1 Chronicles 21:25), of Silver (1 Samuel 9:8), of Brass (17:5), and of Iron (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 (Exodus 30:13; 2 Chronicles 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 (Matthew 17:24, 27). A zuza, or quarter of a Shekel was given by Saul to Samuel (1 Samuel 9:8).

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Shel - AH petition. (1.) Judah’s third Son (Genesis 38:2, 5, 11, 14).

(2.) A Son of Arphaxad (1 Chronicles 1:18).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shelemiah - whom Jehovah repays. (1.) Ezra 10:39.

(2.) The Father of Hananiah (Nehemiah 3:30).

(3.) A Priest in the time of Nehemiah (13:13).

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

(5.) Father of a Captain of the Ward (Jeremiah 37: 13).

(6.) Jeremiah 36:14.

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Shem - a name; renown, the first mentioned of the sons of Noah (Genesis 5:32; 6:10). He was probably the eldest of Noah’s sons. The words “brother of Japheth the elder” in Genesis 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 (7:13). Noah foretold his preeminence over Canaan (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 (Genesis 11:10-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27).

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Shema - rumour. (1.) A Reubenite (1 Chronicles 5:8).

(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:13).

(3.) One who stood by Ezra when he read the Law (Nehemiah 8:4).

(4.) A town in the South of Judah (Joshua 15:26); the same as Sheba (ver. 5).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shemaah - rumour, a Benjamite whose sons “came to David to Ziklag” (1 Chronicles 12:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shemaiah - whom Jehovah heard. (1.) A Prophet in the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:22-24).

(2.) Nehemiah 3:29.

(3.) A Simeonite (1 Chronicles 4:37).

(4.) A Priest (Nehemiah 12:42).

(5.) A Levite (1 Chronicles 9:16). ...

(6.) 1 Chronicles 9:14; Nehemiah 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 (1 Chronicles 15:8).

(8.) A Levite (1 Chronicles 24:6).

(9.) The eldest Son of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 26:4-8).

(10.) A Levite (2 Chronicles 29:14).

(1 1.) A false Prophet who hindered the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Nehemiah : 10 ).

(12.) A Prince of Judah who assisted at the Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:34-36).

(13.) A false Prophet who opposed Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:24-32).

(14.) One of the Levites whom Jehoshaphat appointed to teach the Law (2 Chronicles 17:8).

(15.) A Levite appointed to “distribute the oblations of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 31:15).

(16.) A Levite (2 Chronicles 35:9).

(17.) The Father of Urijah the Prophet (Jeremiah 26:20).

(18.) The Father of a Prince in the reign of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12).

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Shemariah - whom Jehovah guards. (1.) One who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:5).

(2.) Ezra 10:32,41.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Genesis 14:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheminith - eight; octave, a musical term, supposed to denote the lowest note sung by men’s voices (1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalm 6; 12, title).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shemiramoth - most High name. (1.) A Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:8).

(2.) A Levite in David’s time (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shemuel - heard of God (1.) The Son of Ammihud He represented Simeon in the division of the land (Numbers 34:20).

(2.) Used for “Samuel” (1 Chronicles 6:33, R.V.).

(3.) A Prince of the Tribe of Issachar (1 Chronicles 7:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shen - a tooth, probably some conspicuous tooth-shaped Rock or crag (1 Samuel 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.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shenir - =Senir, (Deuteronomy 3:9; Cant. 4:8), the name given to Mount Hermon (q.v.) by the Sidonians.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheol - (Hebrews , “the all-demanding world” = Gr. Hades, “the unknown region”), the invisible world of departed souls. (See HELL.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shepham - a treeless Place Numbers 34:10, 11: “The coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shephatiah - judged of the Lord (1.) A Son of David by Abital (2 Samuel 3:4).

(2.) A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:5).

(3.) A Simeonite Prince in David’s time (1 Chronicles 27:16). ...

(4.) One of Jehoshaphat’s sons (2 Chronicles 21:2).

(5.) Ezra 2:4.

(6.) Ezra 2:57; Nehemiah 7:59.

(7.) One of the princes who urged the putting of Jeremiah to Death (Jeremiah 38:1-4).

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Shepherd - a Word naturally of frequent occurence in Scripture Sometimes the Word “pastor” is used instead (Jeremiah 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 (Psalm 23:1; 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; 44:28; Jeremiah 25:34, 35; Nahum 3:18; John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 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 1 Samuel 17:34).”, Deane’s David

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Sherebiah - flame of the Lord a Priest whose name is prominent in connection with the work carried on by Ezra and Nehemiah at Jerusalem (Ezra 8:17, 18, 24-30; Nehemiah 8:7; 9:4, 5; 10:12).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheresh - root, a descendant of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:16).

■S HE RE ZE R one of the messengers whom the children of the Captivity sent to Jerusalem “to pray for them before the Lord” (Zechariah 7:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheriffs - (Daniel 3:2), Babylonian officers.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheshach - (Jeremiah 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, 1, i.e., Babel This is supposed to be confirmed by a reference to Jeremiah 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.)

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Sheshai - whitish, one of the sons of Anak (Numbers 13:22). When the Israelites obtained possession of the country the sons of Anak were expelled and slain (Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:10).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheshbazzar - O sun-God, defend the Lord! (Ezra 1:8, 11), probably another name for Zerubbabel (q.v.), Ezra 2:2; Hag. 1:12, 14; Zechariah 4:6, 10 .

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sheth - tumult. (1.) “The children of Sheth” (Numbers 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 (1 Chronicles 1:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shethar - a star, a Prince at the Court of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:14).

SHETHAR-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Boznai - star of splendour, a Persian officer who vainly attempted to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 5:3, 6; 6:6, 13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shewbread - Exodus 25:30 (R.V. marg., “presence bread”); 1 Chronicles 9:32 (marg., “bread of ordering”); Numbers 4:7: called “hallowed bread” (R.V., “holy bread”) in 1 Samuel 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 (Leviticus 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 1 Samuel 21:3-6; comp. Matthew 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.

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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 (Judges 12:1-6). Forty-two thousand were thus detected, and Without reprieve, adjudged to Death For want of well-pronouncing Shibboleth ”

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Shibmah - fragrance, a town of Reuben East of Jordan (Numbers 32:38).

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Shiggaion - from the verb shagah, “to reel about through Drink ” occurs in the title of Psalm 7. The plural form, shigionoth, is found in Habakkuk 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.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shihon - overturning, a town of Issachar (Joshua 19: 19).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shihor - dark, (1 Chronicles 13:5), the southwestern boundary of Canaan the Wady el-‘Arish. (See SIHOR; NILE.)

SHIHOR-Ll

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Bnath - 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 (Joshua 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).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shilhim - aqueducts, a town in the South of Judah (Joshua 15:32); called also Sharuhen and Shaaraim (19:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shiloah - , THE WATERS OF =Siloah, (Nehemiah 3:15) and Siloam (q.v.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shiloh - approach to Shiloh a Place on the border of Ephraim (Joshua 16:6), probably the modern T’ana, a ruin 7 miles south-east of Shechem on the ridge East of the Mukhnah Plain

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shilonite - Ahijah the Prophet whose home was in Shiloh is so designated (1 Kings 11:29; 15:29). The plural form occurs (1 Chronicles 9:5), denoting the descendants of Shelah, Judah’s youngest Son

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimea - the hearing Prayer (1.) One of David’s sons by Bathsheba (1 Chronicles 3:5); called also Shammua (14:4).

(2.) A Levite of the family of Merari (1 Chronicles 6:30).

(3.) Another Levite of the family of Gershon (1 Chronicles 6:39).

(4.) One of David’s brothers (1 Samuel 16:9, marg.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimeah - (1.) One of David’s brothers (2 Samuel 13:3); same as Shimea 4).

(2.) A Benjamite, a descendant of Gibeon (1 Chronicles 8:32); called also Shimeam (9:38).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimei - famous. (1.) A Son of Gershon and grandson of Levi (Numbers 3:18; 1 Chronicles 6: 17, 29); called Shimi in Exodus 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 (2 Samuel 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” (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 (1 Kings 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 (36-46).

(3.) One of David’s mighty men who refused to acknowledge Adonijah as David’s successor (1 Kings 1:8). He is probably the same person who is called elsewhere (4:18) “the Son of Elah ”

(4.) A Son of Pedaiah the Brother of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:19).

(5.) A Simeonite (1 Chronicles 4:26, 27).

(6.) A Reubenite (1 Chronicles 5:4).

(7.) A Levite of the family of Gershon (1 Chronicles 6:42).

(8.) A Ramathite who was “over the vineyards” of David (1 Chronicles 27:27).

(9.) One of the sons of Heman who assisted in the Purification of the Temple (2 Chronicles 29:14).

(10.) A Levite (2 Chronicles 31:12, 13).

(11.) Another Levite (Ezra 10:23). “The family of Shimei” (Zechariah 12:13; R.V., “the family of the Shimeites”) were the descendants of Shimei ( 1 ).

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Shimeon - hearkening. Ezra 10:31.

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Shimhi - famous, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:21).

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Shimrath - guardian, a Benjamite, one of Shimhi’s sons (id.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimri - watchman. (1.) A Simeonite (1 Chronicles 4:37).

(2.) The Father of one of the “valiant men” of David’s armies (1 Chronicles 11:45).

(3.) Assisted at the Purification of the Temple in the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimrom - watchman, the fourth Son of Issachar (Genesis 46:13; 1 Chronicles 7:1; R.V., correctly, “Shimron”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shimron - watch-post, an Ancient city of the Canaanites with its Villages allotted to Zebulun (Joshua 19:15); now probably Semunieh, on the northern edge of the Plain of Esdraelon 5 miles west of Nazareth.

SHIMRON-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Meron - the same, probably, as Shimron (Joshua 12:20).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Ezra 4:8, 9, 17-23).

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Shinab - cooling, the King of Adamah in the Valley of Siddim, who with his confederates was conquered by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Genesis 11:1-6), and the City of Babylon The name occurs later in Jewish history (Isaiah 11:11; Zechariah 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 ” Genesis 14:1), who became the founder of the New empire of Chaldea (See Amraphel )

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Phmite - probably the designation of Zabdi who has charge of David’s vineyards (1 Chronicles 27:27).

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Shiphrah - beauty, one of the Egyptian midwives (Exodus 1:15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shiphtan - judicial, an Ephraimite Prince at the time of the division of Canaan (Numbers 34:24).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ships - early used in foreign commerce by the Phoenicians (Genesis 49:13). Moses (Deuteronomy 28:68) and Job (9:26) make reference to them, and Balaam speaks of the “ships of Chittim” (Numbers 24:24). Solomon constructed a navy at Ezion-geber by the assistance of Hiram’s sailors (1 Kings 9:26-28; 2 Chronicles 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 (1 Kings 22:48, 49; 2 Chronicles 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 Acts 27, 28.

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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 (1 Kings 11:40; 14:25; 2 Chronicles 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.

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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 (Ezekiel 23:23). Some think it denotes a Place in Babylon (See Pekod )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shobab - apostate. (1.) One of David’s sons by Bathseheba (2 Samuel 5:14).

(2.) One of the sons of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:18), the Son of Hezron

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shobach - poured out, the “captain of the Host of Hadarezer” when he mustered his vassals and tributaries from Beyond “the River Euphrates” (2 Samuel 10:15-18); called also Shophach (1 Chronicles 19:16).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shobai - captors (Ezra 2:42).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shobal - pilgrim. (1.) The second Son of Seir the Horite; one of the Horite “dukes” (Genesis 36:20).

(2.) One of the sons of Caleb and a descendant of Hur (1 Chronicles 2:50, 52; 4:1, 2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shobi - captor, Son of Nahash of Rabbah the Ammonite He showed kindness to David when he fled from Jerusalem to Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:27).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shocho - (2 Chronicles 28:18) = Shochoh (1 Samuel 17:1) = Shoco (2 Chronicles 11:7). See SOCOH.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shoe - Of various forms, from the mere sandal (q.v.) to the complete Covering of the foot. The Word so rendered (A.V.) in Deuteronomy 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 ”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shomer - watchman. (1.) The mother of Jehozabad who murdered Joash (2 Kings 12:21); called also Shimrith, a Moabitess (2 Chronicles 24:26).

(2.) A Man of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:32); called also Shamer (34).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shophan - hidden, or hollow, a town East of Jordan (Numbers 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

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shoshannim - lilies, the name of some musical instrument, probably like a Lily in shape (Psalm 45; 69, title). Some think that an instrument of six strings is meant.

SHOSHANNIM-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Eduth - lily of the Testimony the title of Psalm 60. (See Shoshannim )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shrines - , Silver little models and medallions of the Temple and image of Diana of Ephesus (Acts 19:24). The manufacture of these was a very large and profitable business.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shu - AH prostration; a Pit (1.) One of Abraham’s sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:2; Chronicles 1:32). (2.) 1 Chronicles 4:11.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shuhite - a designation of Bildad (Job 2:11), probably because he was a descendant of Shuah.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shulamite - the same, as some think, with “Shunammite,” from “Shunem:” otherwise, the import of the Word is uncertain (Cant. 6:13; R.V., “Shulammite”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shunammite - a person of Shunem (1 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 4: 12). The Syr. and Arab read “Sulamite.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shunem - two resting-places, a little village in the Tribe of Issachar to the North of Jezreel and South of Mount Gilboa (Joshua 19:18), where the Philistines encamped when they came against Saul (1 Samuel 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 (2 Kings 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. 2 Kings 8:1-6).

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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 (Genesis 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.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Daniel 8); and here also Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1) 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 (Daniel 8:2). The great Hall of this Palace (Esther 1) “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

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Bbecai - the Lord sustains, one of David’s heroes (1 Chronicles 11:29), general of the eighth division of the Army (27:11). He slew the giant Saph in the battle of Gob (2 Samuel 21:18; R.V., “Sibbechai”). Called also Mebunnai (23:27).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Bmah - coolness; fragrance, a town in Reuben in the territory of Moab on the East of Jordan (Joshua 13: 19); called also Shebam and Shibmah (Numbers 32:3, 38). It was famous for its vines (Isaiah 16:9; Jeremiah 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

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Chem - =She’chem, (q.v.), Genesis 12:6.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Deuteronomy 16:9; Jeremiah 50:16, marg., “scythe;” Joel 3:13; Mark 4:29).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ddim - sides, a town of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35), has been identified with Kefr-Hattin, the “village of the Hittites,” about 5 miles west of Tiberias

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Don - a fishery, a town on the Mediterranean coast, about 25 miles North of Tyre. It received its name from the “first-born” of Canaan the grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:15, 19). It was the first home of the Phoenicians on the coast of Palestine and from its extensive commercial relations became a “great” City (Joshua 11:8; 19:28). It was the mother City of Tyre. ... It lay within the Lot of the Tribe of Asher but was never subdued (Judges 1:31). The Zidonians long oppressed Israel (Judges 10:12). From the time of David its Glory began to wane, and Tyre, its “virgin daughter” (Isaiah 23:12), Rose to its Place of pre-eminence. Solomon entered into a matrimonial Alliance with the Zidonians, and thus their form of idolatrous Worship found a Place in the land of Israel (1 Kings 11:1, 33). This City was famous for its manufactures and arts, as well as for its commerce (1 Kings 5:6; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Ezekiel 27:8). It is frequently referred to by the prophets (Isaiah 23:2, 4, 12; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3; 47:4; Ezekiel 27:8; 28:21, 22; 32:30; Joel 3:4). Our Lord visited the “coasts” of Tyre and Zidon = Sidon (q.v.), Matthew 15:21; Mark 7:24; Luke 4:26; and from this region many came forth to hear him preaching (Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17). Lrom Sidon, at which the ship Put in after leaving Caesarea Paul finally sailed for Rome (Acts 27:3, 4).

This City is now a town of 10,000 inhabitants, with remains of walls built in the twelfth century A.D. In 1855, the sarcophagus of Eshmanezer was discovered. Lrom a Phoenician inscription on its lid, it appears that he was a “king of the Sidonians,” probably in the third century B.C., and that his mother was a priestess of Ashtoreth “the goddess of the Sidonians.” In this inscription Baal is mentioned as the Chief God of the Sidonians.

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Signet - a Seal used to attest documents (Daniel 6:8-10, 12). In 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 stonebearing 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 )

Haggai’s Seal

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Hor - (correctly Shi’hor) Black dark the name given to the River Nile in Isaiah 23:3; Jeremiah 2: 18. In Joshua 13:3 it is probably “the River of Egypt”, i.e., the Wady el-Arish (1 Chronicles 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

Eastons Bible Dictionary

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 (Acts 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 (Acts 16:19-24). ... He is referred to in the Epistles under the name of Silvanus (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12). There is no record of the time or Place of his Death

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Lla - a Highway a twig, only in 2 Kings 12:20. If taken as a proper name (as in the LXX. and other versions), the locality is unknown.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Loah - , THE Pool OF Hebrews shelah; i.e., “the dart”, Nehemiah 3:15; with the art. Shiloah “sending,” Isaiah 8:6 (comp. 7:3)=Siloam (q.v.)

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Loam - , Tower OF mentioned only Luke 13:4. The Place here spoken of is the village now called Silwan, or Kefr Silwan, on the East of the Valley of Kidron, and to the north-east of the Pool It stands on the west slope of the Mount of Olives.

As illustrative of the movement of small Bands of Canaanites from Place to Place and the intermingling of Canaanites and Israelites even in small towns in earlier times, M.C. ... Ganneau records the following Curious fact: “Among the inhabitants of the village (of Siloam) there are a hundred or so domiciled for the most part in the lower quarter, and forming a group apart from the Rest called Dhiabrye, i.e., men of Dhiban. It appears that at some remote period a Colony from the capital of King Mesha (Dibon-Moab) crossed the Jordan and fixed itself at the gates of Jerusalem at Silwan. The memory of this migration is still preserved; and I am assured by the people themselves that many of their number are installed in other Villages round Jerusalem” (quoted by Henderson, Palestine).

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Silver - used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture It first appears in commerce in Genesis 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the Sanctuary in the Wilderness (Exodus 26:19; 27:17; Numbers 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably. ...

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Lverling - (Isaiah 7:23). Literally the words are “at a thousand of silver”, i.e., “pieces of Silver ” or shekels.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Simeon - , The Tribe OF was “divided and scattered” according to the prediction in Genesis 49:5-7. They gradually dwindled in number, and sank into a position of insignificance among the other tribes. They decreased in the Wilderness by about two-thirds (comp. Numbers 1:23; 26:14). Moses pronounces no blessing on this Tribe It is passed by in silence (Deuteronomy 33). ...

This Tribe received as their portion a part of the territory already allotted to Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). It lay in the south-west of the land, with Judah on the East and Dan on the North but whether it was a compact territory or not cannot be determined. The subsequent notices of this Tribe are but few (1 Chronicles 4:24-43). Like Reuben on the East of Jordan this Tribe had little influence on the history of Israel

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Simon - the abbreviated form of Simeon (1.) One of the twelve apostles, called the Canaanite (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18). This Word “Canaanite” does not mean a native of Canaan but is derived from the Syriac Word Kanean or Kaneniah, which was the name of a Jewish Sect The Revised Version has “Cananaean;” marg., “or Zealot” He is also called “Zelotes” (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13; R.V., “the Zealot”), because previous to his Call to the apostleship he had been a member of the fanatical Sect of the Zealots There is no record regarding him. ...

(2.) The Father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71; 13:2, 26).

(3.) One of the brothers of our Lord (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).

(4.) A Pharisee in whose House “a Woman of the City which was a sinner” anointed our Lord’s feet with ointment (Luke 7:36-38).

(5.) A leper of Bethany in whose House Mary anointed our Lord’s head with ointment “as he sat at meat” (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9).

(6.) A Jew of Cyrene in North Africa, then a province of Libya A hundred thousand Jews from Palestine had been settled in this province by Ptolemy Soter (B.C. 323-285), where by this time they had greatly increased in number. They had a Synagogue in Jerusalem for such of their number as went thither to the annual Feasts Simon was seized by the soldiers as the procession wended its way to the Place of Crucifixion as he was passing by, and the heavy Cross which Christ from failing strength could no longer bear was laid on his shoulders. Perhaps they seized him because he showed sympathy with Jesus He was the “father of Alexander and Rufus” (Matthew 27:32). Possibly this Simon may have been one of the “men of Cyrene” who preached the Word to the Greeks (Acts 11:20).

(7.) A Sorcerer of great repute for his magical arts among the Samaritans (Acts 8:9-11). He afterwards became a professed convert to the Faith under the preaching of Philip the Deacon and Evangelist (12, 13). His profession was, however, soon found to be hollow. His conduct called forth from Peter a stern rebuke (8: 18-23). From this moment he disappears from the Church’s history. The term “Simony,” as denoting the purchase for Money of spiritual offices, is derived from him.

(8.) A Christian at Joppa a tanner by trade, with whom Peter on one occasion lodged (Acts 9:43).

(9.) Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18). See Peter

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Mri - watchman, a Levite of the family of Merari (1 Chronicles 26: 10).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Naiticus - CODEX usually designated by the first Letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is one of the most valuable of Ancient MSS. of the Greek New Testament On the occasion of a third visit to the convent of St. Catherine, on Mount Sinai, in 1859, it was discovered by Dr. Tischendorf. He had on a previous visit in 1844 obtained forty-three Parchment leaves of the LXX., which he deposited in the university library of Leipsic, under the title of the Codex Frederico-Augustanus, after his royal patron the King of Saxony. ... In the Year referred to (1859) the emperor of Russia sent him to prosecute his search for MSS., which he was convinced were still to be found in the Sinai convent. The story of his finding the manuscript of the New Testament has all the interest of a romance. He reached the convent on 31st January; but his inquiries appeared to be fruitless. On the 4th February he had resolved to return home without having gained his object. “On that Day when walking with the provisor of the convent, he spoke with much regret of his ill-success. Returning from their promenade, Tischendorf accompanied the monk to his room, and there had displayed to him what his companion called a copy of the LXX., which he, the ghostly Brother owned. The MS. was wrapped up in a piece of cloth, and on its being unrolled, to the surprise and delight of the critic the very document presented itself which he had given up all hope of seeing. His object had been to complete the fragmentary LXX. of 1844, which he had declared to be the most Ancient of all Greek codices on vellum that are extant; but he found not only that, but a copy of the Greek New Testament attached, of the same Age and perfectly complete, not wanting a single page or paragraph.” This precious fragment, after some negotiations, he obtained possession of, and conveyed it to the Emperor Alexander who fully appreciated its importance, and caused it to be published as nearly as possible in facsimile, so as to exhibit correctly the Ancient handwriting. The entire codex consists of 346 1/2 folios. Of these 199 belong to the Old Testament and 147 1/2 to the New along with two Ancient documents called the Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas The books of the New Testament stand thus: the four Gospels the Epistles of Paul the Acts of the Apostles, the Catholic Epistles, the Apocalypse of John It is shown by Tischendorf that this codex was written in the fourth century, and is thus of about the same Age as the Vatican codex; but while the latter wants the greater part of Matthew and sundry leaves here and there besides, the Sinaiticus is the only copy of the New Testament in uncial characters which is complete. Thus it is the oldest extant MS. copy of the New Testament Both the Vatican and the Sinai codices were probably written in Egypt (See Vaticanus )

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Nim - , THE LAND OF (Isaiah 49:12), supposed by some to mean China, but more probably Phoenicia (Genesis 10:17) is intended.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Semite - an inhabitant of Sin, near Arka (Genesis 10:17; 1 Chronicles 1:15). (See ARKITE.)

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phmoth - fruitful places, some unknown Place in the South where David found friends when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 30:28).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rah - retiring, a well from which Joab’s Messenger brought back Abner (2 Samuel 3:26). It is now called ‘Ain Sarah, and is situated about a mile from Hebron on the Road to the North

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rion - a Breastplate the Sidonian name of Hermon (q.v.), Deuteronomy 3:9; Psalm 29:6.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sera - (Egypt. Ses-Ra, “servant of Ra”). (1.) The Captain of Jabin’s Army (Judges 4:2), which was routed and destroyed by the Army of Barak on the Plain of Esdraelon After all was lost he fled to the settlement of Heber the Kenite in the Plain of Zaanaim Jael Heber’s Wife received him into her Tent with apparent hospitality, and “gave him butter” (i.e., lebben, or curdled milk) “in a lordly dish.” Having Drunk the refreshing beverage, he lay down, and soon sank into the sleep of the weary. ... While he lay asleep Jael crept stealthily up to him, and taking in her Hand one of the Tent pegs, with a mallet she drove it with such force through his temples that it entered into the Ground where he lay, and “at her feet he bowed, he fell; where he bowed, there he fell down Dead ” The part of Deborah’s song (Judges 5:24-27) referring to the Death of Sisera (which is a “mere patriotic outburst,” and “is no proof that purer eyes would have failed to see gross sin mingling with Jael’s service to Israel”) is thus rendered by Professor Roberts (Old Testament Revision):

“Extolled above women be Jael The Wife of Heber the Kenite, Extolled above women in the Tent He asked for Water she gave him milk; She brought him cream in a lordly dish. She stretched forth her Hand to the Nail Her right Hand to the workman’s hammer, And she smote Sisera; she crushed his head, She crashed through and transfixed his temples. At her feet he curled himself, he fell, he lay still; At her feet he curled himself, he fell; And where he curled himself, there he fell Dead ”

(2.) The ancestor of some of the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55).

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Tnah - strife, the second of the two wells dug by Isaac whose servants here contended with the Philistines (Genesis 26:21). It has been identified with the modern Shutneh, in the Valley of Gerar to the west of Rehoboth about 20 miles South of Beersheba

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Sitting - the attitude generally assumed in Palestine by those who were engaged in any kind of work. “The Carpenter saws, planes, and hews with his hand- adze, Sitting on the Ground or upon the plank he is planning. The washerwoman sits by the tub; and, in a Word no one stands when it is possible to sit. Shopkeepers always sit, and Levi Sitting at the receipt of Custom (Matthew 9:9) is the exact way to state the case.”, Thomson, Land and Book.

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Van - a Persian Word (Assyr, sivanu, “bricks”), used after the Captivity as the name of the third Month of the Jewish Year extending from the New moon in June to the New moon in July (Esther 8:9).

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Skin - , Coats MADE OF (Genesis 3:2 1). Skins of rams and badgers were used as a Covering for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:5; Numbers 4:8-14).

Skull

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Slave - Jeremiah 2:14 (A.V.), but not there found in the original. In Revelation 18:13 the Word “slaves” is the rendering of a Greek Word meaning “bodies.” The Hebrew and Greek words for Slave are usually rendered simply “servant,” “bondman,” or “bondservant.” Slavery as it existed under the Mosaic Law has no modern parallel. ... That Law did not originate but only regulated the already existing Custom of slavery (Exodus 21:20, 21, 26, 27; Leviticus 25:44-46; Joshua 9:6-27). The gospel in its Spirit and genius is hostile to slavery in every form, which under its influence is gradually disappearing from among men.

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Slime - (Genesis 11:3; LXX., “asphalt;” R.V. marg., “bitumen”). The vale of Siddim was full of Slime pits (14:10). Jochebed daubed the “ark of bulrushes” with Slime (Exodus 2:3). (See Pitch )

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Sling - With a Sling and a stone David smote the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17:40, 49). There were 700 Benjamites who were so skilled in its use that with the left Hand they “could sling Stones at a Hair breadth, and not miss” (Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2). ... It was used by the Israelites in war (2 Kings 3:25). (See ARMS.)

The words in Proverbs 26:8, “As he that bindeth a Stone in a Sling ” etc. (Authorized Version), should rather, as in the Revised Version be “As a Bag of gems in a Heap of Stones ” etc.

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Smith - The Hebrews were not permitted by the Philistines in the days of Samuel to have a Smith amongst them, lest they should make them swords and spears (1 Samuel 13:19). Thus the Philistines sought to make their conquest permanent (comp. 2 Kings 24:16).

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Smyrna - myrrh, an Ancient city of Ionia, on the western coast of Asia Minor, about 40 miles to the North of Ephesus It is now the chief City of Anatolia, having a mixed population of about 200,000, of whom about one-third are professed Christians. The Church founded here was one of the Seven addressed by our Lord (Revelation 2:8-11). ... The celebrated Polycarp, a pupil of the apostle John was in the second century a prominent leader in the Church of Smyrna Here he suffered martyrdom, A.D. 155.

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Snail - (1.) Hebrews homit, among the unclean creeping things (Leviticus 11:30). This was probably the sand-lizard, of which there are many species in the Wilderness of Judea and the Sinai peninsula.

(2.) Hebrews shablul (Psalm 58:8), the Snail or slug proper. Tristram explains the allusions of this Passage by a reference to the heat and Drought by which the moisture of the Snail is evaporated. ... “We find,” he says, “in all parts of the Holy Land myriads of snail-shells in fissures still adhering by the calcareous exudation round their orifice to the surface of the Rock but the Animal of which is utterly shrivelled and wasted, ‘melted away.’”

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Snare - The expression (Amos 3:5), “Shall one take up a Snare from the earth?” etc. (Authorized Version), ought to be, as in the Revised Version “Shall a Snare spring up from the ground?” etc. (See GIN.)

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Snow - Common in Palestine in winter (Psalm 147:16). The Snow on the tops of the Lebanon range is almost always within view throughout the whole Year The Word is frequently used figuratively by the sacred writers (Job 24:19; Psalm 51:7; 68:14; Isaiah 1:18). It is mentioned only once in the historical books (2 Samuel 23:20). ... It was “carried to Tyre, Sidon, and Damascus as a luxury, and labourers sweltering in the hot harvest-fields used it for the purpose of cooling the Water which they drank (Proverbs 5:13; Jeremiah 18:14). No doubt Herod Antipas, at his Feasts in Tiberias enjoyed also from this very source the modem luxury of ice-water.”

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So - (Nubian, Sabako), an Ethiopian king who brought Egypt under his sway. He was bribed by Hoshea to help him against the Assyrian monarch Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:4). This was a return to the policy that had been successful in the reign of Jeroboam I.

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Soap - (Jeremiah 2:22; Malachi 3:2; Hebrews borith), properly a vegetable alkali, obtained from the Ashes of certain plants, particularly the salsola kali (saltwort), which abounds on the shores of the Dead Sea and of the Mediterranean. It does not appear that the Hebrews were acquainted with what is now called “soap,” which is a compound of alkaline carbonates with oleaginous matter. The Word “purely” in Isaiah 1:25 (R.V., “throughly;” marg., “as with lye”) is lit. ... “as with bor .” This Word means “clearness,” and hence also that which makes clear, or pure, alkali. “The ancients made use of alkali mingled with Oil instead of Soap (Job 9:30), and also in smelting metals, to make them melt and flow more readily and purely” (Gesenius).

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Socho - a Fence hedge, (1 Chronicles 4:18; R.V., Soco)=So’choh (1 Kings 4:10; R.V., Socoh), Sho’choh (1 Samuel 17:1; R.V., Socoh), Sho’co (2 Chronicles 11:7; R.V., Soco), Sho’cho (2 Chronicles 28:18; R.V., Soco), a City in the Plain or lowland of Judah where the Philistines encamped when they invaded Judah after their defeat at Michmash. ... It lay on the northern side of the Valley of Elah (Wady es-Sunt). It has been identified with the modern Khurbet Shuweikeh, about 14 miles south-west of Jerusalem In this campaign Goliath was slain, and the Philistines were completely routed.

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Sodom - burning; the walled, a City in the vale of Siddim (Genesis 13:10; 14:1-16). The wickedness of its inhabitants brought down upon it Fire from Heaven by which it was destroyed (18:16-33; 19:1-29; Deuteronomy 23:17). This City and its awful Destruction are frequently alluded to in Scripture (Deuteronomy 29:23; 32:32; Isaiah 1:9, 10; 3:9; 13:19; Jeremiah 23:14; Ezekiel 16:46-56; Zephaniah 2:9; Matthew 10:15; Romans 9:29; 2 Peter 2:6, etc.). ... No trace of it or of the other cities of the Plain has been discovered, so complete was their Destruction Just opposite the site of Zoar on the south-west coast of the Dead Sea is a range of low hills, forming a mass of mineral Salt called Jebel Usdum, “the Hill of Sodom ” It has been concluded, from this and from other considerations, that the cities of the Plain stood at the southern End of the Dead Sea Others, however, with much greater probability, contend that they stood at the northern End of the Sea [in 1897].

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Sodoma - (Romans 9:29; R.V., “Sodom”), the Greek form for Sodom

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Sodomites - those who imitated the licentious wickedness of Sodom (Deuteronomy 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24; Romans 1:26, 27). Asa destroyed them “out of the land” (1 Kings 15:12), as did also his son Jehoshaphat (22:46).

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Solemn - MEETING (Isaiah 1:13), the Convocation on the eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35, R.V., “solemn assembly;” marg., “closing festival”). It is the name given also to the Convocation held on the seventh Day of the Passover (Deuteronomy 16:8).

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Solomon - ’S Porch (John 10:23; Acts 3: 1 1 ; 5:12), a colonnade, or cloister probably, on the eastern side of the Temple It is not mentioned in connection with the first Temple but Josephus mentions a Porch so called, in Herod’s Temple (q.v.).

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Soothsayer - one who pretends to prognosticate future events. Baalam is so called (Joshua 13:22; Hebrews kosem, a “diviner,” as rendered 1 Samuel 6:2; rendered “prudent,” Isaiah 3:2). In Isaiah 2:6 and Micah 5:12 (Hebrews yonenim, i.e., “diviners of the clouds”) the Word is used of the Chaldean diviners who studied the clouds. In... "> Daniel 2:27; 5:7 the Word is the rendering of the Chaldee gazrin, i.e., “deciders” or “determiners”, here applied to Chaldean astrologers, “who, by casting nativities from the Place of the Stars at one’s Birth and by various arts of computing and divining, foretold the fortunes and destinies of individuals.”, Gesenius, Lex. Hebrews (See Sorcerer )

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Sopater - the Father who saves, probably the same as Sosipater a Kinsman of Paul (Romans 16:21), a Christian of the City of Berea who accompanied Paul into Asia (Acts 20:4-6).

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Sorcerer - from the Latin sortiarius, one who casts lots, or one who tells the Lot of others. (See Divination )

In Daniel 2:2 it is the rendering of the Hebrew mekhashphim, i.e., mutterers, men who professed to have power with evil spirits. The practice of sorcery exposed to severest Punishment (Malachi 3:5; Revelation 21:8; 22:15).

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Sorek - choice Vine the name of a Valley i.e., a torrent-bed, now the Wady Surar, “valley of the fertile spot,” which drains the western Judean hills, and flowing by Makkedah and Jabneel falls into the Sea some eight miles South of Joppa This was the home of Deliah, whom Samson loved (Judges 16:4).

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Sosipater - (See Sopater )

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Sosthenes - safe in strength, the Chief ruler of the Synagogue at Corinth who was seized and Beaten by the mob in the presence of Gallio, the Roman Governor when he refused to proceed against Paul at the instigation of the Jews (Acts 18:12-17). The motives of this assault against Sosthenes are not recorded, nor is it mentioned whether it was made by Greeks or Romans Some identify him, but without sufficient grounds, with one whom Paul calls “Sosthenes our Brother ” a convert to the Faith (1 Corinthians 1:1). ...

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South - Hebrews Negeb, that Arid district to the South of Palestine through which lay the caravan route from Central Palestine to Egypt (Genesis 12:9; 13:1, 3; 46:1-6). “The Negeb comprised a considerable but irregularly-shaped tract of country, its main portion stretching from the mountains and lowlands of Judah in the North to the mountains of Azazemeh in the South and from the Dead Sea and southern Ghoron the East to the Mediterranean on the west.” In Ezekiel 20:46 (21:1 in Hebrews ) three different Hebrew words are all rendered “south.” (1) “Set thy Face toward the south” (Teman, the region on the right, 1 Samuel 33:24); (2) “Drop thy Word toward the south” (Negeb, the region of dryness, Joshua 15:4); (3) “Prophesy against the Forest of the South field” (Darom, the region of brightness, Deuteronomy 33:23). ... In Job 37:9 the Word “south” is literally “chamber,” used here in the sense of Treasury (comp. 38:22; Psalm 135:7). This verse is rendered in the Revised Version “out of the Chamber of the South ”

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Sovereignty - of God his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure (Daniel 4:25, 35; Romans 9:15-23; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 4:11).

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Spain - Paul expresses his intention (Romans 15:24, 28) to visit Spain There is, however, no evidence that he ever carried it into effect, although some think that he probably did so between his first and second imprisonment. (See Tarshish )

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Sparrow - Mentioned among the offerings made by the very poor. Two sparrows were sold for a Farthing (Matthew 10:29), and five for two farthings (Luke 12:6). The Hebrew Word thus rendered is tsippor, which properly denotes the whole family of small birds which feed on Grain (Leviticus 14:4; Psalm 84:3; 102:7). The Greek Word of the New Testament is strouthion (Matthew 10:29-31), which is thus correctly rendered.

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Spicery - Hebrews nechoth, identified with the Arabic naka’at, the gum tragacanth, obtained from the astralagus, of which there are about twenty species found in Palestine The tragacanth of commerce is obtained from the A. tragacantha. “The gum exudes plentifully under the heat of the Sun on the leaves, thorns, and exteremity of the twigs.”

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Spices - aromatic substances, of which several are named in Exodus 30. They were used in the sacred anointing Oil (Exodus 25:6; 35:8; 1 Chronicles 9:29), and in Embalming the Dead (2 Chronicles 16:14; Luke 23:56; 24:1; John 19:39, 40). Spices were stored by Hezekiah in his treasure-house (2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2).

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Spider - The trust of the Hypocrite is compared to the spider’s web or House (Job 8:14). It is said of the wicked by Isaiah that they “weave the spider’s web” (59:5), i.e., their Works and designs are, like the spider’s web, vain and useless. The Hebrew Word here used is ’akkabish, “a swift weaver.”

In Proverbs 30:28 a different Hebrew Word (semamith) is used. ... It is rendered in the Vulgate by stellio, and in the Revised Version by “lizard.” It may, however, represent the Spider of which there are, it is said, about Seven hundred species in Palestine

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Spies - When the Israelites reached Kadesh for the first time, and were encamped there, Moses selected twelve Spies from among the chiefs of the divisions of the tribes, and sent them forth to spy the land of Canaan (Numbers 13), and to bring back to him a report of its actual condition. They at once proceeded on their important errand, and went through the land as far North as the district round Lake Merom After about six weeks’ absence they returned. ... Their report was very discouraging, and the people were greatly alarmed, and in a rebellious Spirit proposed to Elect a New leader and return to Egypt Only two of the Spies Caleb and Joshua showed themselves on this occasion stout-hearted and Faithful All their appeals and remonstrances were in vain. Moses announced that as a Punishment for their rebellion they must now wander in the Wilderness till a new Generation should arise which would go up and posses the land. The Spies had been forty days absent on their expedition, and for each Day the Israelites were to be wanderers for a Year in the Desert (See ESHCOL.)

Two Spies were sent by Joshua “secretly” i.e., unknown to the people (Joshua 2: 1), “to view the land and Jericho” after the Death of Moses and just before the tribes under his leadership were about to Cross the Jordan They learned from Rahab (q.v.), in whose House they found a hiding-place, that terror had fallen on all the inhabitants of the land because of the great things they had heard that Jehovah had done for them (Exodus 15:14-16; comp. 23:27; Deuteronomy 2:25; 11:25). As the result of their mission they reported: “Truly Jehovah Hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.”

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Spikenard - (Hebrews nerd), a much-valued perfume (Cant. 1:12; 4:13, 14). It was “very precious”, i.e., very costly (Mark 14:3; John 12:3,5). It is the root of an Indian plant, the Nardostachys jatamansi, of the family of Valeriance, growing on the Himalaya mountains. It is distinguished by its having many hairy spikes shooting out from one root. It is called by the Arabs sunbul Hindi, “the Indian spike.” In the New Testament this Word is the rendering of the Greek nardos pistike. The margin of the Revised Version in these passages has “pistic nard,” pistic being perhaps a local name. Some take it to mean genuine, and others liquid. The most probable opinion is that the Word pistike designates the nard as genuine or faithfully prepared.

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Spirit - (Hebrews ruah; Gr. pneuma), properly wind or breath. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 it means “breath,” and in Ecclesiastes 8:8 the vital principle in Man It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which Man is distinguished (Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 6:20; 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (Hebrews 12:23), and hence also an apparition (Job 4:15; Luke 24:37, 39), an Angel (Hebrews 1:14), and a demon (Luke 4:36; 10:20). ... This Word is used also metaphorically as denoting a tendency (Zechariah 12:10; Luke 13:11).

In Romans 1:4, 1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Peter 3:18, it designates the divine nature.

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Sponge - occurs only in the narrative of the Crucifixion (Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:29). It is ranked as a zoophyte. It is found attached to rocks at the bottom of the Sea

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Spouse - (Cant. 4:8-12; Hos. 4:13, 14) may denote either Husband or Wife but in the Scriptures it denotes only the latter.

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Spring - (Hebrews ‘ain, “the bright Open source, the Eye of the landscape”). To be carefully distinguished from “well” (q.v.). “Springs” mentioned in Joshua 10:40 (Hebrews ‘ashdoth) should rather be “declivities” or “slopes” (R.V.), i.e., the undulating Ground lying between the lowlands (the shephelah) and the central range of hills.

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Stachys - spike; an Ear of corn, a convert at Rome whom Paul salutes (Romans 16:9).

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Stacte - (Hebrews nataph), one of the components of the perfume which was offered on the golden Altar (Exodus 30:34; R.V. marg., “opobalsamum”). The Hebrew Word is from a root meaning “to distil,” and it has been by some interpreted as distilled Myrrh Others regard it as the gum of the storax Tree or rather shrub, the Styrax officinale. “The Syrians value this gum highly, and use it medicinally as an emulcent in pectoral complaints, and also in perfumery.”

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Stargazers - (Isaiah 47:13), those who pretend to tell what Will occur by looking upon the Stars The Chaldean astrologers “divined by the rising and setting, the motions, aspects, Colour degree of Light etc., of the Stars ”

Star

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Stars - The eleven Stars (Genesis 37:9); the Seven (Amos 5:8); Wandering (Jude 1:13); seen in the East at the Birth of Christ probably some luminous meteors miraculously formed for this specific purpose (Matthew 2:2-10);

stars worshipped (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16; 21:3; Jeremiah 19:13); spoken of symbolically (Numbers 24:17; Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:1). (See ASTROLOGERS.)

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Stater - Greek Word rendered “piece of money” (Matthew 17:27, A.V.; and “shekel” in R.V.). It was equal to two didrachmas (“tribute Money ” 17:24), or four drachmas, and to about 2s. 6d. of our Money (See Shekel )

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Stephanas - crown, a member of the Church at Corinth whose family were among those the Apostle had baptized (1 Corinthians 1:16; 16:15, 17). He has been supposed by some to have been the “jailer of Philippi” (comp. Acts 16:33). The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi some six years after the jailer’s Conversion and he was with the Apostle there at that time.

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Step - HE N one of the Seven deacons, who became a preacher of the gospel. He was the first Christian martyr. His personal character and history are recorded in Acts 6. “He fell asleep” with a Prayer for his persecutors on his lips (7:60). Devout men carried him to his Grave (8:2).

It was at the feet of the young Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus that those who stoned him laid their clothes (comp. Deuteronomy 17:5-7) before they began their cruel work. ... The scene which Saul then witnessed and the words he heard appear to have made a Deep and lasting impression on his mind (Acts 22:19, 20).

The speech of Stephen before the Jewish ruler is the first apology for the universalism of the gospel as a message to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. It is the longest speech contained in the Acts a Place of prominence being given to it as a defence.

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Stomacher - (Isaiah 3:24), an article of female attire, probably some sort of Girdle around the breast.

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Stone - Stones were commonly used for buildings, also as memorials of important events (Genesis 28:18; Joshua 24:26, 27; 1 Samuel 7:12, etc.). They were gathered out of cultivated fields (Isaiah 5:2; comp. 2 Kings 3:19). This Word is also used figuratively of believers (1 Peter 2:4, 5), and of the Messiah (Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11, etc.). ... In Daniel 2:45 it refers also to the Messiah He is there described as “cut out of the mountain.” (See Rock )

A “heart of stone” denotes great insensibility (1 Samuel 25:37).

Stones were set up to commemorate remarkable events, as by Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:18), at Padan-aram (35:4), and on the occasion of parting with Laban (31:45-47); by Joshua at the Place on the banks of the Jordan where the people first “lodged” after crossing the River (Joshua 6:8), and also in “the midst of Jordan ” where he erected another set of twelve Stones (4:1-9); and by Samuel at “Ebenezer” (1 Samuel 7:12).

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Stones - , PRECIOUS Frequently referred to (1 Kings 10:2; 2 Chronicles 3:6; 9:10; Revelation 18:16; 21:19). There are about twenty different names of such Stones in the Bible They are figuratively introduced to denote value, beauty, durability (Cant. 5:14; Isa 54:11, 12; Lamentations 4:7).

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Stoning - a form of Punishment (Leviticus 20:2; 24:14; Deuteronomy 13:10; 17:5; 22:21) prescribed for certain offences. Of Achan (Joshua 7:25), Naboth (1 Kings 21), Stephen (Acts 7:59), Paul (Acts 14:19; 2 Corinthians 11:25).

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Stork - Hebrews hasidah, meaning “kindness,” indicating thus the character of the Bird which is noted for its Affection for its young. It is in the list of birds forbidden to be eaten by the Levitical Law (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18). It is like the Crane but larger in size. Two species are found in Palestine the white, which are dispersed in pairs over the whole country; and the Black which live in marshy places and in great flocks. ... They migrate to Palestine periodically (about the 22nd of March). Jeremiah alludes to this (Jeremiah 8:7). At the appointed time they return with unerring sagacity to their Old haunts, and re-occupy their Old nests. “There is a well-authenticated account of the devotion of a Stork which, at the burning of the town of Delft, after repeated and unsuccessful attempts to carry off her young, chose rather to remain and perish with them than leave them to their fate. Well might the Romans Call it the pia avis!”

In Job 39: 13 (A.V.), instead of the expression “or wings and feathers unto the ostrich” (marg., “the feathers of the Stork and ostrich”), the Revised Version has “are her pinions and feathers kindly” (marg., instead of “kindly,” reads “like the stork’s”). The object of this somewhat obscure verse seems to be to point out a contrast between the Stork as distinguished for her Affection for her young, and the Ostrich as distinguished for her indifference.

Zechariah (5:9) alludes to the beauty and power of the stork’s wings.

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Strain - AT Simply a misprint for “strain out” (Matthew 23:24).

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Stranger - This Word generally denotes a person from a foreign land residing in Palestine Such persons enjoyed many privileges in common with the Jews, but still were separate from them. The relation of the Jews to strangers was regulated by special laws (Deuteronomy 23:3; 24:14-21; 25:5; 26:10-13). A special signification is also sometimes attached to this Word In Genesis 23:4 it denotes one resident in a foreign land; Exodus 23:9, one who is not a Jew Numbers 3:10, one who is not of the family of Aaron Psalm 69:8, an Alien or an unknown person. ... The Jews were allowed to purchase strangers as slaves (Leviticus 25:44, 45), and to take Usury from them (Deuteronomy 23:20).

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Straw - Used in brick-making (Exodus 5:7-18). Used figuratively in Job 41:27; Isaiah 11:7; 25:10; 65:25.

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Stream - OF Egypt (Isaiah 27: 1 2), the Wady el-‘Arish, called also “the River of Egypt ” R.V., “brook of Egypt” (Numbers 34:5; Joshua 15:4; 2 Kings 24:7). It is the natural boundary of Egypt Occasionally in winter,

when heavy rains have fallen among the mountains inland, it becomes a turbulent rushing torrent. The present boundary between Egypt and Palestine is about midway between el- ‘ Arish and Gaza

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Street - The Street called “Straight” at Damascus (Acts 9:1 1) is “a long broad Street running from East to west, about a mile in length, and forming the principal thoroughfare in the City ” In Oriental towns streets are usually narrow and irregular and filthy (Psalm 18:42; Isaiah 10:6). “It is remarkable,” says Porter “that all the important cities of Palestine and Syria Samaria, Caesarea Gerasa, Bozrah Damascus, Palmyra, had their ‘straight streets’ running through the centre of the City and lined with stately rows of columns. ... The most perfect now remaining are those of Palmyra and Gerasa, where long Ranges of the columns still stand.”, Through Samaria etc.

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Stripes - as a Punishment were not to exceed forty (Deuteronomy 25:1-3), and hence arose the Custom of limiting them to thirty-nine (2 Corinthians 1 1:24). Paul claimed the privilege of a Roman citizen in regard to the infliction of Stripes (Acts 16:37, 38; 22:25-29). Our Lord was Beaten with Stripes (Matthew 27:26).

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Subscriptions - The Subscriptions to Paul’s Epistles are no part of the original. In their present form they are ascribed to Euthalius, a bishop of the fifth century. Some of them are obviously incorrect.

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Suburbs - the immediate vicinity of a City or town (Numbers 35:3, 7; Ezekiel 45:2). In 2 Kings 23:11 the Hebrew Word there used (parvarim) occurs nowhere else. The Revised Version renders it “precincts.” The singular form of this Hebrew Word (parvar) is supposed by some to be the same as Parbar (q.v.), which occurs twice in 1 Chronicles 26:18.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Succoth - booths. (1.) The first encampment of the Israelites after leaving Ramesses (Exodus 12:37); the civil name of Pithom (q.v.).

(2.) A City on the East of Jordan identified with Tell Dar’ala, a High mound, a mass of debris, in the Plain north of Jabbok and about one mile from it (Joshua 13:27). Here Jacob (Genesis 32:17, 30; 33:17), on his return from Padan-aram after his interview with Esau built a House for himself and made booths for his Cattle The princes of this City churlishly refused to afford help to Gideon and his 300 men when “faint yet pursuing” they followed one of the Bands of the Fugitive Midianites after the great victory at Gilboa. ... After overtaking and routing this band at Karkor Gideon on his return visited the rulers of the City with severe Punishment “He took the elders of the City and thorns of the Wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth” (Judges 8:13-16). At this Place were erected the foundries for casting the metal-work for the Temple (1 Kings 7:46).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Benoth - tents of daughters, supposed to be the name of a Babylonian deity, the goddess Zir-banit, the Wife of Merodach worshipped by the colonists in Samaria (2 Kings 17:30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sukkiims - dwellers in tents, (Vulg. and LXX., “troglodites;” i.e., cave-dwellers in the hills along the Red Sea). Shiskak’s Army with which he marched against Jerusalem was composed partly of this Tribe (2 Chronicles 12:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sun - (Hebrews shemesh), first mentioned along with the moon as the two great luminaries of Heaven (Genesis 1:14-18). By their motions and influence they were intended to Mark and divide times and Seasons The Worship of the Sun was one of the oldest forms of false religion (Job 31:26,27), and was common among the Egyptians and Chaldeans and other pagan nations. The Jews were warned against this form of Idolatry (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:3; comp. 2 Kings 23:11; Jeremiah 19:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Suph - (Deuteronomy 1:1, R.V.; marg., “some Ancient versions have the Red Sea ” as in the A.V.). Some identify it with Suphah (Numbers 21:14, marg., A.V.) as probably the name of a Place Others identify it with es-Sufah = Maaleh-acrabbim (Joshua 15:3), and others again with Zuph (1 Samuel 9:5). It is most probable, however, that, in accordance with the Ancient versions, this Word is to be regarded as simply an abbreviation of Yam-suph, i.e., the “Red Sea ”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Suphah - (Numbers 21:14, marg.; also R.V.), a Place at the south-eastern Corner of the Dead Sea the Ghor es-Safieh. This name is found in an ode quoted from the “Book of the Wars of the Lord ” probably a Collection of odes commemorating the triumphs of God’s people (comp. 21:14, 17, 18, 27-30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Supper - the principal meal of the Day among the Jews. It was partaken of in the early part of the Evening (Mark 6:21; John 12:2; 1 Corinthians 11:21). (See LORD’S Supper )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Surety - one who becomes responsible for another. Christ is the Surety of the better Covenant (Hebrews 7:22). In him we have the Assurance that all its provisions Will be fully and faithfully carried out. Solomon warns against incautiously becoming security for another (Proverbs 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Susanchites - the inhabitants of Shushan who joined the other adversaries of the Jews in the attempt to prevent the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 4:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Susanna - lily, with other pious women, ministered to Jesus (Luke 8:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Susi - the Father of Gaddi who was one of the twelve Spies (Numbers 13:11).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Swallow - (1.) Hebrews sis (Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7), the Arabic for the swift, which “is a regular migrant, returning in myriads every Spring and so suddenly that while one Day not a swift can be seen in the country, on the next they have overspread the whole land, and fill the air with their shrill cry.” The swift (cypselus) is ordinarily classed with the Swallow which it resembles in its flight, habits, and migration. ...

(2.) Hebrews deror, i.e., “the Bird of freedom” (Psalm 84:3; Proverbs 26:2), properly rendered Swallow distinguished for its swiftness of flight, its Love of Freedom and the impossibility of retaining it in Captivity In Isaiah 38:14 and Jeremiah 8:7 the Word thus rendered (‘augr) properly means “crane” (as in the R.V.).

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Swan - mentioned in the list of unclean birds (Leviticus 11:18; Deuteronomy 14: 16), is sometimes met with in the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Swelling - of Jordan (Jeremiah 12:5), literally the “pride” of Jordan (as in R.V.), i.e., the luxuriant thickets of tamarisks, poplars, reeds, etc., which were the lair of lions and other beasts of prey. The reference is not to the overflowing of the River banks. (Comp. 49:19; 50:44; Zechariah 11:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Swine - (Hebrews hazir), regarded as the most unclean and the most abhorred of all animals (Leviticus 11:7; Isaiah 65:4; 66:3, 17; Luke 15:15, 16). A Herd of Swine were drowned in the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:32, 33). Spoken of figuratively in Matthew 7:6 (see Proverbs 11:22). It is frequently mentioned as a wild Animal and is evidently the wild boar (Arab, khanzir), which is common among the marshes of the Jordan valley (Psalm 80:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sword - of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the Girdle (Exodus 32:27; 1 Samuel 31:4; 1 Chronicles 21:27; Psalm 149:6: Proverbs 5:4; Ezekiel 16:40; 21:3-5).

It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deuteronomy 32:25; Psalm 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Psalm 57:4; 64:3; Proverbs 12:18). ... The Word of God is likened also to a Sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17; Revelation 1:16). Gideon’s watchword was, “The Sword of the Lord” (Judges 7:20).

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Sycamine - TREE mentioned only in Luke 17:6. It is rendered by Luther “mulberry tree” (q.v.), which is most probably the correct rendering. It is found of two species, the black Mulberry (Morus nigra) and the white Mulberry (Mourea), which are common in Palestine The silk-worm feeds on their leaves. The rearing of them is one of the Chief industries of the peasantry of Lebanon and of other parts of the land. It is of the order of the fig-tree. Some contend, however, that this name denotes the sycamore-fig of Luke 19:4.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sycamore - more properly sycomore (Hebrews shikmoth and shikmim, Gr. sycomoros), a Tree which in its general character resembles the fig-tree, while its leaves resemble those of the Mulberry hence it is called the fig-mulberry (Licus sycomorus). At Jericho Zacchaeus climbed a sycomore-tree to see Jesus as he passed by (Luke 19:4). This Tree was easily destroyed by Frost (Psalm 78:47), and therefore it is found mostly in the “vale” (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15: in both passages the R.V. ... has properly “lowland”), i.e., the “low country,” the shephelah, where the climate is mild. Amos (7:14) refers to its Fruit which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah (24:2). It is to be distinguished from our Sycamore (the Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple often called a plane-tree.

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Sychar - liar or drunkard (see Isaiah 28:1, 7), has been from the time of the Crusaders usually identified with Sychem or Shechem (John 4:5). It has now, however, as the result of recent explorations, been identified with ‘Askar, a small Samaritan town on the southern base of Ebal about a mile to the North of Jacob’s well.

Sychem

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Syene - opening (Ezekiel 29: 10; 30:6), a town of Egypt on the borders of Ethiopia now called Assouan, on the right bank of the Nile, notable for its Quarries of Beautiful red granite called “syenite.” It was the frontier town of Egypt in the South as Migdol was in the north-east.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Synagogue - (Gr. sunagoge, i.e., “an assembly”), found only once in the Authorized Version of Psalm 74:8, where the margin of Revised Version has “places of assembly,” which is probably correct; for while the origin of synagogues is unknown, it may well be supposed that buildings or tents for the accommodation of worshippers may have existed in the land from an early time, and thus the system of synagogues would be gradually developed.

Some, however, are of opinion that it was specially during the Babylonian Captivity that the system of Synagogue worship, if not actually introduced, was at least reorganized on a systematic plan (Ezekiel 8:1; 14:1). ... The exiles gathered together for the reading of the Law and the prophets as they had opportunity, and after their return synagogues were established all over the land (Ezra 8: 15; Nehemiah 8:2). In after years, when the Jews were dispersed abroad, wherever they went they erected synagogues and kept up the stated services of Worship (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 17:1; 17:17; 18:4). The form and internal arrangements of the Synagogue would greatly depend on the wealth of the Jews who erected it, and on the Place where it was built. “Yet there are certain traditional pecularities which have doubtless united together by a common resemblance the Jewish synagogues of all ages and countries. The arrangements for the women’s Place in a separate Gallery or behind a partition of lattice-work; the desk in the centre, where the reader, like Ezra in Ancient days, from his ‘pulpit of Wood ’ may ‘open the book in the sight of all of people and read in the book of the Law of God distinctly, and give the sense, and cause them to understand the reading’ (Nehemiah 8:4, 8); the carefully closed Ark on the side of the Building nearest to Jerusalem for the preservation of the rolls or manuscripts of the Law the seats all round the Building whence ‘the eyes of all them that are in the synagogue’ may ‘be fastened’ on him who speaks (Luke 4:20); the ‘chief seats’ (Matthew 23:6) which were appropriated to the ‘ruler’ or ‘rulers’ of the Synagogue according as its organization may have been more or less complete;”, these were features common to all the synagogues.

Where perfected into a system, the services of the Synagogue which were at the same hours as those of the Temple consisted, (1) of Prayer which formed a kind of liturgy, there were in all eighteen prayers; (2) the reading of the Scriptures in certain definite portions; and (3) the exposition of the portions read. (See Luke 4:15, 22; Acts 13:14.)

The Synagogue was also sometimes used as a Court of judicature, in which the rulers presided (Matthew 10:17; Mark 5:22; Luke 12:11; 21:12; Acts 13:15; 22:19); also as public Schools

The establishment of synagogues wherever the Jews were found in sufficient Numbers helped greatly to keep alive Israel’s hope of the Coming of the Messiah and to prepare the way for the spread of the gospel in other lands. The Worship of the Christian Church was afterwards modelled after that of the Synagogue

Christ and his disciples frequently taught in the synagogues (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2; John 18:20; Acts 13:5, 15, 44; 14:1; 17:2-4, 10, 17; 18:4, 26; 19:8).

To be “put out of the Synagogue ” a phrase used by John (9:22; 12:42; 16:2), means to be excommunicated.

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Syntyche - fortunate; affable, a female member of the Church at Philippi whom Paul beseeches to be of one mind with Euodias (Phil. 4:2,3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Syracuse - a City on the south-east coast of Sicily, where Paul landed and remained three days when on his way to Rome (Acts 28:12). It was distinguished for its magnitude and splendour. It is now a small town of some 13,000 inhabitants.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Syriac - (2 Kings 18:26; Ezra 4:7; Daniel 2:4), more correctly rendered “Aramaic,” including both the Syriac and the Chaldee languages. In the New Testament there are several Syriac words, such as “Eloi, Eloi, Lama sabachthani?” (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46 gives the Hebrews form, “Eli, Eli”), “Raca” (Matthew 5:22), “Ephphatha” (Mark 7:34), “Maran-atha” (1 Corinthians 16:22). ...

A Syriac Version of the Old Testament containing all the canonical books, along with some apocryphal books (called the Peshitto, i.e., simple translation, and not a paraphrase), was made early in the second century, and is therefore the first Christian translation of the Old Testament It was made directly from the original, and not from the LXX. Version The New Testament was also translated from Greek into Syriac about the same time. It is noticeable that this Version does not contain the Second and Third Epistles of John 2 Peter Jude, and the Apocalypse These were, however, translated subsequently and placed in the Version (See Version )

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Syrophenician - “a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation” (Mark 7:26), i.e., a Gentile Born in the Phoenician part of Syria (See Phenicia )

When our Lord retired into the borderland of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21), a Syro-phoenician Woman came to him, and earnestly besought him, in behalf of her Daughter who was grievously afflicted with a demon. ... Her Faith in him was severely tested by his silence (Matthew 15:23), refusal (24), and seeming reproach that it was not Meet to cast the children’s Bread to dogs (26). But it stood the test, and her petition was graciously granted, because of the greatness of her Faith (28).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Taanach - a sandy Place an Ancient royal City of the Canaanites on the south-western border of the Plain of Esdraelon 4 miles South of Megiddo Its King was conquered by Joshua (12:21). ... It was assigned to the Levites of the family of Kohath (17:11-18; 21:25). It is mentioned in the song of Deborah (Judges 5:19). It is identified with the small modern village of Ta’annuk.

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Tabbaoth - impressions; rings, “the children of,” returned from the Captivity (Ezra 2:43).

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Tabbath - famous, a town in the Tribe of Ephraim (Judges 7:22), to the South of Bethshean, near the Jordan

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabeal - goodness of God the Father of one whom the kings of Syria and Samaria in vain attempted to Place on the Throne of Ahaz (Isaiah 7:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabeel - a Persian Governor of Samaria who joined others in the attempt to prevent the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezra 4:7).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Taberah - burning, a Place in the Wilderness of Paran where the “fire of the Lord” consumed the Murmuring Israelites (Numbers 11:3; Deuteronomy 9:22). It was also called Kibroth-hattaavah (q.v.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabering - playing on a small drum or Tabret In Nahum 2:7, where alone it occurs, it means beating on the breast, as players beat on the Tabret

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabernacle - (1.) A House or dwelling-place (Job 5:24; 18:6, etc.).

(2.) A portable shrine (comp. Acts 19:24) containing the image of Moloch (Amos 5:26; marg. and R.V., “Siccuth”).

(3.) The human body (2 Corinthians 5:1, 4); a Tent as opposed to a permanent dwelling.

(4.) The sacred Tent (Hebrews mishkan, “the dwelling-place”); the movable tent-temple which Moses erected for the service of God according to the “pattern” which God himself showed to him on the Mount (Exodus 25:9; Hebrews 8:5). ... It is called “the Tabernacle of the Congregation ” rather “of meeting”, i.e., where God promised to Meet with Israel (Exodus 29:42); the “tabernacle of the testimony” (Exodus 38:21; Numbers 1:50), which does not, however, designate the whole structure, but only the enclosure which contained the “ark of the testimony” (Exodus 25:16, 22; Numbers 9:15); the “tabernacle of witness” (Numbers 17:8); the “house of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 23:18); the “temple of the Lord” (Joshua 6:24); a “sanctuary” (Exodus 25:8).

A particular account of the materials which the people provided for the erection and of the Building itself is recorded in Exodus 25-40. The execution of the plan mysteriously given to Moses was intrusted to Bezaleel and Aholiab who were specially endowed with wisdom and artistic skill, probably gained in Egypt for this purpose (Exodus 35:30-35). The people provided materials for the Tabernacle so abundantly that Moses was under the necessity of restraining them (36:6). These stores, from which they so liberally contributed for this purpose, must have consisted in a great part of the Gifts which the Egyptians so readily bestowed on them on the Eve of the Exodus (12:35, 36).

The Tabernacle was a rectangular enclosure, in length about 45 feet (i.e., reckoning a Cubit at 18 inches) and in breadth and height about 15. Its two sides and its western End were made of boards of acacia Wood placed on End resting in sockets of Brass the eastern End being left Open (Exodus 26:22). This framework was covered with four coverings, the first of Linen in which figures of the symbolic cherubim were wrought with needlework in Blue and purple and Scarlet threads, and probably also with threads of Gold (Exodus 26:1-6; 36:8-13). Above this was a second Covering of twelve curtains of Black goats’-hair cloth, reaching down on the outside almost to the Ground (Exodus 26:7-11). The third Covering was of rams’ skins dyed Red and the fourth was of badgers’ skins (Hebrews tahash, i.e., the dugong, a species of seal), Exodus 25:5; 26:14; 35:7, 23; 36:19; 39:34.

Internally it was divided by a Veil into two chambers, the exterior of which was called the Holy §|\ Place also “the ^ Sanctuary Hebrews 9:2) and | the “first tabernacle”

f (6); and the interior, the Holy of holies, “the holy Place ” “the Holiest,” the “second tabernacle” (Exodus 28:29; Hebrews 9:3, 7).

The Veil separating these two chambers was a double Curtain of the finest * workmanship,

The Tabernacle In The Wilderness which was never

A. The Tabernacle covered I C. Alter of Burnt-Offerings passed except by the

B. Brazen Laver I D. Court of the Tabernacle high Priest once a

year, on the great

Day of Atonement The holy Place was separated from the outer Court which enclosed the Tabernacle by a Curtain which hung over the six pillars which stood at the East end of the Tabernacle and by which it was entered.

The order as well as the typical character of the services of the Tabernacle are recorded in Hebrews 9; 10:19-22.

The Holy of holies, a cube of 10 cubits, contained the “ark of the testimony”, i.e., the oblong Chest containing the two Tables of Stone the pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded.

The holy Place was the western and larger Chamber of the Tabernacle Here were placed the table for the Shewbread the golden Candlestick and the golden Altar of Incense

The Tabernacle Unveiled

H. The Holy of Holies, containing the Ark (A) of the Covenant with the Shechinah (G)

V. The Veil separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place H.P. The Holy Place containing the Golden Candlestick (C); the Table of Shewbread (T); and the Altar of the Incense

Round about the Tabernacle was a Court enclosed by curtains hung upon sixty pillars Exodus 27:9-18). This Court was 150 feet long and 75 feet broad. Within it were placed the Altar of Burnt offering, which

measured 7 1/2 feet in length and breadth and 4 1/2 feet High with horns at the four comers, and the Laver of Brass (Exodus 30:18), which stood

between the Altar and the Tabernacle

The whole Tabernacle was completed in Seven months. On the first Day of the first Month of the second Year after the Exodus it was formally set up, and the Cloud of the divine presence descended on it (Exodus 39:22-43; 40:1-38). It cost 29 talents 730 shekels of Gold 100 talents 1,775 shekels of Silver 70 talents 2,400 shekels of Brass (Exodus 38:24-31).

The Tabernacle was so constructed that it could easily be taken down and conveyed from Place to Place during the wanderings in the Wilderness The first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan was at Gilgal and there the Tabernacle remained for Seven years (Joshua 4:19). It was afterwards removed to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1), where it remained during the time of the Judges till the days of Eli when the Ark having been carried out into the Camp when the Israelites were at war with the Philistines was taken by the enemy (1 Samuel 4), and was never afterwards restored to its Place in the Tabernacle The Old tabernacle erected by Moses in the Wilderness was transferred to Nob (1 Samuel 21:1), and after the Destruction of that City by Saul (22:9; 1 Chronicles 16:39, 40), to Gibeon. It is mentioned for the last time in 1 Chronicles 21:29. A New tabernacle was erected by David at Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 16:1), and the Ark was brought from Perez-uzzah and deposited in it (2 Samuel 6:8-17; 2 Chronicles 1:4).

The Word thus rendered (‘ohel) in Exodus 33:7 denotes simply a Tent probably Moses’ own Tent for the Tabernacle was not yet erected.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabernacles - , Feast OF the third of the great annual Festivals of the Jews (Leviticus 23:33-43). It is also called the “feast of ingathering” (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). It was celebrated immediately after the Harvest in the Month Tisri, and the celebration lasted for eight days (Leviticus 23:33-43). During that period the people Left their homes and lived in booths formed of the branches of trees. ... The sacrifices offered at this time are mentioned in Numbers 29:13-38. It was at the time of this Feast that Solomon’s Temple was dedicated (1 Kings 8:2). Mention is made of it after the return from the Captivity This Feast was designed (1) to be a memorial of the Wilderness wanderings, when the people dwelt in booths (Leviticus 23:43), and (2) to be a Harvest thanksgiving (Nehemiah 8:9-18). The Jews, at a later time, introduced two appendages to the original festival, viz., (1) that of drawing Water from the Pool of Siloam, and pouring it upon the Altar (John 7:2, 37), as a memorial of the Water from the Rock in Horeb and (2) of lighting the lamps at night, a memorial of the Pillar of Fire by night during their wanderings.

“The Feast of Tabernacles the Harvest festival of the Jewish Church was the most popular and important festival after the Captivity At Jerusalem it was a gala Day It was to the autumn pilgrims, who arrived on the 14th (of the Month Tisri, the Feast beginning on the 15th) Day like entrance into a silvan City Roofs and courtyards, streets and squares, roads and Gardens were green with boughs of citron and myrtle, Palm and willow. The booths recalled the pilgrimage through the Wilderness The ingathering of Fruits prophesied of the spiritual Harvest ”, Valling’s Jesus Christ p. 133.

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Tabitha - (in Greek called Dorcas), gazelle, a Disciple at Joppa She was distinguished for her alms-deeds and good Works Peter who was sent for from Lydda on the occasion of her Death prayed over the Dead body, and said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes and sat up; and Peter “gave her his Hand and raised her up; and Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive” (Acts 9:36-43).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tables - (Mark 7:4) means banqueting-couches or benches, on which the Jews reclined when at Meals This Custom along with the use of raised Tables like ours, was introduced among the Jews after the Captivity Before this they had, properly speaking, no table. That which served the purpose was a Skin or piece of leather spread out on the carpeted floor. Sometimes a stool was placed in the middle of this Skin (See ABRAHAM’S BOSOM; Banquet Meals )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tablet - probably a string of beads worn round the Neck (Exodus 35:22; Numbers 31:50). In Isaiah 3:20 the Hebrew Word means a perfume -box, as it is rendered in the Revised Version

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabor - a height. (1.) Now Jebel et-Tur, a cone-like prominent mountain, 1 1 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. It is about 1,843 feet High The view from the summit of it is said to be singularly extensive and grand. This is alluded to in Psalm 89:12; Jeremiah 46:18. It was here that Barak encamped before the battle with Sisera (q.v.) Judges 4:6-14. There is an Old tradition, which, however, is unfounded, that it was the scene of the Transfiguration of our Lord (See Hermon ) “The prominence and isolation of Tabor standing, as it does, on the border-land between the northern and southern tribes, between the mountains and the central Plain made it a Place of note in all ages, and evidently led the psalmist to associate it with Hermon the one emblematic of the South the other of the North ” There are some who still hold that this was the scene of the Transfiguration (q.v.). ...

(2.) A town of Zebulum (1 Chronicles 6:77).

(3.) The “plain of Tabor” (1 Samuel 10:3) should be, as in the Revised Version “the oak of Tabor ” This was probably the Allon-bachuth of Genesis 35:8.

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Tabret - (Hebrews toph), a Timbrel (q.v.) or tambourine, generally played by women (Genesis 31:27; 1 Samuel 10:5; 18:6). In Job 17:6 the Word Hebrews topheth) “tabret” should be, as in the Revised Version “an Open abhorring” (marg., “one in whose Face they spit;” lit., “a spitting in the face”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tabrimon - good is Rimmon the Father of Benhadad, King of Syria (1 Kings 15:18).

Taches

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tachmonite - =Hach’monite, a name given to Jashobeam (2 Samuel 23:8; comp. 1 Chronicles 11:11).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tackling - (Isaiah 33:23), the ropes attached to the mast of a ship. In Acts 27:19 this Word means generally the furniture of the ship or the “gear” (27: 17), all that could be removed from the ship.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tadmor - palm, a City built by Solomon “in the wilderness” (2 Chronicles 8:4). In 1 Kings 9:18, where the Word occurs in the Authorized Version the Hebrew text and the Revised Version read “Tamar,” which is properly a City on the southern border of Palestine and toward the Wilderness (comp. ... Ezekiel 47:19; 48:28). In 2 Chronicles 8:14 Tadmor is mentioned in connection with Hamath-zobah. It is called Palmyra by the Greeks and Romans It stood in the great Syrian Wilderness 176 miles from Damascus and 130 from the Mediterranean and was the centre of a vast commercial traffic with Western Asia. It was also an important military station. (See Solomon ) “Remains of Ancient temples and palaces, surrounded by splendid colonnades of white Marble many of which are yet standing, and thousands of prostrate pillars, scattered over a large extent of space, attest the Ancient magnificence of this City of palms, surpassing that of the renowned cities of Greece and Rome ”

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Tahapanes - =Tahpanhes=Tehaphnehes, (called “Daphne” by the Greeks, now Tell Defenneh), an Ancient Egyptian City on the Tanitic Branch of the Nile, about 16 miles from Pelusium. The Jews from Jerusalem fled to this Place after the Death of Gedaliah (q.v.), and settled there for a time (Jeremiah 2:16; 43:7; 44:1; 46:14). ... A platform of brick-work, which there is every reason to believe was the pavement at the entry of Pharaoh’s Palace has been discovered at this Place “Here,” says the discoverer, Mr. Petrie, “the ceremony described by Jeremiah [43:8-10; “brick-kiln”, i.e., pavement of brick] took Place before the chiefs of the fugitives assembled on the platform, and here Nebuchadnezzar spread his royal pavilion” (R.V., “brickwork”).

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Tahpenes - the Wife of Pharaoh who gave her sister in marriage to Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:19, 20).

TAHTIM-

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Hodshi - the land of the newly inhabited, (2 Samuel 24:6). It is conjectured that, instead of this Word the reading should be, “the Hittites of Kadesh ” the Hittite capital, on the Orontes. It was apparently some region East of the Jordan and North of Gilead.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tale - (1.) Hebrews tokhen, “a task,” as weighed and measured out = tally, i.e., the number told off; the full number (Exodus 5:18; see 1 Samuel 18:27; 1 Chronicles 9:28). In Ezekiel 45:1 1 rendered “measure.”

(2.) Hebrews hegeh, “a thought;” “meditation” (Psalm 90:9); meaning properly “as a whisper of sadness,” which is soon over, or “as a thought.” The LXX. and Vulgate render it “spider;” the Authorized Version and Revised Version “as a tale” that is told. ... In Job 37:2 this Word is rendered “sound;” Revised Version margin, “muttering;” and in Ezekiel 2:10, “mourning.”

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Talent - of Silver contained 3,000 shekels (Exodus 38:25, 26), and was equal to 94 3/7 lbs. avoirdupois. The Greek Talent however, as in the LXX., was only 82 1/4 lbs. It was in the form of a circular mass, as the Hebrew nam ekikkar denotes. A Talent of Gold was double the weight of a Talent of Silver (2 Samuel 12:30). Parable of the talents (Matthew 18:24; 25:15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Talitha - CUMI (Mark 5:41), a Syriac or Aramaic expression, meaning, “Little maid, arise.” Peter who was present when the Miracle was wrought, recalled the actual words used by our Lord and told them to Mark

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Talmai - abounding in furrows. (1.) One of the Anakim of Hebron who were slain by the men of Judah under Caleb (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:10).

(2.) A King of Geshur to whom Absalom fled after he had put Amnon to Death (2 Samuel 3:3; 13:37). ... His Daughter Maachah, was one of David’s wives, and the mother of Absalom (1 Chronicles 3:2).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Talmon - oppressed. (1.) A Levite porter (1 Chronicles 9:17; Nehemiah 11:19).

(2.) One whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45); probably the same as (1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tamarisk - Hebrews ‘eshel (Genesis 21:33; 1 Samuel 22:6; 31:13, in the R.V.; but in A.V., “grove,” “tree”); Arab asal. Seven species of this Tree are found in Palestine It is a “very graceful Tree with long feathery branches and tufts closely clad with the minutest of leaves, and surmounted in Spring with spikes of Beautiful pink blosoms, which seem to envelop the whole Tree in one gauzy sheet of colour” (Tristram’s Nat. Hist.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tammuz - a corruption of Dumuzi, the Accadian sun-God (the Adonis of the Greeks), the Husband of the goddess Ishtar. In the Chaldean calendar there was a Month set apart in honour of this God the Month of June to July, the beginning of the summer solstice. At this festival, which lasted six days, the worshippers, with loud Lamentations bewailed the Funeral of the God they sat “weeping for Tammuz” (Ezekiel 8:14). ...

The name, also borrowed from Chaldea of one of the months of the Hebrew calendar.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tanhumeth - consolation, a Netophathite; one of the captains who supported Gedaliah (2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tanis - (Ezekiel 30:14, marg.). See Zoan

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tarah - stopping; station, an encampment of the Hebrews in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:27, 28).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tares - the bearded darnel, mentioned only in Matthew 13:25-30. It is the Lolium temulentum, a species of rye-grass, the seeds of which are a strong soporific Poison It bears the closest resemblance to wheat till the Ear appears, and only then the difference is discovered. It grows plentifully in Syria and Palestine

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Target - (1 Samuel 17:6, A.V., after the LXX. and Vulg.), a ki nd of small shield. The margin has “gorget,” a piece of Armour for the throat. The Revised Version more correctly renders the Hebrew Word (kidon) by “javelin.” The same Hebrew Word is used in Joshua 8:18 (A.V., “spear;” R.V., “javelin”); Job 39:23 (A.V., “shield;” R.V., “javelin”); 41:29 (A.V., “spear;” R.V., “javelin”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tarshish - a Sanscrit or Aryan Word meaning “the Sea coast.” (1.) One of the “sons” of Javan (Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7).

(2.) The name of a Place which first comes into notice in the days of Solomon The question as to the locality of Tarshish has given rise to not a little discussion. ... Some think there was a Tarshish in the East on the Indian coast, seeing that “ships of Tarshish” sailed from Eziongeber, on the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26; 22:48; 2 Chronicles 9:21). Some, again, argue that Carthage was the Place so named. There can be little doubt, however, that this is the name of a Phoenician port in Spain between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir (the name given to the River by the Arabs, and meaning “the great wady” or water-course). It was founded by a Carthaginian Colony and was the farthest western harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to this port Jonah’s ship was about to sail from Joppa It has well been styled “the Peru of Tyrian adventure;” it abounded in Gold and Silver mines.

It appears that this name also is used without reference to any locality. “Ships of Tarshish” is an expression sometimes denoting simply Ships intended for a long voyage (Isaiah 23: 1, 14), Ships of a large size (sea-going ships), whatever might be the port to which they sailed. Solomon’s Ships were so styled (1 Kings 10:22; 22:49).

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Tarsus - the chief City of Cilicia. It was distinguished for its wealth and for its Schools of learning, in which it rivalled, nay, excelled even Athens and Alexandria and hence was spoken of as “no mean City ” It was the native Place of the Apostle Paul (Acts 21:39). ... It stood on the banks of the River Cydnus, about 12 miles North of the Mediterranean. It is said to have been founded by Sardanapalus, King of Assyria It is now a filthy, ruinous Turkish town, called Tersous. (See Paul )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tartan - an Assyrian Word meaning “the commander-in-chief.” (1.) One of Sennacherib’s messengers to Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:17). (2.) One of Sargon’s generals (Isaiah 20:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tatnai - gift, a Persian Governor (Hebrews pehah, i.e., “satrap;” modern “pasha”) “on this side the river”, i.e., of the whole tract on the west of the Euphrates This Hebrew title pehah is given to governors of provinces generally. It is given to Nehemiah (5:14) and to Zerubbabel (Hag. 1:1). It is sometimes translated “captain” (1 Kings 20:24; Daniel 3:2, 3), sometimes also “deputy” (Esther 8:9; 9:3). ... With others, Tatnai opposed the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius he assisted the Jews (6:1-13).

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Taverns - , The THREE a Place on the great “Appian Way,” about 1 1 miles from Rome designed for the reception of travellers, as the name indicates. Here Paul on his way to Rome was met by a band of Roman Christians (Acts 28:15). The “Tres Tabernae was the first mansio or mutatio, that is, halting-place for relays, from Rome or the last on the way to the City At this point three roads run into the Via Appia, that from Tusculum, that from Alba Longa, and that from Antium; so necessarily here would be a halting-place, which took its name from the three shops there, the general store, the blacksmith’s, and the refreshment-house. ... ..Tres Tabernae is translated as Three Taverns but it more correctly means three shops” (Forbes’s Footsteps of St. Paul p.20).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Taxes - first mentioned in the command (Exodus 30:11-16) that every Jew from twenty years and upward should pay an annual tax of “half a Shekel for an Offering to the Lord ” This enactment was faithfully observed for many generations (2 Chronicles 24:6; Matthew 17:24).

Afterwards, when the people had kings to reign over them, they began, as Samuel had warned them (1 Samuel 8:10-18), to pay Taxes for civil purposes (1 Kings 4:7; 9:15; 12:4). ... Such Taxes in increased amount, were afterwards paid to the foreign princes that ruled over them.

In the New Testament the payment of Taxes imposed by lawful rulers, is enjoined as a duty (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13, 14). Mention is made of the tax (telos) on merchandise and travellers (Matthew 17:25); the annual tax (phoros) on property (Luke 20:22; 23:2); the poll-tax (kensos, “tribute,” Matthew 17:25; 22:17; Mark 12:14); and the temple-tax (“tribute money” = two drachmas = half Shekel Matthew 17:24-27; comp. Exodus 30:13). (See Tribute )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Taxing - (Luke 2:2; R.V., “enrolment”), “when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria ” is simply a Census of the people, or an enrolment of them with a view to their taxation. The decree for the enrolment was the occasion of Joseph and Mary’s going up to Bethlehem It has been argued by some that Cyrenius (q.v.) was Governor of Cilicia and Syria both at the time of our Lord’s Birth and some years afterwards. ... This decree for the Taxing referred to the whole Roman world, and not to Judea alone. (See Census )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tebeth - (Esther 2:16), a Word probably of Persian origin, denoting the cold time of the Year used by the later Jews as denoting the tenth Month of the Year Assyrian tebituv, “rain.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Teil - TREE (an Old name for the lime-tree, the tilia), Isaiah 6:13, the Terebinth or turpentine-tree, the Pistacia terebinthus of botanists. The Hebrew Word here used (elah) is rendered oak (q.v.) in Genesis 35:4;

Judges 6:11, 19; Isaiah 1:29, etc. In Isaiah 61:3 it is rendered in the plural “trees;” Hos. ... 4:13, “elm” (R.V., “terebinth”). Hos. 4:13, “elm” (R.V., “terebinth”). In 1 Samuel 17:2, 19 it is taken as a proper name, “Elah” (R.V. marg., “terebinth”).

“The Terebinth of Mamre or its lineal successor, remained from the days of Abraham till the fourth century of the Christian era, and on its site Constantine erected a Christian church, the ruins of which still remain.”

This Tree “is seldom seen in clumps or groves, never in forests, but stands isolated and weird-like in some bare ravine or on a hill-side where nothing else Towers above the low brushwood” (Tristram).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tekel - weighed (Daniel 5:27).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tekoa - , TEKOAH pitching of tents; fastening down, a town of Judah about 12 miles South of Jerusalem and visible from the City From this place Joab procured a “wise Woman ” who pretended to be in great affliction, and skilfully made her case known to David Her address to the King was in the form of an apologue, similar to that of Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-6). ... The object of Joab was, by the intervention of this Woman to induce David to bring back Absalom to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:2, 4, 9).

This was also the birth-place of the prophet Amos (1:1).

It is now the village of Teku’a, on the top of a Hill among ruins, 5 miles South of Bethlehem and close to Beth-haccerem (“Herod’s mountain”).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Telaem - young lambs, a Place at which Saul gathered his Army to fight against Amalek (1 Samuel 15:4); probably the same as Telem (2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Telassar - or Thelasar, (Isaiah 37:12; 2 Kings 19:12), a province in the south-east of Assyria probably in Babylonia. Some have identified it with Tel Afer, a Place in Mesopotamia, some 30 miles from Sinjar.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Telem - oppression. (1.) A Porter of the Temple in the time of Ezra (10:24).

(2.) A town in the southern border of Judah (Joshua 15:24); probably the same as Telaim.

TEL-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Haresha - hill of the Wood a Place in Babylon from which some Captive Jews returned to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:59; Nehemiah 7:61).

TEL-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Melah - hill of Salt a Place in Babylon from which the Jews returned (id.).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tema - south; Desert one of the sons of Ishmael and Father of a Tribe so called (Genesis 25:15; 1 Chronicles 1:30; Job 6:19; Isaiah 21:14; Jeremiah 25:23) which settled at a Place to which he gave his name, some 250 miles south-east of Edom on the route between Damascus and Mecca, in the northern part of the Arabian peninsula, toward the Syrian Desert the modern Teyma’. ...

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Teman - id. (1.) A grandson of Esau one of the “dukes of Edom” (Genesis 36:11, 15, 42).

(2.) A Place in Southern Idumea, the land of “the sons of the East ” frequently mentioned in the Old Testament It was noted for the wisdom of its inhabitants (Amos 1:12; Obad. 1:8; Jeremiah 49:7; Ezekiel 25:13). It was divided from the hills of Paran by the low Plain of Arabah (Habakkuk 3:3).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Temamte - a Man of Teman the designation of Eliphaz one of Job’s three friends (Job 2:11; 22:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Temeni - one of the sons of Ashur, the Father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Temple - , THE Second After the return from Captivity under Zerubbabel (q.v.) and the high Priest Jeshua, arrangements were almost immediately made to reorganize the long-desolated Kingdom The body of pilgrims, forming a band of 42,360, including children, having completed the long and dreary Journey of some four months, from the banks of the Euphrates to Jerusalem were animated in all their proceeding by a strong religious impulse, and therefore one of their first cares was to restore their Ancient worship by rebuilding the Temple On the invitation of Zerubbabel the Governor who showed them a remarkable example of liberality by contributing personally 1,000 Golden darics (probably about $6,000), besides other Gifts the people with great enthusiasm poured their Gifts into the sacred Treasury (Ezra 2). ... First they erected and dedicated the Altar of Jehovah on the exact spot where it had formerly stood, and they then cleared away the charred heaps of debris which occupied the site of the old Temple and in the second Month of the second Year (B.C. 535), amid great public excitement and rejoicing (Psalm 116; 117; 118), the foundations of the second Temple were laid. A wide interest was felt in this great movement, although it was regarded with mingled feelings by the spectators (Hag. 2:3; Zechariah 4:10). The Samaritans made proposals for a co-operation in the work. Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the elders, however, declined all such cooperation: Judah must build the Temple without help. Immediately evil reports were spread regarding the Jews.

The Samaritans sought to “frustrate their purpose” (Ezra 4:5), and sent messengers to Ecbatana and Susa, with the result that the work was suspended. Seven years after this Cyrus died ingloriously, having killed himself in Syria when on his way back from Egypt to the East and was succeeded by his Son Cambyses (B.C. 529-522), on whose Death the “false Smerdis,” an imposter, occupied the Throne for some Seven or eight months, and then Darius Hystaspes became King (B.C. 522). In the second Year of this monarch the work of rebuilding the Temple was resumed and carried forward to its completion (Ezra 5: 6-17; 6:1-15), under the stimulus of the Earnest counsels and admonitions of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah It was ready for Consecration in the Spring of B.C. 516, twenty years after the return from Captivity

This second Temple had not the Ark the Urim and Thummim the holy Oil the sacred Fire the Tables of Stone the pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod. As in the Tabernacle there was in it only one golden Lamp for the holy Place one table of Shewbread and the incense Altar with Golden censers, and many of the vessels of Gold that had belonged to Solomon’s Temple that had been carried to Babylon but restored by Cyrus (Ezra 1:7-1 1).

This second Temple also differed from the first in that, while in the latter there were numerous “trees planted in the courts of the Lord ” there were none in the former. The second Temple also had for the first time a space, being a part of the outer Court provided for proselytes who were worshippers of Jehovah although not subject to the laws of Judaism.

The Temple when completed, was consecrated amid great rejoicings on the part of all the people (Ezra 6:16), although there were not wanting outward evidences that the Jews were no longer an independent people, but were subject to a foreign power.

Hag. 2:9 is rightly rendered in the Revised Version “The latter Glory of this House shall be greater than the former,” instead of, “The Glory of this latter House ” etc., in the Authorized Version The Temple during the different periods of its existence, is regarded as but one House the one only House of God (comp. 2:3). The Glory here predicted is spiritual Glory and not material splendour. “Christ himself, present bodily in the Temple on Mount Zion during his Life on earth, present spiritually in the Church now, present in the holy City the heavenly Jerusalem of which he is the Temple

calling forth spiritual Worship and devotion is the Glory here predicted” (Perowne).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Temptation - (1.) Trial; a being Put to the test. Thus God “tempted [Genesis 22: 1; R.V., ‘did prove’] Abraham ” and Afflictions are said to tempt, i.e., to try, men (James 1:2, 12; comp. Deuteronomy 8:2), putting their Faith and patience to the test. (2.) Ordinarily, however, the Word means solicitation to that which is evil, and hence Satan is called “the tempter” (Matthew 4:3). ... Our Lord was in this way tempted in the Wilderness That Temptation was not internal, but by a real, active, subtle being. It was not self-sought. It was submitted to as an act of obedience on his part. “Christ was led, driven. An unseen personal force bore him a certain violence is implied in the words” (Matthew 4: 1-11).

The scene of the Temptation of our Lord is generally supposed to have been the mountain of Quarantania (q.v.), “a High and precipitous Wall of Rock 1,200 or 1,500 feet above the Plain west of Jordan near Jericho ”

Temptation is common to all (Daniel 12:10; Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 66:10; Luke 22:31, 40; Hebrews 11:17; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:12). We read of the Temptation of Joseph (Genesis 39), of David (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21), of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:31), of Daniel (Daniel 6), etc. So long as we are in this world we are exposed to temptations, and need ever to be on our watch against them.

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Tent - (l.) Hebrews ‘ohel (Genesis 9:21, 27). This Word is used also of a dwelling or Habitation (1 Kings 8:66; Isaiah 16:5; Jeremiah 4:20), and of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:1). When used of the Tabernacle as in 1 Kings 1:39, it denotes the Covering of goat’s Hair which was placed over the mishcan. ...

(2.) Hebrews mishcan (Cant. 1:8), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Psalm 87:2), the Grave (Isaiah 22:16; comp. 14:18), the Temple (Psalm 46:4; 84:2; 132:5), and of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:9; 26:1; 40:9; Numbers 1:50,53; 10:11). When distinguished from ‘ohel, it denotes the twelve interior curtains which lay upon the framework of the Tabernacle (q.v.).

(3.) Hebrews kubbah (Numbers 25:8), a dome-l ik e Tent devoted to the impure Worship of Baal-peor.

(4.) Hebrews succah (2 Samuel 11:11), a Tent or Booth made of green boughs or branches (see Genesis 33:17; Leviticus 23:34, 42; Psalm 18:11;

Jonah 4:5; Isaiah 4:6; Nehemiah 8:15-17, where the Word is variously rendered).

Jubal was “the Father of such as Dwell in tents” (Genesis 4:20). The patriarchs were “dwellers in tents” (Genesis 9:21, 27; 12:8; 13:12; 26:17); and during their Wilderness wanderings all Israel dwelt in tents (Exodus 16:16; Deuteronomy 33:18; Joshua 7:24). Tents have always occupied a prominent Place in Eastern Life (1 Samuel 17:54; 2 Kings 7:7; Psalm 120:5; Cant. 1:5). Paul the apostle’s occupation was that of a tent-maker (Acts 18:3); i.e., perhaps a maker of Tent cloth.

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Tenth - DEAL i.e., the Tenth part of an Ephah (as in the R.V.), equal to an Omer or six pints. The recovered leper, to complete his Purification was required to bring a Trespass a sin, and a Burnt offering, and to present a meal Offering a Tenth deal or an Omer of Flour for each, with Oil to make it into Bread or cakes (Leviticus 14:10, 21; comp. Exodus 16:36; 29:40). ...

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Terah - the wanderer; loiterer, for some unknown reason emigrated with his family from his native mountains in the North to the plains of Mesopotamia. He had three sons, Haran Nahor, and Abraham and one Daughter Sarah. He settled in “Ur of the Chaldees ” where his son Haran died, leaving behind him his Son Lot. Nahor settled at Haran a Place on the way to Ur. Terah afterwards migrated with Abraham (probably his youngest son) and Lot (his grandson), together with their families, from Ur, intending to go with them to Canaan but he tarried at Haran where he spent the remainder of his days, and died at the Age of two hundred and five years (Genesis 11:24-32; Joshua 24:2). ... What a wonderful part the descendants of this Chaldean Shepherd have played in the history of the world!

Terah Haran Nahor Abraham I I I Bethel I I

Iscah Milcah Lor ! (of Hagar) (Of Sarah)

I I Laban Rebekah Ishmael Isaac

Moab Ammon I I Leah Rachel Esau Jacob of Leah) (ofBilhah) (OfZilpah) (Of Rachel)

Reuben, Simeon Levi, Dan Naphtali Gad Asher Joseph Benjamin

Judah, Issachar !

Zebulun, Dinah I I

Ephraim Manasseh Read more

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Teraphim - givers of prosperity, idols in human shape, large or small, analogous to the images of ancestors which were revered by the Romans In order to deceive the guards sent by Saul to seize David Michal his Wife prepared one of the household Teraphim putting on it the goat’s-hair cap worn by sleepers and invalids, and laid it in a Bed covering it with a Mantle She pointed it out to the soldiers, and alleged that David was confined to his Bed by a sudden illness (1 Samuel 19:13-16). ... Thus she gained time for David’s escape. It seems strange to read of Teraphim images of ancestors, preserved for superstitious purposes, being in the House of David Probably they had been stealthily brought by Michal from her father’s House “Perhaps,” says Bishop Wordsworth, “Saul, forsaken by God and possessed by the evil Spirit had resorted to Teraphim (as he afterwards resorted to witchcraft); and God overruled evil for good, and made his very Teraphim (by the Hand of his own daughter) to be an instrument for David’s escape.”, Deane’s David p. 32. Josiah attempted to suppress this form of Idolatry (2 Kings 23:24). The Ephod and Teraphim are mentioned together in Hos. 3:4. It has been supposed by some (Cheyne’s Hosea) that the “ephod” here mentioned, and also in Judges 8:24-27, was not the part of the sacerdotal Dress so called (Exodus 28:6-14), but an image of Jehovah overlaid with Gold or Silver (comp. Judges 17, 18; 1 Samuel 21:9; 23:6, 9; 30:7, 8), and is thus associated with the Teraphim (See Thummim )

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Terebinth - (R.V. marg. of Deuteronomy 11:30, etc.), the Pistacia terebinthus of botanists; a Tree very common in the South and East of Palestine (See OAK.)

li

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tertius - the third, a Roman Christian whom Paul employed as his amanuensis in Writing his epistle to the Romans (16:22).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tertullus - a modification of “Tertius;” a Roman Advocate whom the Jews employed to state their case against Paul in the presence of Felix (Acts 24:1-9). The charges he adduced against the Apostle were, “First, that he created disturbances among the Romans throughout the empire, an Offence against the Roman government (crimen majestatis). Secondly, that he was a ringleader of the... ass=tip id="sect~"23413604 href=#sect onclick="bC(this);"> Sect of the Nazarenes; disturbed the Jews in the Exercise of their religion, guaranteed by the state; introduced New gods, a thing prohibited by the Romans And thirdly, that he attempted to profane the Temple a crime which the Jews were permitted to punish.”

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Testament - occurs twelve times in the New Testament (Hebrews 9: 15, etc.) as the rendering of the Gr. diatheke, which is twenty times rendered “covenant” in the Authorized Version and always so in the Revised Version The Vulgate translates incorrectly by testamentum, whence the names “Old” and “New Testament ” by which we now designate the two sections into which the Bible is divided. (See Bible )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Testimony - , Tabernacle OF the Tabernacle the great Glory of which was that it contained “the testimony”, i.e., the “two tables” (Exodus 38:21). The Ark in which these Tables were deposited was called the “ark of the testimony” (40:3), and also simply the “testimony” (27:21; 30:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tetrarch - strictly the ruler over the fourth part of a province; but the Word denotes a ruler of a province generally (Matthew 14:1; Luke 3:1, 19; 9:7; Acts 13:1). Herod and Phasael, the sons of Antipater, were the first tetrarchs in Palestine Herod the Tetrarch had the title of King (Matthew 14:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thaddaeus - breast, the name of one of the apostles (Mark 3:18), called “Lebbaeus” in Matthew 10:3, and in Luke 6:16, “Judas the Brother of James ” while John (14:22), probably referring to the same person, speaks of “Judas, not Iscariot.” These different names all designate the same person, viz., Jude or Judas the author of the epistle.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thahash - a Badger a Son of Nahor Abraham’s Brother (Genesis 22:24).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tharshish - (1 Kings 10:22; 22:48). See Tarshish

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Theatre - only mentioned in Acts 19:29, 31. The ruins of this Theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. Theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thebez - brightness, a Place some 11 miles north-east of Shechem on the Road to Scythopolis, the modern Tabas. Abimelech led his Army against this Place because of its participation in the conspiracy of the men of Shechem but as he drew near to the strong tower to which its inhabitants had fled for safety, and was about to set Fire to it, a Woman cast a fragment of millstone at him, and “all to brake his skull” i.e., “altogether brake,” etc. ... His armourbearer thereupon “thrust him through, and he died” (Judges 9:50-55).

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T - HE FT Punished by restitution, the proportions of which are noted in 2 Samuel 12:6. If the thief could not pay the fine, he was to be sold to a Hebrew master till he could pay (Exodus 22:1-4). A night-thief might be smitten till he died, and there would be no blood-guiltiness for him (22:2). A man-stealer was to be Put to Death (21:16). All theft is forbidden (Exodus 20:15; 21:16; Leviticus 19:11; Deuteronomy 5:19; 24:7; Psalm 50:18; Zechariah 5:3; Matthew 19:18; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Peter 4:15). ...

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Theocracy - a Word first used by Josephus to denote that the Jews were under the direct government of God himself. The nation was in all things subject to the Will of their invisible King All the people were the servants of Jehovah who ruled over their public and private affairs, communicating to them his Will through the medium of the prophets. They were the subjects of a heavenly, not of an earthly, King They were Jehovah’s own subjects, ruled directly by him (comp. 1 Samuel 8:6-9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Theophilus - lover of God a Christian probably a Roman, to whom Luke dedicated both his Gospel (Luke 1:3) and the Acts of the Apostles (1:1). Nothing Beyond this is known of him. From the fact that Luke applies to him the title “most excellent”, the same title Paul uses in addressing Felix (Acts 23:26; 24:3) and Festus (26:25), it has been concluded that Theophilus was a person of rank, perhaps a Roman officer.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thessalonians - , Epistles TO THE The first epistle to the Thessalonians was the first of all Paul’s Epistles It was in all probability written from Corinth where he abode a “long time” (Acts 18:11, 18), early in the period of his residence there, about the End of A.D. 52.

The occasion of its being written was the return of Timotheus from Macedonia, bearing tidings from Thessalonica regarding the state of the Church there (Acts 18:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6). ... While, on the whole, the report of Timothy was encouraging, it also showed that divers errors and misunderstandings regarding the tenor of Paul’s teaching had crept in amongst them. He addresses them in this Letter with the view of correcting these errors, and especially for the purpose of exhorting them to purity of Life reminding them that their Sanctification was the great End desired by God regarding them.

The subscription erroneously states that this epistle was written from Athens

The second epistle to the Thessalonians was probably also written from Corinth and not many months after the first.

The occasion of the Writing of this epistle was the arrival of tidings that the tenor of the first epistle had been misunderstood, especially with reference to the second advent of Christ The Thessalonians had embraced the idea that Paul had taught that “the Day of Christ was at hand”, that Christ’s Coming was just about to happen. This error is corrected (2:1-12), and the Apostle prophetically announces what first must take Place “The apostasy” was first to arise. Various explanations of this expression have been given, but that which is most satisfactory refers it to the Church of Rome

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Thessalonica - a large and populous City on the Thermaic Bay It was the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia, and was ruled by a praetor. It was named after Thessalonica the Wife of Cassander, who built the City She was so called by her Father Philip because he first heard of her Birth on the Day of his gaining a victory over the Thessalians. ... On his second missionary Journey Paul preached in the Synagogue here, the chief Synagogue of the Jews in that part of Macedonia, and laid the foundations of a Church (Acts 17:1-4; 1 Thes. 1:9). The violence of the Jews drove him from the City when he fled to Berea (Acts 17:5-10). The “rulers of the city” before whom the Jews “drew Jason ” with whom Paul and Silas lodged, are in the original called politarchai, an unusual Word which was found, however, inscribed on an Arch in Thessalonica This discovery confirms the accuracy of the historian. Paul visited the Church here on a subsequent occasion (20:1-3). This City long retained its importance. It is the most important town of European Turkey, under the name of Salonika, with a mixed population of about 85,000.

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Theudas - thanksgiving, referred to by Gamaliel in his speech before the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 5:36). He headed an insurrection against the Roman authority. Beyond this nothing is known of him.

Thick

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thieves - , The TWO (Luke 23:32, 39-43), robbers, rather brigands, probably followers of Barabbas Our Lord’s Cross was placed between those of the “malefactors,” to add to the ignominy of his position. According to Tradition Demas or Dismas was the name of the penitent thief Hanging on the right, and Gestas of the impenitent on the Left

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thistle - (1.) Hebrews hoah (2 Kings 14:9; Job 31:40). In Job 41:2 the Hebrew Word is rendered “thorn,” but in the Revised Version “hook.” It is also rendered “thorn” in 2 Chronicles 33:11; Proverbs 26:9; Cant. 2:2; “brambles” in Isaiah 34:13. ... It is supposed to be a variety of the wild plum-tree, but by some it is regarded as the common Thistle of which there are many varieties in Palestine

(2.) Hebrews dardar, meaning “a plant growing luxuriantly” (Genesis 3:18; Hos. 10:8); Gr. tribolos, “a triple point” (Matthew 7:16; Hebrews 6:8, “brier,” R.V. “thistle”). This was probably the star-thistle, called by botanists Centaurea calcitropa, or “caltrops,” a weed common in com-fields. (See THORNS.)

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Thomas - twin, one of the twelve (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18, etc.). He was also called Didymus (John 11:16; 20:24), which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name. All we know regarding him is recorded in the fourth Gospel (John 11:15, 16; 14:4, 5; 20:24, 25, 26-29). Prom the circumstance that in the lists of the apostles he is always mentioned along with Matthew who was the Son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18), and that these two are always followed by James who was also the Son of Alphaeus it has been supposed that these three, Matthew Thomas, and James were brothers. ...

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Thorn - IN THE Flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Many interpretations have been given of this Passage (1.) Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety.

(2.) Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting Temptation to unbelief.

(3.) Others suppose the expression refers to “a pain in the Ear or head,” epileptic fits, or, in general, to some severe physical infirmity, which was a hindrance to the Apostle in his work (comp. ... 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:30; Galatians 4:13, 14; 6:17). With a great amount of probability, it has been alleged that his malady was defect of sight, consequent on the dazzling Light which shone around him at his Conversion acute opthalmia. This would account for the statements in Galatians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 10:10; also Acts 23:5, and for his generally making use of the help of an amanuensis (comp. Romans 16:22, etc.).

(4.) Another view which has been maintained is that this “thorn” consisted in an infirmity of temper, to which he occasionally gave way, and which interfered with his success (comp. Acts 15:39; 23:2-5). If we consider the fact, “which the experience of God’s saints in all ages has conclusively established, of the difficulty of subduing an infirmity of temper, as well as the pain, remorse, and Humiliation such an infirmity is wont to cause to those who groan under it, we may be inclined to believe that not the least probable hypothesis concerning the ‘thorn’ or ‘stake’ in the Flesh is that the loving heart of the Apostle bewailed as his sorest trial the misfortune that, by impatience in Word he had often wounded those for whom he would willingly have given his life” (Lias’s Second Corinthians , Introd.).

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Threshold - (l.) Hebrews miphtan, probably a projecting Beam at a higher point than the Threshold proper (1 Samuel 5:4,5; Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4,18; 46:2; 47:1); also rendered “door” and “door-post.”

(2.) ‘Asuppim, pi. (Nehemiah 12:25), rendered correctly “storehouses” in the Revised Version In 1 Chronicles 26:15, 17 the Authorized Version retains the Word as a proper name, while in the Revised Version it is translated “storehouses.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Throne - (Hebrews kiss’e), a royal chair or seat of dignity (Deuteronomy 17:18; 2 Samuel 7:13; Psalm 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high Priest in 1 Samuel 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial Governor in Nehemiah 3:7 and Psalm 122:5. The Throne of Solomon is described at length in 1 Kings 10:18-20.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thummim - perfection (LXX., “truth;” Vulg., “veritas”), Exodus 28:30; Deuteronomy 33:8; Judges 1:1; 20:18; 1 Samuel 14:3,18; 23:9; 2 Samuel 21:1. What the “Urim and Thummim” were cannot be determined with any certainty. All we certainly know is that they were a certain divinely-given means by which God imparted, through the high Priest direction and counsel to Israel when these were needed. ... The method by which this was done can be only a matter of mere conjecture. They were apparently material objects, quite distinct from the Breastplate but something added to it after all the Stones had been set in it, something in addition to the Breastplate and its jewels. They may have been, as some suppose, two small images, like the Teraphim (comp. Judges 17:5; 18:14, 17, 20; Hos. 3:4), which were kept in the Bag of the Breastplate by which, in some unknown way, the high Priest could give forth his divinely imparted Decision when consulted. They were probably lost at the Destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar They were never seen after the return from Captivity

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Thunder - often referred to in Scripture (Job 40:9; Psalm 77:18; 104:7). James and John were called by our Lord “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). In Job 39:19, instead of “thunder,” as in the Authorized Version the Revised Version translates (ra’amah) by “quivering main” (marg., “shaking”). Thunder accompanied the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19:16). ... It was regarded as the voice of God (Job 37:2; Psalm 18:13; 81:7; comp. John 12:29). In answer to Samuel’s Prayer (1 Samuel 12:17, 18), God sent Thunder and “all the people greatly feared,” for at such a season (the wheat-harvest) Thunder and rain were almost unknown in Palestine

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Thyatira - a City of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. Its modern name is Ak-hissar, i.e., “white Castle ” Here was one of the Seven churches (Revelation 1:11; 2:18-28). Lydia the seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this Colour was from this City (Acts 16: 14). It was and still is famous for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in that City in Ancient times.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thyine - WOOD mentioned only in Revelation 18:12 among the articles which would cease to be purchased when Babylon fell. It was called citrus, citron Wood by the Romans It was the Callitris quadrivalvis of botanists, of the cone-bearing order of trees, and of the Cypress tribe of this order. The name of this Wood is derived from the Greek Word thuein, “to Sacrifice ” and it was so called because it was Burnt in sacrifices, on account of its fragrance. ... The Wood of this Tree was reckoned very valuable, and was used for making articles of furniture by the Greeks and Romans Like the cedars of Lebanon it is disappearing from the forests of Palestine

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Tiberias - , Sea OF called also the Sea of Galilee (q.v.) and of Gennesaret In the Old Testament it is called the Sea of Chinnereth or Chinneroth. John (21:1) is the only Evangelist who so designates this lake. ... His doing so incidentally confirms the opinion that he wrote after the other evangelists, and at a period subsequent to the taking of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). Tiberias had by this time become an important City having been spared by the Romans and made the capital of the province when Jerusalem was destroyed. It thus naturally gave its name to the lake.

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Tidal - (in the LXX. called “Thorgal”), styled the “king of nations” (Genesis 14:1-9). Mentioned as Tudkhula on Arioch’s brick (see facing page 139). Goyyim , translated “nations,” is the country called Gutium, East of Tigris and North of Elam

TlGLATH-Pl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Leser - I. (not mentioned in Scripture) was the most famous of the monarchs of the first Assyrian empire (about B.C. 1110). After his Death for two hundred years the empire fell into decay. The history of David and Solomon falls within this period. He was succeeded by his Son Shalmaneser II.

Tiglath-Pileser

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Maeus - defiled, the Father of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Timbrel - (Hebrews toph), a small drum or tambourine; a Tabret (q.v.). The antiquity of this musical instrument appears from the scriptural allusions to it (Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34, etc.) (See Music )

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Timnath - Genesis 38:12,14. (1.) Hebrews Timnathah, which is appropriately rendered in the Revised Version Timnah, a town in Judah

(2.) The town where Samson sojourned, probably identical with “Timnah” (1) (Judges 14:1-18).

TIMNATH-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Mmtk - a Man of Timnah. Samson’s father-in-law is so styled (Judges 15:6).

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Mon - honouring, one of the Seven deacons at Jerusalem (Acts 6:5). Nothing further is known of him.

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Motheus - the Greek form of the name of Timothy (Acts 16:1, etc.; the R.V. always “Timothy”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Timothy - , Second Epistle TO was probably written a Year or so after the first, and from Rome where Paul was for a second time a prisoner, and was sent to Timothy by the hands of Tychicus In it he entreats Timothy to come to him before winter, and to bring Mark with him (comp. ... Phil. 2:22). He was anticipating that “the time of his departure was at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6), and he exhorts his “son Timothy” to all diligence and steadfastness, and to patience under Persecution (1:6-15), and to a Faithful discharge of all the duties of his office (4:1-5), with all the solemnity of one who was about to appear before the Judge of quick and Dead

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Tin - Hebrews bedil (Numbers 31:22; Ezekiel 22:18, 20), a metal well known in Ancient times. It is the general opinion that the Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon obtained their supplies of Tin from the British Isles. In Ezekiel 27:12 it is said to have been brought from Tarshish which was probably a commercial emporium supplied with commodities from other places. In Isaiah 1:25 the Word so rendered is generally understood of Lead the alloy with which the Silver had become mixed (ver. ... 22). The Fire of the Babylonish Captivity would be the means of purging out the idolatrous alloy that had corrupted the people.

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Tinkling - ORNAMENTS (Isaiah 3 : 1 8), anklets of Silver or Gold etc., such as are still used by women in Syria and the East

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Phsah - passing over; ford, one of the boundaries of Solomon’s dominions (1 Kings 4:24), probably “Thapsacus, a great and wealthy town on the western bank of the Euphrates ” about 100 miles north-east of Tadmor All the land traffic between the East and the west passed through it. Menahem undertook an expedition against this City and “smote Tiphsah and all that were therein” (2 Kings 15:16). ... This expedition implied a march of some 300 miles from Tirzah if by way of Tadmor and about 400 if by way of Aleppo; and its success showed the strength of the Israelite Kingdom for it was practically a defiance to Assyria Conder, however, identifies this Place with Khurbet Tafsah, some 6 miles west of Shechem

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Tires - “To tire” the head is to adorn it (2 Kings 9:30). As a noun the Word is derived from “tiara,” and is the rendering of the Hebrews p’er, a “turban” or an ornament for the head (Ezekiel 24:17; R.V., “headtire;” 24:23). In Isaiah 3:18 the Word saharonim is rendered “round Tires like the moon,” and in Judges 8:21, 26 “ornaments,” but in both cases “crescents” in the Revised Version

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rhakah - the last King of Egypt of the Ethiopian (the fifteenth) dynasty. He was the brother-in-law of So (q.v.). He probably ascended the Throne about B.C. 692, having been previously King of Ethiopia (2 Kings 19:9; Isaiah 37:9), which with Egypt now formed one nation. ... He was a great warrior, and but little is known of him. The Assyrian armies under Esarhaddon and again under Assur-bani-pal, invaded Egypt and defeated Tirhakah, who afterwards retired into Ethiopia where he died, after reigning twenty- six years.

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Rshatha - a Word probably of Persian origin, meaning “severity,” denoting a High civil dignity. The Persian Governor of Judea is so called (Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65, 70). Nehemiah is called by this name in Nehemiah 8:9; 10:1, and the “governor” (pehah) in 5:18. Probably, therefore, tirshatha=pehah=the modern pasha.

Tl

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Rza - pleasantness. (1.) An Old royal City of the Canaanites which was destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 12:24). Jeroboam chose it for his residence, and he removed to it from Shechem which at first he made the capital of his Kingdom It remained the Chief residence of the kings of Israel till Omri took Samaria (1 Kings 14:17; 15:21; 16:6, 8, etc.). ... Here Zimri perished amid the flames of the Palace to which in his despair he had set Fire (1 Kings 16:18), and here Menahem smote Shallum (2 Kings 15:14, 16). Solomon refers to its beauty (Cant. 6:4). It has been identified with the modern mud hamlet Teiasir, 1 1 miles North of Shechem Others, however, would identify it with Telluza, a village about 6 miles East of Samaria

(2.) The youngest of Zelophehad’s five daughters (Numbers 26:33; Joshua 17:3).

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Tishbite - Elijah the Prophet was thus named (1 Kings 17:1; 21:17, 28, etc.). In 1 Kings 17:1 the Word rendered “inhabitants” is in the original the same as that rendered “Tishbite,” hence that verse may be read as in the LXX., “Elijah the Tishbite of Tishbi in Gilead.” Some interpret this Word as meaning “stranger,” and read the verse, “Elijah the Stranger from among the strangers in Gilead.” This designation is probably given to the Prophet as denoting that his birthplace was Tishbi, a Place in Upper Galilee (mentioned in the apocryphal book of Tobit), from which for some reason he migrated into Gilead. ... Josephus, the Jewish historian (Ant. 8:13, 2), however, supposes that Tishbi was some Place in the land of Gilead. It has been identified by some with el-Ishtib, a some Place 22 miles due South of the Sea of Galilee, among the mountains of Gilead.

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Tithe - a Tenth of the produce of the earth consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The Dedication of a Tenth to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord and said, “Of all that thou shalt give me I Will surely give the Tenth unto thee.”

The first Mosaic Law on this subject is recorded in Leviticus 27:30-32. ... Subsequent legislation regulated the destination of the tithes (Numbers 18:21-24, 26-28; Deuteronomy 12:5, 6, 11, 17; 14:22, 23). The paying of the tithes was an important part of the Jewish religious Worship In the days of Hezekiah one of the first results of the reformation of religion was the eagerness with which the people brought in their tithes (2 Chronicles 31:5, 6). The neglect of this duty was sternly rebuked by the prophets (Amos 4:4; Malachi 3:8-10). It cannot be affirmed that the Old Testament Law of tithes is binding on the Christian Church, nevertheless the principle of this Law remains, and is incorporated in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13, 14); and if, as is the case, the motive that ought to prompt to liberality in the cause of religion and of the service of God be greater now than in Old Testament times, then Christians outght to go Beyond the Ancient Hebrew in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God

Every Jew was required by the Levitical Law to pay three tithes of his property (1) one Tithe for the Levites; (2) one for the use of the Temple and the great Feasts and (3) one for the poor of the land.

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Tus - , Epistle TO was probably written about the same time as the first epistle to Timothy with which it has many affinities. “Both letters were addressed to persons Left by the writer to preside in their respective churches during his absence. Both letters are principally occupied in describing the qualifications to be sought for in those whom they should appoint to offices in the Church and the ingredients of this description are in both letters nearly the same. Timothy and Titus are likewise cautioned against the same prevailing corruptions, and in particular against the same misdirection of their cares and studies. ... This affinity obtains not only in the subject of the letters, which from the similarity of situation in the persons to whom they were addressed might be expected to be somewhat alike, but extends in a great variety of instances to the phrases and expressions. The writer accosts his two friends with the same Salutation and passes on to the business of his Letter by the same transition (comp. 1 Timothy 1:2, 3 with Titus 1:4, 5; 1 Timothy 1:4 with Titus 1:13, 14; 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12 with Titus 2:7, 15).”, Paley’s Horae Paulinae.

The Date of its composition may be concluded from the circumstance that it was written after Paul’s visit to Crete (Titus 1:5). That visit could not be the one referred to in Acts 27:7, when Paul was on his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, and where he continued a prisoner for two years. We may warrantably suppose that after his release Paul sailed from Rome into Asia and took Crete by the way, and that there he Left Titus “to set in order the things that were wanting.” Thence he went to Ephesus where he left Timothy and from Ephesus to Macedonia, where he wrote First Timothy and thence to Nicopolis in Epirus, from which Place he wrote to Titus, about A.D. 66 or 67.

In the subscription to the epistle it is said to have been written from “Nicopolis of Macedonia,” but no such Place is known. The Subscriptions to the Epistles are of no authority, as they are not authentic.

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Tobiah - pleasing to Jehovah the “servant,” the “Ammonite,” who joined with those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Exile (Nehemiah 2:10). He was a Man of great influence, which he exerted in opposition to the Jews, and “sent letters” to Nehemiah “to Put him in fear” (Nehemiah 6:17-19). “Eliashib the priest” prepared for him during Nehemiah’ s absence “a Chamber in the courts of the House of God ” which on his return grieved Nehemiah sore, and therefore he “cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber” (13:7, 8). ...

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Togarmah - (1.) A Son of Gomer and grandson of Japheth (Genesis 10:3).

(2.) A nation which traded in horses and mules at the Fairs of Tyre (Ezekiel 27:14; 38:6); probably an Armenian or a Scythian race; descendants of (1).

Tohu

Eastons Bible Dictionary

To - I a King of Hamath who sent “Joram his Son unto King David to salute him,” when he “heard that David had smitten all the Host of Hadadezer” (2 Samuel 8:9, 10). Called Tou (1 Chronicles 18:9, 10).

Tola

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tolad - productive, a town of Simeon in the South of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:29).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tolaites - descendants of Tola (Numbers 26:23; 1 Chronicles 7:1, 2).

Toll

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tongues - , Gift OF granted on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), in fulfilment of a promise Christ had made to his disciples (Mark 16:17). What this Gift actually was has been a subject of much discussion. Some have argued that it was merely an outward sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit among the disciples, typifying his manifold Gifts and showing that Salvation was to be extended to all nations. ... But the words of Luke (Acts 2:9) clearly show that the various peoples in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost did really hear themselves addressed in their own special language with which they were naturally acquainted (comp. Joel 2:28, 29).

Among the Gifts of the Spirit the Apostle enumerates in 1 Corinthians 12:10-14:30, “divers ki nds of tongues” and the “interpretation of Tongues ”

This “gift” was a different manifestation of the Spirit from that on Pentecost although it resembled it in many particulars. Tongues were to be “a sign to them that believe not.”

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Topaz - Hebrews pitdah (Ezekiel 28:13; Revelation 21:20), a Golden yellow or “green” Stone brought from Cush or Ethiopia (Job 28:19). It was the second Stone in the first row in the Breastplate of the high Priest and had the name of Simeon inscribed on it (Exodus 28:17). It is probably the chrysolite of the moderns.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tophel - lime, a Place in the Wilderness of Sinai (Deuteronomy 1:1), now identified with Tafyleh or Tufileh, on the west side of the Edomitish mountains.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tophet - =Topheth, from Hebrews toph “a drum,” because the cries of children here sacrificed by the priests of Moloch were drowned by the noise of such an instrument; or from taph or toph, meaning “to burn,” and hence a Place of burning, the name of a particular part in the Valley of Hinnom. “Fire being the most destructive of all elements, is Chosen by the sacred writers to symbolize the agency by which God punishes or destroys the wicked. ... We are not to assume from prophetical figures that material Fire is the precise agent to be used. It was not the agency employed in the Destruction of Sennacherib mentioned in Isaiah 30:33. ..Tophet properly begins where the Vale of Hinnom bends round to the East having the cliffs of Zion on the North and the Hill of Evil Counsel on the South It terminates at Beer ‘Ayub, where it joins the Valley of Jehoshaphat The cliffs on the southern side especially abound in Ancient tombs. Here the Dead carcasses of beasts and every offal and Abomination were cast, and Left to be either devoured by that Worm that never died or consumed by that Fire that was never quenched.” Thus Tophet came to represent the Place of Punishment (See HINNOM.)

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Torment - Gr. basanos (Matthew 4:24), the “touch-stone” of Justice hence inquisition by torture, and then any disease which racks and tortures the limbs.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tortoise - (Hebrews tsabh). Ranked among the unclean a ni mals (Leviticus 11:29). Land tortoises are common in Syria The LXX. renders the Word by “land crocodile.” The Word however, more probably denotes a Lizard called by the modern Arabs dhabb.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tow - (Judges 16:9). See Flax

Tower

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Towers - of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Edar (Genesis 35:21), Penuel (Judges 8:9, 17), Shechem (9:46), David (Cant. 4:4), Lebanon (7:4), Syene (Ezekiel 29:10), Hananeel (Zechariah 14:10), Siloam (Luke 13:4). ... There were several Towers in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 26:9; Psalm 48:12). They were erected for various purposes, as watch-towers in vineyard (Isaiah 5:2; Matthew 21:33) and Towers for defence.

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Trachonitis - a rugged region, corresponds to the Hebrews Argob (q.v.), the Greek name of a region on the East of Jordan (Luke 3: 1); one of the five Roman provinces into which that district was divided. It was in the tetrarchy of Philip and is now called the Lejah.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tradition - any kind of teaching, written or spoken, Handed down from Generation to Generation In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Colossians 2:8, this Word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Peter 1:18) uses this Word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the “strangers scattered” whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matthew 15:2-6; Galatians 1:14). ...

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Trance - (Gr. ekstasis, from which the Word “ecstasy” is derived) denotes the state of one who is “out of himself.” Such were the trances of Peter and Paul Acts 10:10; 11:5; 22:17, ecstasies, “a preternatural, absorbed state of mind preparing for the reception of the vision”, (comp. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4). In Mark 5:42 and Luke 5:26 the Greek Word is rendered “astonishment,” “amazement” (comp. Mark 16:8; Acts 3:10).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Transfiguration - , THE of our Lord on a “high mountain apart,” is described by each of the three evangelists (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). The fullest account is given by Luke who, no doubt, was informed by Peter who was present on the occasion. What these evangelists record was an absolute historical reality, and not a mere Vision The concurrence between them in all the circumstances of the incident is exact. John seems to allude to it also (John 1:14). ... Forty years after the event Peter distinctly makes mention of it (2 Peter 1:16-18). In describing the Sanctification of believers, Paul also seems to allude to this majestic and glorious appearance of our Lord on the “holy mount” (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Place of the Transfiguration was probably Mount Hermon (q.v.), and not Mount Tabor, as is commonly supposed.

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Treasure - HOUSES the houses or magazines built for the safe keeping of Treasure and valuable articles of any kind (Ezra 5:17; 7:20; Nehemiah 10:38; Daniel 1:2).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Treasury - (Matthew 27:6; Mark 12:41; John 8:20). It does not appear that there was a separate Building so called. The name was given to the thirteen brazen chests, called “trumpets,” from the form of the opening into which the offerings of the Temple worshippers were Put These stood in the outer “court of the women.” “Nine chests were for the appointed money-tribute and for the sacrifice-tribute, i.e., money-gifts instead of the sacrifices; four chests for freewill-offerings for Wood incense, Temple decoration, and burnt-offerings” (Lightfoot’s Hor Hebrews ).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Trespass - OFFERING (Hebrews ‘asham, “debt”), the Law concerning, given in Leviticus 5:14-6:7; also in Numbers 5:5-8. The idea of sin as a “debt” pervades this legislation. The asham, which was always a Ram was offered in cases where sins were more private. (See Offering )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tribe - a Collection of families descending from one ancestor. The “twelve tribes” of the Hebrews were the twelve collections of fa mi lies which sprang from the sons of Jacob In Matthew 24:30 the Word has a wider significance. The tribes of Israel are referred to as types of the spiritual family of God (Revelation 7). (See Israel KINGDOM OF; Judah KINGDOM OF.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tribulation - trouble or affiction of any kind (Deuteronomy 4:30; Matthew 13:21; 2 Corinthians 7:4). In Romans 2:9 “tribulation and anguish” are the penal sufferings that shall overtake the wicked. In Matthew 24:21, 29, the Word denotes the calamities that were to attend the Destruction of Jerusalem

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tribute - a tax imposed by a King on his subjects (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:6; Romans 13:6). In Matthew 17:24-27 the Word denotes the Temple rate (the “didrachma,” the “half-shekel,” as rendered by the R.V.) which was required to be paid for the support of the Temple by every Jew above twenty years of Age (Exodus 30:12; 2 Kings 12:4; 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9). ... It was not a civil but a religious tax.

In Matthew 22:17, Mark 12:14, Luke 20:22, the Word may be interpreted as denoting the capitation tax which the Romans imposed on the Jewish people. It may, however, be legitimately regarded as denoting any tax whatever imposed by a foreign power on the people of Israel The “tribute money” shown to our Lord (Matthew 22:19) was the denarius, bearing Caesar’s superscription. It was the tax paid by every lew to the Romans (See Penny )

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Trinity - a Word not found in Scripture but used to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons. This Word is derived from the Gr. trias, first used by Theophilus (A.D. 168-183), or from the Lat. trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 220), to express this doctrine. The propositions involved in the doctrine are these: 1. That God is one, and that there is but one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29, 32; John 10:30). ... 2. That the Father is a distinct divine Person (hypostasis, subsistentia, persona, suppositum intellectuale), distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit 3. That Jesus Christ was truly God and yet was a Person distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit 4. That the Holy Spirit is also a distinct divine Person.

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Troas - a City on the coast of Mysia, in the north-west of Asia Minor, named after Ancient Troy, which was at some little distance from it (about 4 miles) to the North Here Paul on his second missionary Journey saw the Vision of a “man of Macedonia,” who appeared to him, saying, “Come over, and help us” (Acts 16:8-11). ... He visited this Place also on other occasions, and on one of these visits he Left his Cloak and some books there (2 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Timothy 4:13). The ruins of Troas extend over many miles, the site being now mostly covered with a Forest of oak trees. The modern name of the ruins is Eski Stamboul i.e., Old Constantinople.

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Trogyllium - a town on the western coast of Asia Minor, where Paul “tarried” when on his way from Assos to Miletus on his third missionary Journey (Acts 20:15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Trophimus - a foster-child, an Ephesian who accompanied Paul during a part of his third missionary Journey (Acts 20:4; 21:29). He was with Paul in Jerusalem and the Jews, supposing that the Apostle had brought him with him into the Temple raised a tumult which resulted in Paul’s imprisonment. (See Temple HEROD’S.) In Writing to Timothy the Apostle says, “Trophimus have I Left at Miletum sick” (2 Timothy 4:20). ... This must refer to some event not noticed in the Acts

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Trumpets - , Feast OF was celebrated at the beginning of the Month Tisri, the first Month of the civil Year It received its name from the circumstances that the Trumpets usually blown at the commencement of each Month were on that occasion blown with unusual solemnity (Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 10:10; 29:1-6). ... It was one of the Seven days of holy Convocation The special design of this Feast which is described in these verses, is not known.

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Truth - Used in various senses in Scripture In Proverbs 12:17, 19, it denotes that which is opposed to falsehood. In Isaiah 59:14, 15, Jeremiah 7:28, it means fidelity or truthfulness. The doctrine of Christ is called “the Truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:5), “the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7; 4:4). Our Lord says of himself, “I am the way, and the truth” (John 14:6).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tryphena - AND TRYPHOSA two female Christians, active workers, whom Paul salutes in his epistle to the Romans (16:12).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tubal - (l.) The fifth Son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2).

(2.) A nation, probably descended from the Son of Japheth It is mentioned by Isaiah (66:19), along with Javan and by Ezekiel (27:13), along with Meshech among the traders with Tyre, also among the confederates of Gog (Ezekiel 38:2, 3; 39:1), and with Meshech among the nations which were to be destroyed (32:26). ... This nation was probably the Tiberini of the Greek historian Herodotus, a people of the Asiatic highland west of the Upper Euphrates the southern range of the Caucasus, on the East of the Black Sea

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Turtle - , Turtle-dove Its Peculiar peaceful and gentle habit its often referred to in Scripture A pair was offered in Sacrifice by Mary at her Purification (Luke 2:24). The Pigeon and the turtle-dove were the only birds permitted to be offered in Sacrifice (Leviticus 1:14; 5:7; 14:22; 15:14, 29, etc.). ... The Latin name of this Bird turtur, is derived from its note, and is a repetition of the Hebrew name tor. Three species are found in Palestine (1) the turtle-dove (Turtur auritus), (2) the collared Turtle (T. risorius), and (3) the Palm turtle (T. Senegalensis). But it is to the first of these species which the various passages of Scripture refer. It is a migratory Bird (Jeremiah 8:7; Cant. 2:11, 12). “Search the glades and valleys, even by sultry Jordan at the End of March, and not a turtle-dove is to be seen. Return in the second Week of April, and clouds of doves are feeding on the clovers of the Plain They overspread the whole Face of the land.” “Immediately on its arrival it pours forth from every garden, Grove and wooded Hill its melancholy yet soothing ditty unceasingly from early dawn till sunset. It is from its plaintive and continuous note, doubtless, that David pouring forth his heart’s sorrow to God compares himself to a turtle-dove” (Psalm 74:19).

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Tychicus - chance, an Asiatic Christian a “faithful Minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21, 22), who, with Trophimus accompanied Paul on a part of his Journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). He is alluded to also in Colossians 4:7, Titus 3:12, and 2 Timothy 4:12 as having been with Paul at Rome whence he sent him to Ephesus probably for the purpose of Building up and encouraging the Church there. ...

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Tyrannus - prince, a Greek rhetorician, in whose “school” at Ephesus Paul disputed Daily for the space of two years with those who came to him (Acts 19:9). Some have supposed that he was a Jew and that his “school” was a private Synagogue

Tyre

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Tyropoeon - VALLEY (i.e., “Valley of the Cheesemongers”), the name given by Josephus the historian to the Valley or rugged ravine which in Ancient times separated Mount Moriah from Mount Zion. This Valley now filled up with a vast accumulation of rubbish, and almost a Plain was spanned by bridges, the most noted of which was Zion Bridge, which was probably the ordinary means of communication between the royal Palace on Zion and the Temple A fragment of the Arch (q.v.) of this bridge (called “Robinson’s Arch”), where it projects from the sanctuary Wall was discovered by Robinson in 1839. ... This Arch was destroyed by the Romans when Jerusalem was taken.

The western Wall of the Temple area Rose up from the bottom of this Valley to the height of 84 feet, where it was on a level with the area, and above this, and as a continuance of it, the Wall of Solomon’s cloister Rose to the height of about 50 feet, “so that this section of the Wall would originally present to view a stupendous mass of masonry scarcely to be surpassed by any mural masonry in the world.”

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Ucal - the name of a person to whom Agur’s words are addressed (Proverbs 30:1).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ulai - the Eulaus of the Greeks; a River of Susiana. It was probably the eastern Branch of the Choasper (Kerkhan), which divided into two branches some 20 miles above the City of Susa. Hence Daniel (8:2,16) speaks of standing “between the banks of Ulai”, i.e., between the two streams of the divided River

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ummah - vicinity, a town of Asher (Joshua 19:30).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Unction - (1 John 2:20,27; R.V., “anointing”). Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed, in token of receiving divine Grace All believers are, in a secondary sense, what Christ was in a primary sense, “the Lord’s anointed.”

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Unicorn - described as an Animal of great ferocity and strength (Numbers 23:22, R.V., “wild ox,” marg., “ox- antelope;” 24:8; Isaiah 34:7, R.V., “wild oxen”), and untamable (Job 39:9). It was in reality a two-horned Animal but the exact reference of the Word so rendered (reem) is doubtful. Some have supposed it to be the buffalo; others, the white antelope, called by the Arabs rim. Most probably, however, the Word denotes the Bos primigenius (“primitive ox”), which is now extinct all over the world. ... This was the auerochs of the Germans, and the urus described by Caesar (Galatians Bel vi.28) as inhabiting the Hercynian Forest The Word thus rendered has been found in an Assyrian inscription written over the wild ox or bison, which some also suppose to be the Animal intended (comp. Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalm 22:21; 29:6; 92:10).

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Unni - afficted. (1.) A Levite whom David appointed to take part in bringing the Ark up to Jerusalem from the House of Obed-edom by playing the Psaltery on that occasion (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).

(2.) A Levite who returned with Zerubbabel from the Captivity (Nehemiah 12:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Upharsin - and they divide, one of the words written by the mysterious Hand on the Wall of Belshazzar’s Palace (Daniel 5:25). It is a pure Chaldean Word “Peres” is only a simple form of the same Word

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Uphaz - probably another name for Ophir (Jeremiah 10:9). Some, however, regard it as the name of an Indian Colony in Yemen, southern Arabia others as a Place on or near the River Hyphasis (now the Ghana), the south-eastern limit of the Punjaub.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ur - light, or the moon City a City “of the Chaldees ” the birthplace of Haran (Genesis 11:28,31), the largest City of Shinar or northern Chaldea and the principal commercial centre of the country as well as the centre of political power. ... It stood near the mouth of the Euphrates on its western bank, and is represented by the mounds (of bricks cemented by bitumen) of el-Mugheir, i.e., “the bitumined,” or “the town of Bitumen ” now 150 miles from the Sea and some 6 miles from the Euphrates a little above the point where it receives the Shat el-Hie, an affluent from the Tigris. It was formerly a maritime City as the waters of the Persian Gulf reached thus far inland. Ur was the port of Babylonia, whence trade was carried on with the dwellers on the gulf, and with the distant countries of India Ethiopia and Egypt It was abandoned about B.C. 500, but long continued, like Erech to be a great sacred cemetery City as is evident from the number of tombs found there. (See Abraham )

The oldest King of Ur known to us is Ur-Ba’u (servant of the goddess Ba’u), as Hommel reads the name, or Ur-Gur, as others read it. He lived some twenty-eight hundred years B.C., and took part in Building the famous Temple of the moon-God Sin in Ur itself. The illustration here given represents his cuneiform inscription, written in the Sumerian language, and stamped upon every brick of the Temple in Ur. It reads: “Ur-Ba’u, King of Ur, who built the Temple of the moon-God.”

“Ur was consecrated to the Worship of Sin, the Babylonian moon-God. It shared this honour, however, with another City and this City was Haran or Harran. Harran was in Mesopotamia, and took its name from the highroad which led through it from the East to the west. The name is Babylonian, and bears Witness to its having been founded by a Babylonian King The same Witness is still more decisively borne by the Worship paid in it to the Babylonian moon-God and by its ancient Temple of Sin. Indeed, the Temple of the moon-God at Harran was perhaps even more famous in the Assyrian and Babylonian world than the Temple of the moon-God at Ur.

“Between Ur and Harran there must, consequently, have been a close connection in early times, the record of which has not yet been recovered. It may be that Harran owed its foundation to a King of Ur; at any rate the two cities were bound together by the Worship of the same deity, the closest and most enduring Bond of union that existed in the Ancient world. That Terah should have migrated from Ur to Harran, therefore, ceases to be extraordinary. If he Left Ur at all, it was the most natural Place to which to go. It was like passing from one Court of a Temple into another.

“Such a remarkable coincidence between the Biblical narrative and the evidence of archaeological research cannot be the result of Chance The narrative must be historical; no writer of late Date even if he were a Babylonian, could have invented a story so exactly in accordance with what we now know to have been the Truth For a story of the kind to have been the invention of Palestinian Tradition is equally impossible. To the unprejudiced mind there is no escape from the conclusion that the history of the migration of Terah from Ur to Harran is founded on fact” (Sayce).

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Uriah - the Lord is my Light (1.) A Hittite, the Husband of Bathsheba, whom David first seduced, and then after Uriah’s Death married. He was one of the band of David’s “mighty men.” The sad story of the curel wrongs inflicted upon him by David and of his mournful Death are simply told in the sacred record (2 Samuel 11:2-12:26). ... (See BATHSHEBA; David )

(2.) A Priest of the House of Ahaz (Isaiah 8:2).

(3.) The Father of Meremoth mentioned in Ezra 8:33.

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Uriel - God is my Light (1.) A Levite of the family of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:24).

(2.) The Chief of the Kohathites at the time when the Ark was brought up to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:5, 11). ...

(3.) The Father of Michaiah, one of Rehoboam’s wives, and mother of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:2).

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Urijah - the Lord is my Light (1.) A high Priest in the time of Ahaz (2 Kings 16:10-16), at whose bidding he constructed an idolatrous Altar like one the King had seen at Damascus to be set up instead of the brazen Altar

(2.) One of the priests who stood at the right Hand of Ezra’s Pulpit when he read and expounded the Law (Nehemiah 8:4). ...

(3.) A Prophet of Kirjath-jearim in the reign of Jehoiakim, King of Judah (Jeremiah 26:20-23). He fled into Egypt from the cruelty of the King but having been brought back he was beheaded and his body “cast into the graves of the common people.”

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Urim - lights (Vulg.”doctrina;” LXX. “revelation”). See Thummim

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Usury - the sum paid for the use of Money hence interest; not, as in the modern sense, exorbitant interest. The Jews were forbidden to exact Usury (Leviticus 25:36, 37), only, however, in their dealings with each other (Deuteronomy 23:19, 20). The violation of this Law was viewed as a great crime (Psalm 15:5; Proverbs 28:8; Jeremiah 15:10). After the Return, and later, this Law was much neglected (Nehemiah 5:7, 10).

Uz

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Uzal - a wanderer, a descendant of Joktan (Genesis 10:27; 1 Chronicles 1:21), the founder apparently of one of the Arab tribes; the name also probably of the province they occupied and of their chief City

Uz

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Uzza - strengh, a garden in which Manasseh and Amon were buried (2 Kings 21:18, 26). It was probably near the king’s Palace in Jerusalem or may have formed part of the Palace grounds. Manasseh may probably have acquired it from some one of this name.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Sherah - a town probably near Beth-horon. It derived its name from the Daughter of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:24).

Uzzithe

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Uzziah - a contracted form of Azari’ah the Lord is my strength. (1.) One of Amaziah’s sons, whom the people made King of Judah in his father’s stead (2 Kings 14:21; 2 Chronicles 26:1). His long reign of about fifty-two years was “the most prosperous excepting that of Jehosaphat since the time of Solomon ” He was a vigorous and able ruler, and “his name spread abroad, even to the entering in of Egypt” (2 Chronicles 26:8, 14). ... In the earlier part of his reign, under the influence of Zechariah he was Faithful to Jehovah and “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 15:3; 2 Chronicles 26:4, 5); but toward the close of his long Life “his heart was lifted up to his Destruction ” and he wantonly invaded the priest’s office (2 Chronicles 26:16), and entering the Sanctuary proceeded to offer Incense on the golden Altar Azariah the high Priest saw the tendency of such a daring act on the part of the King and with a band of eighty priests he withstood him (2 Chronicles 26:17), saying, “It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah to burn Incense ” Uzziah was suddenly struck with Leprosy while in the act of offering Incense (26: 19-21), and he was driven from the Temple and compelled to reside in “a several house” to the Day of his Death (2 Kings 15:5, 27; 2 Chronicles 26:3). He was buried in a separate Grave “in the field of the Burial which belonged to the kings” (2 Kings 15:7; 2 Chronicles 26:23). “That lonely Grave in the royal necropolis would eloquently testify to Coming generations that all earthly monarchy must Bow before the inviolable order of the divine Will and that no interference could be tolerated with that unfolding of the purposes of God which, in the Fulness of time, would reveal the Christ the true High Priest and King for evermore” (Dr. Green’s Kingdom of Israel etc.).

(2.) The Father of Jehonathan one of David’s overseers (1 Chronicles 27:25).

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Uzziel - strength of God (1.) One of the sons of Kohath and uncle of Aaron (Exodus 6:18; Leviticus 10:4).

(2.) A Simeonite Captain (1 Chronicles 4:39-43).

(3.) A Son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:7). ...

(4.) One of the sons of Heman (1 Chronicles 25:4); called also Azareel (18).

(5.) A Son of Jeduthan (2 Chronicles 29:14).

(6.) The Son of Harhaiah (Nehemiah 3:8).

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Vagabond - from Lat. vagabundus, “a wanderer,” “a Fugitive ” not used opprobriously (Genesis 4:12, R.V., “wanderer;” Psalm 109:10; Acts 19:13, R.V., “strolling”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Vajezatha - purity; worthy of honour, one of Haman’s sons, whom the Jews slew in the Palace of Shushan (Esther 9:9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Valley - (1.) Hebrews bik’ah, a “cleft” of the mountains (Deuteronomy 8:7; 11:11; Psalm 104:8; Isaiah 41:18); also a low Plain bounded by mountains, as the Plain of Lebanon at the foot of Hermon around the sources of the Jordan (Joshua 11:17; 12:7), and the Valley of Megiddo (2 Chronicles 35:22). ...

(2.) ‘Emek, “deep;” “a long, low plain” (Job 39:10, 21; Psalm 65:13; Cant. 2:1), such as the Plain of Esdraelon the “valley of giants” (Joshua 15:8), usually translated “valley of Rephaim” (2 Samuel 5:18); of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2), of Berachah (2 Chronicles 20:26); the king’s “dale” (Genesis 14:17); of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2, 12), of Achor (Joshua 7:24; Isaiah 65:10), Succoth (Psalm 60:6), Ajalon (Joshua 10:12), Jezreel (Hos. 1:5).

(3.) Ge, “a bursting,” a “flowing together,” a narrow glen or ravine, such as the Valley of the children of Hinnom (2 Kings 23:10); of Eshcol (Deuteronomy 1:24); of Sorek (Judges 16:4), etc.

The “valley of vision” (Isaiah 22:1) is usually regarded as denoting Jerusalem which “may be so called,” says Barnes (Com. on Isaiah ), “either (1) because there were several valleys within the City and adjacent to it, as the vale between Mount Zion and Moriah the vale between Mount Moriah and Mount Ophel, between these and Mount Bezetha, and the Valley of Jehoshaphat the Valley of the brook Kidron, etc., without the walls of the City or (2) more probably it was called the Valley in reference to its being compassed with hills rising to a considerable elevation above the city” (Psalm 125:2; comp, also Jeremiah 21:13, where Jerusalem is called a “valley”).

(4.) Hebrews nahal, a wady or water-course (Genesis 26:19; Cant. 6:11).

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Vashti - beautiful, the Queen of Ahasuerus who was deposed from her royal dignity because she refused to obey the King when he desired her to appear in the banqueting Hall of Shushan the Palace (Esther 1:10-12). (See Esther )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Vaticanus - , CODEX is said to be the oldest extant vellum manuscript. It and the Codex Sinaiticus are the two oldest uncial manuscripts. They were probably written in the fourth century. The Vaticanus was placed in the Vatican Library at Rome by Pope Nicolas V. in 1448, its previous history being unknown. It originally consisted in all probability of a complete copy of the Septuagint and of the New Testament It is now imperfect, and consists of 759 thin, delicate leaves, of which the New Testament fills 142. ... Like the Sinaiticus, it is of the greatest value to Biblical scholars in aiding in the formation of a correct text of the New Testament It is referred to by critics as Codex B.

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Veil - , VAIL (1.) Hebrews mitpahath (Ruth 3:15; marg., “sheet” or “apron;” R.V., “mantle”). In Isaiah 3:22 this Word is plural, rendered “wimples;” R.V., “shawls” i.e., wraps.

(2.) Massekah (Isaiah 25:7; in Isaiah 28:20 rendered “covering”). The Word denotes something spread out and Covering or concealing something else (comp. ... 2 Corinthians 3:13-15).

(3.) Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the Veil on the Face of Moses This verse should be read, “And when Moses had done speaking with them, he Put a Veil on his Face ” as in the Revised Version When Moses spoke to them he was without the Veil only when he ceased speaking he Put on the Veil (comp. 2 Corinthians 3:13, etc.).

(4.) Paroheth (Exodus 26:31-35), the Veil of the Tabernacle and the Temple which hung between the holy Place and the most Holy (2 Chronicles 3:14). In the Temple a partition Wall separated these two places. In it were two folding -doors, which are supposed to have been always Open the entrance being concealed by the Veil which the high Priest lifted when he entered into the Sanctuary on the Day of Atonement This Veil was rent when Christ died on the Cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45).

(5.) Tza’iph (Genesis 24:65). Rebekah “took a vail and covered herself.” (See also 38:14, 19.) Hebrew women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14; 24:16; 29:10; 1 Samuel 1:12).

(6.) Radhidh (Cant. 5:7, R.V. “mantle;” Isaiah 3:23). The Word probably denotes some kind of Cloak or wrapper.

(7.) Masak, the Veil which hung before the entrance to the holy Place (Exodus 26:36, 37).

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Version - a translation of the Holy Scriptures. This Word is not found in the Bible nevertheless, as frequent references are made in this work to various Ancient as well as modern versions, it is fitting that some brief account should be given of the most important of these. These versions are important Helps to the right interpretation of the Word (See SAMARITAN Pentateuch )

1. ... The Targums. After the return from the Captivity the Jews, no longer familiar with the Old Hebrew, required that their Scriptures should be translated for them into the Chaldaic or Aramaic language and interpreted. These translations and paraphrases were at first Oral but they were afterwards reduced to Writing and thus targums, i.e., “versions” or “translations”, have come down to us. The Chief of these are, (1.) The Onkelos Targum, i.e., the targum of Akelas=Aquila, a targum so called to give it greater popularity by comparing it with the Greek translation of Aquila mentioned below. This targum originated about the second century after Christ (2.) The targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel comes next to that of Onkelos in respect of Age and value. It is more a paraphrase on the Prophets, however, than a translation. Both of these targums issued from the Jewish school which then flourished at Babylon

2. The Greek Versions. (1.) The oldest of these is the Septuagint usually quoted as the LXX. The origin of this the most important of all the versions is involved in much obscurity. It derives its name from the popular notion that seventy-two translators were employed on it by the direction of Ptolemy Philadelphus, King of Egypt and that it was accomplished in seventy-two days, for the use of the Jews residing in that country. There is no historical warrant for this notion. It is, however, an established fact that this Version was made at Alexandria that it was begun about 280 B.C., and finished about 200 or 150 B.C.; that it was the work of a number of translators who differed greatly both in their knowledge of Hebrew and of Greek; and that from the earliest times it has borne the name of “The Septuagint”, i.e., The Seventy

The Page Below Contains Specimens Of Various Versions C^NApX*KHNOxqrOCKATOXoroCH Jr TF fOCTO N aH'U Al OC H NO \ O ro C »

Codex Alexandrinus: Fifth Century. — John 1:1.

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Codex Claromontanus: Sixth Century; Greek Text. — 1 Cor. 13:8. f] dyocTtri ouSe rtoxe eKTUTtrei THtlCKKAHCfAH

r royicy

Codex Laudianus: Sixth Century; Greek Text. — Acts 20:28. xr|v £KK?iriaiav too K[opio]r)

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Codex Purpureus: Sixth Century, — John 15:20.

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Codex Amiatinus, A.D. 541: the oldest known MS. of the Vulgate, — Acts 7:6. Loctus est autem d[eu]s Codex COLBERTINUS: Eleventh Century; the “Queen of the Cursives”, — Luke 1:8, 9 ei Try; £T)G£P£(?)icc(; |rocrrnpiov- 6 0[eo]<; ecpavepcoOri ev oap kv

cncpSri ayyk'koiq ifoZfiLQitytif* a/$* «

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Codex Leicestresis : Fourteenth Century. — 1 Timothy 3:16 Trig £T)a£Pe(?)icc(; irocrrnpiov 6 0[e6]i; ecpavepcoOri ev aap kv e8iKau60ri eSiKaicoOri ev TtveojaaTV cocpOri ayye^ov;

of a number of translators who differed greatly both in their knowledge of Hebrew and of Greek; and that from the earliest times it has borne the name of “The Septuagint”, i.e., The Seventy

“This Version with all its defects, must be of the greatest interest, (a) as preserving evidence for the text far more Ancient than the oldest Hebrew manuscripts; (b) as the means by which the Greek Language was wedded to Hebrew thought; (c) as the source of the great majority of Quotations from the Old Testament by writers of the New Testament

(2.) The New Testament manuscripts Fall into two divisions, Uncials, written in Greek capitals, with no distinction at all between the different words, and very little even between the different Lines and Cursives, in small Greek letters, and with divisions of words and Lines The change between the two kinds of Greek Writing took Place about the Tenth century. Only five manuscripts of the New Testament approaching to completeness are more Ancient than this dividing Date The first, numbered A, is the Alexandrian manuscript. Though brought to this country by Cyril Lucar, Patriarch of Constantinople, as a present to Charles I., it is believed that it was written, not in that capital, but in Alexandria whence its title. It is now dated in the fifth century A.D. The second, known as B, is the Vatican manuscript. (See Vaticanus ) The Third, C, or the Ephraem manuscript, was so called because it was written over the writings of Ephraem, a Syrian theological author, a practice very common in the days when Writing materials were scarce and dear. It is believed that it belongs to the fifth century, and perhaps a slightly earlier period of it than the manuscript A. The fourth, D, or the manuscript of Beza, was so called because it belonged to the reformer Beza, who found it in the monastery of St. Irenaeus at Lyons in 1562 A.D. It is imperfect, and is dated in the sixth century. The fifth (called Aleph) is the Sinaitic manuscript. (See SINAITICUS.)

3. The Syriac Versions. (See Syriac )

4. The Latin Versions. A Latin version of the Scriptures, called the “Old Latin ” which originated in North Africa, was in common use in the time of Tertullian (A.D. 150). Of this there appear to have been various copies or recensions made. That made in Italy and called the Itala, was reckoned the most accurate. This translation of the Old Testament seems to have been made not from the original Hebrew but from the LXX.

This Version became greatly corrupted by repeated transcription, and to remedy the evil Jerome (A.D. 329-420) was requested by Damasus, the bishop of Rome to undertake a complete revision of it. It met with opposition at first, but was at length, in the seventh century, recognized as the “Vulgate” Version It appeared in a printed from about A.D. 1455, the first book that ever issued from the Press The Council of Trent (1546) declared it “authentic.” It subsequently underwent various revisions, but that which was executed (1592) under the sanction of Pope Clement VIII. was adopted as the basis of all subsequent editions. It is regarded as the sacred original in the Roman Catholic Church. All modern European versions have been more or less influenced by the Vulgate. This Version reads ipsa instead of ipse in Genesis 3:15, “She shall bruise thy head.”

5. There are several other Ancient versions which are of importance for Biblical critics, but which we need not mention particularly, such as the Ethiopic, in the fourth century, from the LXX.; two Egyptian versions, about the fourth century, the Memphitic, circulated in Lower Egypt and the Thebaic, designed for Upper Egypt both from the Greek; the Gothic, written in the German language, but with the Greek alphabet, by Ulphilas (died A.D. 388), of which only fragments of the Old Testament remain; the Armenian, about A.D. 400; and the Slavonic, in the ninth century, for Ancient Moravia. Other Ancient versions, as the Arabic, the Persian, and the Anglo-Saxon, may be mentioned.

6. The history of the English versions begins properly with Wyckliffe. Portions, however, of the Scriptures were rendered into Saxon (as the Gospel according to John by Bede, A.D. 735), and also into English (by Orme, called the “Ormulum,” a portion of the Gospels and of the Acts in the form of a metrical paraphrase, toward the close of the seventh century), long before Wyckliffe; but it is to him that the honour belongs of having first rendered the whole Bible into English (A.D. 1380). This Version was made from the Vulgate, and renders Genesis 3:15 after that Version “She shall trede thy head.”

This was followed by Tyndale’s translation (1525-1531); Miles Coverdale’s (1535-1553); Thomas Matthew’s (1537), really, however, the work of John Rogers, the first Martyr under the reign of Queen Mary. This was properly the first Authorized Version Henry VIII. having ordered a copy of it to be got for every Church This took Place in less than a Year after Tyndale was martyred for the crime of translating the Scriptures. In 1539 Richard Taverner published a revised edition of Matthew’s Bible The Great Bible so called from its great size, called also Cranmer’s Bible was published in 1539 and 1568. In the strict sense, the “Great Bible” is “the only authorized Version for the Bishops’ Bible and the present Bible [the A.V.] never had the formal sanction of royal authority.” Next in order was the Geneva Version (1557-1560); the Bishops’ Bible (1568); the Rheims and Douai versions, under Roman Catholic auspices (1582, 1609); the Authorized Version (1611); and the Revised Version of the New Testament in 1880 and of the Old Testament in 1884.

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Villages - (Judges 5:7, 11). The Hebrew Word thus rendered (perazon) means habitations in the Open country, unwalled Villages (Deuteronomy 3:5; 1 Samuel 6:18). Others, however, following the LXX. and the Vulgate versions, render the Word “rulers.”

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Vine - OF Sodom referred to only in Deuteronomy 32:32. Among the many conjectures as to this Tree the most probable is that it is the ‘osher of the Arabs, which abounds in the region of the Dead Sea Its Fruit are the so-called “apples of Sodom ” which, though Beautiful to the Eye are exceedingly Bitter to the taste. ... (See EN-GEDI.) The people of Israel are referred to here by Moses as being utterly corrupt, bringing forth only bitter Fruit

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Vinegar - Hebrews hometz, Gr. oxos, Fr. vin aigre; i.e., “sour wine.” The Hebrew Word is rendered Vinegar in Psalm 69:21, a Prophecy fulfilled in the history of the Crucifixion (Matthew 27:34). This was the common sour wine (posea) Daily made use of by the Roman soldiers. They gave it to Christ not in derision, but from compassion, to assuage his thirst. Proverbs 10:26 shows that there was also a stronger Vinegar which was not fit for drinking. ... The comparison, “vinegar upon Nitre ” probably means “vinegar upon soda” (as in the marg. of the R.V.), which then effervesces.

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Viol - Hebrews nebel (Isaiah 5:12, R.V., “lute;” 14:11), a musical instrument, usually rendered “psaltery” (q.v.)

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Viper - In Job 20:16, Isaiah 30:6; 59:5, the Hebrews Word eph’eh is thus rendered. The Hebrew Word however, probably denotes a species of poisonous serpents known by the Arabic name of ‘el Ephah Tristram has identified it with the sand Viper a species of small size common in sandy regions, and frequently found under Stones by the shores of the Dead Sea It is rapid in its movements, and highly poisonous. ... In the New Testament echidne is used (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33) for any poisonous snake. The Viper mentioned in Acts 28:3 was probably the vipera aspis, or the Mediterranean Viper (See Adder )

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Virgin - In a Prophecy concerning our Lord Isaiah (7:14) says, “A Virgin [R.V. marg., ‘the virgin’] shall conceive, and bear a son” (comp. Luke 1:31-35). The people of the land of Zidon are thus referred to by Isaiah (23:12), “O thou oppressed... > Virgin Daughter of Zidon;” and of the people of Israel Jeremiah (18:13) says, “The Virgin of Israel Hath done a very horrible thing.”

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Vision - (Luke 1:22), a vivid apparition, not a Dream (comp. Luke 24:23; Acts 26:19; 2 Corinthians 12:1).

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Vows - voluntary promises which, when once made, were to be kept if the thing vowed was right. They were made under a great variety of circumstances (Genesis 28: 18-22; Leviticus 7:16; Numbers 30:2-13;

Deuteronomy 23:18; Judges 11:30, 39; 1 Samuel 1:11; Jonah 1:16; Acts 18:18; 21:23).

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Vulture - (1.) Hebrews da’ ah (Leviticus 11:14). In the parallel Passage (Deuteronomy 14:13) the Hebrew Word used is ra’ah, rendered “glede;” LXX., “gups;” Vulg., “milvus.” A species of ravenous Bird distinguished for its rapid flight. “When used without the epithet ‘red,’ the name is commonly confined to the black Kite The habits of the Bird bear out the allusion in Isaiah 34:15, for it is, excepting during the winter three months, so numerous everywhere in Palestine as to be almost gregarious.” (See EAGLE.)

(2.) In Job 28:7 the Hebrews ‘ayyah is thus rendered. ... The Word denotes a clamorous and a keen-sighted Bird of prey. In Leviticus 11:14 and Deuteronomy 14:13 it is rendered “kite” (q.v.).

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Wafers - thin cakes (Exodus 16:31; 29:2, 23; Leviticus 2:4; 7:12; 8:26; Numbers 6:15, 19) used in various offerings.

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Wages - Rate of (mention only in Matthew 20:2); to be punctually paid (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14, 15); judgements threatened against the withholding of (Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5; comp. James 5:4); paid in Money (Matthew 20:1-14); to Jacob in kind (Genesis 29:15, 20; 30:28; 31:7, 8,41).

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Wagon - Hebrews aghalah; so rendered in Genesis 45:19, 21, 27; 46:5; Numbers 7:3, 7,8, but elsewhere rendered “cart” (1 Samuel 6:7, etc.). This vehicle was used for peaceful purposes. In Ezekiel 23:24, however, it is the rendering of a different Hebrew Word and denotes a war-chariot.

WAILING-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Wall - Cities were surrounded by walls, as distinguished from “unwalled villages” (Ezekiel 38:11; Leviticus 25:29-34). They were made thick and strong (Numbers 13:28; Deuteronomy 3:5). Among the Jews walls were built of Stone some of those in the Temple being of great size (1 Kings 6:7;

7:9-12; 20:30; Mark 13:1, 2). The term is used metaphorically of security and safety (Isaiah 26:1; 60:18; Revelation 21:12-20). (See Fence )

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Wandering - of the Israelites in the Wilderness in consequence of their rebellious fears to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:26-35). They wandered for forty years before they were permitted to Cross the Jordan (Joshua 4:19; 5:6).

The record of these wanderings is given in Numbers 33:1-49. Many of the stations at which they camped cannot now be identified.

Questions of an intricate nature have been discussed regarding the “Wanderings,” but it is enough for us to take the sacred narrative as it stands, and Rest assured that “He led them forth by the right way” (Psalm 107:1-7, 33-35). (See Wilderness )

War

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Ward - a prison (Genesis 40:3, 4); a watch-station (Isaiah 21:8); a Guard (Nehemiah 13:30).

Wars

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Washing - (Mark 7:1-9). The Jews, like other Orientals, used their fingers when taking Food and therefore washed their hands before doing so, for the sake of cleanliness. Here the reference is to the ablutions prescribed by Tradition according to which “the disciples ought to have gone down to the side of the lake, washed their hands thoroughly, ‘rubbing the fist of one Hand in the hollow of the other, then placed the ten finger-tips together, holding the hands up, so that any surplus Water might flow down to the elbow, and thence to the Ground ’” To neglect to do this had come to be regarded as a great sin, a sin equal to the breach of any of the ten Commandments Moses had commanded washings oft, but always for some definite cause; but the Jews multiplied the legal observance till they formed a large body of precepts. ... To such precepts about ceremonial washing Mark here refers. (See Ablution )

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Watches - the periods into which the time between sunset and sunrise was divided. They are so called because watchmen relieved each other at each of these periods. There are frequent references in Scripture to the duties of watchmen who were appointed to give notice of the approach of an enemy (2 Samuel 18:24-27; 2 Kings 9:17-20; Isaiah 21:5-9). They were sometimes placed for this purpose on watch-towers (2 Kings 17:9; 18:8). Ministers or teachers are also spoken of under this title (Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 33:2-9; Hebrews 13:17). ...

The Watches of the night were originally three in number, (1) “the beginning of the watches” (Lamentations 2:19); (2) “the middle watch” (Judges 7:19); and (3) “the morning watch” (Exodus 14:24; 1 Samuel 11:11), which extended from two o’clock to sunrise. But in the New Testament we read of four Watches a division probably introduced by the Romans (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48; Luke 12:38). (See Day )

(2 Corinthians 6:5), lit. “sleeplessnesses,” the result of “manual labour, teaching, travelling, meditating, praying, cares, and the like” (Meyer’s Com.).

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Water - OF SEPARATION used along with the Ashes of a Red heifer for the ceremonial cleansing of persons defiled by contact with a Dead body (Numbers 19).

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Waterspouts - (Psalm 42:7; marg. R.V., “cataracts”). If we regard this psalm as descriptive of David’s feelings when banished from Jerusalem by the revolt of Absalom this Word may denote “waterfalls,” inasmuch as Mahanaim where he abode, was near the Jabbok and the region abounded with rapids and falls.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Wave - OFFERINGS parts of peace-offerings were so called, because they were waved by the priests (Exodus 29:24, 26, 27; Leviticus 7:20-34; 8:27; 9:21; 10:14, 15, etc.), in token of a Solemn special presentation to God They then became the property of the priests. The first-fruits, a sheaf of Barley offered at the Feast of Pentecost (Leviticus 23:17-20), and wheat-bread, the first-fruits of the second Harvest offered at the Passover (10-14), were wave-offerings.

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Wax - Made by melting the combs of bees. Mentioned (Psalm 22:14; 68:2; 97:5; Micah 1:4) in illustration.

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Wean - Among the Hebrews children (whom it was customary for the mothers to nurse, Exodus 2:7-9; 1 Samuel 1:23; Cant. 8:1) were not generally weaned till they were three or four years Old

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Weasel - (Hebrews holedh), enumerated among unclean a ni mals (Leviticus 11:29). Some think that this Hebrew Word rather denotes the mole (Spalax typhlus) common in Palestine There is no sufficient reason, however, to depart from the usual translation. The Weasel tribe are common also in Palestine

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Weaving - , WEAVERS Weaving was an art practised in very early times (Exodus 35:35). The Egyptians were specially skilled in it (Isaiah 19:9; Ezekiel 27:7), and some have regarded them as its inventors.

In the Wilderness the Hebrews practised it (Exodus 26:1, 8; 28:4, 39; Leviticus 13:47). It is referred to in subsequent times as specially the women’s work (2 Kings 23:7; Proverbs 31:13, 24). ... No mention of the loom is found in Scripture but we read of the “shuttle” (Job 7:6), “the pin” of the Beam (Judges 16:14), “the web” (13, 14), and “the beam” (1 Samuel 17:7; 2 Samuel 21:19). The rendering, “with pining sickness,” in Isaiah 38:12 (A.V.) should be, as in the Revised Version “from the loom,” or, as in the margin, “from the thrum.” We read also of the “warp” and “woof’ (Leviticus 13:48, 49, 51-53, 58, 59), but the Revised Version margin has, instead of “warp,” “woven or knitted stuff.”

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Week - From the beginning, time was divided into weeks, each consisting of six days of working and one of Rest (Genesis 2:2, 3; 7:10; 8:10, 12; 29:28). The references to this division of days becomes afterwards more frequent (Exodus 34:22; Leviticus 12:5; Numbers 28:26; Deuteronomy 16:16; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Jeremiah 5:24; Daniel 9:24-27; 10:2, 3). It has been found to exist among almost all nations.

Weeks

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Westward - sea-ward, i.e., toward the Mediterranean (Deuteronomy 3:27).

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Whale - The Hebrew Word tan (plural, tannin) is so rendered in Job 7:12 (A.V.; but R.V., “sea- monster”). It is rendered by “dragons” in Deuteronomy 32:33; Psalm 91:13; Jeremiah 51:34; Psalm 74:13 (marg., “whales;” and marg. of R.V., “sea-monsters”); Isaiah 27:1; and “serpent” in Exodus 7:9 (R.V. marg., “any large reptile,” and so in ver. ... 10, 12). The words of Job (7:12), uttered in Bitter irony, where he asks, “Am I a Sea or a whale?” simply mean, “Have I a wild, untamable nature, like the waves of the Sea which must be confined and held within bounds, that they cannot pass?” “The Serpent of the Sea which was but the wild, stormy Sea itself, wound itself around the land, and threatened to Swallow it up... Job inquires if he must be watched and plagued like this monster, lest he throw the world into disorder” (Davidson’s Job).

The Whale tribe are included under the general Hebrew name tannin (Genesis 1:21; Lamentations 4:3). “Even the sea-monsters [tanninim] draw out the breast.” The Whale brings forth its young alive, and suckles them.

It is to be noticed of the story of Jonah’s being “three days and three nights in the whale’s belly,” as recorded in Matthew 12:40, that here the Gr. ketos means properly any kind of sea-monster of the shark or the Whale tribe, and that in the book of Jonah (1:17) it is only said that “a great fish” was prepared to swallow Jonah This Fish may have been, therefore, some great shark. The white shark is known to frequent the Mediterranean Sea and is sometimes found 30 feet in length.

■W HE AT one of the earliest cultivated grains. It bore the Hebrew name hittah, and was extensively cultivated in Palestine There are various species of wheat. That which Pharaoh saw in his Dream was the Triticum compositum, which bears several ears upon one stalk (Genesis 41:5). The “fat of the kidneys of wheat” (Deuteronomy 32:14), and the “finest of the wheat” (Psalm 81:16; 147:14), denote the best of the kind. It was exported from Palestine in great quantities (1 Kings 5:11; Ezekiel 27:17; Acts 2 : 20 ).

Parched grains of wheat were used for Food in Palestine (Ruth 2:14; 1 Samuel 17:17; 2 Samuel 17:28). The disciples, under the sanction of the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 23:25), plucked ears of corn, and rubbing them in their hands, ate the Grain unroasted (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1). Before any of the wheat-harvest, however, could be eaten, the first-fruits had to be presented before the Lord (Leviticus 23:14).

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Wheel - (Hebrews galgal; rendered “wheel” in Psalm 83:13, and “a rolling thing” in Isaiah 17:13; R.V. in both, “whirling dust”). This Word has been supposed to mean the wild artichoke, which assumes the form of a globe, and in autumn breaks away from its roots, and is rolled about by the wind in some places in great Numbers

White

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Wife - The ordinance of marriage was sanctioned in Paradise (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Monogamy was the original Law under which Man lived, but polygamy early commenced (Genesis 4:19), and continued to prevail all down through Jewish history. The Law of Moses regulated but did not prohibit polygamy. A Man might have a plurality of wives, but a Wife could have only one Husband A wife’s legal rights (Exodus 21:10) and her duties (Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 5:14) are specified. ... She could be divorced in special cases (Deuteronomy 22:13-21), but could not Divorce her Husband Divorce was restricted by our Lord to the single case of Adultery (Matthew 19:3-9). The duties of husbands and wives in their relations to each other are distinctly set forth in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 7:2-5; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18, 19; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

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Wilderness - (1.) Hebrews midhbar, denoting not a Barren desert but a district or region suitable for pasturing Sheep and Cattle (Psalm 65:12; Isaiah 42:11; Jeremiah 23:10; Joel 1:19; 2:22); an uncultivated Place This Word is used of the Wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:14), on the southern border of Palestine the Wilderness of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:18); of Shur (15:22), a portion of the Sinaitic peninsula; of Sin (17:1), Sinai (Leviticus 7:38), Moab (Deuteronomy 2:8), Judah (Judges 1:16), Ziph, Maon, En-gedi (1 Samuel 23:14, 24; 24:1), Jeruel and Tekoa (2 Chronicles 20:16, 20), Kadesh (Psalm 29:8). ...

“The Wilderness of the sea” (Isaiah 21:1). Principal Douglas, referring to this expression, says: “A mysterious name, which must be meant to describe Babylon (see especially ver. 9), perhaps because it became the Place of discipline to God’s people, as the Wilderness of the Red Sea had been (comp. Ezekiel 20:35). Otherwise it is in contrast with the symbolic title in Isaiah 22:1. Jerusalem is the “valley of Vision ” rich in spiritual husbandry; whereas Babylon the rival centre of influence, is spiritually Barren and as restless as the Sea (comp. 57:20).” A Short Analysis of the O.T.

(2.) Jeshimon a Desert waste (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 68:7).

(3.) ‘Arabah, the name given to the Valley from the Dead Sea to the eastern Branch of the Red Sea In Deuteronomy 1:1; 2:8, it is rendered “plain” (R.V., “Arabah”).

(4.) Tziyyah, a “dry place” (Psalm 78:17; 105:41).

(5.) Tohu, a “desolate” Place a Place “waste” or “unoccupied” (Deuteronomy 32:10; Job 12:24; comp. Genesis 1:2, “without form”). The Wilderness region in the Sinaitic peninsula through which for forty years the Hebrews wandered is generally styled “the Wilderness of the wanderings.” This entire region is in the form of a triangle, having its base toward the North and its apex toward the South Its extent from North to South is about 250 miles, and at its widest point it is about 150 miles broad. Throughout this vast region of some 1,500 square miles there is not a single River The northern part of this triangular peninsula is properly the “wilderness of the wanderings” (et-Tih). The western portion of it is called the “wilderness of Shur” (Exodus 15:22), and the eastern the “wilderness of Paran ”

The “wilderness of Judea” (Matthew 3:1) is a wild, Barren region, lying between the Dead Sea and the Hebron Mountains. It is the “Jeshimon” mentioned in 1 Samuel 23:19.

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Willows - (1.) Hebrews ‘arabim (Leviticus 23:40; Job 40:22; Isaiah 15:7; 44:3, 4; Psalm 137:1, 2). This was supposed to be the weeping willow, called by Linnaeus Salix Babylonica, from the reference in Psalm 137. This Tree is frequently found “on the coast, overhanging wells and Pools There is a conspicuous Tree of this species over a pond in the Plain of Acre, and others on the Phoenician Plain ” There are several species of the salix in Palestine but it is not indigenous to Babylonia, nor was it cultivated there. ... Some are of opinion that the Tree intended is the Tamarisk or Poplar

(2.) Hebrews tzaphtzaphah (Ezekiel 17:5), called by the Arabs the safsaf, the general name for the willow. This may be the Salix AEgyptica of naturalists.

Tristram thinks that by the “willow by the water-courses,” the Nerium oleander, the rose-bay oleander, is meant. He says, “It fringes the Upper Jordan dipping its wavy Crown of Red into the spray in the rapids under Hermon and is nutured by the oozy marshes in the Lower Jordan nearly as far as to Jericho On the Arnon on the Jabbok and the Yarmuk it forms a continuous fringe. In many of the streams of Moab it forms a complete screen, which the sun’s rays can never penetrate to evaporate the precious moisture. The wild boar lies safely ensconced under its impervious cover.”

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Mple - Isaiah 3:22, (R.V., “shawls”), a wrap or Veil The same Hebrew Word is rendered “vail” (R.V., “mantle”) in Ruth 3:15.

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Window - properly only an opening in a House for the admission of Light and air, covered with lattice-work, which might be opened or closed (2 Kings 1:2; Acts 20:9). The Spies in Jericho and Paul at Damascus were let down from the windows of houses abutting on the town Wall (Joshua 2:15; 2 Corinthians 11:33). ... The clouds are metaphorically called the “windows of heaven” (Genesis 7:11; Malachi 3:10). The Word thus rendered in Isaiah 54:12 ought rather to be rendered “battlements” (LXX., “bulwarks;” R.V., “pinnacles”), or as Gesenius renders it, “notched battlements, i.e., suns or rays of the sun”= having a radiated appearance like the Sun

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Winds - blowing from the four quarters of Heaven (Jeremiah 49:36; Ezekiel 37:9; Daniel 8:8; Zechariah 2:6). The East wind was parching (Ezekiel 17:10; 19:12), and is sometimes mentioned as simply denoting a strong wind (Job 27:21; Isaiah 27:8). This wind prevails in Palestine from February to June, as the west wind (Luke 12:54) does from November to February. ... The South was a hot wind (Job 37:17; Luke 12:55). It swept over the Arabian peninsula. The Rush of invaders is figuratively spoken of as a whirlwind (Isaiah 21:1); a commotion among the nations of the world as a striving of the four Winds (Daniel 7:2). The Winds are subject to the divine power (Psalm 18:10; 135:7).

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Nefat - (Mark 12:1). The original Word (hypolenion) so rendered occurs only here in the New Testament It properly denotes the Trough or lake (lacus), as it was called by the Romans into which the juice of the grapes ran from the Trough above it. It is here used, however, of the whole apparatus. In the parallel Passage in Matthew 21:33 the Greek Word lenos is used. This properly denotes the upper one of the two vats. (See WINE-PRESS.)

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Press - Consisted of two vats or receptacles, (1) a Trough (Hebrews Gath Gr. lenos) into which the grapes were thrown and where they were trodden upon and bruised (Isaiah 16:10; Lamentations 1:15; loel 3:13); and (2) a Trough or vat (Hebrews yekebh, Gr. hypolenion) into which the juice ran from the Trough above, the Gath (Nehemiah 13:15; Job 24:11; Isaiah 63:2, 3; Hag. ... 2:16; Joel 2:24). Wine-presses are found in almost every part of Palestine They are “the only sure relics we have of the Old days of Israel before the Captivity Between Hebron and Beersheba they are found on all the Hill slopes; they abound in southern Judea they are no less common in the many valleys of Carmel and they are numerous in Galilee.” The “treading of the wine-press” is emblematic of divine Judgment (Isaiah 63:2; Lamentations 1:15; Revelation 14:19, 20).

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Winnow - Corn was winnowed, (1.) By being thrown up by a shovel against the wind. As a rule this was done in the Evening or during the night, when the west wind from the Sea was blowing, which was a moderate breeze and fitted for the purpose. The North wind was too strong, and the East wind came in gusts. (2.) By the use of a Fan or Van by which the Chaff was blown away (Ruth 3:2; Isaiah 30:24; Jeremiah 4:11, 12; Matthew 3:12). ...

WISE MEN mentioned in Daniel 2:12 included three classes, (1) astrologers, (2) Chaldeans, and (3) soothsayers. The Word in the original (hakamim) probably means “medicine men. In Chaldea medicine was only a Branch of magic. The “wise men” of Matthew 2:7, who came from the East to Jerusalem were magi from Persia or Arabia

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Wise - , WISDOM a moral rather than an intellectual quality. To be “foolish” is to be godless (Psalm 14:1; comp. Judges 19:23; 2 Samuel 13:13). True wisdom is a Gift from God to those who ask it (Job 28:12-28; Proverbs 3:13-18; Romans 1:22; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 1:17-21; 2:6-8; James 1:5). ... “Wisdom” in Proverbs 1:20; 8:1; 9:1-5 may be regarded not as a mere personification of the attribute of wisdom, but as a divine person, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Matthew 1 1:19 it is the personified principle of wisdom that is meant.

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Witchcraft - (1 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 9:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Galatians 5:20). In the popular sense of the Word no mention is made either of witches or of Witchcraft in Scripture

...

The “witch of En-dor” (1 Samuel 28) was a Necromancer i.e., one who feigned to hold converse with the Dead The damsel with “a Spirit of divination” (Acts 16:16) was possessed by an evil Spirit or, as the words are literally rendered, “having a Spirit a pithon.” The reference is to the Heathen God Apollo, who was regarded as the God of Prophecy

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Witness - OF THE Spirit (Romans 8:16), the consciousness of the gracious operation of the Spirit on the mind, “a certitude of the Spirit’s presence and work continually asserted within us”, manifested “in his comforting us, his stirring us up to Prayer his reproof of our sins, his drawing us to Works of Love to bear Testimony before the world,” etc.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Wizard - a pretender to supernatural knowledge and power, “a knowing one,” as the original Hebrew Word signifies. Such an one was forbidden on pain of Death to practise his deceptions (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27; 1 Samuel 28:3; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3).

Wolf

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Woman - was “taken out of man” (Genesis 2:23), and therefore the Man has the preeminence. “The head of the Woman is the Man ” but yet honour is to be shown to the Wife “as unto the weaker vessel” (1 Corinthians 1:3, 8, 9; 1 Peter 3:7). Several women are mentioned in Scripture as having been endowed with prophetic Gifts as Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4, 5), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36, 37), and the daughters of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8, 9). ... Women are forbidden to teach publicly (1 Corinthians 14:34, 35; 1 Timothy 2:11, 12). Among the Hebrews it devolved upon women to prepare the Meals for the household (Genesis 18:6; 2 Samuel 13:8), to attend to the work of spinning (Exodus 35:26; Proverbs 31:19), and making clothes (1 Samuel 2:19; Proverbs 31:21), to bring Water from the well (Genesis 24:15; 1 Samuel 9:11), and to care for the flocks (Genesis 29:6; Exodus 2:16).

The Word “woman,” as used in Matthew 15:28, John 2:4 and 20:13, 15, implies tenderness and courtesy and not disrespect. Only where Revelation is known has Woman her due Place of honour assigned to her.

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Wood - -OFFERING (Nehemiah 10:34; 13:31). It would seem that in the time of Nehemiah arrangements were made, probably on account of the comparative scarcity of Wood by which certain districts were required, as Chosen by Lot to furnish Wood to keep the altar Fire perpetually burning (Leviticus 6:13).

Wool

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Works - , Covenant OF entered into by God with Adam as the representative of the human race (comp. Genesis 9:11, 12; 17:1-21), so styled because perfect obedience was its condition, thus distinguishing it from the Covenant of Grace (See Covenant OF Works )

Works

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Worm - (1.) Hebrews sas (Isaiah 51:8), denotes the Caterpillar of the clothes-moth.

(2.) The manna bred worms (tola’im), but on the Sabbath there was not any Worm (rimmah) therein (Exodus 16:20, 24). Here these words refer to caterpillars or larvae, which feed on corrupting matter.

These two Hebrew words appear to be interchangeable (Job 25:6; Isaiah 14:11). ... Tola’im in some places denotes the Caterpillar (Deuteronomy 28:39; Jonah 4:7), and rimmah, the larvae, as bred from putridity (Job 17:14; 21:26; 24:20). In Micah 7:17, where it is said, “They shall move out of their holes like worms,” perhaps serpents or “creeping things,” or as in the Revised Version “crawling things,” are meant.

The Word is used figuratively in Job 25:6; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 41:14; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Isaiah 66:24.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Wormwood - Hebrews la’anah, the Artemisia absinthium of botanists. It is noted for its intense bitterness (Deuteronomy 29:18; Proverbs 5:4; Jeremiah 9:15; Amos 5:7). It is a type of bitterness, affliction, remorse, punitive suffering. In Amos 6:12 this Hebrew Word is rendered “hemlock” (R.V., “wormwood”). In the symbolical language of the Apocalypse (Revelation 8:10, 11) a star is represented as falling on the waters of the earth, causing the third part of the Water to turn Wormwood

The name by which the Greeks designated it, absinthion, means “undrinkable.” The absinthe of France is distilled from a species of this plant. ... The “southernwood” or “old Man ” cultivated in cottage Gardens on account of its fragrance, is another species of it.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Worship - homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being (Exodus 34:14; Isaiah 2:8). Such Worship was refused by Peter (Acts 10:25,26) and by an Angel (Revelation 22:8,9).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Worshipper - (Gr. neocoros = temple-sweeper (Acts 19:35) of the great goddess Diana). This name neocoros appears on most of the extant Ephesian coins

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Wrestle - (Ephesians 6:12). See Games

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Writing - The art of Writing must have been known in the time of the early Pharaohs. Moses is commanded “to write for a memorial in a book” (Exodus 17: 14) a record of the attack of Amalek Frequent mention is afterwards made of Writing (28:11, 21, 29, 36; 31:18; 32:15, 16; 34:1, 28; 39:6, 14, 30). The origin of this art is unknown, but there is reason to conclude that in the Age of Moses it was well known. ... The inspired books of Moses are the most Ancient extant writings, although there are written monuments as Old as about B.C. 2000. The words expressive of “writing,” “book,” and “ink,” are common to all the branches or dialects of the Semitic language, and hence it has been concluded that this art must have been known to the earliest Semites before they separated into their various tribes, and nations, and families.

“The Old Testament and the discoveries of Oriental archaeology alike tell us that the Age of the Exodus was throughout the world of Western Asia an Age of literature and books, of readers and writers, and that the cities of Palestine were stored with the contemporaneous records of past events inscribed on imperishable Clay They further tell us that the kinsfolk and neighbours of the Israelites were already acquainted with alphabetic Writing that the wanderers in the Desert and the tribes of Edom were in contact with the cultured Scribes and traders of Ma’in [Southern Arabia], and that the ‘house of bondage’ from which Israel had escaped was a land where the art of Writing was blazoned not only on the temples of the gods, but also on the Dwellings of the rich and powerful.”, Sayce. (See Debir PHOENICIA.)

The “Book of the Dead” was a Collection of prayers and formulae, by the use of which the souls of the Dead were supposed to attain to Rest and Peace in the next world. It was composed at various periods from the earliest time to the Persian conquest. It affords an interesting glimpse into the religious Life and system of belief among the Ancient Egyptians. We learn from it that they believed in the existence of one Supreme Being, the Immortality of the soul, judgement after Death and the Resurrection of the body. It shows, too, a High state of literary activity in Egypt in the time of Moses It refers to extensive libraries then existing. That of Ramessium, in Thebes, e.g., built by Rameses II., contained 20,000 books.

When the Hebrews entered Canaan it is evident that the art of Writing was known to the original inhabitants, as appears, e.g., from the name of the city Debir having been at first Kirjath-sepher, i.e., the “city of the book,” or the “book town” (Joshua 10:38; 15:15; Judges 1:11).

The first mention of letter- Writing is in the time of David (2 Samuel 11:14, 15). Letters are afterwards frequently spoken of (1 Kings 21:8, 9, 11; 2 Kings 10:1, 3, 6, 7; 19:14; 2 Chronicles 21:12-15; 30:1, 6-9, etc.).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Yarn - Found only in 1 Kings 10:28, 2 Chronicles 1:16. The Hebrews Word mikveh, i.e., “a stringing together,” so rendered, rather signifies a Host or company, or a string of horses. The Authorized Version has: “And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt and... onclick="bC(this);"> Linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the Linen yarn at a price;” but the Revised Version correctly renders: “And the horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt the king’s merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price.”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Year - Hebrews shanah, meaning “repetition” or “revolution” (Genesis 1: 14; 5:3). Among the Ancient Egyptians the Year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the Sun The Jews reckoned the Year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the Year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the Month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the Year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the Month Nisan. ... The Month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish Year

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Yoke - (1.) Fitted on the Neck of oxen for the purpose of binding to them the traces by which they might draw the plough, etc. (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3). It was a curved piece of Wood called ’ol.

(2.) In Jeremiah 27:2; 28:10, 12 the Word in the Authorized Version rendered “yoke” is motah, which properly means a “staff,” or as in the Revised Version “bar.”

These words in the Hebrew are both used figuratively of severe Bondage or affliction, or subjection (Leviticus 26:13; 1 Kings 12:4; Isaiah 47:6; Lamentations 1:14; 3:27). ... In the New Testament the Word “yoke” is also used to denote servitude (Matthew 11:29, 30; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1).

(3.) In 1 Samuel 11:7, 1 Kings 19:21, Job 1:3 the Word thus translated is tzemed , which signifies a pair, two oxen yoked or coupled together, and hence in 1 Samuel 14: 14 it represents as much land as a Yoke of oxen could plough in a Day like the Latin jugum. In Isaiah 5:10 this Word in the plural is translated “acres.”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Fellow - (Phil. 4:3), one of the apostle’s fellow-labourers. Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. Wyckliffe renders the phrase “the german felowe”, i.e., “thee, germane [=genuine] comrade.”

z

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaanaim - wanderings; the unloading of tents, so called probably from the fact of nomads in tents encamping amid the cities and Villages of that region, a Place in the north-west of Lake Merom near Kedesh in Naphtali Here Sisera was slain by Jael “the Wife of Heber the Kenite,” who had pitched his Tent in the “plain [R.V., ‘as far as the oak’] of Zaanaim” (Judges 4:11). ...

It has been, however, suggested by some that, following the LXX. and the Talmud, the Letter b, which in Hebrew means “in,” should be taken as a part of the Word following, and the phrase would then be “unto the oak of Bitzanaim,” a Place which has been identified with the ruins of Bessum, about half-way between Tiberias and Mount Tabor.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaanan - place of flocks, mentioned only in Micah 1:11. It may be identified with Zenan, in the Plain country of Judah (Joshua 15:37).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaanannim - =Zaanaim, (Joshua 19:33).

ZAAy

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabad - gift. (1.) One of David’s valiant men (1 Chronicles 11:41), the descendant of Ahlai, of the “children of Sheshan” (2:31).

(2.) A descendant of Tahath (7:21).

(3.) The Son of Shemath. He conspired against Joash king of Judah and slew him (2 Chronicles 24:25, 26). He is called also Jozachar (2 Kings 12 : 21 ).

(4.) Ezra 10:27.

(5.) Ezra 10:33.

(6.) Ezra 10:43.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabbai - wanderer; pure. (1.) Ezra 10:28.

(2.) The Father of Baruch who “earnestly repaired” part of the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:20; marg., “Zaccai”).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabbud - gift, Ezra 8:14.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabdi - gift of Jehovah (1.) An ancestor of Achan (Joshua 7:1, 17, 18). He is probably the “Zirnri” of 1 Chronicles 2:6.

(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:19).

(3.) Called “the Shiphmite,” one of David’s officers, who had charge of his vineyards (1 Chronicles 27:27).

(4.) A Levite one of the sons of Asaph (Nehemiah 11:17); probably the same as Zichri (1 Chronicles 9:15), and Zaccur (Nehemiah 12:35).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabdiel - gift of God (1.) The Father of Jashobeam who was one of David’s officers (1 Chronicles 27:2).

(2.) An overseer of the priests after the Captivity (Nehemiah 11:14).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabud - gift, the Son of Nathan who was “king’s friend” in the Court of Solomon (1 Kings 4:5).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zabulon - (Matthew 4:13, 15; Revelation 7:8). See Zebulun

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaccai - pure, one whose “sons” returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:9; Nehemiah 7:14). (See Zabbai )

Zacchaeus

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaccur - mindful. (1.) Father of Shammua who was one of the Spies sent out by Moses (Numbers 13:4).

(2.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chronicles 24:27).

(3.) A Son of Asaph, and Chief of one of the Courses of singers as arranged by David (1 Chronicles 25:2, 10). ...

(4.) Son of Irnri (Nehemiah 3:2).

(5.) A Levite (Nehemiah 10:12).

(6.) The Son of Mattaniah (Nehemiah 13:13).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zachariah - remembered by the Lord (1.) Son of Jeroboam II., King of Israel On the Death of his Father there was an interregnum of ten years, at the End of which he succeeded to the Throne which he occupied only six months, having been Put to Death by Shallum who usurped the Throne “He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord as his fathers had done” (2 Kings 14:29; 15:8-12). ... In him the dynasty of Jehu came to an End

(2.) The Father of Abi, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zacharias - (1.) A Priest of the course of Abia the eighth of the twenty-four Courses into which the priests had been originally divided by David (1 Chronicles 23:1-19). Only four of these Courses or “families” of the priests returned from the Exile (Ezra 2:36-39); but they were then re-distributed under the Old designations. ... The priests served at the Temple twice each Year and only for a Week each time. Zacharias’s time had come for this service. During this period his home would be one of the chambers set apart for the priests on the sides of the Temple ground. The Offering of Incense was one of the most Solemn parts of the Daily worship of the Temple and lots were drawn each Day to determine who should have this great honour, an honour which no Priest could enjoy more than once during his lifetime.

While Zacharias ministered at the golden Altar of Incense in the holy Place it was announced to him by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elisabeth who was also of a priestly family, now stricken in years, would give Birth to a Son who was to be called John and that he would be the Forerunner of the long-expected Messiah (Luke 1:12-17). As a Punishment for his refusing to believe this message, he was struck Dumb and “not able to speak until the Day that these things should be performed” (20). Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth’s Child was Born and when in answer to their inquiry Zacharias wrote on a “writing Tablet ” “His name is John ” his mouth was opened, and he praised God (60-79). The Child (John the Baptist), thus “born out of due time,” “waxed strong in spirit” (1:80).

(2.) The “son of Barachias ” mentioned as having been slain between the Temple and the Altar (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51). “Barachias” here may be another name for Jehoiada as some think. (See Zechariah )

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zadok - righteous. (1.) A Son of Ahitub of the line of Eleazer (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 24:3), high Priest in the time of David (2 Samuel 20:25) and Solomon (1 Kings 4:4). ... He is first mentioned as Coming to take part with David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:27, 28). He was probably on this account made ruler over the Aaronites (27:17). Zadok and Abiathar acted as High priests on several important occasions (1 Chronicles 15:11; 2 Samuel 15:24-29, 35, 36); but when Adonijah endeavoured to secure the Throne Abiathar went with him, and therefore Solomon “thrust him out from being high Priest ” and Zadok remaining Faithful to David became high Priest alone (1 Kings 2:27, 35; 1 Chronicles 29:22). In him the line of Phinehas resumed the dignity, and held it till the Fall of Jerusalem He was succeeded in his sacred office by his Son Azariah (1 Kings 4:2; comp. 1 Chronicles 6:3-9).

(2.) The Father of Jerusha who was Wife of King Uzziah and mother of King Jotham (2 Kings 15:33; 2 Chronicles 27:1).

(3.) “The scribe” set over the treasuries of the Temple by Nehemiah along with a Priest and a Levite (Nehemiah 13:13).

(4.) The sons of Baana one of those who assisted in rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:4).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zair - little, a Place probably East of the Dead Sea where Joram discomfited the Host of Edom who had revolted from him (2 Kings 8:21).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zalmon - shady. (1.) One of David’s warriors, called the Ahohite (2 Samuel 23:28); called also Ilai (1 Chronicles 11:29).

(2.) A Wood near Shechem from which Abimelech and his party brought boughs and “put them to the hold” of Shechem “and set the hold on fire” (Judges 9:48). Probably the southern peak of Gerizim, now called Jebel Sulman. (See Salmon )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zalmonah - shady, one of the stations of the Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 33:41, 42).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zalmunna - one of the two kings of Midian whom the “Lord delivered” into the hands of Gideon He was slain afterwards with Zebah (Judges 8:5-21). (See Zebah )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zamzummims - a race of Giants “a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims” (Deuteronomy 2:20, 21). They were overcome by the Ammonites, “who called them Zamzummims ” They belonged to the Rephaim and inhabited the country afterwards occupied by the Ammonites. It has been conjectured that they might be Ham-zuzims, i.e., Zuzims dwelling in Ham a Place apparently to the South of Ashteroth (Genesis 14:5), the Ancient Rabbath-ammon.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zanoah - marsh. (1.) A town in the low country or shephelah of Judah near Zorah (Joshua 15:34). It was re-occupied after the return from the Captivity (Nehemiah 11:30). Zanu’ah in Wady Ismail, 10 miles west of Jerusalem occupies probably the same site.

(2.) A town in the Hill country of Judah some 10 miles to the south-west of Hebron (Joshua 15:56).

ZAPHNATH-

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Paaneah - the name which Pharaoh gave to Joseph when he raised him to the rank of prime Minister or grand vizier of the Kingdom (Genesis 41:45). This is a pure Egyptian Word and has been variously explained. Some think it means “creator,” or “preserver of Life ” Brugsch interprets it as “governor of the dist ... rict of the Place of life”, i.e., of Goshen the chief City of which was Pithom, “the Place of Life ” Others explain it as meaning “a revealer of secrets,” or “the Man to whom secrets are revealed.”

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zarephath - smelting-shop, “a workshop for the refining and smelting of metals”, a small Phoenician town, now Surafend, about a mile from the coast, almost midway on the Road between Tyre and Sidon. Here Elijah sojourned with a poor widow during the “great Famine ” when the “heaven was shut up three years and six months” (Luke 4:26; 1 Kings 17:10). It is called Sarepta in the New Testament (Luke 4:26).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaretan - When the Hebrews crossed the Jordan as soon as the feet of the priests were dipped in the Water the flow of the Stream was arrested. The point of arrest was the “city of Adam beside Zaretan ” probably near Succoth at the mouth of the Jabbok some 30 miles up the River from where the people were encamped. ... There the Water “stood and Rose upon an Heap ” Thus the whole space of 30 miles of the river-bed was dry, that the tribes might pass over (Joshua 3:16, 17; comp. Psalm 104:3).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Shahar - the splendour of the dawn, a City “in the Mount of the valley” (Joshua 13:19). It is identified with the ruins of Zara, near the mouth of the Wady Zerka Main, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea some 3 miles South of the Callirrhoe. Of this town but little remains. “A few broken basaltic columns and Pieces of Wall about 200 yards back from the shore, and a ruined fort rather nearer the Sea about the middle of the coast line of the Plain are all that are left” (Tristram’s Land of Moab).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zarthan - a Place near Succoth in the Plain of the Jordan “in the Clay ground,” near which Hiram cast the brazen utensils for the Temple (1 Kings 7:46); probably the same as Zartan. It is also called Zeredathah (2 Chronicles 4:17). (See ZEREDA.)

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zatthu - a sprout, Nehemiah 10:14.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zattu - id., one whose descendants returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:8; Nehemiah 7:13); probably the same as Zatthu

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zaza - plenty, a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:33).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zeal - an Earnest temper; may be enlightened (Numbers 25:11-13; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 9:2), or ignorant and misdirected (Romans 10:2; Phil. 3:6). As a Christian grace, it must be grounded on right principles and directed to right ends (Galatians 4:18). It is sometimes ascribed to God (2 Kings 19:31; Isaiah 9:7; 37:32; Ezekiel 5:13).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zealots - a Sect of Jews which originated with Judas the Gaulonite (Acts 5:37). They refused to pay Tribute to the Romans on the Ground that this was a violation of the principle that God was the only King of Israel They rebelled against the Romans but were soon scattered, and became a lawless band of mere brigands. They were afterwards called Sicarii, from their use of the sica, i.e., the Roman dagger.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebadiah - gift of Jehovah (1.) A Son of Asahel Joab’s Brother (1 Chronicles 27:7).

(2.) A Levite who took part as one of the teachers in the system of national education instituted by Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7, 8). ...

(3.) The Son of Ishmael “the ruler of the House of Judah in all the king’s matters” (2 Chronicles 19:8-11).

(4.) A Son of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:15).

(5.) A Korhite Porter of the Lord’s House (1 Chronicles 26:2). Three or four others of this name are also mentioned.

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Zebah - man-killer, or Sacrifice one of the two kings who led the vast Host of the Midianites who invaded the land of Israel and over whom Gideon gained a great and decisive victory (Judges 8). Zebah and Zalmunna had succeeded in escaping across the Jordan with a remnant of the Midianite Host but were overtaken at Karkor probably in the Hauran and routed by Gideon The kings were taken alive and brought back across the Jordan and confessing that they had personally taken part in the slaughter of Gideon’s brothers, they were Put to Death (comp. ... 1 Samuel 12:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalm 83:11).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebaim - (Ezra 2:57; Nehemiah 7:59). “Pochereth of Zebaim” should be read as in the Revised Version “Pochereth-hazzebaim” (“snaring the antelopes”), probably the name of some hunter.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebedee - a Galilean fisherman, the Husband of Salome (q.v.), and the Father of James and John two of our Lord’s disciples (Matthew 4:21; 27:56; Mark 15:40). He seems to have been a Man of some position in Capernaum for he had two boats (Luke 5:4) and “hired servants” (Mark 1 :20) of his own. ... No mention is made of him after the Call of his two sons by Jesus

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zeboim - gazelles or roes. (1.) One of the “five cities of the plain” of Sodom generally coupled with Admah (Genesis 10:19; 14:2;

Deuteronomy 29:23; Hos. 11:8). It had a King of its own (Shemeber), and was therefore a Place of some importance. It was destroyed along with the other cities of the Plain

(2.) A Valley or rugged glen somewhere near Gibeah in Benjamin (1 Samuel 13:18). ... It was probably the ravine now bearing the name Wady Shakh-ed-Dub’a, or “ravine of the hyena,” North of Jericho

(3.) A Place mentioned only in Nehemiah 11:34, inhabited by the Benjamites after the Captivity

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebudah - given, the Wife of Josiah and mother of Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebul - habitation, the Governor of Shechem under Abimelech (Judges 9:28, 30, 36). He informed his master of the intention of the people of Shechem to transfer their allegiance to the Hivite Tribe of Hamor This led to Abimelech’ s destroying the City when he Put its entire population to the Sword and sowed the ruins with Salt (Judges 9:28-45).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebulontte - the designation of Elon the Judge who belonged to the Tribe of Zebulun (Judges 12:11, 12).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zebulun - , Tribe OF numbered at Sinai (Numbers 1:31) and before entering Canaan (26:27). It was one of the tribes which did not drive out the Canaanites but only made them tributary (Judges 1:30). It took little interest in public affairs. It responded, however, readily to the summons of Gideon (6:35), and afterwards assisted in enthroning David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:33, 40). ... Along with the other northern tribes, Zebulun was carried away into the land of Assyria by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15:29).

In Deborah’s song the words, “Out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer” (Judges 5:14) has been rendered in the R.V., “They that handle the marshal’s staff.” This is a questionable rendering. “The Word soplier (‘scribe’ or ‘writer’) defines the Word shebhet (‘rod’ or ‘pen’) with which it is conjoined. The ‘rod of the scribe’ on the Assyrian monuments was the stylus of Wood or metal, with the help of which the clay Tablet was engraved, or the papyrus inscribed with characters. The scribe who wielded it was the associate and assistant of the ‘lawgivers.’” (Sayce).

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Zechariah - Jehovah is renowned or remembered. (1.) A Prophet of Judah the eleventh of the twelve minor prophets. Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly extraction. He describes himself (1:1) as “the Son of Berechiah ” In Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 he is called “the Son of Iddo,” who was properly his grandfather. His prophetical career began in the second Year of Darius (B.C. ... 520), about sixteen years after the return of the first company from exile. He was contemporary with Haggai (Ezra 5:1).

His book consists of two distinct parts, (1) chapters 1 to 8, inclusive, and (2) 9 to the End It begins with a preface (1:1-6), which recalls the nation’s past history, for the purpose of presenting a Solemn warning to the present Generation Then follows a series of eight visions ( 1 :7-6: 8). succeeding one another in one night, which may be regarded as a symbolical history of Israel intended to furnish Consolation to the returned exiles and stir up hope in their minds. The symbolical action, the crowning of Joshua (6:9-15), describes how the kingdoms of the world become the Kingdom of God’s Christ

Chapters 7 and 8, delivered two years later, are an answer to the question whether the days of mourning for the Destruction of the City should be any longer kept, and an encouraging address to the people, assuring them of God’s presence and blessing.

The second part of the book (ch. 9-14) bears no Date It is probable that a considerable interval separates it from the first part. It consists of two burdens.

The first Burden (ch. 9-11) gives an outline of the course of God’s providential dealings with his people down to the time of the Advent.

The second Burden (ch. 12-14) points out the glories that await Israel in “the latter day”, the final conflict and triumph of God’s Kingdom

(2.) The Son or grandson of Jehoiada the high Priest in the times of Ahaziah and Joash After the Death of Jehoiada he boldly condemned both the King and the people for their rebellion against God (2 Chronicles 24:20), which so stirred up their resentment against him that at the king’s commandment they stoned him with Stones and he died “in the Court of the House of the Lord” (24:21). Christ alludes to this deed of Murder in Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:51. (See Zacharias [2].)

(3.) A Prophet who had “understanding in the seeing of God ” in the time of Uzziah who was much indebted to him for his Wise counsel (2 Chronicles 26:5).

Besides these, there is a large number of persons mentioned in Scripture bearing this name of whom nothing is known.

(4.) One of the chiefs of the Tribe of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:7).

(5.) One of the porters of the Tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21).

(6.) 1 Chronicles 9:37.

(7.) A Levite who assisted at the bringing up of the Ark from the House of Obededom(l Chronicles 15:20-24).

(8.) A Kohathite Levite (1 Chronicles 24:25).

(9.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chronicles 27:21).

(10.) The Father of Iddo (1 Chronicles 27:21).

(11.) One who assisted in teaching the Law to the people in the time of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7).

(12.) A Levite of the sons of Asaph (2 Chronicles 20:14).

(13.) One of Jehoshaphat’ s sons (2 Chronicles 21:2).

(14.) The Father of Abijah who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:1).

(15.) One of the sons of Asaph (2 Chronicles 29:13).

(16.) One of the “rulers of the House of God” (2 Chronicles 35:8).

(17.) A Chief of the people in the time of Ezra, who consulted him about the return from Captivity (Ezra 8:16); probably the same as mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4,

(18.) Nehemiah 11:12.

(19.) Nehemiah 12:16.

(20.) Nehemiah 12:35,41.

(21.) Isaiah 8:2.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zedad - side; sloping Place a town in the North of Palestine near Hamath (Numbers 34:8; Ezekiel 47:15). It has been identified with the ruins of Sudud, between Emesa (Hums) and Baalbec but that is uncertain.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zedekiah - righteousness of Jehovah (1.) The last King of Judah He was the third Son of Josiah and his mother’s name was Hamutal the Daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, and hence he was the Brother of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:31; 24:17, 18). ... His original name was Mattaniah but when Nebuchadnezzar placed him on the Throne as the successor to Jehoiachin he changed his name to Zedekiah The prophet Jeremiah was his Counsellor yet “he did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 24:19, 20; Jeremiah 52:2, 3). He ascended the Throne at the Age of twenty-one years. The Kingdom was at that time tributary to Nebuchadnezzar but, despite the strong remonstrances of Jeremiah and others, as well as the example of Jehoiachin he threw off the Yoke of Babylon and entered into an Alliance with Hophra King of Egypt This brought up Nebuchadnezzar “with all his host” (2 King 25:1), against Jerusalem During this siege, which lasted about eighteen months, “every worst woe befell the devoted City which drank the cup of God’s Fury to the dregs” (2 Kings 25:3; Lamentations 4:4, 5, 10). The City was plundered and laid in ruins. Zedekiah and his followers, attempting to escape, were made Captive and taken to Riblah. There, after seeing his own children Put to Death his own eyes were Put out, and, being loaded with chains, he was carried Captive (B.C. 588) to Babylon (2 Kings 25: 1-7; 2 Chronicles 36: 12; Jeremiah 32:4,5; 34:2, 3; 39:1-7; 52:4-11; Ezekiel 12:12), where he remained a prisoner, how long is unknown, to the Day of his Death

After the Fall of Jerusalem Nebuzaraddan was sent to carry out its complete Destruction The City was razed to the Ground Only a small number of vinedressers and husbandmen were permitted to remain in the land (Jeremiah 52:16). Gedaliah with a Chaldean Guard stationed at Mizpah, ruled over Judah (2 Kings 25:22, 24; jer. 40:1, 2, 5, 6).

(2.) The Son of Chenaanah a false Prophet in the days of Ahab (1 Kings 22:11, 24; 2 Chronicles 18:10, 23).

(3.) The Son of Hananiah a Prince of Judah in the days of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12).

■ ZEEB the wolf, one of the two leaders of the great Midianite Host which invaded Israel and was utterly routed by Gideon The division of that Host which attempted to escape across the Jordan under Oreb and Zeeb, was overtaken by the Ephraimites, who, in a great battle, completely vanquished them, their leaders being taken and slain (Judges 7:25; Psalm 83:11; Isaiah 10:26).

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Zelek - cleft, an Ammonite one of David’s valiant men (2 Samuel 23:37).

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Zelophehad - first-born, of the Tribe of Manasseh and of the family of Gilead; died in the Wilderness Having Left no sons, his daughters, concerned lest their father’s name should be “done away from among his family,” made an Appeal to Moses who, by divine direction, appointed it as “a statute of judgment” in Israel that daughters should inherit their father’s portion when no sons were Left (Numbers 27: 1-1 1). ... But that the possession of Zelophehad might not pass away in the Year of Jubilee from the Tribe to which he belonged, it was ordained by Moses that his daughters should not marry any one out of their father’s Tribe and this afterwards became a general Law (Numbers 36).

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Zelotes - (Luke 6:15). See Simon ZEALOTS.

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Zemaraim - (1.) A town of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22); now the ruin, rather two ruins, es-Sumrah, 4 miles North of Jericho

(2.) A Mount in the highlands of Ephraim to the North of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 13:4-20). ... Here the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam engaged in a Bloody battle, which issued in the total defeat of the King of Israel who never “recovered strength again,” and soon after died.

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Zemira - vine-dresser, a Benjamite; one of the sons of Becher (1 Chronicles 7:8).

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Zenas - a Disciple called “the Lawyer ” whom Paul wished Titus to bring with him (Titus 3:13). Nothing more is known of him.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zephaniah - Jehovah has concealed, or Jehovah of Darkness (1.) The Son of Cushi, and great-grandson of Hezekiah, and the ninth in the order of the minor prophets. He prophesied in the days of Josiah King of Judah (B.C. 641-610), and was contemporary with Jeremiah with whom he had much in common. ... The book of his prophecies consists of:

(a) An introduction (1:1-6), announcing the Judgment of the world, and the Judgment upon Israel because of their transgressions.

(b) The description of the Judgment (1:7-18).

(c) An exhortation to seek God while there is still time (2:1-3).

(d) The announcement of Judgment on the Heathen (2:4-15).

(e) The hopeless misery of Jerusalem (3:1-7).

(f) The promise of Salvation (3:8-20).

(2.) The Son of Maaseiah the “second priest” in the reign of Zedekiah often mentioned in Jeremiah as having been sent from the King to inquire (Jeremiah 21:1) regarding the Coming woes which he had denounced, and to entreat the prophet’s Intercession that the Judgment threatened might be averted (Jeremiah 29:25, 26, 29; 37:3; 52:24). He, along with some other Captive Jews, was Put to Death by the King of Babylon “at Riblah in the land of Hamath” (2 Kings 25:21).

(3.) A Kohathite ancestor of the Prophet Samuel (1 Chronicles 6:36).

(4.) The Father of Josiah the Priest who dwelt in Jerusalem when Darius issued the decree that the Temple should be rebuilt (Zechariah 6:10).

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Zephath - beacon; watch-tower, a Canaanite town; called also Hormah (q.v.), Judges 1:17. It has been identified with the pass of es-Sufah, but with greater probability with S’beita.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zephathah - a Valley in the west of Judah near Mareshah the scene of Asa’s conflict with Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9-13). Identified with the Wady Safieh.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zerah - sunrise. (1.) An “Ethiopian,” probably Osorkon II., the successor of Shishak on the Throne of Egypt With an enormous Army the largest we read of in Scripture he invaded the Kingdom of Judah in the days of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). ... He reached Zephathah and there encountered the Army of Asa This is the only instance “in all the annals of Judah of a victorious encounter in the field with a first-class Heathen power in full force.” The Egyptian Host was utterly routed, and the Hebrews gathered “exceeding much spoil.” Three hundred years elapsed before another Egyptian Army that of Necho (B.C. 609), came up against Jerusalem

(2.) A Son of Tamar (Genesis 38:30); called also Zara (Matthew 1:3).

(3.) A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:21, 41).

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Zered - =Zared, luxuriance; willow bush, a brook or Valley communicating with the Dead Sea near its southern extremity (Numbers 21:12; Deuteronomy 2:14). It is called the “brook of the willows” (Isaiah 15:7) and the “river of the wilderness” (Amos 6:14). It has been identified with the Wady el-Aksy.

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Zeredathah - a Place in the Plain of Jordan the same as Zarthan (2 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Kings 7:46). Here Solomon erected the foundries in which Hiram made the great castings of bronze for the Temple

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Zererath - (Judges 7:22), perhaps identical with Zereda or Zeredathah Some identify it with Zahrah, a Place about 3 miles west of Beth-shean.

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Zeresh - star of Venus, the Wife of Haman whom she instigated to prepare a Gallows for Mordecai (Esther 5:10).

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Zeruah - stricken, mother of Jeroboam the first King of the ten tribes (1 Kings 11:26).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zerubbabel - the seed of Babylon the Son of Salathiel or Shealtiel (Hag. 1:1; Zorobabel, Matthew 1:12); called also the Son of Pedaiah (1 Chronicles 3:17-19), i.e., according to a frequent usage of the Word “son;” the grandson or the nephew of Salathiel He is also known by the Persian name of Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8, 11). ... In the first Year of Cyrus king of Persia, he led the first band of Jews, Numbering 42,360 (Ezra 2:64), exclusive of a large number of servants, who returned from Captivity at the close of the Seventy years. In the second Year after the Return, he erected an Altar and laid the foundation of the Temple on the ruins of that which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (3:8-13; eh. 4-6). All through the work he occupied a prominent Place inasmuch as he was a descendant of the royal line of David

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Zeruiah - stricken of the Lord David’s sister, and the mother of Abishai Joab and Asahel (1 Chronicles 2:16), who were the three leading heroes of David’s Army and being his nephews, they were admitted to the closest companionship with him.

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Zetham - olive planter, a Levite (1 Chronicles 23:8).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zethan - a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 7:10).

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Ba - Post statue, “a servant of the House of Saul” (2 Samuel 9:2), who informed David that Mephibosheth a Son of Jonathan was alive. He afterwards dealt treacherously toward Mephibosheth whom he slanderously misrepresented to David

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Bia - gazelle, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:9).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Biah - the mother of King Joash (2 Kings 12:1; 2 Chronicles 24:1).

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Chri - remembered; illustrious. (1.) A Benjamite Chief (1 Chronicles 8:19).

(2.) Another of the same Tribe (1 Chronicles 8:23).

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Dkijah - the Lord is righteous, one who sealed the Covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:1).

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Ha - Drought (1.) The name of a family of Nethinim (Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46). (2.) A ruler among the Nethinim (Nehemiah 11:21).

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Klag - a town in the Negeb, or South country of Judah (Joshua 15:31), in the possession of the Philistines when David fled to Gath from Ziph with all his followers. Achish the King assigned him Ziklag as his Place of residence. ... There he dwelt for over a Year and four months. From this time it pertained to the kings of Judah (1 Samuel 27:6). During his absence with his Army to join the Philistine expedition against the Israelites (29:11), it was destroyed by the Amalekites (30:1, 2), whom David however, pursued and utterly routed, returning all the captives (1 Samuel 30:26-31). Two days after his return from this expedition, David received tidings of the disastrous battle of Gilboa and of the Death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:1-16). He now Left Ziklag and returned to Hebron along with his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail and his band of 600 men. It has been identified with ‘Asluj, a Heap of ruins South of Beersheba Conder, however, identifies it with Khirbet Zuheilikah, ruins found on three hills half a mile apart, some seventeen miles north-west of Beersheba on the confines of Philistia, Judah and Amalek

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Llah - Shadow one of the wives of Lamech of the line of Cain, and mother of Tubal-cain (Genesis 4: 19, 22).

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Lpah - drooping, Leah’s Handmaid and the mother of Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13).

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Lthai - Shadow (i.e., protection) of Jehovah (1.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:20). (2.) One of the captains of the Tribe of Manasseh who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Mmah - mischief. (1.) A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:20).

(2.) Another Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:42).

(3.) The Father of Joah (2 Chronicles 29:12).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Mran - vine-dressers; celebrated, one of the sons of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:2).

ZlMRIpraise-worthy

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Or - littleness, a City in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:54); the modern Si’ air, 4 1/2 miles north-north-east of Hebron

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Ph - flowing. (1.) A Son of Jehaleleel (1 Chronicles 4:16).

(2.) A City in the South of Judah (Joshua 15:24), probably at the pass of Sufah.

(3.) A City in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:55), identified with the uninhabited ruins of Tell ez-Zif, about 5 miles south-east of Hebron Here David hid himself during his wanderings (1 Samuel 23:19; Psalm 54, title). ...

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Phah - a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:16).

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Phron - sweet odour, a City on the northern border of Palestine (Numbers 34:9), south-east of Hamath

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Ppor - a little Bird the Father of Balak King of Moab (Numbers 22:2, 4).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Pporah - a female Bird Reuel’s Daughter who became the Wife of Moses (Exodus 2:21). In consequence of the event recorded in Exodus 4:24-26, she and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer when so far on the way with Moses toward Egypt were sent back by him to her own kinsfolk, the Midianites, with whom they sojourned till Moses afterwards joined them (18:2-6).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Thri - the Lord protects, a Levite Son of Uzziel (Exodus 6:22).

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Z - projecting; a flower, a cleft or pass, probably that near En-gedi, which leads up from the Dead Sea (2 Chronicles 20:16) in the direction of Tekoa now Tell Hasasah.

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Eastons Bible Dictionary

Za - splendour; abundance. (1.) A Simeonite Prince (1 Chronicles 4:37-43).

(2.) A Son of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 1 1:20).

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Zah - a Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:11).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zoan - (Old Egypt Sant= “stronghold,” the modern San). A City on the Tanitic Branch of the Nile, called by the Greeks Tanis It was built Seven years after Hebron in Palestine (Numbers 13:22). This great and important City was the capital of the Hyksos, or Shepherd kings, who ruled Egypt for more than 500 years. ... It was the frontier town of Goshen Here Pharaoh was holding his Court at the time of his various interviews with Moses and Aaron “No trace of Zoan exists; Tanis was built over it, and City after City has been built over the ruins of that” (Harper, Bible and Modern Discovery). Extensive mounds of ruins, the wreck of the Ancient city, now Mark its site (Isaiah 19:11, 13; 30:4; Ezekiel 30:14). “The whole constitutes one of the grandest and oldest ruins in the world.”

This City was also called “the Field of Zoan” (Psalm 78:12, 43) and “the Town of Rameses” (q.v.), because the oppressor rebuilt and embellished it, probably by the forced labour of the Hebrews and made it his northern capital.

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Zoar - small, a town on the East or south-east of the Dead Sea to which Lot and his daughters fled from Sodom (Genesis 19:22, 23). It was originally called Bela (14:2, 8). It is referred to by the prophets Isaiah (15:5) and Jeremiah (48:34). Its ruins are still seen at the opening of the ravine of Kerak, the Kir-Moab referred to in 2 Kings 3, the modern Tell esh-Shaghur.

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zohar - brightness. (1.) The Father of Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:8).

(2.) One of the sons of Simeon (Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15).

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zoheleth - the serpent-stone, a rocky plateau near the centre of the village of Siloam, and near the Fountain of En-rogel, to which the women of the village resort for Water (1 Kings 1:5-9). Here Adonijah (q.v.) feasted all the royal princess except Solomon and the men who took part with him in his effort to succeed to the Throne While they were assembled here Solomon was proclaimed King through the intervention of Nathan On hearing this, Adonijah fled and took Refuge in the Sanctuary (1 Kings 1:49-53). ... He was afterwards pardoned.

Zoheleth projects into or slightly over-hangs the Kidron Valley It is now called ez-Zehwell or Zahweileh.

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Zoheth - snatching (?), one of the sons of Ishi (1 Chronicles 4:20).

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Zophah - spreading out, a Son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35), a Chief of Asher

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zophar - chirping, one of Job’s friends who came to condole with him in his distress (Job 2:11. The LXX. render here “king of the Mineans” = Ma’in, Maonites, Judges 10:12, in Southern Arabia). He is called a Naamathite or an inhabitant of some unknown Place called Naamah

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zophim - , FIELD OF field of watchers, a Place in Moab on the range of Pisgah (Numbers 23:14). To this place Balak brought Balaam that he might from thence curse the children of Israel Balaam could only speak the Word of the Lord and that was blessing. It is the modern Tal’at-es-Safa. (See Pisgah )

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zorah - place of wasps, a town in the low country of Judah afterwards given to Dan (Joshua 19:41; Judges 18:2), probably the same as Zoreah (Joshua 15:33). This was Samson’s birthplace (Judges 13:2, 25), and near it he found a Grave (16:31). It was situated on the crest of a Hill overlooking the Valley of Sorek and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10). ... It has been identified with Sur’ah, in the Wady Surar, 8 miles west of Jerusalem It is noticed on monuments in the fifteenth century B.C. as attacked by the Abiri or Hebrews

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Zuph - , LAND OF (1 Samuel 9:5, 6), a district in which lay Samuel’s City Ramah. It was probably so named after Elkanah’s Son Zuph (1 Chronicles 6:26, marg.).

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Zur - rock. (1.) One of the five Midianite kings whom the Israelites defeated and Put to Death (Numbers 31:8).

(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:30).

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Zuriel - rock of God Chief of the family of the Merarites (Numbers 3:35) at the time of the Exodus

Eastons Bible Dictionary

Zurishaddai - rock of the Almighty, the Father of Shelumiel, who was Chief of the Tribe of Simeon when Israel was encamped at Sinai (Numbers 1 : 6 ; 2 : 12 ).

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Zuzims - restless; sprouting, were smitten “in Ham” by Chedorlaomer and his allies (Genesis 14:5). Some have identified this Tribe with the Zamzummims (q.v.).