Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ammah — Arieh
a cubit, the name of a hill which Joab and Abishai reached as the sun went down, when they were in pursuit of Abner ( 2 Samuel 2:24 ). It lay to the east of Gibeon.
people of God.
4. One of the sons of Obed-edom the Levite ( 1 Chronicles 26:5 ).
people of glory; i.e., "renowned."
2. Numbers 34:20 .
3. Numbers 34:28 .
4. The father of Talmai, king of Geshur, to whom Absalom fled after the murder of Amnon ( 2 Samuel 13:37 ).
5. The son of Omri, and the father of Uthai ( 1 Chronicles 9:4 ).
kindred of the prince.
2. A son of Kohath, the second son of Levi ( 1 Chronicles 6:22 ), called also Izhar (2,18).
a person mentioned in Cant 6:12 , whose chariots were famed for their swiftness. It is rendered in the margin "my willing people," and in the Revised Version "my princely people."
people of the Almighty, the father of Ahiezer, who was chief of the Danites at the time of the Exodus ( Numbers 1:12 ; 2:25 ). This is one of the few names compounded with the name of God, Shaddai, "Almighty."
people of the giver, the son of Benaiah, who was the third and chief captain of the host under David ( 1 Chronicles 27:6 ).
the usual name of the descendants of Ammon, the son of Lot ( Genesis 19:38 ). From the very beginning ( Deuteronomy 2:16-20 ) of their history till they are lost sight of ( Judges 5:2 ), this tribe is closely associated with the Moabites ( Judges 10:11 ; 2 Chr 20:1 ; Zephaniah 2:8 ). Both of these tribes hired Balaam to curse Israel ( Deuteronomy 23:4 ). The Ammonites were probably more of a predatory tribe, moving from place to place, while the Moabites were more settled. They inhabited the country east of the Jordan and north of Moab and the Dead Sea, from which they had expelled the Zamzummims or Zuzims ( Deuteronomy 2:20 ; Genesis 14:5 ). They are known as the Beni-ammi ( Genesis 19:38 ), Ammi or Ammon being worshipped as their chief god. They were of Semitic origin, and closely related to the Hebrews in blood and language. They showed no kindness to the Israelites when passing through their territory, and therefore they were prohibited from "entering the congregation of the Lord to the tenth generation" ( Deuteronomy 23:3 ). They afterwards became hostile to Israel ( Judges 3:13 ). Jephthah waged war against them, and "took twenty cities with a very great slaughter" ( Judges 11:33 ). They were again signally defeated by Saul ( 1 Samuel 11:11 ). David also defeated them and their allies the Syrians ( 2 Samuel 10:6-14 ), and took their chief city, Rabbah, with much spoil ( 2 Samuel 10:14 ; 12:26-31 ). The subsequent events of their history are noted in 2 Chronicles 20:25 ; 26:8 ; Jeremiah 49:1 ; Ezekiel 25:3 Ezekiel 25:6 . One of Solomon's wives was Naamah, an Ammonite. She was the mother of Rehoboam ( 1 Kings 14:31 ; 2 Chr 12:13 ).
The national idol worshipped by this people was Molech or Milcom, at whose altar they offered human sacrifices ( 1 Kings 11:5 1 Kings 11:7 ). The high places built for this idol by Solomon, at the instigation of his Ammonitish wives, were not destroyed till the time of Josiah ( 2 Kings 23:13 ).
1. One of the sons of Shammai, of the children of Ezra ( 1 Chronicles 4:20 ; Compare 17).
2. The son of Manasseh, and fourteenth king of Judah. He restored idolatry, and set up the images which his father had cast down. ( Zephaniah 1:4 ; Zephaniah 3:4 Zephaniah 3:11 ) refers to the moral depravity prevailing in this king's reign. He was assassinated ( 2 Kings 21:18-26 : 2 Chr 33:20-25 ) by his own servants, who conspired against him.
3. An Egyptian god, usually depicted with a human body and the head of a ram, referred to in Jeremiah 46:25 , where the word "multitudes" in the Authorized Version is more appropriately rendered "Amon" in the Revised Version. In Nahum 3:8 the expression "populous No" of the Authorized version is rendered in the Revised Version "No-amon." Amon is identified with Ra, the sun-god of Heliopolis.
4. Nehemiah 7:59 .
highlanders, or hillmen, the name given to the descendants of one of the sons of Canaan ( Genesis 14:7 ), called Amurra or Amurri in the Assyrian and Egyptian inscriptions. On the early Babylonian monuments all Syria, including Palestine, is known as "the land of the Amorites." The southern slopes of the mountains of Judea are called the "mount of the Amorites" ( Deuteronomy 1:7 Deuteronomy 1:19 Deuteronomy 1:20 ). They seem to have originally occupied the land stretching from the heights west of the Dead Sea ( Genesis 14:7 ) to Hebron (13. Comp 13:8 ; Deuteronomy 3:8 ; 4:46-48 ), embracing "all Gilead and all Bashan" ( Deuteronomy 3:10 ), with the Jordan valley on the east of the river ( 4:49 ), the land of the "two kings of the Amorites," Sihon and Og ( Deuteronomy 31:4 ; Joshua 2:10 ; 9:10 ). The five kings of the Amorites were defeated with great slaughter by ( Joshua 10:10 ). They were again defeated at the waters of Merom by Joshua, who smote them till there were none remaining ( Joshua 11:8 ). It is mentioned as a surprising circumstance that in the days of Samuel there was peace between them and the Israelites ( 1 Samuel 7:14 ). The discrepancy supposed to exist between Deuteronomy 1:44 and Numbers 14:45 is explained by the circumstance that the terms "Amorites" and "Amalekites" are used synonymously for the "Canaanites." In the same way we explain the fact that the "Hivites" of Genesis 34:2 are the "Amorites" of 48:22 . Compare Joshua 10:6 ; 11:19 with 2 Samuel 21:2 ; also Numbers 14:45 with Deuteronomy 1:44 . The Amorites were warlike mountaineers. They are represented on the Egyptian monuments with fair skins, light hair, blue eyes, aquiline noses, and pointed beards. They are supposed to have been men of great stature; their king, Og, is described by Moses as the last "of the remnant of the giants" ( Deuteronomy 3:11 ). Both Sihon and Og were independent kings. Only one word of the Amorite language survives, "Shenir," the name they gave to Mount Hermon ( Deuteronomy 3:9 ).
borne; a burden, one of the twelve minor prophets. He was a native of Tekota, the modern Tekua, a town about 12 miles south-east of Bethlehem. He was a man of humble birth, neither a "prophet nor a prophet's son," but "an herdman and a dresser of sycomore trees," RSV He prophesied in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and was contemporary with Isaiah and Hosea ( Amos 1:1 ; Amos 7:14 Amos 7:15 ; Zechariah 14:5 ), who survived him a few years. Under Jeroboam II. the kingdom of Israel rose to the zenith of its prosperity; but that was followed by the prevalence of luxury and vice and idolatry. At this period Amos was called from his obscurity to remind the people of the law of God's retributive justice, and to call them to repentance.
The Book of Amos consists of three parts:
2. The spiritual condition of Judah, and especially of Israel, is described ( (2:4-6:14). ).
3. In 7:1-9:10 are recorded five prophetic visions. (a) The first two ( 7:1-6 ) refer to judgments against the guilty people. (b) The next two ( 7:7-9 ; 8:1-3 ) point out the ripeness of the people for the threatened judgements 7:10-17 consists of a conversation between the prophet and the priest of Bethel. (c) The fifth describes the overthrow and ruin of Israel ( 9:1-10 ); to which is added the promise of the restoration of the kingdom and its final glory in the Messiah's kingdom. The style is peculiar in the number of the allusions made to natural objects and to agricultural occupations. Other allusions show also that Amos was a student of the law as well as a "child of nature." These phrases are peculiar to him: "Cleanness of teeth" [i.e., want of bread] ( 4:6 ); "The excellency of Jacob" ( 6:8 ; 8:7 ); "The high places of Isaac" ( 7:9 ); "The house of Isaac" ( 7:16 ); "He that createth the wind" ( 4:13 ). Quoted, Acts 7:42 .
strong, the father of the prophet Isaiah ( 2 Kings 19:2 2 Kings 19:20 ; 20:1 ; Isaiah 1:1 ; 2:1 ). As to his personal history little is positively known. He is supposed by some to have been the "man of God" spoken of in 2 Chronicles 25:7 2 Chronicles 25:8 .
city on both sides, a Macedonian city, a great Roman military station, through which Paul and Silas passed on their way from Philippi to Thessalonica, a distance of 33Roman miles from Philippi ( Acts 17:1 ).
a Roman Christian saluted by Paul ( Romans 16:8 ).
kindred of the High; i.e., "friend of Jehovah."
1. The son of Kohath, the son of Levi. He married Jochebed, "his father's sister," and was the father of Aaron, Miriam, and Moses ( Exodus 6:18 Exodus 6:20 ; Numbers 3:19 ). He died in Egypt at the age of 137 years ( Exodus 6:20 ). His descendants were called Amramites ( Numbers 3:27 ; 1 Chronicles 26:23 ).
2. Ezra 10:34 .
king of Shinar, southern Chaldea, one of the confederates of Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, in a war against Sodom and cities of the plain ( Genesis 14:1 Genesis 14:4 ). It is now found that Amraphel (or Ammirapaltu) is the Khammu-rabi whose name appears on recently-discovered monuments. (See CHEDORLAOMER). After defeating Arioch (q.v.) he united Babylonia under one rule, and made Babylon his capital.
grape-town, one of the cities in the mountains of Judah, from which Joshua expelled the Anakim ( Joshua 11:21 ; 15:50 ). It still retains its ancient name. It lies among the hills, 10 miles south-south-west of Hebron.
1. One of the sons of Seir, and head of an Idumean tribe, called a Horite, as in course of time all the branches of this tribe were called from their dwelling in caves in Mount Seir ( Genesis 36:20 Genesis 36:29 ; 1 Chronicles 1:38 ).
the descendants of Anak ( Joshua 11:21 ; Numbers 13:33 ; Deuteronomy 9:2 ). They dwelt in the south of Palestine, in the neighbourhood of Hebron ( Genesis 23:2 ; Joshua 15:13 ). In the days of Abraham ( Genesis 14:5 Genesis 14:6 ) they inhabited the region afterwards known as Edom and Moab, east of the Jordan. They were probably a remnant of the original inhabitants of Palestine before the Canaanites, a Cushite tribe from Babel, and of the same race as the Phoenicians and the Egyptian shepherd kings. Their formidable warlike appearance, as described by the spies sent to search the land, filled the Israelites with terror. They seem to have identified them with the Nephilim, the "giants" ( Genesis 6:4 ; Numbers 13:33 ) of the antediluvian age. There were various tribes of Anakim ( Joshua 15:14 ). Joshua finally expelled them from the land, except a remnant that found a refuge in the cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod ( Joshua 11:22 ). The Philistine giants whom David encountered ( 2 Samuel 21:15-22 ) were descendants of the Anakim. (See GIANTS .)
one of the gods worshipped by the people of Sepharvaim, who colonized Samaria ( 2 Kings 17:31 ). The name means "Anu is king." It was a female deity representing the moon, as Adrammelech (q.v.) was the male representing the sun.
cloud, one of the Israelites who sealed the covenant after the return from Babylon ( Nehemiah 10:26 ).
protected by Jehovah, the name of a town in the tribe of Benjamin between Nob and Hazor ( Nehemiah 11:32 ). It is probably the modern Beit Hanina, a small village 3 miles north of Jerusalem.
a common Jewish name, the same as Hananiah.
1. One of the members of the church at Jerusalem, who conspired with his wife Sapphira to deceive the brethren, and who fell down and immediately expired after he had uttered the falsehood ( Acts 5:5 ). By common agreement the members of the early Christian community devoted their property to the work of furthering the gospel and of assisting the poor and needy. The proceeds of the possessions they sold were placed at the disposal of the apostles ( Acts 4:36 Acts 4:37 ). Ananias might have kept his property had he so chosen; but he professed agreement with the brethren in the common purpose, and had of his own accord devoted it all, as he said, to these sacred ends. Yet he retained a part of it for his own ends, and thus lied in declaring that he had given it all. "The offence of Ananias and Sapphira showed contempt of God, vanity and ambition in the offenders, and utter disregard of the corruption which they were bringing into the society. Such sin, committed in despite of the light which they possessed, called for a special mark of divine indignation."
2. A Christian at Damascus ( Acts 9:10 ). He became Paul's instructor; but when or by what means he himself became a Christian we have no information. He was "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt" at Damascus ( 22:12 ).
3. The high priest before whom Paul was brought in the procuratorship of Felix ( Acts 23:2 Acts 23:5 Acts 23:24 ). He was so enraged at Paul's noble declaration, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day," that he commanded one of his attendants to smite him on the mouth. Smarting under this unprovoked insult, Paul quickly replied, "God shall smite thee, thou whited wall." Being reminded that Ananias was the high priest, to whose office all respect was to be paid, he answered, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest" ( Acts 23:5 ). This expression has occasioned some difficulty, as it is scarcely probable that Paul should have been ignorant of so public a fact. The expression may mean (a) that Paul had at the moment overlooked the honour due to the high priest; or (b), as others think, that Paul spoke ironically, as if he had said, "The high priest breaking the law! God's high priest a tyrant and a lawbreaker! I see a man in white robes, and have heard his voice, but surely it cannot, it ought not to be, the voice of the high priest." (See Dr. Lindsay on Acts, in loco .) (c) Others think that from defect of sight Paul could not observe that the speaker was the high priest. In all this, however, it may be explained, Paul, with all his excellency, comes short of the example of his divine Master, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again.
an answer; i.e., to "prayer", the father of Shamgar, who was one of the judges of Israel ( Judges 3:31 ).
anything laid up or suspended; hence anything laid up in a temple or set apart as sacred. In this sense the form of the word is anath(ee)ma , once in plural used in the Greek New Testament, in Luke 21:5 , where it is rendered "gifts." In the LXX. the form anathema is generally used as the rendering of the Hebrew word herem , derived from a verb which means (1) to consecrate or devote; and (2) to exterminate. Any object so devoted to the Lord could not be redeemed ( Numbers 18:14 ; Leviticus 27:28 Leviticus 27:29 ); and hence the idea of exterminating connected with the word. The Hebrew verb (haram) is frequently used of the extermination of idolatrous nations. It had a wide range of application. The anathema_ or _herem was a person or thing irrevocably devoted to God ( Leviticus 27:21 Leviticus 27:28 ); and "none devoted shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to death" ( 27:29 ). The word therefore carried the idea of devoted to destruction ( Numbers 21:2 Numbers 21:3 ; Joshua 6:17 ); and hence generally it meant a thing accursed. In Deuteronomy 7:26 an idol is called a herem = anathema , a thing accursed.
In the New Testament this word always implies execration. In some cases an individual denounces an anathema on himself unless certain conditions are fulfilled ( Acts 23:12 Acts 23:14 Acts 23:21 ). "To call Jesus accursed" [anathema] ( 1 Corinthians 12:3 ) is to pronounce him execrated or accursed. If any one preached another gospel, the apostle says, "let him be accursed" ( Galatians 1:8 Galatians 1:9 ); i.e., let his conduct in so doing be accounted accursed.
In Romans 9:3 , the expression "accursed" (anathema) from Christ, i.e., excluded from fellowship or alliance with Christ, has occasioned much difficulty. The apostle here does not speak of his wish as a possible thing. It is simply a vehement expression of feeling, showing how strong was his desire for the salvation of his people.
The anathema in 1 Corinthians 16:22 denotes simply that they who love not the Lord are rightly objects of loathing and execration to all holy beings; they are guilty of a crime that merits the severest condemnation; they are exposed to the just sentence of "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord."
the name of one of the cities of refuge, in the tribe of Benjamin ( Joshua 21:18 ). The Jews, as a rule, did not change the names of the towns they found in Palestine; hence this town may be regarded as deriving its name from the goddess Anat. It was the native place of Abiezer, one of David's "thirty" ( 2 Samuel 23:27 ), and of Jehu, another of his mighty men ( 1 Chronicles 12:3 ). It is chiefly notable, however, as the birth-place and usual residence of Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 1:1 ; 11:21-23 ; 29:27 ; 32:7-9 ). It suffered greatly from the army of Sennacherib, and only 128 men returned to it from the Exile ( Nehemiah 7:27 ; Ezra 2:23 ). It lay about 3 miles north of Jerusalem. It has been identified with the small and poor village of 'Anata, containing about 100 inhabitants.
From Acts 27:29 Acts 27:30 Acts 27:40 , it would appear that the Roman vessels carried several anchors, which were attached to the stern as well as to the prow. The Roman anchor, like the modern one, had two teeth or flukes. In Hebrews 6:19 the word is used metaphorically for that which supports or keeps one steadfast in the time of trial or of doubt. It is an emblem of hope.
"If you fear, Put all your trust in God: that anchor holds."
manliness, a Greek name; one of the apostles of our Lord. He was of Bethsaida in Galilee ( John 1:44 ), and was the brother of Simon Peter ( Matthew 4:18 ; 10:2 ). On one occasion John the Baptist, whose disciple he then was, pointing to Jesus, said, "Behold the Lamb of God" ( John 1:40 ); and Andrew, hearing him, immediately became a follower of Jesus, the first of his disciples. After he had been led to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, his first care was to bring also his brother Simon to Jesus. The two brothers seem to have after this pursued for a while their usual calling as fishermen, and did not become the stated attendants of the Lord till after John's imprisonment ( Matthew 4:18 Matthew 4:19 ; Mark 1:16 Mark 1:17 ). Very little is related of Andrew. He was one of the confidential disciples ( John 6:8 ; 12:22 ), and with Peter, James, and John inquired of our Lord privately regarding his future coming ( Mark 13:3 ). He was present at the feeding of the five thousand ( John 6:9 ), and he introduced the Greeks who desired to see Jesus ( John 12:22 ); but of his subsequent history little is known. It is noteworthy that Andrew thrice brings others to Christ, (1) Peter; (2) the lad with the loaves; and (3) certain Greeks. These incidents may be regarded as a key to his character.
man-conquering, a Jewish Christian, the kinsman and fellowprisoner of Paul ( Romans 16:7 ); "of note among the apostles."
2. A city of Manasseh given to the Levites of Kohath's family ( 1 Chronicles 6:70 ).
a word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger ( Job 1:14 : 1 Samuel 11:3 ; Luke 7:24 ; 9:52 ), of prophets ( Isaiah 42:19 ; Haggai 1:13 ), of priests ( Malachi 2:7 ), and ministers of the New Testament ( Revelation 1:20 ).
But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world. The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre ( Genesis 18:2 Genesis 18:22 . Comp 19:1 ), to Jacob at Peniel ( Genesis 32:24 Genesis 32:30 ), to Joshua at Gilgal ( Joshua 5:13 Joshua 5:15 ), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.
1. The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information. Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as Genesis 16:7 Genesis 16:10 Genesis 16:11 ; Judges 13:1-21 ; Matthew 28:2-5 ; Hebrews 1:4 , etc. These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. ( Daniel 7:10 ; Matthew 26:53 ; Luke 2:13 ; Hebrews 12:22 Hebrews 12:23 ). They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power ( Zechariah 1:9 Zechariah 1:11 ; Daniel 10:13 ; 12:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 ; Jude 1:9 ; Ephesians 1:21 ; Colossians 1:16 ).
2. As to their nature, they are spirits ( Hebrews 1:14 ), like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" ( Luke 20:36 ), and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form ( Genesis 18:2 ; Genesis 19:1 Genesis 19:10 ; Luke 24:4 ; Acts 1:10 ), and the titles that are applied to them ("sons of God," Job 1:6 ; 38:7 ; Daniel 3:25 ; Compare 28) and to men ( Luke 3:38 ), seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race. Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures ( Job 4:18 ; Matthew 24:36 ; 1 Peter 1:12 ). As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" ( Matthew 25:41 ; Revelation 12:7 Revelation 12:9 ), and that they are "reserved unto judgement" ( 2 Peter 2:4 ). When the manna is called "angels' food," this is merely to denote its excellence ( Psalms 78:25 ). Angels never die ( Luke 20:36 ). They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power ( Mark 13:32 ; 2 th 1:7 ; Psalms 103:20 ). They are called "holy" ( Luke 9:26 ), "elect" ( 1 Timothy 5:21 ). The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" ( Luke 20:36 ). They are not to be worshipped ( Colossians 2:18 ; Revelation 19:10 ).
3. Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence ( Exodus 12:23 ; Psalms 104:4 ; Hebrews 11:28 ; 1 Corinthians 10:10 ; 2 Sam 24:16 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 ; 2 Kings 19:35 ; Acts 12:23 ). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth ( Genesis 18 ; 19 ; Genesis 24:7 Genesis 24:40 ; 28:12 ; 32:1 ). They appear to rebuke idolatry ( Judges 2:1-4 ), to call Gideon ( Judges 6:11 Judges 6:12 ), and to consecrate Samson ( 13:3 ). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf ( 1 Kings 19:5 ; 2 Kings 6:17 ; Zech. 1-6; Daniel 4:13 Daniel 4:23 ; Daniel 10:10 Daniel 10:13 Daniel 10:20 Daniel 10:21 ). The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent ( Matthew 1:20 ; Luke 1:26-38 ), minister to him after his temptation and agony ( Matthew 4:11 ; Luke 22:43 ), and declare his resurrection and ascension ( Matthew 28:2-8 ; John 20:12 John 20:13 ; Acts 1:10 Acts 1:11 ). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God ( Hebrews 1:14 ; Psalms 34:7 ; 91:11 ; Matthew 18:10 ; Acts 5:19 ; 8:26 ; 10:3 ; 12:7 ; 27:23 ). They rejoice over a penitent sinner ( Luke 15:10 ). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise ( Luke 16:22 ); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day ( Matthew 13:39 Matthew 13:41 Matthew 13:49 ; 16:27 ; 24:31 ). The passages ( Psalms 34:7 , Matthew 18:10 ) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples. The "angel of his presence" ( Isaiah 63:9 . Compare Exodus 23:20 Exodus 23:21 ; 32:34 ; 33:2 ; Numbers 20:16 ) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel ( Luke 1:19 ).
the emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted ( Matthew 5:22 ; Ephesians 4:26 ; Colossians 3:8 ). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners ( Psalms 7:11 ).
fountains, a city in the mountains of Judah ( Joshua 15:50 ), now el-Ghuwein, near Eshtemoh, about 10 miles south-west of Hebron.
an organized living creature endowed with sensation. The Levitical law divided animals into clean and unclean, although the distinction seems to have existed before the Flood ( Genesis 7:2 ). The clean could be offered in sacrifice and eaten. All animals that had not cloven hoofs and did not chew the cud were unclean. The list of clean and unclean quadrupeds is set forth in the Levitical law ( Deuteronomy 14:3-20 ; Leviticus 11 ).
This word is found only in Matthew 23:23 . It is the plant commonly known by the name of dill, the Peucedanum graveolens of the botanist. This name dill is derived from a Norse word which means to soothe, the plant having the carminative property of allaying pain. The common dill, the Anethum graveolens, is an annual growing wild in the cornfields of Spain and Portugal and the south of Europe generally. There is also a species of dill cultivated in Eastern countries known by the name of shubit. It was this species of garden plant of which the Pharisees were in the habit of paying tithes. The Talmud requires that the seeds, leaves, and stem of dill shall pay tithes. It is an umbelliferous plant, very like the caraway, its leaves, which are aromatic, being used in soups and pickles. The proper anise is the Pimpinella anisum.
grace, an aged widow, the daughter of Phanuel. She was a "prophetess," like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah ( 2 Chronicles 34:22 ). After seven years of married life her husband died, and during her long widowhood she daily attended the temple services. When she was eighty-four years old, she entered the temple at the moment when the aged Simeon uttered his memorable words of praise and thanks to God that he had fulfilled his ancient promise in sending his Son into the world ( Luke 2:36 Luke 2:37 ).
was high priest A.D. 7-14. In A.D. 25 Caiaphas, who had married the daughter of Annas ( John 18:13 ), was raised to that office, and probably Annas was now made president of the Sanhedrim, or deputy or coadjutor of the high priest, and thus was also called high priest along with Caiaphas ( Luke 3:2 ). By the Mosaic law the high-priesthood was held for life ( Numbers 3:10 ); and although Annas had been deposed by the Roman procurator, the Jews may still have regarded him as legally the high priest. Our Lord was first brought before Annas, and after a brief questioning of him ( John 18:19-23 ) was sent to Caiaphas, when some members of the Sanhedrim had met, and the first trial of Jesus took place ( Matthew 26:57-68 ). This examination of our Lord before Annas is recorded only by John. Annas was president of the Sanhedrim before which Peter and John were brought ( Acts 4:6 ).
The practice of anointing with perfumed oil was common among the Hebrews.
1. The act of anointing was significant of consecration to a holy or sacred use; hence the anointing of the high priest ( Exodus 29:29 ; Leviticus 4:3 ) and of the sacred vessels ( Exodus 30:26 ). The high priest and the king are thus called "the anointed" ( Leviticus 4:3 Leviticus 4:5 Leviticus 4:16 ; 6:20 ; Psalms 132:10 ). Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him ( 1 Samuel 16:13 ; 2 Sam 2:4 , etc.). Prophets were also anointed ( 1 Kings 19:16 ; 1 Chronicles 16:22 ; Psalms 105:15 ). The expression, "anoint the shield" ( Isaiah 21:5 ), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as to make it supple and fit for use in war.
2. Anointing was also an act of hospitality ( Luke 7:38 Luke 7:46 ). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies ( Deuteronomy 28:40 ; Ruth 3:3 ; 2 Sam 14:2 ; Psalms 104:15 , etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day.
5. The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or Messiah ( Psalms 2:2 ; Daniel 9:25 Daniel 9:26 ), because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost ( Isaiah 61:1 ), figuratively styled the "oil of gladness" ( Psalms 45:7 ; Hebrews 1:9 ). Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One ( John 1:41 ; Acts 9:22 ; Acts 17:2 Acts 17:3 ; Acts 18:5 Acts 18:28 ), the Messiah of the Old Testament.
(Heb. nemalah, from a word meaning to creep, cut off, destroy), referred to in Proverbs 6:6 ; 30:25 , as distinguished for its prudent habits. Many ants in Palestine feed on animal substances, but others draw their nourishment partly or exclusively from vegetables. To the latter class belongs the ant to which Solomon refers. This ant gathers the seeds in the season of ripening, and stores them for future use; a habit that has been observed in ants in Texas, India, and Italy.
against Christ, or an opposition Christ, a rival Christ. The word is used only by the apostle John. Referring to false teachers, he says ( 1 John 2:18 1 John 2:22 ; 4:3 ; 2 John 1:7 ), "Even now are there many antichrists."
1. In Syria, on the river Orontes, about 16 miles from the Mediterranean, and some 300 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the metropolis of Syria, and afterwards became the capital of the Roman province in Asia. It ranked third, after Rome and Alexandria, in point of importance, of the cities of the Roman empire. It was called the "first city of the East." Christianity was early introduced into it ( Acts 11:19 Acts 11:21 Acts 11:24 ), and the name "Christian" was first applied here to its professors ( Acts 11:26 ). It is intimately connected with the early history of the gospel ( Acts 6:5 ; Acts 11:19 Acts 11:27 Acts 11:28 Acts 11:30 ; 12:25 ; 15:22-35 ; Galatians 2:11 Galatians 2:12 ). It was the great central point whence missionaries to the Gentiles were sent forth. It was the birth-place of the famous Christian father Chrysostom, who died A.D. 407. It bears the modern name of Antakia, and is now a miserable, decaying Turkish town. Like Philippi, it was raised to the rank of a Roman colony. Such colonies were ruled by "praetors" (RSV marg., Acts 16:20 Acts 16:21 ).
2. In the extreme north of Pisidia; was visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey ( Acts 13:14 ). Here they found a synagogue and many proselytes. They met with great success in preaching the gospel, but the Jews stirred up a violent opposition against them, and they were obliged to leave the place. On his return, Paul again visited Antioch for the purpose of confirming the disciples ( Acts 14:21 ). It has been identified with the modern Yalobatch, lying to the east of Ephesus.
the name of several Syrian kings from B.C. 280 to B.C. 65. The most notable of these were,
1. Antiochus the Great, who ascended the throne B.C. 223. He is regarded as the "king of the north" referred to in Daniel 11:13-19 . He was succeeded (B.C. 187) by his son, Seleucus Philopater, spoken of by ( Daniel 11:20 ) as "a raiser of taxes", in the Revised Version, "one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory of the kingdom."
2. Antiochus IV., surnamed "Epiphanes" i.e., the Illustrious, succeeded his brother Seleucus (B.C. 175). His career and character are prophetically described by ( Daniel 11:21-32 ). He was a "vile person." In a spirit of revenge he organized an expedition against Jerusalem, which he destroyed, putting vast multitudes of its inhabitants to death in the most cruel manner. From this time the Jews began the great war of independence under their heroic Maccabean leaders with marked success, defeating the armies of Antiochus that were sent against them. Enraged at this, Antiochus marched against them in person, threatening utterly to exterminate the nation; but on the way he was suddenly arrested by the hand of death (B.C. 164).
1. Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great by his Samaritan wife Malthace. He was tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea during the whole period of our Lord's life on earth ( Luke 23:7 ). He was a frivolous and vain prince, and was chargeable with many infamous crimes ( Mark 8:15 ; Luke 3:19 ; Luke 13:31 Luke 13:32 ). He beheaded John the Baptist ( Matthew 14:1-12 ) at the instigation of Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod-Philip, whom he had married. Pilate sent Christ to him when he was at Jerusalem at the Passover ( Luke 23:7 ). He asked some idle questions of him, and after causing him to be mocked, sent him back again to Pilate. The wife of Chuza, his house-steward, was one of our Lord's disciples ( Luke 8:3 ).
2. A "faithful martyr" ( Revelation 2:13 ), of whom nothing more is certainly known.
a city built by Herod the Great, and called by this name in honour of his father, Antipater. It lay between Caesarea and Lydda, two miles inland, on the great Roman road from Caesarea to Jerusalem. To this place Paul was brought by night ( Acts 23:31 ) on his way to Caesarea, from which it was distant 28 miles. It is identified with the modern, Ras-el-Ain, where rise the springs of Aujeh, the largest springs in Palestine.
a fortress in Jerusalem, at the north-west corner of the temple area. It is called "the castle" ( Acts 21:34 Acts 21:37 ). From the stairs of this castle Paul delivered his famous speech to the multitude in the area below ( Acts 22:1-21 ). It was originally a place in which were kept the vestments of the high priest. Herod fortified it, and called it Antonia in honour of his friend Mark Antony. It was of great size, and commanded the temple. It was built on a plateau of rock, separated on the north from the hill Bezetha by a ditch about 30 feet deep and 165 feet wide.
the rendering of the Hebrew word , "beaten," found only in Isaiah 41:7 .
an animal of the monkey tribe ( 1 Kings 10:22 ; 2 Chr 9:21 ). It was brought from India by the fleets of Solomon and Hiram, and was called by the Hebrews koph_, and by the Greeks _kepos , both words being just the Indian Tamil name of the monkey, kapi, i.e., swift, nimble, active. No species of ape has ever been found in Palestine or the adjacent regions.
a Christian at Rome whom Paul salutes ( Romans 16:10 ), and styles "approved in Christ."
another of the tribes removed to Samaria ( Ezra 4:9 ), or perhaps the same as the preceding.
1. A city of the tribe of Asher. It was the scene of the licentious worship of the Syrian Aphrodite. The ruins of the temple, "magnificent ruins" in a "spot of strange wildness and beauty", are still seen at Afka, on the north-west slopes of Lebanon, near the source of the river Adonis (now Nahr Ibrahim), 12 miles east of Gebal.
3. A town on the road from Damascus to Palestine, in the level plain east of Jordan, near which Benhadad was defeated by the Israelites ( 1 Kings 20:26 1 Kings 20:30 ; 2 Kings 13:17 ). It has been identified with the modern Fik, 6 miles east of the Sea of Galilee, opposite Tiberias.
the Greek name of the Book of Revelation (q.v.).
hidden, spurious, the name given to certain ancient books which found a place in the LXX. and Latin Vulgate versions of the Old Testament, and were appended to all the great translations made from them in the sixteenth century, but which have no claim to be regarded as in any sense parts of the inspired Word.
1. They are not once quoted by the New Testament writers, who frequently quote from the LXX. Our Lord and his apostles confirmed by their authority the ordinary Jewish canon, which was the same in all respects as we now have it.
2. These books were written not in Hebrew but in Greek, and during the "period of silence," from the time of Malachi, after which oracles and direct revelations from God ceased till the Christian era.
3. The contents of the books themselves show that they were no part of Scripture. The Old Testament Apocrypha consists of fourteen books, the chief of which are the Books of the Maccabees (q.v.), the Books of Esdras, the Book of Wisdom, the Book of Baruch, the Book of Esther, Ecclesiasticus, Tobit, Judith, etc. The New Testament Apocrypha consists of a very extensive literature, which bears distinct evidences of its non-apostolic origin, and is utterly unworthy of regard.
a city of Macedonia between Amphipolis and Thessalonica, from which it was distant about 36 miles. Paul and Silas passed through it on their way to Thessalonica ( Acts 17:1 ).
a Jew "born at Alexandria," a man well versed in the Scriptures and eloquent ( Acts 18:24 ; RSV, "learned"). He came to Ephesus (about A.D. 49), where he spake "boldly" in the synagogue ( 18:26 ), although he did not know as yet that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Aquila and Priscilla instructed him more perfectly in "the way of God", i.e., in the knowledge of Christ. He then proceeded to Corinth, where he met Paul ( Acts 18:27 ; 19:1 ). He was there very useful in watering the good seed Paul had sown ( 1 Corinthians 1:12 ), and in gaining many to Christ. His disciples were much attached to him ( 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 1 Corinthians 3:22 ). He was with Paul at Ephesus when he wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians; and Paul makes kindly reference to him in his letter to ( Titus 3:13 ). Some have supposed, although without sufficient ground, that he was the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
destroyer, the name given to the king of the hosts represented by the locusts ( Revelation 9:11 ). It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Abaddon (q.v.).
a person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father ( Hebrews 3:1 ; John 20:21 ). It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called ( Matthew 10:1-5 ; Mark 3:14 ; 6:7 ; Luke 6:13 ; 9:1 ). We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists ( Matthew 10:2-4 ; Mark 3:16 ; Luke 6:14 ), and one in the ( Acts 1:13 ). No two of these lists, however, perfectly coincide.
Our Lord gave them the "keys of the kingdom," and by the gift of his Spirit fitted them to be the founders and governors of his church ( John 14:16 John 14:17 John 14:26 ; John 15:26 John 15:27 ; 16:7-15 ). To them, as representing his church, he gave the commission to "preach the gospel to every creature" ( Matthew 28:18-20 ). After his ascension he communicated to them, according to his promise, supernatural gifts to qualify them for the discharge of their duties ( Acts 2:4 ; 1 Corinthians 2:16 ; 1 Corinthians 2:7 1 Corinthians 2:10 1 Corinthians 2:13 ; 2 co 5:20 ; 1 Corinthians 11:2 ). Judas Iscariot, one of "the twelve," fell by transgression, and Matthias was substituted in his place ( Acts 1:21 ). Saul of Tarsus was afterwards added to their number ( Acts 9:3-20 ; 20:4 ; 26:15-18 ; 1 Timothy 1:12 ; 2:7 ; 2 Tim 1:11 ).
Luke has given some account of Peter, John, and the two Jameses ( Acts 12:2 Acts 12:17 ; 15:13 ; 21:18 ), but beyond this we know nothing from authentic history of the rest of the original twelve. After the martyrdom of James the Greater ( Acts 12:2 ), James the Less usually resided at Jerusalem, while Paul, "the apostle of the uncircumcision," usually travelled as a missionary among the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:8 ). It was characteristic of the apostles and necessary (1) that they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge ( John 15:27 ; Acts 1:21 Acts 1:22 ; 1 Corinthians 9:1 ; Acts 22:14 Acts 22:15 ).
2. It was essential that they should be infallibly inspired, and thus secured against all error and mistake in their public teaching, whether by word or by writing ( John 14:26 ; 16:13 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 ).
3. Another qualification was the power of working miracles ( Mark 16:20 ; Acts 2:43 ; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 ). The apostles therefore could have had no successors. They are the only authoritative teachers of the Christian doctrines. The office of an apostle ceased with its first holders. In 2 Corinthians 8:23 and Phil 2:25 the word "messenger" is the rendering of the same Greek word, elsewhere rendered "apostle."
rendered in the margin and the Revised Version "perfumer," in Exodus 30:25 ; 37:29 ; Eccl 10:1 . The holy oils and ointments were prepared by priests properly qualified for this office. The feminine plural form of the Hebrew word is rendered "confectionaries" in 1 Samuel 8:13 .
In Old Testament times the distinction between male and female attire was not very marked. The statute forbidding men to wear female apparel ( Deuteronomy 22:5 ) referred especially to ornaments and head-dresses. Both men and women wore (1) an under garment or tunic, which was bound by a girdle. One who had only this tunic on was spoken of as "naked" ( 1 Samuel 19:24 ; Job 24:10 ; Isaiah 20:2 ). Those in high stations sometimes wore two tunics, the outer being called the "upper garment" ( 1 Samuel 15:27 ; 18:4 ; 24:5 ; Job 1:20 ).
1. They wore in common an over-garment ("mantle," Isaiah 3:22 ; 1 Kings 19:13 ; 2 Kings 2:13 ), a loose and flowing robe. The folds of this upper garment could be formed into a lap ( Ruth 3:15 ; Psalms 79:12 ; Proverbs 17:23 ; Luke 6:38 ). Generals of armies usually wore scarlet robes ( Judges 8:26 ; Nahum 2:3 ). A form of conspicuous raiment is mentioned in Luke 20:46 ; Compare Matthew 23:5 . Priests alone wore trousers. Both men and women wore turbans. Kings and nobles usually had a store of costly garments for festive occasions ( Isaiah 3:22 ; Zechariah 3:4 ) and for presents ( Genesis 45:22 ; Esther 4:4 ; Esther 6:8 Esther 6:11 ; 1 Samuel 18:4 ; 2 Kings 5:5 ; 10:22 ). Prophets and ascetics wore coarse garments ( Isaiah 20:2 ; Zechariah 13:4 ; Matthew 3:4 ).
a reference of any case from an inferior to a superior court. Moses established in the wilderness a series of judicatories such that appeals could be made from a lower to a higher ( Exodus 18:13-26 .)
Under the Roman law the most remarkable case of appeal is that of Paul from the tribunal of Festus at Caesarea to that of the emperor at Rome ( Acts 25:11 Acts 25:12 Acts 25:21 Acts 25:25 ). Paul availed himself of the privilege of a Roman citizen in this matter.
increasing, a female Christian at Colosse ( Philemon 1:2 ), supposed by some to have been the wife of Philemon.
i.e., "the market of Appius" ( Acts 28:15 , RSV), a town on the road, the "Appian Way," from Rome to Brundusium. It was 43 miles from Rome. Here Paul was met by some Roman Christians on his way to the capital. It was natural that they should halt here and wait for him, because from this place there were two ways by which travellers might journey to Rome.
(Heb. tappuah, meaning "fragrance"). Probably the apricot or quince is intended by the word, as Palestine was too hot for the growth of apples proper. It is enumerated among the most valuable trees of Palestine ( Joel 1:12 ), and frequently referred to in Canticles, and noted for its beauty ( Joel 2:3 Joel 2:5 ; 8:5 ). There is nothing to show that it was the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Dr. Tristram has suggested that the apricot has better claims than any other fruit-tree to be the apple of Scripture. It grows to a height of 30 feet, has a roundish mass of glossy leaves, and bears an orange coloured fruit that gives out a delicious perfume. The "apple of the eye" is the Heb. ishon , meaning manikin, i.e., the pupil of the eye ( Proverbs 7:2 ). (Compare the promise, Zechariah 2:8 ; the prayer, Psalms 17:8 ; and its fulfilment, Deuteronomy 32:10 .)
The so-called "apple of Sodom" some have supposed to be the Solanum sanctum (Heb. hedek), rendered "brier" (q.v.) in Micah 7:4 , a thorny plant bearing fruit like the potato-apple. This shrub abounds in the Jordan valley. (See ENGEDI .)
found in the Authorized Version in Genesis 3:7 , of the bands of fig-leaves made by our first parents. In Acts 19:12 , it denotes the belt or half-girdle worn by artisans and servants round the waist for the purpose of preserving the clothing from injury. In marg. of Authorized Version, Ruth 3:15 , correctly rendered instead of "vail." (RSV, "mantle.")
eagle, a native of Pontus, by occupation a tent-maker, whom Paul met on his first visit to Corinth ( Acts 18:2 ). Along with his wife Priscilla he had fled from Rome in consequence of a decree (A.D. 50) by Claudius commanding all Jews to leave the city. Paul sojourned with him at Corinth, and they wrought together at their common trade, making Cilician hair-cloth for tents. On Paul's departure from Corinth after eighteen months, Aquila and his wife accompanied him to Ephesus, where they remained, while he proceeded to Syria ( Acts 18:18 Acts 18:26 ). When they became Christians we are not informed, but in Ephesus they were ( 1 Corinthians 16:19 ) Paul's "helpers in Christ Jesus." We find them afterwards at Rome ( Romans 16:3 ), interesting themselves still in the cause of Christ. They are referred to some years after this as being at Ephesus ( 2 Timothy 4:19 ). This is the last notice we have of them.
ambush, a city in the mountains of Judah ( Joshua 15:52 ), now Er-Rabiyeh.
plain, in the Revised Version of 2 Kings 14:25 ; Joshua 3:16 ; 8:14 ; 2 Sam 2:29 ; 4:7 (in all these passages the A.V. has "plain"); Amos 6:14 (A.V. "wilderness"). This word is found in the Authorized Version only in Joshua 18:18 . It denotes the hollow depression through which the Jordan flows from the Lake of Galilee to the Dead Sea. It is now called by the Arabs el-Ghor. But the Ghor is sometimes spoken of as extending 10 miles south of the Dead Sea, and thence to the Gulf of Akabah on the Red Sea is called the Wady el-Arabah.
arid, an extensive region in the south-west of Asia. It is bounded on the west by the Isthmus of Suez and the Red Sea, on the south by the Indian Ocean, and on the east by the Persian Gulf and the Euphrates. It extends far into the north in barren deserts, meeting those of Syria and Mesopotamia. It is one of the few countries of the world from which the original inhabitants have never been expelled.
It was anciently divided into three parts:,
1. Arabia Felix (Happy Arabia), so called from its fertility. It embraced a large portion of the country now known by the name of Arabia. The Arabs call it Yemen. It lies between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
2. Arabia Deserta, the el-Badieh or "Great Wilderness" of the Arabs. From this name is derived that which is usually given to the nomadic tribes which wander over this region, the "Bedaween," or, more generally, "Bedouin,"
3. Arabia Petraea, i.e., the Rocky Arabia, so called from its rocky mountains and stony plains. It comprehended all the north-west portion of the country, and is much better known to travellers than any other portion. This country is, however, divided by modern geographers into (1) Arabia Proper, or the Arabian Peninsula; (2) Northern Arabia, or the Arabian Desert; and (3) Western Arabia, which includes the peninsula of Sinai and the Desert of Petra, originally inhabited by the Horites ( Genesis 14:6 , etc.), but in later times by the descendants of Esau, and known as the Land of Edom or Idumea, also as the Desert of Seir or Mount Seir. The whole land appears ( Genesis 10 ) to have been inhabited by a variety of tribes of different lineage, Ishmaelites, Arabians, Idumeans, Horites, and Edomites; but at length becoming amalgamated, they came to be known by the general designation of Arabs. The modern nation of Arabs is predominantly Ishmaelite. Their language is the most developed and the richest of all the Semitic languages, and is of great value to the student of Hebrew. The Israelites wandered for forty years in Arabia. In the days of Solomon, and subsequently, commercial intercourse was to a considerable extent kept up with this country ( 1 Kings 10:15 ; 2 Chr 9:14 ; 17:11 ). Arabians were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost ( Acts 2:11 ). Paul retired for a season into Arabia after his conversion ( Galatians 1:17 ). This country is frequently referred to by the prophets ( Isaiah 21:11 ; 42:11 ; Jeremiah 25:24 , etc.)
1. Now Tell Arad, a Canaanite city, about 20 miles south of Hebron. The king of Arad "fought against Israel and took of them prisoners" when they were retreating from the confines of Edom ( Numbers 21:1 ; 33:40 ; Judges 1:16 ). It was finally subdued by ( Joshua 12:14 ).
2. One of the sons of Beriah ( 1 Chronicles 8:15 ).
the son of Shem ( Genesis 10:22 ); according to Genesis 22:21 , a grandson of Nahor. In Matthew 1:3 Matthew 1:4 , and Luke 3:33 , this word is the Greek form of Ram, the father of Amminadab ( 1 Chronicles 2:10 ).
The word means high, or highlands, and as the name of a country denotes that elevated region extending from the northeast of Palestine to the Euphrates. It corresponded generally with the Syria and Mesopotamia of the Greeks and Romans. In Genesis 25:20 ; Genesis 31:20 Genesis 31:24 ; Deuteronomy 26:5 , the word "Syrian" is properly "Aramean" (RSV, marg.). Damascus became at length the capital of the several smaller kingdoms comprehended under the designation "Aram" or "Syria."
Aram of the two rivers, is Mesopotamia (as it is rendered in Genesis 24:10 ), the country enclosed between the Tigris on the east and the Euphrates on the west ( Psalms 60 , title); called also the "field of Aram" ( Hosea 12:12 , RSV) i.e., the open country of Aram; in the Authorized Version, "country of Syria." Padan-aram (q.v.) was a portion of this country.
( Psalms 60 , title), probably the region between the Euphrates and the Orontes.
wild goat, a descendant of Seir the Horite ( Genesis 36:28 ).
sacred land or high land, the name of a country on one of the mountains of which the ark rested after the Flood subsided ( Genesis 8:4 ). The "mountains" mentioned were probably the Kurdish range of South Armenia. In 2 Kings 19:37 , Isaiah 37:38 , the word is rendered "Armenia" in the Authorized Version, but in the Revised Version, "Land of Ararat." In Jeremiah 51:27 , the name denotes the central or southern portion of Armenia. It is, however, generally applied to a high and almost inaccessible mountain which rises majestically from the plain of the Araxes. It has two conical peaks, about 7 miles apart, the one 14,300 feet and the other 10,300 feet above the level of the plain. Three thousand feet of the summit of the higher of these peaks is covered with perpetual snow. It is called Kuh-i-nuh, i.e., "Noah's mountain", by the Persians. This part of Armenia was inhabited by a people who spoke a language unlike any other now known, though it may have been related to the modern Georgian. About B.C. 900 they borrowed the cuneiform characters of Nineveh, and from this time we have inscriptions of a line of kings who at times contended with Assyria. At the close of the seventh century B.C. the kingdom of Ararat came to an end, and the country was occupied by a people who are ancestors of the Armenians of the present day.
agile; also called Ornan 1 Chronicles 21:15 , a Jebusite who dwelt in Jerusalem before it was taken by the Israelites. The destroying angel, sent to punish David for his vanity in taking a census of the people, was stayed in his work of destruction near a threshing-floor belonging to Araunah which was situated on Mount Moriah. Araunah offered it to David as a free gift, together with the oxen and the threshing instruments; but the king insisted on purchasing it at its full price ( 2 Samuel 24:24 ; 1 Chronicles 21:24 1 Chronicles 21:25 ), for, according to the law of sacrifices, he could not offer to God what cost him nothing. On the same place Solomon afterwards erected the temple ( 2 Samuel 24:16 ; 2 Chr. 3:1 ). (See ALTAR .)
a name given to Abi-albon, or, as elsewhere called, Abiel, one of David's warriors ( 2 Samuel 23:31 ; 1 Chronicles 11:32 ), probably as being an inhabitant of Arabah ( Joshua 15:61 ), a town in the wilderness of Judah.
an architectural term found only in Ezekiel 40:16 Ezekiel 40:21 Ezekiel 40:22 Ezekiel 40:26 Ezekiel 40:29 . There is no absolute proof that the Israelites employed arches in their buildings. The arch was employed in the building of the pyramids of Egypt. The oldest existing arch is at Thebes, and bears the date B.C. 1350. There are also still found the remains of an arch, known as Robinson's Arch, of the bridge connecting Zion and Moriah. (See TYROPOEON VALLEY .)
ruler of the people, son of Herod the Great, by Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He was educated along with his brother Antipas at Rome. He inherited from his father a third part of his kingdom viz., Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, and hence is called "king" ( Matthew 2:22 ). It was for fear of him that Joseph and Mary turned aside on their way back from Egypt. Till a few days before his death Herod had named Antipas as his successor, but in his last moments he named Archelaus.
a shooter with the bow ( 1 Chronicles 10:3 ). This art was of high antiquity ( Genesis 21:20 ; 27:3 ). Saul was wounded by the Philistine archers ( 1 Samuel 31:3 ). The phrase "breaking the bow" ( Hosea 1:5 ; Jeremiah 49:35 ) is equivalent to taking away one's power, while "strengthening the bow" is a symbol of its increase ( Genesis 49:24 ). The Persian archers were famous among the ancients ( Isaiah 13:18 ; Jeremiah 49:35 ; Jeremiah 50:9 Jeremiah 50:14 Jeremiah 50:29 Jeremiah 50:42 . (See BOW).
one of the nations planted by the Assyrians in Samaria ( Ezra 4:9 ); the men of Erech.
a city on the boundary of Ephraim and Benjamin ( Joshua 16:2 ), between Bethel and Beth-horon the nether.
the usual designation of Hushai ( 2 Samuel 15:32 ; 2 Samuel 17:5 2 Samuel 17:14 ; 1 Chronicles 27:33 ), who was a native of Archi. He was "the king's friend", i.e., he held office under David similar to that of our modern privy councillor.
bear-keeper, the name given by the ancients to the brightest star in the constellation Bootes. In the Authorized Version ( Job 9:9 ; 38:32 ) it is the rendering of the Hebrew word 'ash , which probably designates the constellation the Great Bear. This word ('ash) is supposed to be derived from an Arabic word meaning night-watcher, because the Great Bear always revolves about the pole, and to our nothern hemisphere never sets.
descendant, the last of the three sons of Caleb by his first wife Azubah ( 1 Chronicles 2:18 ).
a member of the court of Areopagus ( Acts 17:34 ).
the Latin form of the Greek word rendered "Mars' hill." But it denotes also the council or court of justice which met in the open air on the hill. It was a rocky height to the west of the Acropolis at Athens, on the south-east summit of which the council was held which was constituted by Solon, and consisted of nine archons or chief magistrates who were then in office, and the ex-archons of blameless life.
On this hill of Mars (Gr. Ares) Paul delivered his memorable address to the "men of Athens" ( Acts 17:22-31 ).
the father-in-law of Herod Antipas, and king of Arabia Petraea. His daughter returned to him on the occasion of her husband's entering into an adulterous alliance with Herodias, the wife of Herod-Philip, his half-brother ( Luke 3:19 Luke 3:20 ; Mark 6:17 ; Matthew 14:3 ). This led to a war between Aretas and Herod Antipas. Herod's army was wholly destroyed (A.D. 36). Aretas, taking advantage of the complications of the times on account of the death of the Emperor Tiberius (A.D. 37), took possession of Damascus ( 2 Corinthians 11:32 ; Compare Acts 9:25 ). At this time Paul returned to Damascus from Arabia.
stony heap, an "island," as it has been called, of rock about 30 miles by 20, rising 20 or 30 feet above the table-land of Bashan; a region of crags and chasms wild and rugged in the extreme. On this "island" stood sixty walled cities, ruled over by Og. It is called Trachonitis ("the rugged region") in the New Testament ( Luke 3:1 ). These cities were conquered by the Israelites ( Deuteronomy 3:4 ; 1 Kings 4:13 ). It is now called the Lejah. Here "sixty walled cities are still traceable in a space of 308 square miles. The architecture is ponderous and massive. Solid walls 4 feet thick, and stones on one another without cement; the roofs enormous slabs of basaltic rock, like iron; the doors and gates are of stone 18 inches thick, secured by ponderous bars. The land bears still the appearance of having been called the 'land of giants' under the giant Og." "I have more than once entered a deserted city in the evening, taken possession of a comfortable house, and spent the night in peace. Many of the houses in the ancient cities of Bashan are perfect, as if only finished yesterday. The walls are sound, the roofs unbroken, and even the window-shutters in their places. These ancient cities of Bashan probably contain the very oldest specimens of domestic architecture in the world" (Porter's Giant Cities). (See BASHAN .)
the lion, the name of one of the body-guard slain with Pekahiah at Samaria ( 2 Kings 15:25 ) by the conspirator Pekah.