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    Naam (grace ). A Son of Caleb.

    Naamah (“pleasing” ) 1. Daughter of Lamech, by Zillah. 2. Wife of Solomon and mother of king Rehoboam; she was an Ammonite.

    Naamah Judah in the Shefelah ( Joshua 15:41), in the group with Lachish, etc. Lost.

    Naaman (pleasantness ). 1. “Naaman, the Syrian,” Aramite warrior, cured of leprosy by Elisha (2 Kings 5). . This incident is referred to by Jesus ( Luke 4:27). 2. One of the family of Benjamin, who came down to Egypt with Jacob ( Genesis 46:21). There is a Jewish tradition in Josephus (Antiquities viii. 15, 5), which says that Naaman was the archer whose arrow struck Ahab with his mortal wound, and thus “gave deliverance to Syria.” This feat gave the warrior a great place and favor at the court of king Benhadad and command of the army. He was also privy counselor to the king, and attended him to the Temple when he worshiped in state. In Judaea his leprosy would have compelled him to seclusion, and kept him away from the king and all others, but the Syrians were not so cautious. It was Naaman who went in and told his master (lord, the king, in verse four). His carrying away earth has been imitated many times in ancient and modern times. The Campo Santo at Pisa is filled with earth carried from Aceldama. Pilgrims to Mecca always bring away something: dirt, sand or stones. Elisha was made known in Damascus by this cure, and well received by Naaman’s successor, Hazael.

    Naamathite ( Job 2:11, etc. ). Zophar, one of Job’s friends, was from ; but it is supposed that it must be looked for in Arabia, where the Temanite and Shuhite, his other two friends, lived. Lost.

    Naamites The descendants of , mentioned in Numbers 26:40.

    Naarah (a girl ). Second wife of Ashur, a descendant of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:5,6).

    Naarai Son of Ezbai, one of David’s “valiant men” ( 1 Chronicles 11:37).

    Nasaran (boyish ). An eastern limit of Ephraim ( 1 Chronicles 7:28. ).

    Naarath in Joshua 16:7. Perhaps Neara, from which Archelaus conducted water to irrigate the royal gardens at Jericho (Antiquities xvii. 13, 1). It was between Ataroth and Jericho. There are large ruins at the foot of the hills and in the deep ravines a few miles north of Jericho, where there are also ruins; but no place has been pointed out as the site in question. Wady Nawaimeh, three miles north of Jericho?

    Naashon or (Hebrew: NAHSHOV ) ( Exodus 6:23).

    Naason (Greek: Naasson ), ( Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32 ).

    Nasathus Of the family of Addi (1 Esdras 9:31).

    Naazuz The name of a tree, translated “thorn” in Isaiah 7:18,19; 55:13, a thorn tree. Nabal (fool ). A large owner of sheep and goats, near Carmel of Judah, descended from Caleb. He refused to supply provisions requested by David, through his young men. whom he insulted ( 1 Samuel 25:10,11). His wife Abigail saved his life by appeasing the wrath of David. The excitement caused by the danger and rescue of Nabal hastened his death, after which David married Abigail (1 Samuel 25). . The history of Nabal is one of the few glimpses given of the private life of the Hebrews. Josephus says he was a Ziphite (Antiquities vi. 13, 6), residing at Emmaus, south of Carmel in Judah. The vast flocks were pastured on the downs, and gathered yearly at shearing time, when there was feasting, and a joyous time (xxv. 2, 4, 36). David’s ten messengers came to Nabal on one of these feast days, and were recognized by his shepherds as friends who had guarded them in the wilderness. They mentioned their services and David, and claimed a reward as for servants, but were denied by the churlish farmer. Josephus says he was not descended from Caleb, but was the son of a caleb, that is, a dog. The violence of his nature and manner on this occasion prevented his shepherds from telling him who David was, but his beautiful wife was ready to hear, and hastened to mend the mischief her hasty and obstinate husband had done. David had already vowed not to leave “a dog” even of the whole household of Nabal, when Abigail met him, and saluting him in the Eastern manner as a prince, explained to him in truly poetic phrases her husband’s folly. David changed his mind, and Abigail returned, but finding her husband drunk, waited until next morning before telling him the news. When Nabal learned of the danger that had been only just averted by his wife’s quick wit, his heart “became as a stone?” Probably a stroke of paralysis followed; terminating in death in ten days (verses 37,38). David never forgot Nabal’s death but when the great general Abner was murdered he said, mournfully, “Died Abner as Nabal (a fool) died.” The death of Nabal was a. divine judgment on unrestrained passion and vice.

    Naboth (fruit produce ). A Jezreelite who was the owner of a vineyard coveted by king Ahab (see ), near whose palace it was ( 1 Kings 21:1,2). Naboth declined to part with his land. Through the order of Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, Naboth was publicly accused of blasphemy, conveyed beyond the walls and stoned to death with his children ( 2 Kings 9:26), the punishment for that crime ( Leviticus 24:16; Numbers 15:30). Ahab then took possession. Elijah uttered the prophetic curse “In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood even thine” (1 Kings 21). The trial of Naboth was a fearful mockery of justice. He, as an Elder, was set “on high,” that is, in the seat of honor, at the head of the divan among the rulers, and then false witnesses, hired for the business, swore away his life. The prophet denounced the crime, and retribution followed the judicial murder. The same crime was planned against Jesus, and carried out. The retribution in this case being a total loss of judicial power, which had been so grossly abused. Tristram thinks the sire of the vineyard can be identified on the rocky slope near the ruins of ancient Jezreel, where “not a shrub now clothes the bare hillside. A watch tower there would have given a view of the country for many miles over the route of Jehu” (Land of Israel, page 130).

    Nachon’s Threshing floor ( 2 Samuel 6:6). Also called Chiden’s ( 1 Chronicles 13:9), and after the sad event of Uzzah’s death by the ark, it was named Perez Uzzah (perez , broken). (Antiquities vii. 4, 2). Between Kirjath Jearim and Jerusalem.

    Nachor 1. Mother of Abraham ( Joshua 24:2). Also spelled Nahor. The Hebrew H is a strong breathing, and is often written CH. 2. Grand father of Abraham ( Luke 3:34).

    Nadab (spontaneous ). 1. Oldest son of Aaron and Elisheba ( Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2). Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, with seventy eiders ( Exodus 24:1), were selected from the assembly of the people to worship “afar off,” while Moses awaited God upon Mount Sinai. Nadab and his brother were afterward destroyed by fire ( Leviticus 10:1) for burning in their censers fire not taken from that which perpetually burned on the altar ( Leviticus 6:13). 2. King Jeroboam’s son (Jeroboam I), second king of Israel He ascended the throne B.C. 954, reigned two years ( 1 Kings 15:25-31), and was slain at the siege of Gibbethon by his officer Baasha, who succeeded him, B.C. 953. ( ). 3. Son of Shammai ( 1 Chronicles 2:28), of the tribe of Judah. 4. Son of Gibeon ( 1 Chronicles 8:30; 9:36), of the tribe of Benjamin.

    Nadabatha (1 Macc. 9:3; Antiquities xiii. 1,4 ). From which the children of Jambi were escorting a bride with great pomp and music, when they were attacked by Jonathan and Simon. On the east of Jordan, near Esther Salt? Josephus says the bride was the daughter of an illustrious Arabian.

    Nagge (Hebrew: NOGAH, splendor). An ancestor of Jesus Christ ( Luke 3:25), who lived in the time of Onias I.

    Nahalal (posture). In Zebulun ( Joshua 21:35). Nahallal (error in Joshua 19:15). Nahalol ( Judges 1:30). Malul, four miles southwest of Nazareth, in the plain of Esdrae1on.

    Nahaliel (torrent of El).

    One of the latest halting places; north of the Arnon ( Numbers 21:19). Wady Encheyle, a branch of the Mojeb (Arnon). The word Encheyle is the Hebrew name Nahaliel reversed, or transposed. The identification of places by their names, even after the names have been changed by passing through several languages, is a work of patient research and thought, and was very successful in the case of Edward Robinson, who recovered several hundred localities in this way. There are many yet waiting for future research on the east of Jordan.

    Naham (consolation). Brother of Hodiah, or Jehudijah, wife of Ezra ( 1 Chronicles 4:19).

    Nahamani (compassionate) Returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua from Babylon ( Nehemiah 7:7).

    Naharai (Hebrew: SNORER ). Joab’s armor-bearer ( 2 Samuel 23:37).

    Nahash (serpent ). 1. King of the Ammonites (see ). He treated the people of Jabesh-Gilead with the utmost cruelty, at which Saul attacked and destroyed the Ammonite force ( 1 Samuel 11:1, 2-11). He retained the favor of David. 2. Mentioned only once ( 2 Samuel 17:16). The first husband of Jesse’s wife; not Nathash, the Ammonite.

    Nahath (rest ). 1. A duke, or sheikh, of Edom, oldest son of Reuel, the son of Esau ( Genesis 36:13,17; 1 Chronicles 1:37). 2. A Kohathite Levite, son of Zophai ( 1 Chronicles 6:26). 3. A Levite in Hezekiah’s reign: a collector of taxes, etc. ( 2 Chronicles 31:13).

    Nahbi (hidden ). The son of Vophsi; a Naphtalite, one of the twelve spies ( Numbers 13:14). Nahor (snorting, snoring ). 1. Abraham’s grand-father, the son of Serug ( Genesis 11:22-25). 2. Grandson of Nahor, called Nathor, brother to Abraham. he married Milcah. Eight of his sons were by this wife ( Genesis 22:20-24). Nahor remained in the land of his birth. Nahor, the City of ( Genesis 24:10 ).

    Nahashon (enchanter ). Also written Naason and Naashon; son of Amminadab, and prince of the children of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 2:10), at the numbering in the wilderness ( Exodus 6:23; Numbers 1:7, etc.). Elisheba, the wife of Aaron, was his sister. His son Talmon became the husband of Rahab after the fall of Jericho.

    Nahum (consolation ). . Nail 1. (T’FAR ). A nail or claw of man or animal ( Deuteronomy 21:12; Daniel 4:33; 7:19). A point used in writing, as signets are engraved on gems or hard stones ( Jeremiah 17:1). The captive wife was “to make herself neat,” that is, to stain her nails (not pare), with the henna dye ( Deuteronomy 21:12). A nail ( Isaiah 22:23-25; 33:20), a stake ( Isaiah 33:20). Tent peg ( Judges 4:21, etc.). . Tent pegs of wood and iron. Nails of the cross ( John 20:25, and Colossians 2:14).

    Nain (pleasant ). The scene of one of the greatest miracles of Jesus, the raising of the widow’s son ( Luke 3:12). It is now a small village, of twenty huts, on a rocky slope, in the midst of extensive ruins of an ancient place, on the northwestern end of Little Hermon (Jebel ed Duhy). There are sepulchral caves along the steep eastern approach from the plain, and also on the other side of the town (Rob.) It is but a few miles from Nazareth, in the vicinity of Endor and Shunem, places noted in the history., and its name remains unchanged from its ancient form. The custom of carrying the dead out of the villages, or cities, is still practiced in the East, as it was when Jesus met the procession coming out of Nain. And there is now on a hill side, about ten minutes’ walk from the village, the grave yard, with a few whitewashed grave stones, unfenced. The extent of the ruins of Nain indicate an ancient city of some extent, with a wall and gates. But now there is a painful desolation around the few stone and mud hovels, with fiat earth roofs, and doors only three feet high. Fountains never change, and the one here close to the village on the west side, is the best reason for the location of the dwelling place. It is a square cistern, arched over with masonry, being supplied with water through an aqueduct from the hills.

    Naioth (college buildings ). Where Samuel and his disciples lived ( 1 Samuel 19:18, etc.). Where David fled for refuge from Saul. Samuel had a school here. 1 Samuel 19:20 is rendered by the Targum — Jonathan, “They saw the company of scribes singing praises, and Samuel teaching, standing over them.” As Naioth was in Ramah ( 1 Samuel 19:19), it was probably a dwelling used for a school in the town of Ramah. See 2 Kings 22:14. Huldah lived in a college in Jerusalem.

    Name (Hebrew: SHEM). The root GNA, to know, has given rise to the Sanskrit: naman ; Greek: onoma ; Latin: namen ; Gothic: nama , and our English word “name.”

    No monuments are more enduring than names. Sometimes they are the most ancient records of persons, places and things. They are fossils of thought. Bible names have almost always a meaning, which is often given by the writer for a purpose. The meaning of a name being known, we are able to get a better knowledge of persons and their history, especially if the name was given for some special reason or act. This work is very difficult because men’s names are so constantly changing with the growth or decay of language, and the substitution of one language for another. The Hebrews gave but one name to a child, except in peculiar cases (as Solomon, Jedidjah), or where it was necessary to add the father’s or mother’s name, if the mother was the more noted. There is but one David, but there are several named Jesus, as the Son of Sirach, etc. The ancient custom was more simple than the modern, which (among the Arabs) exalts a man’s external affairs by giving him names and titles carrying terms of flattery and display. The custom of naming — simple, compound, or ornamental — indicates very nearly the age of the person so named. There were three kinds: 1. Simple. 2. Compound. 3. Derived. 1. Simple names are numerous, and quite plain in their meaning, as —\parARIEH, lion;DEBORAH, See; judge; , Palm-tree; dove; gazelle. Diminutives were often used, as, Zebulon, (my little dweller with me), and Jeduthun (little praiser), a director of musical affairs in David’s cabinet. 2. Compound names express more complete ideas than the simple, and are therefore more important in history. Abiezer, Abital, Abigail, Abraham, compounded of Ab, father, or maker. Abijall (joymaker, or cheerful), at first, probably, an epithet only, but afterward a name by consent and use. The Arabs have a habit of giving names in sport, or derision, which the Hebrews did not indulge in, as — Abul-Hussain, the father of the little castle, that is, a fox who lives in a hole; Abu-Ayuba, the father of Job, that is, the camel, because it is as patient as Job. A man is often called father of a place, village, or city, who was the settler, or builder, or only the ruler, of that place. . The prefix AB- was often joined to a term or name, to show dignity or character as — father of light, that is, a wise counselor Sometimes AB appears to mean brother, as, Achiram, brother of Ram (perhaps one who was accidentally fortunate). The word HUD splendor, was compounded with Jehovah, as Jehudi, a Jewess (correctly Hajehudiah), that is, Jehovah’s splendor (God’s work). CHUR , free (Hur in Exodus 17:10), and ISH , a man, forms Asshur, a freeman. ISHOD man of beauty. The word, AM people, forms with many names of countries, cities, etc., names of the people, as distinguished from families;as that is he who belongs to the whole people; the residue of the people; YOBKOAM ( 1 Chronicles 2:44, Jorkoam) increaser of the people, at first a man’s name, then the name of the place founded or enlarged by him. Many compound names carry a religions sense with them, containing some divine name. These are found in some cases to contain a name and a verb or a complete sentence; as L given by El (Theodore and Dorothea in Greek are on the same model). HOSHEA “help”, with JAH becomes Jehoshua, “God’s help”, or “salvation”. MELEK “king”, with AB “father”, becomes Abimelech, father king; with ZEDEK “righteousness”, becomes Melchizedek, king of righteousness; ADONAI “lord”, RAM “height”, Adoniram, lord of exaltation. 3. The names of men became names of women by a change of termination; as Meshullum Me. shuilumeth; Haggai, Haggith; Dan, Dinah; Judah, Judith. (This does not account for the use of names of men which are used for women without change, and which were probably used as a kind of monument, being compound words, and incapable of regular feminine forms). Ai (imperfect form of Jail) with AMIT truth, means truth of Jah; JEDID “darling”, with Jab, Jedidiah Jah’s darling. Some names seem to have been used for both men and women, even the feminine forms, as Shelomith, feminine of Shelomo (Solomon), for a man ( 1 Chronicles 26:25). Many titles of men in office were feminine, as PEKAH “governer”, KOHELETH “preacher”. Ab , “father”, becomes in the plural ABOTH (feminine) not ABIM (masculine). (scattered in Babylon) was a hint of the man’s history. Many names indicate the condition of the National history at the time they were given; as a time of religious elevation in Hodaiah, praise ye Jah; Elioenai, mine eyes look to El; Zephaniah, watcher of the Lord. The pure Hebrew names Eleazar became Grecized into Lazarus; Joshua became Jason, and Jesus; Alcimus from Eleakim. In the Old Testament there are many names which are derived from the heathen idols, as Bethaven, horse of idols; Gurbaal, place of baal; Hadarazer, whose help is Hadad; and in the New Testament, as Apollonius, Phoebe, Artemas. The Hebrews gave their children the names of many natural objects, as Tamar, a palm tree; Hadassah, myrtle; Zipperah sparrow; and Zillah, shadow; Shimrath, vigilant; Tabitha, gazelle; Rachel, ewe; Shual, fox; Cheran, lamb. The right of naming belonged to the father, but was allowed to the mother in many cases. The time was usually at the day of circumcision, the eighth for boys, and for girls at any time during the first year. The boy often was called son of his father if he became noted, or to distinguish him from other relatives of the same name. When a man had no sons he was the subject of his friends’ sympathy who gave him an imaginary son, whose name was added to his. If a son became famous the father was honored by being called the father of such a one. The name often indicated the character or office of the person, as Isaiah, Jah is helper. When God elects a man for a certain work he is said to call him by name, as Bezaleel, the shadow of God ( Exodus 31:1). Receiving a new name from God is an expression founded on the custom of giving children or others new names when some act of theirs, or event in their history, or other cause, made them noted, as the change of Abram to Abraham; and means a new personal relation to God ( Isaiah 65:15, 62:2; Revelation 2:17, 3:12).

    Nanea, the Temple of At Elymais, rich with the trophies of Alexander, and plundered by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Macc. 6:1-4; 2 Macc. 1:13-16). Naomi (my pleasantness ). Wife of Elimelech, mother-in-law of Ruth ( Ruth 1:2; 3:1; 4:3). She buried her husband and sons, Mahlon and Chillon, in the land of Moab. She returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. Correctly, Naphish (refreshment ). ( 1 Chronicles 5:19 ). A tribe descended from the last but one of the sons of Ishmael; settled in the Hauran and Gilead; allies of Jetur (who was in Ituraea). Traces of this tribe may be looked for in Arabia, for they were driven out by Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. They were wealthy when dispossessed, having lost to the Israelites 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 asses. Ptolemy says the Agraei were a people of north Arabia.

    Naphisi (1 Esdras 5:31 ).

    NEPHUSIM.

    Naphtali (NIPHTALI, wrestled ). sixth son of Jacob, second-born of Bilhah ( Genesis 30:8). He had four sons when Jacob went into Egypt ( Genesis 46:24). There is not a word said about him personally in the Scriptures. , .

    Naphtali, Mount The high land of the district occupied by the tribe ( Joshua 20:7).

    Naphthar (a cleaning ). The name given to the substance said to have been found in the pit in which the sacred fire of the altar had been concealed at the destruction of the temple. This fable is related in 2 Macc. 1:19-36.

    Naphtuhim Called on the Egyptian monuments Na-Petu, the people of (Nine bows. The chief city of this nation (Naputa) is now in ruins, on the island of Meroe, on the Upper Nile, where there are found pyramids, temples (one of Osiris and Ammon), sphinxes, and many beautiful sculptures. In the British Museum are two lions, sculptured in red granite, fine works of art, brought from this ruined city. Napkin ( ). As a wrapper to fold up money ( Luke 19:20). As a cloth bound round the head of a corpse ( John 11:44; 20:7). As an article of dress; probably as a turban, or as the Bedouin keffieh ( Acts 19:12). Possibly the napkin was a cloth adapted to a variety of uses, such as described; also for a girdle; worn over the face, etc.

    Narcisus (the Narcissus plant ).

    One of a family of Christians in Rome, alluded to by Paul in Romans 16:11.

    Nard ( ).

    Nasbas Tobit’s nephew, who, with Achiacharus, attended the wedding of Tobias (Tobit 11:18).

    Nasith (1 Esdras 5:32).

    Nasor, the Plain of Near Kedesh Naphtali, the scene of a battle between Jonathan and Demetrius (1 Macc. 11:67). . Nathan (gift ). 1. Hebrew prophet in the reign of David and Solomon. In the consultation with David upon the building of the Temple ( 2 Samuel 7:2,3,17) Nathan reproves David for his sin with Bath-sheba, and prophesies in the form of a parable of “the rich man and the ewe-lamb” ( 2 Samuel 12:1-12). Nathan was the educator of Solomon ( 2 Samuel 12:25). In the last days of David Nathan assisted the cause of Solomon. He assisted in the inauguration of Solomon ( 1 Kings 1:8). He had a son, Zabud, who was the “king’s friend.” He wrote a Life of David ( 1 Chronicles 29:29) and a Life of Solomon ( 2 Chronicles 9:29). The loss of his biography of David is a heavy one to history. 2. Son of David by Bath-sheba ( 1 Chronicles 3:5; 14:4, and Samuel 5:14). He appears as one of the forefathers of Joseph in Christ’s genealogy ( Luke 3:31). 3. Related to one of David’s “valiant men” ( 2 Samuel 23:36; Chronicles 11:38). 4. One of the chief men who returned from Babylon with Ezra on his second expedition ( Ezra 8:16; 1 Esdras 8:44).

    Nathanael (given of God ). Born at Cana of Galilee. One of the Twelve, under the name of Bartholomew (son of Talmai). ( ). He was one of the seven Apostles to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection at the Sea of Tiberias. When introduced to Jesus by Philip, Jesus said, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit,” thus making his name almost a synonym for sincerity. Tradition says he preached in Arabia Felix, having Matthew’s gospel, and was crucified in Armenia or Cilicia.

    Nathanias Nathan, of the sons of Bani (1 Esdras 9:34; Ezra 10:39).

    Nathen-melech (placed by the king ). Steward in the court of Josiah ( 2 Kings 23:11). Nation Genesis 10 gives the descendants of Noah. A record of primitive geography and ethnology of the utmost importance. By this record the geographical distribution of Noah’s descendants can be ascertained, as also the origin of the earliest nations. The dispersion of these nations and the circumstances related to that important event, are recorded in Genesis 11. The date of this event of the dispersion can be fixed from the genealogy of Shem, here recorded. ( ). Many nations and countries have been named after Shem, whose descendants wandered and divided into distinct tribes. This tendency is still a characteristic of the Arabs. .

    Naum Son of Esli ( Luke 3:25).

    Nave ( 1 ) (Hebrew: gav ). The central part of a wheel.

    Nave ( 2 ) (Greek: Naue ). Joshua’s father (Ecclesiasticus 46:1): so called in the Septuagint.

    Nazarene An inhabitant ofNAZARETH. Especially associated with the name of Christ and his followers, who were called Nazarenes ( Acts 24:5). It was used as a name of contempt to Christ’s followers. In Christ’s family making their home in Nazareth, the prophesy of Isaiah was fulfilled ( Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5), Christ being the young branch from the royal family of David. Nazareth (the branch ). First mentioned in Matthew 2:23, or rather, in the order of time, in Luke 1:26, as the scene of the Annunciation to Mary of the birth and character of Jesus ( Luke 1:31-33). Before this event the place was unknown to history, but since then its name has become a household word through all the Christian world, equally reverenced with Bethlehem and Jerusalem. A low, undulating ridge of hills encloses the green plain that lies like a lake, with Nazareth built on one of its shores. The valley runs nearly east and west, is about one mile long, and a quarter of a mile wide; the hills vary in height from 100 to 500 feet above its level; the highest, Neby Ismail, being 1,800 feet above the ocean. The soil is rich, and well cultivated, producing a great variety of fruit, grain, vegetables, and flowers, which ripen early and in rare perfection. Population about 4,000, nearly all Christians (Latin and Greeks), except a few Arabs, and not one Jew. The parents of Jesus came here soon after their return from Egypt ( Luke 2:39); and after the visit to the Temple, when he was twelve years old, Jesus returned here with them ( Luke 2:51); he grew up here to manhood ( Luke 4:16); from here he went down to Jordan to be baptized by John ( Mark 1:9; Matthew 3:13); his first teaching in public was in its synagogue ( Matthew 13:54); here he was first rejected ( Luke 4:29); and Jesus of Nazareth was a part of the inscription on the cross ( John 19:19). The view from the top of Neby Ismail is very extensive, and includes many interesting Scripture localities, being one of the most noted in Palestine, combining the elements of the beautiful and the sublime. In the north are the white peaks of Lebanon, and Hermon towering high above them, because nearer. Eastward, the Hauran, Gilead, Tabor, Little Hemon, and Gilboa. South, the Plain of Esdraelon, the hills of Samaria; and west, Carmel and the Mediterranean. The villages in the view are Cana, Nain, Endor, Jezreel, Taanach, and many ruins not yet identified. The rock of this whole region is a soft, white marl, easily crumbled; and there is probably not a house, or structure of any kind, nor even a loose stone, remaining of the time of Christ’s residence there. Since the general features of hill and valley, fountains and water-courses, could not have greatly change, we may accept the location of the “steep place,” near the Maronite Church, and the Fountain of the Virgin, as historical. A great many other localities are pointed out by the residents as traditional sites of every event mentioned in the Gospels as having occurred there, but they have no other interest than in so far as they recall the gospel narrative. Nazarite (Hebrew: NAZIR). Either a man or woman who, under ancient Hebrew law, bound himself or herself to abstain from wine and all products of the grape; to wear the hair long and uncut, and to observe purification in abstaining from contact with the dead. If they witnessed death or otherwise approached death, their consecration had to be entirely recommenced. The period of observance of this vow varied from eight days to a month, or even a life time. When this period had concluded, offerings were made, the hair was cut off and burned, and the Nazarite was discharged from his vow (Num 6; Amos 2:11,12). Paul assisted four Christian Jews in this ceremony ( Acts 21:20-26).

    Neah (the shaking). Landmark on Zebulun’s west border ( Joshua 19:13). El Ain, three miles northwest of Nazareth.

    Neapolis (new city). 1. The first place visited by Paul in Macedonia ( Acts 16:11). On a rocky promontory, in a wide and beautiful bay, stands the Turkish village Kavala (5,000 inhabitants), in the midst of the ruins of the ancient city. There was an aqueduct for bringing water from a distance of 12 miles; near the city, it passed a ravine over a double tier of arches, 80 feet above the brook below, in Roman style, hewn and cemented; fine sarcophagi, with inscriptions, of the age of Claudius, Ionic columns, and sculptured figures, besides foundations of ancient houses, etc., are witnesses of its ancient importance. 2. Shechem was also called Neapolis in Vespasian’s time. 3. The bishops of Neapolis in Arabia were present at the councils of Chalcedon and Constantinople; a place now called Suleim, on Jebel Hauran (Porter, Damascus, ii. 85).

    Neariah (servant of Jah). 1. Son of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:22,23). 2. Son of Ishi, captain of 500 Simeonites ( 1 Chronicles 6:42).

    Nebai (fruit-bearer).

    One who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:19).

    Nebaioth . Ishmael’s firstborn ( Genesis 25:13). Esau married Mahalath, the sister of Nebajoth ( Genesis 28:9). The country from the Euphrates to the Red Sea was called in Josephus’ time Nabatene (Antiquities i. 13, 4; Genesis 25:18). They were called by the Arabs Nabat (or Nabeet), and were celebrated for their agriculture, astronomy, magic and medicine, accounts of which have been recently discovered in some ancient books of theirs, written from 2,500 to 600 B.C., consisting of a book of agriculture, one of poisons, the works of Tenkeloosha, the Babylonian, and the Book of the Secrets of the Sun and Moon; all of which were translated in A.D. 904 by Ibn Washiyeh (Keysee). The rock-temples of Petra, in Edom, were the works of this people, who are thus proved to have been a highly cultivated race many ages before the Greeks.

    Neballat (“secret folly”) Benjamite town, after the Captivity ( Nehemiah 11:34). Beit Nebala, four miles northeast of Lydda (Rob.).

    Nebat (“look”) Father ofJEROBOAM ( 1 Kings 11:26).

    Nebo, Mount From which Moses took his first and last view of the Promised Land ( Deuteronomy 32:49), and where he died and was buried in one of its ravines ( Deuteronomy 34:6). Located by Tristram (Land of Israel, p. 535) three miles, southwest of Heshbon over looking the mouth of the Jordan, over against Jericho, meeting every condition of the text.

    Nebo ( 1) (project). 1. Town east of Jordan, on the Mishor, in Gad ( Numbers 32:3,38); a ruin, three miles west of Heshbon, on the side of Wady Heshban. 2. In Benjamin, now called Beit Nubah, 12 miles northwest of Jerusalem, in Wady Mansur. The Crusaders built the Castle of Arnaldi here (William of Tyre, xiv. 3).

    Nebo ( 2) (interpreter of the gods). A Babylonian god. Nebo was the god of learning and letters among the Chaldaeans, Babylonians and Assyrians ( Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 48:1).

    Nebo was the Babylonian name of the planet Mercury. This word is in the formation of several names, such as Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nebushasban, etc. The picture represents the statue of the god set up by Pul, king of Assyria, in the British Museum, London.

    Nebuchadnezzar or (NEBO THE MIGHTY). The son of Nabopolassar, king of Chaldaea and founder of the Babylonian Empire.

    Nebuchadnezzar, after having succeeded in recovering Carchemish, by defeating Necho, king of Egypt ( Jeremiah 46:2-12), and conquering Phoenicia, Palestine and Jerusalem, marched into Egypt, when he was informed of the death of his father. He hurried back, accompanied by his light troops, to secure his succession to the throne, which he ascended B.C. 604; the main army and captives (among whom were Daniel Hananiah Mishael and Azariah) following him by a longer route. These captives were of royal lineage, and the king had them educated in the language and learning of the Chaldaeans, with a view to their employment in court ( <122401> Kings 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:6; Daniel 1:1). Nebuchadnezzar had left the conquered Jehoiakim, king of Judah, upon the throne as a tributary prince but he soon after rebelled, probably anticipating support from Egypt ( 2 Kings 24:1). Phoenicia followed in the rebellion, and Nebuchadnezzar, after having invested Tyre, advanced upon Jerusalem, which immediately submitted. He punished Jehoiakim with death, placing that king’s son, Jehoiachin, upon the throne of Judah.. Thin king soon after revolting, caused Nebuchadnezzar for a third time to march to Jerusalem; he took Jehoiachin captive, together with ten thousand, among whom were Ezekiel the prophet, and Mordecai, the uncle of Esther ( Esther 2:6). He also stripped the Temple and the treasury of riches, and placed the king’s uncle, Zedekiah, upon the throne. After nine years, Zedekiah rebelled, the neighboring princes assisting him. The king of Babylon again marched to Judah, and after an obstinate siege of nearly a year, during which time he repelled an incursion of the Egyptians, he entered Jerusalem, seized Zedekiah, Whose children he put to death before his eyes, and sent him, fettered, to Babylon, after having put out his eyes ( 2 Kings 24:25; Chronicles 36). Nebuchadnezzar raised his kingdom and city to the greatest splendor; the marvelous hanging gardens are ascribed to him, erected to please Amytis, his queen, by imitating the groves of her native country, Media. The ruins of Birs Nimroud attest the magnificence of his works; these are situated a few miles from the site of the city of Babylon. He died about B.C. 562, after reigning forty years.

    Nebushasban (adherent of Nebo); an officer at the capture of Jerusalem. He was chief of the eunuchs ( Jeremiah 39:13).

    Nebuzaradan (favors). Captain of the , an officer of high rank in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, especially engaged in the sieges of Jerusalem (1 Kings 25:8-20; Jeremiah 39:9; 40:1; 52:12,30).

    Necho ( 2 Chronicles 35:20,22).

    Nechosheth Sometimes translated brass, but properly means copper — sometimes bronze. p. 201 in the book. ( Job 28:2). Neck Used both literally ( Genesis 27:16) and figuratively ( Luke 14:20). Burdens were borne on the neck ( Genesis 27:40). The neck was used figuratively for several ideas: To denote subjection, by placing the foot on it ( Joshua 10:24); seizing a person by the neck securely ( Job 16:12). To be stiff-necked was to be stubborn, rebellious.

    Necodan (1 Esdras 5:37).

    Necromancer ( Deuteronomy 18:11).DIVINATION.

    Nedabiah (whom Jah impels). A son of Jeconiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:18).

    Neeanias Son of Hachaliah (Ecclesiasticus 49:13).

    Needle’s Eye Supposed to mean a narrow door, or gateway, too low for a camel to pass through, standing. They are unloaded, and forced to creep through on their knees.

    Negeb (south). The country south of Beersheba. Its character is that of wide-rolling downs, green in winter, but bare in summer, affording pasturage, but not grain-crops.

    Neginah (Hebrew) A term by which all stringed-instruments are described (Psalm 61; Job 30:9): is the singular form of the next word.

    Neginoth A general term for stringed-instruments: Psalm 4; Psalm 6; Psalm 45; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Psalm 76 are addressed to leaders of stringedinstruments. , and .

    Nehelamite (strong one). A false prophet ( Jeremiah 29:24,31,32).

    Nehemiah (comforter of Jah). His genealogy is not known, although he was perhaps of the tribe of Judah. He was the son of Hachaliah ( Nehemiah 1:1). His brother was Hanani ( Nehemiah 7:2); most probably of royal descent and not of the priesthood as supposed from Nehemiah 10:1-8, but as a prince in Nehemiah 9:38. His office was that of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes Longimanus. At his own request he was appointed governor of Jerusalem about B.C. 444, when he relieved the people from the oppression of the Samaritans. In this good work he was assisted by Ezra ( Nehemiah 8:1,9,13; 12:36). .

    Nehiloth (Hebrew: CHALAL). A term for perforated wind instruments of all kinds ( 1 Samuel 10:5).

    Nehum (comfort).

    One who returned from captivity ( Nehemiah 7:7).

    Nehushta (brass). Daughter of Elnathan ( 2 Kings 24:8).

    Nehushtan (brazen), ( Numbers 21:8). The brazen serpent which Moses set up in the wilderness. It was destroyed by Hezekiah as it had become debased to the service of idolatry in the reign of Ahaz his father. Hezekiah gave the name Nehushtan to it as a term of derision, implying it to be mere brass ( 2 Kings 18:4).

    Neiel (treasure of God). Landmark of Asher, now Miar, on a lofty height ten miles northwest of Nazareth ( Joshua 19:27).

    Nekeb (cavern).

    On the north border of Naphtali ( Judges 4:11). Lost.

    Nekoda (distinguished). 1. The children of Nekoda who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:48). 2. The same who were unable to prove their descent from Israel ( Ezra 2:60).

    Nemuel (Hebrew: JEMUEL). 1. Son of Eliab ( Numbers 26:9). 2. Son of Simeon ( Numbers 26:12).

    Nemuelites, the Descendants of ( Numbers 26:12).

    Nepheg (sprout ). 1. Son of Izhar ( Exodus 6:21). 2. Son of David ( 2 Samuel 6:15). Nephew (Hebrew: NECHED ), (progeny). Has various meanings, as in Judges 12:14, Job 18:19. In Genesis 21:23, son’s son.

    Nephi ( ), (2 Macc. 1:36).

    Nephis Children of Nebo ( Ezra 2:29).

    Nephish ( ), ( 1 Chronicles 5:19).

    Nephishesim Those who returned from captivity ( Nehemiah 7:52).

    Nephthali (Tobit 1:1,2,4,5).

    Nephthalim (Tobit 7:3).

    Nephtoah, the Water of Landmark between Judah and Benjamin ( Joshua 15:9). Ain Lifta, 2 1/2 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Another fountain, Ain Yalo, in Wady et Werd (roses), is urged as the site by some, on account of the text in Samuel 10:2.

    Nephusim (expansions), ( Ezra 2:50).

    Ner (light). Son of Jehiel ( 1 Chronicles 9:36).

    Nerd or .

    Nereus Name of an ancient sea-god. A Christian at Rome ( Romans 16:15).

    Nergal (Hebrew). An Assyrian deity ( 2 Kings 17:30) represented in the Hellenic mythology by Mars. He presided over wars. In the monuments he is entitled “the storm ruler,” “the king of battle,” “the champion of the gods,” “the god of the chase,” etc. The allusion to Nergal in the Scriptures is in 2 Kings 17:30, equivalent to the man-lion of Nineveh.

    Nergal Sharezer 1. One of Nebuchadnezzar’s military chiefs ( Jeremiah 29:3). 2. The chief magi under the same king ( Jeremiah 39:3,13) with the title Rab-Mag. Babylonian inscriptions suggest the identification of 2 with Neriglissar, who murdered Evil Merodach and became king of Babylon Neri Son of Melchi ( Luke 3:27).

    Neriah (lamp of Jah). Son of Maaseiah ( Jeremiah 32:12).

    Nerias (Baruch 1:1).

    Nero (brave). The Roman emperor (Lucius Domitius Ahenobardus) born in A.D. 37. He was named Nero Claudius etc. by his grand uncle Claudius, who had adopted him. Made emperor A.D. 54 Accused of having burned Rome, but Nero tortured and burned Christians charging them with the crime. Both Paul and Peter suffered martyrdom during his reign. He committed suicide A.D. 68, to avoid retribution. The Caesar mentioned in Acts 25:8; 26:32; 28:19; Philippians 4:22, is Nero; also Augustus in Acts 25:21,25. Nest (KEN). AS in Job 39:27; Matthew 8:20: also as a dwelling as in Numbers 24:21. In Genesis 6:14, rooms mean nests or cribs.

    Net The terms for net in the Bible are numerous, and refer to its application or construction. In the New Testament there appears sagene, denoting a large, hauling-net ( Matthew 13:47); amphibtestron , a casting-net ( Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:16); and diktuon , a similar kind of net ( Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:18; Luke 5:2). Nets were used for hunting, as well as fishing. The Egyptians made their nets of flax, with wooden needles. In Egypt bird and animal nets were used, which last also appear on the Nineveh marbles. These nets were so constructed that the sides closed in upon the prey, or with movable frames. Net has frequently a figurative use, as in Psalm 9:15; 25:15; 31:4, as expressing God’s vengeance, as in Ezekiel 12:13; Hosea 7:12.

    Nethaneel (given of God ). 1. Son of Zuar ( Numbers 1:8). 2. Son of Jesse ( 1 Chronicles 2:14). 3. A priest in David’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 15:24). 4. Father of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 24:6). 5. Son of Obed-edom ( 1 Chronicles 26:4). 6. A prince of Judah ( 2 Chronicles 17:7). 7. A chief Levite ( 2 Chronicles 35:9). 8. A priest of Pashur ( Ezra 10:22). 9. Another priest ( Nehemiah 12:21). 10. A Levite ( Nehemiah 12:36).

    Nethaniah (given of Jah ). 1. Son of Elishama ( 2 Kings 25:23), of the royal family of Judah. 2. Son of Asaph, a chief in the course of the Temple-choir ( 1 Chronicles 25:2,12). 3. One of the Levites who taught the law in Judah ( 2 Chronicles 17:8). 4. Father of Jehudi ( Jeremiah 36:14).

    Nethinim (dedicated ). A body of men gives to assist the Levites in the performance of the rites of the Temple ( Ezra 7:24) as the Levites were given to Aaron ( Numbers 2:9; 8:19). The Nethinim performed the menial offices of the Temple, living near it. They assisted in rebuilding the Temple walls, etc., after the return from captivity.

    Netophah (a dropping ). Peopled after the return from captivity ( Ezra 2:22). Two of David’s captains were natives of this place ( 2 Samuel 23:28) At the dedication of the wall: built by Nehemiah, the singers were found residing in the villages of this people; so there were more than one town, perhaps a district, near Bethlehem. Seraiah (warrior of Jehovah), a native of this place, was an accomplice of Ishmael in the murder of Gedaliah ( 2 Kings 25:23). Um Tuba, two miles northeast of Bethlehem. Beit Nettif, in the Wady Sumt, is mentioned in the Jewish traditions as famous for “oil of Netopha” (Job. 2:17).

    Netophathi ( Nehemiah 12:28 ).

    Netophathite (Hebrew: NETOPHATHI ) The One from ( 2 Samuel 23:28,29).

    Nettle (Hebrew: CHARUL ), ( Job 30:7). A plant of rapid growth, and well known for its power of stinging. They have minute tubular hairs, which emit a poisonous fluid when pressed.

    New Moon Marked the commencement of each month see ), and was celebrated as a holiday. Offerings were made as ordained ( Numbers 28:11,15). All business was suspended ( Amos 8:5). The Day of the New Moon was recognized as a family festival with religious observances, although not especially ordained. It was proclaimed by the trumpet-sound ( Psalm 81:3). After the establishment of Christianity the observance was discontinued.

    New Testament .

    Neziah (illustrious ). Ancestor of Nethinim ( Ezra 2:54). Nezib ( Joshua 20:43 ). Beit Nusib, in the low, hilly district between Beit Jibrin and Hebron. There are ruins of a building, 120 feet X 30 feet, and a tower of 60 square feet, of ancient, massive masonry, besides broken columns.

    Nibhaz (Hebrew: NABACH ), (“to bark” ) A deity of the Avites; the figure of a dog, or dog-headed man ( 2 Kings 17:31). The Syrians worshiped the dog, and there was a colossal figure of one between Beirut and Tripolis, which has been recently destroyed.

    Nibshan (light soil ). 1. A city on the west shore of the Dead Sea ( Joshua 15:62). . 2. .

    Nicanor Son of Patroclus (2 Macc. 8:9). A general under Antiochus Epiphanes and Demetrius I. He assisted in the first expedition of Lycias, B.C. 166 (1 Macc. 3:38). He was defeated, but, after the death of Antiochus, Demetrius made him governor of Judaea (2 Macc. 14:12). Nicodemus (NAKDIMON, innocent of blood ). A Pharisee, ruler of the Jews, teacher of the law ( John 2:23; 3:1,10), a member of the Sanhedrin. He was probably wealthy, as his valuable tribute to the tomb of the Lord indicates. His timidity was shown in his night visit to the Great Teacher where he received divine instruction, and a prediction of the crucifixion. When that prediction had been fulfilled and Joseph of Arimathea had begged for and was permitted by Pilate to take the body from the cross, Nicodemus assisted. Tradition says that he lived in intimacy with Gamaliel, and was buried near the grave of Stephen.

    Nicolaitans A sect of heretics of the Apostolic period. They held it lawful to eat food sacrificed to idols; to join in idolatrous worship; and that God did not create the universe. They held their women in common. John’s Gospel and also his Apocalypse opposes their teaching. ( ). These doctrines have been supposed to have originated with the prophet Balaam. They are sometimes called Shuaibites, from the Midianite Shuaib, which is Balaam.

    Nicolas One of the first seven deacons of the Church of Jerusalem ( Acts 6:5). He was a native of Antioch.

    Nicopolis (city of victory ). Built by Augustus, in Epirus, on the site where his army encamped the night before the battle of Actium. The Temple of Neptune was placed on the spot occupied by his own tent. Paul requested Titus ( Titus 3:12), to come to him from Crete, or from Dalmatia ( 2 Timothy 4:10), to Nicopolis. He also urged Timothy in the same manner ( 2 Timothy 4:21). There are on the peninsula, northwest of the Bay of Actium (Gulf of Arta), ruins of a temple, a theatre, walls, and other structures, on the hill and the low marshy plain; now deserted. It is possible that Paul was arrested here, and taken to Rome for his final trial (Conybeare and Howson). Niger (“black” ) A name given to 6 ( Acts 13:1). Night (Hebrew, “TO SINK”;THE SINKING OF THE DAY). , p. 56. Night-hawk (Hebrew: TACHMAS ) In the enumeration of unclean animals in Leviticus 11:16, and in Deuteronomy 14:15, this word appears. There is much controversy as to its meaning, whether the night. hawk or the white owl.

    Nile The Hebrew names of the river were SHICHOR (black); Yeor (the river); Sihor, in Jeremiah 2:18. The Sanskrit Nilah means dark blue; and one of the upper branches of the river is now called the Blue Nile. The name Yeor is Egyptian, and is written AUR on the monuments. It is also called HAPEE MU (the abyss). Dr. Livingstone’s late accounts show this to be the longest river in the world; rising in or beyond the lake Victoria Nyanza, south of the equator, and emptying into the Mediterranean at north latitude 31 degrees; its course running through 36 degrees, having been traced more than 2,700 miles, while it is quite certain that it will be found to be 1,000 miles longer. (The Amazon extends through 30 degrees, and the Missouri and Mississippi together about 35 degrees). There are three chief branches: 1. The Blue (Bahr el Azrak) drains Abyssinia, and brings down the alluvial soil which fertilizes Egypt. 2. The White (Bahr el Abyad), joins the Blue at Khartoom, the capital of Soodan. 3. The Atbara (black river), rises also in Abyssinia, and joins the Nile at the north point of the Island of Meroe. There are no tributaries below the Atbara. The stream is interrupted by several cataracts formed by granite projected up through the sandstone of its bed. The first cataract is at the south boundary of Egypt (latitude degrees), the ancient Syene, now Assouan; the second, or Great Cataract, is in latitude 22 degrees; the third in latitude 19 degrees 45 minutes; the fourth in latitude 18 degrees 45 minutes; and the fifth in 18 degrees minutes, 100 miles above the fourth. The river parts into several branches below the pyramids of Memphis and Cairo, and encloses the Delta. The ancients mention seven branches: 1. Pelusiac; 2. Tanitic; 3. Mendesian; 4. Bucolic (Damietta); 5. Sebennytic; 6. Bolbytene (Rosetta); 7. Canopic ( Isaiah 11:15). The width, in its lower course, is from half a mile to a mile wide, where there are islands. The water is sweet, especially during the inundation, and quickly becomes clear by settling its sediment. Since Egypt has no rain ( Zechariah 14:17-19), the river supplies water to the soil by its overflow. The annual rise is noticed at Khartoom in April, but is not visible in Lower Egypt before June, and continues until September. The prophet Amos refers to the inundation as a symbol of great power and utter desolation ( Amos 8:8; 9:5). Job was acquainted with the Nile floods, for the word that he uses in Job 28:10, for rivers, is the plural of the name of the Nile, in the original. Jeremiah also uses it as a figure when speaking of Pharaoh Necho’s army (Jeremiah 46). Its waters abound in fish of many kinds ( Numbers 11:5); but crocodiles (described minutely by Job (Job 41), and mentioned by Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 29:3), are becoming very scarce, and are only found in Upper Egypt. The monuments and the ancient writers give accounts of the banks of the Nile as being bordered with flags, reeds, and flowers, especially the lotus, and full of wild birds.

    Now the banks are nearly bare, as prophesied by Isaiah ( Isaiah 19:6,7). The papyrus, which was used for making paper, and for boats (which were remarkable for their swiftness — Isaiah 18:2), has entirely disappeared, except in the marshes of the Delta. Ezekiel compares Pharaoh to a crocodile (great dragon) in the Nile, fearing no one ( Ezekiel 29:1-5; whale, in Ezekiel 32:2). Moses was exposed on its waters in a boat of papyrus (bulrushes, Exodus 2:3). It is said traditionally that Jesus lived on its banks, near Heliopolis; and its name is associated with many other Bible characters, such as Absalom, Jacob, Joseph, Solomon (whose wife was a daughter of Pharaoh), besides the captive king of Judah, pictured on the walls of the temple at Karnac. .

    Nimrah (pure water ). In the “land of Jazer,” afterward called Beth Nimrah ( Numbers 32:3,36); in the tribe of Gab. The name Nimrim (panthers) is found in several localities east of Jordan (Porter). Two miles east of the Jordan, on the road from Jericho to Esther Salt, are ruins near copious fountains ( Isaiah 15:6; Jeremiah 48:34). Eusebius says it was a village north of Zoar. If our location of Nimrah is correct, Zoar must have been north of the Dead Sea. Nimrod (the extremely impious rebel ) Son of Cush ( Genesis 10:8,9). He established an empire in Shinar (Babylonia), the chief cities of which were Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh; and extended it northward over Assyria, including the cities Nineveh, Rehoboth, Calah, and Resen. There is no authentic account of his life. The tales of Ctesias, I and others, except that in the Bible, are guesses or inventions; and of the great cities which he built very little has been known until within the last twenty-five years, when Layard exhumed the palaces sculptures and inscriptions of Nimroud. .

    Nimshi (“drawn out” ) Grandfather of Jehu, generally called the son of Nimshi ( 1 Kings 19:16). Nineveh (Nin-navah = Nin-town ) The ancient capital of Assyria. First mentioned in Genesis 10:11). The country was also called the land of Nimrod by Micah ( Micah 5:6). Balaam prophesied the captivity of Israel by Assyria ( Numbers 24:22), and Asaph sings of their alliance with Moab ( Psalm 83:8). Jonah was sent to the city about 800 B.C., and Nahum devotes the whole of his book to “the burden of Nineveh,” about 725 B.C. Isaiah says that Sennacherib resided in the city; and it was probably the scene of his death ( Isaiah 37:37), while worshiping in the temple of Nisroch, his god. The last notice of it is by Zephaniah, B.C. 630 ( Zephaniah 2:13). Assyria is alluded to as having been destroyed, according to prophesy by Ezekiel (Ezekiel 31), and Jeremiah omits it from his catalogue of all nations (Jeremiah 25). The city is not mentioned in the inscriptions of the Persian dynasty. Herodotus passed very near, if not over, the site of the city, about 200 years after its destruction, but does not mention it, except as having once been there. Xenophon, with his 10,000 Greeks, encamped near the site (B.C. 401), but does not mention its name (Ahab. ii. 4, 7), although he describes the mounds as they appear now. Alexander marched over the very place, and won a great victory at Arbela in sight of it, but his historians make no note of it. The Emperor Claudius planted a colony there, and restored the name Nineve. Tacitus calls it Nines, when taken by Meherdates. On the coins of Trajan it is Ninus, and on those of Maximinus it is Niniva; Claudeopolis being added on both coins. Many relics of the Romans have been found; vases, sculptures, figures in bronze and marble, terra-cottas, and coins. The site was again deserted when Heraclius gained a victory over the Persians, A.D. 627. The Arabs named their fort, on the east bank of the Tigris, Ninawi (A.D. 637). The accounts of its immense extent are various, and not very reliable. Diodorus Siculus says the dimensions were (according as we estimate his figures, from 32 to 60, or even) 74 miles in circuit. The walls were 100 feet high, and wide enough for three chariots to drive abreast; flanked by 1,500 towers, each 200 feet high (accounts which have not vet been verified). Layard says: “If we take the four great mounds of Nimrud. Koyunjik, Khorsabad, and Karamles, as the corners of a square, it will be found to agree pretty accurately with the 60 miles of Herodotus, which make the three days’ journey of Jonah.” Within this space there are many mounds, and remains of pottery, bricks, etc. The name of Nineveh is found on the Egyptian monuments of the date of Thothmes III, about 1,400 B.C. The first notice in modern times of the ruins were by Mr. Rich, in 1820, who brought to London a few bricks, with inscriptions, some cylinders, gems, and other remains. Layard next visited them, in 1840; but Botta, a French consul at Mosul, found the first Assyrian monument, which was of value as a confirmation of Scripture. It was soon followed by a great variety of works of art, in 1844, at Khorsabad, the results of which exploration are in the Assyrian room at the Louvre, Paris. The great work of disentombing the remains of ancient Nineveh was performed by Layard, from 1845 to 1850. The accounts of Layard’s discoveries are published in minute detail, filling volumes, and will repay the time spent in reading them; for, besides giving undoubted and truthful glimpses of antiquity, in almost every phase of society, they are as startling and exciting as the wildest romance, both in text and illustration. But far beyond these in value to us are their uses in confirmation of the Scriptures. Place and Fresnel discovered, at Khorsabad, colossal, human-headed, winged bulls, which were in groups on each side of great doorways; besides other mythic figures. The most important inscription that has been brought to light, is that on two of the human-headed bulls from Koyunjik (now in the British Museum), giving an account of Sennacherib; his wars with Hezekiah, and the capture of Lachish, with pictures illustrating it ( ). Nearly equal in value is the Black Obelisk of Nimroud; a piece of black marble,6 feet 6 inches high, 1 feet 6 1/2 square inches at the top, and 2 feet square at the bottom, the upper half covered with five panels of figures, with inscriptions between each panel, and also many lines below the lower one: altogether 210 lines. One side, only, if engraved here: the four may be seen in the work on “Nineveh and its Palaces,” by Bonomi. The story may be inferred from the text in 2 Kings 17—18: The first panel, at the top, exhibits the king, attended by his eunuch, and a bearded officer (perhaps the returned conqueror); a captive kisses his foot, and two officers wait the king’s orders. The image of Baal, and a circle enclosing a star (the sun?) are similar to those on the rocks at Nahr el Kelb. The same images, reversed in position, are in the second panel. One may mean Morning, and the other Evening; and both, with the figures in the other panels bringing and presenting tribute, indicate that the captives were so many, and the tribute so vast, that they consumed the whole day in their presentation. Some of the figures on the obelisk resemble those on the wall of the small temple of Kalabshe, who are enemies of Raamses II, and are understood to represent Jews in both cases. The inscription, as interpreted by Rawlinson, mentions the receiving by the king of tribute from the cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Gebal, in his 21st year; defeating the king of Hamath, and 12 other kings of the upper and lower country (Canaan, lower). Dr. Hincks reads the names of Jehu, king of Israel, and dates the obelisk B.C. Dr. Grotefend reads the names of Tiglath Pileser Pul, and Shalmanassar, and refers to the accounts in Isaiah (Isaiah 20), and Nahum (Nah. 3). Sargon’s name was found in another inscription, with his title, Shalmaneser, and the account of the capture of Samaria (which in Assyrian isSAMARINA), He carried off 27,280 families, and placed colonies, in their stead, of people from Assyria (2 Kings 18). The king of Egypt is called\parPIRHU (Pharaoh), and Heliopolis isRABEK (Ra-sun, bek-city). Ashdod, Jamnia, Hamath, Beraea, Damascus, Bambyce, and Charchemish, are mentioned among his captures. He is also styled the conqueror of remote Judaea. He had a statue and inscription in his honor on the island of Cypress. The son of this king was Sennacherib, who built Koyunjik; and in the great palace there were found inscriptions in honor of his capture of Babylon from Merodach-Baladan ( 2 Kings 20:12; Isaiah 39:1); and of Sidon, under King Luliya; and of his expedition into Judaea, in which occur the namesKHAZAKIYAHU (Hezekiah),URSALIMA (Jerusalem), and\parYAHUDA (Jews). The king of Pelusium is mentioned. The tribute of Hezekiah, as recorded, consisted of 30 talents of gold, 300 talents of silver, the vessels and ornaments of the Temple, slaves, both boys and girls, maid- servants and menservants — confirming the Scripture account ( 2 Kings 18:13-16). The tells or mounds (see Ezra 2:59; Ezekiel 3:15; 2 Kings 19:12) which are scattered all over the region watered by the Euphrates and Tigris and their confluents, contain the remains of Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian occupation. They vary in size from 50 to 150 feet high, and also much more in length, being from a few rods to several miles in extent. Those forming what is now called Nineveh are Koyunjik, which is 3,900 feet long by 1,500 wide and 96 high; Neby Yunas (traditional tomb of Jonah), about 40 acres in extent; Khorsabad, 6,000 feet square; Selamieh, 410 acres; Nimrud, 1,000 acres: and in this group of mounds (called Nimroud) there are indications of more than 100 towers, at regular intervals. On the southwest of this group there is a mound 2,100 feet by 1,200, with a cone at one corner (northwest) 140 feet high. A treasure house of records, such as is alluded to by Ezra ( Ezra 5:17; 6:2), was found at Koyunjik, filled with the archives of the empire, written on tablets of terra-cotta, and in perfect order and preservation, piled from the floor to the ceiling, most of which were sent to the British Museum.

    Ninevites Inhabitants of Nineveh ( Luke 11:30).

    Nison (Ad Esth. 11:2 ).

    Nisroch (Hebrew ). The name of an idol of Nineveh ( 2 Kings 19:37 ).

    Nitre (Hebrew: NETHER ). Used as a wash ( Jeremiah 2:22). This substance is not the same as our nitrate of potassa. Natron was and is now used by the Egyptians for washing clothes, for yeast and for soap; also as a cure for toothache mixed with vinegar. It is found in the soda lakes of Egypt, 50 miles west of Cairo. The Natron lakes of Egypt were early occupied by hermits, who built large and fort-like monasteries, where, for ages, the study of the Christian religion was pursued, and its practice kept up, with the severest ritualistic forms. Their libraries were found, after several centuries of neglect, to contain valuable copies of the Gospels, homilies, and books of church services.

    Noadiah (“with whom Jah convenes”) 1. Son of Binnui ( Ezra 8:33). 2. Noadiah the prophetess ( Nehemiah 6:14). Noah ( 1) (NOACH, to rest, or give comfort.) The second head of the human race, as Adam was the first. From his birth to the age of 500 years there is a blank in his history. Society in his day had become sadly corrupted by the custom of intermarriage of different races, especially of two distinct religious communities, called The sons of God” (Elohim ) and “The Sons of the Man” (Ha-Adam ). There were also Nephilim, men of violence, who turned peaceable society upside down. The “Sons of God” (bene-Elohim ) were the descendants of Seth, and worshipers of God; the “Sons of the Man” were descendants of Cain, and probably idolaters. The union of the two families or races produced a mixed condition of religion, which could not be pure. Another interpreter understands Bene Elohim to have been a race distinct from Adam’s, and dating long before his creation, and therefore an inferior race, idolatrous and wicked, and therefore the name means “worshipers of false gods,” as the Israelites are called children of God the Father. The daughters of men would then be of Adam’s race. Thin supposition is against the received text in the first three chapters of Genesis. Another theory was long popular in the Church: that the “Sons of God” were angels, an intermediate race of spirits who have the power of assuming the human form. But as we have no evidence of any such appearance in our day it is very difficult to have faith in the supposition. If we were to receive the Book of Enoch as inspired, which claims a date of 1,000 years before the Flood, we should have the record of a belief in such occurrences in that age, and some excuse for such a belief in our day. But that book is rejected by all Christians, except the Abyssinians. The offspring of this mixture of races were men noted for strength and courage, Nephilim (giant in the A.V.), violent men. If the Nephilim of Canaan were descendants of those mentioned in Genesis ( Genesis 6:4), the fact is a strong evidence against the universality of the Deluge (See GIANTS , See DELUGE , See GENESIS ). Noah’s Ark, and the Deluge are described in other places. The first act of Noah after the Deluge, and the escape from the Ark, we to build an altar, and offer sacrifice to God, of every clean beast, and every clean fowl. New blessings and new laws are given to man, especially concerning human life. Noah’s last act was the cursing of Ham, and the blessing of his other sons. This is believed to have been the origin of the color of the Negro (sons of Ham) and of the idolatrous tendencies of the Canaanites. When the sons of Israel them) took possession of the country of Canaan, then Canaan became a servant to Shem; he became the slave of Japhet when Tyre and Carthage were taken by the Greeks and Romans (Japhet). For Japhet to dwell in the tents of Shem, was when Japhet received the knowledge of the true God from Shem, that is, by the Hebrew Scriptures. Noah lived 350 years after the Deluge, and must have witnessed the confusion of tongues, and the dispersion from Babel. It is supposed that he had no other children than those named. , in the , for a notice of several traditions of Noah, and the Flood, in various countries. Noah ( 2 ) (“motion” ) Daughter of ( Numbers 26:33).

    Noamon (“populous No” ) ( Nahum 3:8; Ezekiel 30:14,15). Identical with Thebes. Multitude of No ( Jeremiah 46:25). .

    Nob (“high” ) David fled from Saul and came to Nob ( 1 Samuel 21:1), which was near Anathoth ( Nehemiah 11:32). There are on a conical hill,2 3/4 miles north of Jerusalem, traces of a small, but very ancient city — cisterns hewn in the rock, large hewn stones, and ruins of a small tower, besides other indications. From the summit, Zion is in plain view ( Isaiah 10:32).

    Nobah ( 1 ) (“a barking” ) ( ) Most of the chief towns of the Hauran have traces of the architectural magnificence that Rome lavished on her colonies. The tanks, bridges, and many houses are solidly built, and even at this late day nearly as good as new.

    Nobah ( 2 ) An Israelite warrior ( Numbers 32:42).

    Nobleman A man of high rank ( John 4:46,49). Nod (“flight” ) Nodab (“nobility” ) The name of an Arab tribe ( 1 Chronicles 5:19).

    Noe The patriarch ( Job 4:12).

    Noeba 1 (1 Esdras 5:31).

    Nogah (“bright” ) Son of David ( 1 Chronicles 3:7).

    Nohah (“rest” ) Son of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:2).

    Non . Father of Joshua ( 1 Chronicles 7:27).

    Noph Moph, Memphis. ( Isaiah 19:13). .

    Nophah (“blast” ) Only mentioned in the fragment of an ode, composed by the Amorites after their capture of Heshbon from the Moabites ( Numbers 21:30), and quoted by Moses. A city between Heshbon and Medeba. Lost.

    North (Hebrew: ZAPHON; Greek: borrhas ). As denoting the northern quarter ( Genesis 13:14; Exodus 26:20,35; Luke 13:29); “Land of the North” ( Jeremiah 52:18). Also expressed, relatively, to the direction of the hand.

    Nose (Hebrew: AF , the organ of ,smell), ( Proverbs 30:33). Figuratively, as “anger” in Genesis 27:45, or “wrath,” ( Genesis 39:19) suggested by hard breathing. Hebrew: APPAYIM (two breathing holes), is translated “nostrils” in Genesis 2:70.

    Nose-jewel (Hebrew: nezem ). A ring of metal — gold or silver — passed through the right nostril, worn for ornament by women in the East ( Genesis 24:22). It is usually from to 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Beads, corals, and jewels, are strung upon it. . Novice (Greek: neophutos ). A new convert ( 1 Timothy 3:6).

    Number Hebraic numerals were denoted by letters. At a later period this was the mode of notation, as seen in the Maccabaean coins. Certain numbers were used as figurative representations, and not actual quantities, such as, 7, 10, 40, 100, which represent completeness. 7 is thus used as “seven-fold” in Genesis 4:24; seven times (meaning completely,) in Leviticus 25:24, and Psalm 12:6; as also the general use of the number 7. 10 was a number of especial selection. The number 12 was specially mystical, and is found in many instances; as 12 months, 12 tribes,12 loaves of shewbread,12 disciples or apostles. 40 was also very mystical; as 40 days of Moses; 40 years in the wilderness; 40 days and nights of Elijah in the wilderness, and of Jesus on the mount; 40 years each the life of several kings and judges. Seventy-fold, as in Genesis 4:24; Matthew 18:22, etc. The mystic number 666, in Revelation 13:18, still remains the subject of controversy. One theory suggests the numerals to mean Lx., in Greek lateinos (Latin: latinus , beast, or kingdom.

    Numbers .

    Numenius (“new moon” ) Son of Antiochus. He was sent on an embassy to Rome and Sparta to renew the friendly connections with the Jews, B.C. 144 (1 Macc. 12:16,17). He was again sent, B.C. 141 (1 Macc. 14:24).

    Nun (“a fish” ) 1. Father of ( Exodus 33:11). 2. The fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Psalm 119). . Nurse the position of the nurse when one was wanted, was one of much honor and importance ( Genesis 24:59). .

    Nuts (Bothnim and Egoz ). Spoken of as among the good things of the land to be taken by Jacob’s sons to propitiate the governor of Egypt. This nut was most likely the Pistachio. (Pistachio Town), a town of Gad ( Joshua 13:26), probably derives its name therefrom. The word Egoz occurs in Song of Solomon 6:11, and probably means walnut. One Arabic term (derived from the Persian) for walnut is jaws; another is chusf, which means “tall tree” Walnuts were anciently very plenty around the Sea of Galilee. They are still cultivated near Sidon as an article of commerce.

    Nymphas (“bridegroom” ) A rich and devoted Christian in Laodicea. His house was used as a chapel ( Colossians 4:15). Some ancient manuscripts say Nymphas was a woman, a view which is adopted by the Greek Church.

    Oak There are several Hebrew words which are rendered oak in the A.V., as EL , to be strong ( Genesis 14:6); ELAH , terebinth ( Isaiah 6:13); ELON , oak ( Genesis 12:6); ILAN , strong tree (Daniel 4); ALLAH , an oak ( Joshua 24:26); ALLON , evergreen. oak ( Hosea 4:13). The most noted trees were Abraham’s oak at Mature, the oak at Shechem, of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, of the wanderers. 1. EL (AEL ), to be strong ( Genesis 14:6); the plural of EL is ELIM , also ELOTH and ELATH . Elint is the name of the place where there were 70 palm trees, the word El , instead of meaning oak, is used in that instance for grove, Elim, groves ( Exodus 15:27). There was also a palm grove at Akabah. In Isaiah 1:29, ELIM means oaks, the same word in Isaiah 61:3, and Ezekiel 31:14, means any thrifty, large tree. 2. ALAH , the terebinth. The most noted one was Abraham’s Oak at Mamre, where the three angels appeared to him. It is now represented by an oak (Thomson thinks it was an oak and not the terebinth) of the species Quercus-pseudo-coccifera. (See the picture on page 3). 3. elon , some kind of oak. Translated plain in the A.V. and in the Targum. 4. ILAN , strong tree (Daniel 4, only), and possibly an oak. 5. ALLAH , an oak ( Joshua 24:26, only). 6. ALLON , evergreen oak ( Hosea 4:13), and also the holly-leaved oak; the hairy-cupped oak; the prickly-cupped; the Kermes, which furnishes the insect used in dyes ( Isaiah 1:18, scarlet). The oak forests of Bashan were noted in the earliest times ( Isaiah 2:13; Ezekiel 27:6; Zechariah 11:2), and they are still extensive and contain several varieties of very fine trees. Besides these, there are others scattered all over the country, both in the hilly districts and on the mountains. Mount Carmel, Anti-Lebanon (west slopes), Lebanon (east slopes, and many ravines), and the Hill Country of Galilee and Judaea, are supplied with scrubby oaks 10 to 15 feet high, bearing acorns in great quantities, useful for bread. Where the ground is now stripped of trees of all kinds, its roots are often found and dug for fuel. The largest tree of this species is that near Hebron, called “Abraham’s Oak,” which is 23 feet in girth, and shades a space 90 feet across. The nut-gall bearing oak is plentiful in Galilee and Asia Minor. The Valonia oak is valuable for its tannin, contained in the acorn cups It is probable that this was the “Oak of Bashan” (Q. oegilops). There are many storied oaks in Palestine. Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, was buried under one at Bethel ( Genesis 35:8); Saul and his sons, under another in Jabesh ( 1 Chronicles 10:12). The national covenant was commemorated by a monument under an oak at Shechem, by Joshua ( Joshua 24:26); Jacob hid the stolen images under the same tree ( Genesis 35:4); Absalom was caught by his hair in one in Bashan; Gideon saw an angel under an oak in Ophrah ( Judges 6:11), and many were the shelters of altars for both true and false worship. The Arabs now have a superstition that spirits, jin (called Jacob’s daughters), live in oak trees; and they hang rags of all kinds on the branches as charms against them. Oath An appeal to divine authority to ratify the truth of an assertion ( Hebrews 6:16). Calling God to witness, as, “God do so to me, and more. also, if,” etc. ( Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 2:17). Idolaters swore by their false gods. Many frivolous forms were used. as, “By the blood of Abel;” “By my head; .... By the Temple,” etc. Jesus was asked by me high priest to swear, “By the living God,” to the truth of what he was teaching of himself ( Matthew 26:63). Jesus is believed to have prohibited profane and careless, or false swearing — not telling the truth under oath. It appears that Jesus gave testimony on oath before the high priest, and Paul did not teach against it ( Galatians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 1:23). There would seem to be no use for oaths among genuine Christians, living in the presence of God, but they are useful in dealing with those who do not live a Christian life. When men everywhere, and at all times, prefer the truth to lies, then oaths may be dispensed with. The forms or actions in taking an oath, anciently, were: 1. Lifting up the hand ( Genesis 14:22). 2. Putting the hand on the head of the accused ( Leviticus 24:14). 3. Putting the hand under the thigh ( Genesis 24:2), by both parties (Josephus). 4. Standing before the altar, or looking toward Jerusalem ( 1 Kings 8:31). 5. Dividing a victim (as a lamb), and passing between the pieces ( Genesis 15:10). 6. Placing the hands on the Book of the Law ( Exodus 23:1). The crime of was strongly condemned. It was taking the Lord’s name in vain. If a man gave false witness, he received the punishment that he tried to inflict on another by his perjury ( Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12). Women were not permitted to give evidence on oath ( Deuteronomy 19:17). The Mohammedan swears on the open Koran: Mohammed swore “By the setting of the stars.” Bedouin Arabs touch the middle tent-pole, and swear by the life of the owner. The Romans were strict with men under oath (authority in Matthew 8:9; Acts 16:27, 27:42).

    Obadiah (“servant of Jah” ), also written and . 1. Ancestor of some mentioned in the genealogies of Judah ( Chronicles 3:21). 2. Son of Izrahiah ( 1 Chronicles 7:3). 3. Son of Azel ( 1 Chronicles 8:38; 9:44). 4. Son of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 9:16). (2) a musician in the Temple-choir ( Nehemiah 12:25). 5. A captain in David’s army ( 1 Chronicles 12:9). 6. A prance who taught in Jehoshaphat’s reign ( 2 Chronicles 17:7). 7. Son of Jehiel ( Ezra 8:9). 8. A priest who signed the covenant with Nehemiah (Ezra 11:5). 9. One of the twelve prophets. . 10. An officer of high rank in Ahab’s palace ( 1 Kings 18:3). During the fierce persecution of the prophets by Jezebel he concealed a hundred of them in caves and fed them with bread and water ( 1 Kings 18:4,13). 11. Father of Ishmaiah ( 1 Chronicles 27:19). 12. A Levite, overseer of the workmen on the Temple ( 2 Chronicles 34:12). Obal (bare district ). Son of Joktan ( Genesis 10:28 ). .

    Obdia (1 Esdras 5:38; Ezra 2:61 ). Obed (“serving” ) 1. Son of Boaz and Ruth ( Ruth 4:17). The Book of Ruth gives an interesting account of his birth and the social and religious life of the Israelites at that time. 2. A descendant of Jarha ( 1 Chronicles 2:37,38). 3. One of David’s men ( 1 Chronicles 11:47). 4. Son of Shemaiah, firstborn of Obed-edom ( 1 Chronicles 26:7). 5. Father of Azariah. A captain ( 2 Chronicles 23:1). Obed-edom (serving Edom ). 1. A member of the family of Kohath ( 2 Samuel 6:10,11). After the death of Uzzah, the ark which was being taken to the city of David was carried into the house of Obed-edom, where it remained three months ( 1 Chronicles 15:25). 2. Son of Jeduthun ( 1 Chronicles 16:38). 3. Treasurer of the Temple ( 2 Chronicles 25:24).

    Obeth , the son of Jonathan (1 Esdras 8:32).

    Obil (“chief of the camels” ) An Ishmaelite who had charge of a herd of camels ( 1 Chronicles 27:30).

    Oboth (“bottles” ) Encampment in Moab. Lost. ( Numbers 21:10).

    Ochiel (1 Esdras 1:9 ).

    Ochim The Hebrew translated it as “doleful creatures” in Isaiah 13:21. Some creature uttering doleful screeches, perhaps an owl.

    Ocidelus Error for Jozabad in 1 Esdras 9:22 ( Ezra 10:22).

    Ocina (Judith 2:28 ). Name for Accho. (Tyre> ).

    Ocran (“afflicted” ) Father of Pagiel (Numbers 1.

    Oded (“erecting” ) 1. Father of Azariah ( 2 Chronicles 15:1,8). 2. A prophet who secured the release of the captives from Judah ( Chronicles 28:9). This incident in the history of the Kingdom of Israel is in pleasant contrast to many others. A whole army were liberated, clothed and fed.

    Odollam . Beit Ula.

    Odonarkes Chief of a tribe slain by Jonathan (1 Macc. 9:66). Offence The Hebrew HET or CHET ( Ecclesiastes 10:4), is translated “sin” ( Leviticus 19:17; 20:20, etc.), also “fault” in Genesis 41:9. ( 1 Samuel 15:31; Isaiah 8:14), “stumbling block,” Greek: skandalon in Matthew 16:23; 18:7; Luke 17:1. To eat with offence is to eat so as to be an occasion of sin in another ( Romans 14:20). “A temptation to sin,” “perplexity,” “danger,” “that which produces disgust,” etc.

    Offend, to (from the Latin, offendo ). Offence, as a breach of the law, is alluded to in Romans 5:15,17; as an offered excuse for sin in Matthew 15:12; John 6:61.

    Offering ( ).

    Officer (Hebrew: NEZIB, SARIS; PEKAH; PEKUDDAH; PAKID; RAB; SHOTER ), and others, are terms conveying various meanings, from a commander of an army to a simple messenger of a court of justice ( John 7:32,45, etc.). In Luke 12:58, there appears prakter (a doer) — Revenue officers, (1 Macc. 10:41; 13:37). Huperites , bailiff or some inferior officer ( Matthew 5:25). Og (“crooked” ) King of , ruler over sixty cities. He was one of the giant (violent, strong) race of Rephaim ( Joshua 13:12). This race was probably Shemite in origin, dating earlier than the Canaanites. Og’s couch (palanquin, Amos 3:12), is described as of iron,15 feet 9 inches long, and 6 feet wide ( Deuteronomy 3:11). This would indicate Og’s height at 9 feet at least.

    Ohad (“union” ) Son of Simeon ( Genesis 46:10).

    Ohel (“house” ) Son of Zerubbabel ( 1 Chronicles 3:20). . Oil The Olive was the chief source of oil ( ). ( Ezekiel 16:13). It was used in e preparation of meat offerings in the Temple ( Leviticus 5:11; 6:21). The second pressing was used for lamps. Oil was an important article of merchandise ( 1 Chronicles 27:28; Ezekiel 27:17). Oil-tree (Hebrew: ’EZ SHEMEN ). A tree bearing fruit resembling that of the olive ( Isaiah 41:19). . Ointment (Hebrew: SHAMAN, to be fat;) ROKAH, to anoint; MIRKAHATH , the vessel for holding the perfume, or ointment; MISHAH, oil. Ointment was a general term for perfumes, cosmetics, for substances used for medicinal, sacred, and ceremonial purposes. Olive oil formed the body of these ointments. A particular ointment was’ appointed for use in consecration ( Exodus 30:23,33; 29:7; 37:29; 40:9,15), of myrrh, cassia, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus and olive oil. With this also, the furniture of the Tabernacle was anointed. Dead bodies were anointed with both ointment and oil. Christ refers to this in Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:3,8; Luke 23:56. It was largely used in medical treatment, alluded to by Christ in curing the blind man ( Isaiah 1:6; John 9:6; Jeremiah 8:22; Revelation 3:18). As a cosmetic for the face, so common with the Greeks and Romans, it was also used by the Egyptians and Jews, and is now by the inhabitants of Palestine to this day. Allusion is made to the use of ointments in Ruth 3:3; Ecclesiastes 7:1; 9:18; Proverbs 27:9,16; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:42; Revelation 18:13.

    Olamus Son of Bani (1 Esdras 9:30).

    Old-gate A gate of ( Nehemiah 3:6).

    Old Testament .

    Olive (Hebrew: ZAYITH, or ZAIT ). A tree from 15 to 30 feet high, bearing berries, smooth, like an oval plum, violet color when ripe, having an oily pulp, and a hard, rough stone. The leaves are tike the willow, and of a dual, olive green, on the smooth, upper surface, and silvery pale on the downy, under surface. The flowers are small and white. See the picture on 37 in the book. The body of the tree dies at the heart and stands up on several legs. The bark of old trees is very rough, like that on old willow trees. They live (to a great age. ( .) A sacred olive tree was kept in the court of the Temple of Pandrosus. on the Acropolis, Athens; and the allusion in Psalm 3:8 would imply that they were grown in the Temple Court on Zion. The best olive-oil is now raised where, before the Christian era, the tree was almost unknown, in Italy and Spain, and where millions depend on it for half their living. The trees are planted by cuttings. If the slip is from a wild olive it must be grafted from a good one. The Church is a cultured olive tree, and Gentilism a wild olive tree ( Romans 11:10-24). The wild tree bears but very few berries, and scarcely any oil can be got from them.

    Olive orchards are as common in the East around every village as apple orchards are in the United States. Anciently it was exported from Palestine to Egypt ( Ezekiel 27:17; Hosea 12:1). Moses sings of “oil out of the flinty rock,” in one of his odes ( Deuteronomy 32:13), which indicates that then, as now, the best soil for the olive was the chalky mart, with flint, and just mould enough to cover the roots. The text may have alluded to the oil mills and presses, where the oil comes out of the rock, for the press vat is often hollowed out of a large rock. The tree bears in its seventh year, and a good crop in its fifteenth and continues to bear for several hundred years. The crop is yielded every other year and a large tree will. produce from ten. to fifteen gallons of oil. The yield by the acre in about one hundred dollars. It is their substitute for our butter and lard. Many dishes are cooked in olive oil. The lamp is supplied with it: and the second pressing(not so pure), is used in making soap. The orchards or groves are carefully guarded near harvest time, and the rulers announce the day for gathering the berries, which begins in October. The general harvest is in November. The trees are shaken, and beaten with poles, but a few always remain for the gleaning of the poor. The shaking of the olive tree is a cold, wet, laborious operation, as it occurs in the winter, when rain and cold winds, and frost are frequent.

    Olives, Mount of (HAR-HAZZATHIM, Zechariah 14:4 ). “Before Jerusalem. on the east.” Referred to as the “ascent of Olivet” in other places ( 2 Samuel 15:30, etc.) in the Old Testament, and the various changes of the same in the New ( Luke 19:29; Acts 1:12). The first mention of the mount is at the time David fled over it, and the last is the triumphal progress of the Son of David over its slopes. The description, written, perhaps over 2,500 years ago, is now a good one. It is near Jerusalem — a ravine between them — olive-trees ( Nehemiah 8:15; Mark 11:8), and gives a very distinct view of the Temple site and the city from its summit, where there is now a chapel ( 2 Samuel 15:23,32). Solomon built chapels for the worship of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom, heathen divinities, on a part of Olivet called the “Mount of Corruption” ( 2 Kings 23:13), which some believe to be the highest summit, where the chapel of the Ascension now stands — the same spot that was held sacred by David.

    Olivet is a ridge, 300 feet higher than the Temple site, and a mile long, north and south, divided into three or four summits, which are named — commencing at the north. 1. Viri Galilaei, also Vineyard of the Sportsman; 2. Ascension, by the Arabs Jebel et Tur; 3. Prophers; and 4. Offense, Arab Baten el Hawa, Belly of the Winds. During the middle ages the mount was dotted all over with chapels, or monuments of some kind, marking the localities selected as the sites of interesting events recorded in Scripture; among which are the tombs of the Virgin, Joachim, and Anna, near Gethsemane (in which are the Cave of Christ’s Prayer and Agony, the rock on which the three disciples slept, and the place of the capture of Christ; spot on which the Virgin witnessed the stoning of Stephen; where her girdle dropped at the time of her Assumption; where Jesus wept over the city ( Luke 19:41); where Jesus first said the Lord’s Prayer — (the Beatitudes were also pronounced here); where the woman taken in adultery was brought to him; Tombs of the Prophets (containing Haggai and Zechariah); cave in which the Apostles wrote the Creed; where Christ spoke of the judgment to come; Cave of St. Pelagia, and of Huldah, the prophetess; Place of the Ascension; where the Virgin was warned of her death by an angel; spot from which the Apostles witnessed the Ascension (viri Galilaei = men of Galilee); where the three Mary’s saw Jesus after his resurrection. All of these places on the side toward the city. On the slopes, south and east, the place of the barren fig tree; Bethphage; Bethany (house of Lazarus, and the cave, or tomb); stone on which Christ sat when Mary and Martha saw him. Only three of these command our special attention — Gethsemane, the place of the Lamentation, and the place of Ascension. ( ). Stanley says that the Lord’s “triumphal entry” must have been on the road, not over the summit, but the longer and easier route around the south shoulder of the mount (between the summit called the Prophets and that called the Mount of Corruption), which has the peculiarity of presenting two successive views of the city, just before and after passing a slight elevation in the path. Ezekiel mentions Olivet in his wonderful vision ( Ezekiel 11:23); and Zechariah says of the Messiah, “His feet shall stand in that day (of the destruction of Jerusalem) on the Mount of Olives” ( Ezekiel 14:4). Jesus stood somewhere on its brow when he predicted the overthrow of the city ( Mark 13:1). The whole mountain is now called by the Jews Har-hammishkah, mount of corruption or destruction. There are three paths leading from near Gethsemane to the top of Olivet, besides the road to Jericho. The first leads north of the central summit (Ascension) to the little village near the top (see the map on p. 151). The second passes the Cave of Pelagia, in a direct course up the mount to the church and village. The third runs near the Tomb of the Prophets and ends at the same village. The fourth is the road to Bethany and Jericho, and passes between the Mount of Offense and the Tomb of the Prophets This is now, as it must have been anciently, the usual route for caravans and all large parties. Coming from Bethany you may get two views of the city: the first, of the southeast corner of the Temple site and Zion. The road then descends a slight declivity, and the city is hid behind a ridge of Olivet. A few rods further the path rises steeply up to a ledge of smooth rock, where the whole city is seen in one view. It is almost the only really authentic spot on Olivet or near Jerusalem that is not marked by a church, chapel or tower, and is the only one that is located without controversy (see the view on p. 154). Olympas (Greek, given by heaven ). A disciple at Rome ( Romans 16:15). Tradition says he was of the 70, and died A.D. 69.

    Olympius A title given to the Greek deity, Zeus (JUPITER), (2 Macc. 6:2), from his residence on Mount Olympus, in Greece.

    Omaerus , son of Bani (1 Esdras 9:34).

    Omar (“eloquent” ) Son of Eliphaz ( Genesis 36:11,15). The name now found in the Amir tribe of Arabs, in Gilead. Omega (Greek: O ). The last letter of the Greek alphabet ( Revelation 1:8,11). The Symbol of “the last,” just as A is the symbol of “the first.”

    Omer (“handful” ) . Omri (“servant of Jah” ) 1. “Captain of the host” to Elah, also the sixth king of Israel, a vigorous and unscrupulous ruler ( 1 Kings 16:21), in Tirzah, his capital. He transferred his residence to the hill Shomron, (Samaria), which he bought of Shemer, where he reigned six years more. 2. Son of Becher ( 1 Chronicles 7:8). 3. Son of Judah, a descendant of Pharez ( 1 Chronicles 9:4). 4. Son of Michael ( 1 Chronicles 26:18).

    On ( 1 ) (“power” ) Son of Peleth. A chief who revolted against Moses ( Numbers 16:1).

    On ( 2 ) (Heliopolis ). ( Jeremiah 43:13). Egyptian sacred name ha-ra (the city of the sun), and common name an. It was on the east bank of the Nile, 20 miles northeast of Memphis; once the capital of the district. Joseph’s wife was a daughter of a priest of On ( Genesis 41:45). The site is now marked by low mounds, enclosing a space about 3/4 of a mile each way, where once stood the temple of the sun and the city, only a solitary obelisk (70 feet high, and covered with hieroglyphics)being left of the former splendors of the place. The emperor Augustus carried a great many works of art, and an obelisk from this city to Rome; and Constantine adorned Constantinople from the same source. Tradition says that Joseph brought Mary and the infant Jesus to On, and points out a large fig-tree as the one under which they camped.

    Onam (strong ). 1. Son of Shobal ( Genesis 36:23). 2. Son of Jerahmeel ( 1 Chronicles 2:26,28), by Atarah.

    Onan Son of Judah ( Genesis 38:4). It was Onan’s duty to marry his brother’s widow, and perpetuate the race; but he took means to prevent the consequences of marriage. Jehovah was angry with him, and slew him as he had slain his brother ( Genesis 38:9).

    Onesimus A slave who had escaped from his master Philemon of Colossae, and had fled to Rome, where Paul converted him and recommended his forgiveness by his master in an epistle (Philemon), ( ).

    Oneslinus left Rome in the company of Tychicus, carrying the epistles to Philemon, to the Colossians, and Ephesians ( Colossians 4:9). There is a tradition that Onestraus became Bishop of Beraea, where he is said to have been martyred.

    Onesiphorus (profit-braining ). An Ephesian mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:16-18, who rendered Paul generous service during his second captivity in Rome, in acknowledging which, the apostle alludes to the “house of Onesiphorus,” and in Timothy 4:19, to “the household of Onesiphorus,” which suggests that the family might have shared in rendering services to Paul.

    Oniares An error in 1 Macc. 12:20, for to .

    Onias (Hebrew: ONIYAH, strength of Jah). The name of five high priests; two only are mentioned in the A.V., I and III.

    Onias IV assumed the Greek name Menelaus to gain the favor of the Greek party. He had been reproved by his oldest brother, Onias III, for appropriating the sacred treasures, at which he murdered his brother through an assassin (Andronicus) about 171 B.C. (2 Macc. 3:4).

    Onias, the City of Where stood a temple built by Onias V, and the Jewish settlements in Egypt. The site of the city of Onias was in the district north of Hellopolis.

    Onions with the Egyptians. They are very mild in Egypt, and grow to a large size.

    Ono (“strong”) Built by the sons of Elpaal. In Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:12) 725 of the people of Lod, Hadid, and Ono returned from Babylon ( Ezra 2:33). There was a plain near the city ( Nehemiah 6:2), where Nehemiah was invited (but he declined) five times to come to a village in it to meet Sanballat. Beit Anna, 4 1/2 miles north of Lud.

    Onycha The Hebrew word is only mentioned in Exodus 30:34, as an ingredient of the sacred perfume. This word has been variously rendered — As the horny lid closing the open part of a shell, a kind of mollusk. Gosse thinks it was some gum resin, as all marine animals, except fish with fins and scales, were unclean.

    Onyx (Hebrew: SHOHAM). .

    Ophel 1. A part of ancient Jerusalem, first mentioned as having its wall built “much” upon by Jotham ( 2 Chronicles 27:3). Manasseh enclosed it with a wall ( 2 Chronicles 33:14). It was near the watergate ( Nehemiah 3:26), and a great corner-tower ( Nehemiah 3:27). Josephus calls it Ophla (Antiquities ix. 11, 2; B. J. ii. 17, 9). The prophet Micah ( Micah 4:8) calls Ophel the daughter of Zion, which would indicate that Zion was the Temple-site, for Ophel is the hill south of the south wall of the Temple. 2. The Ophel of 2 Kings 5:24, was the residence of the prophet Elisha, to which Gehazi returned after begging a present from Naaman, near Samaria.

    Ophir (“dust-red dust”?). In the Himyarite language ofir is red, and the people of Mahra call their country red, and the Red Sea Bahr Ofir. Ophir was a region from which Solomon obtained gold in Tyrian ships, by the way of Ezion-geber. It was in Arabia ( Genesis 10:29), where several sons of Joktan settled, giving their names to regions or tribes. Sophir is the form of the name in the Septuagint and Josephus. The gold, silver, precious stones, ivory, apes, peacocks, and almug-wood are Indian articles, but may have been imported there. Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 10:9) and Daniel ( Daniel 10:5), say gold of Uphaz, probably meaning Ophir. On the shore of the Red Sea, in Arabia.

    Ophrah (“a faun”) Two places of this name: 1. In Benjamin ( Joshua 18:23), five miles east of Bethel, now called Et Taiyibeh a small village on a conical hill containing ancient ruins. Jesus retired to this obscure place, after the miracle of raising Lazarus, with his disciples ( John 11:54). (See the picture on page 94 in the book.). 2. In Manasseh, the native place of Gideon ( Judges 6:11; 8:27), and where he was buried. The prophet Micah calls it Aphrah (dust, Micah 1:10).

    Or Used in the now obsolete sense of ere or before ( Psalm 90:2). Oracle (Hebrew: DEBIR ). The inner sanctuary of the Temple ( 1 Kings 6:5,16ff). Orator (a speaker). The title given to , the advocate of the Jews against Paul ( Acts 24:1). .

    Orchard . The East is naturally a country of orchards. — Of oranges, lemons, pomegranates, apples, olives, cherries, dates, apricots, figs, and other fruits. Nearly the whole support of a family can be had from the orchard. Trees are taxed very heavily, whether bearing or not, and from the time they are planted, which prevents enterprise. Ordain To order, constitute, appoint, found, or establish, as a priest or a deacon over a church. 1. YASAD , founded in 1 Chronicles 9:22; 2. KUN , to establish ( Psalm 8:3); 3. MENAH , to set, or to lumber ( Daniel 5:26; MENE in 5:25); 4. NATHAN give ( 2 Kings 23:5); 5. AMAD to raise up ( Exodus 9:16); 6. ARACA to set in order ( <19D207> Psalm 132:7); 7. PAAL work ( Job 11:8); 8. KUM to confirm (Esth. 9:27); 9. SUM to appoint ( 1 Chronicles 17:9); 10. SHAFATH to set ( Isaiah 26:12); 11. ASAH to make ( 1 Kings 11:31); 12. Greek, diatasso , “to arrange” ( 1 Corinthians 7:17); 13. Kathistemi , “to place” Hebrews 5:1); 14. Kataskouazo , to prepare fully Hebrews 9:6); 15. Krino , “to separate” ( Acts 16:4), and “to judge” over 80 times; 16. Horizo , “to bound”, “limit” ( Acts 10:42); 17. Poieo , to make ( Mark 3:14); 18. Proorizo , “predetermine” ( 1 Corinthians 2:17); 19. Tasso , “to set in order” ( Acts 13:48); 20. Tithemi , to lay ( John 15:16); 21. Cheirotoneo , “to stretch” Acts 14:23); 22. Ginomai , “to begin to be” ( Acts 1:22), this word is repeated times in the New Testament; 23. Prographo ,” to write before” ( Romans 15:4); 24. Proetoimazo , “to appoint” ( Ephesians 3:3).

    Oreb (“raven” ) A chief of the Midianites who invaded Israel and was defeated by . The disaster in which Oreb and Zeeb lost their lives (by the hands of Ephraimites), was one of the most awful on record. Two large rocks, near the scene, were named in memory of the event.

    Oreb, the Rock (“the raven’s crag” ) ( Judges 7:25; Isaiah 10:26). Not far from Bethshemesh, on the east (or west) side of Jordan. The Jews have a tradition that the prophet Elijah was fed by the people of Oreb (ravens). (See Reland).

    Oren (“pine” ) Son of Jerahmeel ( 1 Chronicles 2:25).

    Organ A musical instrument consisting of a combination of metal and reed pipes of different lengths and sizes. .

    Orion “God who made Arcturus, Orion and the Pleiades” ( Job 9:9; 38:31,32; Amos 5:8). KESIL in Hebrew. Called the giant by the Arabs, which was Nimrod among the Chaldaeans. Aben Ezra says Orion means the constellation now called Scorpion, or the bright star in it called Antares Ornaments The ancient monuments show that ornaments were used in great variety in ancient as well as modern times. Every rank uses them, rich or poor, and as many as their means permit. If gold cannot be had, then silver, or brass, or tin, or glass, is used. Engraved gems were in use only by the most wealthy and educated. These bore besides the words or letters, figures of gods or mythical animals, or the portraits of relatives or friends (see ), A few of the articles were: 1. NEZEM ring; nose ring in Genesis 24:22,27. 2. ZAMID bracelet. 3. KELI jewels. 4. NEZEM-BEAZNOTH , rings in the ears. 5. CHOTHAM seal, signet. 6. PATHIL string of beads (?). 7. TABBAATH a signet ring (the badge of authority). 8. RABID chain (of gold, Ezekiel 16:11). 9. CHACH buckle. 10. KUMAZ tablets strung together, as hearts, diamonds, etc. ( Exodus 35:22). 11. MAROTH looking-glasses. 12. EZADAH chains ( Numbers 31:20). 13. AGIL circular ear-ring, solid. 14. SAHARONIM , moon-shaped little pieces, strung on a cord. 15. NETIFOTH pendants ( Judges 8:26). 16. TORIM beads (rows), Song of Solomon 1:10,11, of gold or silver, or pearls. 17. CHABUZIM any perforated small’ articles. 18. ANAK perhaps a hanging lock of hair, in Song of Solomon 4:9. 19. CHALAIM necklace ( Song of Solomon 7:1). 20. GELILOM garland (v. 12). 21. LIVYAH wreath. 22. AKASIM tinkling ornaments ( Isaiah 3:23). 23. SHEBISIM lace caps. 24. SHEROTH bracelets made of twisted wires. 25. REALOTH spangles. 26. PEERIM bonnets. 27. ZEADOTH a chain to shorten the steps, worn on the legs. 28. KISSHURIM girdle. 29. BOTTE-HANNEFESH scent bottles. 30. LECASHIH amulets used as earrings. 31. CHARITIM purses (round, conical). 32. GILYONIM a thin veil, gauze. Scarcely any new thing has been added in modern days. The ckoors, a saucer-shaped ornament of metal, sewed to the top of the cap and ornamented with stones, or engraved, now used by the Arabs, was probably very ancient, as may be inferred from the “golden tower” of the Mishna. (See the picture on page 9 of the book).

    Ornan (“active” ) ARAUNAH the Jebusite ( 1 Chronicles 21:15,18,20,25,28).

    Orpah (“forelock” ) Wife of Chillon, son of Noomi. She accompanied her sister-in-law on the road to Bethlehem, but went back to her people and her gods ( Ruth 1:4,14).

    Orthosias Described by Pliny (v. 17) as near Tripolis, south of the river Eleutherus (which was the northern boundary of Phoenicia), in a strong pass; and a city of great importance, as commanding the route between Phoenicia and Syria. Tryphon fled there when besieged by Antiochus in Dora (1 Macc. 15:37). The ruins are on the south bank of the Nahr el Barid (cold river).

    Osea Hoshea, king of Israel (2 Esdras 13:40).

    Oseas The prophet Hosea (2 Esdras 1:39).

    Osee The prophet Hosea ( Romans 9:25).

    Oshea The original name of Joshua, son of Nun ( Numbers 13:8,16).

    Ospray ( Osprey ) (Hebrew: OZNIYAH ). An unclean bird. Very powerful; often weighing five pounds. It plunges under the water to catch fish. It belongs to the Falconidae, or falcon family, and is found in Europe, North America, and occasionally in Egypt ( Deuteronomy 14:12).

    Ossifrage (Hebrew: PERES ), (bone-breaker). The Lammergeier. An unclean bird ( Leviticus 11:13). It attacks the wild goat, young deer, sheep, calves, etc. It is found in the highest mountains of Europe, Asia and Africa, and is frequently seen in the sky flying alone. , page 136 in the book.

    Ostrich (Hebrew: BATH HAYYA’ANAH, daughters of the wildernessfemale ostriches. YAENIM ostriches and RANAN to wail — sometimes rendered peacocks ). The words are generally accepted to mean the ostrich. In Lamentations 4:3, appears the word YAENIM ( plural) which rightly translates ostrich. NOTSEH feathers in Job 39:13. Several lay their eggs in the same nest, which is usually a hollow scooped in the sand, where (covered only by the sand, about a foot deep), the sun warms them during the day. A few eggs are left out of the nest, intended for food for the young brood. The supposed cruel habit of the bird is used as a type of the cruelty and indifference of the Hebrews ‘( Lamentations 4:3; Job 39:16). This supposition is an error, for the ostrich cares for, and defends its young, even risking its own life. The brood numbers 20 to 30, are gray when young, and can run at once. The old birds are black and white. The valued plumes are pure white. They are easily tamed, and will live among the goats and camels. The Arabs hang great numbers of the eggs in their mosques, and also use them for cups, jars, etc. When chased, they run in a circle, and can run a mile in about two minutes. By running inside the circle, the horse gains on the ostrich, and comes up with him.

    Othni (“lion of Jah” ) Son of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 26:7). OTHEN (lion).

    Othniel (lion of El ). Descendant of Kenaz, and brother of ( Joshua 15:17). He is first mentioned as the captor of Kirjath-Sepher (Debir), near Hebron, where he won his wife (his cousin Achsah), as a prize for leading the attack ( Joshua 14:12-15; see ). He is next called to be a judge ( Judges 3:9), holding the office for 40 years, or giving the nation rest in peace for that time.

    Othonias Error for Mattaniah ( Ezra 10:27), In 1 Esdras 9:28.

    Ouches Sockets in which the precious stones of the breast-place were set. (Nouches in Chaucer). ( Exodus 28:11,13; 39:6, etc.). Oven (Hebrew: TANNUR). The ovens in the East are of two kinds. The stationary ones are found only in towns, where regular bakers are employed ( Hosea 7:4). The portable ones consist of a large jar made of clay, three feet high, larger at the bottom, with a hole for removing the ashes. Every house possesses such an article ( Exodus 8:32. It was heated with twigs, grass or wood ( Matthew 6:30), sometimes with dung, and the loaves were placed both inside and outside of it. .

    Overseers A ministerial title, perhaps elder or bishop ( Acts 20:28).

    Owl 1. BATH AYYA’ANAH (daughters of the waste places). ( ). 2. YANSHUF or YANSHOF The Ibis, an unclean bird, as in Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:16. Probably not known in Palestine, but a native of Egypt. In Isaiah 34:11 it is mentioned in the desolation of Idumaea (Edom). 3. COS (cup), little owl ( Leviticus 11:17, etc.). 4. KIPPOZ the owl, which is common in the vicinity (and even in the city) of Jerusalem. LILITH screech-owl, in Isaiah 34:14. The lilith was to the Hebrews what the ghost or ghoul is to the Arab, a “night-monster,” and so they called the screech-owl by that name. Ox 1. BAKAR horned cattle, of full age ( Isaiah 55:25). 2. FAH , BEN BAKAR calf. 3. SHOR , one of a drove of full-grown cattle. THOR (the Aramaic form) in Ezra 6:9. 4. AGAL calf of the first year; EGLAH a heifer ( Hosea 10:11), giving milk ( Isaiah 7:21), or plowing ( Judges 14:18). 5. AGIL a bull two (7) years old ( Judges 6:25). 6. ABARIM (strong) bulls. 7. TEO wild bull ( Isaiah 51:20); possibly the oryx. Stall-fed cattle are alluded to in Proverbs 15:17, and 1 Kings 4:23. The cattle on the monuments are long-horned, short-horned, polled, or muley, besides the Abyssinian; and of every variety in color, as ours are. (See page 10). The ox was the most important of all animals to the ancient Hebrews (as well as nearly all other nations). They were used for plowing ( Deuteronomy 21:10); threshing grain ( Micah 4:132 ;for draught ( 1 Samuel 6:7); to carry burdens ( 1 Chronicles 12:40), and riders; their flesh was eaten ( 1 Kings 1:9); they were used for sacrifice, and the cow supplied milk, butter, tallow, hides, etc. The law contains many favorable clauses for its protection from misuse, abuse, starvation, and cruelty, and providing for its well-being, food and rest. The Hebrews did not castrate animals, but used them in their natural condition. Cattle grazing in distant pastures often became quite wild, as in Psalm 22:13. The present cattle in Palestine are small in size, and not good in quality. The buffalo is common now, and it was known anciently. The habits of this animal very nearly, if not entirely, answer the points in the text of Job 40:15-24. They frequent the muddy pools, and the swift stream of Jordan, avoiding insects by keeping entirely under water, except their eyes and nose, under the covert of the reeds and willows. They are trained to the plow, and are much stronger than the ox.

    Ozem (strength ). 1. Son of Jesse ( 1 Chronicles 2:15). 2. Son of Jerahmeel ( 1 Chronicles 2:25).

    Ozias 1. Son of Micha, one of the governor’s of Bethulia ( Judges 6:15). 2. Uzzi, ancestor of Ezra (2 Esdras 2:22. 3. , king of Judah ( Matthew 1:8,9).

    Oziel Ancestor of Judith (Judith 8:1). .

    Ozni (“attentive” ) Son of Gad ( Numbers 26:16). .

    Oznites Descendants of ( Numbers 26:16).

    Ozora Nathan, Adaiah, Machnadebai, are corrupted into the sons of Ozora (1 Esdras 9:34).

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