Sabacthani (“hast thou forsaken me?” ) Apart of our Saviour’s exclamation on the cross ( Matthew 27:46); the whole is taken from Psalm 20:1, where it is used prophetically. Sabaoth (ZEBOTH, “hosts or armies” ), ( Joel 2:15; 2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 24:10; James 5:4).

Sabat 1. Ancestor of sons of Solomon’s servants, who returned from captivity (1 Esdras 5:34). 2. (1 Macc. 16:14). .

Sabateas (1 Esdras 9:48).

Sabatus (1 Esdras 9:28).

Sabban 1 (1 Esdras 8:63). Sabbath (Hebrew: SHABBATH, “the (day of ) rest” ) The name given to the seventh day of the week under the old covenant. Division of time into weeks was the custom from the earliest recorded ages, among the rudest as well as the most cultivated people. ( ). It is the only ordinance besides marriage which dates from the Creation ( Genesis 2:3), and it is one of the subjects of the Decalogue ( Exodus 34:21). In Leviticus the whole law is repeated ( Leviticus 23:2,3), and one of the finest of the Psalms was written in honor of the day (Psalm 92). The prophets also honor the Sabbath as a holy day ( Isaiah 56:1,2; Ezekiel 20:12; 44:24; 46:3). The observance of the Sabbath indicated a prosperity of religion, and its neglect showed a decay of religion generally. The day of rest was a great boon to the laborer, and to animals ( Exodus 23:12), but the great importance of the institution was its spiritual and religious meaning, and as a sign of the holiness of God, and the holiness required of His people. Its deliberate violation was punished with death ( Numbers 15:32-36). The special rites and services appointed for the day show that it was to be spent in thoughts and exercises on the character and ways of God. The services of the sanctuary were peculiar to the day ( Numbers 28:9; Leviticus 24:3-9); and the laws of Moses were read ( Acts 15:21), “teaching Jacob God’s judgments and Israel His law” ( Deuteronomy 33:10). Josephus alludes to the origin, design, and observance of the day in his discourse against Apion (ii. 18). Jesus instructed His disciples, by His example as well as words, to keep the law of the Sabbath, and to works of kindness and mercy, and exercise of piety ( Matthew 12:1-13; Mark 3:1-5; Luke 4:16; 6:9), and to keep the day in its true spirit as a day of personal privilege and benevolent usefulness, for “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” In Colossians 2:16, Paul argues from the fact of the Sabbath having been superseded by the Lord’s day. Sabbath Day’s Journey The distance between the tents and the ark in the camp, which was 2,000 cubits. The common cubit of 18 inches would be 3,000 feet, and the sacred cubit of 19.05 inches would be 4,762 feet. The English mile is 5,280 feet.

Sabbatheus Shabbethai, the Levite (1 Esdras 9:14).

Sabbeus (1 Esdras 9:32).

Sabeans People of .

Sabi (1 Esdras 5:34).

Sabtah Third son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). Located in Arabia, along the southern coast. Pliny (vi. xxiii. 32) says the chief city of the region had temples, and was the capital of king Elisarus.

Sabtecah Fifth son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). Settled on the Persian Gulf, on the Persian shore.

Sacar (“reward” ) 1. Father of Ahiam ( 1 Chronicles 11:35). 2. Fourth son of Obed-edom (26:4).

Sackbut (Aramaic: sabbecha ). A musical instrument: a brass trumpet with a slide, like the modern trombone (Daniel 12; 5:7,10,15). Sackcloth (Hebrew: SAK; Greek: sakkos ). A coarse stuff, of a dark color, often made of goats’ hair (Isaiah 1; Isaiah 3), and the coarse, black hair of the camel. In great calamities — in penitence, in trouble — the Jews wore sackcloth about their bodies ( Genesis 37:34); The robe resembled a sack, and was confined by a girdle of the same material ( 2 Samuel 3:31). In times of joy those who were clad in sackcloth took it off, and put on their usual clothing ( Isaiah 32:11). . Sacrifice (Hebrew: MINCHAH to give;) KORBAN to approach; ZEBACH to slaughter animals; OLAH whole burntoffering; SHELEM peace-offering; CHATTATH, sin-offering; ASHAM trespass-offering; Greek: thusia ( Matthew 9:13) doron gift ( Matthew 2:11); eidolothuton, idol-sacrifice ( Acts 15:29); prosphora, offering ( Acts 21:26). The first recorded sacrifices were those of Cain and Abel (Minchah ). Of Noah, after the flood ( Genesis 8:20); a burnt-offering (olah ). The sacrifice of Isaac ( Genesis 22:1-13), the only instance of human sacrifice, having been commanded by God as a test of faith, but not actually offered. In the burnt-offerings of Job ( Job 1:5; 42:8), the offering was accompanied by repentance and prayer. The sacrifices of the Mosaic period commenced with the offering of the Passover (Exodus 24). The law prescribed five kinds of sacrifices: the burnt-offering, the meat-offering (unbloody), the peace-offering (bloody), the sin-offering and the trespass-offering. In the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8), there was first a sin-offering, as an approach to God; next, a burnt-offering, typical of dedication to His service, and the meatoffering of thanksgiving; and further, a peace-offering for the congregation, which was accepted by the miraculous descent of fire upon the altar. This was ever afterward the order of the sacrifices. The sacrifices regularly offered in the Temple were of burnt-offerings: first, the daily burntofferings ( Exodus 29:38-42); second, the double burnt-offerings on the Sabbath ( Numbers 28:9,10); third, the burnt-offerings at the great feasts ( Numbers 28:11; 29:39). OF MEAT-OFFERINGS — The daily meat-offerings accompanying the daily burnt-offerings (flour, oil and wine), ( Exodus 29:40); second, the shewbread (twelve loaves, with frankincense), replaced every Sabbath ( Leviticus 24:5-9); third, the special meat-offerings at the Sabbath — a great feast (Numbers 28 and Numbers 29); fourth, wave-offerings — the first fruits of the Passover ( Leviticus 23:10-14) and at Pentecost ( Leviticus 23:17-20). Peace-offerings of the first fruits of the threshingfloor at the harvest-time ( Numbers 15:20,21). OF SIN-OFFERINGS — First, a sin-offering each new moon, of a kid ( Numbers 28:15); second, sin-offerings at the Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets and Tabernacles ( Numbers 28:22,30; Numbers 29); third, the offering of the two goats (one the scape-goat) for the people, and of a bullock for the priest on the great day of (Leviticus 16). Incense was offered morning and evening ( Exodus 30:7,8), and on the Great Day of Atonement. There were also the individual offerings of the people. .

Sadamias Shallam, ancestor of Ezra (2 Esdras 1:1).

Sadas (1 Esdras 5:13).

Saddeus (1 Esdras 8:45).

Sadduc Zadok, the high priest (1 Esdras 8:2). Sadducees (named from “the high priest” ) A religious sect of the Jews at the time of Christ, who refused to accept that the oral law was the revelation of God to the Israelites, and believed exclusively in the written law. They joined with the Pharisees in asking for a sign from heaven ( Matthew 16:1,4,6), but opposed their doctrines otherwise. The Sadducees never exercised the influence that the Pharisees did, and were, more tolerant. They rejected the belief in a resurrection ( Matthew 22:23), nor did they believe in future rewards and punishments. The high priest, at the time of Christ, was of this sect, and the doctrine of the resurrection preached by Christ rendered the Sadducees especially bitter against him ( Acts 4:1; 5:17), but he did not censure the Sadducees as much as the Pharisees.

Sadoc 1. 1 (2 Esdras 1:1). 2. A descendant of Zerubbabel in the genealogy of Jesus Christ ( Matthew 1:14).

Saffron (Arabic: Zafrau, yellow. Hebrew: CARCOM ). A small bluish flower, whose yellow stigma is pulled out and dried, having a peculiar aromatic and penetrating odor and a bitter taste. Used as a stimulant in medicine and highly valued in the East as a perfume ( Song of Solomon 4:14). Saint (Hebrew: HASID, KADOSH Greek: hagios, “a holy one” ), ( Daniel 8:13). A title by which the disciples were known. Originally including all members of the Church, afterward restricted to a few ( Romans 1:1; Acts 9:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:13).

Sala ( Luke 3:35). Salah (extension ), ( Genesis 10:24 ). Father of Eber. Settled in north Mesopotamia.

Salamis City on the east end of the island of Cyprus. Visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey ( Acts 13:5). There were many Jews in Cyprus, attracted by the copper mines. The ancient city was near the modern Famagousta, by the river Pediaeus, on a plain.

Salasadai ( Judges 8:1).

Salathiel or Father of Zerubbabel ( Ezra 3:2). One of the ancestors of Christ ( Matthew 1:14; Luke 3:27).

Salcah ( Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 13:11 ). A city on the extreme east limit of Bashan and Gad ( 1 Chronicles 5:11). There was a district of the same name ( Joshua 12:5), belonging to Og. Now called Sulkhad, at the south end of Jebel Hauran. The great Euphrates desert begins near this city and extends to the Persian Gulf. About three miles in circuit. In it is a castle on a lofty (volcanic) hill, feet high. An inscription on a gate is dated A.D. 246, and one on a tombstone, A.D. 196. Salem SHALEM (“peace”) Jerome said Salem was eight Roman miles from Scythopolis (Bethshean), and in his day contained the ruins of the palace of Melchizedek. Some have identified it with Jerusalem. The plain of Salem has the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, with Shechem, on its west end, and the hills on which Salem stands on its east end. In Psalm 76:2, Salem means Jerusalem.

Salim ( John 3:23 ). Near Aenon. Six miles south of Bethshean and two miles west of Jordan is a site of ruins on the Tell Redghah, with a Mohammedan tomb, called Shekh Salim. The brook in Wady Chusneh runs close by, and a copious fountain gushes out near the tomb, while rivulets wind about in all directions. “Here is much water.”

Sallai (“basket maker” ) 1. One who settled in Jerusalem after the Captivity ( Nehemiah 11:8). 2. Head of a course of priests who went with Zerubbabel ( Nehemiah 12:20).

Sallu (“weighed” ) Son of Meshullam ( 1 Chronicles 9:7).

Sallumus (1 Esdras 9:25).

Salma (“garment” ) or (“clothed” ) Son of Nashon, prince of Judah, the husband of Rahab ( Matthew 1:4,5).

Salmah ( Ruth 4:20).

Salmanaser (2 Esdras 13:40).

Salmanasser ( Hosea 11:5). Salmon ( Judges 9:48 ). A hill near Shechem, on which Abimelech and his men cut doom boughs with which they burned the tower of Shethem. . White as snow in Salmon (Isaiah 68:14).

Salmone The east point of the island of ( Acts 27:7).

Salom 1. father of Hilkiah (Baruch 1:7). 2. father of Zimri (1 Macc. 2:26).

Salome (“pacific” ) 1. Wife of mother of the Apostles James and John. She was a most devout and faithful disciple ( Matthew 20:20; Acts 16:1). 2. Salome, the daughter of Herodias; she was the cause of John Baptist’s death ( Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:22). She was the wife of Philip, Tetrarch of Trachonitis, and afterward married Aristobulus, king of Chalcis (Josephus, Antiquities xviii. 5, 4). Salt (MELAH; Greek: hats ). . Salt, City of ( Joshua 15:62 ). In the wilderness, near Engedi and the Dead Sea. It may be the site is found in the modern Nahr Maleh, which is near the Wady Amreh, which is believed to be Gomorrah. The Valley of Salt. Two memorable victories occurred here: that of David over the Edomites ( 2 Samuel 8:13; Psalm 60); and that of Amaziah over the same people ( 2 Kings 14:7). The site is lost. It has been located by some in the plain at the south end of the Dead Sea.

Salum 1. 8 (1 Esdras 5:28). 2. 6 (1 Esdras 8:1). Salutation (Hebrew: SHALOM LEKHA ). Peace be with thee ( John 20:19). By this term is meant the friendly greeting, which, in ancient as in modern times, takes place between persons when meeting or parting; also when sending letters. At parting the form was much the same as at meeting. “Go in peace” ( Judges 18:6). The letter of an Arab will be nearly filled with salutations; and should he come in to tell you that your house is on fire, he would first give and receive the compliments of the day before saying your house is on fire. Salutations are also given by kissing the hand, the forehead, cheek, the beard of a superior. The long, ceremonious greeting which occupied so much time, was deemed unfit for the use of the preachers of the gospel, and they were directed to salute no one by the way. It is not unusual for two ceremonious gentlemen to inquire carefully after every male relative, especially ancestors, of each other, several times over, at each meeting; smoking and sipping coffee during the one or two hours required for this very friendly (?) greeting. Custom does not permit inquiries after each others’ female relatives, it being equal to a decided insult to even allude to another man’s wife. If a man speaks of his wife he apologizes for the discourtesy. Salvation (Hebrew: YESHAH, YESHA; Greek: soteria ). Deliverance from temporal evils or earthly destruction ( Exodus 14:13). is figuratively called “salvation” ( Psalm 27:1). has provided the salvation of the Gospel, and is preeminently “the SAVIOUR” ( Matthew 1:21).

Samael ( Judges 8:1).

Samaias 1. 23 (1 Esdras 1:9). 2. 11 (1 Esdras 8:39). 3. The “great Samaias,” father of Ananias and Jonathas (Tobit 5:13). Samaria (“watch mountain” ) Six miles northwest of Shechem, on a hill which is surrounded by a broad basin-shaped valley. Here built the capital of the kingdom of Israel, on the hill which he bought (B.C. 925) of for two talents of silver ( 1 Kings 16:24). The site is singularly beautiful, and is always admired by every visitor. Ahab built a temple to Baal, with images; and that part of the city was called “the city of the house of Baal” ( Kings 16:22), which was destroyed by Jehu ( 2 Kings 10:25). The Syrians besieged it in 901 B.C. ( 1 Kings 20:1), and in 892 B.C. ( 1 Kings 6:24; 7:20), and in both cases without success.

Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, took it after a siege of three years, B.C. ( 2 Kings 18:9,10), and carried the people away to Assyria. Esarhaddon re-populated the country from Assyria, and these citizens were called Samaritans. Josephus describes it as a very strong city in the time of John Hyrcanus, who took it (B.C. 109), after a year’s siege (Antiquities xiii. 10, 2). After this time the Jews inhabited the city, until the age of Alexander Jannaeus, and until Pompey restored it to the descendants of the original inhabitants (probably the Syro-Macedonians). Herod the Great rebuilt it with some splendor, and called it (Augustus), after his patron the Emperor Augustus. The wall was 20 stadia in circuit. A magnificent temple was dedicated to Caesar. 6,000 veteran soldiers were colonized here, and a large district given them for their support (Antiquities xv. 8, 5; B. J. i. 20, 3, etc.). The remains of the ancient city are mostly colonnades of Herod’s time, or older. There is a group of 16 in a recess near the bottom of the hill, another of 16 near the top, and a long line of columns running around the hill, on one side, on a broad terrace, of which 100 are now standing, and a great many others fallen. The whole hill is covered with rubbish, the remains of a large and well-built city. The city is not mentioned in the New Testament, and it was commanded, “Into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.”

Septimus Severus planted a Roman colony there in the third century. Roman coins struck in the city are preserved of the ages extending from Nero to Geta. In A.D. 409 the Holy Land was divided into three districts, of which the country of Philistia, the northern part of Judaea and Samaria, formed Palestina Prima; with Caesarea for its capital. The bishop of Samaria was present at the Council of Nicea, A.D. 325, signing his name as Maximus Sebastenus. The Mohammedans took Sebaste during their siege of Jerusalem. The present village is called Sebustiyeh, and consists of a few houses scattered among the ruins of the past. The ruined church of John the Baptist bears traces of its former magnificence. A long avenue of columns, many fallen, still lines the upper terrace of the hill. The prophesies of Micah ( Micah 1:6), and Hosea ( Hosea 13:16), are descriptive of its present condition. Samaria, the District of Was so called before the city was named ( 1 Kings 13:32), and included all the tribes who accepted Jeroboam as king, on both sides of the Jordan, and the royal resilience was Shechem ( 1 Kings 13:25). The name Samaritan became contracted, as the kingdom was divided from time to time. The first limitation was probably the losing of Simeon and Daniel The second, when Pul, king of Assyria (B.C. 771) carried away the Reubenites and Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 5:26); the third, when Galilee and Gilead were taken by the Assyrians ( 2 Kings 15:29); and the fourth, when just before the last king of Israel, Hoshea, was deposed, Asher, Issachar and Zebulon, and also Ephraim and Manasseh, sent men up to the Passover at Jerusalem ( 2 Chronicles 30:1-26), in Hezekiah’s reign. Thus, the kingdom which once extended from the sea to the desert of Syria, and from Bethel to Dan in the north, was divided, until only the city Samaria, with a few villages, remained to the name, and even these were wiped out by Shalmanezer ( 2 Kings 17:5-26), who placed other people there instead of the Jews ( 2 Kings 17:24), B.C. 721. These newcomers were idolaters, and brought their idols with them ( Kings 17:29), and although instructed by Jewish priests, never became pure worshipers of Israel’s God. When Judah and Benjamin returned from the Captivity and began to build the Temple, the Samaritans asked permission to assist; and on being refused they petitioned the king of Assyria and had the work stopped (Ezra 4). From this time the “adversaries of Judah and Benjamin” became open enemies, and the feud grew year by year more bitter. In the year B.C. 409, Manasseh, a priest who was expelled from Jerusalem for an unlawful marriage, obtained permission from the Persian king to build a temple on Mount Gerizim, and made a copy of the law, which was the 5 books of Moses only (called the Pentateuch), and they claimed for this copy the highest antiquity, even above any copy in possession of the Jews. The Samaritans claimed from Alexander an exemption from taxes on the Sabbatical year, on the plea that they were Jews; but on examination their claim was found to be false. The woman of Samaria also claimed to be a descendant of Jacob, when talking with Jesus ( John 6:12). The boundaries, according to Josephus, in the time of Christ were from Jenin to Acrabatta. ( ). The soil, productions, etc., are described under and .

Samatus Son of Ozora (1 Esdras 9:34).

Samech (Hebrew: “fulcrum, support” ) The fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Psalm 119). Sameius (1 Esdras 9:21).

Samgar-nebo ( Jeremiah 39:3 ). The whole name is which is to say, The Cupbearer, Nebo-Sarsechim.

Sami (1 Esdras 5:28).

Samis 13 (1 Esdras 9:34).

Samlah (“a garment” ) A king of Edom ( Genesis 36:36,37).

Sammus (1 Esdras 9:43).

Samos (“height” ) An island opposite the boundary between Ionia and Caria. Paul anchored for a night at Trogyllium, in the narrow strait between Samos and Mycale. The ancient Greeks fought a naval battle against the Persians in this strait, B.C. 479. Herod the Great met Marcus Agrippa in Samos, and obtained many privileges for the Jews (Josephus, Antiquities xvi. 2, 2).

Samothracia ( Acts 16:11 ). Mentioned in Paul’s first voyage. It is a lofty and conspicuous island, seen at a great distance, being visible from the shore at Troas (Eothen, p. 64; Homer, II. xiii. 12, 13). Paul anchored for a night off the island. A strong current from the Dardanelles sets southward between the island and the mainland. The mysteries of the Cabeiri (pagan divinities) were practiced here.

Sampsames Now Samsun, on the coast of the Black Sea, between Trebizond and Sinope. Samson (Hebrew: SHIMSHON, “strong” ) Son of , in the tribe of ( Joshua 15:33). The account of his birth, life, and exploits, is given in Judges 13; Judges 16. He was the strongest man, and celebrated for his fearless and wonderful acts, for his moral infirmities, and his tragic end. His sins brought him in great disgrace and misery ( Hebrews 11:32).

Samuel .

Sanabassar (1 Esdras 2:12,15).

Sanabassarus SHESHBAZZAR (1 Esdras 6:18,20).

Sanasib Ancestor of certain priests said to have returned with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:24).

Sanballat A Moabite of , but a resident of Samaria ( Nehemiah 2:10,19), and a great enemy of the Jews. He was an officer in the service of Artaxerxes ( Nehemiah 4:2). See Nehemiah in the . His daughter married Manasseh, the high priest, Eliashib’s grandson, son of Joiada (Tobiah, a companion of his, had “allied” himself to Eliashib’s family in the same manner — Nehemiah 13:4), on account of a settled policy of Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, who concerted together for the injury of the Jews. Nehemiah expelled Manasseh for marrying a Gentile wife. Sanballat attempted to entice Nehemiah from Jerusalem to some village near Ono (6), but the scheme failed, for the Tirshatha suspected mischief. Nothing further is related of Sanballat in the Scripture, and Josephus continues the history in rather a fabulous manner. Sanctification (KADASH , “to sanctify”), ( Genesis 2:3); (Greek: haqiazo ), ( Matthew 22:17,19). “To be holy”. In the Old Testament it denotes the consecration of a person to God ( Exodus 31:13). To make holy, or to set apart for God ( Genesis 2:3; Exodus 19:23). The tabernacle, altar, priests, etc., were solemnly set apart and sanctified for divine service ( Leviticus 8:10-12). A day was set apart for fasting and prayer ( Joel 1:14), and the Sabbath was so regarded ( Deuteronomy 5:12). In the New Testament the doctrine is the making truly and perfectly holy what was before defiled and sinful, and is a progressive work of divine grace upon the soul justified by the love of Christ. After a gradual cleansing from sin the sinner is presented “unspotted before the throne of God,” which is the work of the Holy Spirit ( John 14:26; 17:17). The ultimate sanctification of every believer in Christ is a covenant of mercy, purchased on the cross. Sand (Hebrew: HOL; Greek: ammos ), ( Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3). . The sand of the desert of Petra and Sinai is very light, easily carried with the wind, and penetrates even the cases of a watch so as to stop the wheels. Some of it is a whitish yellow, hard and shining, and some is red. Sandal (Hebrew: NAAL; Greek: sandalon, “little sandal” ), ( Mark 6:9). .

Sahhedrim correct . Greek: sunedrion . “COUNCIL.” .

Sanherib ( 2 Kings 18:13).

Sansannah (“palm branch” ) One of the towns in the south of Judah ( Joshua 15:31). Lost, unless Simsim is the site.

Saph (“threshold” ) Son of “the Giant” slain by Sibbechai ( 2 Samuel 21:18), called in 1 Chronicles 20:4.

Saphat 2 (1 Esdras 5:9).

Saphatias 2 (1 Esdras 8:34).

Sapheth 3 (1 Esdras 5:33).

Saphir (“fair” ) ( Micah 1:11). In the hill country, eight miles northeast of Ascalon. Now called Es Sawafir. Sapphira (“beautiful” ) Wife of 10 and the participator in his guilt and punishment ( Acts 5:1-10). Sapphire .

Sara 1. Sarah, wife of Abraham ( Hebrews 11:11). . 2. Daughter of Asher ( Numbers 26:46).

Sarabias (1 Esdras 9:48).

Saraias 1. , the high priest (1 Esdras 5:5). 2. father of Ezra (1 Esdras 8:1).

Saramel Where Simon Maccabaeus was made high priest (1 Macc. 14:28). It is not certain whether this word means a place or a title of honor.

Saraph (“fiery” ) Descendant of Shelah, the son of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:22).

Sarchedonus (Greek: sacherdonos ). (Tobit 1:21).

Sardius (1 Esdras 9:28).

Sardine .

Sardis A city on a spur of the mountain range Tmolus, about two miles from the river Hermus, the ancient residence of the kings of Lydia. Its original name, in the time of Omphale, was HYDE. It was naturally, from its convenient position and the fertile region surrounding it, a commercial mart of importance. Chestnuts were first made an article of commerce here, and called Nuts of Sardis. Pliny says the art of dyeing wool was invented here, and Phrygia furnished the material from its vast flocks. The carpets of Sardis were very celebrated. The Spartans sent to Sardis for gold to cover the face of Apollo at Amyclae. The sands of the Pactolus, a brook from Tmolus running near Sardis, furnished the gold. Sardis was a slave mart, in very early times, and here traders first became stationary, as distinguished from traveling merchants. It was taken by Antiochus the Great, B.C. 214, and afterward became subject to Pergamus. The city waned after the conquest of Alexander. The inscriptions remaining now visible are all of the Roman age, although there are remains of the earlier ages. The temple of Cybele still bears evidence to its former grandeur in its columns, two of which, with their capitals, “surpass any specimen of the Ionic in perfection of design and execution.” There are remains of a theatre of 400 feet diameter, and of a stadium of 1,000 feet The modern name isSERT KALESS and the river (Hermus) Wadis-tchai, which is about 180 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and muddy. In the time of Tiberius, the city, with 12 others, was destroyed by an earthquake, and suffered so much that its distress excited the compassion of its Roman rulers, who remitted its tax for 5 years. Mentioned in Revelation 3:1-6. .

Sardites, the Descendants of Sered, the son of Zebulun ( Numbers 26:26).

Sardius . Greek: Sardios . . Sardonyx Greek, Sardius and Onyx. .

Sarea An assistant secretary to Ezra (2 Esdras 14:24).

Sarepta east of Sidon ( Luke 4:26).

Sargon (“king in fact” ) One of the greatest Assyrian kings. He sent Tartan, his general, with an army against Ashdod, and took it. He built the palace at Nimroud. He was successor to Shalmanezer IV. The wars of Sargon were numerous, and he carried his victorious arms into many countries. A statue of Sargon, which is now in the Museum of Berlin, was discovered at Idalium, in Cyprus ( Isaiah 20:1,4; 2 Kings 18:9,10).

Sarid ( Joshua 19:10,12 ). Zebulon, west of Chisloth Tabor. Lost.

Saron The district in which Lydda stood ( Acts 9:25). The Sharon of the Old Testament.

Sarothic One who returned from captivity; ancestor of sons of Solomon’s servants (1 Esdras 5:34).

Sarsechim (“chief of the eunuchs” ) A general in Nebuchadnezzar’s army ( Jeremiah 39:3). .

Saruch ( Luke 3:35). Satan .

Sathrabuzanes (1 Esdras 6:3,7,27).

Satyr (Hebrew: SAIR ; plural SEIRIM . “Hairy” in Genesis 27:11,23; “rough” ( Daniel 8:21); “devils” ( Leviticus 7:7); “shaggy animals” ( Isaiah 13:21). It is frequently applied he-goats ( Leviticus 4:24). Satyrs, in Greek mythology, were imaginary demons, half men and half goats, believed by the superstitious to haunt forests and groves. Saul (Hebrew: SHAUL “asked for” ) 1. Saul of Rehoboth by the river; one of the early kings of Edom ( Genesis 36:37,38); called in 1 Chronicles 1:48. 2. Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin; he was the first king of Israel; anointed by Samuel privately (1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10). Afterward Saul was elected in a solemn assembly at Mizpah by the determination of the miraculous lot. Saul was remarkably tall, and of a courageous disposition ( 1 Samuel 9:2; 10:23). His immediate act upon his election, was to head an army and oppose the invasion of the Ammonites. He found them, led by their king, Nahash, at Bezek, and totally routed them ( Samuel 11:11). After this triumph Saul was publicly anointed at Gilgal by Samuel (1 Samuel 12). From this period Saul’s reign was marked by a series of transgressions: he assumed upon the priestly office and disregarded God’s injunction by ordering the offering up of sacrifices ( Samuel 13:9) during his contest with the Philistines. He rebelled against Jehovah in regard to the destruction of the Amalekites ( 1 Samuel 14:48). Saul behaved with the utmost cruelty, to David — twice attempting his life ( 1 Samuel 18:10,11, 19:10). He committed a great atrocity in the murder of Ahimelech, the priest (1 Samuel 22), and of eighty-five other priests of the house of Eli, as well as the inhabitants of Nob. He forced David into opposition, who twice mercifully spared his life ( 1 Samuel 24:3-7; 1 Samuel 26). Saul committed a further offense in consulting the witch of Endor ( Samuel 28:7), although he had previously expelled all those who practiced magical arts ( 1 Samuel 28:3). At this interview he was warned that he and his sons would die the following day. On that day he met the Philistines in Gilboa, on the plain of Esdraelon, and after seeing the utter rout of his army and the death of his three sons (Jonathan of the number), he killed himself upon the battlefield. The bodies of Saul and his sons were exposed by the enemy upon the wall of Bethshan, but were secretly removed by the men of Jahesh-Gilead who in the remembrance of their former obligations to Saul (1 Samuel 11), gave the bodies honorable burial. Their bones were afterward removed by David to Zelah, and buried in the sepulchre of Kish. Saul was anointed B.C. 1791.

Savaran An error for Avaran, borne by Eleazar 9 (1 Macc. 6:43).

Savias Uzzi, ancestor of Ezra (1 Esdras 8:2). Savior or . .

Saw (Hebrew: MEGERAH, MASSOR ). Egyptian saws were single-handed, the teeth usually inclining toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. In most cases they have bronze blades, attached to the handles by leather thongs, but some of those in the British Museum have their blades let into them like our knives. A doublehanded iron saw has been found at Nimroud. Double-handed saws were used ( 1 Kings 7:9; 2 Samuel 12:31).

Scales Hebrew: PELES “a balance,” ( Isaiah 40:12); also weight ( Proverbs 16:11). .

Scape-goat . Scarlet . Sceptre (Hebrew: SHEBET, Greek: skeptron ) or . A rod or decorated staff, sometimes six feet long, borne by kings and magistrates as a symbol of authority ( Genesis 49:10).

Sceva (“prepared” ) A Jew at Ephesus and leader among the priests ( Acts 19:14,16). His seven sons pretended to practice exorcism.

Schin (Hebrew: SHIN “a tooth” ) The twenty-first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Psalm 119). Schism (Greek: schisma ). Division ( 1 Corinthians 1:10; rent, Matthew 9:16). A rent or fissure, used in the New Testament to denote a division in the Church, by contentions. School (Greek: schole, “leisure” ), ( Acts 19:9). A place where a teacher and his disciples met and held discussions. . The Arab school is primitive — a room with a smooth floor (often the bare ground) and one or two windows (generally without glass or any protection), a board and piece of chalk for each boy, and one for the teacher. The teacher also has a Koran from which he reads. The pupils learn to write by imitating the writing of their teacher. They spell by reciting the names of the letters as (n) NOON (a) ALIF (g) GAMEL —\parNAG (“a colt”). The rules of the Church are carefully taught, also grammar. Very few go beyond this in the schools. Those who are destined to the Church are educated specially for that end; and study theology, rhetoric, numbers, and other branches. Some of the priests (ulema) are very well educated, and have a good knowledge of their own and the literature of other people. Robert Morris, LL.D., in 1868, found the Pasha of Damascus able to converse in French and English, and to quote long passages from such poets as Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Longfellow, Bryant, and to give a sketch of our history as a people — in the United States. On geography he was not so well informed. The native maps are more amusing than instructive. Every mosque must support one or more schools, according to its income. The best schools are now being conducted in a few places by the American missionaries; the principal one being the Seminary at Beirut. . Science (Latin: scientia, knowledge; Hebrew: MADDA; Greek: gnosis ). In Daniel 1:4, and 1 Timothy 6:20, the original means knowledge and not science. In Wycliffe’s Bible, in Luke 1:77, there is the sentence “science of health,” instead of “knowledge of salvation,” in the present edition. In Colossians 2:3, is “wisdom and science” for “wisdom and knowledge,” as now written, and in 1 Timothy 6:29, for science the old edition has “kunyinge” (cunning). , in . Scorpion (Hebrew: AKRAB; Greek: skorpios ). One of the largest and most malignant of all the insect tribes. It resembles the lobster. Those found in Southern Europe seldom exceed two inches in length, but, in tropical climates, they are 10 or 12 inches. They live upon other insects, but kill and devour their own species also. When it is placed in danger, and sees no way of escape, it will sting itself to death. Their sting is very poisonous; it occasions great pain and inflammation, with alternate chills and burning. The scorpion of Judaea when curled up resembles an egg; hence, the comparison in Luke 11:11,12; Revelation 9:3-10, Scourging . Scribe . Scrip (Hebrew: YALKUT — ZIKLON; Greek: pera ). A bag or sack, in which travelers carried their food, or articles of convenience ( 1 Kings 17:40; Matthew 10:10).

Scripture . Scroll (Hebrew: SEPHER; Greek: biblion ). Manuscript, roll. .

Scurvy The diseases rendered “scab” and “scurvy,” in Leviticus 21:20; 22:22, and Deuteronomy 28:27 may be almost any skin disease.

Scyth ( Jeremiah 1:16).

Scythian ( Colossians 3:11 ). Barbarians, living on the North of the Black Sea and the Caspian. Herodotus (i. 103) says the Scythians made an incursion through Palestine, into Egypt, in the time of Josiah. This may account for the name Scythopolis, which may have been given by some of those people who settled at Bethsbean. Sea This word is used in several ways: 1. Ocean ( Genesis 1:10). 2. The Mediterranean Sea ( Deuteronomy 11:24). 3. Any inland lake or sea ( Ezekiel 47:8). 4. Any great water-course, as the Nile or Euphrates ( Isaiah 19:5). Salt Sea, the The most ancient name for the Dead Sea ( Genesis 14:3; Numbers 34:3; Deuteronomy 3:17; Joshua 3:16). It is called the Sea of the Arabah (plain) in Deuteronomy 3:17, and the East Sea by Joel ( Joel 2:20), Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 47:18), and by Zechariah ( Zechariah 14:8). In 2 Esdras 5:7 it is called the Edomitish Sea. Josephus calls it Lake Asphaltiris. The name Dead Sea was given by the Greeks (Pausanias, v. 7, and Galen, iv. 9); and by the Latins (Justin, xxxiv.3). The Arabic name is Bahr Lut (Sea of Lot). The Dead Sea is the third of the lakes in the course of the Jordan, lying deepest in the valley at its southern end. It is 46 miles long from North to South, and 10 miles wide, and its surface is 1,317 feet below the ocean level (Lynch). The depression was first noticed (in our day) in 1837. The great heat of the region carries off the water by evaporation. The Jordan flows into the northern end. Twelve miles (by the path) down the eastern shore there enters the Zurka Main (the ancient Callirrhoe — the En Eglaim), and, 8 miles further down the shore, the Mojib (Arnon); 10 miles further, the Bent Hamad; 2 miles beyond this, the Wady Kerak entering, by several channels, Just above the peninsula; and just below it, in the lower bay of the lake, there are 10 or 12 streams, large and small: the largest being the Wady el Jeib, which drains two-thirds of the Arabah. On the west side, the first large stream is the Kedron (Wady el Nar), 5 to 6 miles from the north end of the lake; 8 miles further South is Wady Khureitum; 5 miles beyond is Wady Sudeir, at Am Jidy (Engedi); miles from this, Wady Areyeh, which, near Hebron, is called Wady Dibbeh; and beyond, at intervals of 3 or 4 miles, are, Birket Halil (Khuberah), Wady Seiyal, and Wady en Nemriyeh, which last flows by the north side of the rock Masada, and Wady Zuweirah, just north of the salt mountain of Usdum. Besides these, there are a great number of smaller streams all around the sea, with or without names. There is no visible outlet. The sea is divided into two parts by the peninsula of Lisan (tongue, Hebrew: LASHEN ), which is about nine miles long, from northeast to southwest, to 6 miles wide, and joined to the east shore by a neck 5 miles wide. The channel of the sea is 3 to 5 miles wide opposite the Lisan, and is said to be fordable at the time of the lowest water, in October. The water of the main basin is 1,300 feet deep in the deepest part, opposite Ain Terabeh. The south bay ( Joshua 15:2) is very shallow, varying from 12 to 3 feet Careful observations have found that 20 million cubic feet of water are poured, daily, into the sea, while its evaporating capacity is 24 million in the hottest months, and less than 20 in the rainy season. (See Humboldt). It is believed that the level rises 10 to 15 feet during the winter rains — falling again during the summer. The mountains come close to the shore on both the east and west sides, and are quite uniform in height throughout the whole length, the eastern range being much the higher, and more broken by ravines. The general color is brown or reddish brown on the east (being sandstone, red and yellow, with porphyry), and gray, with whitish tints, on the west side (being limestone over sandstone). The only vegetation is found around the springs, and in the wadies, where palms, tamarisks, mimosa, osiers, oleanders, and a variety of trees and shrubs, besides grain and flowers, form a grateful relief to the general desolation. A plateau divides the mountains on the east side, half way up, extending from the head of the sea south as far as the Zurka Main, which is visible, near sunset, from Jerusalem. The western side is divided into several strata, which are quite distinct; and there are three parallel beaches, one above the other — the highest, 50 feet above the water, extending from Wady Zuweirah north to Ain Jidy, nearly 20 miles. Above Ain Jidy there is but one beach (covered with angular lilts of flint, not rounded gravel), which skirts the mountains, being widest at the mouths of the largest brooks, as at the Kidron (Wady Nar) and Ain Terabeh, where it is more than half a mile wide. Many of the headlands come down steel) into the water, cutting the beach in two, and therefore cannot be passed, except by climbing. There is a line of driftwood bordering the beach and marking the high-water line, all around the sea, brought down by the Jordan and other streams, gray and bleached, and some of it of great antiquity. On the west shore of the south bay is the Salt Mountain of Sodom, called by the Arabs Khasm Usdum. ( ). There is an island in the sea, west of the Jordan, lying feet from the shore at low water, circular and 400 feet in diameter. Stones and driftwood entirely cover the island. Some suppose the square stones found here are remains of ancient structures, because there are no similar stones on the shore. The plains at the north and south ends of the sea are flat, barren, stony, gently sloping up from the water, crusted with salt, soft and slimy to the foot, and destitute of vegetation, except a few reeds cluster round a spring. The eastern side of the south bay is an exception, where the vegetation, fed by copious streams of sweet water, is abundant, and with great variety of trees, plants, flowers and grasses. The water of the sea is the heaviest known in all the world, being 12 1/4 pounds to the gallon, distilled water weighing 9 3/4 pounds. This weight is due to the mineral salts held in solution. Eggs float with one-third exposed above the surface. The color is like the ocean, a greenish blue. The Jordan may be traced for several miles by its muddy color, as it flows into the clear water of the sea. The analysis of the water of the Dead Sea by many scientific men, gives generally the same result, with but little variation, which is, that there are salts of magnesia, soda, lime, potass, manganese, ammonia, aluminum and iron; and of these there are chlorides, suphates and bromides. The quantity averages from 13 to 26 parts in 100, according to the season of the year and the part of the sea from which the sample was taken. Except the absence of vegetation, the appearance of the sea is that of savage and beautiful wildness. The presence of many kinds of birds and wild fowl enlivens the scenes. All along the shores, wherever a brook flows in, there the cane brakes, trees and shrubs harbor partridges, snipe, ducks, doves, hawks, larks, quails, besides many kinds not yet named, or not identified, in great flocks. Frogs are also to be seen in the marshes (not the salt marshes) and hares in the thickets. There has been no change in the size of the sea within the historic period; except the filling up of the south bay by silt from the rivers, and the destruction of the Cities of the Plain is believed to have been independent of the position or character of the sea, or the bed in which it lies. ( .

Seal (Hebrew: HOTHAM; Greek: sphragis). The seal takes the place of our signature in the East. A name or device, well known as belonging to a certain person, was engraved on a seal of a ring, or on a small cylinder, and this was stamped on the papyrus, or parchment, with ink, or was pressed on a piece of clay, or wax, which was attached to the document. Many seals and cylinders of this kind have been found among the used by the ancient kings in signing or witnessing their treaties or decrees, and there is a piece of clay bearing the impression of both the Assyrian and Egyptian king’s seals in the British Museum, deposited there by Layard, who found it in Assyria, and who thinks it the compact of Sabacho and of Sennacherib. Doors of tombs, or houses, or treasuries, or any place that was to be guarded from intrusion, were closed, and a piece of clay stuck over the fastening, and this was impressed with the seal of the keeper or owner, so that the least meddling with the clay would break it ( Job 38:14). The ancient ruins in Assyria and Egypt. Seals were modern Orientals carry a seal hung by a string, or chain to the neck, or on the finger ring. Specimens of engraved seals and gems are found in great numbers in the museums of antiquities, some of which are most valuable as confirmations of history. One in Alnwick museum bears the name of Osirtasen I, B.C. See the ring of Thothmes, and of Suphis, page 84. See seal of Haggai, p. 166, and Abraxas, p. 167.

Seamen . Sea Monsters . Season .

Seba First son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). A nation in Africa included in Cush, and having a name and power in Solomon’s time ( Psalm 72:10). Located in the island Meroe, which lies at the junction of the white and blue branches of the Nile. The chief city (Meroe) had an oracle of Jupiter Ammon (or the ram-headed Num), ruins of which are now visible, besides pyramids, and other indications of a great population. The great stature and beauty of this people was a theme of the ancients (Herod iii. 20, 114; Isaiah 43:3, 45:14; Ezekiel 23:42). See Josephus, B. J. ii. 10, 2.

Sebaste . Sebaste means in Greek the same as Augustus does in Latin, which is “venerable,” a title of the Roman Emperors. . .

Secacah In the wilderness of Judah ( Joshua 15:61). Lost.

Sechenias 1. 2 (1 Esdras 8:29). 2. (1 Esdras 8:32).

Sechu (eminent), ( 1 Samuel 19:22). Famous for a great well or cistern. Supposed to be Bir Neballa near Neby Samwit. Five miles north of Jerusalem.

Secundus (second). A disciple who went with Paul in some of his journeys ( Acts 20:4).

Sedecias 1. Father of Maaseiah (Baruch 1:1), apparently identified with the false prophet in Jeremiah 29:21,22. 2. Zedekiah, king of Judah (Baruch 1:8) Seed Often used figuratively in Scripture ( Daniel 9:1). The Mosaic Law would not permit a field to be sown with mingled seed of several kinds ( Leviticus 19:19). The precious seed is often committed to the ground with many fears, but the harvest is a season of joy ( <19C605> Psalm 126:5,6). Seed-time .

Seer One who sees into the future. .

Seethe To boil ( Exodus 16:23). To prepare food in hot liquor.

Segub (“elevated”). 1. Youngest son of Hiel ( 1 Kings 16:34). 2. Son of Hezron ( 1 Chronicles 21:22).

Seir (“rugged”) 1. ( Genesis 14:6), and ( Genesis 32:3; 36:30). The mountain and district on the east side of the Arabah, from Akabah to the Dead Sea ( Deuteronomy 2:1,8). Seir, the Horite, inhabited the land ( Deuteronomy 2:20). Called (mountain) by Josephus; and the northern section, from Petra, is still called by the Arabs. Its north border was probably Mount Halak (naked), a range of white cliffs which run across the Arabah eight miles south of the Dead Sea ( Joshua 11:17). Esau drove out the Horites who dwelt in rock-hewn dwellings ( Deuteronomy 2:12), probably such as are seen now in Petra, and changed its name to . Ezekiel prophesied the desolation of Mount Seir, which seems to have been fulfilled in the present condition of the country (Ezekiel 35). 2. ( Joshua 15:10). In Judah, between Kirjath-Jearim and Beth Shemesh. The village ofSARIS, on the ridge between Wady Aly and Wady Ghurab, is probably near the ancient site, which is rugged enough to bear the name.

Seirath ( Judges 3:26). In Mount Ephraim, where Ehud gathered the army with which he destroyed the Moabites who were with Eglon, the fat king, whom he killed in his tent. Lost.

Sela (the rock). Petra. , .

Sela-ham-mahlekoth (“the cliff of divisions”) In the wilderness of Maon. Where David escaped from Saul ( 1 Samuel 23:28). Lost. Selah This word occurs 72 times in the Psalms, and 3 times in Habbakuk, and has given much trouble to translators; but it is now thought to mean a musical pause; when the choir rested, while the instruments played an interlude.

Seled (“exultation”) Son of Nadab ( 1 Chronicles 2:30).

Selemia An assistant of Ezra (2 Esdras 14:24).

Selamias (1 Esdras 9:34).

Seleucia The seaport of Antioch in Syria. On the sea, near the mouth of the river Orontes. Paul (and Barnabas) sailed from here on his first journey ( Acts 13:4), and probably landed there on his return ( Acts 14:26). Named after the first Seleucus, who built the fort and made the harbor, and was buried here, B.C. 175. It was a free city in Paul’s time (Pliny, v. 18). The remains of the ancient works are still sound, and in use, especially the two piers of the harbor called Paul and Barnabas.

Seleucus IV, Philopator (“loving his father”) King of (2 Macc. 3:3), son and successor of . After his father’s death he ascended the throne. He was murdered after a reign of twelve years, B.C. 175, by ( Daniel 11:20). His son gained the crown in 162 B.C. (1 Macc. 7:1; 2 Macc. 14:1).

Sem the patriarch ( Luke 3:36).

Semachiah (“Jah sustains”) Son of 9 ( 1 Chronicles 26:7).

Semei 1. 14 (1 Esdras 9:32). 2. 16 (Esth. 11:2). 3. Father of Mattathias, in the genealogy of Jesus ( Luke 3:26).

Semellius (1 Esdras 2:16,17,25,30).

Semis 13 (1 Esdras 9:23).

Semitic , , .

Senaah (“thorny”) The “children of Senaah” were among the “people of Israel” who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:35; Nehemiah 7:38). Senate (Greek: gerousia, the elders) ( Acts 5:21). .

Seneh (“thorn”) ( 1 Samuel 14:4). The south rock at the pass of Michmash, memorable in connection with the adventure of Jonathan and his armor-bearer.

Senir (“a coat of mail”) The Amorite name of ( 1 Chronicles 5:23; Ezekiel 27:5; Deuteronomy 3:9); should be written without the “h,” and also in Song of Solomon 4:8.

Sennacherib (Hebrew: TSIN-AKKI-IRIB “the moon increases, brothers”). King of Assyria. He mounted the throne B.C. 702. In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah he attacked the fenced cities of Judah, and took them ( Kings 18:13-16) after having successfully made various war expeditions. He attacked Babylon B.C. 699 and then made a second invasion into Palestine Hezekiah had sought the protection of Egypt, upon which Sennacherib marched into Egypt and sent proposals to Hezekiah ( Kings 9:7). Hezekiah not submitting, caused the king of Assyria to send him a threatening written message. While Sennacherib I was awaiting the result his camp received a divine visitation, by which, in one night, one hundred and eighty-five thousand of his men were destroyed ( 2 Kings 18:13), at which the king fled to his capital. He reigned for twenty-two years. He appears to have been the first king who fixed the seat of government permanently at Nineveh, which he adorned. Of his closing life we read in 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38. The monuments, palaces, etc., at Koyunjik, and Khorsabad, record his exploits, and refer to the Hebrew nation as fallen from its proud station in the time of David and Solomon. The vessels drawn on the walls as trophies are of fine design, and it seems probable that hey were from the Temple. The bas-relief on the rocks at Nahvel Kelb (Dog River), north of Beirut, shows the king in the midst of six other kings, with a long inscription, in wedge-shaped characters, recording his exploits in Syria and Phoenicia. There are, also, inscriptions in Persian, Greek, Latin, and Arabic. On the monuments the amount of the tribute ( 2 Kings 18:13-16), is stated differently from the amount in Kings; giving 800 talents of silver for the 300 talents in Kings. The probability is, that 800 talents was the value of the whole tribute, including the gold. There is in the British Musuem a clay impression from this king’s seal. His attack on Lachish (see ) is, also, recorded in pictures and inscriptions. Isaiah 3, Isaiah 4, and Isaiah 5 Isaiah, are most wonderfully fulfilled on the Assyrian monuments; where Jews appear as doing the work of horses, drawing the king’s chariot, or carts and boats, loaded with sculptures. See the .

Senuah (properly HASSENUAH, “bristling”). Father of Judah ( Nehemiah 11:9), who was over the second city.

Seorim (“barley”). Chief of the fourth course of priests in David’s time ( 1 Chronicles 14:8).

Sephar ( Genesis 10:30). A mount in the East. Now calledZAFAR an ancient seaport town in Yemen, in the province of Hadramawt (Hazar-maveth), Arabia, between Oman and Mirbat, on the shore of the Indian Ocean, at the foot of a lofty mountain. Frankincense is only found on the mountain of Zafar. It was the capital of the Himyerite kings. There was a Christian church there in A.D. Sepharad ( Obadiah 1:20). Where the Jews of Jerusalem were held captive, Most probablyIONIA is meant.

Sepharvaim ( 2 Kings 19:13; Isaiah 37:13; 2 Kings 17:24). A city of Assyria, from which people were brought to repeople Samaria. NowSIPPARA on the Euphrates, above Babylon (Ptol. v. 18). A tradition affirms that Noah buried near this city the records of the antediluvian world. It was a great seat of learning. The sun was the chief object of worship, and they burned their children in the fire to Adramelech and Anamelech, the male and female powers of the sun ( 2 Kings 17:31), which pagan worship they carried with them to Samaria.

Sepharvites People from Sephela Greek form of the Hebrew: , the ancient name for the plains between the hills of Samaria and Judaea and the Mediterranean Sea. Its northern part is called ( Deuteronomy 1:7; Joshua 9:1, and in many other passages). Between Ekron and Gaza there were 47 cities besides their villages. It is one of the most productive districts of Palestine, and yearly produces fine crops of grain and fruit. It was anciently the grain-producing district, and was the subject of constant contention between the Israelites and Philistines.

Septuagint (Latin: septuaginta , “the seventy” ) The most ancient Greek version of the Old Testament . So named from the sacred idea attached to the number 70. Sepulchre (a burial-place or tomb ). .

Serah (“abundance” ) Daughter of Asher ( Genesis 46:17).

Seraiah The name of persons alluded to in the following passages: 2 Samuel 8:17; 2 Kings 25:18; Ezra 7:1; Jeremiah 36:26; 40:8; 51:59. The last is termed “a quiet prince.” He bore to the Jews a message from Jeremiah.

Seraphim (“burning ones, or angels of fire” ) Two beings, each with six wings, seen by Isaiah in a vision ( Isaiah 6:2,3).

Sered (“fear” ) First-born of and ancestor of the ( Genesis 46:14).

Sergius Paulus Governor of the isle of Cyprus. He was converted under the teachings of Paul, A.D. 48 ( Acts 13:7).

Serjeant (Greek: rhabdouchos, a rod-holder). An officer who attends on Roman magistrates of the higher class, and executes their orders ( Acts 16:35,38).

Seron A general of Antiochus Epiphanes, defeated by Judas Maccabaeus, B.C. 166 (1 Macc. 3; 13:24). Serpent (Hebrew: NAHASH any serpent, but especially the cobra). The serpent is alluded to in many passages in the Bible, and nearly always for its typical qualities, or habits, as intensifying similar things in the human family. Satan is called “The Old Serpent” ( Revelation 12:9; <471101> Corinthians 11:1). , , , ; Greek: herpeton , ophis . EPHEH (hisser). A poisonous snake, about a foot long, called, by the Arabs, el effah (Greek: echidna ). The viper that fastened on Paul’s hand, in Malta ( Acts 28:3), and was either the common viper (petias veraz), or the ripera aspis — both found in the island. The Scriptural allusions are: To its subtilty ( Genesis 3:1); wisdom ( Matthew 10:16); poison ( Psalm 58:4; Proverbs 23:32); its forked, sharp, tongue ( <19E003> Psalm 140:3; Job 20:16); the bite ( Numbers 21:9); sly concealment, in hedges ( Ecclesiastes 10:8), in holes ( Amos 5:19); living in dry, sandy places ( Deuteronomy 8:15); crawling ( Proverbs 30:19); their birth alive ( Isaiah 59:5 — “ cockatrice “) The art of taming, or charming, is of great antiquity, and is alluded to in the Psalms 58:5; Ecclesiastes 10:11; Jeremiah 8:17, and, perhaps, James 3:7. The Orientals believe the serpent to have a large share of sagacity, and they cite various reasons for it. They have, in all ages, been used as emblems of cunning and craftiness. There are two erroneous notions that are popular regarding the serpent before the Fall, which are: 1. That they moved in an erect attitude, and 2. That they fed on dust. There is no reason to believe that the animal has been changed in form or habit; but it was set apart as a form to he hated, and avoided, with fear and disgust. And the eating of dust is only an accident, following wherever an animal eats its food from the ground. The expression means to do any dirty or dishonorable act; or also to speak offensive words. The serpent has been worshiped by several nations — as Phoenicians, Hindus, Chinese — as a beneficent genius, of superior wisdom and power. The Egyptians used its form to representKNEF the author of all good, and also the godTYPHON the author of all physical and moral evil; and in their symbolical alphabet the serpent stood for subtlety, cunning, lust, sensual pleasure. The serpent coiled around a globe, winged, is a familiar emblem of eternity. The Greeks used it as a sign of certain attributes in Ceres, Mercury, Aesculapius, in their best qualities and in the terrible Furies and the fearful monster, the Python, which was only destroyed by Apollo’s arrows; and also as the legs of the impious giants who despise and blaspheme the power of heaven. In Hindu mythology Krishna (the good spirit) contends with a serpent, and finally crushes his head. The fiery serpents of Numbers 21:6,8 were so named from the burning sensation caused by their bite, or it may possibly also refer to their brilliant color. There is a small black snake, spotted with white, in the desert, whose bite is quickly fatal, causing great swelling of the body. The Egyptians painted and sculptured monstrous serpents with wings, which may have been idealized from lizards. The scene of the events was either Zalmonah or Punon; Zahnonah meaning the image’s position, and Punon the origin of the material from which it was made, Punon the copper mines. To some critics the brazen serpent is only the sign of the camp hospital — it really was the sign of the Great Physician. The serpent rod of Aesculapius was also a symbol of the supposed healing power of the god. It is difficult to account for the making of the image of the serpent, in the face of the Second Commandment; and yet it was probably made by the appointed artisan of the Tabernacle, Bezaleel or Aholiab. That it was a type of Christ does not explain how it acted as a healer at the time, because the faith in the Messiah never became a present reality, but was rather a future good to be expected. It has been interpreted as a symbol of wisdom, which left to itself leads the soul astray, but when guided by divine law, is the source of all healing, the serpent form would, in that light, be the symbol of health and deliverance. The rod of Moses, that turned to a serpent, was s symbol to him of divine wisdom. The brazen serpent was kept a long time after its proper work was done, and became an object of idolatry, in the reign of Hezekiah, who destroyed it (NEHUSHTAN). The Church of St. Ambrose, Milan, has boasted of having the identical brazen image which Moses had made in the Wilderness, and which Hezekiah destroyed. It was probably the object of worship of some ancient serpent worshipers. Serpent Charming From the earliest times in the East certain persons have exercised a remarkable power over poisonous snakes, and this is noticed in James 3:7. The horned cerastes, and the hooded snakes are the kinds usually handled. They do not always take out the poison fangs. The secret of the power seems to be the simple courage and confidence of the men. They use shrill flutes and drums, which seem to attract the, attention of the serpents.

Serug (“branch”) Son of Reu, ancestor of Abraham ( Genesis 11:20-23). Jewish tradition says he was the first Idolater ( Joshua 24:2). Servant 1. Hebrew: ENOSH , “man” ( 1 Samuel 24:7). 2. Hebrew: NAAR ( Numbers 22:22), boy, lad, young man ( Genesis 14:24). 3. Hebrew: MESHARETH , to wait on, serve ( Exodus 33:11). 4. Hebrew: EBED ; found in the Old Testament 800 times, and usually rendered servant, sometimes man-servant ( Genesis 9:25-27). This word often denotes a man who dedicates himself voluntarily to the service of another. Thus, Joshua was the servant of Moses. The servants of God are those who are devoted to His service. The word usually means in the Bible a hired servant, or one whose service was the property of his master. The households of the early patriarchs contained many servants, who were treated with kindness, justice, and they were trusted and confided in ( Genesis 14:11-16). They shared the religious privileges of the family ( Genesis 17:9-13), and were not transferred to other masters.

Sesis (1 Esdras 9:34).

Sesthel , of the sons of Pahath-Moab (1 Esdras 9:31). Seth First son of Adam after the death, of Abel ( Genesis 4:25,26).

Sethur (“hidden”). A spy and son of Michael ( Numbers 13:13).

Settle (Hebrew: AZARAH ), ( Ezekiel 43:14). A port settled or sunk lower. Elsewhere “Court” in 2 Chronicles 4:9. Ledge in Fairbairn.

Seven .

Seven Churches of Asia ( Revelation 1:4). 1. was originally called Smyrna; and the orator Callinus, in an address to Jupiter, called the people Smyrnaeans (Strabo xiv. 1, 4).

Scattered over the site of Ephesus are now only heaps of shapeless ruins. The great Greek temples, in Athens, have come down to us so well preserved, although mutilated and ruined, that they are the admiration of the civilized world But here, at the site of the temple which was the pride of all Asia, and one of the wonders of the world, we look in vain for even a relic of the multitude of columns; for they have been “removed,” as well as the Christian Church. The most probable site is supposed to be that on which the artist stood to sketch for this picture, where the swamp fills the spaces among the piles of crumbling stones. The proudest title of an Ephesian was “a temple-sweeper” of the goddess Diana (NEOKOROS on the coins). The temple itself has been swept away. Its decay began in the third century, when Trajan sent the gates to Constantinople. The Diana-worship was a mass of Oriental superstitions, weaving into itself magic, charms, amulets and the pretense of special miracles. The image of the tutelary divinity was of a great height, carved in ebony wood, representing a woman with a great many full breasts ending below in a pedestal ornamented with figures of lions, cows and stags; the whole decorated with gold and silver. The head was turreted, like that of Cybele; the moon was symbolized behind the head; on her bosom were the Zodiacal signs of the bulls, twins and crab, with two garlands below them of flowers and acorns. Her priests were women and eunuchs (Melissai and Megabyzi), with a high priest (Esseen). There were no bloody sacrifices. Its image was copied for use in private families, where it was more honored than any other, being carried into distant places. Games ,were celebrated at regular intervals in honor of the goddess, especially in May (the month of Diana), which attracted vast crowds of pilgrims, and gathered wealth from many countries. The theater of Ephesus is the only relic that is preserved so as to be recognizable. Iris one of the largest in the world, ranking with the Coliseum of Rome and the theatre of El Diem, in Africa. In 1869, J. T. Wood found what is supposed to be the monument (or part of it) of the tomb of Luke, on which there is a cross and a bull finely chiseled. About two miles north of Ephesus, in Aisalik, is the great mosque, which was once the Church of St. John (rebuilt, on its original site, by Justinian); a peculiar building, having in it many carved marble slabs, with Arabic inscriptions, and four monolith granite columns, each four feet in diameter, which are supposed to have been in Diana’s temple. ( ). 2. the second of the “seven,” is. unlike Ephesus, but once mentioned in the Scriptures; and yet that was an honorable position which was given it in the apocalyptic message ( Revelation 2:8-11). It rejoiced in the proud title, “The Ornament of Asia.” The great prosperity of the ancient city was the result of its policy in following the fortunes and securing the favor of each conqueror, in turn, who overran Asia. This was the reason why they gave to Antiochus the title” God and Saviour,” and to his mother that of “Venus of Victory,” and worshipped Tiberius, and stamped the head[ of Mithridates on their coins, and erected temples in honor of deified Rome. But the peculiar worship of the city was of the god Bacchus, the mysteries of which were solemnized with great pomp. Apollo was also honored; and there is a colossal head, in marble, now near the western gate of the city, which once crowned a statue of the god. The walls of the buildings in the upper part of the city are filled with fragments of columns, cornices, entablatures, and even busts, some of which were portraits of men or the ideals of the gods, built in with the common stone as so much rough material. The Turks have mutilated the features of these busts because of their hatred of images. It has been well said that the Moslem horror of all representations of the human form as idolatrous, has destroyed more Grecian statues than are now known to exist. There are many remains of the beautiful tesselated pavements of the ancient temples generally built into walls as raw material. The citadel on the height behind the town (Mount Pagus), is built of the ruins of the ancient structure, whose massive foundations may still be traced. The theatre, in which Polycarp (who was bishop over the Church for seventy-four years), was burned, was on the brow of the hill toward the sea; and it has almost entirely disappeared, except a few seats and the dens in which the wild beasts were kept. The ancient port was filled up by Taimour-Lang during his siege (A.D. 1400). The modern bay or harbor is about 33 miles long, miles wide, and sheltered by high, steep, wooded hills on three sides; and the water is deep to the very shores, so that vessels may lie close to receive or discharge their cargoes The “Two Brothers” (mountains near the head of the gulf) are 3,000 feet high, and are the weather gauge of the vicinity, giving the signal by their white-cloud cap. The city is famous for its ample supply of fruit, vegetables, and its excellent wine. The suburbs are occupied by the summer residences of the merchants and the wealthy classes, whose fine gardens, shady groves, and fragrant orchards, are watered by many canals and branches of the river Meles. Population about 160,000; about one-half of whom are Christians of the Greek rite. The mission here has succeeded in calling a studious attention to the Bible among both the Greeks and Armenians. 3 lines of railway have been built: I leading to Ephesus and Trailes (Aidin), 80 miles; and another to Magnesia and Kassaba, 60 miles; and the third to the suburb of Bournabat, 6 miles, where there are many country-houses, which are also scattered along the sea-coast, northwest and south. Not far from Smyrna, at Kara Bell, is the sculpture mentioned by Herodotus (ii. 106), cut in a panel in the limestone rock, perpendicular, and about seven feet high. It is an Egyptian figure, in profile, looking east, holding a spear in the left hand, and a bow in the right, with inscriptions in hieroglyphics near, and across the breast this one: “I conquered this country by the might of my arms.” (See Daniel 11, and Van Lennep’s Asia Minor.) 3. (correctly, Pergamum). This was the third Church addressed by the author of the Apocalypse; and it was commended for its fidelity and firmness, in the midst of persecutions, in a city so eminently given to idolatry. It was the capital of a district of the same name, in Mysia, on the river Caicus, 20 miles from the sea, and 60 from Smyrna. Its origin is lost in antiquity, dating beyond the Trojan war, when Pergamos, son of Pyrrhus, found King Arius here, and deposed him. The city was built on the lower slopes of two high and steep mountains. Eumenes founded the race of the Attalian kings of Pergamos, 200 years B.C.; and his successors formed a large library, which rivaled the Alexandrian, besides making the city the equal of, or superior in importance to, all others in Asia Minor. Sheep and goatskins were here first made into parchment (pergamena), and it is still the chief manufacture of the city. The library was removed to Alexandria by Cleopatra, to whom Antony gave the permission. The ruins of temples, a theatre, stadium, amphitheater, and other buildings, are scattered over the ancient site. The great glory of the city was the grove Nicephorium — said to have been extremely beautiful — containing temples and statues of all the deities: Zeus, Athena (Minerva), Apollo, AESCULAPIUS (its tutelary deity), Dionysius, and Aphrodite. Pergamos had no rival in splendor, being a union of a cathedral city, a university town, and a royal residence. The Roman Senate recognized the right of sanctuary in the Grove of Aesculapius, which (with the others) was irrigated by many canals from the Caicus, and made very. luxuriant in shade and fruit trees. It is called Neokora (New City) on the coins. This was probably the “throne of Satan,” referred to by John ( Revelation 2:13); the idea having arisen from the title of Soter, which was given to Aesculapius on account of the serpent being his chief emblem (found on several coins of Pergamos), and also because charms and magic were a part of the worship. Nearly all of the pagan temples, and Christian churches (some of which were remodeled temples), are heaped alike in ruins. Their columns, capitals, cornices, and sculptures, of fine marble, have been carried away to rebuild other places, or burned into lime for mortar, or lie in heaps waiting such an inglorious end. The church of St. John (anciently a temple) is roofless, but still standing; and that of St. Sophia is remodeled into a mosque. The Acropolis (see the picture on page 22) was the site of the temple of Minerva, built on an artificial platform, raised like that of Solomon’s at Jerusalem. Some of the beautiful white-marble columns of this temple measure 4 feet in diameter, and 40 feet long, as they lie prostrate. Half-way down the hill was the palace of the Artalian kings, connected with the town by an aqueduct, which now crosses the river on its ancient and perfect masonry, the river Selinus passing under it through a double tunnel, 600 feet long, each arch being 40 feet wide and 20 feet high. Besides this work there are five ancient bridges. There are very perfect remains of theaters, and a vast Roman amphitheater, in which Antipas was made the first martyr of Pergamos, followed by a long line. The present population of Bergamah is 30,000, only 4,000 of whom are Greek and Armenian Christians, the others being Moslems. 4. THYATIRA On the river Lycus, northeast of Smyrna 60 miles It has been known as Pelopia, Semiramis, Euhippa, (Pliny), and is now called Ak Hissar (white castle). Apollo was worshiped under the name of Tyrimnas (a Macedonian king), also Artemis; and, besides these, there were several other gods. There was a curious worship of a certain Sambatha, a Chaldaean (or Jewish Sibyl; said to have been brought there by the Jews, and which is referred to in Revelation 2:20, etc., under the name of Jezebel. Rome was also deified, as also Hadrian (see Coins, on pp. 29, 256), and other emperors. Games were celebrated in honor of Tyrimnas, Hercules, and of the ruling emperor. On the coins there are stamped the heads of Bacchus, Athene, Cybele, and the emperors. There are many remains of antiquity, such as marble sculptures, generally in fragments built into modern walls, or used as troughs or well-covers, and a church of St. John, which was originally a pagan temple, and is now a mosque, with a tall minaret. Inscriptions are found which give an account of many corporate societies of different trades — bakers, potters, weavers, robe makers, and dyers, of which last Antonius Claudins Alphenus was at one time the honored leader, and of which Lydia, whom Paul met in Philippi, was a member. The distant view of the city is very beautiful, but, inside of the limits, there is little order, and less neatness. 2,000 houses pay taxes, and 500 hovels are exempt, sheltering, altogether, about 15,000 people. The railway from Smyrna now reaches Magnesia (30 miles distant), and is to be continued to Thyatira, and perhaps beyond. 5. The capital of the ancient Lydia (which Homer called Moeonia), once “The Queen of Asia,” was the famous valley of the classic Hermus, two miles south of the river, at the foot of Mount Tmolus, on the river Pactolus. Its first king of whom we have a record was Candaules (716; and the last was the renowned Croesus, who enriched himself and the city by the golden sands of the Pactelus. But the real wealth of the city was derived from its commerce and manufactures (see on page 268). The invention of the art of dyeing, and of the system of trading in shops, is credited to it. (See Coin, p. 125). Not many years ago there were six, and there are two still standing, of the pillars of the temple of Cybele (60 feet high), which are the oldest Greek monuments in the world, having been set up about 300 years after Solomon’s temple; the other four were made into lime by the Turks. The eminent author Melito was bishop of Sardis, in the second century; and the oldest catalogue of the books of the Old Testament by any Christian writer, that has come down to us, was by his hand. The Council of Sardis was convened in 347, from a rule of which the Pope of Rome claims his earliest authority; which was, that in case a bishop was deposed by the council, he might appeal to the bishop of Rome. (4th canon). Julian the Apostate closed the churches and re-opened the temples in Sardis in his endeavor to re-establish Pagan worship, A.D. 360. The cemetery of the ancient kings of Lydia (of the dynasty of Croesus) is on the top of a high plateau, six miles north of Sardis, where there are mounds extending over a vast area. The monument of Alyattes, the father of Croesus, so minutely described by Herodotus (i. 93), is still quite perfect. It is 3,800 feet around and 1,300 feet long, rising 300 feet above the plain. It has never been disturbed, and is supposed to contain many treasures valuable to the antiquary, illustrating the customs of a people whose civilization dates long before that of Greece, and second only to Egypt and Assyria. Xerxes gathered his great army at Sardis when he marched to invade Greece by way of the Hellespont. Cyrus the Younger beautified the vicinity by making some fine gardens. Alexander left his general Pausanias here, and ordered the erection of a temple to Jupiter. 6. was founded and named by Attalus Philadelphus, B.C. 140, as a mart for the great wine district, which is celebrated by Virgil. It is on the little river Cogamus, which joins the Hermus near Sardis, surrounded almost by an amphitheatre of hills, and bowered in orchards, in the midst of extensive gardens. The rock is basaltic, and streams of lava may be traced in several tracts, but covered by deep, black, rich soil. The great staple is opium, which is entirely monopolized by the government. Herodotus says the sugar cane was anciently cultivated, and mentions a confection which was made of tamarisk and wheat, which is today the favorite sweetmeat of Philadelphia (called halva), after a continuance of over 2,000 years. When Xerxes was on his way to Greece he rested under a great plane-tree near the city, and so much admired its beauty that he appointed a keeper for it, and adorned it with golden ornaments. Plane-trees still flourish here which surpass all others in the country. Philadelphia was included in the message with Smyrna as deserving approbation and encouragement; and these two only out of the seven cities have continued to our day, and now possess a material prosperity somewhat equal to their ancient importance. The present name is Allah Shehr (city of God, High town). The site is a hill, with four fiat summits, from which the view is very fine. The valley of the Hermus is here one of the most beautiful and extensive in Asia. There are fifteen churches in use, and about twenty in ruins. Of the ancient cathedral of St. John, all that is left are a few massive pilasters, which are shown in the engraving, towering above the modern buildings, and these are built up from fragments of more ancient pagan temples. There are 15,000 people, one-third of whom are Greek Christians, who have a bishop, enjoy the free exercise of their religion in church, in processions in the streets, in the use of church bells (nowhere else allowed in the interior of Asia Minor), and their chief glory is in the honorable mention of their church in the Revelation. 7. an ancient city on the Lycus, in the valley of the Meander, forty miles east of Ephesus. Its site was on seven hills, which were drained by two brooks, the Asopus and Caprus. The ruins are of a stadium, in very complete preservation, three theatres (one of which was 450 feet in diameter), bridges, aqueducts, and a gymnasium, which testify to its ancient wealth and importance. Its original name was Diospolis (the city of Jupiter,, which was changed to Rhoas, under which title it became the largest city in Phrygia (Pliny). Antiochus II gave it the name of his wife Laodice. The imagery in Revelation 2:18, was suggested by the images of Apollo, the sun-god, on the coins. Sambatha had a fane there also (see ). The emperors were also deified, especially Hadrian. It became the seat of an archbishop, and in its cathedral church were gathered several councils; in one of which a system of supplying the villages or small societies in the interior with church services by itinerating presbyters, was adopted (somewhat similar to the Methodist plan now in use), under the direction of the bishop of Laodicea. Here also was adopted a rule “that Christians should not Judaize by resting on the seventh day, but to work on it as usual, and rest on the Lord’s day as far as possible, like Christians.” The city was utterly destroyed A.D. 1230, since when it has lain in shapeless ruins, only visited for its marble and other materials. The aqueduct (which supplied the city, and is now almost perfect), which conveyed water down one hill, across the plain, and up another, in stone pipes, proves the Romans to have been acquainted with the hydrostatic law of water finding its level. The stone pipes have a diameter of two feet, and are fitted into each other at the ends, and the calcareous deposit from the water has incrusted them, forming almost a continuous pipe without a visible joint. The seats in the stadium have letters and num. bets, their owners’ or the keeper’s marks. A recent visitor found a number of workmen sawing up the richly sculptured entablature of the ancient theatre, having been busy there for six years, cutting up the marble. Near them was a colossal statue, sawn into several pieces. In this manner have disappeared, during the past twenty years, two agate pillars,18 inches in diameter; a great number of composite richly sculptured columns, adorned with busts and heads in relief, and vases with wreaths of leaves and fruits, aria statues and busts and architectural ornaments without number (the tribute the art-world pays to Mohammed). is about ten miles east from Laodicea, near the village of Chonas, but is without any interesting ruins, although it was an important city in the time of the expedition of Xerxes. (See the view on page 62). Hierapolis has lately afforded a fine proof of the truth of an account of Strabo (xiii. 4:14), who speaks of a deadly vapor (carbonic acid gas?) which killed any animal that approached the place. The experiment was tried by Svoboda recently on two fowls, and resulted fatally to both in a few seconds.

Seven Stars, the .

Seveneh ( Ezekiel 29:10).

Seventy, the 1. The seventy disciples of Jesus sent out ( Luke 10:17), 2. It is also used to denote the Septuagint.

Sextarius (Greek: xestes ). Nearly one pint English ( Mark 7:4). , etc.

Shaatabbin ( Joshua 19:42). Dan, near Ajalon, probably the same as (city of foxes), (Judges 1). Now Esalin, near Sura, (ZORAH). Eliahba was one of David’s 37 heroes ( 2 Samuel 23:32), and is called , Shaalbonite, the One of David’s 37 heroes ( 2 Samuel 23:32), a native of Shaalbon.

Shaaph (“division”) 1. Son of Jahdai ( 1 Chronicles 2:47). 2. Son of Caleb 1 ( 1 Chronicles 2:49).

Shaaraim (“two gateways”) Judah, in the Shefelah ( Joshua 15:36). On the way to Gath ( Samuel 17:52), where the Philistines fled after Goliath’s death, which was in the Wady Sumt.

Shaashgaz (“beauty’s servant”) Eunuch in charge of the women in Ahasuerus’ Palace ( Esther 2:14).

Shabbethai (“Sabbath-born”) 1. A Levite who assisted Ezra ( Ezra 10:15), and apparently the same who was with Jeshua ( Nehemiah 8:7). 2. A chief ( Nehemiah 11:16).

Shachia (Hebrew: SHACHEYAH , accusation).

Son of Shaharaim ( 1 Chronicles 8:10).

Shaddai (Hebrew: SHADDAY ). The Almighty. . Shadrach (“circuit of the sun”) The Aramaic name of , one of the three friends of Daniel delivered from the burning furnace ( Daniel 1:3). He was promoted to a high office after He appointment of Daniel as ruler of the province of Babylon. In refusing to worship the idols of Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, with Meshach and Abednego, were thrown into a furnace (Daniel 3).

Shage (“erring”) Father of Jonathan ( 1 Chronicles 11:34).

Shaharaim (“the two dawns”) See 1 Chronicles 8:8. It has been proposed to remove the period from the end of verse seven, and read thus, “and Gera begat Uzza, Ahihud, and Shaharaim,” etc.

Shahazimah (“heights”) Issachar, between Tabor and the Jordan ( Joshua 19:22).

Shalem ( Genesis 33:18). The opinion seems to be that the text ought to read “Jacob came safe to the city of Shechem.” If a proper name is meant, there is a place ready for it in the modern Salim. .

Shalim, the Land of Benjamin. Between the “land of Slalisha,” and the “land of Yemini,” through which Saul passed on the way after his father’s asses. Probably the land of Shual, six miles north of Michmash ( 1 Samuel 9:4).

Shalisha, the Land of ( 1 Samuel 9:4). Between Mount Ephraim and the land of Shalim. Lost.

Shallecheth, the Gate of (“falling or casting down”) One of the gates of the house of Jehovah; now supposed to be the Babylonian Silsileh, which enters the Haram wall 600 feet from the southwest corner.

Shallum (“retribution”) 1. Son of Jabesh who killed Zachariah I, king of Israel, and usurped his kingdom, B.C. 772 ( 2 Kings 15:10-15). 2. 2. 3. The husband of Huldah, the prophetess ( 2 Kings 22:14). Others of this name are alluded to in Numbers 26:49; 1 Chronicles 2:40; 9:17,19,31; Ezra 2:42; 7:2; 10:24,42; Nehemiah 3:12; 7:45.

Shallun Son of Col-hozeh. He was ruler of a district and repaired the fountain-gate and the wall ( Nehemiah 3:15).

Shalmai (“my thanks”). Ancestor of Nethihim, who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:46).

Shalman Shalmaneser, king of Assyria ( Hosea 10:14).

Shallmaneser (“reverential toward fire”). King of Assyria. He ascended the throne, B.C. 730 ( 2 Kings 17:3). He compelled Hoshea to pay tribute two years, but when he joined with So, king of Egypt, in rebellion, the Assyrian came again and took Samaria after a siege of three years, and carried Hoshea captive beyond the Euphrates, ending the kingdom of Israel. and the , He conquered Phoenicia, except the island part of the city of Tyre, which he besieged for five years in vain.

Shama (“heaving”) Son of Hothah of Aroer ( 1 Chronicles 11:44). An assistant of David.

Shamariah Son of Rehoboam ( 2 Chronicles 11:19). Shambles (Greek: makellon ). A meat market, or place for the sale of provisions ( 1 Corinthians 10:25). Shamed (“persecution”) Son of Elpaal ( 1 Chronicles 8:12).

Shamer 1. A Levite ( 1 Chronicles 6:46). 2. Son of Heber ( 1 Chronicles 7:34).

Stamgar (“cup-bearer”) Son of Anath, third Judge of Israel It is recorded that he killed Philistines with an ox-goad ( Judges 3:31; 5:6).

Shamhuth (“waste”) Captain in David’s army ( 1 Chronicles 27:8).

Shamir ( 1 ) (“a thorn”) ( Joshua 15:48). 1. In the rata of Judah, south of Hebron, near Jattir. Lost. 2. In Mount Ephraim, the residence and burial-place of Tola, the judge ( Judges 10:1,2). Supposed to be SAMMUR a ruin ten miles northeast of Shechem, on the edge of the Jordan valley.

Shamir ( 2 ) (“tried”) Son of Micah ( 1 Chronicles 24:24).

Shamma (“desolation”) Son of Zophar ( 1 Chronicles 7:37).

Shammah 1. One of the three chiefs of David’s 30 heroes ( 2 Samuel 23:11-17). 2. Brother of David ( 1 Samuel 16:9). Others of this name are mentioned in Genesis 36:13; 2 Samuel 23:25,33; 1 Chronicles 11:27; 27:8.

Shammai (“desolated”) 1. Son of Onam, and brother of Jada ( 1 Chronicles 2:28,32). 2. Son of Rekem ( 1 Chronicles 2:44,45). 3. Brother of Miriam and Ishbah ( 1 Chronicles 4:17).

Shammoth (“desolations). One of David’s men ( 1 Chronicles 11:27).

Shammua 1. Son of Zaccur ( Numbers 13:4). 2. Son of David by Bath-sheba ( 1 Chronicles 14:4). 3. Father of Abda ( Nehemiah 11:17). 4. One of the priestly family of Bilgah ( Nehemiah 12:18).

Shammuah Son of David ( 2 Samuel 5:14).

Shamsherai Son of Jeroham ( 1 Chronicles 8:26).

Shapham (“cold”) A Gadite of Bashan ( 1 Chronicles 5:12).

Shaphan (“coney”) 1. Secretary of King , son of Azaliah ( 2 Kings 22:3). 2. Father of Ahikam ( 2 Kings 23:12).

Shaphat (“judge”) 1. Son of Hori ( Numbers 13:5). 2. Father of the prophet ELISHA ( 1 Kings 19:16,19). 3. Son of Shemaiah, in the line of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 3:22.) 4. A Gadite ( 1 Chronicles 5:12). 5. Son of Adlai ( 1 Chronicles 27:29). Keeper of David’s oxen.

Shaper, Mount (“mountain of pleasantness”) ( Numbers 33:23). A desert station. Lost.

Sharai (“Jah frees him”) Son of Bani ( Ezra 10:40).

Sharaim SHAARAIM ( Joshua 15:36).

Sharar (“twist”) Father of Ahiam ( 2 Samuel 23:33).SACAR.

Sharezer (“prince of fire”) Son and murderer of ( 2 Kings 19:37). 2. 1. Son of Sennacherib, who assisted in killing his father ( Isaiah 37:38). 2. A delegate sent to Jerusalem with Regemmelech and others soon after the return from captivity ( Zechariah 7:2; 8:19). Sharon (Hebrew: HAS SHARON , straight or even). A broad, rich tract of land lying between the hills of Judaea and Samaria and the sea, and the northern part of the Shefelah. It was a place of pasture ( 1 Chronicles 27:29); beautiful as Carmel ( Isaiah 35:2). It was a simile for loveliness ( Song of Solomon 2:1). The forest of Sharon was the scene of one of the most romantic exploits of Richard, the Crusader (Michaud, viii.). The Sharon of 1 Chronicles 5:16 is supposed to have been on the east side of Jordan, in Gilead, but it has not been identified.

Sharonite, the One from . Shitrai had charge of the royal herds ( Chronicles 27:20).

Sharuhen ( Joshua 19:16). Given to Simeon. Tell Sheriah, in the Wady Sheriah, ten miles west of Beersheba, may be the site.

Shashai (“whitish”) Son of Bani ( Ezra 10:40).

Shashak (“eagerness”) Son of Beriah ( 1 Chronicles 8:14,25).

Shaul 1. Son of Simeon ( Genesis 46:10). 2. A king of Edom ( Numbers 1:48,49). 3. Son of Uzziah ( Numbers 6:24).

Shaulites Descendants of 1 ( Numbers 26:13).

Shaveh, the Valley of ( Genesis 14:17). A place on Abraham’s route from Damascus, when he rescued his brother Lot. Lost.

Shaveh Kiriathaim Valley of Kiriathaim ( Genesis 14:5). Residence of the Emim. On the east of Jordan. Lost.

Shavsha (“corruption of SERAIAH).

Secretary in David’s time ( 1 Chronicles 18:16).

Shawm A musical instrument, resembling the clarinet ( <19B807> Psalm 118:7).

Sheaf The offering of the Omer or sheaf was to be brought to the priest on the 16th of the month, and waved before the altar in acknowledgment of the fruitfulness of the season ( Leviticus 23:5,6,10,12).

Sheal (“an asking”) Son of Bani ( Ezra 10:29).

Shealtiel (“I have asked him of God) Father of Zerubbabel ( Ezra 3:2,8).

Sheariah (“whom Jah estimates”) Son of Azel ( 1 Chronicles 8:38).

Shearing-house, the ( 2 Kings 10:12). Near Mount Gilboa, now Beth Kad. Where Jehu killed 42 members of the royal family of Judah. Shear Jashub (“the remnant shall return).

Son ofISAIAH ( Isaiah 7:3). Sheba ( 1) (“red”) ( Genesis 10:7). 1. Grandson of Cush; 2. Tenth son of Joktan ( Genesis 10:28); 3. Grandson of Keturah ( Genesis 25:3). 4. The name of the kingdom in South Arabia, before Himyer took its place, a few years before Christ (24 — -Strabo). Here were the Sabaeans of Diodorus (iii. 38, 46). A queen of Sheba visited Solomon (1 Kings 10), attended by a great train, camels loaded with spices, gold, and precious stones. The chief cities were Seba, Uzal (now Sana), Sephar (now Zafar), and Mariaba (now Marib). This district had the chief riches, best country, and greatest numbers of all the four peoples of Arabia. The local history is authentic only as far back as the first century A.D. Their ancient religion was pagan. 2. Settled on the Persian Gulf. On the island of Bahreyn, in the Gulf, are the ruins of an ancient city called Seba. Its merchants are mentioned in Ezekiel 27:22. 3. The sons of Keturah are charged by Job ( Job 1:15; 6:19), with the robber habits that are peculiar to the Bedouin of our day. Sheba ( 2) ( Joshua 19:2). Simeon, near Beersheba. .

Shebah Shibeah was the fourth well dug by Isaac’s people ( Genesis 26:33). Abraham dug a well here also ( Genesis 21:2,5-32). The name is one of the most ancient known, and is interpreted variously as “seven,” “an oath,” “abundance,” and as “a lion.” .

Shebam ( Numbers 32:3). East of Jordan. Given to Reuben. It was “a land for cattle.” or .

Shebaniah (“Jah has made grow”) 1. A Levite who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:10; 9:4,5). 2. One of a priestly family who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:4). 3. Another Levite who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:12). 4. A priest ( 1 Chronicles 15:24).

Shebarim (“dividing”) ( Joshua 7:5). Near Ai. Lost.

Sheber (“breaking”) soil of 1 ( 1 Chronicles 2:45).

Shebna (“youth”) A steward in king Hezekiah’s palace ( Isaiah 22:15).

Shebuel (“captive of God”) 1. A descendant of Gershom ( 1 Chronicles 23:16). 2. Chief in the thirteenth course in the Temple-choir ( 1 Chronicles 25:4).

Shecaniah 1. Chief of the tenth course of priests in David’s time ( 1 Chronicles 24:11). 2. One who distributed portions to priests in Hezekiah’s reign ( Chronicles 31:15).

Shechaniah (“families with Jah”) Seven of this name are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:21,22; Ezra 8:3,5; 10:2; Nehemiah 3:29; 6:18; 12:3.

Shechem (“ridge”) ( Genesis 33:18). It is not certain whether the city was named from Shechem, the son of Hamor, or that he was named after the city. It is on the top of the ridge between the waters of the Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea between Ebal and Gerizim ( Judges 9:7). Called Sychar in John 4:5, in the story of the meeting of Jesus and the woman of Samaria. Now Nablus (Neapolis, so named by Vespasian — Josephus, B. J., iv. 8, 1). Also known as Mabortha (Pliny v. 13). The situation is a favored one, and excites the admiration of all travelers, Dr. Clarke saying, that “there is nothing finer in all Palestine.” The valley is sheltered by a high mountain on each side, and only about 1,500 feet wide, and elevated 1,800 feet above the sea. Water flows from the city east and west to the Jordan, and to the Mediterranean sea. The valley is full of gardens, orchards of all kinds of fruits, watered by fountains, and enlivened by the songs of birds. Abraham, on his first visit to the Land of Promise, pitched his tent under the oak of Moreh, at Shechem ( Genesis 12:6). Jacob bought a field of the children of Hamor ( Genesis 33:19), where he dug a well, about a mile from the present town, and left it as a special patrimony to Joseph ( Joshua 24:32). Shechem was given to Ephraim ( Joshua 20:7), was assigned to the Levites, and was made a City of Refuge ( Joshua 21:20,21). The people assembled at Shechem to hear the law of Moses read, “half of them over against Mount Gerizim, and half of them over against Mount Ebal, the chief men and priests being around the ark in the midst ( Joshua 8:30-35); and again Joshua gathered all the tribes here just before his death (Joshua 24), and delivered his last counsels. Abimelech raised a revolt in Shechem, and was made king (Judges 9); and Jotham denounced him and the men of Shechem in a parable, from the top of Gerizim ( Judges 9:22), and after three years he destroyed the city and the strong tower that was in the city, but lost his own life also ( Judges 9:53). The ten tribes made Jeroboam their king and Shechem their capital ( 1 Kings 12:20). When the people were carried away to Babylon the city was colonized from Assyria ( 2 Kings 17:24), and again admitted strangers under Esarhaddon ( Ezra 4:2). The present town of Nablus has about 5,000 people, living in stone houses of very ordinary style, except those of the wealthy sheikhs. There are no fine public buildings. There are not less than 80 springs of water in the valley. One of the largest, Ain Balata, rises in a chamber partly under ground, a few rods from Jacob’s well. Olives, figs, almonds, walnuts, mulberries, pomegranates, oranges, apricots, and grapes, abound, besides vegetables of every sort. There are manufactories of wool, silk, and camel’s-hair cloth, and especially of soap; and the district around it is rich in wool, grain and oil. As a confirmation of the truth and accuracy, even to minute detail, it is interesting to cite the words of the original Hebrew, describing this spot, on which Joseph’s tomb stands, which are,CHELKAT SADE, meaning a dead-level; differing fromSHEFELAH, (a plain), andEMEK (a valley), and this description is exactly correct — and besides, there is no other spot like it in all Palestine.

Shechinah (“habitation”) Indwelling of God, is properly applied to visible manifestations of God’s presence. Thus, Numbers 5:3, is the midst whereof I dwell is rendered by the Targum “among whom my shekinah is dwelling.” Difference of opinion exists as to whether there was any continuous visible manifestations of God’s presence in the Holy of Holies over the kappereth or mercy-seat. Jewish authorities hold there was, and that this shekinah did not return to the second temple. Many Christian writers deny its continuous visibility even in the first.

Shedeur (“darting of fire”) Father of Elizur ( Numbers 1:5). Sheep Hebrew:AYIL, a ram ( Genesis 15:9);KAR, a lamb;KEBES, a he-lamb ( Genesis 30:40) feminine:KIBSAH, ewe-lamb ( Genesis 21:28);ZON, ZONA,ZONAH, a flock of small cattle ( Genesis 4:4);RAHEL,RACHEL, feminine, “ewe” ( Genesis 31:38;SEH, one of a flock, i.e. sheep or goat ( Genesis 22:7);TALEH, a lamb, young and tender. Of the Syrian sheep there are two varieties: the Bedaween, which have long and thick tails, but (differ in no other respect from the larger kinds of sheep among us. The others have very large and broad tails, with a small end which turns back upon itself; they are of a substance between fat and marrow, which is not eaten separately, but mixed with the lean meat in many of their dishes, and also used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, shin, and entrails, weighs from 60 to pounds, of which the tail itself is usually 10 or 15 (see picture on page 89), and when fattened, twice or thrice that weight. The sheep or lamb was the common sacrifice under the Mosaic law ( Exodus 29:22). The innocence, mildness, submission and patience, of the lamb, render it suitable for a sacrifice ( John 1:29). There are frequent allusions in Scripture to sheep, and its proneness to go astray ( Isaiah 53:6). It is gregarious, and dependent on the protection and guidance of its master. Its name is often given to the people of God ( 2 Kings 22:17). Sheep and goats are still found in Syria, feeding together, as in ancient times ( Genesis 30:35). The season of sheepshearing was one of great joy and festivity ( 1 Samuel 25:2,8,36). The Bedouins are compelled to move from place to place as their flocks and herds consume the pasture, and the supply of water is the one great question. The noon is the time for watering the animals ( Psalm 23:1,2), when the tribe, or the shepherds gather to talk over the news. Sheep-cotes or folds are generally open houses or enclosures, walled round ( Numbers 32:16; 2 Samuel 7:8). Sheep-market, the ( John 5:2).

Supposed to have been a , and at present called St. Stephen’s Gate; and the great open ruined cistern near it is called the Pool of Bethesda.

Shehariah (“Jah seeks”).

Son of Jeroham ( 1 Chronicles 8:26). Shekel .

Shelah (“petition”). 1. Son of Judah 1 ( Genesis 38:5,11,14,26). 2. Hebrew: missile, sprout. Salah, son of Arphaxad ( 1 Chronicles 1:18,24).

Shelanites, the Descendants of Shelah 1 ( Numbers 26:20).

Shelemiah Nine of this name are alluded to in Ezra 10:39; Nehemiah 3:30; 13:13; Jeremiah 37:3,13; 1 Chronicles 26:14; Ezra 10:41; Jeremiah 36:14,26).

Shefelah (see ). The low country; the plains below the hills of Judaea.

Sheleph (“partridge chick”).

Second son of Joktan, and father of a tribe who settled in Yemen, in Arabia, where there is now a district called Sulaf ( Genesis 10:36).

Shelesh (“tried”).

Son of Helem ( 1 Chronicles 7:35).

Shelomi (“pacific”) Father of Ahihud ( Numbers 34:27).

Shelomith (“love of peace”) 1. Daughter of Dibri ( Leviticus 24:11). 2. Daughter of Zerubbabel ( 1 Chronicles 3:19). Five others of the name are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:18; 26:25,26,28; 23:9; Ezra 8:10; 2 Chronicles 11:20 Shelomoth ( 1 Chronicles 24:22). .

Shelumiel (“friend of God”).

Son of Rurishaddai ( Numbers 1:6). Shem Oldest son of Noah ( Genesis 5:32), settled between Japheth and Ham, the country from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, and from Lydia to the Red Sea, including Syria (Aram), Chaldaea (Arphaxad), Assyria (Asshut), Persia (Elam), and Arabia (Joktan). A special blessing is promised Shem in Genesis 9:27.

Shema ( 1 ) In Judah ( Joshua 15:26).SHEBA. Given to Simeon.

Shema ( 2 ) 1. Ancestor of Bela ( 1 Chronicles 5:8). 2. Son of Elpaal ( 1 Chronicles 8:13). 3. One who assisted Ezra ( Nehemiah 8:4).

Shemaiah ( 1 ) (“Jah hears”) Twenty-five persons of this name are alluded to in 1 Kings 12:22; Chronicles 11:2; 12:5,7,15; 1 Chronicles 3:22; Nehemiah 3:29; 4:37; 5:4; 9:14; Nehemiah 11:15; 1 Chronicles 9:16; 15:8,11; 24:6; 26:4,6,7; 2 Chronicles 29:14; Ezra 8:13,16; 10:21,31; Nehemiah 6:10; 10:8; 12:6,18,34,35,36,42; Jeremiah 29:24,32; 2 Chronicles 17:8; 31:15; 35:9; Jeremiah 26:20; 36:12.

Shemaiah ( 2 ) (“Jah hears”) 1. A prophet of Israel ( 1 Kings 12:22-24). He is said to have written a history of Rehoboam’s reign. 2. A Levite, who made a registry of 24 priestly classes ( 1 Chronicles 15:8). 3. A false prophet among the exiles in Babylon, opposed to Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 29:24). 4. A false prophet in the pay of Sanballat and Tobiah ( Numbers 3:8; Nehemiah 6:10). Twenty-one others were of no particular note.

Shemariah (“Jah keeps”) 1. A warrior who assisted David ( 1 Chronicles 12:5). 2. A layman ( Ezra 10:32). 3. One of the family of Bani ( Ezra 10:41).

Shemeber (“lofty flight”) King of Zeboim ( Genesis 14:2).

Shemer (“preserved”) The owner of the hill on which the city of Samaria was built ( 1 Kings 16:24).

Shemida (“farm of wisdom”) Son of Gilead ( Numbers 26:32).

Shemidah ( 1 Chronicles 7:19).

Shemidaites, the Descendants of Shemida ( Numbers 26:32).

Shemimith The name of a melody in Psalm 6 and Psalm Shemiramoth (“Heaven most high”) 1. One in David’s choir ( 1 Chronicles 15:18,20). 2. A Levite, teacher of the law ( 2 Chronicles 17:8).

Shemitic The Semitic languages (see Genesis 10:21), are also called Aryan, and Syro-Arabic. The extent of this family of languages may be indicated by the boundaries — the highlands of Armenia on the north, the Tigris and its mountain ranges on the east, the Red Sea, Levant, and Asia Minor on the west — the south is limited by the ocean. The uniform climate of this vast region has tended to keep the people to their unvarying customs from age to age, whether in the cities, or in the country, or on the trackless waste. The Old Testament has traces of the changes in he languages of Palestine and Assyria, especially n the fragments of ancient poems, which contain many Aramaic words not used anywhere else in the Scriptures. The natural tendency of the Artans has been, in all cases, to keep their language and customs free from any mixture from theft neighbors; adopting very few words and very few habits from other people. Their language, religion, and manners were all unsocial, despotic, conservative; and what treasures they borrowed from the nations around them were not assimilated, but kept entire as when first found. The peculiar character of these languages is that the original root words are nearly all of one syllable. The changes incident to growth have resulted in arranging the particles around the root words, or if making particles of these words, which become parts of the later form of words. There are no compound words — or very few. There are no logical arrangements, but the grouping of words which record facts, and carry forward the train of thought. An instance: “Who is this, the King of Glory? Jehovah, strong and mighty; Jehovah, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, ye gates, And lift up, ye everlasting doors That the King of Glory may come in. Who, then, is He, the King of Glory? Jehovah of hosts, He is the King of Glory.” (Pause). Psalm 24:8-10 Here the mind is carried forward from one fact to another, in simple and sublime statement, without logic, except the irresistible logic of facts. It appears to be beyond dispute, as can be proved from the ancient monuments, from tradition, and from dialects now spoken by their descendants, that a great Hamitic population must have overspread Europe, Asia and Africa, speaking languages more or less dissimilar in their vocabulary, but having almost a common grammar and construction. These people civilized Phoenicia, Babylonia, South Arabia and Egypt, and prepared the way for the Hebrew race, of the Semitic races, who came after and benefited by their works. The materials for a history of the Hebrew language are as few as for a history of a rock. The language from Abraham’s time to this has not changed in one essential feature or dement, except to decay. Very few words have been dropped, and not many added, and the greater number of the additions date from the Captivity. The language shows historic progress from Moses (the Pentateuch) to the Captivity (Ezra and Malachi), always degenerating, and every adopted word can be selected, even in its Hebrew dress, asYAVAN, from the Sanskrit yuvajana , young emigrants, meaning the Greeks. From the Captivity, pure Hebrew was confined by custom to the priests and the sanctuary, from which use it was never again separated, and with the passing away of the Temple worship, has become a dead language. It was even dead in the time of Christ, for the Scriptures were at that time known only in the Aramaean. The present Jewish speech is a combination of words Hebraized and borrowed from every quarter of the world. It is argued that the Hebrew could not have been the one original source of languages for its oldest names, as Adam, Eve, etc., are derivatives, and may have been translated from other languages by Moses. The language is rich in different terms for the same object, as 9 for “trust in God;” 14 for “inquire or ask;” 24 for “keep the law.” The Phoenician was so closely allied to the Hebrew as to be used in common; and it was more widely distributed (by sailors and merchants? than any other ancient speech, and from this very cause it went to pieces, after having become overloaded by adopted words. (The English language is being overloaded by Latinisms in the same manner). The successor to Aramaic is Syriac, dating from the second century, A.D., in which there is a wealth of foreign words, especially Greek. The Aramaic after a career of eleven centuries as the sacred language of the Israelites, has, according to a law which works the same in all cases, passed away. The remains of the ancient languages of Assyria are almost entirely found in the wedge-shaped and arrowhead characters; and the history of the language can be traced, quite distinctly, from the age of clay tablets to those of bricks and alabaster. It appears that the Babylonian alphabet was constructed on the more ancient syllabic alphabet of the wedge-shaped period. Some few remains of this speech are found in Daniel ( ), but the originals of the Apocryphal books are lost, while the Gemaras are not free from mixture with other tongues, and the Zohar is peculiar in describing Gnostic atheism in Aramaic forms of speech, and so adds little to our knowledge of the Aramaic idiom. The peculiar idioms are better preserved in the Hasera. Not much additional can e found in the Samaritan, which was the vulgar Aramaic and Hebrew mingled after the sacred dialect became the language of the sanctuary and Holy Books. The dialect of Galilee was local, largely influenced and mingled with foreign elements, confused by the indifferent use of certain letters, as soft k and hard k, b and p, d for t final. The sacred dialect had but little influence, and was so little known in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah ( Nehemiah 8:8), as to need interpretation when read in public. Eastern Aramaic is the language of the Targums, and of the Pharisees; while the Western branch is the language of the New Testament, of the Christians of the first century. As the sacred dialect disappeared from the popular mind, the work of the scholars arose to importance, in such works as the Targums. The Talmud was the growth of the ages dating from the Captivity to A.D. 426, but there are few additions to our knowledge of the languages used in the work. Of the Palmyrene dialect the only remains are the inscriptions dating from A.D. 49 to A.D. 250, which contain words borrowed from the Arabic, Greek, and Latin. The sacred dialect became classic, and confined to books, after the fall of Jerusalem, the chief seat of its schools being at Edessa until A.D. 440, when it was removed to Nisibis. Since the 8th century it has declined in interest, and was but partly restored to favor by the facilities afforded by the discovery of printing. ( ). Chaldaic paraphrases of the Scriptures have thrown much light on manners and customs, and on certain difficult passages of the Old Testament, especially those claimed by Christians to be prophesies of the Messiah, which are proved beyond a question, by the paraphrases, to have been so regarded by the Jews, in all ages, before the appearance of Jesus the Christ. The sacred language of Ethiopia, the Jeez (Ghez), has been traced to its relation with Arabic and Aramaic, and it is probably a relic of Himyarite emigration. Cush was on both sides of the Red Sea ( ). The alphabet is very curious; every consonant contains an r, and the vowels are made by adding a sound to a consonant. This system requires 202 letters. The Arabic language shows by internal evidence its great antiquity, and its local habitation from the beginning in Arabia. Palgrave says that in Central Arabia, where very little or no foreign influence has ever been felt, that the Arabic is spoken now in the same purity as when Mohammed wrote the Koran, 1,200 years ago. It is said in a legend that the language was formed by the union of several dialects, of which the Koreish was the leading one, and in which the Koran was written. Arabian historians describe a golden age of poetry just preceding Mohammed, in which poets contended with each other for national honors, in grand public assemblies. Poetry and romance were the chief objects of attention, held in greater honor than trade or labor. These poets were either skeptical or voluptuaries, and their writings, as we now have them, give no idea of what their religion was before Mohammed. The Koran contains evidences of a change in Arabic literature, in progress at the time it was written; the closing chapters appearing to have been written earliest in point of time. The Arabic is especially rich in words and in grammatical forms, and in greater number and variety than any other language. The language was, as we know it, first the speech of robbers and herdsmen, without religion, superstitious, uncultivated; and afterward that of a cultivated, self-satisfied, luxurious, licentious people, whose philosophy was borrowed, and religion invented and dogmatized in the most offensive and tiresome manner. Its chief value to the Bible student is the vast mass of words that it furnishes in illustration of obscure Hebrew words, by which many obscure passages have been explained. The question of the antiquity of the art of writ, ing is settled in favor of a much earlier age than that of Moses, for he regulates a certain use of the art in Leviticus 19:28, and it is not probable that the Hebrew alphabet and system of writing was invented during the sojourn in the Wilderness. The theory most favored now is that the Egyptians had the art many years before the Hebrews were a people, or even before Phoenecia had its alphabet. The oldest alphabet that is known is the Phoenician, and the oldest monument of it is theMOABITE STONE, recently discovered (see page 173). Coins are next in order of antiquity, and those struck by the Maccabaeans are instances (see and ). The ancient relics exhibit the growth of the square Hebrew letter from age to age, having become settled in Ezra’s time, and continuing without change from that to about 500 A.D. The letter became consecrated, and was preserved with superstitious care, especially after the fall of Jerusalem. The reverence of the Jews for their sacred writings would have been outraged by any attempt to introduce a system of interpretation different from the ancient one. To establish a uniform system was the object of the Masoretes (masters of tradition), by means of written vowels and accents, which dates from about the sixth century A.D. The Syriac adopted a similar system in the first or second century. There are no moods. In the Arabic there are 15 forms in the verb, by which ideas of time, place and action are conveyed as well as by our system of moods. Names are intensified by prefixtures, as Ha-Arabah, the Arabah. There are dual names, as horse, meaning both horse and mare, or two horses, and there is a third class, meaning many, as attudim goats zone, sheep, as a flock. A fourth class represent many different individuals without distinction, as sand does in ours (many grains forming sand); Elohim (Gods) God. There are no compound words. The great extent of the verb supplies this defect in some degree, some of the verb-forms indicating color, condition, etc. The Arabic alphabet contains all the Hebrew letters; but in some cases there is not an exact parallel. The arrangement of the two alphabets was once the same, as is proved by the numbers expressed by each letter; but the order is now different. The earliest form of the letter is what is now called Himyarite.

Shemuel 1. Son of Ammihud ( Numbers 34:20). 2. the prophet ( 1 Chronicles 6:33). 3. Son of Tola ( 1 Chronicles 7:2).

Shen ( 1 Samuel 7:12 ). Where Samuel set up the stone Ebenezer, between “the Mizpah and the Shem” Lost.

Shenazar (“fiery torch” ) Son of , ( 1 Chronicles 3:18).

Shenir ( Deuteronomy 3:9; Song of Solomon 4:8 ).

Senir, Mount Hermon.

Sheol (Hebrew: SHEOL, hell ). .

Shepham ( Numbers 34:10,11 ). On the east boundary of the land. Lost.

Shephathiah Father of Meshullam 6 ( 1 Chronicles 9:8).

Shephatiah The name of seven distinguished Jews, alluded to in the following passages: 2 Samuel 3:34; 1 Chronicles 12:5; 27:16; 2 Chronicles 21:2; Ezra 2:4; 7:7; Nehemiah 11:4; Jeremiah 38:1. Shepherd (Hebrew: ROES, shepherd, pastor ). ( Genesis 49:4; Jeremiah 2:8). The wandering character of life, and the dependence upon flocks, rendered the care of sheep among the most important duties of life, from the earliest time in the East. ( ). “Abel was a keeper of sheep” ( Genesis 4:2). The employment of shepherd was not only followed by the chiefs ( Genesis 30:29), but by their sons and daughters as well ( Genesis 29:6; Exodus 2:19). Extensive flocks fed in the wilderness of Judah ( 1 Samuel 25:2); at Bethlehem ( 1 Samuel 16:11; Luke 2:8); at Gedor (1 Chronicles 4). As the people became more settled, agriculture became more general, and the care of sheep less important. Figurative allusion is continually made, both in the Old and New Testament: Christ applying the expression to himself, and frequently using the term figuratively (Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; 49:9,10; Jeremiah 23:3,4; John 10:12,14,16; 1 Peter 5:4,; Luke 2:8). It is the habit of the shepherd, in the East, to walk before his flock, leading by his voice ( John 10:4); the dog following in the rear of it (1 Chronicles 30:1). In leading to and from the pasturage, the mothers are led by the shepherd ( Genesis 33:13), who also carries the tender lambs ( Isaiah 11:11). Tents and towers were erected for the shepherd as a point of observation: such was the tower of Eden ( Genesis 35:21). Shepherds used the sling ( 1 Samuel 17:40), both for defence and amusement; they also played upon a flute. The towers are still found in nearly every little district in Palestine. The shepherd follows the same customs of care, and watching of the flock, today, as in ancient times. In pleasant weather sleeping near them, in the field, under some rude hut, or under a tent; leading them to drink, and helping the young lambs, or lame sheep, by carrying or lifting them out of dangerous places by his crook. The custom of giving names to the members of the flock is still in use; the flock recognizing the shepherd’s voice, and answering to their names. The shepherd is also exposed to danger of his life, in the protection of his flock against robbers and wild beasts. Many shepherds make a heavy cloak of sheepskin, with the wool on; and others use the coarse goat’s hair, or camel’s hair cloth.

Shephi (“wearing away” ) Son of Shobal ( 1 Chronicles 1:40), also written Shepho (“smoothness” ) ( Genesis 36:23).

Shephuphan (“serpent” ) A son of Bela ( 1 Chronicles 8:5).

Sherah (“kinswoman” ) Daughter of Ephraim ( 1 Chronicles 7:24).

Sherd , fragment of an earthen vessel ( Job 2:8).

Sherebiah (“heat of Jah” ) An assistant of Ezra ( Nehemiah 8:7; 9:4,5; Ezra 8:18,24).

Sheresh (“root” ) Son of Machir ( 1 Chronicles 7:16).

Sherezer A messenger sent to inquire about the fasting ( Zechariah 7:2).

Sheriffs (Hebrew: TIFTAYE, lawyers). The name of certain high officials among the Babylonians.

Sheshach ( Jeremiah 25:26; 51:41), Supposed to be Babylon by some. Others say it means Ur, the ancient capital of Babylonia, the city of Abraham.

Sheshai (“whitish”) Son of Anak ( Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:14).

Sheshan (“lily”) Descendant of Jerahmeel; father of ( 1 Chronicles 2:31,34,35).

Sheshbazzar (“fire-worshiper”) The Persian name given toZERUBBABEL ( Ezra 1:8,11).

Sheth 1.

SETH ( 1 Chronicles 1:1). 2. The “Sons of Sheth” ( Numbers 24:17).

Shethar (“a star”) A prince of Persia and Media ( Esther 1:14).

Shetharboznai (“star of splendor”) A Persian officer of rank ( Ezra 5:3,6).

Sheva A corruption of . 1. Secretary of David ( 2 Samuel 20:25). 2. Son of 1 ( 1 Chronicles 2:49). Shewbread (Hebrew: LEHEM, PANIM, bread of the faces, of the presence of Jehovah ), ( Exodus 25:30). On the north side in the holy place of the Tabernacle was the table of acacia wood 3 feet 6 inches long, 1 foot 9 inches wide, and 2 feet 4 inches high; overlaid with gold; a rim and crown of gold encircling the top and another the bottom ( Exodus 25:23-30). A figure of the table (removed by Titus from the Temple of Herod) is carved on the arch of Titus at Rome. Golden rings were attached to the corners of the table, through which poles could be passed for carrying it (as in the case of the ark). Upon it on every Sabbath were placed, in two piles, twelve freshly baked unleavened loaves of fine flour (typical of the twelve tribes), as an offering ( Leviticus 24:7). . A golden pot filled with incense was placed on the top of each pile, and remained until the next Sabbath, when the incense was burned, the loaves were eaten by the priests in the Sanctuary, and twelve fresh ones laid for an offering ( Leviticus 24:6,7; 1 Chronicles 23:29). David, in extreme hunger, eat of the shewbread ( 1 Samuel 21:4-6; Matthew 12:4).

Shibboleth (“a stream” ) ( Judges 12:6). The Hebrew word which the Gileadites made use of at the passage of the Jordan after their victory over the Ephraimites.

Shibmah ( Numbers 32:38 ).

Shebam, east of Jordan.

Shicron ( Joshua 15:11 ). Boundary of Judah, near Jabneel. Lost.

Shiggaion ( <190701>Psalm 7:1 ). Title of a melody.

Shihor of Egypt ( 1 Chronicles 13:5; Joshua 13:2,3 ). Wady el Arish, Arabia Petraea. , the Nile. .

Shihor Libnath ( Joshua 19:26 ). Boundary of Asher, below Mount Carmel. Lost.

Shilhi (“armed” ) Father of Azubah ( 1 Kings 22:42).

Shilhim ( Joshua 15:32 ). Judah. Perhaps the same as , which was given to Simeon ( Joshua 19:6).

Shillem (“recital” ) Son of Naphtali ( Genesis 46:24).

Shillimites, the Descendants of Shillem ( Numbers 26:49).

Shiloah, the Waters of ( Jeremiah 8:6 ). The prophet compares a quiet confidence in Jehovah with the waters of a brook, that “go softly,” and contrasts this with the “waters of a river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks.” Supposed to refer to Siloam, near Jerusalem. Shiloh (“rest” ) ( 1 Samuel 1:24; 3:21; Judges 21:19). In Ephraim, north of Bethel, east of the road to Shechem, south of Lebonah. Now called Seilun. This was one of the earliest and most sacred of the Jews’ sanctuaries. The ark was kept here (in a tent or tabernacle only), from the last days of Joshua ( Joshua 18:1) to the time of Samuel ( 1 Samuel 4:3). Here Joshua completed the division of the land among the tribes ( Joshua 18:10; 19:51). The Benjamites seized the “daughters of Shiloh,” and preserved a tribe from extinction ( Judges 21:19), “at an annual feast of the Lord.” Eli resided here as judge of Israel, and died of grief at the news that the ark of God was taken ( 1 Samuel 4:11,18). The story of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, is an interesting incident, as illustrating the character and life of the Hebrews (1 Samuel 1, etc.). Ahijah the prophet lived here when Jeroboam sent his wife to him to inquire what should become of their sick son (1 Kings 14). The city was on a low hill, rising from an uneven plain surrounded by higher hills, except a narrow valley on the south. Very few, and not any important ruins are found here. An immense oak of great age grows among the ruins, and a few olive trees are scattered through the hollows The hills were once terraced and finely cultivated. A fine large fountain half a mile away, flows out in a narrow vale, first into a pool, and then into a large reservoir, where flocks and herds are watered. There are rock-hewn sepulchres near, where perhaps some of Eli’s “house” were laid.

Shiloni Descendant of Shelah, the son of Judah ( Nehemiah 11:5).

Shilonite, the Native ofSHILOH ( 1 Kings 11:29).

Shilonites, the Descendants of Judah, dwelling in Jerusalem ( 1 Chronicles 9:5).

Shilshah (“tried” ) Son of Zophah ( 1 Chronicles 7:37).

Shimea (“rumor” ) 1. Son of David ( 1 Chronicles 3:5). 2. A Levite ( 1 Chronicles 6:30). 3. Ancestor of Asaph ( 1 Chronicles 6:39). 4. Brother of David ( 1 Chronicles 20:7).

Shimeah 1. Brother of David ( 2 Samuel 21:21). 2. A descendant of Jehiel ( 1 Chronicles 8:32).

Shimeam (“fame” ) Son of Mikloth ( 1 Chronicles 9:38).

Shimeath Mother of Jozachar ( 2 Kings 12:21).

Shimeathites (“descendants of Shimeath” ) A family of scribes ( 1 Chronicles 2:55).

Shimei 1. A son of Gershom ( Numbers 3:18). 2. Son of Gera; he insulted king David ( 2 Samuel 16:5-14). 3. An officer under David ( 1 Kings 1:8). Others of this name are alluded to in the following passages: 1 Kings 4:18; 1 Chronicles 3:19; 4:26- 27; 5:4; 6:42; 25:17; 27:27; 2 Chronicles 29:14; 31:12,13; Ezra 10:23,33,38; Esth. 2:5; 1 Chronicles 6:29; 23:9. Shimeon A layman of the sons of Harim ( Ezra 10:31).

Shimhi A Benjamite ( 1 Chronicles 8:21).

Shimi ( Exodus 6:17 ).

SHIMEI.

Shimites, the Descendants of 1, the son of Gershom ( Numbers 3:21).

Shimma Third son of Jesse ( 1 Chronicles 2:13).

Shimon (“desert” ) The four sons of Shimon ( 1 Chronicles 4:20), are mentioned among the tribe of Judah.

Shimrath (“watch” ) Song of Shimhi ( 1 Chronicles 8:21).

Shimri (“watchful” ) Three of this name are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:37; 11:45; Chronicles 29:13.

Shimrith Mother of Jehozabad ( 2 Chronicles 24:26).

Shimrom Son of Issachar ( 1 Chronicles 7:1).

Shimron ( 1 ) (“watch, guard” ) ( Joshua 19:15). In Zebulon. Now Simuniyeh, west of Nazareth. The king of Shimron Meron was one of 31 kings vanquished by Joshua ( Joshua 12:20).

Shimron ( 2 ) Fourth son of Issachar ( Genesis 46:13).

Shimronites, the The family ofSHIMRON ( Numbers 26:24).

Shimshai (“sunny” ) Secretary of Rehum ( Ezra 4:8,9,17,23).

Shinab (“father’s tooth” ) King of in Abraham’s time ( Genesis 14:2).

Shinar, the Land of (“country of the rivers” ) ( Genesis 11:2). Ancient name of Chaldaea and Babylonia. It is the Jewish name, and is not found in the native inscriptions. Abraham brought the name with him to Canaan. Ship (Hebrew: ONIYAH, SEFINAH; Greek: ploion ). The fullest description or ships is in the narrative of Paul’s voyage to Rome (Acts 27—28). Paul sailed first on an Adramyttian vessel from Caesarea to Myra — a coasting ship of moderate size ( Acts 27:1-6), then in a large Alexandrian grain ship, in which he was wrecked on the coast of Malta ( Acts 27:6; 28:1), and final in a large Alexandrian grain ship, from Malta, by Syracuse, to Puteoli ( Acts 28:11-13). The ship in which Paul was wrecked held 276 persons ( Acts 27:37), and was laden with wheat. From this it is estimated that such ships were between 500 and 1,000 tons burden. Ships are often mentioned in the Old Testament, and figuratively in Job 9:23; Psalm 48:79; 104:26; 107:23. Solomon built a fleet at ( 1 Kings 9:26). The fleet of Jehoshaphat, built in the same place, was destroyed ( 1 Kings 22:48,49; 2 Chronicles 20:36,37). War ships are first alluded to in Daniel 11:40. The ships’ prows bore figure-heads or other insignia, called “sign” in Acts 28:11 — “Whose sign was Caster and Pollux.” When large, the ships were impelled by sails as well as oars, which were used alone in small craft. The sail was a large square one, attached to a long yard. The Greek: artemon mentioned in Acts 27:40, was the foresail, useful in putting a large ship about. The anchors resembled those now in use. The ship in which Paul sailed had four anchors on board; the were anchored by the stern ( Acts 27:29). The ships were steered by two paddles at the stern which are the rudders alluded to in the narrative of Paul’s voyage. Anchoring by the stern necessitated the lashing up of these paddles to prevent interference. The build and rig of ancient ships caused a tendency in them to start their planks by their beams yielding; it was therefore necessary to provide undergirders or helps ( Acts 27:17) of chains or cables, to girth the frame of the ship in case of need. The ships also carried boats ( Acts 27:16,32). The captains of these merchant ships were often the owners in part or whole. The steersman is called “the governor” in James 3:4.

Shiphi (“abundant”) Father of Ziza, a prince in Hezekiah’s time ( 1 Chronicles 4:37).

Shiphmite, the One from Siphmoth ( 1 Chronicles 27:27).

Shiphrah (“beauty”) One of two Hebrew women who disobeyed the command of Pharaoh ( Exodus 1:15-21).

Shiphtan (“judicial”) Father of Kemuel 2 ( Numbers 34:24).

Shisha Corruption of Seraiah, father of Elihoreph and Ahiah ( 1 Kings 4:3).

Shishak A king of Egypt, He entered Judah, B.C. 971, and captured the strongest places in the country, and carried away the treasures. . In the article on Egypt it is mentioned that Shishak invaded Judaea, and took several cities, and tribute from Rehoboam at Jerusalem, the account of which has lately been deciphered on the Egyptian monuments. Shishak’s name is writtenSHESHONK, and he is said to have been an Ethiopian. He is shown as presenting to the gods of Thebes the prisoners taken by him in war, each name (of a king, or city, or nation) being in an oval shield. See page 84 in the book. Here are some of the names as they stand on the walls of the great temple at Karnak. The first name recognized was Judaea, (see “king of Judah,”) by Champollion, which gave the clue to the others. The names not yet identified are omitted. There were 133 in all: Egyptian — Hebrew 3. Rebata — Rabbith? 14. Taankau — Taanach 15. Shenema-aa — Shunem 16. Bat-shenraa — Bethshan 17. Rehabaa — Rehob 18. Hepurmaa — Haphraim 19. Aterma — Adoraim 22. Mahanma — Mahanaim 23. Kebaana — Gibeon 24. Bat-huaren — Beth-horon 23. Katmet — Kedemoth 26. Ayuren — Ajalon 27. Maketau — Megiddo 28. Ateera — Edrei 29. Yuteh-mark — Judaea 31. Haanem — Ahem? 32. Aarana — Eglon? 33. Barma — Bileam 36. Bat-aarmet — Alemeth 37. Kakaree — Kikkar (Jordan) 38. Shauka — Shoco 39. Bat-tepu — Beth Tappuah 40. Abaraa — Abel? 56. Atmaa — Edom? 66. Aa-aatemaa — Azem (great?) 68. Pehakraa — Hagarites 69. Fetyushaa — Letushim? 72. Mersarama — Salma? 73. Shebperet — Shephelah 78. Baabayt — Nebaioth 79. Aatetmaa — Tema 83. Kanaa — Kenites? 84. Penakbu — Negeb 85. Atem-ketet-het — Azem? (little?) 98. Mertmam — Duma? 103. Heetbaa — Abdeel? 107. Harekma — Rekem (Petra) 108. Aarataa — Eldaah 109. Rabat — Rabbah? 110. Aarataay — Eldaa 112. Yurahma — Jurahmeelites? 117. Mertraaa — Eddara 119. Mahkaa — Maachah? 124. Bataaat — Beth-anoth? 127. Kernaa — Golan? This record of the conquest is peculiar to Egypt, and entirely independent of the Jews, or any of the writers of the Bible, and is a confirmation of the historical truth of 2 Kings 23:29, etc, and 2 Chronicles 35:20, etc.

Shitrai (“Jah is arbitrator”) A Sharonite who had charge of David’s herds ( 1 Chronicles 27:29).

Shittah-tree . Understood as the acacia tree, of which there are three or four species in the East, especially used in the construction of the tabernacle, ark, table of shewbread, altars, etc. (Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 36; Exodus 37; Exodus 38). “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah-tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree’ ( Isaiah 41:19). It was probably the only available wood in the wilderness. This tree yields the gum arabic of commerce, from incisions cut deeply in the bark. Probably the burning-bush of Moses ( Exodus 3:2), called , was the shittim (or acacia) tree. The last camping ground of Israel was on the plains of Shittim. The Arabs use the gum for food. The bark is very astringent, and used in tanning leather. The wood is very hard, closegrained, of a fine brown color, excellent for cabinet-work. It grows in dry places, where no other tree can live. It is not the acacia of this country, which is a kind of locust. Tristram mentions trees on the Dead Sea shore at Engedi and other places, which are four feet in diameter.

Shittim (“acacia trees”) ( Numbers 33:49). Abel Has Shittim (meadow of the acacias). In the Arboth Moab, by Jordan. Jericho ( Numbers 22:1; 26:3). Under the cool shade of the acacia groves the Israelites were led into the worship of Baal Peor by the Midianites, which sin Moses, by command, avenged ( Numbers 31:1). Joshua sent spies to Jericho from here ( Joshua 2:1).

Shiza (“loved”) Father of Adina ( 1 Chronicles 11:42).

Shoa A proper name which occurs only in Ezekiel 23:23, and signifies officer and ruler.

Shobab (“rebellious”) 1. Son of David ( 2 Samuel 5:14). 2. Son of 1 ( 2 Samuel 2:18).

Shobach (“pouring”) A General of ( 2 Samuel 10:15-18).

Shobai (“taking captive”) One who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45).

Shobal (“flowing”) 1. Son of Seir ( Genesis 36:20). 2. Son of Caleb ( 1 Chronicles 2:50). 3. Descendant of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:1,2).

Shobek (“forsaking”) A chief who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:24).

Shobi Son of ( 2 Samuel 17:27).

Shoco ( 2 Chronicles 11:7). .

Shocho ( 2 Chronicles 28:18). .

Shochoh ( 1 Samuel 17:1). .

Shoham (“onyx”) Son of Jaaziah ( 1 Chronicles 24:27).

Shomer (“a keeper”) 1. An Asherite ( 1 Chronicles 7:32). 2. Mother of Jehozabad ( 2 Kings 12:1).

Shophach SHOBACH ( 1 Chronicles 19:16,18).

Shophan ( Numbers 32:35). East of Jordan; fortified. Lost.

Shoshannim Title of a melody (Psalm 45; Psalm 69).

Shoshannim Eduth Name of a melody Called the lilies of testimony (Psalm 80).

Shua (“riches”) 1. Father of Judah’s wife ( 1 Chronicles 2:3). 2. Daughter of Heber ( 1 Chronicles 7:32).

Shuah (“pit”) 1. Son of by ( Genesis 25:2). 2. A Descendant of Judah ( Numbers 4:11). 3. , father of Judah’s wife ( Genesis 38:2,12).

Shual (“a fox” or “a jackal”) Son of Zophah, chief ( 1 Chronicles 7:36).

Shual, the Land of (“jackal”), ( 1 Samuel 13:17). North of Michmash. Lost.

Shubael 1. Son of ( 1 Chronicles 24:20). 2. Son ofHEMAN ( 1 Chronicles 25:20).

Shuham (“pit-digger”) Son of Dan ( Numbers 26:42).

Shuhamites, the Descendants of , the son of Dan ( Numbers 26:42,43).

Shuhite Descendant of 1. This name is frequent in the Book of Job.

Shulamite, the (“peaceful”) The name given to the bride in Song of Solomon 6:13.

Shumathites (“native”) One of the four families who lived in Kirjath-Jearim ( 1 Chronicles 2:53).

Shunammite, the Native of ( 2 Kings 4:1); applied to two persons: , the nurse of David ( 1 Kings 1:3,15), and the nameless hostess of Elisha ( 2 Kings 4:12,25,36).

Shunem ( “two resting-places) ( Joshua 19:18). Issachar. Where the Philistines encamped before the battle of Gilboa ( Samuel 28:4). Here dwelt the good Shunammite, who welcomed Elisha the prophet, who oft passed by; and fitted up a little chamber for him ( Kings 4:8), and was rewarded ( 2 Kings 4:36). This pleasant village was the native place of Abishag, David’s attendant ( 1 Kings 1:3), and possibly the heroine of Solomon’s Song. The modern village is on the southwest flank of Little Hermon, Jebel Duhy, three miles from Jezreel, north, in full view of Mount Carmel, and in the midst of the finest grainfields in the land.

Shuni (“quiet”) Son of Gad ( Genesis 46:16).

Shunites, the Descendants of ( Numbers 26:15).

Shupham (Hebrew: SHEPHUPHAM.

SHUPPIM .)

Shuphamites, the Descendants ofSHUPHAM ( Numbers 26:39).

Shuppim (“serpents”) 1. He and , the children of Ir, are mentioned in Chronicles 7:12. 2. A porter ( 1 Chronicles 26:16).

Shur (“a wall”) ( Genesis 16:7). Hagar sat by a fountain in the way in Shur, when the angel sent her back with a promise of a blessing. Abraham dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, in Gerar ( Genesis 20:1). Ishmael’s descendants dwelt from Havilah unto Shur that is before Egypt ( Genesis 25:18). Called, also, Etham ( Exodus 15:22; Numbers 33:8).

Shushan (“lily”) Shushan the palace ( Esther 1:2). One of the most important towns in the whole East. Capital of , , or . Inscriptions, dated 660 B.C., record the capture of the city by Asshur-bani-pal, giving, also, its plan. Daniel saw his vision of the ram and he-goat at Shushan the palace ( Daniel 8:2). Cyrus made it a Persian city, and its metropolis (Aeschylus and Herodotus), although the building of the palace is credited to Darius. Alexander found there $60,000,000, and all the regalia of the great king. After this, Susa was neglected for Babylon. Now called Sus, a vast ruin between the Eulssus and Shapur, east and west of the city, a few miles were the rivers Coprates and Choaspes. The water of the Choaspes (now Kerkhah) was thought to be peculiarly healthful, and was the only water drank by the kings, at home or on journeys (Herodotus i. 188), and it is now prized above all other riverwater by the people. The ruins cover a space 6,000 feet east to west by 4,500 north to south, being about three miles in circuit. There are four artificial platforms. The smallest of these has an eminence 119 feet high above the river, facing the east, and made of sun-dried brick, gravel, and earth. One platform has a surface of 60 acres. The remains of the Great Palace have been examined, and a plan made out, including 72 columns, some bearing trilingual inscriptions, having the names of Artaxerxes, Darius, Xerxes, Hystaspes, and crediting the building to Darius; besides naming the gods Ormazd, Tanaites, and Mithra. The number of columns is the same as in the Great Hall of Xerxes at Persepolis. It stood on a square platform, 1,000 feet each way, 60 feet above the plain; itself being 120 feet to the top of the roof, making a height in all of about 180 feet The appearance must have been truly grand, rising as it did to such a great height, amidst lower structures, beautified with trees and shrubs, reflected in the river at its base. Esther plead in this palace for her people, and saved them.

Shushan Eduth The title of a melody; it denotes “the lily of testimony” (Psalm 9).

Shuthalhites, the Descendants ofSHUTHELAH ( Numbers 26:35).

Shuthelah (“noise”). Head of an Ephraimite family ( Numbers 26:35), and ancestor of Joshua ( 1 Chronicles 7:20-27). The text in 1 Chronicles 7:20, is an error from careless copying, probably. The names Eran, Laadan, Eleadah, Elead, are repeated from one original. Bered is a change of Becher, and Tahath becomes Tahan. The true genealogy is: The story in 1 Chronicles 7:20,21; 8:13, belongs to the history of the country after the passage of Jordan; the descent upon the Shefelah (Gath, etc.) agreeing with the topography of Palestine. This is probably a marginal gloss of some ancient scribe which has been adopted into the text.

Sia (“congregation”) Ancestor of a family of Nethinim, who returned from captivity ( Nehemiah 7:47).

Siaha ( Ezra 2:44). .

Sibbecai The Hushathite ( 2 Samuel 21:18).

Sibbechai (“thicket of Jah”) A captain in David’s army for the eighth month of 24,000 men ( Chronicles 11:29). He belonged to one of the principal families of Judah.

Sibboleth The Ephraimite word for ( Judges 12:6).

Sibmah ( Joshua 13:19). East of Jordan, in Reuben. . Lost.

Sibraim ( Ezekiel 47:16). A north boundary of the land. Lost.

Siccuth (“a tabernacle” or “a shrine”) ( Amos 5:26).

Sichem SHECHEM. Sickle (HERMESH, MAGGAL ; Greek: drepanon ). A curved knife for reaping; a reaping-hook or scythe ( Deuteronomy 16:9; Joel 3:13).

Sicyon (“market” — weekly?) (1 Macc. 15:23). A later city built on the acropolis of an ancient city of the same name, near the eastern end of the Corinthian Gulf, about two miles from the sea, near a range of mountains, which were terraced, and rent with gorges. In the time of the Maccabees it was the most important Roman possession in Greece.

Siddim (“the vale of”) ( Genesis 14:3,8,10). The Hebrew words Emek has Siddim mean a plain cut up by stony channels. Located by some scholars at the north end of the Dead Sea. As an emek it resembled Jezreel; and therefore a suitable place for the combat mentioned in the text ( Genesis 14:8); but having a number of pitch-pits, or, as Josephus says, Wells of Asphalt (Antiquities i. 9), and who says the site is under the Dead Sea (Asphaltitis). More probably near it. and . If the Salt Mountain, Usdum (see ) is a recent elevation, then the cities may have been in the plain at the southern end of the Dead Sea, which would then have been the Vale of Siddim.

Side (1 Macc. 15:23). A colony of Cumaeans on the coast of Pamphylia. The navy of Antiochus was made up of ships from Side and Aradus, Tyre and Sidon, and the fleet was stationed at Side on the eve of the basle with the fleet from Rhodes (Livy 37, 23). Its ruins indicate former wealth. The theater of the Roman time was one of the largest in Asia, seating 15,000. It was used as a fort in the middle ages. There was an (as at Athens), 180 feet in diameter, surrounded by a double row of columns, and a pedestal for a statue in the center, and a temple on the south side (mentioned by Strabo). The harbor was closed in, and was 1,500 feet by 600 feet in extent, with docks for unloading ships. Sidon (“fishing”) (Phoenician Tsidon), ( Genesis 10:15,19). Great Zidon ( Joshua 11:8). Sidon ( Matthew 11:21; Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17). On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the narrow Phoenician plain (two miles), under the range of Lebanon, to which it once gave its own name (Josephus, Antiquities v. 3, 1). The city is built on the northern slope of a promontory that juts out into the sea, pointing southwest; and the citadel is on the height behind it. Zidon was the firstborn of Canaan, and probably the city is an older one than Tyre, and the Phoenicians are (often) called Sideroans (never Tyrians) in Joshua 13:6; Judges 18:7, etc.

Skilled workmen were their special pride, not traders ( 1 Kings 5:6). The prize given to the swiftest runner by Achilles was a large silver bowl, made at Sidon (Homer, II. xxiii. 743). Menelaus gave Telemachus a most beautiful and valuable present, “a divine work, a bowl of silver with a gold rim, the work of Hephaestus, and a gift from king Phaedimus of Sidon” (Od. iv. 614). Homer mentions the beautifully embroidered robes of Andromache, brought from Sidon. Pliny mentions the glass factories (v. 17). Under the Persians, Sidon attained to great wealth and importance. To live carelessly, after their manner, became a proverb ( Judges 17:7). The prize in a boat race, witnessed by Xerxes at Abydos, was won by Sidonians; and when he reviewed his fleet he sat under a golden canopy, in a Sidonian galley; and when he assembled his officers in state the king of the Sidonians sat in the first seat. It was almost utterly destroyed by the Persians, B.C. 351. Being rebuilt, it opened its gates to Alexander. The Jews never conquered the city, and so far failed of the promise. Strabo said there was the best opportunity for acquiring a knowledge of the sciences of arithmetic and astronomy, and of all other branches of philosophy. At this time Greek was probably the language of the best society. It is the most northern city visited by Jesus, and is about 50 miles from Nazareth. Now called Saide. The whole neighborhood is one great garden, filled with every kind of fruit-bearing trees, nourished by streams from Lebanon. Its chief exports are silk, cotton, and nutgalls. A mission-station of Americans are working among 5,000 people. There are many ancient sepulchresin the rocks at the base of the mountain east of Sidon, and sepulchral caves in the plain. In one of these caves, in 1855, was discovered one of the most beautiful and interesting Phoenician monuments in existence. It is a sarcophagus of black syenite, with a lid carved in human form, bandaged like a mummy, the face being bare. There is an inscription in Phoenician on the lid, and another on the head. The king of the Sideroans is mentioned in them, and it is stud that his mother was a priestess of Ashtoreth. It is supposed to belong to the 11th century B.C. It is now in the Louvre, Paris. See p. 192.

Sieve ( Isaiah 30:28). “To sift as wheat” ( Luke 22:31); figuratively, to agitate and prove by trials and afflictions.

Sihon (“sweeping away”) King of the Amorites ( Numbers 21:21).

Sihor (“black”) Correctly, . The Nile. (Sanskrit: Nilah , dark-blue). The water of the Nile is dark with mud, like our Ohio or Mississippi. The Egyptian name was Yeor. (The name of Egypt was Kem, black). The present name in Arabic is Bake’ el Azrak, dark-blue river. Shihor is the name of the brook of Egypt (Wady el Arish), which is mentioned as the south boundary of David’s kingdom ( 1 Chronicles 13:5; Joshua 13:2,3). .

Silas A contraction of , one of the chief men among the first disciples at Jerusalem ( Acts 15:22). He is mentioned in Corinthians 2:9; 1:19; 1 Peter 10:12; Acts 16:19,25; Philippians 4:10. Silk (Hebrew: MESHI ), ( Ezekiel 16:10,13). Silk in the time of the Ptolemies was sore for its weight in gold. It sometimes came in skeins, and was woven rate a thin light gauze. It is not known how early or extensively the Jews used it ( Revelation 18:12; Genesis 41:42).

Silla Where Joash, the king, was killed ( 2 Kings 12:20). Lost.

Siloah (“dart”) (sent), (Hebrew: SILOACH ), ( Nehemiah 3:15). Arabic, Silwan . One of the few undisputed localities around Jerusalem. The water was “sweet and abundant” in Josephus’ day (B. J. v. 4, 1). It is in the Tyropoeon valley, 200 feet from the Kidron. There are no less than natural springs within a circle of 10 miles around Jerusalem. The water flows out of a small artificial basin, under the cliff, into a reservoir 53 feet long by 18 feet wide and 19 feet deep. It has been lately proved, by explorisng, that the water flows from the Virgin’s fountain to Siloam; and there is a remarkable ebb and flow, which varies in frequency with the season and supply of water ( John 9:7). The village of Siloam (Sihvan) is not mentioned in Scripture, and is probably modern. It is poorly built, and occupies the site of Solomon’s idol-shrines ( 1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:13).

Siloam, Tower in Mentioned by Jesus ( Luke 13:4). Not located. Silver (Hebrew: KESEF, Aramaic: kesaf, Greek: argurion ). One of the precious metals, and the one used most as a coin among all nations. The ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. It is mentioned in Genesis 13:2; 20:16; 23:16, and Exodus 26:19,32; 1 Chronicles 29:4. .

Silverlings (“little silvers”) Pieces of silver or silver coins ( Isaiah 7:23).

Simalcue (Hebrew: MELECH , king). An Arabian chief who had charge ofANTIOCHUS VI (1 Macc. 11:39). Simeon (“hearkening”) Second son of Jacob and Leah ( Genesis 29:33). The tribe of Simeon numbered six families (the head of one of which, Shaul, was a son of a Canaanite woman) when Jacob went down into Egypt (Genesis 46), and at the exodus 59,300 men over 20 years of age, but only 22,000 at the last census by Moses. In the wilderness Simeon was on the south side of the Tabernacle. The only great name of the tribe on record is that of the widow Judith, the heroine of the apocryphal Book of Judith, where she appears as an [deal type of piety, beauty, courage, and chastity. There were 18 cities, with their surroundings, given to Simeon out of the portion allotted to Judah, including the famous well of Beersheba, and one of which (Ziklag) became the private property of David, as a present from Achish the Philistine. A part of the tribe (500 men) took possession of a district in Mount Seir, where they were still living after the return from the Captivity ( Chronicles 4:42,43). Simon One of the twelve apostles. . A name of frequent occurrence in Jewish history: 1. Son of 2, and one of the famous (1 Macc. 2:65). 2. Son of Onias, the high priest. 3. A governor of the Temple (2 Macc. 3:4). 4. ( Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). 5. Simon, the Canaanite, one of the twelve apostles ( Matthew 10:4), otherwise described as Simon Zelotes ( Luke 6:15). 6. Simon of Cyrene. A Hellenistic Jew ( Acts 2:10), born in Cyrene, Africa. 7. Simon the Leper. A. resident at Bethany, who had been miraculously cured of leprosy by Jesus ( Matthew 26:6). 8. Simon Magnus, a sorcerer or magician ( Acts 8:9). 9. A Pharisee ( Luke 7:40). 10. The Tanner, a disciple living at Joppa ( Acts 9:43). 11. Father of ( John 6:71). Simon Chosameus, error of the scribe in combining the last letters of Malluch (CH) with the first part of Shemariah. and the three following names in Ezra 10:31,32 are thus written in 1 Esdras 9:32.

Simri Son of Hosah ( 1 Chronicles 26:10). Sin (“mire”) Pelusium (pelos, Greek for mire), in Egypt. Sin, the strength of Egypt ( Ezekiel 30:15). Probably; a fortified city. Pompey was murdered here by order of Ptolemy, B.C. 48. Sin, Wilderness of . Sinai Mountain and desert forming a part of the peninsula between the gulfs of Suez and Akabah. The district of Sinai is near the center of the triangular space between the two arms of the Red Sea. (See the maps on page 99). This peninsula is formed of granite, with dykes of porphyry and greenstone, without a trace of volcanic rocks. It is separated from the limestone district of Et Tyh ( ), by the narrow plain of Er Ramleh, a desert of red sand. There are three mountain groups: Serbal on the West, Sinai in the center, and Katerin south of Sinai; all nearly bare of foliage, but peculiarly beautiful in colors the most varied. A belt of sand borders the shore of the two arms of the Red Sea. The granite is the same kind as the red sienite, found at Assouan, on the Nile, of which the temples in Egypt were built. In Sinai, itself, the base is of a coarser quality than the peak, which has more quartz. Mount Katerin is nearly all porphyry. There is a difference of opinion as to which peak is the Sinai of Moses and the Law; some claiming Serbal with its ancient inscriptions, and others Sufsafa, with its convent, pit, and chapel. Both answer some of the requirements of the text, but neither all of the points. , .

Sincere (Greek: adolos, guileless, pure, 1 Peter 2:2). Greek: eilikrines, judged of in sunlight ( Philippians 1:10).

Sinim ( Isaiah 49:12). The Chinese.

Sinite ( Genesis 10:17). The fortress of Sinna is mentioned by Strabo (xvi. 756) as in Mount Lebanon. The ruins of Sini were known in the days of Jerome (Genesis loc. cit.). Sion A name of Mount Hermon ( Deuteronomy 4:48).

Siphmoth (“bare-places”) Place in the south of Judah, which David frequented during his wandering ( 1 Samuel 30:28). Site unknown.

Sippai Son of , or “The Giant” ( 1 Chronicles 20:4).

Sirach .

Sirah the well (“a going off”) ( 2 Samuel 3:26), one mile out of Hebron.

Sirion The Sidonian name for Mount Hermon ( Deuteronomy 3:9; Psalm 29:6).

Sisamai (“distinguished”) A descendant of She Shah ( 1 Chronicles 2:40).

Sisera (“battle-array”) 1. A general in the army of Jabin, king of Hazor ( Judges 4:5). 2. One who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:53).

Sisinnes (1 Esdras 6:3).

Sister (Hebrew: AHOTH , Greek: adelphe), used to denote one who is the daughter of the same parents ( Genesis 4:22), or the same parent ( Leviticus 18:9,11); also, one of the same faith ( Romans 16:1).

Sitnah (“hatred”) The second of the two wells dug by Isaac ( Genesis 26:21). Site lost.

Sivan . Slave (Hebrew: EBED ), Greek: somata).

Servitude, under the Mosaic law, was more that of bondman than slave. In the patriarchal period the servitude was of two kinds: those slaves or servants born in the house, and those who were purchased or taken in war ( Genesis 17:13). Those born in the house often enjoyed the utmost confidence and privilege. This was illustrated in the case of Abraham commissioning his servant to select a wife for Isaac. Servitude under the law was much restricted ( Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24). Debt, or poverty, were causes for servitude ( Leviticus 25:39,40); also, it was the penalty for theft ( Exodus 22:1-14), the servitude ceasing when an equivalent of labor had been paid. All Hebrew bondmen were released in the year of Jubilee ( Leviticus 25:47-54). Foreign slaves were not so treated. They could become the property of the Hebrews, as captives of war ( Deuteronomy 20:14), or by purchase from the dealers ( Leviticus 25:44). The slave trade is mentioned as being carried on with Tyre by Javan (Greeks), Tubal and Meshech ( Ezekiel 27:13). Joseph was the first person recorded as having been sold into slavery ( Genesis 37:27,28). Slaves were employed upon menial work ( Leviticus 25:39) in the household, and in attendance upon the master. It was a duty of female slaves to grind grain ( Exodus 11:5; Job 31:10; Isaiah 47:2). Sleep Slumber or repose of the body ( Genesis 28:11). Used to denote ( Jeremiah 51:39), or spiritual torpor ( Romans 13:11).

Slime Hebrew: HEMAR, asphaltos and bitumen ( Genesis 11:3). Found on and near the Dead Sea. It is commonly found in a solid state, but when heated and used as a mortar, it becomes hard as the rocks it cements together.

Sling An instrument much used before the invention of fire-arms ( Judges 20:16; 1 Samuel 17:48-50).

Smith An artificer in brass, iron, etc.; first mentioned in Genesis 4:22. .

Smyrna ( Revelation 2:8-11). Designed by Alexander the Great, and built by his successors Antigonus and Lysimachus, near the site of the ancient city of the same had been destroyed by the Lydians 400 years before). It stood at the head of a gulf of the Aegean Sea, by the mouth of the river Meles, having a range of mountains on three sides of it. Tiberius granted the city permission to erect a temple in honor of the Roman emperor and senate. John ( Revelation 2:9) probably referred to the pagan rites in his letter to the church in Smyrna. . The only ancient ruins are on the mountains, south. On the summit is a ruined castle. So convenient has it been to carry away antiquities that Smyrna has been nearly stripped. Van Lennep, the missionary, found a great number of small articles in the dirt-heap of the ancient city’ rings, seals, lamps, household gods, and many other articles, more or less broken (except the seals), and probably thrown away as rubbish, or lost. In the time of Strabo it was one of the most beautiful cities in all Asia (Minor). There were a library and museum, with grand porticoes, dedicated to Homer (claimed as a native); an Odeum, and a temple to the Olympian Zeus. The Olympian games were celebrated. Polycarp was martyred here, being condemned by the Jews also.

Snail (Hebrew: SHABLUL ). In Leviticus 11:30 a sort of lizard; and in Psalm 58:8 the common slug or snail without a shell, which consumes away and dies by depositing its slime wherever it passes. 1.

SHABLUL. The Septuagint says “melted wax” in Psalm 53:9 (8 A. V). 2. CHOMET. The name of an unclean animal in Leviticus 11:30. Perhaps a lizard or a chameleon. Snare (Hebrew: MOKESH, “pah”). A noose for catching birds ( Job 40:24). Snow (Hebrew: SHELEG; Aramaic: telag; Greek: chion ). It is often alluded to for its whiteness Exodus 4:6; Numbers 12:10; in Proverbs 25:13, “ as the cold of snow in time of harvest” alludes to its use in cool drinks for the reapers. The snow lies deep in the ravines of Lebanon until late in the summer. The summit of Hermon perpetually glistens with snow. Snow, as actually falling, is alluded to but twice ( Samuel 23:20; 1 Macc. 13:22). Job refers to its supposed cleansing effects when melted ( Job 9:30), and to the rapid melting under the rays of the sun ( Job 24:19), and floods following ( Job 6:16). In Psalm 68:14, thick-falling snow is alluded to as a synonym for a host flying from defeat, probably with white dresses or turbans. Snow lies deep on Lebanon and Hermon late in the summer, from whence it is carried to the cities for cooling drinks. It never leaves the highest peaks of Lebanon or Hermon. ( , ).

Snuffers 1. MEZAMEROTOR, forceps). Snuffers for lamps ( 1 Kings 7:50). 2. MELKAHAYIM ( Exodus 37:23), tongs.

So (Hebrew: SEVECH orSEVEC). A deity represented in the form of a crocodile. So, King of Egypt, made an alliance with Hosea, king of Israel, and promised him assistance, but was unable to prevent the king of Assyria from taking Samaria, B.C. 721 ( Kings 17:4). In the remains of Sennacherib’s palace, recently disentombed, among the seals was found one of So, well known to students of Egyptian antiquities.

Soap (Hebrew: BORITH , ( Jeremiah 2:22). A term for any substance of cleaning qualities. The soap familiar to us was unknown to the Egyptians, and probably to the ancients generally. They used certain vegetables and their ashes for cleansing linen, etc. Numerous plants, yielding alkalies, exist in Palestine, which, when pounded, serve as a substitute for soap. The gilloo or “soap-plant” of Egypt is used in the manufacture of soap at Joppa.

Socho ( 1 Chronicles 4:18). .

Sochoh (“branches”) ( 1 Kings 4:10).

Socoh 1. ( Joshua 15:35). In the Shefelah, now called Esh Shuweikah, in Wady Sumt, 3 1/2 miles southwest of Jerusalem. 2. ( Joshua 15:48). Judah, in the hill region. Now called Esh Shuweikah in Wady Khalil, 10 miles southwest of Hebron ( 1 Chronicles 4:18).

Sod The preterite of seethe, to burn or cook.

Sodi (“confident of Jah”) Father of Gaddiel ( Numbers 13:10). Sodom (“vineyard” or “burning”) One of the most ancient cities of Canaan, in the Jordan valley, the chief of the five cities ( Genesis 10:19). The plain was once like a garden, and was chosen by Lot, when Abram chose Canaan ( Genesis 13:10). As the two patriarchs were standing on a height between Bethel and Ai they could see Jericho and the Jordan plain (calledKIKKAR in the Hebrew, a term peculiar to this district alone); while they could not see the south end of the Dead Sea. But opposed to this is the event of Abraham looking toward the plain, and seeing the smoke go up as from a furnace ( Genesis 19:28). And that from no height near Hebron can the Jordan plain near Jericho be seen, while the south end of the Dead Sea and the Lisan are distinctly visible. There is a salt mountain called Usdum (Sodom) on the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea, which may have inherited and preserved the name of the ancient city, but the site of that city is lost.

Sodomite (“one from Sodom”) One of those who practiced their peculiar religious rite ( Deuteronomy 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24).

Solder That the ancient Hebrews were acquainted with the use of solder is evident from Isaiah 41:7. Nothing is known as to the composition of the solder, but, probably, lead was one of the materials used. Soldier . Soldiers are first mentioned in 2 Chronicles 25:13; and in Ezra ( Ezra 8:22), and Isaiah ( Isaiah 15:4), and many times in the New Testament Paul alludes to fighting as a soldier ( 1 Corinthians 9:26), as also James ( James 4:2), as well as nearly every writer in the Scriptures. The Christian’s life is the life of a soldier, constantly in the armor of faith, fighting against evil. Solomon In Hebrew, (“the peaceful”). The youngest son of David and Bathsheba ( 1 Chronicles 3:5). He was educated under the care of Nathan, the prophet, in all that the priests, Levites, and prophets had to teach, and was named by him Jedidiah (“loved of Jah”), ( Samuel 12:25). He was only looked upon as the heir of the throne after Absalom’s revolt and death; and only after Adonijah endeavored to seize the throne, Solomon was anointed by Nathan, and solemnly acknowledged as king, at the age of 19 or 20, 1015 B.C. ( 1 Kings 1:5). David died soon after. From that time his history is nearly that of the nation. It is supposed by some that his personal appearance is the subject of the Shulamite’s language in the Canticles ( Song of Solomon 5:10). His great wealth, which had been accumulated by David through many years, cannot be computed by our system, because the figures in the original accounts of the sum set apart for the Temple are uncertain, and vary in the two records: in 1 Chronicles 22:14, the sum being stated at 100,000 talents of gold, and 1,000,000 of silver, and in 1 Chronicles 29:4, at 3,000 talents of gold, and 1,000 of silver. The sources of this wealth were many, for Solomon was a merchant as well as a monarch (2 Chronicles 8— 10). The exports were, wheat, barley, oil, wine, wool, silk, hides, fruit, and other articles. His ships (in care of or assisted by the Tyrians) navigated the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and to the regions beyond; trading in gold, precious stones, ivory, apes, spice, aria scented woods. Besides the ships, caravans of camels were, probably, used across the Syrian desert, and to the Red Sea and Egypt: which called for the building of Tadmor (Palmyra), and the fortifying of Thapsacus, on the Euphrates, and Ezion-geber on the Red Sea. The visit of the Queen of Sheba was one of the results of this commercial contact, and her very rich presents show the extreme value of their trade (1 Kings 10) Solomon’s fame was established by the building of the great Temple at Jerusalem (1 Kings 6); but besides that he built his own palace, the queen’s palace, the house of the forest of Lebanon, a grand porch, and the porch of judgment (law court). He had increased the walls of the city, and fortified Millo and other strongholds in different parts of the land ( 2 Chronicles 32:5; 2 Chronicles 8). In the work of building the Temple especially (and probably in all others) he employed slaves, of whom the Jews held at that time no less than 153,000, who were, it may be, Hittites ( 2 Chronicles 2:17). In this he followed the example of the Pharaohs, as he did also in state ceremony and display. As soon as Nathan and Zadok, his father’s counselors, were dead, he began to lower the standard of religious purity, by building shrines to heathen gods, although two sons of Nathan and a son of Zadok were among his advisers ( 1 Kings 11:33). ( ). This grant of indulgence to his heathen wives might have had a political motive ( Kings 3:16). it is quite probable that Solomon himself was a believer in, if not one who actually practiced the soothsayer’s or magician’s arts, for which he has, from his time to the present, had a reputation everywhere in the East. It is in accordance with Eastern royalty that Solomon sometimes acted as a judge in cases of oppression, as in the case of the two children; and it may be that his porch of judgment contained his stated council and judicial chamber. His harem was established on a magnificent scale; and he made a grand display of the chief luxury of wealth, in the number of his women, and especially in marrying an Egyptian princess (1 Kings 11). By these practices, and the idolatries which his foreign wives led him into, he lost the hearts of the prophets, and lost for his posterity the rule of the ten tribes. The most of this evil is charged by some to the influence of his mother, Bathsheba, who was grand-daughter to Ahithophel, who was renowned through all Israel for worldly wisdom and political sagacity. It is to be regretted that we have not more of the writings of Solomon, and also that we do not even know certainly what he wrote of the books that are now attributed to him. After the return from the Captivity, the Rabbis of the Great Synagogue made extracts from the well-known books of law, history, poetry, and proverbs, accepting and preserving only a small part. These represent in the Canticles the young man, passionate but pure; in the Proverbs, the middle-aged man, with a practical, prudential thought, searching into the depths of man’s heart, resting all duty on the fear of God; and in the Preacher, the old man, who had become a moralist, having passed through the stages of a philosopher and of a mystic, now made confession of his “crime of sense,” and he could only realize that weariness which sees all earthly things only as vanity of vanities. The immense influence which Solomon produced, on his own and later ages, is seen in the fact that men have claimed his great name for even the noblest thoughts of other authors — as in the Book of Wisdom, and possibly in Ecclesiastes — and have woven an endless fabric of fantastic fables, Jewish, Arabian, and Christian. Spells and charms of his invention (of which the famous seal of Solomon is an example) are supposed to have a power over disease, and evil spirits, which he conquered and cast into the sea; and magicians have “swarmed” in the Old World, who mingled his name in their incantations. His wisdom interpreted the speech of birds and beasts; and he knew the hidden virtues (mystic) of plants. His magic ring revealed to him the past, the present, and the future. And finally, all vast works, especially of architecture, of past time, whose history is lost, are credited to him. The New Testament does not add to our knowledge of Solomon, but gives us his true measure as a man and a king, in a single sentence, which declares that in the humblest work of God, as a lily, there is a grace, and beauty, and purity, not equaled by all Solomon’s glory ( Matthew 6:29).

Solomon’s Servants, Children of ( Ezra 2:56,58; Nehemiah 7:57,60). These appear in the lists of the exiles who returned from Captivity. They occupy almost the lowest places in those lists.

Solomon’s Song . Solomon, Wisdom of .

Son (Hebrew: ben; Greek: huios ). A male child ( Genesis 17:16,19), or any remote descendant ( Genesis 19:5), or a son, by adoption ( Genesis 16:15), or by law ( Ruth 4:17), or education ( 1 Samuel 3:6), or conversion ( Titus 1:4). And it also denotes a mental or moral resemblance ( Judges 19:22). Men are sometimes called sons of God ( Luke 2:38) in a similar sense.

Son of God A peculiar appellation of Christ, expressing His eternal relationship to the Father ( Psalm 2:7). Christ always claimed to be the only begotten son of the Father ( Matthew 4:3; 8:29; 27:54); and the Jews rightly understood him as thus making himself equal with God ( John 5:18; 10:30-33).

Son of Man A title of Christ, assumed by Himself in His humiliation ( John 1:51). It is applied to Him more than eighty times in the New Testament .

Sopator (a contraction of ). The son of Pyrrhus.

Sophereth (“scribe”) Ancestor of children of Solomon’s servants, who returned from Captivity ( Ezra 2:55).

Sophonias ZEPHANIAH (2 Esdras 1:40).

South Hebrew: DAROM , “bright, sunny, region”; NEGEB , “dry, parched quarter”; TEYMAN , “on the right hand”. “The South Country” is often used for the southern part of Judah ( Genesis 20:1).

South Ramoth (“heights south”) One of the places David visited ( 1 Samuel 30:27).

Sower . Spain The ancient name of both Spain and Portugal, and a Roman province in Paul’s time, containing many Jews. It is not certain that Paul carried out his intention of visiting Spain ( Romans 15:24,28), since neither he nor any other writer of his time has left any evidence of such a visit. Sparrow (Hebrew: ZIPPOR ; Greek: strouthion). Psalm 84:3; Matthew 10:29,31). A small bird, with its brown quill and tail feathers. Its body is gray and black; resembling the small chirping bird. It is bold and familiar in its habits. These birds are still numerous, troublesome, and cheap, in Jerusalem ( Luke 12:6).

Sparta A celebrated city of ancient , and the capital of Laconia. It was long the rival of . Situated in a valley, on the Eurotas, 20 miles from the sea. The remarkable correspondence related in 2 Macc. 5:9, probably had no foundation in history.

Sorek (“noble vine”), Samson loved a woman in the valley of Sorek ( Judges 16:4). Wady es Surar.

Sosipater (“saving a father”) 1. A general of Judas Maccabaeus (2 Macc. 12:19-24). 2. Kinsman of Paul ( Romans 16:21).

Sosthenes Chief of the synagogue at Corinth ( Acts 18:17).

Sostratus (“saving an army”) A commander of the Syrian garrison, B.C. 172 (2 Macc. 4:27,29).

Sotai (“one who turns aside”) Ancestor of a family of Solomon’s servants who returned from Captivity ( Ezra 2:55). Soul 1. NEDIBAH ( Job 30:15), elevated and happy state. 2. NEFESH, more than 500 times ( Genesis 2:7; 12:5,13). The meanings are: a. breath ( Job 41:13) b. vital spirit, soul ( Genesis 35:18) c. life ( Exodus 4:19) d. ghost ( Job 11:20) e. pleasure ( <19A522> Psalm 105:22) 3. NESHAMAH, breath; also blast ( 2 Samuel 2:16; Job 4:9); “spirit,” “inspiration.” 4. Greek: psuche ( Matthew 10:28), the vital breath, life; properly, the soul. The ancients supposed the soul, or rather the animating principle of life, to reside in the breath. Hence, the Hebrew and Greek words where they refer to man are translated “soul” and rendered “life” or “breath” ( Genesis 2:7). The immortality of the soul is a fundamental doctrine of revealed religion. The ancient patriarchs lived and died persuaded of this truth, and it was in the hope of another life that they received the promises ( Genesis 50:33; Numbers 23:10). To save the souls of men, Christ gave himself freely to death. Spearmen (Greek: dexiolaboi , those taking the right). 200 formed part of the escort which accompanied in his march from Jerusalem to Caesarea ( Acts 23:23). Spice, Spicery, Spices (Hebrew: BASAM, BESEM , Song of Solomon 5:1).

Sweet spices, incense, or spices; a general term to denote those aromatic substances which were used in the preparation of the anointing oil, the incense-offerings ( Exodus 25:6; 31:11).

Spider (Hebrew: AKKABISH ), ( Job 8:14; Isaiah 59:5). Both passages allude to the fragile nature of the spider’s web. They are found in every habitable portion of the globe, but are largest in warm climates.

Spikenard (Hebrew: NERD , Greek: nardos ). A highly-perfumed ointment, prepared from a plant in India growing in short spikes. Prized by the ancients, and was a favorite perfume at their baths and banquets. It was very costly ( John 12:3).

Spinning Spinning is mentioned in Exodus 35:25,26; Matthew 6:28; Luke 12:27. The distaff round which the flax or wool for spinning was wound, and spindle on which the yarn or thread was wound in spinning. The spindle was held in one hand, while the other was employed in drawing out the thread.

Spirit Spirit, the Holy (Hebrew: NESHAMAH ; Latin: spiritus ). The Third person of the Trinity. The Spirit of God. The character and influence of the Holy Spirit are chiefly shown in the New Testament That which was but imperfectly understood in patriarchal times became full of meaning to Christians. It is called the Holy Spirit of Jehovah in Psalm 53:10,11, the Good Spirit, Jehovah, in <19E310> Psalm 143:10. In the work of the creation the Holy Spirit is mentioned ( Genesis 1:2). As the bestower and sustainer of life ( Genesis 2:7; Job 27:3). From the epoch of Samuel, the work of the Spirit is manifest ( 1 Samuel 10:10; 16:14; 2 Kings 2:9; Nehemiah 9:30; Isaiah 11:27). In the New Testament, both preceding and after the birth of Christ, the agency of the Holy Spirit was especially prominent in its manifestations. The presence of the Holy Spirit is constantly associated with the birth and life of Christ and the work of His disciples. The holy conception was of the Spirit ( Matthew 1:18). The Holy Spirit openly appeared at Christ’s baptism by John, and afterward led Him into the wilderness ( Luke 4:1). In Christ’s charge to the apostles are the words: “For, it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” ( Matthew 10:20; also in John 14:16; Acts 1:8). It was probably to correct the prevailing ignorance upon this subject that Christ condemned the blasphemers of the Holy Ghost ( Matthew 12:31). From the date of the Ascension commenced what is termed the “Dispensation of the Spirit” ( Ephesians 4:8; John 7:39). Christ ordained that Christians should be baptized in the name of the Holy Ghost ( Matthew 28:19). The rite of “laying on of hands” in its relation to the Holy Spirit is referred to in Acts 6:6, etc.

Sponge (Greek: spongos ). Belong to the animal kingdom. They have, when living, an apparently homogeneous jelly filling their pores and covering their surface. They come mostly from the Mediterranean and Bahama Islands. The value of the sponge was known from very early times, and was probably used by the Hebrews ( Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36).

Spoon (Hebrew: KAPH , palm or hollow), ( Exodus 25:29).

Stachys (“an ear of grain”). A disciple at Rome saluted by Paul ( Romans 16:9).

Stacte (Hebrew: NATAF ). One of the sweet spices in the holy incense ( Exodus 30:34). From the myrrh tree, the natural gum; myrrh being artificially produced by incisions. Stars (“Star of the Wise Men”). A general name for any of the heavenly bodies, except the Sun and Moon ( Genesis 1:16). .

Stater (“standard”). A piece of money. Steel . Stephanas (“crowned”). A convert of Corinth ( 1 Corinthians 1:16; 16:15). Stephen (Syriac: Chelil, a crown). The first Christian martyr; chief of the first seven deacons of the early Church of Jerusalem. He denounced the narrowness of Jewish worship ( Acts 6:13,14). His continual attacks upon the Jewish ritual and worship caused his being charged with blasphemy before the Sanhedrin. In this tribunal the Pharisees were in the majority. In his defense he gave a critically just and true summary of the Jewish Church: denouncing the local worship, and bringing out clearly the spiritual element in its history; and he showed that in the previous Jewish history the presence of God was not limited to the Temple at Jerusalem; and that there was among the Jews, from the earliest, a spirit of intolerance. He addressed them with calmness ( Acts 6:15), but his words were received with anger. He was sentenced to be stoned to death, and ‘the sentence was at once executed, Saul of Tarsus (Paul) consenting and assisting ( Acts 7:58; 8:1). He died with the greatest firmness ( Acts 7:60). The gate now called St. Stephen’s Gate, at Jerusalem, is on the east side of the city. In the time of the Crusades it was on the north side, at what is now called Damascus Gate, near the probable site of the crucifixion on the hillock, over the so-called cave of Jeremiah, near which it is also probable that Stephen was stoned.

Stocks (Hebrew: MAHPEKETH ). In which the body was placed in a bent position; SAD, when the feet alone were confined. They consisted of two beams, the upper one movable, with grooves between them large enough to receive the ankles of the prisoner. They were often erected in market-places, that the insults of the people might be added to the pain of confinement ( Job 13:27; Jeremiah 20:2).

Stoics A sect of fatalistic heathen philosophers, so named from the Greek word stoa, “porch,’ or portico, because Zeno, its founder, held his school in a porch of the city, more than three centuries before Christ ( Acts 17:18). .

Stomacher An ornament or support to the breast. Hebrew: PETHIGIL , a sort of girdle ( Isaiah 3:24). . Stones Were used for building ( Mark 13:1). Some were very large. Also for pavements ( 2 Kings 16:17). Large stones were used for closing the entrances of caves ( Joshua 10:18). Flint stones sometimes served for a knife ( Exodus 4:25). Stones were used in slings as ammunition of war ( 1 Samuel 17:49,49), as weights for scales ( Deuteronomy 25:13), and for mills ( 2 Samuel 11:21). Large stones were set up to commemorate any remarkable event ( Genesis 28:18). Such stones were occasionally consecrated by ( Genesis 28:18). The heathens worshiped stones ( Isaiah 57:6). . Stones Precious Store A quantity ( Genesis 26:14).

Stork (Hebrew: HASIDAH , kindness or mercy). It has the beak and legs long and red; it feeds on field-mice, lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects. Its plumage is white, with the tips of its wings, and some small part of its head and thighs black. Storks migrate to southern countries in August and return in Spring. They are still much venerated among the common people in Europe and Asia ( Jeremiah 8:7; Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18). The Mohammedans allow them to make their nests on the roofs of their mosques, and feed them very generously, holding them in superstitious reverence.

Strain at (Greek: diulizo, strain out). There can be little doubt that this obscure phrase is due to an error, and the true reading is “strain out” ( Matthew 23:24). Strange Woman (Hebrew: ZONAH KEDESHAH ). Used for foreign in some passages, and as being the wife of another, or, at least, one who has no business with the person whom she tempts (Proverbs 51:16,17). An adulteress. Stranger (Hebrew: GER, TOSHAB ). A foreigner; one not an Israelite, living in the Promised Land. Explained by some to be all those not members of the Jewish Church; not the “foreigner” (Hebrew: NOCHRI ) who was merely visiting the land as a traveler. The mixed multitude that went out of Egypt with the children of Israel ( Exodus 12:38); the original Canaanites, captives of war, fugitives, hired servants, etc., were all called foreigners. They equaled one-tenth of the whole population in Solomon’s time ( 2 Chronicles 2:17). If the stranger was a bondman he had to be circumcised ( Exodus 12:44); and without this rite, if he were even independent, he could not be admitted to full privileges. The number of strangers who were slaves in Solomon’s time were very great — probably 150,000.

Straw (TEBEN ). Both wheat and barley stray were used by the ancient Hebrews chiefly as fodder for their cattle ( Genesis 24:25). It was used by the Egyptians in making bricks ( Exodus 5:7,16). They reaped their grain close to the ear and cut the straw close to the ground. This was the straw that Pharaoh refused to give to the Israelites, and they were therefore compelled to gather STUBBLE (Hebrew: KASH ), the short straw left standing ( Isaiah 5:24).

Straw, to To strew, to scatter ( Exodus 32:20). Stream of Egypt , the ( Isaiah 27:12). Street (Hebrew: HUZ, REHOB, SHUK ; Greek: plateia, rhume ). .

Stringed Instruments . Stripes PUNISHMENTS. Strong Drink . Stubble (Hebrew: KASH ). .

Suah (“a sweeping”).

Son of Zophah ( 1 Chronicles 7:36).

Suba Ancestor of sons of Solomon’s servants who returned from Captivity ( Chronicles 7:36).

Subai SHALMAI (1 Esdras 5:30).

Suburbs (Hebrew: MIGRASH ). A place where herds are driven to graze, a pasture ( 1 Chronicles 5:16). Especially the open country round the Levitical cities ( Leviticus 25:34). According to the Talmud, and most English expositors, the space from the wall outward measured 1,500 feet ( Numbers 35:4), and was used as a common or suburb; and the space from without the city on the east side ( Numbers 35:5) was 3,000, and used for fields and vineyards.

Succoth (“booths”) ( Genesis 33:17). 1. Where Jacob built booths (of reeds, long grass, branches of trees, etc.), and thus gave the place a name. Sakut is a ruin ten miles south of Began, on the west bank of the Jordan, where there is a copious spring in a fertile plain. But this is on the wrong side of the Jordan, for it belonged to Gad ( Joshua 13:27). The name may have been transferred across the river.

Succoth was mentioned as being near the clay ground where the metal work for Solomon’s Temple was cast. 2. A station of the Wandering ( Exodus 12:37). Site lost.

Succoth-benoth Occurs only in 2 Kings 17:30. It represents the Chaldaean goddess, , the wife of , who was especially worshiped at Babylon.

Suchathites (“descendants of a Suchah”) A family of Scribes at Jabez ( 1 Chronicles 2:5) Sud ( 1 ) A river near Babylon, on whose banks the Jewish captives lived.

Sud ( 2 ) or (1 Esdras 5:29).

Sudias and (1 Esdras 5:26).

Suet (Hebrew: YEKEB ). Press-fat ( Joel 2:24).

Sukkiim (Hebrew: SUKKIYIM, dwelling in booths). A nation mentioned ( 2 Chronicles 12:3), as supplying part of the army which came out of Egypt with Shishak. Summer . Summer Fruit (KAYIZ, fruit-harvest ). Fruit, especially figs, as harvested in summer ( 2 Samuel 16:1,2). There are many summer fruits in Palestine, and scarcely a month where there are not-fruits of some kind to be had.

Sun (Hebrew: SHEMESH; Greek: helios ). The great luminary of the day, which furnishes so many similitudes to the Hebrew poets, as well as those of all nations ( Judges 5:31; Proverbs 4:18; Luke 1:78,79; John 8:12). For the idolatrous worship of the sun, . .

Sundial ( Isaiah 38:8). . Superstition (Greek: deisidaimonia, fear of the gods). Excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of religious rites not commanded ( Acts 25:19; 17:22).

Suphah Translated Red Sea in Numbers 21:14. The modern name is Yam Suf. .

Sur One of the places on the seacoast of Palestine ( Judges 2:28).

Sur, the Gate of ( 2 Kings 11:6). A gate of the Temple, called also “the gate of the foundation” ( Chronicles 23:5).

Suretiship One who makes himself responsible for the safe appearance of another ( Genesis 44:32; Proverbs 22:26), or the payment of his debts. Christ is the “surety of a better testament” ( Hebrews 7:22).

Susa SHUSHAN (Esther 11:3).

Susanchites, People of SHUSHAN ( Ezra 4:9).

Susanna (“a lily”) 1. The heroine of the Judgment of Daniel, or History of Susanna, in the Apocrypha. 2. One of the women who ministered to the Lord ( Luke 8:3).

Susi (“horseman”). Father of Gaddi ( Numbers 13:11). Swallow (Hebrew: DEROR and AGUR , “swallow” “crane”) The well-known bird of passage, common in our country, Europe and the East ( Isaiah 38:14).

Swan The translation of the Hebrew: TINSHEMETH in Leviticus 11:18, and Deuteronomy 14:16. Some think it the purple hen or water fowl Swearing . Sweat, Bloody ( Luke 22:44). A peculiar physical accompaniment of the agony in the garden.

Sweet . Swine (Hebrew: HAZIR ; Greek: choiros, bus ). A well-known animal forbidden as food to the Hebrews, who held its flesh in such detestation that they would not pronounce its name ( Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8; Isaiah 65:4; 66:3,17; Matthew 8:32; Luke 5:14,16; 2 Peter 2:22; Matthew 17:6.) Sycamore (Hebrew: SHIKMAH, Greek: sukaminos ), ( Luke 17:6). A tree of Egypt and Palestine, the fruit of which resembles the fig ( 1 Kings 10:27). It grows to the size of a walnut tree, has wide spreading branches, and affords a delightful shade, and is planted by the road sides. Its leaves are heart-shaped, downy on the under side and fragrant. The fruit grows from the trunk itself on little sprigs, and in clusters like the grape. To make the fruit eatable, three or four days before gathering it is punctured with a sharp instrument ( Amos 7:14). The wood is very durable; Egyptian mummy coffins made of it being still perfectly sound. These trees were held in great value ( 1 Chronicles 27:28), and it was one of Egypt’s calamities that her sycamores were destroyed ( Psalm 78:47). The sycamore of America and of England are very different from those of the Scriptures.

Sycamine Tree (Greek: sukaminos ). A species of the mulberry tree (morus). Both black and white mulberry trees are common in Syria and Palestine, and are largely cultivated for supplying food to the silkworm ( Luke 17:6).

Sychar (“falsehood”) ( John 4:5). A city of Samaria. ( .) Named so from the false worship on Mount Gerizim ( John 4:22; Hab. 2:18).

Sychem .

Sychemite, the Inhabitants of ( Judges 5:16).

Syelus (1 Esdras 1:8) Syene Properly Sereneh ( Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6). From Migdol to Syene was a term for the whole extent of Egypt. Migdol was the last town in Egypt toward the east, and Syene was the last toward the south, and is now known by its ancient name. Its Egyptian name was SUN, which meant “to open,” that is, the opening into Egypt from the south.

Symeon SIMON ( 2 Peter 1:1).

Symphony A harmony of sounds ( Daniel 3:5). Synagogue I. History. — The word Synagogue (Greek: sunagoge ), which means a “congregation,” is used in the New Testament to signify a recognized place of worship. A knowledge of the history and worship of the synagogues is of great importance, since they are the characteristic institution of the later phase of Judaism. We cannot separate them from the most intimate connection with our Lord’s life and ministry. In them he worshipped in his youth and in his manhood. They were the scenes, too, of no small portion of his work. We know too little of the life of Israel, both before and under the monarchy, to be able to say with certainty whether there was anything at all corresponding to the synagogues of later date. They appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship, and to have received their full development on the return of the Jews from captivity. The whole history of Ezra presupposes the habit of solemn, probably of periodic, meetings ( Ezra 8:15; Nehemiah 8:2; 9:1; Zechariah 7:5). The “ancient days” of which James speaks ( Acts 15:21) may, at least, go back so far. After the Maccabaean struggle lot independence, we find almost every town of village had its one or more synagogues. II. Structure. — The size of a synagogue varied with the population. Its position was, however, determinate. It stood, if possible, on the highest ground, in or near the city to which it belonged. And its direction too was fixed. Jerusalem was the Kibleh of Jewish devotion. The synagogue was so constructed that the worshippers as they entered, and as they prayed, looked toward it. In the internal arrangement of the synagogue we trace an obvious analogy to the type of the Tabernacle. At the upper or Jerusalem end stood the ark, the chest which like the alder and more sacred ark, contained the Book of the Law. Here were the “chief seats,” after which Pharisees and Scribes strove so eagerly ( Matthew 23:6), to which the wealthy and honored worshipper was invited ( James 2:2,3). III. Officers. — In smaller towns there was often but one Rabbi. The most prominent functionary in a large synagogue was known as the Sheliach, the officiating minister who acted as the delegate of the congregation. The Chazzan or “minister” of the synagogue ( Luke 4:20) had duties of a lower kind, resembling those of the Christian deacon or sub-deacon. Besides these there were ten men attached to every synagogue, known as the Batlanim. IV. Worship. — It will be enough to notice in what way the ritual, no less than the organization, was connected with the facts of the New Testament history, and with the life and order of the Christian Church. From the synagogue came the use of fixed forms of prayer. To that the first disciples had been accustomed from their youth. They had asked their Master to give them a distinctive one, and he had complied with their request ( Luke 6:1), as the Baptist had done before for his disciples, as every Rabbi did for his. The large admixture of a didactic element in Christian worship, that by which it was distinguished from all Gentile forms of adoration, was derived from the older order. “Moses” was “read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day” ( Acts 20:21), the whole Law being read consecutively, so as to be completed, according to one cycle, in three years. The writings of the prophets were read as second lessons in a corresponding order. They were followed by the Derash ( Acts 13:15), the exposition, the sermon of the synagogue. The conformity extends also to the times of prayer. In the hours of service this was obviously the case. The third, sixth, and ninth hours were in the times of the New Testament ( Acts 3:1; 10:3,9), and had been probably for some time before ( Psalm 4:17; Daniel 6:10), the fixed times of devotion. The same hours, it is well known, were recognized in the Church of the second, probably in that of the first century also. The solemn days of the synagogue were the second, the fifth, and the seventh, the last or Sabbath being the conclusion of the whole. The transfer of the sanctity of the Sabbath to the Lord’s Day involved a corresponding change in the order of the week, and the first, the fourth, and the sixth became to the Christian society what the other days had been to the Jewish. From the synagogue, lastly, come many less conspicuous practices, which meet us in the liturgical life of the first three centuries: Ablution, entire or partial, before entering the place of meeting ( Hebrews 10:22; John 13:1-15); standing, and not kneeling, as the attitude of prayer ( Luke 18:11); the arms stretched out; the face turned toward the Kibleh of the East; the responsive amen of the congregation to the prayers and benedictions of the elders ( Corinthians 14:16). V. Judicial Functions. — The language of the New Testament shows that the officers of the synagogue exercised in certain cases a judicial power. It is not quite so easy, however, to define the nature of the tribunal and the precise limits of its jurisdiction. In two of the passages referred to ( Matthew 10:17; Mark 13:9) they are carefully distinguished from the councils. It seems probable that the council was the larger tribunal of 23 men which sat in every city, and that under the term synagogue we are to understand a small, court, probably that of the ten judges mentioned in the Talmud. Here also we trace the outline of a Christian institution. The Church, either by itself or by appointed delegates, was to act as a Court of Arbitration in all disputes among its members. Synagogue, the Great On the return of the Jews from Babylon, a great council was appointed, according to Rabbinic tradition, to reorganize the religious life of the people. It consist of 120 members, and these were known as the men of the Great Synagogue, the successors of the prophets, themselves, in their turn, succeeded by scribes prominent, individually, as teachers. Ezra was recognized as president; Their aim was to restore again the crown, or glory, or Israel. To this end they collected all the sacred writings of former ages and their own, and so completed the canon of the Old Testament. They instituted the feast of Purlin and organized the ritual of the synagogue. The narrative of Nehemiah 8:13 implies the existence of a body of men acting as councilors under the presidency of Ezra; and these may have been an assembly of delegates from all provincial synagogues — a synod of the National Church.

Syntyche (“happy choice”) A woman, and a member of the Church of Philippi ( Philippians 4:2,3). Syracuse On the east coast of Sicily. A wealthy and populous place when visited by Paul ( Acts 28:12). Taken by the Romans in 200 years B.C. Syria (from TSUR, Tyre); ARAM (“high”) in the Hebrew. Aram was the fifth son of Shem ( Genesis 10:22). Called Aram in Numbers 23:7. The country he settled is called Aram or Syria, and extended from the Mediterranean Sea to the Tigris, and from Canaan to Mount Taurus, and had six names for its different sections, for which see . The country is divided into long, narrow sections, from north to south. 1. Plains next to the sea, extending from the Ladder of Tyre to the Taurus, including the plains of Phoenicia, of Seleucia, and of the Issus. 2. The range of mountains called in the north, Areanus and Bargylus, and in the south, Lebanon. 3. The valley between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon, Coele, or Hollow Syria. — The mountain range rising north of Aleppo, and ending at Mount Hermon. 4. The Syrian desert, extending to the Euphrates. The principal rivers are the Orontes, (El Asy, the rebellious), and the Litany. The source of the Orontes is a little north of Baalbek, where, within a few miles, a stream from both Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon unite to form the stream, flowing northeast: It passes through a lake, six miles long by two miles wide, near Emesa (HUMS); a little below Hamath it receives a branch; being turned west by the Areanus, it receives the Kava Su (Black river), flows by Antioch, and empties into the sea; having a course of 200 miles. The Litany rises from a small lake, six miles southwest of Baalbek, and runs south until it is turned west by the hills of Galilee, when it reaches the sea five miles north of Tyre, having run about 80 miles There are many other small streams, as the Eleutherus, Lycus, Adonis, the rivers of Damascus (Abana and Pharpar), which are lost in marshy lakes, the Koweik, near Aleppo, terminating in a marsh, and the Sajur, a branch of the Euphrates. The lakes are: The Lake of Antioch; the Salt Lake, near Aleppo; Kades, on the Orontes; and the Bahr el Merj, near Damascus. The cities are: Antioch, Damascus (150,000); Apameia, Aleppo (70,000); Beirut (50,000); Hamath (30,000), ( Numbers 13:21); Hums (20,000); Tripoli (13,000); Seleueia, Tadmor, (Palmyra), and many others, mentioned in their places. Syria was settled by Canaanites and Aramaeans, descendants of Ham. Damascus and Zobah were the chief cities in David’s time. Assyria made it a province, and Alexander conquered it (B.C. 323); and after him the Seleucid family governed it, one of them building Antioch, which was their only capital until 114 B.C. The Romans, under Pompey, captured it, B.C. 65. The Mohammedans succeeded the Romans A.D. 634, when, for 100 years after, they made Damascus their capital.

Syriac Versions .

Syria Maachah ( 1 Chronicles 19:6).

Syrian A native of Syria ( Genesis 25:20).