Aaron The son of Amram and Jochebed, and the older brother of Moses and Miriam ( Numbers 26:59; 33:39). He was a Levite, and is first mentioned in Exodus 4:14, as one who could “speak well.” He was appointed by Jehovah to be the Interpreter and “Mouth” ( Exodus 4:16) of his brother Moses, who was “slow of speech;” and accordingly he was not only the organ of communication with the Israelites and with Pharaoh ( Exodus 4:30; 7:2), but also the actual instrument of working most of the miracles of the Exodus. (See Exodus 7:19, etc.) Thus on the way to Mount Sinai, during the battle with Amalek, Aaron is mentioned with Hut, as staying up the weary hands of Moses, when they were lifted up for the victory of Israel (not in prayer, as is sometimes explained, but) to bear the rod of God. (See Exodus 17:9.) Through all this period he is mentioned as dependent upon his brother, and deriving all his authority from him. The contrast between them is even more strongly marked on the arrival at Sinai. Moses at once acts as the mediator ( Galatians 3:19) for the people, to come near to God for them, and to speak his words to them. Aaron only approaches with Nadab, and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel, by special command, near enough to see God’s glory, but not so as to enter his immediate presence. Left, then, on Moses’ departure, to guide the people, Aaron is tried for a moment on his own responsibility, and he fails from a weak inability to withstand the demand of the people for visible “gods to go before them.” Possibly it seemed to him prudent to make an image of Jehovah, in the well-known form of Egyptian idolatry (Apis or Mnevis), rather than to risk the total alienation of the people to false gods; and his weakness was rewarded by seeing a “feast to the Lord” ( Exodus 32:5) degraded to the lowest form of pagan sensuality, and knowing, from Moses’ words and deeds, that the covenant with the Lord was utterly broken. He repented of his sin, and Moses gained forgiveness for him ( Deuteronomy 9:20). — Aaron was now consecrated by Moses to the new office of the high priesthood. The order of God for the consecration is found in Exodus 39, and the record of its execution in Leviticus 8. The only occasion on which his individual character is seen is one of presumption. The murmuring of Aaron and Miriam against Moses clearly proceeded from their trust, the one in his priesthood, the other in her prophetic inspiration, as equal commissions from God ( Numbers 12:2). On all other occasions he is spoken of as acting with Moses in the guidance of the people. Leaning as he seems to have done wholly on him, it is not strange that he should have shared his sin at Meribah, and its punishment (Moses) ( Numbers 20:10-12). Aaron’s death seems to have followed very speedily. It took place on Mount Hor, after the transference of his robes and office to Eleazer ( Numbers 20:28). This mount is still called the “Mountain of Aaron” (Hor). — The wife of Aaron was Elisheba ( Exodus 6:23); and the two sons who survived him, Eleazar and Ithamar. The high priesthood descended to the former, and to his descendants until the time of Eli, who, although of the house of Ithamar, received the high priesthood, and transmitted it to his children; with them it continued until the accession of Solomon, who took it from Abiathar, and restored it to Zadok (of the house of Eleazar). Aaronites Priests, descendants of Aaron ( 1 Chronicles 12:27). An important family in David’s time.

Ab (“father” ) 1. Absalom, “makes peace”; Abner, “causes light”. , “father”, as used by Jesus ( Mark 14:36) and Paul ( Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). 2. The name of the fifth (sacred) month, as used after the captivity. Abaddon (“destruction”, or “the place of the dead” ) in the Apocrypha; , Revelation 9:11; Job 26:6 (“destruction”).

Abadias Obadiah, son of Jehiel (1 Esdras 8:35).

Abagtha (“father” or “cause of fortune” ) An officer of the presence before King Ahasuerus (Esdras 1:10).

Abana (“perennial” ) Amana. The main river of Damascus, now called Barada. It has several channels, and irrigates the whole city and suburbs. Rises in Anti-Lebanon, near Zebedany (and a tributary at Ain-Fijy), 23 miles northwest of Damascus, and 2,300 feet higher. It empties into the lake and marsh of Ateibeh, 15 miles East of the city. See 2 Kings 5:12.

Abarim (“beyond” ) A mountain range east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. Nebo is its highest peak, and Pisgah is the top of Nebo. Average height 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Abba Father. The ancient Aramaic word. The peculiar term for the Father-God used by Jesus.

Abda 1. Father of Adoniram ( 1 Kings 4:6) 2. Son of Shammua ( Nehemiah 11:17), called Obadiah in Chronicles 9:16. Abdeel Father of Shelemiah ( Jeremiah 36:26).

Abdi 1. Ancestor of Ethan the sinner ( 1 Chronicles 6:44). 2. Father of Kish ( 2 Chronicles 29:12). 3. One of the sons of Elam ( Ezra 10:26).

Abdias Obadiah the prophet, in 2 Esdras 1:39.

Abdiel (“servant of God” ), Abdallah in Arabic. Son of Guni ( 1 Chronicles 5:15). The name is noted for its use by Milton in his Paradise Lost, for an angel — “Among the faithless, faithful only he.”

Abdon (“servile” ) 1. in 1 Samuel 2:11. A judge of Israel. 2. Son of Shishak. 3. Oldest son of Jehiel, son of Gibeon. 4. Son of Micah, also called Achbor. — He had forty sons and thirty nephews.

Abednego (“servant of Nego” — that is, “Mercury, the god” ) The name given by the Chaldeans to Daniel’s companion Azariah ( Daniel 1:3). Abel ( 1 ) (“weakness, breath” ) In Hebrew HEBEL . The second son of Adam; killed by his brother, Cain (Genesis 4). Abel ( 2 ) (“meadow” ) Several places so named. 1. or ; a strong city on the slope of Mount Hermon, near the Jordan River, where Joab besieged Sheba ( 2 Samuel 20:14). 2. (“of the vineyards”). Near Rabbath, and even now famous for its wines ( Judges 11:33). 3. (“of dancing”). South of Bethshan near Jordan River. The birthplace of Elisha ( 1 Kings 19:16), and noted for Gibeon’s victory over Midian ( Judges 7:22). 4. (“of the Egypts”). Near Hebron, where Joseph, his brethren, and the Egyptians mourned for Jacob ( Genesis 1:11). Lost. 5. (“of the acacias”). In Moab, near the head of the Dead Sea. The last camping ground of the Exodus ( Numbers 33:49).

Acacia trees are now found wherever there is water in that region. Abez A town in Issachar ( Joshua 19:20). Now Tubas, near Shunem.

Abi (“father” ) Abijah. Mother of King Hezekiah ( 2 Kings 18:2).

Abiah (“Jehovah his father” ) 1. Son of Becher ( 1 Chronicles 7:8). 2. Wife of Hezron ( 1 Chronicles 2:24). 3. Son of Samuel, and a judge in Beersheba ( 1 Samuel 8:2). 4. Mother of Hezekiah. Abi. 5. Son of Rehoboam ( 1 Chronicles 3:10). 6. Descendant of Eleazar. See .

Abiasaph (“the gatherer” ) Head of a family of Kohathites ( Exodus 6:24). Noted persons of this family were Samuel the prophet, and Elkanah his father, and Heman the singer. The family lived in Mount Ephraim (1 Samuel 1).

Abiathar (“abundance” ) The only son of Ahimelech the priest, who escaped Saul’s massacre at Nod (1 Samuel 12), and who joined David in his flight, and was afterward priest with Zadok in David’s reign. “Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord,” fulfilling the doom of Eli’s house.

Abidah (“wise” ) A grandson of Abraham by Keturah ( Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33).

Abidan (“father of the judge” ) Chief in Benjamin at the Exodus ( Numbers 1:2). Abiel Abiel (“strong”) 1. The father of Kish, grandfather of Saul and Abner. 2. One of David’s 30 “mighty men.”

Abiezer (“helper” ) 1. The oldest son of Gilead ( Joshua 17:2), formerly of the east of the Jordan River, later of Ophrah, a lost place, which was near the south border of Esdraelon. Gideon was of this family ( Judges 6:34). 2. One of David’s “mighty men.” , the family title. Abigail (“maker of joy” ) 1. Nabal’s beautiful wife, who saved her husband from David’s anger — Nabal having died ten days after, David made her his wife ( 1 Samuel 26:14). 2. A sister of David, mother of Amasa.

Abihail (“mighty” ) 1. Father of Zuriel, chief of the Merari ( Numbers 3:35). 2. Abishur’s wife ( 1 Chronicles 2:29). 3. Son of Hurt of Gad ( 1 Chronicles 5:14). 4. Rehoboam’s wife ( 2 Chronicles 11:18), a descendant of Eliab, David’s older brother. 5. Father of Esther, and uncle of Mordecai ( Esther 2:15).

Abihu (“God is father” ) The second son of Aaron by Elizabeth. He was consecrated, with his father and brothers, for the ministry. Abihu and his brother Nadab lost their lives for an error in the altar service, while intoxicated (?)

Abijah (“father God” ) 1. A son of Samuel whose misconduct gave the Israelites the occasion to demand a change of government to a monarchy. ( 1 Samuel 8:1). 2. Son and successor of Rehoboam (B.C. 958). He followed the idolatries of his father ( 1 Kings 14:23).

Abila, Abilene (“grassy meadow” ) On the East slope of Mount Hermon. Mentioned by Josephus (Antiquities xiv. 13. 3). The name is derived from Abel, the first martyr (by tradition). was the capital city of the district, under the Romans, and its ruins are now seen on the banks of the Barada ravine, 12 miles northwest of Damascus. The district is well watered by the Abana, and by many other streams from Anti-Lebanon; is fertile and affords good pasture. When Luke wrote ( Luke 3:1) the tetrarachy was divided between Lysanias and Philip. There is a coin bearing the name and title of Lysanias of Abilene.

Abimael (“father of Mael” ) Of Joktan ( Genesis 10:28). A supposed trace of the name is in Mali, a town in Arabia (the Minaeans).

Abimelech (“father of the king” ), the name of several Philistine kings, was probably a common title of these kings, like that of Pharaoh among the Egyptians, and that of Caesar and Augustus among the Romans. Hence, in the title of Psalm 34, the name of Abimelech is given to the king, who is called Achish in 1 Samuel 21:11. 1. A Philistine, king of Gerar (Genesis 20—21), who, exercising the right claimed by Eastern princes, of collecting all the beautiful women of their dominions into the harem ( Genesis 12:15; Esther 2:3), sent for and took Sarah. A similar account is given of Abraham’s conduct on this occasion, to that of his behavior toward Pharaoh. . 2. Another king of Gerar in the time of Isac, of whom a similar narrative is recorded in relation to Rebekah ( Genesis 26:1, etc.). 3. Son of the judge Gideon by his Shechemite concubine ( Judges 8:31).

After his father’s death he murdered all his brethren,70 in number, with the exception of Jotham, the youngest, who concealed himself; and he then persuaded the Shechemites to elect him king. Shechem now became an independent state, and threw off the yoke of the conquering Israelites. When Jotham heard that Abimelech was made king, he addressed to the Shechemites his fable of the trees choosing a king ( Judges 9:1). After Abimelech had reigned three years, the citizens of Shechem rebelled. He was absent at the time, but he returned and quelled the insurrection. Shortly after he stormed and took Thebez, but was struck on the head by a woman with the fragment of a millstone (cf. 2 Samuel 11:21); and lest he should be said to have died by a woman, he bade his armor-bearer slay him. Thus, God avenged the murder of his brethren and fulfilled the curse of Jotham.

Abinadab (“princely” ) 1. A Levite of Kirjathaim, in whose house the ark “rested” for 20 years ( 1 Samuel 7:1). 2. Second son of Jesse ( 1 Samuel 16:8). 3. Son of Saul, killed on Mount Gilboa ( 1 Samuel 31:2). 4. Father of one of Solomon’s cabinet officers ( 1 Kings 4:11).

Abiner The Hebrew form of Abner.

Abinoam (“gracious” ) Barak’s father ( Judges 4:6).

Abiram (“high” ) 1. A Reubenite and a conspirator. See . 2. The oldest son of Hiel, who died because his father undertook to rebuild Jericho (1 Kings 16; Joshua 6).

Abisei Son of Phinehas (2 Esdras 1:2).

Abishag (“cause of error” ) The beautiful Shunemite wife of David in his old age.

Abishai (“gift-maker” ) Son of David’s sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab, and one of David’s chief and best officers.

Abishalom (“peaceful” ) Father of Maachah, wife of Rehoboam and mother of Abijah ( 1 Kings 15:2). Same as .

Abishua (“of happiness” ) 1. Son of Bela ( 1 Chronicles 8:4). 2. Son of Phinehas, father of Bukki ( 1 Chronicles 6:4). High priest after Phinehas and before Eli. Iosepos, in Josephus (Antiquities viii. 1. 3).

Abishur (“upright” ) The son of Shammai ( 1 Chronicles 2:28).

Abisum Son of Phinehas (1 Esdras 8:2).

Abital (“protection” ) A wife of David ( 2 Samuel 3:4).

Abitub (“goodness” ) Son of Shaharaim by Hushim ( 1 Chronicles 8:2).

Abiud Grandson of Zerubbabel by Shelomith ( Matthew 1:13).

Abner (“light-maker” ) Cousin of Saul and commander-in-chief of his army. After Saul’s death he made Ishbosheth Saul’s son, king, but betrayed him to David, and was killed by the friends of Asahel, in blood revenge ( Numbers 25:19). David mourned his untimely loss, following his coffin. Abomination Anything or custom detested or disliked for religious reasons. The Egyptians would not eat with any foreign people, or eat anything touched by them; and the Hebrews adopted a similar rule. The ( Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27), is a reference to an idol worship (of images) on or near the sacred altar on Moriah. See . Abraham (“father of a multitude” ) First named (“of elevation”) His name was changed, and he received from God the of the blessing to all nations in his posterity, when he was 99 years old. Son of , born in , “of the Chaldees,” B.C. 1996; had two older brothers, and , and a half-sister, , (Iscah), who was his wife and the mother of . The spiritual element in the life of Abraham is the chief topic in the Bible narrative, very few incidents of his natural life being recorded. He was when his father’s family left Ur and went to Haran (where Terah died, aged 215), and 75 when the promise was first made, when, as directed, he entered Canaan, and fixed his camp under a sacred oak near Shechem, where he built an altar and worshiped God, receiving a promise of the inheritance of the land by his descendants. Abraham is the first recorded worshiper of the one true God. The promise made to him was two-fold — temporal and spiritual: that his descendants should be many and prosperous, and that by him all the families of the earth should be blessed. The promise has been fulfilled in both ways: his descendants, both Jews and Arabs, have been and are now countless, and the spiritual blessings, by the rapid distribution of the Bible through the world, are reaching all the “families.” Besides Sarah he had a wife named , who bore him several sons; and also a handmaid, Hagar, whose son, Ishmael, was the head of a great family (see ). Before Isaac was born, Lot, his nephew, was regarded as his heir, and lived with him. He built an altar between Bethel and Hai. From here he went south “going and pulling up” his tent-pins, toward Beersheba, whence a famine drove him into Egypt. Pharaoh hearing of the beauty of Sarai, according to the kingly privilege, took her into his family, but, soon returned her to Abraham with presents — a blessing” of cattle and servants, so that when Abram returned into Canaan he was much richer in cattle, silver and gold. Lot had been with him, and again they camped near Bethel. Their cattle having increased to a great number, and contentions among their servants arising, Abram and Lot separated one choosing the plains of Jericho and the other the hills of Judea. After this time the promise was again repeated; and Abram pitched his tent in the oak-grove near Mamre, where he built another altar. He is first called on the rescue of his nephew Lot from Chedorlaomer; but his language is supposed to have been Chaldaic, rather than the Hebrew of the Old Testament.

At this time he could arm 318 of his trained servants, showing that his family must have been very large. The Bedouins of Syria are now exact representatives of the ancient patriarch, in their manner of living in tents, by keeping flocks, in habits and religion, and in being ready on the shortest notice to make a raid for defense or reprisal. At Mamre his faith was made stronger by having the promise once more repeated, and by the prophesy of the bondage in Egypt, with the deliverance. Ishmael was born of Hagar when Abram was 85 years old, and Sarah 75, and was to have been considered a son of Sarai, but the childless woman could not restrain her envy and jealously of the favored mother Hagar. When Abram was 99 the promise was renewed, a distinction being made — of temporal blessings for Ishmael and spiritual for Isaac who was promised to Sarai. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham and his wife’s name was changed to Sarah, and the covenant of circumcision was renewed to all the family and servants.

A few days after he entertained “three men,” who appeared at his tent door in the dress and manner of the natives. This is one of the most beautiful instances on record of ancient customs. The patriarch and his wife, with their own hands, prepared refreshments, and stood by while their guests ate. Travelers in Syria meet with such attentions now among Abraham’s descendants. When the promise of a son to Sarah was renewed, and the destruction of the cities of the plain announced, Abraham discovered that he “had entertained angels unawares.” He begged to save his nephew Lot and his family, and the next morning, when offering the daily sacrifice, as he saw the ascending smoke from the plain he probably felt sure of Lot’s safety. During the next few months he practiced the same deception on the Abimelech of Gerar that he had 23 years before on the Pharoah of Egypt. The king was warned of his danger in a dream, and dismissed Sarah with presents. Isaac was born B.C. 1896, and Ishmael (with his mother) was dismissed at the time Isaac was weaned (at 3 years), because Ishmael mocked at the child (probably offered pretended worship to the child of the promise). Isaac was 25 when he was laid on the altar, and saved from burning by the angel’s voice, Abraham’s faith having proved true. His mother died at Hebron 12 years after, at the age of 127, and was buried in Machpelah, which Abraham bought of the sons of Heth. This legal conveyance of land is the oldest on record. Abraham sent Eliezer to renew family ties with his family in Haran, and get a wife for Isaac, when that beautiful and touching incident of “Rebekah at the Well” occurred. This brilliant picture includes all the requisites of a perfect marriage — the sanction of parents, favor of God, domestic habits of the wife, her beauty, modest consent, kindness, and her successful hold on her husband’s love even while living in the same tent with her motherin- law.

Abraham’s descendants occupy the land from Egypt to the Euphrates, besides those that are “scattered and peeled” all over the world. He died aged 175, and was buried in the cave of Machpelah by his sons Isaac and Ishmael. To this day he is called the “friend of God,” and is reverenced alike, as the Father of the Faithful by Jew, Muslim, and Christian.

Abraham’s Bosom Meaning a place of peace, repose and happiness. .

Abronah (“passage” ) A station in the desert near Ezion-geber.

Abronas A torrent near Cilicia, perhaps , the ancient Adonis.

Arbonai in Judges 2:24. Absalom (“peacemaker” ) The third son of David, the only son of his mother, Maachah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, born at Hebron. He is described as a very handsome man, having a very heavy head of hair. Absalom killed his halfbrother, Amnon, for an outrage on his sister Tamar, and fled for security to his grandfather, king Talmai, where he stayed 3 years. Joab, by the help of a talented woman of Tekoah, induced David to pardon Absalom and recall him, but kept him two years longer out of his presence. By the death of Amnon, and it may be of Chilead also, Absalom was the oldest son of the king living, and he was ambitious for the throne, plotted for the place of power, “stole the hearts of the people” flatteries and promises, and proclaimed himself king at Hebron. His father, David, was obliged to fly to Mahanaim, and Absalom took possession of Jerusalem. The crafty Hushai, whom David sent to advise and assist Ahithophel in counseling Absalom, gained time for the true king, and the forces of Absalom were defeated in the wood of Ephraim, and Absalom himself, having entangled his hair in a tree, was killed by Joab, David’s general, and buried under a heap of loose stones as a mark of contempt. David waited in the gate of Mahanaim for the news of the battle, and mourned bitterly when he knew that his son was dead. Absalom raised a pillar “in his lifetime,” in the king’s dale, but the pillar and its place have disappeared, leaving no trace. The monument called Absalom’s tomb, in the Kidron valley, is a modern structure, nearly all cut from the solid rock, and on a side hill, not in a dale.

Absalon Ambassador to Lysias (2 Macc. 11:17) Abubus Father of Ptolemeus, son-in-law to Simon Maccabeus (1 Macc. 16:11).

Accad In Shinar, built by Nimrod. Akkerkoof (Arabic name) is 9 miles East of the Tigris. A ruined brick mound 400 feet around, 125 high, cemented by bitumen, and divided into layers of 12 to 20 feet by reeds, and remains of canals, reservoirs, and other works, show the size and importance of the ancient city.

Accho, Acre (“hot sand?” ) . John D’Acre. Seaport 8 miles north of Carmel, by the bay of Acre. The ancient port is filling with sand, and large ships must land at Hepha, near Carmel. The plain of Acre is 6 miles wide, to the hills of Galilee, and is one of the most fertile in Palestine. It was given to Asher by Joshua, but never conquered (Judges 1). Paul stayed here one day. Very few antiquities are to be found in the modern town, except such as have been used in rebuilding the walls and houses. Napoleon failed to capture Acre in 1799. During the crusades it was an important city, next to Jerusalem. It has been taken by many people; Egyptian who named it Ptolemais; Antiochus the Great: the Maccabees (?); Alexander Balas; Alexander Janneus failed, but Cleopatra succeeded; Tigranes; the Romans; Crusaders; Muslims; Ibrahim Pasha; and is now ruled by the Turks. Population: 5,000 to 10,000.

Aceldama (“field of blood” ) Bought for the 30 pieces of silver that Judas received for betraying Jesus and returned. Potter’s Field. On the steep south slope of Hinnom, opposite the Siloam pool. A few old olive trees grow near an old ruin called the house of Ananus. The hill side is full of rock-hewn tombs. Shiploads of earth have been carried away from this spot as holy earth, and the Campo Santo (holy field) at Pisa is filled with it.

Achaia A province of Rome in Greece. Gallio was proconsul when Paul was there ( Acts 18:12).

Achan (“troubler” ) Stoned at Jericho for stealing public property (Joshua 7).

Achar (“trouble” ) A variation of Achan.

Achbor (“mouse” ) 1. The father of Baal-hanan, king of Edom ( Genesis 36:38). 2. Son of Michaiah, in Josiah’s time ( 2 Kings 22:12).

Achiachurus Keeper of the seal of Esarhaddon, king of Nineveh (Tobit 1:21). Nephew to Tobit, son of his brother Anael. Supposed to be the Hebrew for Mordecai.

Achias. Son of Phinees, high priest (2 Esdras 1:2). ?

Achim Son of Sadoc, father of Eliud. In Hebrew ( Genesis 46:10; Matthew 1:14).

Achior (“fighter” ) A general in the army of Holofernes (Judges 5), afterward, a convert to Judaism (Judges 14).

Achish King at Gath (Psalm 34. Abimelech). David fled twice to him from Saul. ( 1 Samuel 27:3-12, etc.)

Achitob high priest (1 Esdras 8:2).

Achor (“valley of trouble” ) Near Jericho, in Wady Kelt. Where Achan was stoned.

Achsa Daughter of Caleb ( 1 Chronicles 2:49).

Achsah (“anklet” ) Daughter of Caleb, given to his nephew, Othniel, in reward for leading the attack on Debir. The “upper and lower springs” that were given to her as a dowry, with the south land (Negeb), are located 6 miles Southwest of Hebron.

Achshaph (“incantation” ) Royal city of Canaan (Joshua 11). on the bay of Acre.

Achzib 1. Judah in the Shefela. 2. In Asher, from which the Canaanites were not driven out. Ecdippa. Now Es Zib, 7 miles North of Acre. After the return from captivity this was the most northern limit of Israel.

Acts of the Apostles The similarity of words and forms of sentences between the and leads to the belief that Luke wrote both. The book repeats a part of Christ’s history, especially the ascension and what attended that event, and the advent of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost, with the wonderful success of their preaching. The Church in Jerusalem is then noticed; its persecutions, and the conversion of one of its most violent enemies (Paul); and then the narrative includes the efforts made to spread the Gospel by Peter and by Paul. The chief interest in the book, after the introduction, is the activity, success, sufferings and teachings of the great apostle. The book seems unfinished. The author was a companion of Paul, and a witness of most of the acts that he records. His design was to show the cooperation of God in spreading Christianity, and to prove the perfect equality of right and privilege in the new Church of Gentile and Jew, and to give illustrations of the power and working of the religion of Jesus. Written after A.D. 63. The place is not known. Perhaps in fragments as they traveled or lived in different cities, finishing the work at Rome. . There are several spurious books called Acts; of Christ, of Paul, and others. .

Adah (“beauty” ) 1. The first wife of Lamech, mother of Jabal and Jubal. 2. Daughter of Elon the Hittite, one of the three wives of Esau, mother of Eliphaz, and so of the Edomites (Genesis 36). in Genesis 26.

Adaiah (“adorned by Jehovah” ) 1. The maternal grandfather of Josiah ( 2 Kings 22:1). 2. Gershonite, ancestor of Asaph ( 1 Chronicles 6:41). Iddo in Chronicles 6:21. 3. Son of Shimhi, a Benjamite ( 1 Chronicles 8:21). 4. Son of Jeroham. 5. Of the descendants of Bani (Jedeus in Esdras 9:30; Ezra 10:29). 6. Son of another Bani — both 5 and 6 took foreign wives. 7. Of the line of Pharez. 8. Ancestor of Maaseiah ( 2 Chronicles 23:1).

Adalia Son of Haman ( Esther 9:8) Adam ( 1 ) (“the man”; or “reddish tint” ) The special work of the sixth day of the creation, the crown of the whole fabric, was man, made in the divine image, he alone of all animals having a spiritual life. Adam was made male and female, and the two were placed in the garden Eden ( ), where proper food abounded. Some believe that a pair of each race were made, black, brown, red, yellow, white, and many others, because there are such great differences in complexion and figure among mankind. The original state of man was one of activity and enjoyment. God assumed form and speech, and instructed His children how to dress and keep the garden, and exercised their faculties in naming the animals that He had made; and taught them something of the qualities and relations of vegetables, earths, the heavens, and external objects to which they were related. The forming of the woman from a rib of Adam has been declared a poetic myth; but the lesson is just as surely taught, whether it is a fact or a fable, that woman stands in an especially close relation to man. The “tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” and the “tree of life,” were tests of obedience, and as such might have been of any kind. The serpent is described as if it had been a special agent — perhaps one of those spirits that are believed to be superior to man, invisible to his eyes, good and bad, powerful, and always contending for his soul ( 2 Corinthians 2:11). Woman was sentenced to endure the pains of child-bearing, and the humiliating dependence on a husband; and man to labor, with or without reward, and both to be subject to death (spiritual?). The sentence of the serpent is hard to interpret. The serpent is not literally, but rather blessed in having an extra means of protection in the dread of all other animals; he does not suffer by crawling on his belly because he is especially made to go in that way; and he does not eat dust. The denunciation of the serpent was symbolical, and is by some said to be the first gospel promise. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; he will attack thee on the head, and thou wilt attack him at the heel.” The serpent was the spirit of lying and cruelty, as opposed to God, holy, good and wise. It is probable that the first garments were made of the skins of animals, offered in sacrifice. Cain was born the year after the expulsion; Abel, a few years later, and Seth at least 130 years after Cain. Other sons and daughters were born to them of whose history nothing is recorded.

Adam’s death at the age of 930 is stated, but that of Eve is not given. Adam ( 2 ) (“red earth” ) A city on the Jordan River near Zarthan ( Joshua 3:16).

Adamah Northwest of the Sea of Galilee ( Joshua 19:36). Lost.

Adami .

Adar Its name after the captivity of the sixth month. The holy days in it were: seventh, a fast for the death of Moses; ninth, a fast for the memory of the School of Hillel; thirteenth, Fast of Esther, and for the death of Nicanor; fourteenth and fifteenth, the fast of Purlin ( Esther 9:21).

Adasa Ephraim near Beth-heron (Josephus, Antiquities xii. 10. 5; 1 Macc. 7:40,45).

Adbeel (“Sign of God” ) Son of Ishmael ( Genesis 25:13).

Addan (“strong” ) ( Ezra 2:59).

Addar Son of Bela ( 1 Chronicles 7:3). in Numbers 26:40.

Adder There are four Hebrew names translated “adder”: 1. ’achshub , in <19E003> Psalm 140:3, quoted by Paul in Romans 3:13. The original (coiled and hiding) would apply to any kind of serpent. 2. pethen , the cobra. 3. tsepha , in Proverbs 23:32, adder; in Isaiah 11:8: Jeremiah 8:17, cockatrice. The original means “to hiss.” In the Septuagint, basilisk, which is a fabulous serpent. 4. shephiphon , only in Genesis 49:17, of Dan, “ a serpent by the way.” Probably the horned viper, the asp of Cleopatra, found in great numbers in the deserts. Arabia Siffon. It is extremely venomous, only 15 inches long, but fatal even in slight scratches.

Addi 1. Son of Cosam, father of Melchi ( Luke 3:28). 2. (1 Esdras 9:31).

Addo The grandfather of Zechariah (1 Esdras 6:1). .

Addus 1. His sons returned with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:34). 2. A priest removed for losing his family record (1 Esdras 5:38). Called Barzillai, in Ezra and Nehemiah, whose daughter Augia he married.

Ader Son of Beriah, of Aijalon ( 1 Chronicles 7:15). .

Adiabene The chief of the six provinces of Assyria, watered by the great and little Zab, which flow into the Tigris.

Adida 1. In the Shefela, fortified by Simon Maccabeus against Tryphon. 2. Mentioned by Josephus near Jordan River. . .

Adiel (“ornamented” ) 1. Prince in Simeon ( 1 Chronicles 4:36). 2. Priest ( 1 Chronicles 9:12). 3. Ancestor of Azmaveth ( 1 Chronicles 27:25).

Adin 454 of his family returned with Zerubbabel ( Ezra 2:15), and 51 with Ezra ( Ezra 8:16).

Adina (“pliant” ) Son of Shiza, David’s captain East of the Jordan River ( 1 Chronicles 11:42); next in rank to the “30 mighty men.”

Adino, the Eznite .

Adinus (1 Esdras 9:48).

Adithaim (“two shares of booty” ) In the Shefela . (Josh 15:36).

Adlai Ancestor of Shaphat, David’s shepherd ( 1 Chronicles 27:29).

Admah (“fort” ) In the vale of Siddim, always with Zeboim (Genesis 10). It had a king (Genesis 14), and was destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah.

Admatha One of the seven princes of Persia.

Adna (“pleasure” ) 1. Returned with Ezra ( Ezra 10:30) and married a Gentile wife. 2. Priest in Joiakim’s reign ( Nehemiah 12:12).

Adnah (“pleasure” ) 1. A Manassite; deserted Saul for David ( 1 Chronicles 12:20). 2. General of 300,000 in Jehoshaphat’s army ( 2 Chronicles 17:14).

Adonai (“Lord, Master” ) Hebrew word for Lord, God, and Lord of Hosts. The Hebrews did not pronounce the sacred name, , which we now call Jehovah, and its true pronounciation is supposed to be lost; instead of doing so, they said ’Adonay when occurred in the text.

Adoni-Bezek (“lord of Bezek” ) Canaanite king of Bezek, 17 miles East of Shechem. He was head of the Canaanite and Perizzite bands, and was beaten and taken prisoner, maimed and died in Jerusalem, B.C. 1449 (Judges 1).

Adonijah (“my lord is Jehovah” ) The fourth son of David, born of Haggith at Hebron (2 Samuel 3). After the death of Amnon and Absalom he made pretensions to the throne of David, supported by Joab and Abithar, the high priest; but David caused Solomon to be proclaimed and crowned, and invested with authority.

Adonijah was pardoned; but after David’s death he renewed his attempt on the throne and was executed by Solomon’s order (First Kings).

Adoniram (“lord, high” ) Chief of the tribute receivers in the reigns of David, Solomon and Rehoboam. He became hateful to the people and was stoned to death (1 Kings).

Adonizedek (“lord of justice” ) King of Jerusalem when Joshua entered Canaan. He joined with four Amorite kings to punish the Gibeonites for their league with Joshua. Being beaten by Joshua, they fled to a cave in Makkedah, where they were taken; had their necks trod upon as a sign of subjection, and were killed and buried in the cave (Joshua 10). Adoption Placing as a son one who is not so by birth. Never done by the Hebrews. Paul alluded to the Roman custom (Galatians 4), where the law gave the adopted son equal rights with a real son. Abraham did not adopt Hagar’s son, nor Jacob the sons of the maids of Leah and Rachel, nor the sons of Joseph; Moses was not adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter according to law, but as an exception.

Adoraim . Built by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11). Dura, a large village 5 miles Southwest of Hebron, marks the site.

Adoration The acts and postures in worship are similar in all Oriental nations, and have come down to the present from remote antiquity unchanged. It is believed that the Hebrews in all their prayers used all the forms of posture and prostration that the modern Arabs have grouped into one prayer, which are nine positions. All of these are found on the monuments of Egypt and Assyria. Prayer is made standing, with the hands lifted or crossed or folded; this is the posture before kings or great men. The hands are also stretched forth as in supplication; one hand only is lifted in taking an oath (Genesis 14). Kneeling is a common mode (1 Kings 7; Ezra 9; Daniel 6; Luke 22); prostration of the body, resting On the knees and arms, the forehead touching the ground, and the whole body lying along, the face being down. The monuments show figures kneeling on one knee and smiting the breast; sitting on the heels, the hands being folded, is a very respectful attitude ( 1 Chronicles 17:16; 1 Kings 18:42). Among the Romans prostration was the special act of adoration and worship ( Acts 10:26), but Orientals do so in respect or reverence only. Kissing the head (1 Samuel 10). the hand, the hem of the garment, or the earth near the object of respect, and kissing one’s own hand ( Job 31:27; Hosea 13:2), to persons or idols. Holding the hand on the mouth as in kissing it is the highest act of respect and adoration.

Adrammelech (“fire king” ) An idol worshiped by the colonists from Assyria in Samaria ( 2 Kings 17:31), by sacrificing children by fire. The idol represented the male power of the sun-god, the female.

Adramyttium (“named after Adramys,” ) brother of Craesus, king of Lydia). Seaport in Asia Minor, where the ship belonged in which Paul was wrecked. The gulf of the same name was opposite the island of Lesbos. Population: 1,500, with some commerce.

Adria, Adrias Sea named from Adria on the Po, Italy. At first the name was given to the upper end of the Gulf of Venice; afterward to the whole gulf; and in Paul’s time to the Mediterranean as bounded by Sicily, Italy, Greece and Africa ( Acts 27:27). Adriel (“God’s flock” ) Son of Barzillai, to whom Saul gave his daughter Merab, who had been promised to David ( 1 Samuel 17:19).

Adullam (“people’s justice” ) Judah, in the Shefela ( Joshua 16:35). A place of great antiquity. Fortified by Rehoboam. The is located 6 miles North of Beit Jihrin, and now called Deir Dubban. There are many caves in this region. Some think the cave must have been nearer the Dead Sea, among the mountains, miles Southwest of Bethlehem, in Wady Khureitun. Adultery Crime of a married woman with a man not her husband. Or of either man or woman who is bound, with any other person not their mate. Orientals do not include the man in the condemnation. in the Old Testament means symbolically idolatry and apostasy from the Hebrew church. In the New Testament, “an adulterous generation” ( Matthew 12:39), means a faithless and impious generation — who did not worship the true God, but did worship false gods.

Adummim (“red pass” ) — ( Joshua 15:7). On the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, in Wady Kelt. It was always noted for robbers, and was therefore selected for the locality of the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). Eight miles East of Jerusalem there are ruins of a convent and a khan, on opposite sides of the road. Advent, the Second The second coming of Jesus Christ, often foretold by Jesus, and frequently mentioned by the apostles. This event has been looked for and expected in every age and every year since the ascension. Some hold that Christ reigns now, at the right hand of the Father, and must reign until all enemies are put under his feet. They hold that the judgment is now going on; the winked are passing away; and that men become consciously the subjects of this judgment as they pass into the invisible world.

Advocate (Greek, parakletos ). The name given to the Holy Spirit by Jesus ( John 14:16); and to Jesus by John (1 John 2).

Aeneas A paralytic healed by Peter ( Acts 9:33), at Lydda.

Aenon Enon. (“Springs”) Near Salim, where John baptized ( John 3:22). Six miles South of Bethshan, at Tell Redgah. A tomb near is called Shekh Salim. The brook in Wady Chusneh runs near, and many rivulets wind about in all directions. Here is “much water.”

Agabus (“locust” ) One of the 70 disciples. Two prophesies of his are recorded, and their fulfillment ( Acts 11:27-30; 21:10). The famine through “all the world” was only through the world m Palestine — the Jews’ world. It is mentioned by Josephus (xx. 2. 5), about A.D. 42, 14 years after Agabus met Paul at Caesarea, and warned him of his sufferings at Jerusalem if he went up there.

Agag (“burro” ) A title of the king of the Amalekites, like Pharaoh of the Egyptians, Caesar of the Romans, and Abimelech of the Philistines ( Numbers 24:7; Samuel 15:8). for Amalekite in Esther 3:1,10; 8:3,5.

Agape (Greek: agapao, to love ). The Church perpetuated the commemoration of the death of Jesus by certain symbols at meals; a custom most beautiful and most beneficial; for it was a supporter of love, a solace of poverty, a moderator of wealth, and a discipline of humility. Tertullian, speaking of the Agape does not mention the Eucharist as distinct from the meal. “The nature of our supper may be gathered from its name, the Greek term for love. However much it may cost us, it is real gain to incur such expense in the cause of piety; for we aid the poor by this refreshment; we do not sit down to it until we have first tasted of prayer to God; we eat to satisfy our hunger; we drink no more than benefits the temperate; we feast as those who recollect they are to spend the night in devotion; we converse as those who know that the Lord is an ear-witness. After water for washing hands, and lights have been brought in, everyone is required to sing something in the praise of God, either from the Scriptures or from his own thoughts. By this means, if anyone has indulged in excess, he is detected. The feast is closed with prayer.” Pliny mentions this custom of the Christians, and says they eat common food (not such as was used for idol worship). Paul speaks of the abuse of this custom in 1 Corinthians 11:21; and, perhaps to avoid such abuse, the Eucharist was celebrated apart from any meal from about the year A.D. 150.

Agate Second precious stone in the high priest’s breastplate ( in Exodus 28:19). In Isaiah 54:12, and Ezekiel 27:16, meaning a ruby. The same word is also translated chrysoprase and emerald. .

Age Old age. Peculiar respect to old age is a general custom in the Orient, and has been from most remote times. The Scriptures record many instances of such respect and honor. The young rose and stood up in their presence ( Leviticus 19:32); and even old men before one especially honored ( Job 29:8). They were privileged to give the first words of counsel (Job 32; Ecclesiasticus 32); and old men, became a class, such as the and in Rome, and were regarded as the depositaries of knowledge and experience (Job 15). The attainment of old age was set forth as a blessing (Genesis 15; Job 5), in prolonging the enjoyment of life, and a sign of peaceful times (Zechariah 8; Isaiah 65); a reward for piety, and a token of God’s favor. Of all marks of respect, that to age is most willingly paid; because we may ourselves become aged, and receive such homage.

Agora A public place, broad street, marketplace, forum; where goods are sold, meetings held for debate, and trial, and to idle away the time. .

Agriculture The earliest records are of the best men engaged in this pursuit. Laws regulating its affairs formed the chief code of the Hebrews, and tended to produce an equality in interest, binding the son and elevating the slave to a common servitude. The earth was the Lord’s, and all were tenants to him, payable in the rent of the Sabbatical year. The family possession was inherited, and if sold must be returned on the year of Jubilee to the original owner, and wealthy owners of many fields were denounced ( Isaiah 5:8), was always needed for the best results in Palestine — being neglected now, the soil is dry and sterile — although the rains of Canaan distinguished the country from the rainless Nile valley. There is in Palestine almost every variety of climate. Perpetual snow on Mount Hermon and Mount Lebanon; at Jericho,60 or 80 miles distant, there is tropical heat, and snow is never seen. The hills of Bashan, Gilead, Galilee, Samaria, and Judea are the homes of forests, vines, fig-trees, and all kinds of fruit trees and vegetables; the plains produce bananas, oranges, lemons, besides all these, and frost is almost unknown. Palms formerly grew all over the country, as far north as Beirut and Baalbek. The greatest heat at Jerusalem is 90 degrees, and the coldest is 30 degrees. Damascus is in a cooler latitude, and the record is 88 degrees and 29 degrees. The sky is almost cloudless for a large part of the year; the variations of sunshine and rain affecting only the autumn and winter months. The autumnal rains begin in the latter part of October, and gently continuing through November and December; and rain is rare after March, seldom or never so late as May. The ground is not often frozen in winter, snow lying during the night only; and in the plain of Jericho no snow or frost is ever seen, but there is on the hills around a spring-like temperature and air. The summer heat is oppressive, and fatal on exposure, but not on the higher hills, where heavy dews fall, and the nights are cool. The winter is the season of green fields and foliage, the summer heat destroying the grass. The begins in the plain early in April; in Esdraelon in May, and on the hills in June. The seasons were usually counted as two in the Scriptures, but we find six terms altogether (used by the Rabbis): 1. , October to December; 2. , December to February; 3. , February to April; 4. , April to June; 5. , June to August: 6. , August to October. The terraces, formed by stone walls along the hillsides, are a constant feature, and a necessity, in the hill country. On these narrow levels the vines, fruits and crops were raised, and frequent reference to fertilizers show a high state of culture, probably when the population was the greatest. Fences were not used, but watchmen guarded the ripening products, and the view was variegated by their different colors. The boundaries were marked by trees or piles of stones (Job 24; Deuteronomy 19:14), and about gardens, orchards and vineyards there were walls (or hedges), having towers for watching and defense. The monuments bear the sculptured figures of many implements, and pictures of the modes of using them in field and garden work. The is a kind of heavy hoe, used in the hand or drawn by animals or men ( Job 1:14). It was made of a crooked root, shod with iron and fitted with one or two handles. The yoke was a straight or bent stick with rope or bent bows. The ox-goad was a pole six or eight feet, sharp at one end, and fitted with a spade at the other for clearing the plow, or for breaking clods ( Isaiah 28:24; Hosea 10:11; Job 39:10, where “harrow the valleys” should be “break the clods,” as in the Hebrew). Seed was sown and hoed (harrowed) or plowed in, in drills or broadcast. Moses alluded in Deuteronomy 11:10 to the mode of sowing during the inundation, or by irrigation, in Egypt by using the foot (to open or stop the little rills of water). Reaping was of several modes: pulling up by the roots (as barley and doora are now in Egypt); and as wheat and barley do not grow very high (20 to 30 inches), it is pulled for convenience; by the sickle, at the ground, or just under the heads, as the straw may he wanted or not. Ears were carried in baskets; the whole stalk in sheaves ( Genesis 37:7), and a cart is mentioned in Micah 2:13. Camels or other animals are used to carry the produce. The poor were allowed to glean ( Ruth 2:7; Leviticus 19:9). Threshing was done on level places made in the field, called floors, about fifty feet across, circular. The grain was trodden out with cattle, arranged three or four abreast, and driven around, and the cattle were not to be muzzled ( Deuteronomy 25:4). Sticks and flails were used to thresh out small quantities ( Ruth 2:17; Isaiah 28:27). Threshing machines were made of frames filled with sharp stones or pieces of iron set in holes, or fitted with circular saws (Land and Book, ii. 315), which were drawn over the grain ( Isaiah 28:27; 41:15; Amos 1:3). Winnowing was done, and is now, by tossing the grain against the wind with a fork or fan ( Matthew 3:12; Jeremiah 4:11), and then passing it through a sieve ( Amos 9:9). It was stored in granaries cut in the rock, built underground, or above ( Jeremiah 41:8).

Agur (“one of the assembly” ) Author of the sayings in Proverbs 30. Native of Massa, East Arabia, and lived about B.C. 600. Some have supposed that this was an assumed name of Solomon, such as was “Koheleth,” translated “preacher.” Ahab (“father’s brother” ) 1. Son of Omri, king of Israel, and reigned 22 years, B.C. 918 to B.C. 897. His wife wasJEZEBEL, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre, a woman of strong character, and an idolatress. She succeeded in introducing the worship of Baal into Israel, a temple being built a Samaria for the worship. Elijah, the prophet, pronounced the judgment of God on Ahab’s house and he died of wounds received in battle (see 1 Kings). 2. A false prophet, son of Kolaiah, who deceived the Jewish exiles in Babylon ( Jeremiah 29:21).

Aharah Third son of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:1).

Aharhel The family (in Judah) traced its descent from Ashur, a posthumous son of Hezron through Coz ( 1 Chronicles 4:8).

Ahasai Priest; ancestor of Amashia ( Nehemiah 11:13).

Ahasbai (“refuge in God” ) Father of Eliphelet ( 2 Samuel 23:34).

Ahasuerus (Achashverosh ). The title of the Persian king, and means “lion-king”. Four persons are mentioned by this title, who were: 1. (Daniel 9); 2. (Ezra 4); 3. The husband of Vashti and Esther, the same who was called by the Greeks; the marriage with Esther is assigned to his 7th year, in which he returned to Shushan from his disastrous expedition to Greece; 4. Mentioned in Tobit 14:15, who was Cyaxares I.

Ahava (“river” ) River in Babylonia, on whose banks Ezra collected the Jewish exiles for the return to Jerusalem ( Ezra 8:15,31). Hit.

Ahaz (“possessor” ) Son and successor of Jotham, and 11th king of Judah. Reigned 16 years, B.C. 714 to 729. He respected neither God, the law nor the prophets.

Ahaziah (“holden of Jehovah” ) 1. Son and sucsessor of Ahab, and 8th king of Israel. B.C. 897 to 896. 2. Son of Jehoram, 6th king of Judah. B.C. 885.

Ahban (“brotherly” ) Son of Abishur by Abihail ( 1 Chronicles 2:29).

Aher (“another” ) Ancestor of the Hushim ( 1 Chronicles 7:12).

Ahi (“brother” ) 1. Chief of a family in Gad, Gilead ( 1 Chronicles 5:15). 2. A descendant of Shamer, of Asher ( 1 Chronicles 7:34). ?

Ahiah (“friend of God” ) .

Ahiam (“father’s brother” ) One of David’s 30 heroes ( 2 Samuel 23:33).

Ahian Of Shemida, Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 7:19).

Ahiezer (“helper” ) 1. A chief in tribe of Dan, in the exodus ( Numbers 1:12). 2. Chief of a band of bowmen with David ( 1 Chronicles 12:3).

Ahihud (“brother of Jews” ) 1. Chief in Asher; one of Joshua’s assistants in the allotment ( Numbers 34:27). 2. Chief in Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:7).

Ahijah or (“friend of Jehovah”) 1. Son of Ahitub; grandson of Phinehas ( 1 Samuel 14:3,18). He was a priest at Shiloh, in care over the ark; giving oracles by the aid of the ark and the ephod. It is not known what caused the neglect of the ark in the latter day of Saul’s reign. Saul’s rash curse, Jonathan’s danger, the failure to get an answer from the oracle, the peoples’ rescue of Jonathan, led to coolness between the king and the high priest, which ended in a terrible revenge, after Ahimelech’s favor to David. Ahimelech may have been Ahijah’s brother. 2. Son of Bela. ( 1 Chronicles 8:7). 3. Son of Jerahmeel. 4. One of David’s 30 ( 1 Chronicles 11:36). 5. Levite in David’s reign; treasurer in the temple ( 1 Chronicles 26:20). 6. Son of Shisha, an officer of Solomon ( 1 Kings 4:3). 7. Prophet in Shiloh (Shilonite), in the time of Solomon and Jeroboam ( 1 Kings 14:2), who prophesied the breaking loose of the ten tribes from Solomon’s kingdom in punishment for his idolatry ( 1 Kings 11:31-39); and the death of Ahijah, the king’s son, and at the same time the captivity of Israel ( 1 Kings 14:6-16). See 2 Chronicles 9:29, for a reference to work by Ahijah, now lost. 8. Father of Baasha, king of Israel (of Issachar), ( 1 Kings 15:27). 9. A chief who signed the covenant with Nehemiah ( Nehemiah 10:26).

Ahikam (“enemy’s brother” ) Son of Shaphan the scribe ( 2 Kings 22:12). He has one of the delegates sent to Huldah, the prophetess, by the king. He protected Jeremiah, the prophet, after he was taken out of the pit ( Jeremiah 39:14). Ahilud (“maker” ) 1. Father of Jehoshaphat the recorder ( 2 Samuel 8:16). 2. Father of Baana ( 1 Kings 4:12).

Ahimaaz (“choleric” ) 1. Father of Saul’s wife, Ahinoam. 2. Son and successor of Zadok, high priest, in David’s reign. 3. Son-in-law of Solomon, and one of his 12 chief purveyors, or tax collectors; whose district was Naphtali.

Ahiman (“giver” ) One of three famous giants. Anakim of Hebron ( Numbers 13:22).

Ahimelech (“king’s brother” ) Great grandson of Eli, priest at Nob, who gave David some of the sacred bread from the presence-table, and the sword of Goliath, which had been in safe keeping there.

Ahimoth (“deathly” ) Kohathite in David’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 6:25).

Ahinadab One of 12 officers who gathered monthly supplies for Solomon’s household at Mahanaim, in Manasseh ( 1 Kings 4:14).

Ahio (“brotherly” ) 1. Son of Abinadab. Ahio went before and his brother behind the ark, when it was carried from their father’s house ( 2 Samuel 6:3). 2. Benjamite, a son of Beriah ( 1 Chronicles 8:14). 3. Benjamite, son of Jehiel, founder of Gibeon ( 1 Chronicles 8:31).

Ahiram (“exalted brother” ) Son of Benjamin; Ehi in Genesis 46:21. Descendants of Ahiram.

Ahisamach (“supporter” ) Danite, father of Ahiliob, architect on the tabernacle ( Exodus 31:6).

Ahishahar (“morning dawn” ) Son of Bilhan, grandson of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 7:10).

Ahishar (“upright” ) Controller of king Solomon’s household. Always an office of great trust and influence in the East ( 1 Kings 4:6).

Ahithophel (“foolish” ) A statesman of brilliant talents in David’s time. His counsels were regarded as oracles (2 Samuel 16). When his counsels to Absalom were neglected for those of Hushai (whom David had sent), he went home and hanged himself at Giloh. The only suicide mentioned in the Old Testament, except those engaged in war.

Ahitub (“goodness” ) 1. Father of Ahimelech. 2. Son of Amariah, grandfather of Zadok, the high priest ( 1 Chronicles 6:7).

Ahlab (“fertility” ) City in Asher ( Judges 1:31). Gush Caleb in after times, and now El Jish, near Safed.

Ahlai (“a wish” ) Daughter to Sheshan, wife of Jarha an Egyptian slave ( 1 Chronicles 2:31,35). Zabad, one of David’s heroes descended from her ( 1 Chronicles 11:41), and Azariah, one of Joash’s captains ( 2 Chronicles 23:1).

Ahoah (“friend of God” ) Son of Bela, of Benjamin ( 1 Chronicles 8:4). Ahoite in 2 Samuel 23:9.

Aholah (“her own tent” ) (“my tent in her”) Two fictitious names used by the prophet Ezekiel for Israel (Samaria) and Judah. Describing their neglect of the true worship of Jehovah, and their consequent disgrace and ruin.

Aholiab (“father’s tent” ) Skillful artisan of the tribe of Dan, who, with Bezaleel, constructed the Tabernacle.

Ahumai Son of Jahath, Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:2).

Ahuzam Ahuzzam. Son of Ashur, founder of Tekoa ( 1 Chronicles 4:6).

Ahuzzath (“possession” ) The “friend” or “favorite” who was with Abimelech II on his visit to Isaac ( Genesis 26:26). Some interpret the word ahuzzath to mean a company, or a retinue.

A-i (“heap of ruins” ) 1. Benj. ( Genesis 12:8). East of Bethel. The second city taken by Joshua in Canaan. Eight miles North of Jerusalem. 2. Burial place of Elon, in Zebulon (Judges 12).

Aiah (“clamor” ) Son of Zibeon. Ajah in Genesis 36:24 ( 1 Chronicles 1:40).

Aiath ( Isaiah 10:28 ). Aijalon (“gazelle place” ) 1. A city of the Kohathites ( Joshua 21:24), in Daniel (Daniel 19:42); fortified by Rehoboam ( 2 Chronicles 11:10). Celebrated in the poem on the battle of Joshua in the “Book of Jasher” Joshua 10:12). Now Ain Yalo, 12 miles Northwest of Jerusalem. 2. City of Zebulun; birthplace of Elon, and his burial-place. , east of Acre.

Aijeleth; Ayeleth Has-shachar (“hind of the dawn” ) Only in Psalm 22, in the introduction; as the name of the tune in which that psalm might be chanted.

Ain (“fountain” ) En. Prefix to many names, as Engedi, Enrogel. 1. Numbers 34:11, a source of the Jordan River, or a town near. 2. City in Judah ( Joshua 15:32).

Ajalon (“stag” ) Valley and town in Benj. noted in Joshua’s exploits ( Joshua 10:12). Several other towns of the same name, in Dan, Ephraim and Zebulun.

Akan (“keen-sighted” ) Descendant of Esau ( Genesis 36:27). Jakan in 1 Chronicles 1:42.

Akkub (“insidious” ) 1. Descendant of Zerubbabel; one of the 7 sons of Elioenai ( Chronicles 3:24). 2. Doorkeeper at the east-gate of the temple. His descendants are reported among the returned from Babylon ( 1 Chronicles 9:17). Dacobi in Esdras 5:28. 3. A Nethinim ( Ezra 2:45). Acub in 1 Esdras 5:30. 4. A Levite ( Nehemiah 8:7). Jacubus in 1 Esdras 9:48.

Ak-rab-bim (“scorpions” ) Maaleh Akrabbim, “scorpion pass”, in the mountains south of the Dead Sea.

Alema City in Gilead, large and strong (1 Macc. 5:26). Alabaster So named from the town of Alabastron, in Middle Egypt, where there are quarries of this fine-grained, pink-colored gypsum. It is not clear, but is colored in stripes, much varied in width and tint — very near the tint of their fingernails, including the crescent light place at the upper end of the nails. It was made into cups, boxes, etc. for holding perfumes, ointments, and other precious articles. Boxes for the same uses of any substance — wood, glass, stone, metal — were also called alabasters ( Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37). Alexander (“men helper” ) King of Macedon. Called the Great. Born at Pella B.C. 356, son of Philip and Olympias. Educated by the famous philosopher Aristotle. Alluded to in Daniel’s prophesy. He destroyed the Persian empire and placed Greeks in power there; conquered Asia, Egypt, Syria, and founded the city of (B.C. 332), which may be said to have been built on the ruins of Sidon and Tyre, for it grew rich and powerful on the Oriental trade which formerly fed those cities, and was then diverted from the Euphrates to the Red Sea route. Alexander’s toleration of Oriental customs and religions, guaranteeing to all people (and especially the Jews, who were exempted from tax on the 7th year,) the free observance of their hereditary laws, showing the same respect to their gods as to the gods of Greece, thus combining and equalizing the West and the East, weakened all the nationalities of his empire, and tended to dissolve the old religions. The Greek and Hebrew learning of Alexandria greatly influenced the planting of Christianity there, as well as in Asia. He married Roxana and Parysatis, Eastern princesses, an example followed by 80 generals and 10,000 soldiers of his army, who married Oriental wives. Josephus gives an account of a visit of Alexander to Jerusalem, and his reception by the high priest, which has been called fabulous (Antiquities xi, 8). He died at Babylon B.C. 323, only 32 years old, from intemperance. Alexander Balas A pretended son of Antiochus Epiphanes. He reigned four years over Syria (1 Macc. 10:11; Josephus, Antiquities xiii. 2.). Alexander Jannaeus The first prince of the Maccabees, who called himself king. Alexander Four persons so named in the Gospels. 1. Son of Simon the Cyrenean, who bore the cross part of the way (Mark 15). 2. A powerful opponent of the apostles, related to the high priest ( Acts 4:6). 3. Son of Herod the Great and Marianne. 4. A Jew of Ephesus, who took part in the uproar in the temple of Diana, against Paul. 5. A coppersmith, excommunicated by Paul for errors.

Alexandria Greek, Roman, and Christian capital of Egypt, founded by Alexander, B.C. 332, by the help of the same architect who rebuilt the Temple of Diana, at Ephesus. For centuries this was the largest city in the world. Population: 600,000 (Diodorus). The lighthouse of its spacious port was famous in the world of commerce as the , one of the Seven Wonders. The great library is said to have had 700,000 volumes (Strabo), even after losing 400,000 by fire (B.C. 47), and was finally destroyed by the Saracens, A.D. 642.

Among the learned men were Philo, a Jew (author of works which contain the best array of Hebrew Platonism — almost an imitation of Christian ethics), and Origen and Clement, Christians, whose writings have influenced and directed religious men in all Christian nations to the present. Ptolemy Philadelphus favored the translation from Hebrew into Greek of the Holy Scriptures (Old Testament), and the work was called the finished about B.C. 280. It is now the oldest known version, and is called the Codex Alexandrinus (Josephus, contra Apion ii. 4). . The Museum was the means of spreading a knowledge of Aristotle through the civilized world, and at one time it gathered 14,000 students from all the world. Modern astronomy arose there, under the direction of Eratosthenes, who taught the globe shape of the earth, its poles, axis, equator, arctic circles, equinoctial points, solstices, horizon, eclipses, and the distance of the sun. Callimachus (poet) wrote a treatise on birds; Apollonius one on mathematics and geometry, and invented a clock. Hipparchus was the great astronomer of the age, and discovered the precession of the equinoxes, gave methods of solving all triangles, and constructed tables of chords, tables of latitude and longitude, and a map of more than 1,000 stars. The Almagest of Ptolemy (A.D. 138), was for 1500 years the highest authority on the phenomena and mechanism of the universe. The same author described the world from the Canaries to China. These systems were supplanted by the discoveries of Newton of the law of gravitation, and of Columbus of the New World. There was a very extensive botanical and zoological garden, and a school for the study of Anatomy and dissection. The temples of Isis and Sarepis were among the finest ever built, and were partly used for scientific purposes, having the most perfect instruments for astronomical observations then known. They were destroyed by Bishop Theophilus A.D. 390. Present population (circa 1900) about 60,000 from all nations.

Allon (“oak?” ) 1. Naphtali ( Joshua 19:33). Zaananim, loading tents, near Kedesh ( Judges 4:11). 2. (“oak of weeping”), under which Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, was buried ( Genesis 35:8). Palm tree of Deborah in Judges 4:5, between Ramah and Bethel.

Almond Nut tree, larger than a peach tree; thrives from China to Spain, and on both sides of the Mediterranean, and nowhere better than in Syria. It is the earliest to blossom in spring (February), the pink-white blossoms appearing some weeks before the leaves. Alms The Hebrews had no word for a free gift to the poor, such as alms, but used “righteousness” for such acts, as in Job 29:10-16; Proverbs 10:2; Deuteronomy 14:29; 23:24,25; 24:19; 26:12; Leviticus 19:9,10; 23:22; 25:5. The laws of Moses made ample provision against poverty, and if they had been strictly kept, in letter and spirit, there could not have been any destitution. The gospel recognizes the duty of almsgiving and enforces it, and this virtue was a special mark of a Christian in the early age. This was not made a definite rule, but was left to the constraint of inward principle and feeling, “to prove the sincerity of their love.” Encouragement of idle vagrancy was denounced as wrong, and such idlers were scorned ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). The Jews, since the destruction of Jerusalem, have regarded their poor as the people of God, and those who give to them are credited with as much virtue as if they kept all the commandments, and they teach that almsgiving atones for their sins.

As Jesus sought the needy and the sick, and kindly ministered help and consolation, so it is his will that his Church shall show the same spirit toward the poor and afflicted.

Almug Fragrant sandal-wood, white and yellow, found in the mountains of Malabar. The trees are 9 to 12 inches through, 25 to 30 feet high. Its uses were for perfume, incense, beads, rosaries, fans, elegant boxes, and cabinets, and for musical instruments. Solomon used it for pillars in the houses he built, and for musical instruments ( 1 Kings 10:12; 2 Chronicles 9:10).

Alnathan (1 Esdras 8:44; Ezra 8:16).

Aloe An ordoriferous, precious tree of Siam, where it is worth its weight in gold, and is used for perfuming garments and rooms, and as a medicine. It is not our gum aloes.

Alphaeus (Alpheus, “exchange” ) Father of the lesser James ( Matthew 10:3). Called Cleopas in John 19:25. Alphaeus and Cleopas are synonymous in Hebrew and Greek.

Alphabet . Altar The central point of religious worship, as a mount, table or structure of turf, wood, stone or metal, on which sacrifice was made to some deity. The first one mentioned in the Bible is that built by Noah. Moses restricted the building of altars to those for the temple service only; but the law was often broken (Leviticus 17; Deuteronomy 12; Judges 6; 1 Samuel 7; Samuel 24; 1 Kings 3). Moses directed two kinds to be made: 1. the table of the Lord ( Exodus 27:8), having horns to which the animal to be sacrificed might be bound ( <19A802> Psalm 108:27); and a ledge half way up, on which the priests could stand, which was fenced below with a net work of metal; 2. the golden altar, Exodus 39:38, (the other being the brazen) ( Exodus 38:30). This was not strictly an altar, as no sacrifice was offered on it. Both had rings for carrying by poles.

Altaschith (“destroy not” ) In the introduction to Psalm 57; Psalm 58; Psalm 59; Psalm 75, indicating the melody to which the psalms were to be sung.

Alush (“wild place” ) Station in the Exodus, not identified ( Numbers 33:13).

Alvan (“thick” ) Horite, son of Shobal ( Genesis 36:23). ( 1 Chronicles 1:40).

Amad (“station” ) In Asher, lost ( Joshua 19:26).

Amadatha (Esther 12:6; 16:10.) .

Amal Descendant of Ashur, son of Jacob ( 1 Chronicles 7:35). Amalek (“to lick up” ) Son of Eliphaz, grandson of Esau, and a Shekh of Edom (Genesis 36).

Amalekites An ancient nomadic race, found from Petraea to the Persian Gulf, and may have been descendants of the grandson of Esau. The mention of this country in Genesis 14:7, does not imply that they were a people at that early time, but that they were a people in that country when the history was written. They were doomed to extinction because they opposed the Hebrews; and they were fewer and weaker from age to age up to the last mention in David’s time (1 Samuel 27; 30:17), who destoyed their remnant.

Aman . (Tobit 14:10; Esther 10:7, etc.).

Amana Mountain near the South end of Anti-Lebanon, where the Abana rises ( Song of Solomon 4:8).

Amariah (“whom Jehovah promised” ) 1. Father of Ahitub. 2. High priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat. 3. A Kohathite Levite. 4. Priest in Hezekiah’s time. 5. Son of Bani (Ezra 10). 6. Priest with Zerubbabel. 7. A descendent of Pharez. 8. Ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet.

Amasa (“burden” ) Son of Ithra, by David’s sister Abigail. Was general to Absalom, and was defeated by Joab, but pardoned by David, and appointed Joab’s successor as general. Joab killed him treacherously (2 Samuel).

Amashai Son of Azareel, priest in the time of Nehemiah ( Nehemiah 11:13).

Amashsai, correctly.

Amasiah (“whom God bears” ) Son of Zichri, Jehoshaphat’s general of 200,000 in Judah ( 2 Chronicles 17:16).

Amath .

Amatheis (1 Esdras 9:29 ). .

Amathis (“the land of” ) . (1 Macc. 12:25). Amaziah (“whom Jehovah strenthens” ) 1. Son of Joash and 8th king of Judah. Began to reign at 25, B.C. 838, and reigned 29 years. He was the first to hire men to fill his army. He conquered Edom and carried home the idols for worship, and so brought on his own ruin, and was killed by conspirators at Lachish. 2. Priest of the golden calf at Bethel, under Jeroboam II, in the time of the prophet Amos ( Amos 7:10).

Amedatha ( <170301>Esther 3:1 ) . Amen (“truth” ) Hebrew word, usually translated “verily”; or at the end of sentences not translated, but meaning “so be it”. In Revelation 3:14 it is used as a name of the Lord “the Amen, the faithful and true witness.” It is used as a word of confirmation, binding a saying, or an oath ( Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15; Nehemiah 5:13; <19A648> Psalm 106:48), and as a response or closing of a prayer ( Matthew 6:13; Romans 11:36).

Ammi (“my people” ) The name of Israel when they snall have been restored to God’s favor ( Hosea 2:1).

Ammidoi Returned with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:20). Humtah in Joshua 15:54. Ammiel (“people of my God” ) 1. Spy from Dan, in the Exodus ( Numbers 13:12). 2. Father of Machir of Lodebar ( 2 Samuel 9:4). 3. Father of Bathshua, wife of David ( 1 Chronicles 3:5); in 2 Samuel 11:3. Son of Ahithophel. 4. Sixth son of Obed-edom ( 1 Chronicles 26:5), a doorkeeper of the temple.

Ammihud (“people of Judah” ) 1. Father of Elishama; chief in the Exodus; an Ephraimite ( Numbers 1:10); ancestor of Joshua ( 1 Chronicles 7:26). 2. Simeonite chief in the allotment; father of Shemuel ( Numbers 34:20). 3. Father of Pedahel, chief in the allotment ( Numbers 34:28). 4. Father of Talmai, king of Geshur ( 2 Samuel 13:37). 5. Descendant of Pharez ( 1 Chronicles 9:4).

Amminadab (“bounteous people” ) 1. Son of Aram, father of Elizabeth, wife of Aaron; an ancestor of Jesus ( Matthew 1:4). 2. Kohathite Levite in David’s time. 3. One of the most noted charioteers of his day ( Song of Solomon 6:12). If this last is read “ammi-nadib”, it will mean “my loyal people”.

Amminadib ( Song of Solomon 6:12 ).

Ammishaddai (“people of the Almighty” ) Father of Ahiezer, chief in Dan in the Exodus ( Numbers 1:12).

Ammizabad (“people of the giver” ) Son of Benaiah, and his father’s lieutenant over the 3rd division of David’s army, in the 3rd monthly course ( 1 Chronicles 27:6).

Ammon (“son of my relative” ) Ben Ammi in Genesis 19:38. Descended from Lot. The people occupied the territory afterward given to Reuben and Gad, after driving out the Zamzummira ( Deuteronomy 2:20). Jabbok was their border on the North. They were nomadic, restless and predatory, as the Moabites were settled, civilized and industrious. They opposed the march of Israel to Canaan, and although favored by Moses ( Deuteronomy 2:9), yet they were hated, and warred with always. They worshipped “Moloch”, also called “Milcom”, and “Maleham”. Saul was made king (the second time) on account of his relief of Jabesh from the Amalekites (1 Samuel 11). Women of this people were in Solomon’s house. The last mention of them is in 1 Macc. 5:6,30-43.

Amnon (“faithful” ) Oldest son of David by Ahinoam, born at Hebron B.C. 1056. Killed by Absalom 1032.

Amok (“deep” ) Priest; returned with Zerubbabel ( Nehemiah 12:7).

Amomum An aromatic plant growing in India, Armenia, Media, and Pontus, described by Pliny, but not identified in our day. In Revelation 18:13 of the Hebrew — not in the KJV. The oily extract was used for the hair; and the name given to any fine perfume.

Amon (“builder” ) Son of Manasseh, and king of Judah. An idolater, reigned only two years, B.C. 644-642 (2 Kings 21).

Amon (“multitude” ) Egyptian deity. The name is translated generally in the Old Testament, which confuses the meaning. In Jeremiah 46:25 “multitude of No” should be “Amon of No.” And in Nahum 3:8 “populous No” means No-Amon. The Greeks called this god Jupiter Ammon. On the monuments the name is Amunre — Amon the son. He was supposed to be in the form of man, and was the supreme god of Egypt — king of gods. Amorite (“mountaineers” ) On both sides of Jordan River (Numbers 21; Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 1:20). From Emor, 4th son of Canaan. Og and Sihon, their kings East of the Jordan River, opposed Moses, but were beaten, and their land was given to Reuben, Manasseh, and Gad. This district was good pasture, and is now. Five Amorite kings on the West of the Jordan River opposed Joshua, and were defeated. The Jebusites were a branch, who held Zion 400 years after Joshua, until David took it ( 2 Samuel 5:6). Solomon imposed a tribute on the remnant of the people ( 1 Kings 9:20).

Amos (“burden” ) Prophet in the days of Isaiah and Hosea. Native of Tekoa, and was a dresser of sycamore (fig) trees. He prophesied at Bethel. His book is one of the finest in style, being full of pure language, vivid pictures, and often sublime thoughts; most of his imagery is taken from rural life. B.C. 780. .

Amoz (“strong” ) Father of Isiah.

Amphipolis Capital of a district in Macedonia (Acts 17). On a height on the east bank of the river Strymon, 3 miles from the sea. The gold mines of Mount Pangaeus made the city famous. Now Newtown. Xerxes sacrificed nine young men and maids, and several white horses, on the bank of the Strymon (Herodotus vii. 113).

Amplias Disciple at Rome, beloved of Paul in the Lord ( Romans 16:8).

Amram (“high ones” ) Son of Kohath, father of Moses and Aaron.

Amraphel (“keeper of the gods” ) Hamite king of Shinar ( Genesis 14:1,9).

Amulet (“pendant” ) Any object carried as a magical protection against evil or danger. Tickets with writing; stones and metal with pictures and writing. Moses tried to turn the practice to good use by directing his laws to be written on them ( Exodus 13:9,16; Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18). They are now very common in oriental countries, and not unknown in our own land. Jacob found some worn as earrings (Genesis 35).

Amzi 1. Merarite; ancestor of Ethan the singer ( 1 Chronicles 6:46). 2. Ancestor of Adaiah, priest in Nehemiah’s time ( Nehemiah 11:12).

Anab (“grapery” ) Judah ( Joshua 11:21), from which Joshua expelled the Anakim. A tower marks the site near Maon (Rob. ii. 195).

Anah (“answer” ) Son of Zibeon, father of Esau’s wife, Aholibamah ( Genesis 36:24). He discovered the hot springs of Callirohoe. He was a Horite, that is, a mountaineer. He is also called (“fountains”) the Hittite, in honor of his finding the springs.

Anaharath (“pass” ) Place in Issachar ( Joshua 19:19). 2 miles East of Jenin (Rob. ii. 316, 319. Hackett).

Anaiah (“whom God answers” ) Who stood at Ezra’s right hand during the reading of the law ( Nehemiah 8:4). in 1 Esdras 9:43.

Anak (“neck-chain”) Name of a race of tall people, who lived at Hebron, and vicinity ( Numbers 13:33; Joshua 15:14), descended from . They appear on the monuments of Egypt as tall and light colored, and are called Tammahu, from the Hebrew Talmai.

Anammelech (“kingly range” ) The Assyrian Moloch, in whose worship the people passed their children through the fire. This was the female power as was the male power of the sun-god.

Anan (“cloud” ) A chief who signed the covenant with Nehemiah ( Nehemiah 10:26).

Anani (“protected” ) Seventh son of Elioenai, of the royal line of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 3:24).

Ananiah ( 1 ) (“protected by Jah” ) Priest; ancestor of Azariah; assisted in rebuilding the wall ( Nehemiah 3:23).

Ananiah ( 2 ) A place between Nob and Hazor ( Nehemiah 11:32).

Ananias 1. A disciple at Jerusalem who, with his wife, Sapphira, tried to impose on Peter and the brethren, and defile the house of God, died suddenly, and was buried at once (Acts 5). 2. Made high priest (Acts 23) about A.D. 477 by Herod, king of Chalcis (Antiquities xx. 5, 2). He made himself great wealth out his office. Paul when before the Sanhedrin called him a white wall, and prophesied his ruin, which came in a time of trouble, and he fell by an assassin (Wars ii. 17; 6, 69). 3. Disciple at Damascus, who was directed (by the Lord) to go to Saul and lay hands on him, to ordain him to the ministry ( Acts 9:10-17). Tradition makes him bishop of Damascus, and a martyr.

Ananiel Forefather of Tobit (Tobit 1:1). .

Anath (“answer” ) Father of Shamgar ( Judges 2:31).

Anathema (“suspended” ) When said of things given to God, it is pronounced anathema ( Luke 21:5). It was also the religious curse of the Hebrews. It means also “devoted” — any person or thing devoted to God. Paul means “devoted” where he says accursed, in Romans 9:3. Those Jews devoted themselves to the work of killing Paul ( Acts 23:19). “Anathema maranatha” (“the Lord comes”), means that the curse (as well as a blessing) has its operation in Christ’s kingdom, and rises to its highest power at his coming, and he will surely come to bless as well as to curse ( 1 Corinthians 16:22). It was used as the church censure, or final excommunication, and it is so used now, of those who are excluded from the company of the believers.

Anathoth (“echoes” ) Ben., near Nob and Hazor ( Nehemiah 11:32). “Anata”, 3 1/2 miles Northeast of Jerusalem, where there are remains of walls and buildings in the midst of orchards of figs and olives, The quarries still supply Jerusalem. Andrew (“strong man” ) Brother of Peter, and native of Bethsaida in Galilee ( John 1:44). He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, but followed Jesus on John’s testimony, and informed his brother Peter of what he had found — that Jesus was the Christ ( John 1:35,36,41). He did not leave his business of fishing until some time after ( Mark 1:14). He was presant at the feeding of the 5,000 men at Jerusalem, when the Greek Jews wished to see Jesus ( John 6:8); and, with others, on Olivet, asked privately of Jesus what he meant by his strange words about destroying and rebuilding the temple. Of his afterlife and death, nothing is recorded. Tradition says he preached in Scythia, or Achaia, and was crucified on a cross, now called Andrew’s, which is of a special shape, and still bears his name. The early writers mention the “Acts of Andrew,” and the “Gospel of Andrew,” but they were rejected, and are lost.

Andronicus (“man conquerer” ) Fellow-prisoner of Paul, and his kinsman, and a disciple before Paul’s conversion. The allusion in Romans 16:7 probably has reference to some part of Paul’s history which is now lost.

Anem (“two springs” ) In Issachar ( 1 Chronicles 6:37). Aner (“boy” ) 1. A Canaanite sheikh who joined Abram, Eshcol, and Mamre in pursuit of Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14). 2. Town of the Levites in Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 6:70).

Anethothite, The Resident of ( 2 Samuel 23:27).

Angareuo (“compel” ) From the Tartar language, meaning forced service (as a mounted courier) without pay ( Matthew 5:41; Mark 15:21). Angel (“messenger” ) Whatever God employs to do His will. In <19A404> Psalm 104:4 (quoted in Hebrews 1:7), the wind (spirit) is His angel. Haggai was called the Lord’s angel ( Haggai 1:13), as was John the Baptist by Malachi ( Malachi 3:1). Israel was God’s angel, sent to enlighten the world ( Isaiah 42:19), as well as the priests ( Malachi 2:7), meaning the priests as a body. Jesus spoke of angels of God, who were neither married nor given in marriage, but were spirits, not in the flesh, but above, more free, more powerful, more wise ( Matthew 22:30; 26:53: Genesis 16:7; Hebrews 12:22). There are angels of light (of heaven), and angels of darkness, “that kept not their first estate.” Isaiah speaks of the angel of the presence ( Isaiah 63:9), and Moses of the angel that went before Israel ( Exodus 23:21), who has the whole world as his heritage ( Revelation 8:3), and who is believed to be the Lord Jesus, whom the Father sent to reveal Him to human beings.

Anklet Ornament of gold, silver, brass iron or glass, for the ankles, worn in ancient and modern days in the East by women. Isaiah ( Isaiah 3:16) says they made a tinkling with the feet; that is, the women tinkled them together when they walked in a mincing way. A string of little bells is worn by some Arab girls.

Anna Prophetess of the tribe of Asher, daughter of Phanuel. She was 84 when in the temple, as mentioned by Luke ( Luke 2:36), she recognized the Messiah.

Annas High priest for 15 years (appointed by Quirinus), and then deposed by Valerius Gratus. Father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest when Jesus was crucified (John 18; Acts 4:6). The office of high priest was judicial, in addition to the temple service, and Annas for a long period held this honored place, his term having been 20 years. Five of his sons succeeded each other to the same office, and then his son-in-law; and in all these changes he had exercised the highest judicial authority. He might have been a member of the Sanhedrin, and possibly was its president or vice president.

Annunciation This word means the announcement of the selection of the Virgin Mary as the favored mother of Jesus. About the year 800 A.D., the church decreed (the Council of Trullo) a day for celebrating the event.

Annuus Error in 1 Esdras 8:48; “with him” in the KJV Ezra 8:19. Anoint Anointing. Use of oil on the head or any object to be honored. Jacob poured oil on his stone pillow at Bethel, consecrating it to God. Guests were honored by having their hair oiled. The monuments have pictures of the act. It was a common custom among the Hebrews, and is often referred to in the Old Testament ( Psalm 23:5; 45:7; Proverbs 21:7; 27:9). To omit the use of this perfumed oil was a sign of grief and mourning, ( Daniel 10:3; Isaiah 61:3). It was also used as a medicine ( Isaiah 1:6; Mark 6:13; James 5:14). Kings were called “the anointed of the gods,” and both kings and priests were confirmed in their office by the anointing of oil, both in Egypt and Palestine. Anointing the eyes denoted a spiritual recovery of sight — knowledge of divine truth. The Holy Spirit descended on the head of Jesus, like a spiritual anointing, a divine confirmation of his office of Messiah. The bodies of the dead were also anointed, or embalmed, with spiced oil. .

Anos Son of Bani (1 Esdras 9:34). .

Ant The Hebrew word for this insect was namal , “cut off” ( Genesis 17:11). The males and females have four wings, which soon fall off. The workers are wingless. They feed on vegetables, animals and insects. They will rob a granary in a few days, or even hours. Solomon alluded to the ant as an instance of the use of proper seasons for collecting provisions ( Proverbs 6:6).

Antiam (“sighing of the people” ) Son of Shemidah, Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 7:19).

Anti-Christ (“against Christ” ) Unbelievers, heretics, and persecutors (1 John 2:18,22). Some understand this term to mean all men (or an organized body), who oppose Christ, and whom he will overcome or destroy ( Revelation 11:13,17). Antioch in Syria On the Orontes, 30 miles from the sea, 300 miles from Jerusalem. Founded by Seleucus Nicator (conqueror), B.C. 300, and named in honor of his father, Antiochus. It was the capital of the Greek and Roman governors of Syria for nearly 1,000 years. Its suburb Daphne was famous for its sanctuary to Apollo and Diana (2 Macc. 4:33); the sacred grove extending its cool shades and brooks of water for ten miles around. It was a sensual paradise, where pleasure, under the disguise of religion, dissolved the firmness of manly virtue. The first was founded here by Paul, and the disciples were here first called in derision by the pagans ( Acts 11:21-26). Ignatius who suffered martyrdom under Trajan, at Rome, was bishop of Antioch 40 years. In the time of Chrysostom (born here A.D. 344), the population was 200,000, one half being Christians. The city had a street colonnade from end to end, built by Antiochus Epiphanes, and paved with granite by Antoninus Pius; most sumptuous marble baths, built by Caligula, Trajan and Hadrian; a marble palace of Diocletian, and was the finest and largest city in Western Asia. It lost greatly in wealth and population in several earthquakes: one in A.D. 526, destroying 250,000 people, at the time of the festival of the Ascension, when many strangers were gathered; and in 1822 one-fourth of the city and people, about 5,000. It was of great importance during the Crusades, and is often mentioned for its sieges, battles, and the brilliant exploits of both Christian and Muslem in and about its walls. American Protestant missionaries began to preach there in 1856. Population now about 20,000 (circa 1900). The Arabic name is “Antakia”. Ruins of aqueducts, marble pavements, columns, and other evidences of its ancient splendor are often found buried under rubbish. Antioch in Pisidia Founded by the same king (who built 10 or 15 others of the same name), and peopled them by hired immigrants from Magnesia on the Maeander. On the South side of Mount Paroreia, on the boundary between Pisidia and Phrygia, overlooking a broad plain. Recent discoveries of ancient inscriptions prove the site correct. There are ruins of several churches, temples, a theatre, and an aqueduct of which 21 arches are now entire. The ancient city was often visited by Paul (Acts), with Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy who was a native of this district.

Antiochia (2 Macc. 4:33 ), for Antioch.

Antiochians Partisans of A. Epiphanes, or Jason (2 Macc. 4:9). “Sinful men” in Doway.

Antiochis In the family of Antiochis Epiphanes (2 Macc. 4:30).

Antiochus (“who lasts out”) There are several of this family name. 1. (the god). Son of Antiochus Soter (“savior”). He succeeded his father in B.C. 261. He was the “king of the north” of Daniel (Daniel 11), who joined “the king of the south” (Ptolemy) by marrying his daughter Berenice. 2. , succeeded his brother Seleucus Keraunus (“thunderer”, who was poisoned after ruling 3 years), and was the first really strong man since Seleucus, who founded the family and empire in Syria. He was only 15 when he began to rule, and his great rival, Ptolemy IV, Philopator (“father loving”), of Egypt, was crowned only two years later. Ptolemy began his reign by murdering nearly all of his relations, including his mother and father. Antiochus did no violence to his friends, but planned how to increase the wealth and power of his people, and passed his whole life in war. One part of his policy was to put a great trust in the Jews as a people, and especially as soldiers (Antiquities xii. 3, 4). At one time he moved 2,000 families of Jews from Mesopotamia to Lydia and Phrygia for garrison service. He increased the honors and privileges of the Jews in Palestine, when he became master there, and they were very near to the actual enjoyment of social and religious liberty. He is also mentioned by Daniel ( Daniel 11:41), as one who should stand “in the glorious land which by his hand was to be consumed.” His own daughter, Cleopatra, whom he gave to Ptolemy Epiphanes as a wife, opposed him in favor of her husband. Hannibal influenced him to war against Rome, and he was beaten finally at Magnesia in Lydia, B.C. 190. He lost his life B.C. 187, in an attempt to plunder the temple of Belus in Elymais. 3. (“illustrious”), youngest son of Antiochus the Great, succeeded to his brother Seleucus Philopator, who reigned 10 years, chiefly as “a raiser of taxes” ( Daniel 11:20). Epiphanes gained the kingdom by flatteries (s. 21), that is, by a system of lavish bribery. These and other acts caused the Greeks to call him Epimanes (“crazy”), a very sharp and sarcastic pun on his title. He wished to plunder the Jewish temple, because he needed money, and to do this it was his policy to make the Jews hateful, and destroy their nationality. But he raised up the Maccabees who, after many years of war and suffering, delivered their people (B.C. 143), as is recorded on the coins of that period . He was a type of Antichrist, so made by his want of respect to God and religion, and the disregard of every higher feeling among men. He worshiped the Roman war-god, whose forts were his temples. 4. (“of noble descent”), succeeded his father Antiochus IV, B.C. 164, while a child, and was under the guardian Lysias, and they were killed by Demetrius Soter, when the rule fell to Antiochus VI, son of Alexander Balas and Cleopatra, who while a child was under the care of Tryphon, B.C. 145, who contended for the throne against Demetrius Nicator. Tryphon, by treachery and success in war, gained supreme power, killed Antiochus, and assumed the throne. The coins bear his head as Antiochus and Trypho, and on some the title of Theos is added. The books of Daniel and the Maccabees give a large space to the life and deeds and bad character of this king. 5. (“from Side in Pamphylia”). Also called (“pious”). This was the last king of the Seleucid family, who ruled B.C. 141-128. There were some who assumed the name Antioch as a title until the Romans made Syria a province, B.C. 63.

Antothijah (“Jah’s answers” ) Son of Shashak ( 1 Chronicles 8:24).

Antipatris (“against father” ) Built by Herod the Great, on the edge of Sharon, now Kefer Saba, 12 miles Northeast of Joppa. Capharsaba in Josephus. Dr. Eli Smith found and identified the place while on a journey expressly to follow Paul’s night march from Jerusalem to Caesarea ( Acts 23:31). There are remains of the Roman road, which led by Gophna.

Antonia Fort built by Herod on the Northwest corner of the temple site, and named after his friend. Anub (“bound” ) Son of Coz, of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:8).

Anus A Levite (1 Esdras 9:48). ?

Apame Of Darius’ family; daughter of Bartacus (1 Esdras 4:29).

Ape Brought by Solomon’s ships ( 1 Kings 10:22) from India or Malabar, where they are now found, called (Hebrew: Koph ). They were prized as curiosities then as now.

Apelles (“Apollo’s gift” ) A disciple saluted by Paul ( Romans 16:10). Tradition says he was bishop of Smyrna.

Apharsachites Persians transplanted into Samaria ( Ezra 4:9). Fars — Persia.

Aphek (“firmness or strength” ) 1. Issachar ( Joshua 12:18; 15:53). 2. Asher ( Joshua 19:30; Judges 1:31). ( Joshua 13:4). West of Baalbek 15 miles, on the East slope of Lebanon. . A temple to Venus made this city famous. 3. Where the Philistines encamped before the battle in which the sons of Eli were killed and the Ark was taken ( 1 Samuel 9:1). In the mountains Northwest of Jerusalem. 4. The site of another battle, where Saul was killed ( 1 Samuel 29:1), near Shunem, or Jezreel. 5. Aphik, now called Fik, East of the sea of Galilee 6 miles; the site of several battles with the Syrians ( 1 Kings 20:26; 2 Kings 13:17). Ben Hadad was defeated here; and Joash at the word of Elisha drew a bow at a venture, and afterward gained several baffles over the Syrians. The houses occupy a crescent-shaped cliff, at the base of which are three fine fountains, which send a stream into the lake below the hill on which Gamala stood.

Apochrypha (“hidden” ) The name of a certain class of books, offered as genuine, but not received as of divine origin, and of equal authority with the other books of the Bible. These are, as they stand in the King James Version: 1. Esdras, 1 and 2. Tobit 3. Judith 4. Addition to Esther 5. Wisdom of Solomon 6. Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach 7. Baruch, and Jeremiah’s Epistle 8. The Song of the Three Holy Children 9. The History of Susanna 10. Bel and the Dragon 11. Prayer of Manasseh 12. Maccabees, 1 and 2, and the Book of Enoch, accepted in Abyssinia. Besides these there are a number that never were admitted to a position among the Sacred writings, such as, The Assumption of Moses, Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, and many others attributed to Abraham, Eldad, Modad, etc. The original meaning of apocrypha was “hidden,” but it is now used to mean “spurious.” The real value of these books is in their being specimens of Jewish literature, and books of their history, throwing light on their religion and theological opinions, although more or less colored by fancy or fable. They are assigned to a period dating since 300 B.C., the latest, Esdras, dating about 30 B.C., or even later. The books themselves do not assert the use of the prophetic gift but do say that this gift had departed from Israel (1 Macc. 9:27), but it was hoped that prophets would again appear (1 Macc. 4:46; 14:41). The style and power of the writing is inferior, and especially so is the poetry, excepting only the Song of the Three Children, which may be the reproduction of some ancient sacred service. There are many blunders and anachronisms in their historical allusions. The books of the New Testament era that have been regarded as doubtful are, 2 Peter; James; Jude; 2 John; 3 John; Revelation, and Hebrews. Those condemned as spurious are: Acts of Paul; Shepherd of Hennas; the Revelation of Peter; the Epistle of Barnabas, and the Instructions of the Apostles. Those denounced as impious are, the Gospel of Peter, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Matthias, and the Acts of Andrew, John, and the other apostles. Some of these books were read in the churches for instruction, but not for a rule and guide. The Westminster Confession says, “The books called Apochrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of Scripture, and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.” .

Apollonia a city of Macedonia, through which Paul and Silas passed in their way from Philippi and Amphipolis to Thessalonica ( Acts 17:1). According to the Antonine Itinerary, it was distant 30 Roman miles from Amphipolis, and Roman miles from Thessalonica.

Apollophanes a Syrian, killed by Judas Maccabaeus at Gazara (2 Macc. 10:37). Apollos a Jew from Alexandria, eloquent (which may also mean “learned”) and mighty in the Scriptures; one instructed in the way of the Lord, according to the imperfect view of the disciples of John the Baptist ( Acts 18:25), but on his coming to Ephesus during a temporary absence of Paul, A.D. 54, more perfectly taught by Aquila and Priscilla. After this he became a preacher of the gospel, first in Achaia and then in Corinth ( Acts 18:27; 19:1), where he watered that which Paul had planted ( 1 Corinthians 3:6). When the apostle wrote his First Epistle to the Corinthians, Apollos was with or near him ( 1 Corinthians 16:12), probably at Ephesus in A.D. 57: we hear of him then that he was unwilling at that time to journey to Corinth, but would do so when he should have convenient time. He is mentioned but once more in the New Testament, in Titus 3:13. After this nothing is known of him. Tradition makes him bishop of Caesarea. It has been supposed by some that Apollos was the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Apollyon or, as it is literally in the margin of the King James Version of Revelation 9:11, “a destroyer,” is the rendering of the Hebrew word ABADDON , “the angel of the bottomless pit.” The angel Apollyon is further described as the king of the locusts which rose from the smoke of the bottomless pit at the sounding of the fifth trumpet. From the occurence of the word in Psalm 88:11, the Rabbis have made Abaddon the nethermost of the two regions into which they divide the lower world. But that in Revelation 9:11 Abbadon is the angel, and not the abyss, is perfectly evident in the Greek. There is no authority for connecting it with “the destroyer” alluded to in 1 Corinthians 10:10. Apostle (“sent forth” ) The Jews so called those who carried about letters from their rulers. There were but few who had this honor, and to whom Jesus entrusted the organization of his Church. There were twelve originally whom he ordained, that they should be with him; and he gave them power over unclean spirits, and to heal all manner of diseases; commissioning them to preach the kingdom of God (Mark 3; Matthew 10; Luke 6), saying, “As the Father hath sent me, so send I you.” It seems to have been essential to this high office: 1. That they should have seen the Lord, and have been eye and ear witnesses of what they testified to the world (John. 15:27; Acts 1:21). Paul claims equal authority from having seen Jesus in a vision ( <460901> Corinthians 9:1; 15:8). 2. Called and chosen by the Lord himself ( Acts 1:24). 3. Infallible inspiration ( John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10), because it was their office to explain the Old Testament, and to set forth the New ( Luke 24:27). 4. The power of working miracles ( Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43). 5. To these were added the power to settle points of faith, and determine all controversies. Jesus is once called “the apostle of our profession” (Heb, 3:1). is not of their own making, but contains their doctrine as set forth by Christian men in later times. dates from the day of Pentecost, and is usually divided into two periods, before and after the destruction of Jerusalem A.D. 70, the latter period ending at the death of John A.D. 99. There was not a revelation of the Lord’s commands and the duties they involved complete as final at one time, but rather a progressive illumination — a special succession and combination of events — from the first call to be apostles, the day of pentecost, the visions at Caesarea and Joppa, the conversion and call of Paul — by which the five heralds of the Gospel were instructed, and enabled to teach its free and comprehensive spirit. The first Christian church was composed of Jews only, and they observed the Mosaic ritual strictly, and were continually in the temple ( Luke 24:53; Acts 2:46; 3:1); and the Jews spoke of them as the of the Nazarenes, as the Pharisees and Sadducees and Essenes were sects within the Jewish church ( Acts 24:5; 28:22; 15:5; 26:5; 5:17). A community of goods was required at first, but was soon abandoned. The Greeks (and other Gentiles) were admitted and elevated the tone of the society, and increased its power for diffusion, for the Gentiles so outnumbered the Jews at Antioch as to require a new name — which was given by their scorners — Christian. Shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem the members of the church found a refuge in Pella, east of the Jordan River, away from the power of the Sanhedrin, which held its sessions at Jamnia on the Great Sea, and this ended the connection of the new church with the old — Moses was to be thereafter second to Jesus in authority, and from that time an enmity grew up between them which has not yet been healed — and can never be (2 Corinthians 3). The second period is almost a blank, since there is no account of any of the apostles except John, and with his death the age closes. Since then the church has been left to the guidance of man only, assisted by the invisible spirit, toward its spiritual maturity.

Apothecaries Hananiah, one of the rebuilders of the wall, was a perfumer, or maker of ointment ( Nehemiah 3:8).

Appaim (“nostrils” ) Son of Nadab, of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 2:30).

Apphia Disciple ( Philemon 1:2): member of Philemon’s household. Appii in Acts 28:15.

Apphus Surname of Jonathan Maccabeus (1 Macc. 2:5).

Appii-forum (“market place of Appius” ) On the Appian bay, between Naples and Rome,43 miles from Rome.

Appius Claudius, who built the famous road from Rome to Brundusium, had a statue in his honor here ( Acts 28:15). Aquila (“eagle” ) Jew at Corinth, tent maker and friend of Paul ( Acts 18:2). He and his wife Priscilla had been banished from Rome with all Jews, by Claudius. They became zealous promoters of the cause, as Paul says “helpers in Christ Jesus,” “who have for my life laid down their own necks” ( Romans 16:3-4). The Greek church honors Aquila as a bishop on July 12th. The Romans call him bishop of Heraclea, and the festival of Aquila and Priscilla is on July 8th.

Ar Capital of Moab, on the Arnon ( Numbers 21:15-28). The place is still called Rabba, and is 17 miles East of the Dead Sea,10 South of the Arnon, and its ruins occupy a low hill overlooking a plain, where are found the remains of two Roman temples and some water tanks. It was burned by King Sihon ( Isaiah 15:1). Rabbath Moab.

Ara (“lion” ) Son of Jether, of Asher ( 1 Chronicles 7:38). Arab Judah. ( Joshua 15:52). Near Hebron. Lost.

Arabah (“waste — sterile ). The valley of depression from Mount Hermon to the Red Sea at Ezion Geber (Akabah). ( Deuteronomy 1:1; Job 24:5; Isaiah 33:9). Now restricted to the valley from the Sea of Galilee to the South end of the Dead Sea, and called El Ghor. It is 150 miles long by 1 to 10 or 12 miles wide. , the plural of Arabah was the name given to the plain of Jericho ( Joshua 5:10; Numbers 22:1; 2 Samuel 15:28). The region is called in Genesis 13:10. From the Dead Sea to Akabah the Arabs name the valley Wady el Arabah. The desert of bounds the Arabah on the west, by long walls of limestone, 1,500 to 1,800 feet above its floor. The mountains of Edom form the East wall, and are of granite, basalt, and porphyry, 2,000 to 2,300 feet in elevation, and covered with vegetation. Mount Hor, the highest peak, is 5,000 feet above the sea. A line of chalk cliffs, 150 feet high, 6 miles South of the Dead Sea, running East and West, divides the Arabah from El Ghor. West is the principal water-course — flowing only in winter. The Arabah is a desert of sand, gravel, low hills, and cut by numberless water-courses. The sirocco blows almost constantly. There are a very few shrubs and plants, as rushes, tamarinds, oleanders, anemones, lilies, and palms. The water-shed is 40 miles North of Akabah, from which the water flows both North and South. The pass up out of the Arabah near Akabah, upon the plateau of Tih, is now used by pilgrims on the route from Suez to Mecca, and is called the pass. From this plateau to 1000 feet above it is another pass, on the route from Mount Hor to Hebron, called “es Sufah”, where Israel was repulsed by Canaan ( Deuteronomy 1:44; Numbers 14:43-45). On the East side Wady Ithm leads through the mountains near Akabah, where there are remains of a Roman road, leading to the country East of the Dead Sea, over the same route traversed by the Exodus, when Edom was compassed ( Numbers 21:4). Arabia (“east country” ) East of Palestine, including all the descendants from Ishmael and Keturah ( Genesis 10:30; 29:1; Judges 6:3.) Sons of the East ( Numbers 23:7; 2 Chronicles 9:14). Sons of Kedem (s. 21:13). “Forest in Arabia” ( Exodus 12:38; Nehemiah 13:3; 1 Kings 10:15), “Mixed multitude” are Arabians. Now called by the Arabs country of the Arba. Bedouin are people of the open country, not living in towns. Extends from the Euphrates and the Persian Gulf to Egypt and the Red Sea; and from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, or Great Sea. The ancients divided it into , , and . The modern divisions are the Peninsula of Sinai, Arabia, and North Arabia. (See Sinai, Edom, Petra, Mount Hor, Arabah, Syria, Aram.) The original settlers were the sons of Shem and Ham ( Genesis 10:21). There are many ruins in Arabia of a more ancient people than any known to history — (Marib, Sana, Reydan, Riam, Inen, Rich). There are many allusions in the Bible to the Arabs; and the manners and customs of the modern people are a help to the interpretation of those texts that refer to the ancients, and especially in Job. The Bedouin constantly remind us of the accounts of the patriarchs, or later Israelites. Respect to age ( Leviticus 19:32); deference to superiors ( 2 Kings 5:13); engravings on signets of sentences having the name of God ( Exodus 39:30; John 3:33). As a pledge, the ring is given ( Genesis 41:42); they wear an inkhorn in the girdle ( Ezekiel 9:2,3,11). Many of the most obscure passages are explained by a knowledge of the present customs. The people have in all ages been active, enterprising, restless; ambitious in commerce, conquest, and religion. The country of Arabia was never conquered.

Arabians ( 2 Chronicles 17:11 ). Nomades, east and south of Palestine, a part being descended from Keturah. The Sheikh (“king”) was called Aretas (2 Macc. 5:8).

Arad ( 1 ) (“wild ass” ) Son of Beriah, a Benjamite ( 1 Chronicles 8:15).

Arad ( 2 ) South of Judah ( Numbers 21:1; King of Arad, Joshua 12:14; Judges 1:16). Tell Arad, 20 miles South of Hebron. (R.)

Aradus (“wandering”) Phoenicia ( Ezekiel 27:8; Genesis 10:18). An island 3 miles from the coast, near the river Eleutherus, Nahr el Kebir; and opposite to it is the site of Antaradus, now called Ruad (1 Macc. 15:23). The island was settled by fugitives from Sidon. High and rocky, about a mile in extent, near Tripoli.

Arah (“traveler” ) 1. Son of Ulla, of Asher ( 1 Chronicles 7:39). 2. Seven hundred seventy-five (775) of the “sons of Arah” returned with Zerubbabel ( Ezra 2:5). Ares (1 Esdras 5:10).

Aram (“height” ) Northeast of Palestine. Also called Syria — which see ( Genesis 31:18; 33:18). 1. Aram Dammesek, Syria of Damascus ( 2 Samuel 8:5,6). 2. Aram Naharaim (“two rivers”), the country of Abraham ( Genesis 25:20). 3. Padan Aram, Aram at the foot of the mountains. 4. Aram Zobah ( 2 Samuel 10:6,8). 5. Aram Beth Rehob. 6. Aram Maachah ( 1 Chronicles 21:6). Geshur ( 2 Samuel 15:8; 1 Kings 11:25). 1. Aram was a son of Shem, and his brethren were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad. 2. Aram is also Assyria ( 2 Kings 18:26; Isaiah 36:11; Jeremiah 35:11; 2 Kings 16:6). 3. Aram, of whose family was Elihu who visited Job ( Job 32:2).

Aramitess Woman of Aram ( 1 Chronicles 7:14).

Aram-Naharaim Mesapotamia. (Plain of Damascus?)

Aram Zobah Aram and Zobah (Psalm 60).

Aran (“wild goat” ) A Horite ( Genesis 36:28). Ararat (“holy land” ) A mountainous district, or lofty plateau, nearly 5,000 feet above the sea, between the Black and Caspian seas, where rise the Euphrates and Tigris, which flow into the Persian Gulf; the Araxes and Cyrus, into the Caspian; and the Acampsis, into the Black Sea. The range of Mount Taurus begins at the Northeast end of the Great Sea, near Antioch in Syria, runs Northeast, meeting the range of Abus, from the head of Persian Gulf running Northwest, at the Mount Ararat, which is 17,750 feet high. It is alluded to in Scripture as: 1. Ararat ( Genesis 8:4), the land on which the Ark rested; and where the sons of Sennacherib fled after killing their father ( 2 Kings 19:37). 2. Minni ( Jeremiah 51:27). Josephus says there is a great mountain in Armenia called Baris (Antiquities i. 3, 6). 3. Togarmah. In Genesis 10:3, this is the name of the youngest son of Gomer. Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 38:6) says, “the house of Togarmah of the north.” Tyre traded in horses with Togarmah ( Ezekiel 27:14).

Ararath (Tobit 1:21).

Araunah (“Jah is strong” ) The Jebusite who sold his threshing-floor to David for a place for an altar to God (2 Samuel 24). He was one of the royal family of the Jebusites ( 2 Samuel 24:23). David bought the whole hill Moriah for 600 shekels of gold, and the threshing-floor and oxen for 50 shekels ( 1 Chronicles 21:25).

Arba ( 1 ) .

Arba ( 2 ) (“hero-baal” ) Ancestor of the Anakim — named Hebron Kirjath-arba (city of Arba. Joshua 14:15; 15:13). Arbah in Genesis 35:27.

Arbathite Resident in the Arabah, the Jordan valley ( 2 Samuel 23:31).

Arbattis Error for Acrabattine; or meaning Ard el Butihah in Galilee (1 Macc. 5:23).

Arbela (1 Macc. 9:2 ), Arabella, near Maisaloth. Beth Arbel, or what is now called Irbil, a few miles West of Magdala. ( Hosea 10:14.)

Arbite, The Resident of Arab ( 2 Samuel 23:35). Paarai, the Arbite, one of David’s guard; Naarai, the son of Ezbai in 1 Chronicles 11:37.

Arbonai ( Judges 2:14, Mambre ). . Archelaus (“leading the people” ) Son of Herod by Malthace, a Samaritan, brought up at Rome. Appointed by Augustus Ethnarch after his father’s death. Banished to and died in Gaul at Vienne. He had a bad reputation ( Matthew 2:22) for cruelty and oppression.

Archevites People from Erech(?) living in Samaria ( Ezra 4:9).

Archippus (“driver of horses” ) Disciple in Colossse, “our fellow soldier” (Philem. 1:2). He is supposed to have been a teacher, one of the 70 sent out, as well as deacon, in Colossae and Laodicea, and to have suffered as a martyr at Chonae.

Archite Hushai, the Archite in 2 Samuel 15:32. No town of Arca is known in Palestine; the one north of Tripoli is in Phoenicia. Joshua ( Joshua 16:2) has the borders of Archi” near Bethel and Luz. Arcturus Hebrew: Ash, Ayish , in Job 9:9; 38:32. The Arabians name the cluster of four stars in the body of the “Great Bear” en nash, and those in the tail el Benat, the daughters.

Ard (“descent” ) 1. Son of Benjamin, the youngest ( Genesis 46:21). 2. Son of Bela ( Numbers 26:40). Addar in 1 Chronicles 8:3. Ardites, from him.

Ardath The field in 2 Esdras 9:26, meaning that all Palestine was but a field or waste (Arboth?) to the Jews.

Ardon (“fugitive” ) Son of Caleb by Azubah ( 1 Chronicles 2:18).

Areli (“hero’s son” ) . Son of Gad ( Genesis 46:16). Arelites ( Numbers 26:17).

Areopagus (“hill of Ares” ) Mars Hill. Athens. A rocky height opposite the west end of the Acropolis, used from the earliest times as a place of assembly for the honorable men who had held the office of Archon. On this hill Paul stood, in the midst of these august men, when he said, “Whom ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.” Dionysius, the Areopagite ( Acts 17:23-34). “In the market daily.” The or market, was a public place, surrounded on three sides by the architectural glories of Athens. It may be described thus: To the northeast was the Acropolis, a rocky height 150 feet above the street below, crowned with the Parthenon and other temples; north the Areopagus; west the Pnyx (pulpit); and south the Museum, with other buildings.

At the time of Paul’s visit, Athens was a magnificent city, ornamented in every quarter with memorials sacred to religion and patriotism, showing the highest achievements in art. The famed Academy had its groves of plane and olive trees, retired walks and cooling fountains, altars and statues and temples, near which was the house of Plato, the great teacher. The Acropolis had clustered on its summit memorials and monuments of religion and art, such as were never seen on an equal space. Pericles had adorned it with a flight of steps and a Propylaea, with five entrances and two flanking temples of Pentelican marble, where were placed the equestrian statues of the Roman emperors Augustus and Agrippa, the temple of the Wingless Victory; a picture-gallery; and there still stands the ruin of the unequaled Parthenon, which was then adorned with the masterpieces of the sculptor Phidias. The Erechtheium, containing the holy olive-tree, sacred to Minerva, the holy salt-spring, and other sacred things. A colossal bronze statue of Pallas Promachus, by Phidias, stood near, the plume of whose lofty helmet was visible from the sea between Sunium and Athens. Pausanias gives an account of a great number of statues on the Acropolis, so that we wonder how there could be any space left for the people. It is no wonder, however, that Paul, with his natural genius and vast experience, should have been inspired by the surroundings. (Life of Paul> ).

Areopagite A member of the council at Athens ( Acts 17:34). .

Aretas (“graver” ) Title of the kings of Arabia, as Ptolemy of Egypt, and Augustus of Rome. 1. In the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 170 (2 Macc. 5:8). 2. Father-in-law of Herod Antipas, whose Ethnarch ruled in Damascus when Paul escaped in a basket ( 2 Corinthians 11:32).

Areus King of the Lacedemonians, whose letter to the high priest Onias is given in 1 Macc. 12:20-23; about 300 B.C. Argob (“stony” ) Manasseh, east of Jordan River, in Bashan. Had sixty fortified cities ( Deuteronomy 3:4,13,14; 1 Kings 4:13), called Trachonitis, a translation of the Hebrew name. The Samaritans called it Rigobaah= stony. The Arabs named it Mujeb=stony, and it is now El Lejah. It lies fifteen miles south of Damascus, is triangular, twenty-two miles from north to south, and fourteen from east to west. The region is elevated above the surrounding country, and is very rocky, like an ocean of basaltic rocks and boulders; thickly studded with deserted cities and villages, in all of which the houses are solidly built and of remote antiquity. A Roman road runs through the district, probably leading from Damascus to Bosra. Kenath and Edrei are on the border, to the southwest. The Hauran presents the utmost contrast to the Lejah, in being a country of the richest agricultural soil, in rolling downs, from the Sea of Galilee to the desert, far beyond the Lejah.

Argob The two princes, Argob and Ariel, were killed with Pekahiah, in the palace at Samaria, by Pekah.

Ariarathes Mithridates, king of Cappadocia, B.C. 163- 130.

Aridai Son of Haman ( Esther 9:8).

Aridatha Son of Haman ( Esther 9:8).

Arieh (“the lion”) Ariel ( 1 ) (“lion of God” ) Poetical name of Jerusalem ( Isaiah 29:1,2,7). Ariel ( 2 ) (“lion of God” ) 1. Chief under Ezra ( Ezra 8:16), in his caravan. One of the Gileadite chiefs killed by Pekah. . The same word occurs in Samuel 23:20, where it is rendered “two lion-like men” — and might be “two sons of Ariel.” 2. Isaiah ( Isaiah 29:1) so names Jerusalem. — Lion of God, or hearth of God; the same word in Ezekiel 43:15) translated “altar”; it means “hearth of God”.

Arimathea A city of Judea ( Luke 23:51). King Demetrius writes (1 Macc. 11:34): “We have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Aphereum, Lydda, and Ramathaim, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria.” Joseph of Arimathea ( Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; John 19:38). The place has been identified as the village of Renthieh, ten miles East of Joppa, on the road from Lydda to Antipatris, but this is doubted on the authority of Josephus.

Arioch (“lion-like” ) 1. King of Ellasar ( Genesis 14:1). 2. Captain of the guard ( Daniel 2:14). 3. King of the Elymaeans. In Judith 1:6, Erioch king of the Eliceans; in , Deioces, king in Media.

Arisai Son of Haman ( Esther 9:9).

Aristarchus (“excellent ruler” ) A Thessalonian, companion of Paul; with him at Ephesus (Acts 19), and on the voyage, and at Rome, a fellow-prisoner and laborer ( Colossians 4:10; Philem. 1:24). Tradition makes him bishop of Apamea.

Aristobulus (“best advised” ) 1. Jewish priest in Egypt in the reign of Ptolemy VI, B.C. 165. Judas Maccabeus addressed him as a counsellor of the king (2 Macc. 1:10). He wrote and dedicated to Ptolemy an allegorical exposition of the Pentateuch, Eusebius and Clement of Alexandria preserve fragments of his works. 2. A resident at Rome, whose household is the subject of a salutation in Romans 16:10. 3. Son and successor of John Hyrcanus. 4. Second son of Alexander Jannaeus. 5. Grandson of No. 3, and the last of the Maccabaeans; murdered by the designs of Herod, B.C. 34. 6. Son of Herod the Great by Mariamne.

Arithmetic (“numbering” ) The Hebrews were not a scientific, but a religious and practical people; but it must be inferred from what they did, in certain trades and arts, that they had the needed skill, and reckoning by numbers was not an exception. For figures, after the captivity, they used their letters, as is seen on the Samaritan coins; and this may have been their earliest custom also. Ark A word adopted from the Egyptian. A chest. The word for Noah’s ark is the same as used for that of Moses (Genesis 6; Genesis 8; Exodus 2). An oblong chest of acacia wood, gilded, 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches deep ( Exodus 15:10; Numbers 7:9.) It was to contain (or by its side), the book of the law, the covenant, and perhaps also the pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod ( Hebrews 9:4). When Solomon’s temple was dedicated the ark contained only the “two tables” of stone ( 1 Kings 8:9). It was to be kept in the most holy place, excluding all idols, and itself be the center of regard, as denoting the presence of God, on the Mercy Seat, which was on the lid, overshadowed by two images with wings. Jeremiah predicted ( Jeremiah 3:16), that it should be finally abandoned as a sacred object. It “rested” at Shiloh until the superstitious warriors took it into battle and lost it to the Philistines. Not long after its recovery it was placed in the temple. It is believed to have been burned when the Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s temple. Ark, Noah’s The form and size cannot be learned from the text. The figures are given as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. The cubit was of several kinds, 18 inches, 19 inches, and 21 inches in length. The present opinion (among some), is that the Deluge was a local inundation, extending only far enough to destroy the human race, which is supposed to have dwelt in the valley of the Euphrates and Tigris. The form of the ark may be seen in that of the great rafts on those rivers, which have a flat-roofed cabin on them, like a rude house. The Apameans had a tradition that the ark rested near their city, in Phrygia, of which the coin shown in the book, dating from A.D. 150, is a memorial, now in Paris.

Arkite Canaanite people living at Arka, under Mount Lebanon on the sea ( Genesis 10:17). Alexander Severus was born there, and it was then named Caesarea Lebani. The ruins are on a hill looking over a fine plain, the sea, and mountains. Armageddon A name for the plain of Jezreel. Mount Megiddo ( Revelation 16:16). There is a symbolical meaning attached to this name and place which it is impossible to explain in this limited space. It may be interesting to recount the several great battles fought on the plain, which have given it a solemn importance in history. The great victory of Barak over the Canaanites (Judges 4—5), and of Gideon over the Midianites (Judges 7); and two great disasters — the death of Saul ( 1 Samuel 21:8) in the invasion of the Philistines, and the death of Josiah in the invasion of the Egyptians ( 2 Kings 23:29). Armenia . Christianity was established here in the 4th century. The whole number of the Armenians is about two million (circa 1900). They have a rich convent on Zion (Jerusalem> ). The of the Bible was made in A.D. 410 by (the patriarch Isaac and) Miesrob, aided by his pupils Joannes Ecelensis and Josephus Palnensis, from the Syriac. It was afterward corrected from the Greek, and was finished in the year 431.

Armlets Ornaments worn by men, as bracelets are by women.

Arms, Armor Offensive: 1. Club, mace, bar, hammer, or maul (Hebrew: shevet-barzel , Psalm 2:9). At first of wood, then of metal. 2. Throw-stick (Hebrew: maphietz ) figured on the monuments, and called by Arabs lissan. The Australian boomerang is an instance. 3. Dirk or sword, of flint, a deer’s horn (Hebrew: chereb , now used in the East) of wood as now in Nubia, or of metal. The sword is carried in a belt or slung (girded, 1 Samuel 17:39). 4. Spear (Hebrew: romach ), a short blade of a deer’s horn straightened, or of metal, on a pole of wood. The horn of the oryx is about 40 inches long. Some were very heavy (chanith , 1 Samuel 17:7). 5. Javelin (Hebrew: cidon ), a light spear for throwing; a dart (Hebrew: shelach , 1 Samuel 13:22). baton, or sceptre, with which Joab killed Absalom, ( 2 Samuel 18:14). 6. Bow (Hebrew: kesheth , and arrow (Hebrew: hitz ), of a reed, branch, rib of palm, wood and horn, ivory, iron or brass. There were cases for the bow and for the arrows. 7. Sling (Hebrew: kela ), for throwing stones; of plaited thongs. Stones were cast 400 feet and lead bullets 600 feet. Balista were strong bows or springs rigged to throw stones ( 1 Chronicles 12:2). 8. Ram (Hebrew: car ), a loaded car with a heavy pole shod with iron, sometimes shaped like a ram’s head. Some were large towers on wheels, holding soldiers. Defensive: 1. Shield (Hebrew: tsinnah ), buckler, (magen ) roundel, (parma ) target, (shelet ), made of wood,or wickerwork, covered with hide, bordered with metal; kings and chiefs had them made of gold, silver or brass. 2. (koba ); of rushes, osiers, skins, wood, cloth (turban ), and metal. 3. for the body; of leather, iron, brass. Shown on the monuments, covering the breast, or breast and back, or the whole body, with separate pieces for the arms and legs (Goliath wore them). Armor was also placed on the horse. Army The Hebrews began, continued, and ended their national life in war. The law of Moses enrolled in the army every male from 20 to 50 years ( Numbers 1:3; 2 Chronicles 25:5; Antiquities iii. 12, 14), except the Levites. The divisions were 10, 50, 100, 1,000, with proper officers (1 Macc. 3:56; Numbers 31:14; 1 Samuel 8:12). Messengers with trumpets summoned to the camp ( Judges 3:27). The head of the nation was leader as Moses, until the time of David, when the office of “captain of the host” was made distinct from that of king. Foot soldiers were the only kind at first used ( Numbers 11:21), even while the Canaanites had chariots of iron ( Judges 1:19). David introduced horses and chariots contrary to the divine direction ( Deuteronomy 17:16), and was followed by his successors. The soldiers had to provide their own arms and food ( 1 Samuel 17:17), until a was made by the kings ( 1 Samuel 8:11,12; 13:2; 1 Macc. 14:32). David had chosen men ( 2 Samuel 15:18), “mighty men,” perhaps his body guard ( 1 Kings 14:28). A division served in each month, changing through the year. Foreigners were admitted to the service, and even advanced to high places ( 1 Samuel 15:19; Ant. 13, 13, 5).

Arna Forefather of Ezra (2 Esdras 1:2).

Arnan (“active” ) Son of Rephaiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:21, “sons of”).

Arnon (“swift-noisy” ) River forming the boundary between Moab and Ammon, east of the Dead Sea (Numbers 21; Judges 11). Fords of Arnon ( Isaiah 16:2). Near the Dead Sea the stream is 82 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and flows between almost perpendicular walls of red, brown, and yellow sandstone. Now the Wady Mojeb. ( Joshua 13:9), “Aroer that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river.” There is a ruin at the junction of the Lejum with the Arnon, name not known.

Arod (“wild ass” ) Son of Gad ( Numbers 26:17).

Arodi ( Genesis 46:17 ). Aroer (“ruins” ) Name of several places East of the Jordan River 1. On the Arnon, north bank, ten miles from the Dead Sea, now in ruins. A Roman road connected it with cities north and south ( Deuteronomy 2:36; 3:12; 4:48; Joshua 12:2; 13:9; Judges 11:26; 2 Kings 10:33; 1 Chronicles 5:8). 2. Gad, facing Rabbah ( Numbers 32:34; Joshua 13:25). Ayra, six miles East from the Jordan River, two miles north of West Sheriah. 3. The cities of Aroer ( Isaiah 17:2). Supposed to be in Bashan. 4. Judah ( 1 Samuel 30:28). Ararah, on the road from Gaza to Petra, eleven miles Southwest of Beer-sheba (Rob).

Aroerite Hothan, father of two of David’s captains ( 1 Chronicles 11:14).

Arom 32 sons of Arom returned with Zorobabel (1 Esdras 5:16). Asom? Hasom in Ezra 2:19.

Arphaxad (“region of the Chasdim” ) 1. Third son of Shem, born B.C. 1658, and lived 438 years ( Genesis 10:22; 11:12f.) Arrapachitis, in North Assyria, was the original home of the Chaldeans. 2. King of the Medes (Deioces) who founded Ecbatana. Another account says he was Astyages, their last king.

Arsaces (“prince of the noble” ) Title of the kings of Parthia and Media. Mithridates I took Demetrius II, of Syria, prisoner B.C. 139 (1 Macc. 14:2), and treated him with respect, giving him his daughter in marriage. Persians now call their king .

Arsareth Region beyond the Euphrates (2 Esdras 13:45).

Artaxerxes (“great king” ) Artachshast. 1. One who hindered the rebuilding of the temple ( Ezra 4:7), from his time to that of Darius. He is believed to be the Magian imposter Smerdis, B.C. 521). 2. Artaxerxes Longimanus in whose 7th year Ezra led the second colony of exiles back to Judea (Ezra 7). He was son of Xerxes who was defeated in Greece. 3. Who allowed Nehemiah, in the 20th year of his reign to go to Jerusalem on civil business, and to remain in office there 12 years, B.C. 425. Some think that 2 and 3 were the same person.

Artemas Companion to Paul ( Titus 3:12). Bishop of Lystra?

Artemis ( Acts 19:24).

Artillery Bows and arrows, slings, etc., in 1 Samuel 20:40.

Aruboth Commissariat district of Solomon ( 1 Kings 4:10). Probably Shefelah.

Arumah Near Shechem. Residence of Abimelech ( Judges 9:41).

Arvad (“wandering” ) Phoenicia. On the island of Ruad, and on the mainland. Lastly examined by Renan (Phoenicia, Paris, 1869). The island is a steep rock on every side, and has ruins of walls, some still very high (Strabo).

Arvadites Descendents of Arvad, son of Canaan ( Genesis 10:18). They lived on the island, and mainland (above) and were described as a colony of Sidon, and as noted mariners ( Ezekiel 27:8; Strabo 16, p. 754), and had a king of their own (1 Macc. 15:23).

Arza (“earth” ) King Elah’s prefect at Tirzah ( 1 Kings 16:9). In the Targum, Jonathan, “idol of Beth-Arza.”

Asa (“physician” ) Son of Abijah, grandson of Rehoboam, and 3rd king of Judah, from B.C. 935 to 914, 41 years. “He walked in the steps of his ancestor David” ( Kings 15:11).

Asadias (Baruch 1:1; 1 Chronicles 3:20).

Asael Ancestor of Tobit (Tobit 1:1). Asahel (“made by God” ) Son of David’s sister Zeruiah, brother to Joab and Abishai. Noted as a swift runner, and so lost his life ( 2 Samuel 2:18).

Asahiah (“God-made” ) One of Josiah’s messengers to Huldah the prophetess, to inquire about the newly found book of the law of Moses ( 2 Kings 22:12). Asaiah (“God-made” ) 1. Chief in Hezekiah’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 4:36). 2. Levite in David’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 6:30). 3. First-born of the Shilonite ( 1 Chronicles 9:5).

Asana (1 Esdras 5:31 ). in Ezra 2:50.

Asaph (“choir leader” ) 1. Levite, son of Barachias ( 1 Chronicles 6:39), and David’s choir leader. The “sons of Asaph” succeeded him as leaders (1 Chronicles 25; 2 Chronicles 20:14). Eleven of the Psalms have his name in their titles (Psalm 73—83). 2. Recorder to king Hezekiah. 3. Keeper of the royal forest under Artaxerxes ( Nehemiah 2:8). Asareel (“God-bound” ) Son of Jehaleleel ( 1 Chronicles 4:16).

Asarelah Son of Asaph, instrumental musician ( 1 Chronicles 25:2).

Asbazareth (1 Esdras 10:69 ). . .

Aseas (1 Esdras 9:32 ). ?

Asebebia Levite in 1 Esdras 8:47. ?

Asebia .

Asenath (“worshiper of Neith” ) Daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, Joseph’s wife.

Aser (Tobit 1:2 ). City in Galilee. HAZOR ( Luke 2:36; Revelation 7:6). ASHER Aserer (1 Esdras 5:32 ). Ashan Al Ghuweir, in Simeon ( Joshua 15:42; 19:7).

Ashbea (“I adjure” ) Eshba in the Targum of Joseph. It is not known whether this means a house or a place.

Ashbel (“God’s charge” ) Son of Benjamin ( Genesis 46:21).

Ashdod, Azotus Eighteen miles south of Joppa, in Philistia. On an elevation above the plain, was strongly fortified, and was one of the seats of the worship of the god Dagon ( 1 Samuel 5:5; Joshua 15:47). The birthplace of Herod the Great, who adorned it with baths. It was on the high road to Egypt, and besieged by the Assyrian Tartan, B.C. 716 ( Isaiah 20:1). Psammetichus besieged it for 29 years, B.C. 630 ( Jeremiah 25:20). Philip was found at Azotus ( Acts 8:40; Nehemiah 13:23,24). It was noted during the Crusades. Now called Usdud. The modern village is built among the ruins of the ancient city, and is embowered in groves, tall sycamores, and hedged with cactus, while the sand drifting with the wind is creeping up to the very doors two miles from the sea, and burying every green thing.

Ashdoth-pisgah (“to pour fourth” ) Springs East of the Dead Sea ( Deuteronomy 3:17; Joshua 12:3; 13:20; Numbers 21:15). Ravine on the East slope of Pisgah. Asher (“happy” ) The eighth son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid ( Genesis 30:13). The names of one of the 12 tribes. The boundaries are extremely difficult to trace, but were North of Carmel, on the Great Sea ( Joshua 19:24-31). It contained some of the richest soil in Palestine, and minerals. Anna, who lived in the temple, watching for the coming of Christ, was of this tribe.

Asherah (“straight” ) Idol of the Phoenician goddess ( 2 Kings 21:7; 23:6). Grove in the KJV. Perhaps a head or bust on a straight pillar.

Ashima (“goat with short hair” ) A god of the Hamathites, in Samaria, brought from Assyria ( 2 Kings 17:30). The Mendesian god of Egypt was a goat (as the Greek Pan), and the Phoenician Esmun.

Ashkelon One of the five cities of the Lords of the Philistines ( Joshua 13:3; Samuel 6:17). Samson retired to Askelon as to a remote place ( Judges 14:19). Since the crucifixion it has been more noted than before. There was a temple and sacred lake to Derceto, the Syrian Venus. It was celebrated for its groves of cypress, figs, olives, pomegranates, vines, and for henna, which grew best here of any place, except only Canopus, and also for the special onions called shallot. Richard I of England, during the Crusades, fortified and held his court at Askelon. The Muslims called it “the Bride of Syria.” The ancient city was enclosed in a natural wall of hills forming an amphitheater on the shore of the sea, and on the top of this ridge was the wall, which was very high, thick, and built of small stones and old columns of granite and marble. The modern village Askulan, is very beautiful in its groves, orchards, and shade-trees ( Genesis 20:2). Gerar is supposed to be Ashkelon by the Samaritans.

Ashkenaz One of the sons of Gomer, son of Japhet. The tribe or nation was located in or near Armenia, Ararat, Minni ( Jeremiah 51:27). The name is a compound, As-kenz = As-race. Probably the origin of .

Ashnah Judah. Two cities. 1. Nine miles West of Jerusalem, near Zanoah ( Joshua 15:33). 2. Southwest of Jerusalem 16 miles, near Nezib ( Joshua 15:43).

Ashpenaz (“horse-nose” ) Chief of the eunuchs in Assyria ( Daniel 1:3).

Asphar, the Pool of Jonathan and Simon encamped in the vicinity of this pool before the battle with Bacchides (1 Macc. 9:33; Josephus, Antiquities xiii. 1. 2). Is it Lake Asphaltitis? Ashriel Son of Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 7:14). ?

Ashterathite Resident in Ashtaroth ( 1 Chronicles 11:44). Uzzia was one.

Ashtoreth, Ashtaroth (“star” ) . 1. The seat of the idolatry of the goddess Asntaroth, or Astarte. Tell Ashareh, a mound 70 feet high, at one time occupied by a village or buildings. A fine spring issues near some ruins at the base. Following the Samaritan Pentateuch, which reads Afinit Karnaim, instead of Ashtaroth Karnaim, the site of the temple and city of Astarte, is looked for on the Southwest slope of Jebel Hauran, 8 miles Northeast from Bozrah at a place called El Afineh. 2. Ashtoreth Karnaim (“of the two horns”). Now supposed to be Es Sunamein, 25 miles South of Damascus on the pilgrim route to Mecca. Sunamein = two idols. Ashur (“hero” ) Son of Hezron; “father” (chief) of Tekoa ( 1 Chronicles 2:24).

Ashurites In the list of Ishbosheth ( 2 Samuel 2:9). House of Asher, meaning the whole of Galilee ( Judges 1:32).

Ashvath Son of Japhlet, of Asher ( 1 Chronicles 7:33). Asia (“orient” ) 1. Found only in 1 Macc. 8:6, and the New Testament. Now Asia Minor. 2. The country of the king of Pergamos, Mysia, Lydia, Phrygia. 3. Name claimed by the kings of Antioch, now Cilicia (1 Macc. 12:39). Chief town, Ephesus ( Acts 2:9).

Asiarchae Chief of Asia in Acts 19:31. A religious office in Asia (Minor), under the Romans, annual, and subject to the proconsul. There are coins of several cities which show by their inscriptions that this office was a great honor. Their duties were the control of the public in the theaters (which were at their own expense?). Philip was the Asiarch when Polycarp was killed at Smyrna. Only wealthy men could have it. Each city sent one person annually to the council, ten were chosen from the whole number, one was made president, or Asiarch. Others think the ten were all Asiarchs.

Asihias Son of Phorosh, or Parosh (1 Esdras 9:26) Asiel (“God-made” ) 1. Ancestor of Jehu of Hezehiah’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 4:35). 2. One of the five writers employed by Esdras on the law and history (2 Esdras 14:24).

Asipha (1 Esdras 5:29 ). .

Asmodeus (“to destroy” ) “King of the demons.” (Tobit 3:8, etc.)

Asnapper (“general” ) “The great and noble” officer who settled the Assyrians in Samaria ( Exodus 4:10).

Asom (1 Esdras 9:33 ). Asp Cobra of Egypt. .

Aspalathus A sweet perfume (Ecclesiasticus 24:15).

Aspatha Son of Haman ( Esther 9:7).

Asphar, The Pool, In the wilderness of Thecoe (1 Macc. 9:33). ?

Aspharasus (1 Esdras 5:8).

Asriel (“vow of God” ) Son of Gilead ( Numbers 26:31). Assahias (1 Esdras 1:9 ). . .

Assalimoth (1 Esdras 8:36 ). ?

Assanias (1 Esdras 8:54 ). ?

Assaremoth (1 Macc. 4:15 ). Margin. ?

Asshur Son of Shem. Named Assyria.

Asshurim From Dedan, grandson of Abraham ( Genesis 25:3). Ashur in Ezekiel 27:23.

Assidaeans (“pious” ) A sect who upheld the doctrine of the unity of God, and opposed Grecian manners and idolatnes (1 Macc. 7:13). The name afterward denoted a life of austerity and religious exercises, in the hope of hastening the coming of the Messiah, and of making an atonement for their own and others’ sins. (There is a sect of the name of Assidians now in Poland).

Assir (“captive” ) 1. Son of Korah ( Exodus 6:24). 2. Son of Ebiasaph ( 1 Chronicles 6:23). 3. Son of Jeconiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:17). Jeconiah, the captive?

Assos Seaport in Mysia, on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea ( Acts 20:13). The ruins are very extensive, and give a more perfect idea of an entire ancient Greek city than any other known site. Paul met Luke and others here after walking from Troas. Assyria Country on the Tigris ( Genesis 2:14), the capital of which was Nineveh ( Genesis 10:11): named from Asshur, the Son of Shem, who was deified and worshiped as their chief god by the Assyrians: 500 miles Northeast to Southwest and 350 to 100 miles wide. Divided from Armenia by a high range of mountains. Its northern part is mountainous, the middle portion is hilly with fertile plains, and the southern is the great plain of Mesopotamia (midst of rivers) — the district now called El Jezira. This plain is 250 miles long, divided by the rocky ridge, Sinjar — a limestone range, sparsely wooded, and of a golden color, with purple lines of shade at a distance. 80 miles North of the Sinjar the plain extends to the hilly region, and was once densely populated, but is now a wilderness. The mounds are the only relics of antiquity, and these contain (in those of Nineveh, and others recently partly explored by Layard), proofs of their greatness, in sculptures, inscriptions, and remnants of architecture. The first king of Assyria who oppressed Israel was Chushan-Rishathaim, B.C. 1400 ( Judges 3:8). Art and architecture, civil and religious institutions, were in a very advanced state. They used the arch, tunnels, drains, the level, and roller; engraved on gems; enameled, inlaid, and plated with metals; made glass, optical instruments, ivory, bronze, and precious metal ornaments. The prophesies against Assyria are those of Nahum, B.C. 645; Zephaniah 2, B.C. 608; and Ezekiel 31, B.C. 584.

Assyrians In Hebrew: Asshur ( Isaiah 10:5., etc.).

Astarte Astath (1 Esdras 8:38 ). ?

Astronomy (“star-naming” ) 1. The knowledge of this science by the Hebrews was very limited, as may be judged from their writings; but they in no case oppose scientific fact or truth. Some special knowledge was needed for the temple service. Worship of the stars was denounced with other idolatries ( Job 38:32; 2 Kings 23:5. . 2. Signs of the Zodiac. ( — planets). The Chaldeans and Egyptians were more cultivated in this and other sciences, and used them in their religious systems.

Asylum (“inviolable refuge” ) The earliest recorded was the temple of pity at Athens, or perhaps one made by Cadmus at Thebes, Greece. Christians adopted the pagan custom and made their churches asylums, and this is still the case in Italy. Moses set apart 6 cities of refuge in the Holy Land. . He also made the “horns of the altar” an asylum; which privilege afterward attached to the temple and its courts (1 Macc. 10:43).

Asyncritus Disciple at Rome ( Romans 16:14).

Atad (“thorn” ) Threshing-floor on the West of the Jordan River, near Hebron, ( Genesis 1:10-11). Atarah (“crown” ) Wife of Jerahmeel, mother of Onam ( 1 Chronicles 2:26).

Ataroth (“crowns” ) 1. Ataroth Beth Joab, Judah ( 1 Chronicles 2:54). 2. Ataroth Addar, Ephesians ( Joshua 16:2), 6 miles northwest of Bethel. 3. Ataroth Shophan-Gad ( Numbers 32:34), South of Heshban, near Jebel Atarus. 4. Ataroth Reuben ( Numbers 30:3).

Ater (“dumb” ) 1. Gate-keepers in the temple ( Ezra 2:42). Sons of Jatal (1 Esdras 5:28). 2. 98 sons of Ater returned with Zerubbabel ( Numbers 8:21).

Aterezias (1 Esdras 5:15 ). 2.

Atharias (1 Esdras 5:40 ). Correctly, “the Tirshatha.” Athenobius Envoy by Antiochus Sidetes to Simon (1 Macc. 15:28).

Athens Capital of Greece, founded by Cecrops, B.C. 1556. Visited by Paul (Acts 17; 1 Thess. 3). He founded a church. The people were lovers of music, painting, sculpture, architecture, and oratory, and took part in politics. The fine arts, history, and philosophy were a part of the education of all freemen. The plan shows the position of the Agora (“market-place”), between the four hills. Pausanius says the Athenians surpassed all others in attention to the gods; and their city was crowded with temples, altars, statues, and other sacred works. Paul said they were “too religious.” Athlai Error in Ezra 10:28.

Atipha (1 Esdras 5:32 ). ? Atonement (“at-one-ment” ) Satisfaction for sin by which forgiveness is had. When Jacob sent a present to his brother Esau, he said, “I will cover his face, so that he shall forgive my offence, I will make atonement before him, I will placate him” ( Genesis 32:21). In Psalm 16:14, “a wise man will pacify it” (the wrath of the king). Only once in the New Testament, in Romans 5:11, where it means “reconciling”. was a great feast of the Jews, on the 10th of Tisri, and was held as a day of rest, a kind of Sabbath of Sabbaths, the only day in the year when the whole people fasted. The service was special. The high priest, clothed in white linen, without ornaments, took a young bull and a ram for himself and his house, and two goats as a sin-offering, and a ram as a burnt offering for the people. The goats were selected by lot, one for Jehovah and one for Azazel in the wilderness (that is to be sent away surely). The blood of the victims was taken into the most holy place and sprinkled upon and before the mercy-seat. The scapegoat, to be sent away, was brought forth and the high priest confessed over his head his sins and those of the people, and he was sent into the wilderness by a trusty man. The bullock and the goat were not eaten, but entirely burned. This was a symbol of the great truths of the redemptory system by means of propitiation, and it is understood as a type of the vicarious intercession of Jesus Christ.

Attai (“timely” ) 1. Grandson of Sheshan, son of Ahiai and Jarha, the Egyptian slave ( Chronicles 2:35). 2. One of David’s “lion-faced” warriors ( 1 Chronicles 12:11) 3. Second son of Rehoboam by Maachah, daughter of Absalom ( Chronicles 11:20).

Attalia Maritime city in Pamphylia, named from Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamos. ( Acts 14:25). Now Adalia, whose ruins witness its former greatness. Population: 8,000.

Attharates (1 Esdras 9:49 ). Error for “the Tirshatha” in Nehemiah 8:9.

Augia Daughter of Barzillai (1 Esdras 5:38). Augustus (“venerable” ) Title of the Roman Emperors. First assumed by Caius Julius Caesar Octavianus (nephew of the great Julius Caesar), when at the battle of Actium he became sole ruler of the empire, B.C. 29. Born B.C. 63, died A.D. 14, aged 76. He gained his great power by gradually uniting in himself all the principal state offices. Tiberius was associated with him in the empire long before his death. He was truly venerable and worthy of regard, for he used his absolute power with great moderation and prudence. Augustus Band ( <442701>Acts 27:1 ). Independent guard of the governor.

Auranus Leader of a riot in Jerusalem (2 Macc. 4:40).

Auteas Levite (1 Esdras 9:48). ?

Ava (“overturning” ) In Assyria; — (2 Kings 17).

Avaran (“killer of the royal elephant” ) (1 Macc. 6:43-46). Title of honor given to Eleazar, brother of Judas Maccabeus.

Aven (“nothing” ) 1. Plain of , perhaps the Bukaa, of Baalbek (Amos 1:5). 2. High places of ( Hosea 10:8), . 3. In Ezekiel 30:17, in Egypt.

Avim (“ruins” ) 1. Inhabitants of . (2 Kings 17). 2. Town in Benj., ruins-town ( Joshua 18:23). It is supposed, from Joshua, Joshua 13:3, that the country of the Avim was taken from them by the Philistines; called Hazerim in Deuteronomy 2:23.

Avith Chief city of Hadad, king of Edom, ( Genesis 36:35). Jebel Ghoweythe, Northeast of Kerak.

Ax The Hebrew words are KARDOM , or GARZEN , the softer form, for a heavy ax with a long handle. MAATZAD , a carving knife ( Isaiah 44:12), and also a file for wood or iron ( Jeremiah 10:3); CHEREB , a longer knife, or sword; CASH SHIL ( Psalm 74:6), a carpenter’s hatchet; MAGZERAH , ax or clever; MAPPETS , a maul or battle-ax. In some the ax is fastened to the handle with a thong or strip of leather, wound around a great many times; in others there is a hole or eye through the head. .

Azael (1 Esdras 9:14 ). Azal ( Zechariah 14:5). The limit of the Mount of Olives in a poetical passage of Zechariah.

Azaliah (“God-spared” ) Father of Shothah, the scribe ( 2 Kings 22:3).

Azaniah (“God hears” ) Father of Jeshua, the Levite (Nehemiah 9).

Azaphion ? (1 Esdras 5:33).

Azarael, Azareel (“God helps” ) 1. Korhite, with David at Ziklag ( 1 Chronicles 12:6). 2. Levite musician in David’s time ( 1 Chronicles 25:18); Uzziel in Chronicles 25:4. 3. Son of Johoram, of Dan ( 1 Chronicles 27:22). 4. Son of Bani ( Ezra 10:41). Esril in 1 Esdras 9:34. 5. Father of Amashai, priest in Jerusalem ( Nehemiah 11:13).

Azarias (1 Esdras 9:21 ). Uzziah in Ezra 10:21. Several errors in the Apocrypha of this name, the correct form being found in Ezra and Nehemiah, Azariah. , the angel Raphael (Tobit 5:12).

Azaz (“strong” ) Father of Bela ( 1 Chronicles 5:8). .

Azazel Scapegoat in Leviticus 16:8. .

Azaziah (“God strengthens” ) 1. Musician in David’s choir ( 1 Chronicles 15:21). Harpist. 2. Father of Hosea, prince in Ephraim ( 1 Chronicles 27:20). 3. Treasurer of tithes in Hezekiah’s time ( 2 Chronicles 31:13).

Azbazareth (1 Esdras 5:69).

Azbuk Father of Nehemiah, prince of Bethzur ( Nehemiah 3:16).

Azekah In the plain of Judah, having “daughters,” suburbs (Joshua 10). Tell Zakariya?

Azel Descendant of Saul ( 1 Chronicles 8:37). .

Azem (“bone” ) Azephurith (1 Esdras 5:16); — Jorah, in Ezra 2:18, and Hariph in Nehemiah 7:24; combined by an error of the scribe.

Azetas Family that returned (1 Esdras 5:15); not in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Azgad Family of 1,222 returned with Ezra ( Ezra 2:12); and 110 in his second caravan ( Ezra 8:12). Sadas in 1 Esdras 5:13, and a family of 3,222 people. Astath in 1 Esdras 8:38.

Azia Porter in the temple (1 Esdras 5:31), .

Aziei (2 Esdras 1:2 ). Ancestor of Esdras. . . .

Aziel Aziza (“strong” ) Of the family of Zattu ( Ezra 10:27). (1 Esdras 9:28).

Azmaveth ( 1 ) (“strong as death” ) 1. One of David’s “valiant men” of Bahurim ( 2 Samuel 23:31). 2. Descendant of Mephibosheth ( 1 Chronicles 8:36). 3. Father of Jeziel and Pelet, Benjamite slingers and archers who joined David at Ziklag ( 1 Chronicles 12:3). 4. Overseer of the royal treasures in David’s reign.

Azmaveth ( 2 ) City in the territory of Benjamin; now Hizmeh, Southeast of Er-Ram (Ramah). The sons of the singers settled there ( Nehemiah 12:29).

Azmon South border of Palestine, near Hazar-addar ( Numbers 34:5). Now , west of Kedesh.

Aznoth Tabor (“ears of Tabor” ) West in Naphtali, near Dio Caesarea (Eusebius).

Azor Son of Eliakim in the genealogy of Jesus ( Matthew 1:13).

Azotus .

Azotus, Mount Battle-field in which Judas Maccabeus was killed (1 Macc. 9:15). Hill on which Ashdod was built?

Azriel (“God’s help” ) 1. Patriarch in Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 5:24). 2. Ancestor of Jerimoth, chief in Naphtali ( 1 Chronicles 27:19). Uzziel in the Septuagint. 3. Father of Serriah ( Jeremiah 36:26).

Azrikam (“help against an enemy” ) 1. Son of Neariah, of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 3:23). 2. Son of Azel ( 1 Chronicles 8:38). 3. Ancestor of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 9:14). 4. Prefect in the palace of Ahaz, in Pekah’s invasion ( 2 Chronicles 28:7).

Azubah 1. Wife of Caleb ( 1 Chronicles 2:18). 2. Mother of Jehoshaphat ( 1 Kings 22:42).

Azur 1. Father of Hananiah, the false prophet ( Jeremiah 28:1) 2. Father of Jaazaniah (Ezra 11:1).

Azuran (1 Esdras 5:15 ). Azzur in Nehemiah 10:17.

Azzah (“strong” ) ( Deuteronomy 2:23, etc. ). Correct name of Gaza.

Azzan (“sharp” ) Father of Paltiel, of Issachar, a prince ( Numbers 34:26).