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Table of
Contents Baal
geographical. This word occurs as the prefix or suffix to the
names of several places in Palestine, some of which are as
follows:
+ BAAL a town of Simeon, named only in (1 Chronicles 4:33)
which from the parallel list in (Joshua 19:8) seems to have
been identical with BAALATH-BEER.
+ [223]Baalah (mistress). A. Another name for
[224]Kirjath-JEARIM, or [225]Kirjath BAAL, the well-known
town now Kuriet el Enab . (Joshua 15:9,10; 1 Chronicles 13:6)
b. A town in the south of Judah, (Joshua 15:29) which in Josh
19:3 Is called [226]Balah, and in the parallel list, (1
Chronicles 4:29) [227]Bilhah.
+ [228]Baalath (mistress), a town of Dan named with Gibbethon,
Gath-rim-mon and other Philistine places. (Joshua 19:44)
+ BAALATH-BEER (lord of the well). BAAL 1, a town among those
in the south part of Judah, given to Simeon, which also bore
the name of RAMATH-NEGEB, or "the height of the south."
(Joshua 19:8)
+ BAAL-GAD (lord of fortune), used to denote the most northern,
(Joshua 11:17; 12:7) or perhaps northwestern, (Joshua 13:5)
point to which Joshua's victories extended. It was in all
probability a Phoenician or Canaanite sanctuary of Baal under
the aspect of Gad or Fortune.
+ BAAL-HAMON (lord of a multitude), a place at which Solomon
had a vineyard, evidently of great extent. (Song of Solomon
8:11)
+ BAAL-HAZOR (village of Baal), a place where Absalom appears
to have had a sheep-farm, and where Amnon was murdered. (2
Samuel 13:23)
+ [229]Mount, [230]Mount, Mountain BAAL-HERMON (Lord of
Hermon), (Judges 3:3) and simply Baal-hermon. (1 Chronicles
5:23) This is usually considered as a distinct place from
Mount Hermon; but we know that this mountain had at least
three names (3:9) and Baal-hermon may have been a fourth in
use among the Phoenician worshippers.
+ BAAL-MEON (lord of the house), one of the towns which were
built by the Reubenites. (Numbers 32:38) It also occurs in (1
Chronicles 5:8) and on each occasion with Nebo. In the time
of Ezekiel it was Moabite, one of the cities which were the
"glory of the country." (Ezekiel 25:9)
+ BAAL-[231]Perazim (lord of divisions), the scene of a victory
of David over the Philistines, and of a great destruction of
their images. (2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11) See (Isaiah
28:21) where it is called [232]Mount, [233]Mount, Mountain
[234]Perazim.
+ BAAL-SHALISHA (lord of Shalisha), a place named only in (2
Kings 4:42) apparently not far from Gilgal; comp. (2 Kings
4:38)
+ BAAL-TAMAR (lord of the palm tree), a place named only in
(Judges 20:33) as near Gibeah of Benjamin. The palm tree
(tamar) of Deborah, (Judges 4:5) was situated somewhere in
the locality, and is possibly alluded to.
+ BAAL-ZEPHON (lord of the north), a place in Egypt near where
the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. (Numbers 33:7; Ezekiel
14:2,9) We place Baal-zephon on the western shore of the Gulf
of Suez, a little below its head, which at that time was
about 30 or 40 miles northward of the Present head.
the supreme male divinity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish
nations, as Ashtoreth was their supreme female divinity. Some
suppose Baal to correspond to the sun and Ashtoreth to the
moon; others that Baal was Jupiter and Ashtoreth Venus. There
can be no doubt of the very high antiquity of the worship of
Baal. It prevailed in the time of Moses among the Moabites and
Midianites, (Numbers 22:41) and through them spread to the
Israelites. (Numbers 25:3-18; 4:3) In the times of the kings it
became the religion of the court and people of the ten tribes,
(1 Kings 16:31-33; 18:19,22) and appears never to have been
permanently abolished among them. (2 Kings 17:16) Temples were
erected to Baal in Judah, (1 Kings 16:32) and he was worshipped
with much ceremony. (1 Kings 18:19,26-28; 2 Kings 10:22) The
attractiveness of this worship to the Jews undoubtedly grew out
of its licentious character. We find this worship also in
Phoenician colonies. The religion of the ancient British
islands much resembled this ancient worship of Baal, and may
have been derived from it. Nor need we hesitate to regard the
Babylonian Bel, (Isaiah 46:1) or Beaus, as essentially
identical with Baal, though perhaps under some modified form.
The plural, [235]Baalim, is found frequently, showing that he
was probably worshipped under different compounds, among which
appear--
+ BAAL-BERITH (the covenant Baal), (Judges 8:33; 9:4) the god
who comes into covenant with the worshippers.
+ BAAL-ZEBUB (lord of the fly), and worshipped at Ekron. (2
Kings 1:2,3,16)
+ BAAL-HANAN. a. The name of one of the early kings of Edom.
(Genesis 36:38,39; 1 Chronicles 1:49,50) b. The name of one
of David's officers, who had the superintendence of his olive
and sycamore plantations. (1 Chronicles 27:28)
+ BAAL-PEOR (lord of the opening, i.e. for others to join in
the worship). We have already referred to the worship of this
god. The narrative (Numb 25) seems clearly to show that this
form of Baal-worship was connected with licentious rites.
(lord).
+ A Reubenite (1 Chronicles 5:5)
+ The son of Jehiel, and grandfather of Saul. (1 Chronicles
8:30; 9:36)
Baalah
[[236]Baal, NO. 2]
Baalath
[[237]Baal, Nos. 3,4]
Baale Of Judah
[[238]Baal, NO. 2, a]
Baali
(Hosea 2:16) [[239]Baal]
Baalim
[[240]Baal]
Baalis
king of the Ammonites at the time of the destruction of
Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 40:14) (B.C. 588.)
Baana
+ The son of Ahilud, Solmon's commissariat officer in Jezreel
and the north of the Jordan valley. (1 Kings 4:12)
(B.C.1000.)
+ Father of Zadok, who assisted in rebuilding the wall of
Jerusalem under Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:4) (B.C. 446.)
Baanah
+ Son of Rimmon, a Benjamite, who with his brother Rechab
murdered Ishbosheth For this they were killed by David; and
their mutilated bodies hung up over the pool at Hebron. (2
Samuel 4:2,5,6,9) (B.C. 1046.)
+ A Netophathite, father of Heleb or Heled, one of David's
mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:30) (B.C. before
1066.)
+ Accurately Baana, son of Hushai, Solomon's commissariat
officer in Asher. (1 Kings 4:16) (B.C. 1012.)
+ Aman who accompanied Zerubbabel on his return from the
captivity. (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7) Possibly the same person
is intended in (Nehemiah 10:27) (B.C. 536.)
Baara
(brutish) one of the wives of Shaharaim, a descendant of
Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:8)
Baaseiah, Or Basseiah
(work of Jehovah), a Gershonite Levite, one of the forefathers
of Asaph the singer. (1 Chronicles 6:40), [ 1Chr 6:25 ]. (B.C.
1310.)
Baasha
(wicked), B.C. 953-931, third sovereign of the separate kingdom
of Israel, and the founder of its second dynasty. He was son of
Ahijah of the tribe of Issachar and conspired against King
Nadab, (1 Kings 15:27) and killed him with his whole family. He
appears to have been of humble origin. (1 Kings 16:2) It was
probably in the 13th year of his reign that he made war on Asa,
and began to fortify Ramah. He was defeated by the unexpected
alliance of Asa with Ben-hadad I. of Damascus. Baasha died in
the 24th year of his reign, and was buried in Tirzah, (Song of
Solomon 6:4) which he had made his capital. (1 Kings 16:6; 2
Chronicles 16:1-6)
Babel
(confusion), Bab'ylon (Greek form of Babel), is properly the
capital city of the country which is called in Genesis Shinar,
and in the later books Chaldea, or the land of the Chaldeans.
The first rise of the Chaldean power was in the region close
upon the Persian Gulf; thence the nation spread northward up
the course of the rivers, and the seat of government moved in
the same direction, being finally fixed at Babylon, perhaps not
earlier than B.C, 1700. I. Topography of Babylon--Ancient
description of the city.--All the ancient writers appear to
agree in the fact of a district of vast size, more or less
inhabited having been enclosed within lofty walls and included
under the name of Babylon. With respect to the exact extent of
the circuit they differ. The estimate of Herodotus and of Pliny
is 480 stades (60 Roman miles, 53 of our miles) of Strabo 385,
of Q. Curtius 368, of Clitarchus 365 and of Ctesias 360 stades
(40 miles). (George Smith, in his "Assyrian Discoveries,"
differs entirely from all these estimates, making the circuit
of the city but eight miles.) Perhaps Herodotus spoke of the
outer wall, which could be traced in his time. Taking the
lowest estimate of the extent of the circuit, we shall have for
the space within the rampart an area of above 100 square
miles--nearly five times the size of London! It is evident that
this vast space cannot have been entirely covered with houses.
The city was situated on both sides of the river Euphrates, and
the two parts were connected together by a stone bridge five
stades (above 1000 yards) long and 30 feet broad. At either
extremity of the bridge was a royal palace, that in the eastern
city being the more magnificent of the two. The two palaces
were joined not only by the bridge, but by a tunnel under the
river. The houses, which were frequently three or four stories
high, were laid out in straight streets crossing each other at
right angles. II. Present state of the ruins.--A portion of the
ruins is occupied by the modern town of Hillah . About five
miles above Hillah, on the opposite or left bank of the
Euphrates occurs a series of artificial mounds of enormous
size. They consist chiefly of three great masses of
building,--the high pile of unbaked brickwork which is known to
the Arabs as Babel, 600 feet square and 140 feet high; the
building denominated the Kasr or palace, nearly 2000 feet
square and 70 feet high, and a lofty mound upon which stands
the modern tomb of Amram-ibn-'Alb . Scattered over the country
on both sides of the Euphrates are a number of remarkable
mounds, usually standing single, which are plainly of the same
date with the great mass of ruins upon the river bank. Of these
by far the most striking is the vast ruin called the
Birs-Nimrud, which many regard as the tower of Babel, situated
about six miles to the southwest of Hillah. [BABEL, [241]Tower
OF] III. Identification of sites.--The great mound of Babel is
probably the ancient temple of Beaus. The mound of the Kasr
marks the site of the great palace of Nebuchadnezzar. The mound
of Amram is thought to represent the "hanging gardens" of
Nebuchadnezzar; but most probably it represents the ancient
palace, coeval with Babylon itself, of which Nebuchadnezzar
speaks in his inscriptions as adjoining his own more
magnificent residence. IV. History of Babylon.--Scripture
represents the "beginning of the kingdom" as belonging to the
time of Nimrod. (Genesis 10:6-10) The early annals of Babylon
are filled by Berosus, the native historian, with three
dynasties: one of 49 Chaldean kings, who reigned 458 years;
another of 9 Arab kings, who reigned 245 years; and a third of
49 Assyrian monarchs, who held dominion for 526 years. The line
of Babylonian kings becomes exactly known to us from B.C. 747.
The "Canon of Ptolemy" gives us the succession of Babylonian
monarchs from B.C. 747 to B.C. 331, when the last Persian king
was dethroned by Alexander. On the fall of Nineveh, B.C. 625,
Babylon became not only an independent kingdom, but an empire.
The city was taken by surprise B.C. 539, as Jeremiah had
prophesied, (Jeremiah 51:31) by Cyrus, under Darius, Dan. 5, as
intimated 170 years earlier by Isaiah, (Isaiah 21:1-9) and, as
Jeremiah had also foreshown, (Jeremiah 51:39) during a
festival. With the conquest of Cyrus commenced the decay of
Babylon, which has since been a quarry from which all the
tribes in the vicinity have derived the bricks with which they
have built their cities. The "great city" has thus emphatically
"become heaps." (Jeremiah 51:37) Ba'bel, Tower of. The "tower
of Babel" is only mentioned once in Scripture, (Genesis 11:4,5)
and then as incomplete. It was built of bricks, and the "slime"
used for mortar was probably bitumen. Such authorities as we
possess represent the building as destroyed soon after its
erection. When the Jews, however, were carried captive into
Babylonia, they thought they recognized it in the famous temple
of Beaus, the modern Birs Nimrod . But the Birs-Nimrrud though
it cannot be the tower of Babel itself; may well be taken to
show the probable shape and character of the edifice. This
building appears to have been a sort of oblique pyramid built
in seven receding stages, each successive one being nearer to
the southwestern end which constituted the back of the
building. The first, second and third stories were each 26 feet
high the remaining four being 15 feet high. On the seventh
stage there was probably placed the ark or tabernacle, which
seems to have been again 15 feet high, and must have nearly, if
not entirely, covered the top of the seventh story The entire
original height, allowing three feet for the platform, would
thus have been 156 feet, or, without the plat-form, 163 feet.
Babylon
in the Apocalypse, is the symbolical name by which Rome is
denoted. (Revelation 14:8; 17:18) The power of Rome was
regarded by the later Jews as was that of Babylon by their
forefathers. Comp. (Jeremiah 51:7) with Reve 14:8 The
occurrence of this name in (1 Peter 5:13) has given rise to a
variety of conjectures, many giving it the same meaning as in
the Apocalypse; others refer it to Babylon in Asia, and others
still to Babylon in Egypt. The most natural supposition of all
is that by Babylon is intended the old Babylon of Assyria,
which was largely inhabited by Jews at the time in question.
Babylonians
the inhabitants of Babylon, a race of Shemitic origin, who were
among the colonists planted in the cities of Samaria by the
conquering Assyrian. (Ezra 4:9)
Babylonish Garment
literally "robe of Shinar," (Joshua 7:21) an ample robe,
probably made of the skin or fur of an animal, comp. (Genesis
25:25) and ornamented with embroidery or perhaps a variegated
garment with figures inwoven in the fashion for which the
Babylonians were celebrated.
Baca
(weeping), The Valley of, A valley in Palestine, through which
the exiled Psalmist sees in vision the pilgrims passing in
their march towards the sanctuary of Jehovah at Zion. (Psalms
84:6) That it was a real locality is most probable from the use
of the definite article before the name. The rendering of the
Targum is Gehenna, i.e. the Ge-Hinnom or ravine below Mount
Zion. This locality agrees well with the mention of became
(Authorized Version "mulberry") trees in (2 Samuel 5:23)
Bachrites, The
the family of [242]Becher, son of Ephraim. (Numbers 26:35)
Badger Skins
There is much obscurity as to the meaning of the word tachash,
rendered "badger" in the Authorized Version, (Exodus 25:5;
35:7) etc. The ancient versions seem nearly all agreed that it
denotes not an animal but a color, either black or sky-blue.
The badger is not found in the Bible lands. The Arab duchash or
tufchash denotes a dolphin, including seals and cetaceans. The
skins referred to are probably those of these marine animals,
some of which are found in the Red Sea. The skin of the
Halicore, one of these, from its hardness would be well suited
for making soles for shoes. (Ezekiel 16:10)
Bag
is the rendering of several words in the Old and New
Testaments.
+ Charitim, the "bags" in which Naaman bound up the two talents
of silver for Gehazi. (2 Kings 5:23) They were long cone-like
bags of the size to hold a precise amount of money, and tied
or sealed for that amount, as we stamp the value on a coin.
+ Cis, a bag for carrying weights, (25:13) also used as a purse
(Proverbs 1:14)
+ Celi, in (Genesis 42:25) is the "sack" in which Jacob's sons
carried the corn which they brought from Egypt.
+ The shepherd's "bag" used by David was for the purpose of
carrying the lambs unable to walk. (Zechariah 11:15; 16:5)
+ Tschar, properly a "bundle," (Genesis 42:35) appears to have
been used by travellers for carrying money during a long
journey. (Proverbs 7:20)
+ The "bag" which Judas carried was probably a small box or
chest. (John 12:6; 13:29)
Baharumite, The
[[243]Bahurim]
Bahurim
(low ground), a village, (2 Samuel 16:6) apparently on or close
to the road leading up from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, and
near the south boundary of Benjamin.
Bajith
(the horse), referring to the "temple" of the false gods of
Moab, as opposed to the "high places" in the same sentence.
(Isaiah 15:2) and comp. (Isaiah 16:12)
Bakbakkar
(admirable), a Levite, apparently a descendant of Asaph. (1
Chronicles 9:15) (B.C.588.)
Bakbuk
(bottle). "Children of Bakkuk" were among the Nethinim who
returned from captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:51; Nehemiah
7:53) (B.C. before 536).
Bakbukiah
(wasting of Jehovah), a Levite in the time of Nehemiah.
(Nehemiah 11:17; 12:9) (B.C. before 536.)
Bake
Reference to baking is found in (Leviticus 26:26; 1 Samuel
8:13; 2 Samuel 13:8; Jeremiah 7:18; 37:21; Hosea 7:4-7)
Balaam
(B.C. 1451), the son of beor, a man endowed with the gift of
prophecy. (Numbers 22:5) He is mentioned in conjunction with
the five kings of Midian, apparently as a person of the same
rank. (Numbers 31:8) cf. Numb 31:16 He seems to have lived at
Pethor, (23:4; Numbers 22:5) on the river Euphrates, in
Mesopotamia. Such was his reputation that when the Israelites
were encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak, the king of Moab,
sent for Balaam to curse them. Balaam at first was prohibited
by God from going. He was again sent for by the king and again
refused, but was at length allowed to go. He yielded to the
temptations of riches and honor which Balak set before him; but
God's anger was kindled at this manifestation of determined
self-will, and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an
adversary against him. See (2 Peter 2:16) Balaam predicted a
magnificent career for the people whom he was called to curse,
but he nevertheless suggested to the Moabites the expedient of
seducing them to commit fornication. The effect of this is
recorded in (Numbers 25:1) ... A battle was afterwards fought
against the Midianites, in which Balaam sided with them, and
was slain by the sword of the people whom he had endeavored to
curse. (Numbers 31:8)
Balac
(Revelation 2:14) [[244]Balak]
Baladan
[MERODACH-BALADAN]
Balah
(Joshua 19:3) [[245]Baal, Geogr. No. 2, b]
Balak
(spoiler), son of Zippor, king of the Moabites, who hired
Balaam to curse the Israelites; but his designs were frustrated
int he manner recorded in (Numbers 22:24) (B.C. 1451.)
Balamo
[[246]Baal, Geogr. No. 6]
Balances
Reference to balances is found in (Leviticus 19:36) They were
in common use, gold and silver being paid out and received by
weight. Reference is also made in (Micah 6:11; Hosea 12:7) to
the dishonest practice of buying by heavier and selling by
lighter weights.
Baldness
Natural baldness seems to have been uncommon, since it exposed
people to public derision. (Leviticus 13:29; 2 Kings 2:23;
Isaiah 3:24; 15:2; Jeremiah 47:5; Ezekiel 7:18) Artificial
baldness marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow, (Numbers
6:9; Acts 18:18) and was a sign of mourning.
Balm
(from balsam, Heb. tzori, tezri) occurs in (Genesis 37:25;
43:11; Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11; 51:8; Ezekiel 27:17) (It is an
aromatic plant, or the resinous odoriferous sap or gum which
exudes from such plants.) It is impossible to identify it with
any certainty. It is impossible to identify it with any
certainty. It may represent the gum of the Pistacia lentiscus,
or more probably that of the Balsamodendron opobalsamum, allied
to the balm of Gilead, which abounded in Gilead east of the
Jordan. The trees resembled fig trees (or grape vines), but
were lower, being but 12 to 15 feet high. It is now called the
BALM OF [247]Gilead, or Meccabalsam, the tree or shrub being
indigenous in the mountains around Mecca. [[248]Incense;
[249]Spice, Spices] Hasselquist says that the exudation from
the plant "is of a yellow color, and pellucid. It has a most
fragrant smell, which is resinous, balsamic and very agreeable.
It is very tenacious or glutinous, sticking to the fingers, and
may be drawn into long threads." It was supposed to have
healing as well as aromatic qualities.
Bamah
(high place). Found only in (Ezekiel 20:29) applied to places
of idolatrous worship.
Bamothbaal
(heights of Baal), a sanctuary of Baal in the country of Moab
(Joshua 13:17) which is probably mentioned in (Numbers 21:19)
under the shorter form of Bamoth, or Bamoth-in-the-ravine (20),
and again in (Isaiah 15:2)
Band
The "band of Roman soldiers" referred to in (Matthew 27:27) and
elsewhere was the tenth part of a legion. It was called a
"cohort," and numbered 400 to 600 men. [See [250]Army]
Bani
(built).
+ A Gadite, one of David's mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:36) (B.C.
1046.)
+ A Levite of the line of Merari, and forefather to Ethan. (1
Chronicles 6:46)
+ A man of Judah of the line of Pharez. (1 Chronicles 9:4)
+ "Children of Bani" returned from captivity with Zerubbabel.
(Ezra 2:10; 10:29,34; Nehemiah 10:14) 1 Esd. 5:12.
[[251]Binnui; MANI]
+ An Israelite "of the sons of Bani." (Ezra 10:38)
+ A Levite. (Nehemiah 3:17)
+ A Levite. (Nehemiah 8:7; 9:4,5; 10:13)
+ Another Levite, of the sons of Asaph. (Nehemiah 11:22)
Banner
[See [252]Ensign]
Banquets
among the Hebrews, were not only a means of social enjoyment,
but were a part of the observance of religious festivity. At
the three solemn festivals the family also had its domestic
feast. (16:11) Sacrifices, both ordinary and extraordinary,
(Exodus 34:15; Judges 16:23) includes a banquet. Birthday
banquets are only mentioned (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6) The
usual time of the banquet was the evening, and to begin early
was a mark of excess. (Ecclesiastes 10:16; Isaiah 5:11) The
most essential materials of the banqueting room, next to the
viands and wine, which last was often drugged with spices,
(Proverbs 9:2) were perfumed unguents, garlands or loose
flowers, white or brilliant robes; after these, exhibitions of
music singers and dancers, riddles, jesting and merriment.
(Judges 14:12; 2 Samuel 19:35; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes
10:19; Isaiah 5:12; 25:6; 28:1; Matthew 22:11; Luke 15:25) The
posture at table in early times was sitting, (1 Samuel 16:11;
20:5,18) and the guests were ranged in order of dignity.
(Genesis 43:33; 1Sam 9:22 Words which imply the recumbent
posture belong to the New Testament.
Baptism
It is well known that ablution or bathing was common in most
ancient nations as a preparation for prayers and sacrifice or
as expiatory of sin. In warm countries this connection is
probably even closer than in colder climates; and hence the
frequency of ablution in the religious rites throughout the
East. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is
the rite or ordinance by which persons are admitted into the
Church of Christ. It is the public profession of faith and
discipleship. Baptism signifies--
+ A confession of faith in Christ;
+ A cleansing or washing of the soul from sin;
+ A death to sin and a new life in righteousness. The mode and
subjects of baptism being much-controverted subjects, each
one can best study them in the works devoted to those
questions. The command to baptize was co-extensive with the
command to preach the gospel. All nations were to be
evangelized; and they were to be made disciples, admitted
into the fellowship of Christ's religion, by baptism.
(Matthew 28:19) It appears to have been a kind of transition
from the Jewish baptism to the Christian. The distinction
between John's baptism and Christian baptism appears in the
case of Apollos, (Acts 18:26,27) and of the disciples at
Ephesus mentioned (Acts 19:1-6) We cannot but draw from this
history the inference that in Christian baptism there was a
deeper spiritual significance.
Barabbas
(son of Abba), a robber, (John 18:40) who had committed murder
in an insurrection, (Mark 15:7; Luke 28:18) in Jerusalem and
was lying in prison the time of the trial of Jesus before
Pilate.p
Barachel
(God has blessed), father of Elihu. (Job 32:2,6) [[253]Buz]
Barachias
(Matthew 23:35) [[254]Zacharias]
Barak
(lightning), son of Abinoam of Kedesh, a refuge city in Mount
Naphtali, was incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, to
deliver Israel from the yolk of Jabin. Judges 4. He utterly
routed the Canaanites int eh plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon).
(B.C. 1291-1251.)
Barbarian
"every one not a Greek is a barbarian" is the common Greek
definition, and in this strict sense the word is sued in
(Romans 1:14) It often retains this primitive meaning, as in (1
Corinthians 14:11; Acts 28:24)
Barhumite, The
[[255]Bahurim]
Bariah
(fugitive), a descendant of the royal family of Judah. (1
Chronicles 3:22) (B.C. before 410.)
Barjesus
(son of Jesus). [[256]Elymas]
Barjona
(son of Jonah). [[257]Peter]
Barkos
(painted). "Children of Barkos" were among the Nethinim who
returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:53;
Nehemiah 7:55) (B.C. 536.)
Barley
is one of the most important of the cereal grains, and the most
hardy of them all. It was grown by the Hebrews, (Leviticus
27:16; 8:8; Ruth 2:17) etc., who used it for baking into bread
chiefly among the poor, (Judges 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John
6:9,13) and as fodder for horses. (1 Kings 4:28) The barley
harvest, (Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 2 Samuel 21:9;10) takes place in
Palestine in March and April, and in the hilly district as late
as May. It always precedes the wheat harvest, in some places by
a week, in others by fully three weeks. In Egypt the barley is
about a month earlier than the wheat; whence its total
destruction by the hail storm. (Exodus 9:31)
Barnabas
(son of consolation or comfort) a name given by the apostles,
(Acts 4:36) to Joseph (or Jose), a Levite of the island of
Cyprus, who was early a disciple of Christ. In (Acts 9:27) we
find him introducing the newly-converted Saul to the apostles
at Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to Jerusalem, (Acts 11:19-26)
and went to Tarsus to seek Saul, as one specially raised up to
preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:17) He brought him to Antioch,
and was sent with him to Jerusalem. (Acts 11:30) On their
return, they were ordained by the church for the missionary
work, (Acts 13:2) and sent forth (A.D. 45). From this time
Barnabas and Paul enjoy the title and dignity of apostles.
Their first missionary journey is related in (Acts 13:14)
Returning to Antioch (A.D. 47 or 48), they were sent (A.D. 50),
with some others, to Jerusalem. (Acts 15:1,36) Afterwards they
parted and Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, his native
island. Here the Scripture notices of him cease. The epistle
attributed to Barnabas is believed to have been written early
in the second century.
Barsabas
(son of Sabas or rest). [[258]Joseph BARSABAS; [259]Judas
BARSABAS]
Barsabbas
Revised Version of (Acts 1:23) for BAR'SABAS.
Bartholomew
(son of Tolmai), one of the twelve apostles of Christ. (Matthew
10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13) It has been not
improperly conjectured that he is identical with Nathanael.
(John 1:45) ff. He is said to have preached the gospel in
India, that is, probably, Arabia Felix, and according to some
in Armenia.
Bartimaeus
(son of Timeus), a blind beggar of Jericho who, (Mark 10:46)
ff., sat by the wayside begging as our Lord passed out of
Jericho on his last journey to Jerusalem.
Baruch
(blessed).
+ Son of Neriah, the friend, (Jeremiah 32:12) amanuensis,
(Jeremiah 26:4-32) and faithful attendant of Jeremiah.
(Jeremiah 36:10) ff. (B.C. 603.) He was of a noble family,
comp. (Jeremiah 51:59) Bar. 1:1, and of distinguished
acquirements. His enemies accused him of influencing Jeremiah
in favor of the Chaldaeans, (Jeremiah 43:3) cf. Jere 27:13
And he was imprisoned until the capture of Jerusalem, B.C.
586. By the permission of Nebuchadnezzar he remained with
Jeremiah at Mizpeh, Jos. Ant. x.9, 1, but was afterwards
forced to go down to Egypt. (Jeremiah 43:6) Nothing is known
certainly of the close of his life.
+ The son of Zabbai, who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the
walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:20) (B.C. 446.)
+ A priest, or family of priests, who signed the covenant with
Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:6) (B.C. 410.).
+ The son of Col-hozeh, a descendant of Perez or Pharez, the
son of Judah. (Nehemiah 11:5) (B.C. 536.)
Baruch, Book Of
One of the apocryphal books of the Old Testament. The book was
held in little esteem by the Jews, and both its date and
authorship are very uncertain.
Barzillai
(iron, i.e., strong).
+ A wealthy Gileadite who showed hospitality to David when he
fled form Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:27) (B.C. 1023.) He declined
the king's offer of ending his days at court. (2 Samuel
19:32-39)
+ A Meholathite, whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul's
daughter. (2 Samuel 21:8) (B.C. before 1062.)
+ Son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite. (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah
7:63,64) (B.C. before 536.)
Bashan
(fruitful), a district on the east of Jordan. It is sometimes
spoken of as the "land of Bashan," (1 Chronicles 5:11) and
comp. Numb 21:33; 32:33 And sometimes as "all Bashan."
(3:10,13; Joshua 12:5; 13:12,30) It was taken by the children
of Israel after their conquest of the land of Sihon from Arnon
to Jabbok. The limits of Bashan are very strictly defined. It
extended from the "border of Gilead" on the south to Mount
Hermon on the north, (3:3,10,14; Joshua 12:5; 1 Chronicles
5:23) and from the Arabah or Jordan valley on the west to
Salchah (Sulkhad) and the border of the Geshurites and the
Maachathites on the east. (Joshua 12:3-5; 3:10) This important
district was bestowed on the half-tribe of Manasseh, (Joshua
13:29-31) together with "half Gilead." This country is now full
of interesting ruins, which have lately been explored and from
which much light has been thrown upon Bible times. See Porter's
"Giant Cities of Bashan."
Bashanhavothjair
(Bashan of the villages of Jair), a name given to Argob after
its conquest by Jair. (3:14)
Bashemath
(fragrant, pleasing), daughter of Ishmael, the last married of
the three wives of Esau. (Genesis 26:34; 36:3,4,13) (B.C. after
1797.) In (Genesis 28:9) she is called Mahalath.
Basin
Among the smaller vessels for the tabernacle or temple service,
many must have been required to receive from the sacrificial
victims the blood to be sprinkled for purification. The "basin"
from which our Lord washed the disciples' feet was probably
deeper and larger than the hand-basin for sprinkling.
Basket
The Hebrew terms used in the description of this article are as
follows: (1) Sal, so called from the twigs of which it was
originally made, specially used for holding bread. (Genesis
40:16) ff. (Exodus 29:3,23; Leviticus 8:2,26,31; Numbers
6:15,17,19) (2) Salsilloth, a word of kindred origin, applied
to the basket used in gathering grapes. (Jeremiah 6:9) (3)
Tene, in which the first-fruits of the harvest were presented.
(26:2,4) (4) Celub, so called from its similarity to a
bird-cage. (5) Dud, used for carrying fruit, (Jeremiah 24:1,2)
as well as on a larger scale for carrying clay to the
brick-yard, (Psalms 81:6) (pots, Authorized Version), or for
holding bulky articles. (2 Kings 10:7) In the New Testament
baskets are described under three different terms.
Basmath
(fragrant, pleasing), a daughter of Solomon, married to
Ahimaaz, one of his commissariat officers. (1 Kings 4:15) (B.C.
after 1014.)
Bastard
Among those who were excluded from entering the congregation,
even to the tenth generation, was the bastard. (23:2) The term
is not, however, applied to any illegitimate offspring, born
out of wedlock, but is restricted by the rabbins to the issue
of any connection within the degrees prohibited by the law.
Bat
(Leviticus 11:19; 14:18) Many travellers have noticed the
immense numbers of bats that are found in caverns in the East,
and Mr. Layard said that on the occasion of a visit to a cavern
these noisome beasts compelled him to retreat.
Bath
[[260]Measures]
Bath, Bathing
This was a prescribed part of the Jewish ritual of purification
in cases of accident, or of leprous or ordinary uncleanness,
(Leviticus 15; 16:28; 22:6; Numbers 19:7; 19; 2 Samuel 11:2,4;
2 Kings 5:10) as also after mourning, which always implied
defilement. (Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 12:20) The eastern climate made
bathing essential alike to health and pleasure, to which luxury
added the use of perfumes. (Esther 2:12) Judith 10:3; Susan 17.
The "pools," such as that of Siloam and Hezekiah, (2 Kings
20:20; Nehemiah 3:15,16; Isaiah 22:11; John 9:7) often
sheltered by porticos, (John 5:2) are the first indications we
have of public bathing accommodation.
Bathrabbim
(daughter of many), The gate of, One of the gates of the
ancient city of heshbon. (Song of Solomon 7:4,5)
Bathsheba, Or Bathsheba
(daughter of the oath), (2 Samuel 11:3) etc., also called
Bath-shua in (1 Chronicles 3:5) the daughter of Eliam, (2
Samuel 11:3) or Ammiel, (1 Chronicles 3:5) the son of
Ahithophel, (2 Samuel 23:34) and wife of Uriah the Hittite.
(B.C. 1035.) The child which was the fruit of her adulterous
intercourse with David died; but after marriage she became the
mother of four sons, Solomon, (Matthew 1:6) Shimea, Shobab and
Nathan. When Adonijah attempted to set aside the succession
promised to Solomon, Bath-sheba informed the king of the
conspiracy. (1 Kings 1:11,15,23) After the accession of
Solomon, she, as queen-mother, requested permission of her son
for Adonijah to take in marriage Abishag the Shunammite. (1
Kings 2:21-25)
Bathshua
[BATH-SHEBA]
Batteringram
(Ezekiel 4:2; 21:22) a large beam with a head of iron which was
sometimes made to resemble the head of a ram. It was suspended
by ropes to a beam supported by posts, and balanced so as to
swing backward and forward, and was impelled by men against the
wall. In attacking the walls of a fort or city, the first step
appears to have been to form an inclined plane or bank of
earth, comp. (Ezekiel 4:2) "cast a mount against it," by which
the besiegers could bring their battering-rams and other
engines to the foot of the walls. "The battering-rams," says
Mr. Layard "were of several kinds. Some were joined to movable
towers which held warriors and armed men. The whole then formed
one great temporary building, the top of which is represented
in sculptures as on a level with the walls, and even turrets,
of the besieged city. In some bas-reliefs the battering-ram is
without wheels: it was then perhaps constructed upon the spot
and was not intended to be moved."
Battleaxe
(Jeremiah 51:20) [[261]Maul]
Battlement
Among the Jews a battlement was required by law to be built
upon every house. It consisted of a low wall built around the
roofs of the houses to prevent persons from falling off, and
sometimes serving as a partition from another building. (22:8;
Jeremiah 5:10)
Bavai
son of Henadad, ruler of the district of Keilah in the time of
Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:18) (B.C. 446.)
Bay Tree
A species of laurel. Laurus nobilis . An evergreen, with leaves
like our mountain laurel. (Psalms 37:35)
Bazlith
(asking). "Children of Bazlith" were among the Nethinim who
returned with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:54) In (Ezra 2:52) the
name is given as [262]Bazluth. (B.C. 536.)
Bazluth
[[263]Bazlith]
Top
of Page |
Table of
Contents Bdellium
(bedolach). (Genesis 2:12; Numbers 11:7) It is quite impossible
to say whether bedolach denotes a mineral or an animal
production or a vegetable exudation. Bdellium is an odoriferous
exudation from a tree which is perhaps the Borassus
flabelliformis, Lin., of Arabia Felix.
Top
of Page |
Table of
Contents Beacon
A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence for
direction. (Isaiah 30:17)
Bealiah
(Jehovah is lord), a Benjamite who went over to David at
Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:5) (B.C. 1062.)
Bealoth
(ladies) a town in the extreme south of Judah. (Joshua 15:24)
Beans
(2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9) Beans are cultivated in
Palestine, which produces many of the leguminous order of
plants, such, as lentils, kidney-beans, vetches, etc.
Bear
(1 Samuel 17:34; 2 Samuel 17:8) The Syrian bear, Ursus
syriacus, which is without doubt the animal mentioned in the
Bible, is still found on the higher mountains of Palestine.
During the summer months these bears keep to the snowy parts of
Lebanon, but descend in winter to the villages and Gardens. It
is probable also that at this period in former days they
extended their visits to other parts of Palestine.
Bearbel
(house of God's court), named only in (Hosea 10:14) as the
scene of a sack and massacre by Shalman.
Beard
Western Asiatics have always cherished the beard as the badge
of the dignity of manhood, and attached to it the importance of
a feature. The Egyptians, on the contrary for the most part
shaved the hair of the face and head, though we find some
instances to the contrary. The beard is the object of an oath,
and that on which blessing or shame is spoken of as resting.
The custom was and is to shave or pluck it and the hair out in
mourning, (Ezra 9:3; Isaiah 15:2; 50:6; Jeremiah 41:5; 48:37)
Bar. 6:31; to neglect it in seasons of permanent affliction, (2
Samuel 19:24) and to regard any insult to it as the last
outrage which enmity can inflict. (2 Samuel 10:4) The beard was
the object of salutation. (2 Samuel 20:9) The dressing,
trimming, anointing, etc., of the beard was performed with much
ceremony by persons of wealth and rank (Psalms 133:2) The
removal of the beard was a part of the ceremonial treatment
proper to a leper. (Leviticus 14:9)
Bebai
(fatherly).
+ "Sons of Bebai," 623 (Nehe 628) in number, returned from
Babylon with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:11; Nehemiah 7:16) (B.C.
536), and at a later period twenty-eight more under
Zechariah, son of Bebai, returned with Ezra. (Ezra 8:11) Four
of this family had taken foreign wives. (Ezra 10:28) The name
occurs also among those who sealed the covenant. (Nehemiah
10:15)
+ Father of Zechariah, who was the leader of the twenty-eight
men of his tribe mentioned above.
Becher
(young or firstborn)
+ The second son of Benjamin, according to the list in both
(Genesis 46:21) and 1Chr 7:6 But omitted in (1 Chronicles
8:1) (B.C. about 1690.)
+ Son of Ephraim, (Numbers 26:35) called [264]Bered in (1
Chronicles 7:20) Same as the preceding.
Bechorath
(first-born), son of Aphiah or Abiah, and grandson of Becher
according to (1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Chronicles 7:8) (B.C. before
1093.)
Bed
The Jewish bed consisted of the mattress, a mere mat, or one or
more quilts; the covering, a finer quilt, or sometimes the
outer garment worn by day, (1 Samuel 19:13) which the law
provided should not be kept in pledge after sunset, that the
poor man might not lack his needful covering, (24:13) the
pillow, (1 Samuel 19:13) probably formed of sheep's fleece or
goat's skin with a stuffing of cotton, etc.; the bedstead, a
divan or bench along the side or end of the room, sufficing at
a support for the bedding. Besides we have bedsteads made of
ivory, wood, etc. referred to in (3:11; Amos 6:4) The
ornamental portions were pillars and a canopy, Judith 13:9,
ivory carvings, gold and silver, and probably mosaic work,
purple and fine linen. (Esther 1:6; Song of Solomon 3:9,10) The
ordinary furniture of a bedchamber in private life is given in
(2 Kings 4:10)
Bedad
(solitary), the father of Hadad king of Edom. (Genesis 36:35; 1
Chronicles 1:46) (B.C. before 1093.)
Bedan
(son of judgement).
+ Mentioned in (1 Samuel 12:11) as a judge of Israel between
Jerubbaal (Gideon) and Jephthah. The Chaldee Paraphrase reads
Samson for Bedan; the LXX., Syriac and Arabic all have Barak.
Ewald suggests that it may be a false reading for Abdon.
(B.C. about 1150.)
+ The son of Gilead. (1 Chronicles 7:17)
Bedeiah
one of the sons of Bani, in the time of Ezra, who had taken a
foreign wife. (Ezra 10:35) (B.C. 458.)
Bee
(deborah). (1:44; Judges 14:8; Psalms 118:12; Isaiah 7:18) Bees
abounded in Palestine, honey being a common article of food
(Psalms 81:16) and was often found in the clefts of rocks and
in hollow trees. (1 Samuel 14:25,27) English naturalists know
little of the species of bees that are found in Palestine, but
are inclined tn believe that the honey-bee of Palestine is
distinct from the honey-bee (Apis mellifica) of this country.
The passage in (Isaiah 7:18) refers "to the custom of the
people in the East of calling attention to any one by a
significant hiss or rather hist ." We read, (Judges 14:8) that
"after a time," probably many days, Samson returned to the
carcass of the lion he had slain, and saw bees and honey
therein. "If any one here represents to himself a corrupt and
putrid carcass, the occurrence ceases to have any true
similitude, for it is well known that in these countries, at
certain seasons of the year, the heat will in the course of
twenty-four hours completely dry up the moisture of dead
camels, and that, without their undergoing decomposition their
bodies long remain like mummies, unaltered and entirely free
from offensive odor."--Edmann .
Beeliada
(the Lord knows); one of David's 9 sons, born in Jerusalem. (1
Chronicles 14:7) In the lists in Samuel the name is
[265]Eliada. (B.C. after 1045.)
Beelzebub
[See [266]Beelzebul]
Beelzebul
(lord of the house), the title of a heathen deity, to whom the
Jews ascribed the sovereignty of the evil spirits; Satan, the
prince of the devils. (Matthew 10:25; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke
11:15) ff. The correct reading is without doubt Beelzebul, and
not Beelzebub .
Beer
(a well).
+ One of the latest halting-places of the Israelites, lying
beyond the Arnon. (Numbers 21:16-18) This is possibly the
BEER-ELIM of (Isaiah 15:8)
+ A place to which Jotham, the son of Gideon, fled for fear of
his brother Abimelech. (Judges 9:21)
Beera
(a well), son of Zophah, of the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles
7:37) (B.C. after 1450.)
Beerah
prince of the Reubenites, carried away by Tiglath-pileser. (1
Chronicles 5:6) (B.C. 738).
Beerelim
(well of heroes), a spot named in (Isaiah 15:8) as on the
"border of Moab." (Numbers 21:16) comp. Numb 21:13
Beeri
+ The father of Judith, one of the wives of Esau. (Genesis
26:34) [[267]Anah] (B.C. 1797.)
+ Father of the prophet Hosea. (Hosea 1:1) (B.C. before 725.)
Beerlahairoi
(a well of the living), a living spring, Authorized Version,
fountain, comp. (Jeremiah 6:7) between Kadesh and Bered, in the
wilderness. (Genesis 24:62)
Beeroth
(wells), one of the four cities of the Hivites who deluded
Joshua into a treaty of peace with them. (Joshua 9:17) It is
now el-Bireh, which stands about 10 miles north of Jerusalem.
Beeroth Of The Children Of Jaakan
the wells of the tribe of Bene-Jaakan, which formed one of the
halting-places of the Israelites in the desert. (10:6) In
(Numbers 33:31) the name is given as BENE-JAAKAN only.
Beersheba, Or Beersheba
(well of the oath), the name of one of the old places in
Palestine which formed the southern limit of the country. There
are two accounts of the origin of the name. According to the
first, the well was dug by Abraham, and the name given to
Judah, (Joshua 15:28) and then to Simeon, (Joshua 19:2; 1
Chronicles 4:28) In the often-quoted "from Dan even unto
Beersheba," (Judges 20:1) it represents the southern boundary
of Canaan, as Dan the northern. In the time of Jerome it was
still a considerable place, and still retains its ancient
name--Bir es-Seba . There are at present on the spot two
principal wells and five smaller ones. The two principal wells
are on or close to the northern bank of the Wady es-Seba . The
larger of the two, which lies to the east, is, according to Dr.
Robinson, 12 1/2 feet in diameter, and at the time of his visit
(April 12) was 44 1/2 feet to the surface of the water. The
masonry which encloses the well extends downward 28 1/2 feet.
The other well is 5 feet in diameter, and was 42 feet to the
water. The curb-stones around the mouth of both wells are worn
into deep grooves by the action of the ropes of so many
centures. These wells are in constant use today. The five
lesser wells are in a group in the bed of the wady. On some low
hills north of the large wells are scattered the foundations
and ruins of a town of moderate size.
Beeshterah
(house of Ashterah), one of the two cities allotted to the sons
of Gershon out of the tribe of Manasseh beyond Jordan. (Joshua
21:27) Probably identical with Ashtaroth. (1 Chronicles 6:71)
Beetle
[[268]Locust]
Beeves
Same as cattle. (Leviticus 22:19) [See [269]Bull, Bullock]
Beggar, Begging
The poor among the Hebrews were much favored. They were allowed
to glean in the fields, and to gather whatever the land
produced in the year in which it was not tilled (Leviticus
19:10; 25:5,6; 24:19) They were also invited to feasts. (14:29)
and Deuteronomy 26:12 The Israelite could not be an absolute
pauper. His land was in alienable, except for a certain term,
when it reverted to him or his posterity. And if this resource
were insufficient, he could pledge the services of himself and
family or a valuable sum. Those who were indigent through
bodily infirmities were usually taken care of by their kindred.
A beggar was sometimes seen, however, and was regarded and
abhorred as a vagabond. (Psalms 109:10) In later times beggars
were accustomed, it would seem, to have a fixed place at the
corners of the streets, (Mark 10:46) or at the gates of the
temple, (Acts 3:2) or of private houses, (Luke 16:20)
Behemoth
(great beasts). There can be little or no doubt that by this
word, (Job 40:15-24) the hippopotamus is intended since all the
details descriptive of the behemoth accord entirely with the
ascertained habits of that animal. The hippopotamus is an
immense creature having a thick and square head, a large mouth
often two feet broad, small eyes and ears, thick and heavy
body, short legs terminated by four toes, a short tail, skin
without hair except at the extremity of the tail. It inhabits
nearly the whole of Africa, and has been found of the length of
17 feet. It delights in the water, but feeds on herbage on
land. It is not found in Palestine, but may at one time have
been a native of western Asia.
Bekah
[[270]Weights And Measures AND [271]Measures]
Bel
[[272]Baal]
Bela
(destruction).
+ One of the five cities of the plain which was spared at the
intercession of Lot, and received the name of Zoar, (Genesis
14:2; 19:22) [[273]Zoar]
+ Son of Beor, who reigned over Edom in the city of Dinhabah,
eight generations before Saul. (Genesis 36:31-33; 1
Chronicles 1:43,44)
+ Eldest son of Benjamin, according to (Genesis 46:21)
(Authorized Version "Belah"); (Numbers 26:38,40; 1 Chronicles
7:6; 8:1) and head of the family of the Belaites.
+ Son of Ahaz, a Reubenite. (1 Chronicles 5:8)
Belah
[[274]Bela, 3]
Belaites, The
(Numbers 26:38) [[275]Bela, 3]
Belial
The meaning of this word as found in the Scriptures is
worthlessness, and hence reckless, lawlessness. The expression
son or man of Belial must be understood as meaning simply a
worthless, lawless fellow. The term as used in (2 Corinthians
6:15) is generally understood as an appellative of Satan, as
the personification of all that was bad.
Bellows
The word occurs only in (Jeremiah 6:29) where it denotes an
instrument to heat a smelting furnace. Wilkinson in "Ancient
Egypt," iii. 338, says, "They consisted of a leather, secured
and fitted into a frame, from which a long pipe extended for
carrying the wind to the fire. They were worked by the feet,
the operator standing upon them, with one under each foot, and
pressing them alternately, while he pulled up each exhausted
skin with a string he held in his hand."
Bells
In (Exodus 28:33) the bells alluded to were the golden ones 72
in number, round the hem of the his priest's ephod. The object
of them was so that his sound might be heard." (Exodus 28:34)
Ecclus. 45:9. To this day bells are frequently attached, for
the sake of their pleasant sound, to the anklets of women. The
little girls of Cairo wear strings of them around their feet.
In (Zechariah 14:20) "bells of the horses" were concave or flat
pieces of brass, which were sometimes attached to horses for
the sake of ornament.
Belshazzar
(prince of Bel), the last king of Babylon. In (Daniel 5:2)
Nebuchadnezzar is called the father of Belshazzar. This, of
course, need only mean grandfather or ancestor. According to
the well-known narrative Belshazzar gave a splendid feast in
his palace during the siege of Babylon (B.C. 538), using the
sacred vessels of the temple, which Nebuchadnezzer had brought
from Jerusalem. The miraculous appearance of the handwriting on
the wall, the calling in of Daniel to interpret its meaning the
prophecy of the overthrow of the kingdom, and Belshazsar's
death, accorded in Dan. 5.
Belteshazzar
(favored by Bel .) [[276]Daniel, [277]Daniel, The Book Of]
Ben
(son), a Levite, one of the porters appointed by David for the
ark. (1 Chronicles 15:18)
Benaiah
(made by the Lord).
+ The son of Jehoiada the chief priest, (1 Chronicles 27:5) of
the tribe of Levi, though a native of Kabzeel, (2 Samuel
23:20) set by David, (1 Chronicles 11:25) over his
body-guard. (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23; 1 Kings 1:38; 1 Chronicles
18:17) One of the mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:22,23; 1
Chronicles 11:25; 27:6) The exploits which gave him this rank
are narrated in (2 Samuel 23:20,21; 1 Chronicles 11:22) He
was captain of the host for the third month. (1 Chronicles
27:5) Benaiah remained faithful to Solomon during Adonijah's
attempt on the crown, (1 Kings 1:8,10,32,38,44) and was
raised unto the place of Joab as commander-in-chief of the
whole army. (1 Kings 2:35; 4:4) (B.C. 1005.)
+ Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite, one of David's thirty
mighty men, (2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 11:31) and the
captain of the eleventh monthly course. (1 Chronicles 27:14)
+ A Levite in the time of David, who "played with a psaltry on
Alamoth." (1 Chronicles 15:18,20; 16:5)
+ A priest in the time of David, appointed to blow the trumpet
before the ark. (1 Chronicles 15:24; 16:6)
+ A Levite of the sons of Asaph. (2 Chronicles 20:14)
+ A Levite in the time of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 31:13)
+ One of the "princes" of the families of Simeon. (1 Chronicles
4:36)
+ Four laymen in the time of Ezra who had taken strange wives.
(Ezra 10:25,30,35,43)
+ The father of Pelatiah. (Ezekiel 11:1,13)
Benammi
(son of my people), the son of the younger daughter of Lot, and
progenitor of the Ammonites. (Genesis 19:38) (B.C. 1897.)
Beneberak
(son of lightning), one of the cities of the tribe of Dan,
mentioned only in (Joshua 19:45)
Benejaakan
(sons of Jaakan), a tribe who gave their name to certain wells
in the desert which formed one of the halting-places of the
Israelites on their journey to Canaan. [[278]Beeroth Of The
Children Of Jaakan BENE-JAAKAN] Also given in (Genesis 36:27)
as [279]Akan.
Benekedem
(the children of the East), an appellation given to a people or
to peoples dwelling to the east of Palestine. It occurs in
(Genesis 29:1; Judges 6:3,33; 7:12; 8:10; Job 1:3)
Benhadad
(son of Hadad), the name of three kings of Damascus. BENHADAD
I., King of Damascus, which in his time was supreme in Syria.
He made an alliance with Asa, and conquered a great part of the
north of Israel. (1 Kings 15:18) His date is B.C. 950.
BEN-HADAD II., son of the preceding, and also king of Damascus.
Long wars with Israel characterized his reign. Some time after
the death of Ahab, Benhadad renewed the war with Israel,
attacked Samaria a second time, and pressed the siege so
closely that there was a terrible famine in the city. But the
Syrians broke up in the night in consequence of a sudden panic.
Soon after Ben-hadad fell sick, and sent Hazael to consult
Elisha as to the issue of his malady. On the day after Hazael's
return Ben-hadad was murdered, probably by some of his own
servants. (2 Kings 8:7-15) Ben-hadad's death was about B.C.
890, and he must have reigned some 30 years. BEN-HADAD III.,
son of Hazael, and his successor on the throne of Syria. When
he succeeded to the throne, Jehoash recovered the cities which
Jehoahaz had lost to the Syrians, and beat him in Aphek. (2
Kings 13:17,25) The date of Ben-hadad III is B.C. 840.
Benhail
(son of the host, strong), one of the princes whom King
Jehoshaphat sent to teach in the cities of Judah. (2 Chronicles
17:7)
Benhanan
(son of the gracious), son of Shimon, in the line of Judah. (1
Chronicles 4:20)
Beninu
(our son), a Levite; one of those who sealed the covenant with
Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:13,14)
Benjamin
(son of the right hand, fortunate).
+ The youngest of the children of Jacob. His birth took place
on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, near the latter,
B.C. 1729. His mother, Rachel, died in the act of giving him
birth, naming him with her last breath Ben-oni (son of my
sorrow). This was by Jacob changed into Benjamin. (Genesis
35:16,18) Until the journeys of Jacob's sons and Jacob
himself into Egypt we hear nothing of Benjamin. Nothing
personal is known of him. Henceforward the history of
Benjamin is the history of the tribe.
+ A man of the tribe of Benjamin, son of bilhan, and the head
of a family of warriors. (1 Chronicles 7:10)
+ One of the "sons of Harim," an Israelite in the time of Ezra
who had married a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:32)
Benjamin, High Gate Or Gate Of
(Jeremiah 20:2; 37:13; 38:7; Zechariah 14:10) [[280]Jerusalem]
Benjamin, The Land Of
The proximity of Benjamin to Ephraim during the march to the
promised land was maintained in the territory allotted to each.
That given to Benjamin formed almost a parallelogram, of about
26 miles in length by 12 in breadth, lying between Ephraim, the
Jordan, Judah and Dan. The general level of this part of
Palestine is not less than 2000 feet above the Mediterranean or
than 3000 feet above the valley of the Jordan, the surrounding
country including a large number of eminences--almost every one
of which has borne some part in the history of the tribe--and
many torrent beds and deep ravines.
Benjamin, The Tribe Of
The contrast between the warlike character of the tribe and the
peaceful image of its progenitor comes out in many scattered
notices. Benjamin was the only tribe which seems to have
pursued archery to any purpose, and their skill in the bow, (1
Samuel 20:20,36; 2 Samuel 1:232; 1 Chronicles 8:40; 12:2; 2
Chronicles 17:17) and the sling, (Judges 20:16) is celebrated.
The dreadful deed recorded in Judges 19 was defended by
Benjamin. Later the tribe seems, however, to assume another
position, as Ramah, (1 Samuel 9:12) etc., Mizpeh, (1 Samuel
7:5) Bethel and Gibeon, (1 Kings 3:4) were all in the land of
Benjamin. After the struggles and contests which followed the
death of Saul, the history of Benjamin becomes merged in that
of the southern kingdom.
Beno
(his son), a Levite of the sons of Merari. (1 Chronicles
24:26,27)
Benon
(Numbers 32:3) [BETH-BAALMEON] Comp. ver. 38.
Benoni
(son of my sorrow). (Genesis 35:18) [[281]Benjamin,
[282]Benjamin, The Tribe Of]
Benzoheth
(son of Zoheth), a descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:20)
Beor
(burning or torch).
+ The father of Bela, one of the early Edomite kings. (Genesis
36:32; 1 Chronicles 1:43)
+ Father of Balaam. (Numbers 22:5; 24:3,15; 31:8; 23:4; Joshua
13:22; 24:9; Micah 6:5) He is called [283]Bosor in the New
Testament. (B.C. before 1450.)
Bera
(son of evil) king of Sodom. (Genesis 14:2) also (Genesis
14:17,21)
Beraa
(well watered).
+ A city of Macedonia, mentioned in (Acts 17:10,13) It is now
called Verria or Kara-Verria, and is situated on the eastern
slope of the Olympian mountain range, and has 15,000 or
20,000 inhabitants.
+ The modern Aleppo, mentioned in 2 Macc. 13:4.
+ A place in Judea, apparently not very far from Jerusalem. 1
Macc. 9:4.
Berachah
(blessing), a Benjamite who attached himself to David at
Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:3) (B.C. 1054.)
Berachah, Valley Of
a valley in which Jehoshaphat and his people assembled to
"bless" Jehovah after the overthrow of the hosts of Moabites.
(2 Chronicles 20:26) It is now called Bereikut, and lies
between Tekua and the main road from Bethlehem to Hebron.
Berachiah
(blessed of Jehovah), a Gershonite Levite, father of Asaph. (1
Chronicles 6:39) [[284]Berechiah]
Beraiah
(created by Jehovah), son of Shimhi, a chief man of Benjamin.
(1 Chronicles 8:21)
Berechiah
(blessed of Jehovah).
+ A descendant of the royal family of Judah. (1 Chronicles
3:20)
+ A man mentioned as the father of Meshullam, who assisted in
rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:4,30; 6:18)
+ A Levite. (1 Chronicles 9:16)
+ A doorkeeper for the ark. (1 Chronicles 15:23)
+ One of the tribe of Ephraim in the time of Ahaz. (2
Chronicles 28:12)
+ Father of Asaph the singer. (1 Chronicles 15:17)
[[285]Berachiah]
+ Father of Zechariah. (Zechariah 1:1,7)
Bered
(hail).
+ A place in the south of Palestine, near the well Lahairoi.
(Genesis 16:14)
+ A son or descendant of Ephraim, (1 Chronicles 7:20) possibly
identical with Becher in (Numbers 26:35)
Berenice
[[286]Bernice, Or Berenice]
Beri
(a well), son of Zophah, of the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles
7:36)
Beriah
(in evil, or a gift).
+ A son of Asher. (Genesis 46:17; Numbers 26:44,45)
+ A son of Ephraim. (1 Chronicles 7:20-23)
+ A Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:13,16)
+ A Levite. (1 Chronicles 23:10,11)
Beriites, The
A tribe of people who are named with Abel and Beth-maachah, and
who were therefore doubtless situated in the north of
Palestine. (2 Samuel 20:14)
Berith
(Judges 9:46) [BAAL-BERITH]
Bernice, Or Berenice
(bringing victory), the eldest daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
(Acts 12:1) etc. She was first married to her uncle Herod, king
of Chaleis, and after his death (A.D. 48) she lived under
circumstances of great suspicion with her own brother, Agrippa
II., in connection with whom she is mentioned, (Acts 25:13,23;
26:30) as having visited Festus on his appointment as
procurator of Judea.
Berodachbaladan
(2 Kings 20:12) [MERODACH-BALADAN]
Berothah
(toward the wells), Bero'-tha-i (my wells). The first of these
two names is given by Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 47:16) in connection
with Hahlath and Damascus as forming part of the northern
boundary of the promised land. The second is mentioned, (2
Samuel 8:8) in the same connection. The well-known city Beirut
(Berytus) naturally suggests itself as identical with one at
least of the names; but in each instance the circumstances of
the case seem to require a position farther east. They were
probably in the vicinity of the springs near the present
Hasbeya.
Berothite, The
(1 Chronicles 11:39) [[287]Beeroth Of The Children Of Jaakan]
Beryl
(tarshish) occurs in (Exodus 28:20) It is generally supposed
that the tarshish derives its name from the place so called, in
Spain. Beryl is a mineral of great hardness, and, when
transparent, of much beauty. By tarshish the modern yellow
topaz is probably intended, while in (Revelation 21:20) a
different stone is perhaps referred to, probably the mineral
now called beryl, which is identical with the emerald except in
color, being a light green or bluish-green.
Besai
(sword). "Children of Besai" were among the Nethinim who
returned to Judea with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:49; Nehemiah 7:52)
Besodeiah
(n the secret of the Lord) father of one of the repairers of
the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:6)
Besom
a brush or broom of twigs for sweeping (Isaiah 14:23)
Besor, The Brook
(cool), a torrent-bed or wady in the extreme south of Judah. (1
Samuel 30:9,10,21)
Betah
(confidence), a city belonging to Hadadezer king of Zobah,
mentioned with Berothai. (2 Samuel 8:8) In the parallel
account, (1 Chronicles 18:8) the name is called Tibhath.
Beten
(height), one of the cities on the border of the tribe of
Asher. (Joshua 19:25)
Beth
the most general word for a house or habitation. It has the
special meaning of a temple or house of worship Beth is more
frequently employed in compound names of places than any other
word.
Bethabara
(house of the ford), a place beyond Jordan, in which according
to the Received Text of the New Testament, John was baptizing.
(John 1:28) If this reading be correct, Bethabara is identical
with Beth-barah (fords of Abarah) the ancient ford of Jordan on
the road to Gilead; or, which seems more likely, with
Beth-nimrah, on the east of the river, nearly opposite Jericho.
The Revised Version reads [288]Bethany, which see below.
Bethanath
(house of echo or reply), one of the "fenced cities" of
Naphtali, named with Beth-shemesh, (Joshua 19:38) from neither
of them were the Canaanites expelled. (Judges 1:33)).
Bethanoth
(house of echo), a town in the mountainous district of Judah,
named with Halhul, Beth-zur and others in (Joshua 15:58) only.
Bethany
In the Revised Version for [289]Bethabara, (John 1:28) where
Jesus was baptized by John. It was probably an obscure village
near Bethabara, and in time its name faded out and was replaced
by the larger and more important Bethabara.
(house of dates, or house of misery), a village which, scanty
as are the notices of it contained in Scripture, is more
intimately associated in our minds than perhaps any other place
with the most familiar acts and scenes of the last days of the
life of Christ. It was situated "at" the Mount of Olives, (Mark
11:1; Luke 19:29) about fifteen stadia (furlongs, i.e. 1 1/2 or
2 miles) from Jerusalem (John 11:18) on or near the usual road
From Jericho to the city, (Luke 19:29) comp. Mark 11:1 comp.
Mark 10:46 And close by the west(?) of another village called
Bethphage, the two being several times mentioned together.
Bethany was the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus, and is now
known by a name derived from Lazarus--el-Azariyeh or Lazarieh .
It lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, fully a
mile beyond the summit, and not very far from the point at
which the road to Jericho begins its more sudden descent
towards the Jordan valley. El-'Azariyeh is a ruinous and
wretched village, a wild mountain hamlet of some twenty
families. Bethany has been commonly explained "house of dates,"
but it more probably signifies "house of misery." H. Dixon,
"Holy Land," ii. 214, foll.
Betharabah
(house of the desert), one of the six cities of Judah which
were situated down in the Arabah, the sunk valley of the Jordan
and Dead Sea, (Joshua 15:61) on the north border of the tribe.
It is also included in the list of the towns of Benjamin.
(Joshua 18:22)
Betharam
(house of the height), accurately BETH-HARAM, one of the towns
of Gad on the east of Jordan, described as in "the valley,"
(Joshua 13:27) and no doubt the same place as that named
BETH-HARAN in (Numbers 32:36)
Bethaven
(house of nothingness, i.e. of idols), a place on the mountains
of Benjamin, east of Bethel, (Joshua 7:2; 18:12) and lying
between that place and Michmash. (1 Samuel 13:5; 14:28) In
(Hosea 4:15; 5:8; 10:5) the name is transferred to the
neighboring Bethel,--once the "house of God" but then the house
of idols of "naught."
Bethbaalmaveth
(house of Azmaveth). Under this name is mentioned, in (Nehemiah
7:28) only, the town of Benjamin which is elsewhere called
[290]Azmaveth and BETH-SAMOS.
Bethbaalmeon
(house of Baalmeon), a place in the possessions of Reuben, on
the downs (Authorized Version "plain") east of the Jordan.
(Joshua 13:17) At the Israelites' first approach is name was
BAAL-MEON, (Numbers 32:38) or, in its contracted form, BEON
(Numbers 32:3) to which the Beth was possibly a Hebrew
addition. Later it would seem to have come into possession of
Moab, and to be known either as Beth-meon, (Jeremiah 48:23) or
Baal-meon. (Ezekiel 25:9) The name is still attached to a
ruined place of considerable size a short distance to the
southwest of Hesban, and bearing the name of "the fortress of
Mi'un, " or Makin .
Bethbarah
(house of the ford), named only in (Judges 7:24) It derived its
chief interest in the possibility that its more modern
representative may have been Beth-abara, where John baptized.
It was probably the chief ford of the district.
Bethbirei
(house of my creation), a town of Simeon, (1 Chronicles 4:31)
which by comparison with the parallel list in (Joshua 19:6)
appears to have had also the name Of BETH-LEBAOTH. It lay to
the extreme south.
Bethcar
(house of the lamb), a place named as the point to which the
Israelites pursued the Philistines, (1 Samuel 7:11) and
therefore west of Mizpeh.
Bethdagon
(house of Dagon).
+ A city in the low country of Judah, (Joshua 15:41) and
therefore not far from the Philistine territory.
+ A town apparently near the coast, named as one of the
landmarks of the boundary of Asher. (Joshua 19:27)
Bethdiblathaim
(house of fig-cakes), a town of Moab, (Jeremiah 48:22)
apparently the place elsewhere called ALMON-DIBLATHAIM.
Bethel
(the house of God) well known city and holy place of central
Palestine, about 12 mlles north of Jerusalem. If we are to
accept the precise definition of (Genesis 12:8) the name of
Bethel would appear to have existed at this spot even before
the arrival of Abram in Canaan. (Genesis 12:8; 13:3,4) Bethel
was the scene of Jacob's vision. (Genesis 28:11-19; 31:13)
Jacob lived there. (Genesis 35:1-8) The original name was Luz.
(Judges 1:22,23) After the conquest Bethel is frequently heard
of. In the troubled times when there was no king in Israel, it
was to Bethel that the people went up in their distress to ask
counsel of God. (Judges 20:18,26,31; 21:2) Authorized Version,
"house of God." Here was the ark of the covenant. (Judges
20:26-28; 21:4) Later it is named as one of the holy cities to
which Samuel went on circuit. (1 Samuel 7:16) Here Jeroboab
placed one of the two calves of gold. Toward the end of
Jeroboam's life Bethel fell into the hands of Judah. (2
Chronicles 13:19) Elijah visited Bethel, and we hear of "sons
of the prophets" as resident there. (2 Kings 2:2,3) But after
the destruction of Baal worship by Jehu Bethel comes once more
into view. (2 Kings 10:29) After the desolation of the northern
kingdom by the king of Assyria, Bethel still remained an abode
of priests. (2 Kings 17:27,28) In later times Bethel is named
only once under the scarcely-altered name of Beitin . Its ruins
still lie on the righthand side of the road from Jerusalem to
Nablus.
+ A town in the south part of Judah, named in (Joshua 12:16)
and 1Sam 30:27 In (Joshua 15:30; 19:4; 1 Chronicles 4:29,30)
the place appears under the name of [291]Chesil, [292]Bethul
and [293]Bethuel. Hiel the Bethelite is recorded as the
rebuilder of Jericho. (1 Kings 16:34)
+ In (Joshua 16:1) and 1Sam 13:2 Mount Bethel, a hilly section
near Beth-el, is referred to.
Bethemek
(house of the valley), a place on or near the border of Asher,
on the north side of which was the ravine of Jiphthah-el
(Joshua 19:27)
Bether
(depth), The mountains of. (Song of Solomon 2:17) There is no
clue to guide us as to what mountains are intended here.
Bethesda
(house of mercy, or the flowing water), the Hebrew name of a
reservoir or tank, with five "porches," close upon the
sheep-gate or "market" in Jerusalem. (John 5:2) The largest
reservoir - Birket Israil - 360 feet long, 120 feet wide and 80
feet deep, within the walls of the city, close by St. Stephen's
Gate, and under the northeast wall of the Haram area, is
generally considered to be the modern representative of
Bethesda. Robinson, however, suggests that the ancient Bethesda
is identical with what is now called the Pool of the Virgin, an
intermittent pool, south of Birket Israil and north of the pool
of Siloam.
Bethezel
(neighbor's house), a place named only in (Micah 1:11) From the
context it was doubtless situated in the plain of Philistia.
Bethgader
(house of the wall), doubtless a place, though it occurs in the
genealogies of Judah as if a person. (1 Chronicles 2:51)
Bethgamul
(camel-house), a town of Moab, in the downs east of Jordan.
(Jeremiah 48:23) comp. Jere 48:21
Bethgilgal
Same as Gilgal. (Nehemiah 12:29)
Bethhaccerem
(house of the vine). (Nehemiah 3:14; Jeremiah 6:1) A beacon
station near Tekoa, supposed to be the Frank Mountain, a few
miles southeast of Bethlehem.
Bethharan
(Numbers 32:36) It is no doubt the same place as BETH-ARAM.
(Joshua 13:27)
Bethhogla
(partridge-house), and Holg'lah a place on the border of Judah,
(Joshua 15:6) and of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:19,21) A magnificent
spring and a ruin between Jericho and the Jordan still bear the
names of Ainhajala.
Bethhoron
(house of caverns), the name of two towns or villages, an
"upper" and a "nether," (Joshua 16:3,5; 1 Chronicles 7:24) on
the road from Gibeon to Azekah, (Joshua 10:10,11) and the
Philistine plain. 1 Macc. 3:24. Beth-horon lay on the boundary
line between Benjamin and Ephraim, (Joshua 16:3,5) and Josh
18:13,14 Was counted to Ephraim, (Joshua 21:22; 1 Chronicles
7:24) and given to the Kohathites. (Joshua 21:22; 1 Chronicles
6:68) (1Chr 6:53) The two Beth-horons still survive in the
modern villages of Beit-ur, et-tahta and el-foka .
Bethjeshimoth
(house of deserts) or Jes'imoth, a town or place east of
Jordan, on the lower level at the south end of the Jordan
valley, (Numbers 33:49) and named with Ashdod-pisgah and
Beth-peor. It was one of the limits of the encampment of Israel
before crossing the Jordan. Later it was allotted to Reuben,
(Joshua 12:3; 13:20) but came at last into the hands of Moab,
and formed one of the cities which were "the glory of the
country." (Ezekiel 25:9)
Bethlebaoth
(house of lionesses), a town in the lot of Simeon, (Joshua
19:6) in the extreme south of Judah. [ (Joshua 15:32)
[294]Lebaoth] In (1 Chronicles 4:31) the name is given
BETH-BIREI.
Bethlehem
(house of bread).
+ One of the oldest towns in Palestine, already in existence at
the time of Jacob's return to the country. Its earliest name
was [295]Ephratah, Or Ephrath or EPHRATAH. See (Genesis
35:16,19; 48:7) After the conquest Bethlehem appears under
its own name, BETHLEHEM-JUDAH. (Judges 17:7; 1 Samuel 17:12;
Ruth 1:1,2) The book of Ruth is a page from the domestic
history of Bethlehem. It was the home of Ruth, (Ruth 1:19)
and of David. (1 Samuel 17:12) It was fortified by Rehoboam.
(2 Chronicles 11:6) It was here that our Lord was born,
(Matthew 2:1) and here that he was visited by the shepherds,
(Luke 2:15-17) and the Magi. Matt 2. The modern town of
Beit-lahm lies to the east of the main road from Jerusalem to
Hebron, six miles from the former. It covers the east and
northeast parts of the ridge of a long gray hill of Jura
limestone, which stands nearly due east and west, and is
about a mile in length. The hill has a deep valley on the
north and another on the south. On the top lies the village
in a kind of irregular triangle. The population is about 3000
souls, entirely Christians. The Church of the Nativity, built
by the empress Helena A.D. 330, is the oldest Christian
church in existence. It is built over the grotto where Christ
is supposed to have been born.
+ A town in the portion of Zebulun, named nowhere but in
(Joshua 19:15) Now known as Beit-lahm .
Bethlomon
1 Esd. 5:17. [[296]Bethlehem, 1]
Bethmaachah
(house of oppression), a place named only in (2 Samuel
20:14,15) In the absence of more information we can only
conclude that it is identical with Maachah or Aram-maachah, one
of the petty Syrian kingdoms in the north of Palestine. (Comp.
(2 Kings 15:29)
Bethmarcaboth
(house of the chariots), one of the towns of Simeon, situated
to the extreme south of Judah. (Joshua 19:5; 1 Chronicles 4:31)
In the parallel list, (Joshua 15:31) [297]Madmannah occurs in
place of Beth-marcaboth.
Bethmeon
(Jeremiah 48:23) A contracted form of Beth-baal-meon.
Bethnimrah
(house of leopards) one of the fenced cities on the east of
Jordan taken and built by the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:36) and
described as being in the valley beside Beth-haran. (Joshua
13:27) In (Numbers 32:3) it is called simply [298]Nimrah. The
name still survives in the modern Nahr Nimrim, above Jericho on
the Jordan.
Bethpalet
(house of flight), a town among those in the extreme south of
Judah, named in (Joshua 15:27)
Bethpazzez
(house of the dispersion), a town of Issachar named with
En-haddah (Joshua 19:21) and of which nothing is known.
Bethpeor
(house of Peor), a place on the east of Jordan, opposite
Jericho and six miles above Libias or Beth-haran. (Joshua
13:20; 3:29; 4:46)
Bethphage
(g hard) (house of figs) the name of a place on the Mount of
Olives on the road between Jericho and Jerusalem. It was
apparently close to Bethany. (Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke
19:29)
Bethphelet
(Nehemiah 11:26) [[299]Bethpalet]
Bethrapha
a name which occurs in the genealogy of Judah as the son of
Eshton. (1 Chronicles 4:12)
Bethrehob
(house of Rehob), place mentioned as having near it the valley
in which lay the town of Laish or Dan. (Judges 18:28) It was
one of the little kingdoms of Aram or Syria. (2 Samuel 10:6)
Robinson conjectures that this ancient place is represented by
the modern Hunin .
Bethsaida
(house of fish) of Galilee, (John 12:21) a city which was the
native place of Andrew, Peter and Philip, (John 1:44; 12:21) in
the land of Gennesareth, (Mark 6:46) comp. Mark 6:53 And
therefore on the west side of the lake. By comparing the
narratives in (Mark 6:31-53) and Luke 9:10-17 It appears
certain that the Bethsaida at which the five thousand were fed
must have been a second place of the same name on the east of
the lake. (But in reality "there is but one Bethsaida, that
known on our maps at Bethsaida Julias." L. Abbot in Biblical
and Oriental Journal . The fact is that Bethsaida was a village
on both sides of the Jordan as it enters the sea of Galilee on
the north, so that the western part of the village was in
Galilee and the eastern portion in Gaulonitis, part of the
tetrarchy of Philip. This eastern portion was built up into a
beautiful city by Herod Philip, and named by him Bethsaida
Julias, after Julia the daughter of the Roman emperor Tiberius
Caesar. On the plain of Butaiha, a mile or two to the east, the
five thousand were fed. The western part of the town remained a
small village.--ED.)
Bethshean
(house of rest), or in Samuel, BETHSHAN, a city which belonged
to Manasseh, (1 Chronicles 7:29) though within the limits of
Issachar (Joshua 17:11) and therefore on the west of Jordan.
Comp. 1 Macc. 5:62. In later times it was called Scythopolis. 2
Macc. 12:29. The place is still known as Beisan . It lies in
the Ghor or Jordan valley, about twelve miles south of the Sea
of Galilee and four miles west of the Jordan.
Bethshemesh
(house of the sun).
+ One of the towns which marked the north boundary of Judah.
(Joshua 15:10) It is now 'Ainshems, about two miles from the
great Philistine plain, and seven from Ekron.
+ A city on the border of Issachar. (Joshua 19:22)
+ One of the "fenced cities" of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:38; Judges
1:33)
+ An idolatrous temple, or place in Egypt. (Jeremiah 43:13) In
the middle ages Heliopolis was still called by the Arabs Ain
Shems .
Bethshittah
(home of the acacia), one of the spots to which the flight of
the host of the Midianites extended after their discomfiture by
Gideon. (Judges 7:22)
Bethtappuah
(house of apples), one of the towns of Judah in the mountainous
district, and near Hebron. (Joshua 15:53) comp. 1Chr 2:43 Here
it has actually been discovered by Robinson under the modern
name of Teffuh, five miles west of Hebron, on a ridge of high
table-land.
Bethuel
(dweller in God), the son of Nahor by Milcah; nephew of
Abraham, and father of Rebekah, (Genesis 22:22,23; 24:15,24,47;
28:2) In (Genesis 25:20) and (Genesis 28:5) he is called
"Bethuel the Syrian."
Bethul
(dweller in God) a town of Simeon in the south named with
Eltolad and Hormah, (Joshua 19:4) called also Chesil and
Bethuel. (Joshua 15:30; 1 Chronicles 4:30)
Bethzur
(house of rock) a town in the mountains of Judah, built by
Jeroboam, (Joshua 15:58; 2 Chronicles 11:7) now Beit-zur . It
commands the road from Beersheba and Hebron, which has always
been the main approach to Jerusalem from the south.
Betonim
a town of Gad, apparently on the northern boundary. (Joshua
13:26)
Betrothing
[[300]Marriage.1]
Beulah
(married), the name which the land of Israel is to bear when
"the land shall be married." (Isaiah 62:4)
Bezai
(conqueror). "Children of Bezai," to the number of 328,
returned from captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:17; Nehemiah
7:23; 10:18)
Bezaleel
(in the shadow of God).
+ The son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah and one
of the architects of the tabernacle. (Exodus 31:1-6) His
charge was chiefly in all works of metal, wood and stone.
(B.C. 1490.)
+ One of the sons of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife.
(Ezra 10:30) (B.C. 458.)
Bezek
(lightning).
+ The residence of Adonibezek, (Judges 1:6) in the lot of
Judah. ver. (Judges 1:3)
+ Where Saul numbered the forces of Israel and Judah before
going to the relief of Jabesh-gilead. (1 Samuel 11:8) This
was doubtless somewhere in the centre of the country, near
the Jordan valley. No identification of either place has been
made in modern times.
Bezer
(gold ore), son of Zophah, one of the heads of the houses of
Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:37)
Bezer In The Wilderness
a city of refuge in the downs on the east of the Jordan. (4:43;
Joshua 20:8; 21:36; 1 Chronicles 6:78)
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Table of
Contents Bible
The Bible is the name given to the revelation of God to man
contained in sixty-six books or pamphlets, bound together and
forming one book and only one, for it has in reality one author
and one purpose and plan, and is the development of one scheme
of the redemption of man. I. ITS [301]Names.-- (1) The Bible,
i.e. The Book, from the Greek "ta biblia," the books. The word
is derived from a root designating the inner bark of the linden
tree, on which the ancients wrote their books. It is the book
as being superior to all other books. But the application of
the word BIBLE to the collected books of the Old and New
Testaments is not to be traced farther back than the fifth
century of our era. (2) The Scriptures, i.e. the writings, as
recording what was spoken by God. (3) The Oracles, i.e. the
things spoken, because the Bible is what God spoke to man, and
hence also called (4) The Word. (5) The Testaments or
Covenants, because it is the testimony of God to man, the
truths to which God bears witness; and is also the covenant or
agreement of God with man for his salvation. (6) The Law, to
express that it contains God's commands to men. II.
COMPOSITION.--The Bible consists of two great parts, called the
Old and New Testaments, separated by an interval of nearly four
hundred years. These Testaments are further divided into
sixty-six books, thirty-nine in the Old Testament and
twenty-seven in the New. These books are a library in
themselves being written in every known form old literature.
Twenty-two of them are historical, five are poetical, eighteen
are prophetical, twenty-one are epistolary. They contain
logical arguments, poetry, songs and hymns, history, biography,
stories, parables, fables, eloquence, law, letters and
philosophy. There are at least thirty-six different authors,
who wrote in three continents, in many countries, in three
languages, and from every possible human standpoint. Among
these authors were kings, farmers, mechanics, scientific men,
lawyers, generals, fishermen, ministers and priests, a
tax-collector, a doctor, some rich, some poor, some city bred,
some country born--thus touching all the experiences of men
extending over 1500 years. III. UNITY.--And yet the Bible is
but one book, because God was its real author, and therefore,
though he added new revelations as men could receive them, he
never had to change what was once revealed. The Bible is a
unit, because (1) It has but one purpose, the salvation of men.
(2) The character of God is the same. (3) The moral law is the
same. (4) It contains the development of one great scheme of
salvation. IV. ORIGINAL LANGUAGES.--The Old Testament was
written in Hebrew, a Shemitic language, except that parts of
the books of Ezra (Ezra 5:8; 6:12; 7:12-26) and of Daniel
(Daniel 2:4-7,28) and one verse in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:11)
were written in the Chaldee language. The New Testament is
written wholly in Greek. V. ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS OF THE
ORIGINAL.--There are no ancient Hebrew manuscripts older than
the tenth century, but we know that these are in the main
correct, because we have a translation of the Hebrew into
Greek, called the Septuagint, made nearly three hundred years
before Christ. Our Hebrew Bibles are a reprint from what is
called the Masoretic text. The ancient Hebrew had only the
consonant printed, and the vowels were vocalized in
pronunciation, but were not written. Some Jewish scholars
living at Tiberias, and at Sora by the Euphrates, from the
sixth to the twelfth century, punctuated the Hebrew text, and
wrote is the vowel points and other tone-marks to aid in the
reading of the Hebrew; and these, together with notes of
various kinds, they called Masora (tradition), hence the name
Masoretic text. 0F the Greek of the New Testament there are a
number of ancient manuscripts They are divided into two kinds,
the Uncials, written wholly in capitals, and the Cursives,
written in a running hand . The chief of these are-- (1) the
Alexandrian (codex Alexandrinus, marked A), so named because it
was found in Aiexandria in Egypt, in 1628. It date back to A.D.
350, and is now in the British Museum. (2) The Vatican (codex
Vaticanus, B), named from the Vatican library at Rome, where it
is kept. Its date is A.D. 300 to 325. (3) The Sinaitic (codex
Sinaiticus) so called from the convent of St. Catherine on
Mount Sinai, there it was discovered by or Tichendorf in 1844.
It is now at St. Petersburg Russia. This is one of the earliest
best of all the manuscripts. VI. TRANSLATIONS.--The Old
Testament was translated into Greek by a company of learned
Jews at Alexandria, who began their labor about the year B.C.
286. It is called the Septuagint, i.e. the seventy, from the
tradition that it was translated by seventy (more exactly
seventy-two) translators. The Vulgate, or translation of the
Bible into Latin by Jerome, A.D. 385-405, is the authorized
version of the Roman Catholic Church. The first English
translation of the whole Bible was by John Deuteronomy
Wickliffe (1324-1384). Then followed that of William Tyndale
(1525) and several others. As the sum and fruit of all these
appeared our present Authorized Version, or King James Version,
in 1611. It was made by forty-seven learned men, in two years
and nine months, with a second revision which took nine months
longer. These forty-seven formed themselves into six companies,
two of whom met at Westminster, two at Oxford and two at
Cambridge. The present English edition is an improvement, in
typographical and grammatical correctness, upon this revision,
and in these respects is nearly perfect. [See [302]Versions,
Authorized] A REVISED VERSION of this authorized edition was
made by a group of American and English scholars, and in 1881
the Revised New Testament was published simultaneously in the
United States and England. Then followed the Revised Old
Testament in 1885, and the Apocrypha in 1894. The American
revision committee was permitted to publish its own revision,
which appeared in 1901 as the American Standard Version.
Modern-speech translations have been made from time to time
between 1898-1945. Among these were Moulton's Modern Reader's
Bible, the Twentieth century New Testament, Weymouth's,
Moffatt's, and the American translation. As a result of the
modern-speech translations that have appeared and been widely
received, the American Revision Committee set to work again,
and in 1946 the Revised Standard Version of the New Testament
was published. VII. DIVISIONS INTO CHAPTERS AND VERSES.--The
present division of the whole Bible into chapters was made by
Cardinal Hugo Deuteronomy St. Gher about 1250. The present
division into verses was introduced by Robert Stephens in his
Greek Testament, published in 1551, in his edition of the
Vulgate, in 1555. The first English Bible printed with these
chapters and verses was the Geneva Bible, in 1560. VIII.
CIRCULATION OF THE BIBLE.--The first book ever printed was the
Bible; and more Bibles have been printed than any other book.
It has been translated, in its entirety or in part, into more
than a thousand languages and dialects and various systems for
the blind. The American Bible Society (founded in 1816) alone
has published over 356 million volumes of Scripture.
Bichri
(first-born), (2 Samuel 20:1) an ancestor of Sheba.
Bidkar
(son of stabbing, i.e, one who stabs), Jehu's "captain,"
originally his fellow officer, (2 Kings 9:25) who completed the
sentence on Jehoram, son of Ahab.
Bier
[[303]Burial, Sepulchres.1]
Bigtha
(gift of God), one of the seven chamberlains or eunuchs of the
harem of King Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:10) (B.C. 483.)
Bigthan, Or Bigthana
(gift of God), a eunuch (chamberlain, Authorized Version) in
the court of Ahasuerus, one of those "who kept the door," and
conspired with Teresh against the king's life. (Esther 2:21)
(B.C. 479.)
Bigvai
(happy).
+ "Children of Bigvai," 2056 (Neh. 2067) in number, returned
from the captivity with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:14; Nehemiah
7:19) and 72 of them at a later date with Ezra. (Ezra 8:14)
(B.C. 536.)
+ Apparently one of the chiefs of Zerubbabel's expedition,
(Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7) whose family afterwards signed the
covenant. (Nehemiah 10:16) (B.C. 410.)
Bildad
(son of contention), the second of Job's three friends. He is
called "the Shuhite," which implies both his family and nation.
(Job 2:11) (B.C. about 2000.)
Bileam
(foreigners), a town in the western half of the tribe of
Manasseh, named only in (1 Chronicles 6:70) same as Ibleam and
Gath-rimmon. (Joshua 17:11) and Josh 21:24
Bilgah
(first-born).
+ A priest in the time of David; the head of the fifteenth
course for the temple service. (1 Chronicles 24:14) (B.C.
1015.)
+ A priest or priestly family who returned from Babylon with
Zerubbabel and Jeshua. (Nehemiah 12:5,18) (B.C. 536.)
Bilgai
(Nehemiah 10:8) [[304]Bilgah, 2]
Bilhah
(timid, bashful), handmaid of Rachel, (Genesis 29:29) and
concubine of Jacob, to whom she bore Dan and Naphtali. (Genesis
30:3-8; 35:25; 46:25; 1 Chronicles 7:13) (B.C 53.)
Bilhan
(modest).
+ A Horite chief dwelling in Mount Seir. (Genesis 36:27; 1
Chronicles 1:42)
+ A Benjamite, son of Jediael. (1 Chronicles 7:10)
Bilshan
(eloquent), one of Zerubbabel's companions on his expedition
from Babylon. (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7) (B.C. 536).
Bimhal
(circumcised), one of the sons of Japhlet in the line of Asher.
(1 Chronicles 7:33)
Binea
(fountain), one of the descendants of Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:37;
7:43) (B.C. 850.)
Binnui
(familyship).
+ A Levite, father of Noadiah. (Ezra 8:33)
+ One who had taken a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:30)
+ Another Israelite who had also taken a foreign wife. (Ezra
10:38)
+ Altered from [305]Bani in the corresponding list in Ezra.
(Nehemiah 7:15)
+ A Levite, son of Henadad, who assisted at the reparation of
the wall of Jerusalem, under Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:24; 10:9)
Birds
[[306]Sparrow]
Birsha
(son of godlessness), a king of Gomorrah. (Genesis 14:2)
Birthday
The custom of observing birthdays is very ancient, (Genesis
40:20; Jeremiah 20:15) and in (Job 1:4) etc., we read that
Job's sons "feasted every one his day." In Persia birthdays
were celebrated with peculiar honors and banquets, and in Egypt
those of the king were kept with great pomp. It is very
probable that in (Matthew 14:6) the feast to commemorate
Herod's accession is intended, for we know that such feasts
were common, and were called "the day of the king." (Hosea 7:5)
Birthright
the advantages accruing to the eldest son. These were not
definitely fixed in patriarchal times. Great respect was paid
to him in the household, and, as the family widened into a
tribe, this grew into a sustained authority, undefined save by
custom, in all matters of common interest. Thus the "princes"
of the congregation had probably rights of primogeniture.
(Numbers 7:2; 21:18; 25:14) (Gradually the rights of the eldest
son came to be more definite: (1) The functions of the
priesthood in the family with the paternal blessing. (2) A
"double portion" of the paternal property was allotted by the
Mosaic law. (21:16-17) (3) The eldest son succeeded to the
official authority of the father. The first-born of the king
was his successor by law. (2 Chronicles 21:3) In all these
Jesus was the first-born of the father.
Birzavith
a name occurring in the genealogies of Asher. (1 Chronicles
7:31)
Bishop
The word originally signified an "overseer" or spiritual
superintendent. The titles bishop and elder, or presbyter, were
essentially equivalent. Bishop is from the Greek, and denotes
one who exercises the function of overseeing. Presbyter was
derived from the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which
the first elders or bishops were appointed, as of the occasion
which led to the institution of the office, we have no record.
The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows:
+ General superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the
flock. (1 Peter 5:2)
+ The work of teaching, both publicly and privately. (1
Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 5:17)
+ The work of visiting the sick, (James 5:14)
+ Among other acts of charity, that of receiving strangers
occupied a conspicuous place. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Peter calls Christ "the shepherd and bishop of your souls."
(1 Peter 2:25)
Bishopric
the district over which the jurisdiction of a bishop extended.
(Acts 1:20; 1 Timothy 3:1)
Bithiah
(daughter of the Lord), daughter of a Pharaoh, and wife of
Mered. (1 Chronicles 4:18) (B.C. about 1491.)
Bithron
more accurately the Bithron (a craggy gorge or ravine), a
place, doubtless a district, in the Jordan valley on the east
side of the river. (2 Samuel 2:29)
Bithynia
a Roman province of Asia Minor. Mentioned only in (Acts 16:7)
and in 1Pet 1:1 The chief town of Bithynia was Nicaea,
celebrated for the general Council of the Church held there in
A.D. 325 against the Arian heresy.
Bitter Herbs
The Israelites were commanded to eat the Paschal lamb "with
unleavened bread and with bitter herbs." (Exodus 12:8) These
"bitter herbs" consisted of such plants as chicory, bitter
cresses, hawkweeds, sow-thistles and wild lettuces, which grow
abundantly in the peninsula of Sinai, in Palestine and in
Egypt. The purpose of this observance was to recall to the
minds of the Israelites their deliverance from the bitter
bondage of the Egyptians.
Bittern
The word occurs in (Isaiah 14:23; 34:11; Zephaniah 2:14) and we
are inclined to believe that the Authorized Version is correct.
The bittern (Botaurus stellaris) belongs to the Ardeidae, the
heron family of birds, and is famous for the peculiar nocturnal
booming sound which it emits.
Bizjothjah
(contempt of Jehovah), a town in the south of Judah. (Joshua
15:28)
Biztha
(eunuch), the second of the seven eunuchs of King Ahasuerus'
harem. (Esther 1:10) (B.C. 483.)
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Table of
Contents Blains
violent ulcerous inflammations, the sixth plague of Egypt,
(Exodus 9:9,10) and hence called in (28:27,35) "the botch of
Egypt." It seems to have been the black leprosy, a fearful kind
of elephantiasis.
Blasphemy
in its technical English sense, signifies the speaking evil of
God and in this sense it is found (Psalms 74:18; Isaiah 52:5;
Romans 2:24) etc. But according to its derivation it may mean
any species of calumny and abuse: see (1 Kings 21:10; Acts
18:6; Jude 1:9) etc. Blasphemy was punished by stoning, which
was inflicted on the son of Shelomith. (Leviticus 24:11) On
this charge both our Lord and St. Stephen were condemned to
death by the Jews. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost,
(Matthew 12:32; Mark 3:28) consisted in attributing to the
power of Satan those unquestionable miracles which Jesus
performed by "the finger of God" and the power of the Holy
Spirit. It is plainly such a state of wilful, determined
opposition to God and the Holy Spirit that no efforts will
avail to lead to repentance. Among the Jews it was a sin
against God answering to treason in our times.
Blastus
(sprout), the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I. (Acts 12:20)
Blindness
is extremely common in the East from many causes. Blind beggars
figure repeatedly in the New Testament (Matthew 12:22) and
"opening the eyes of the blind" is mentioned in prophecy as a
peculiar attribute of the Messiah. (Isaiah 29:18; 42:7) etc.
The Jews were specially charged to treat the blind with
compassion and care. (Leviticus 19:14; 27:18) Blindness
willfully inflicted for political or other purposes is alluded
to in Scripture. (1 Samuel 11:2; Jeremiah 39:7)
Blood
To blood is ascribed in Scripture the mysterious sacredness
which belongs to life, and God reserved it to himself when
allowing man the dominion over and the use of the lower animals
for food. Thus reserved, it acquires a double power: (1) that
of sacrificial atonement; and (2) that of becoming a curse when
wantonly shed, unless duly expiated. (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus
7:26; 17:11-13)
Blood, Revenger Of
He who avenged the blood of one who had been killed. The
nearest relative of the deceased became the authorized avenger
of blood. (Numbers 35:19) The law of retaliation was not to
extend beyond the immediate offender. (24:16; 2 Kings 14:6; 2
Chronicles 25:4; Jeremiah 31:29,30; Ezekiel 18:20)
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Table of
Contents Boanerges
a name signifying sons of thunder, given by our Lord to the two
sons of Zebedee, James and John, probably on account of their
fiery earnestly. (Mark 3:17) See (Luke 9:54; Mark 9:38) comp.
Matt 20:20 etc.
Boar
[[307]Swine]
Boaz
(fleetness).
+ A wealthy Bethlehemite kinsman to Elimelech the husband of
Naomi. He married Ruth, and redeemed the estates of her
deceased husband Mahlon. (Ruth 4:1) Boaz is mentioned in the
genealogy of Christ, (Matthew 1:5) (B.C. 1250, but there is
great difficulty in assigning his date.)
+ The name of one of Solomon's brazen pillars erected in the
temple porch. [[308]Jachin] It stood on the left, and was
eighteen cubits high. (1 Kings 7:15; 21; 2 Chronicles 3:15;
Jeremiah 52:21)
Bocheru
(youth), son of Azel, according to the present Hebrew text of
(1 Chronicles 8:38)
Bochim
(the weepers) a place on the west of Jordan, above Gilgal; so
named from the weeping of Israel. (Judges 2:1,6)
Bohan
(thumb), a Reubenite. (Joshua 15:6; 18:17)
Bohan, Stone Of
a stone erected in honor of Bohan on the boundary between Judah
and Benjamin, in the valley of Achor, along the eastern side of
the present Wady Dahr, running into the Dead Sea.
Boil
[[309]Medicine]
Bondage
[[310]Slave]
Book
[[311]Writing]
Booths
[[312]Succoth; [313]Tabernacles, The Feast Of, FEAST OF]
Booty
consisted of captives of both sexes, cattle, and whatever a
captured city might contain, especially metallic treasures.
Within the limits of Canaan no captives were to be made,
(20:14,16) beyond these limits, in case of warlike resistance,
all the women and children were to be made captives, and the
men put to death. The law of booty is given in (Numbers
31:26-47) As regarded the army, David added a regulation that
the baggage guard should share equally with the troops engaged.
(1 Samuel 30:24; 25)
Booz
(Matthew 1:5; Luke 3:32) [[314]Boaz]
Boscath
(2 Kings 22:1) [[315]Bozkath]
Bosor
same as [316]Beor. (2 Peter 2:15)
Bottle
The Arabs keep their water, milk and other liquids in leathern
bottles. These are made of goatskins. When the animal is killed
they cut off its feet and its head, and draw it in this manner
out of the skin without opening its belly. The great leathern
bottles are made of the skin of a he-goat, and the small ones,
that serve instead of a bottle of water on the road, are made
of a kid's skin. The effect of external heat upon a skin bottle
is indicated in (Psalms 119:83) "a bottle in the smoke," and of
expansion produced by fermentation in (Matthew 9:17) "new wine
in old bottles." Vessels of metal, earthen or glassware for
liquids were in use among the Greeks, Egyptians, Etruscans and
Assyrians, and also no doubt among the Jews, especially in
later times. Thus (Jeremiah 19:1) "a potter's earthen bottle."
(Bottles were made by the ancient Egyptians of alabaster, gold,
ivory and stone. They were of most exquisite workmanship and
elegant forms. Tear-bottles were small urns of glass or
pottery, made to contain the tears of mourners at funerals, and
placed in the sepulchres at Rome and in Palestine. In some
ancient tombs they are found in great numbers. (Psalms 56:8)
refers to this custom.--ED.)
Bow
(Genesis 37:10) The eastern mode of salutation, by kneeling
upon one knee and bending the head forward till it touched the
ground.
Boxtree
(Isaiah 41:19; 60:13) A beautiful evergreen growing in many
parts of Europe and Asia. Its hard wood is much prized by
engravers. The reference in (Isaiah 60:13) is supposed by some
to mean a species of cedar.
Bozes
(the height), one of the two sharp rocks between the passages
which Jonathan entered the Philistine garrison. It seems to
have been that on the north. (1 Samuel 14:4,5)
Bozkath
(rocky height), a city of Judah in the lowlands (Joshua 15:39;
2 Kings 22:1)
Bozrah
(fortress).
+ In Edom, the city of Jobab the son of Zerah, one of the early
king of that nation. (Genesis 36:33; 1 Chronicles 1:44)
Mentioned by Isaiah, (Isaiah 34:6; 63:1) in connection with
Edom, and by Jeremiah, (Jeremiah 49:13,22; Amos 1:12) and
(Micah 2:12) Its modern representative is el-Busaireh, which
lies on the mountain district to the southeast of the Dead
Sea.
+ In his catalogue of the cities of the land of Moab, Jeremiah,
(Jeremiah 48:24) mentions a Bozrah as in "the plain country"
(ver 21), i.e. the high level downs on the east of the Dead
Sea.
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Table of
Contents Bracelet
[See [317]Armlet] Bracelets of fine twisted Venetian gold are
still common in Egypt. In (Genesis 38:18,25) the word rendered
"bracelet" means probably a string by which a seal-ring was
suspended. Men as well as women wore bracelets, as we see from
(Song of Solomon 5:14) Layard says of the Assyrian kings, "The
arms were encircled by armlets, and the wrists by bracelets."
Bramble
[[318]Thorns]
Brass
The word nechosheth is improperly translated by "brass." In
most places of the Old Testament the correct translation would
be copper, although it may sometimes possibly mean bronze a
compound of copper and tin. Indeed a simple metal was obviously
intended, as we see from (8:9; 33:25; Job 28) Copper was known
at a very early period. (Genesis 4:22)
Brazen Serpent
[[319]Serpent]
Bread
The preparation of bread as an article of food dates from a
very early period. (Genesis 18:6) The corn or grain employed
was of various sorts. The best bread was made of wheat, but
"barley" and spelt were also used. (John 6:9,13; Isaiah 28:25)
The process of making bread was as follows: the flour was first
mixed with water or milk; it was then kneaded with the hands
(in Egypt with the feet also) in a small wooden bowl or
"kneading-trough" until it became dough. (Exodus 12:34,39; 2
Samuel 13:3; Jeremiah 7:18) When the kneading was completed,
leaven was generally added [[320]Leaven]; but when the time for
preparation was short, it was omitted, and unleavened cakes,
hastily baked, were eaten as is still the prevalent custom
among the Bedouins. ((Genesis 18:6; 19:3; Exodus 12:39; Judges
6:19; 1 Samuel 28:24) The leavened mass was allowed to stand
for some time, (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21) the dough was then
divided into round cakes, (Exodus 29:23; Judges 7:13; 8:5; 1
Samuel 10:3; Proverbs 6:26) not unlike flat stones in shape and
appearance, (Matthew 7:9) comp. Matt 4:8 About a span in
diameter and a finger's breadth in thickness. In the towns
where professional bakers resided, there were no doubt fixed
ovens, in shape and size resembling those in use among
ourselves; but more usually each household poured a portable
oven, consisting of a stone or metal jar, about three feet high
which was heated inwardly with wood, (1 Kings 17:12; Isaiah
44:15; Jeremiah 7:18) or dried grass and flower-stalks.
(Matthew 6:30)
Breastplate
[[321]Arms, Armor]
Brethren Of Jesus
[[322]James The Less]
Brick
(Genesis 11:3) The brick in use among the Jews were much larger
than with us, being usually from 12 to 13 inches square and 3
1/2 inches thick; they thus possess more of the character of
tiles. (Ezekiel 4:1) The Israelites, in common with other
captives, were employed by the Egyptian monarchs in making
bricks and in building. (Exodus 1:14; 5:7) Egyptian bricks were
not generally dried in kilns, but in the sun. That brick-kilns
were known is evident from (2 Samuel 12:31; Jeremiah 43:9) When
made of the Nile mud they required straw to prevent cracking.
[See [323]Straw]
Bride, Bridegroom
[[324]Marriage]
Brigandine
(Jeremiah 46:4) elsewhere "habergeon," or "coat of mail."
Brimstone
Brimstone, or sulphur, is found in considerable quantities on
the shores of the Dead Sea. (Genesis 19:24) It is a well-known
simple mineral substance, crystalline, easily melted, very
inflammable, and when burning emits a peculiar suffocating
odor. It is found in great abundance near volcanoes. The soil
around Sodom and Gomorrah abounded in sulphur and bitumen.
Brother
The Hebrew word is used in various senses in the Old Testament,
as,
+ Any kinsman, and not a mere brother; e.g. nephew, (Genesis
13:8; 14:16) husband, (Song of Solomon 4:9)
+ One of the same tribe. (2 Samuel 19:13)
+ Of the same people, (Exodus 2:11) or even of a cognate
people. (Numbers 20:14)
+ An ally. (Amos 1:9)
+ Any friend, (Job 5:15)
+ One of the same office. (1 Kings 9:13)
+ A fellow man. (Leviticus 19:17)
+ Metaphorically of any similarity, as in (Job 30:19) The word
adelphos has a similar range of meanings in the New
Testament.
Top
of Page |
Table of
Contents Bukki
(wasting).
+ Son of Abishua and father of Uzzi fifth from Aaron in the
line of the high priests in (1 Chronicles 6:5; 6:5,51)
(Authorized Version), and in the genealogy of Ezra. (Ezra
7:4)
+ Son of Jogli, prince of the tribe of Dan, one of the ten men
chosen to apportion the land of Canaan between the tribes.
(Numbers 34:22)
Bukkiah
(wasting from Jehovah), a Kohathite Levite, of the sons of
Heman, one of the musicians in the temple. (1 Chronicles
25:4,13)
Bul
(rain). [[325]Month]
Bull, Bullock
terms used synonymously with ox, oxen, and properly a generic
name for horned cattle when a full age and fit for the plough.
It is variously rendered "bullock," (Isaiah 65:25) "cow,"
(Ezekiel 4:15) "oxen," (Genesis 12:16) Kine is used in the
Bible as the plural of cow. In (Isaiah 51:20) the "wild bull"
("wild ox" in (14:5)) was possibly one of the larger species of
antelope, and took its name from its swiftness. Dr. Robinson
mentions larger herds of black and almost harmless buffaloes as
still existing in Palestine, and these may be the animal
indicated.
Bulrush
(or papyrus), a red growing in the shallow water on the banks
of the Nile. It grows to the height of 12 or 15 feet, with a
stalk two or three inches in diameter. The stalks are very
pliable and can be very closely interwoven, as is evident from
their having been used in the construction of arks. (Exodus
2:3,5) Paper was made from this plant, from which it derives
its name.
Bunah
(understanding), a son of Jerahmeel, of the family of Pharez in
Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25)
(understanding), a son of Jerahmeel, of the family of Pharez in
Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25)
Bunni
(my understanding).
+ One of the Levites in the time of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 9:4)
+ Another Levite, but of earlier date than the preceding.
(Nehemiah 11:15)
Burial, Sepulchres
[TOMBS] On this subject we have to notice--
+ The place of burial, its site and shape;
+ The mode of burial;
+ The prevalent notions regarding this duty.
+ A natural cave enlarged and adapted by excavation, or an
artificial imitation of one was the standard type of
sepulchre. Sepulchres, when the owner's means permitted it,
were commonly prepared beforehand, and stood often in
gardens, by roadsides, or even adjoining houses. Kings and
prophets alone were probably buried within towns. (1 Kings
2:10; 16:6,28) Cities soon became populous and demanded
cemeteries, (Ezekiel 39:15) which were placed without the
walls. Sepulchres were marked sometimes by pillars or by
pyramids. Such as were not otherwise noticeable were
scrupulously "whited," (Matthew 23:27) once a year, after the
rains before the passover, to warn passers-by of defilement.
+ "The manner of the Jews" included the use of spices, where
they could command the means. (2 Chronicles 16:10) A portion
of these was burnt in honor of the deceased, and to this use
was probably destined part of the one hundred pounds weight
of "myrrh and aloes" in our Lord's case. In no instance, save
that of Saul and his sons, were the bodies burned; and even
then the bones were interred, and re-exhumed for solemn
entombment. It was the office of the next of kin to perform
and preside over the whole funeral office; though public
buriers were not unknown in New Testament times. (Acts
5:6,10) The body was borne by the nearest relatives. The
grave-clothes were probably of the fashion worn in life, but
swathed and fastened with bandages, and the head covered
separately.
+ The precedent of Jacob's and Joseph's remains being returned
to the land of Canaan was followed, in wish at least, by
every pious Jew.
Burnt Offering
The word is applied to the offering which was wholly consumed
by fire on the altar, and the whole of which, except the refuse
ashes "ascended" in the smoke to God. The meaning of the whole
burnt offering was that which is the original idea of all
sacrifice, the offering by the sacrificer of himself, soul and
body, to God--the submission of his will to the will of the
Lord. The ceremonies of the burnt offering are given in detail
in the book of Leviticus. [[326]Sacrifice]
Bush
The Hebrew word seneh occurs only in those passages which refer
to Jehovah's appearance to Moses "in the flame of fire in the
bush." (Exodus 3:2,3,4; 33:16) It is quite impossible to say
what kind of thorn bush is intended; but it was probably the
acacia a small variety of the shittim tree found in the Sinai
region.
Bushel
[[327]Weights And Measures AND [328]Measures]
Butler
One of the officers of the king's household, (Nehemiah 1:11)
who had charge of the wine and poured it out for the king. The
chief butler, as the title signifies, was in charge of the
butlers. (Genesis 40:1-13)
Butter
Curdled milk. (Genesis 18:8; 32:14; Judges 5:25; Job 20:17)
Milk is generally offered to travellers in Palestine in a
curdled or sour state, leben, thick, almost like butter.
Hasselquist describes the method of making butter employed by
the Arab women: "they made butter in a leather bag, hung on
three poles erected for the purpose, in the form of a cone, and
drawn to and fro by two women."
Buz
(contempt).
+ The second son of Milcah and Nahor. (Genesis 22:21) Elihu
"the Buzite" was probably a descendant of Buz.
+ A name occurring in the genealogies of the tribe of Gad. (1
Chronicles 5:14)
Buzi
(contempt), father of Ezekiel the prophet. (Ezekiel 1:3)