Baalgeographical.
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]
Baalisking
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.
Babylonin
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.
Babyloniansthe
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
Garmentliterally
"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,
Thethe
family of [242]Becher, son of Ephraim. (Numbers 26:35)
Badger
SkinsThere
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)
Bagis
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.)
BakeReference
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]
BalancesReference
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.
BaldnessNatural
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)
BandThe
"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]
Banquetsamong
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.
BaptismIt
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.)
Barleyis
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]
BarsabbasRevised
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 OfOne
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.
BasinAmong
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.
BasketThe
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.)
BastardAmong
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,
BathingThis
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]
BattlementAmong
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)
Bavaison
of Henadad, ruler of the district of Keilah in the time of Nehemiah.
(Nehemiah 3:18) (B.C. 446.)
Bay
TreeA
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]
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.
BeaconA
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.
BeardWestern
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.)
BedThe
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)
Bedeiahone
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.)
Beerahprince
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 Jaakanthe
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]
BeevesSame
as cattle. (Leviticus 22:19) [See [269]Bull, Bullock]
Beggar,
BeggingThe
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]
BelialThe
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.
BellowsThe
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."
BellsIn
(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 OfThe
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 OfThe
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 Ofa
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,
TheA
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)
Besoma
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)
Beththe
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.
BethanyIn
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
BethgilgalSame
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 .
Bethlomon1
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]
Bethraphaa
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.
Betonima
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 Wildernessa
city of refuge in the downs on the east of the Jordan. (4:43; Joshua
20:8; 21:36; 1 Chronicles 6:78)
BibleThe
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)
BirthdayThe
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)
Birthrightthe
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.
Birzavitha
name occurring in the genealogies of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:31)
BishopThe
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)
Bishopricthe
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.)
Bithronmore
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)
Bithyniaa
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
HerbsThe
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.
BitternThe
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.)
Blainsviolent
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.
Blasphemyin
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)
Blindnessis
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)
BloodTo
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 OfHe
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)
Boanergesa
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 Ofa
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]
Bootyconsisted
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]
Bosorsame
as [316]Beor. (2 Peter 2:15)
BottleThe
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.
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]
BrassThe
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]
BreadThe
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."
BrimstoneBrimstone,
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.
BrotherThe
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.
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,
Bullockterms
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
OfferingThe
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]
BushThe
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]
ButlerOne
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)
ButterCurdled
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)