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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abiner The Hebrew form of Abner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Achar (“trouble” ) A variation of Achan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Achitob high priest (1 Esdras 8:2).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adami .

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

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

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

Addan (“strong” ) ( Ezra 2:59).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adino, the Eznite .

Adinus (1 Esdras 9:48).

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

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

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

Admatha One of the seven princes of Persia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahiah (“friend of God” ) .

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

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

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