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Naam (grace ). A Son of Caleb.

Naamah (“pleasing” ) 1. Daughter of Lamech, by Zillah. 2. Wife of Solomon and mother of king Rehoboam; she was an Ammonite.

Naamah Judah in the Shefelah ( Joshua 15:41), in the group with Lachish, etc. Lost.

Naaman (pleasantness ). 1. “Naaman, the Syrian,” Aramite warrior, cured of leprosy by Elisha (2 Kings 5). . This incident is referred to by Jesus ( Luke 4:27). 2. One of the family of Benjamin, who came down to Egypt with Jacob ( Genesis 46:21). There is a Jewish tradition in Josephus (Antiquities viii. 15, 5), which says that Naaman was the archer whose arrow struck Ahab with his mortal wound, and thus “gave deliverance to Syria.” This feat gave the warrior a great place and favor at the court of king Benhadad and command of the army. He was also privy counselor to the king, and attended him to the Temple when he worshiped in state. In Judaea his leprosy would have compelled him to seclusion, and kept him away from the king and all others, but the Syrians were not so cautious. It was Naaman who went in and told his master (lord, the king, in verse four). His carrying away earth has been imitated many times in ancient and modern times. The Campo Santo at Pisa is filled with earth carried from Aceldama. Pilgrims to Mecca always bring away something: dirt, sand or stones. Elisha was made known in Damascus by this cure, and well received by Naaman’s successor, Hazael.

Naamathite ( Job 2:11, etc. ). Zophar, one of Job’s friends, was from ; but it is supposed that it must be looked for in Arabia, where the Temanite and Shuhite, his other two friends, lived. Lost.

Naamites The descendants of , mentioned in Numbers 26:40.

Naarah (a girl ). Second wife of Ashur, a descendant of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:5,6).

Naarai Son of Ezbai, one of David’s “valiant men” ( 1 Chronicles 11:37).

Nasaran (boyish ). An eastern limit of Ephraim ( 1 Chronicles 7:28. ).

Naarath in Joshua 16:7. Perhaps Neara, from which Archelaus conducted water to irrigate the royal gardens at Jericho (Antiquities xvii. 13, 1). It was between Ataroth and Jericho. There are large ruins at the foot of the hills and in the deep ravines a few miles north of Jericho, where there are also ruins; but no place has been pointed out as the site in question. Wady Nawaimeh, three miles north of Jericho?

Naashon or (Hebrew: NAHSHOV ) ( Exodus 6:23).

Naason (Greek: Naasson ), ( Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32 ).

Nasathus Of the family of Addi (1 Esdras 9:31).

Naazuz The name of a tree, translated “thorn” in Isaiah 7:18,19; 55:13, a thorn tree. Nabal (fool ). A large owner of sheep and goats, near Carmel of Judah, descended from Caleb. He refused to supply provisions requested by David, through his young men. whom he insulted ( 1 Samuel 25:10,11). His wife Abigail saved his life by appeasing the wrath of David. The excitement caused by the danger and rescue of Nabal hastened his death, after which David married Abigail (1 Samuel 25). . The history of Nabal is one of the few glimpses given of the private life of the Hebrews. Josephus says he was a Ziphite (Antiquities vi. 13, 6), residing at Emmaus, south of Carmel in Judah. The vast flocks were pastured on the downs, and gathered yearly at shearing time, when there was feasting, and a joyous time (xxv. 2, 4, 36). David’s ten messengers came to Nabal on one of these feast days, and were recognized by his shepherds as friends who had guarded them in the wilderness. They mentioned their services and David, and claimed a reward as for servants, but were denied by the churlish farmer. Josephus says he was not descended from Caleb, but was the son of a caleb, that is, a dog. The violence of his nature and manner on this occasion prevented his shepherds from telling him who David was, but his beautiful wife was ready to hear, and hastened to mend the mischief her hasty and obstinate husband had done. David had already vowed not to leave “a dog” even of the whole household of Nabal, when Abigail met him, and saluting him in the Eastern manner as a prince, explained to him in truly poetic phrases her husband’s folly. David changed his mind, and Abigail returned, but finding her husband drunk, waited until next morning before telling him the news. When Nabal learned of the danger that had been only just averted by his wife’s quick wit, his heart “became as a stone?” Probably a stroke of paralysis followed; terminating in death in ten days (verses 37,38). David never forgot Nabal’s death but when the great general Abner was murdered he said, mournfully, “Died Abner as Nabal (a fool) died.” The death of Nabal was a. divine judgment on unrestrained passion and vice.

Naboth (fruit produce ). A Jezreelite who was the owner of a vineyard coveted by king Ahab (see ), near whose palace it was ( 1 Kings 21:1,2). Naboth declined to part with his land. Through the order of Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, Naboth was publicly accused of blasphemy, conveyed beyond the walls and stoned to death with his children ( 2 Kings 9:26), the punishment for that crime ( Leviticus 24:16; Numbers 15:30). Ahab then took possession. Elijah uttered the prophetic curse “In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood even thine” (1 Kings 21). The trial of Naboth was a fearful mockery of justice. He, as an Elder, was set “on high,” that is, in the seat of honor, at the head of the divan among the rulers, and then false witnesses, hired for the business, swore away his life. The prophet denounced the crime, and retribution followed the judicial murder. The same crime was planned against Jesus, and carried out. The retribution in this case being a total loss of judicial power, which had been so grossly abused. Tristram thinks the sire of the vineyard can be identified on the rocky slope near the ruins of ancient Jezreel, where “not a shrub now clothes the bare hillside. A watch tower there would have given a view of the country for many miles over the route of Jehu” (Land of Israel, page 130).

Nachon’s Threshing floor ( 2 Samuel 6:6). Also called Chiden’s ( 1 Chronicles 13:9), and after the sad event of Uzzah’s death by the ark, it was named Perez Uzzah (perez , broken). (Antiquities vii. 4, 2). Between Kirjath Jearim and Jerusalem.

Nachor 1. Mother of Abraham ( Joshua 24:2). Also spelled Nahor. The Hebrew H is a strong breathing, and is often written CH. 2. Grand father of Abraham ( Luke 3:34).

Nadab (spontaneous ). 1. Oldest son of Aaron and Elisheba ( Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2). Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, with seventy eiders ( Exodus 24:1), were selected from the assembly of the people to worship “afar off,” while Moses awaited God upon Mount Sinai. Nadab and his brother were afterward destroyed by fire ( Leviticus 10:1) for burning in their censers fire not taken from that which perpetually burned on the altar ( Leviticus 6:13). 2. King Jeroboam’s son (Jeroboam I), second king of Israel He ascended the throne B.C. 954, reigned two years ( 1 Kings 15:25-31), and was slain at the siege of Gibbethon by his officer Baasha, who succeeded him, B.C. 953. ( ). 3. Son of Shammai ( 1 Chronicles 2:28), of the tribe of Judah. 4. Son of Gibeon ( 1 Chronicles 8:30; 9:36), of the tribe of Benjamin.

Nadabatha (1 Macc. 9:3; Antiquities xiii. 1,4 ). From which the children of Jambi were escorting a bride with great pomp and music, when they were attacked by Jonathan and Simon. On the east of Jordan, near Esther Salt? Josephus says the bride was the daughter of an illustrious Arabian.

Nagge (Hebrew: NOGAH, splendor). An ancestor of Jesus Christ ( Luke 3:25), who lived in the time of Onias I.

Nahalal (posture). In Zebulun ( Joshua 21:35). Nahallal (error in Joshua 19:15). Nahalol ( Judges 1:30). Malul, four miles southwest of Nazareth, in the plain of Esdrae1on.

Nahaliel (torrent of El).

One of the latest halting places; north of the Arnon ( Numbers 21:19). Wady Encheyle, a branch of the Mojeb (Arnon). The word Encheyle is the Hebrew name Nahaliel reversed, or transposed. The identification of places by their names, even after the names have been changed by passing through several languages, is a work of patient research and thought, and was very successful in the case of Edward Robinson, who recovered several hundred localities in this way. There are many yet waiting for future research on the east of Jordan.

Naham (consolation). Brother of Hodiah, or Jehudijah, wife of Ezra ( 1 Chronicles 4:19).

Nahamani (compassionate) Returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua from Babylon ( Nehemiah 7:7).

Naharai (Hebrew: SNORER ). Joab’s armor-bearer ( 2 Samuel 23:37).

Nahash (serpent ). 1. King of the Ammonites (see ). He treated the people of Jabesh-Gilead with the utmost cruelty, at which Saul attacked and destroyed the Ammonite force ( 1 Samuel 11:1, 2-11). He retained the favor of David. 2. Mentioned only once ( 2 Samuel 17:16). The first husband of Jesse’s wife; not Nathash, the Ammonite.

Nahath (rest ). 1. A duke, or sheikh, of Edom, oldest son of Reuel, the son of Esau ( Genesis 36:13,17; 1 Chronicles 1:37). 2. A Kohathite Levite, son of Zophai ( 1 Chronicles 6:26). 3. A Levite in Hezekiah’s reign: a collector of taxes, etc. ( 2 Chronicles 31:13).

Nahbi (hidden ). The son of Vophsi; a Naphtalite, one of the twelve spies ( Numbers 13:14). Nahor (snorting, snoring ). 1. Abraham’s grand-father, the son of Serug ( Genesis 11:22-25). 2. Grandson of Nahor, called Nathor, brother to Abraham. he married Milcah. Eight of his sons were by this wife ( Genesis 22:20-24). Nahor remained in the land of his birth. Nahor, the City of ( Genesis 24:10 ).

Nahashon (enchanter ). Also written Naason and Naashon; son of Amminadab, and prince of the children of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 2:10), at the numbering in the wilderness ( Exodus 6:23; Numbers 1:7, etc.). Elisheba, the wife of Aaron, was his sister. His son Talmon became the husband of Rahab after the fall of Jericho.

Nahum (consolation ). . Nail 1. (T’FAR ). A nail or claw of man or animal ( Deuteronomy 21:12; Daniel 4:33; 7:19). A point used in writing, as signets are engraved on gems or hard stones ( Jeremiah 17:1). The captive wife was “to make herself neat,” that is, to stain her nails (not pare), with the henna dye ( Deuteronomy 21:12). A nail ( Isaiah 22:23-25; 33:20), a stake ( Isaiah 33:20). Tent peg ( Judges 4:21, etc.). . Tent pegs of wood and iron. Nails of the cross ( John 20:25, and Colossians 2:14).

Nain (pleasant ). The scene of one of the greatest miracles of Jesus, the raising of the widow’s son ( Luke 3:12). It is now a small village, of twenty huts, on a rocky slope, in the midst of extensive ruins of an ancient place, on the northwestern end of Little Hermon (Jebel ed Duhy). There are sepulchral caves along the steep eastern approach from the plain, and also on the other side of the town (Rob.) It is but a few miles from Nazareth, in the vicinity of Endor and Shunem, places noted in the history., and its name remains unchanged from its ancient form. The custom of carrying the dead out of the villages, or cities, is still practiced in the East, as it was when Jesus met the procession coming out of Nain. And there is now on a hill side, about ten minutes’ walk from the village, the grave yard, with a few whitewashed grave stones, unfenced. The extent of the ruins of Nain indicate an ancient city of some extent, with a wall and gates. But now there is a painful desolation around the few stone and mud hovels, with fiat earth roofs, and doors only three feet high. Fountains never change, and the one here close to the village on the west side, is the best reason for the location of the dwelling place. It is a square cistern, arched over with masonry, being supplied with water through an aqueduct from the hills.

Naioth (college buildings ). Where Samuel and his disciples lived ( 1 Samuel 19:18, etc.). Where David fled for refuge from Saul. Samuel had a school here. 1 Samuel 19:20 is rendered by the Targum — Jonathan, “They saw the company of scribes singing praises, and Samuel teaching, standing over them.” As Naioth was in Ramah ( 1 Samuel 19:19), it was probably a dwelling used for a school in the town of Ramah. See 2 Kings 22:14. Huldah lived in a college in Jerusalem.

Name (Hebrew: SHEM). The root GNA, to know, has given rise to the Sanskrit: naman ; Greek: onoma ; Latin: namen ; Gothic: nama , and our English word “name.”

No monuments are more enduring than names. Sometimes they are the most ancient records of persons, places and things. They are fossils of thought. Bible names have almost always a meaning, which is often given by the writer for a purpose. The meaning of a name being known, we are able to get a better knowledge of persons and their history, especially if the name was given for some special reason or act. This work is very difficult because men’s names are so constantly changing with the growth or decay of language, and the substitution of one language for another. The Hebrews gave but one name to a child, except in peculiar cases (as Solomon, Jedidjah), or where it was necessary to add the father’s or mother’s name, if the mother was the more noted. There is but one David, but there are several named Jesus, as the Son of Sirach, etc. The ancient custom was more simple than the modern, which (among the Arabs) exalts a man’s external affairs by giving him names and titles carrying terms of flattery and display. The custom of naming — simple, compound, or ornamental — indicates very nearly the age of the person so named. There were three kinds: 1. Simple. 2. Compound. 3. Derived. 1. Simple names are numerous, and quite plain in their meaning, as —\parARIEH, lion;DEBORAH, See; judge; , Palm-tree; dove; gazelle. Diminutives were often used, as, Zebulon, (my little dweller with me), and Jeduthun (little praiser), a director of musical affairs in David’s cabinet. 2. Compound names express more complete ideas than the simple, and are therefore more important in history. Abiezer, Abital, Abigail, Abraham, compounded of Ab, father, or maker. Abijall (joymaker, or cheerful), at first, probably, an epithet only, but afterward a name by consent and use. The Arabs have a habit of giving names in sport, or derision, which the Hebrews did not indulge in, as — Abul-Hussain, the father of the little castle, that is, a fox who lives in a hole; Abu-Ayuba, the father of Job, that is, the camel, because it is as patient as Job. A man is often called father of a place, village, or city, who was the settler, or builder, or only the ruler, of that place. . The prefix AB- was often joined to a term or name, to show dignity or character as — father of light, that is, a wise counselor Sometimes AB appears to mean brother, as, Achiram, brother of Ram (perhaps one who was accidentally fortunate). The word HUD splendor, was compounded with Jehovah, as Jehudi, a Jewess (correctly Hajehudiah), that is, Jehovah’s splendor (God’s work). CHUR , free (Hur in Exodus 17:10), and ISH , a man, forms Asshur, a freeman. ISHOD man of beauty. The word, AM people, forms with many names of countries, cities, etc., names of the people, as distinguished from families;as that is he who belongs to the whole people; the residue of the people; YOBKOAM ( 1 Chronicles 2:44, Jorkoam) increaser of the people, at first a man’s name, then the name of the place founded or enlarged by him. Many compound names carry a religions sense with them, containing some divine name. These are found in some cases to contain a name and a verb or a complete sentence; as L given by El (Theodore and Dorothea in Greek are on the same model). HOSHEA “help”, with JAH becomes Jehoshua, “God’s help”, or “salvation”. MELEK “king”, with AB “father”, becomes Abimelech, father king; with ZEDEK “righteousness”, becomes Melchizedek, king of righteousness; ADONAI “lord”, RAM “height”, Adoniram, lord of exaltation. 3. The names of men became names of women by a change of termination; as Meshullum Me. shuilumeth; Haggai, Haggith; Dan, Dinah; Judah, Judith. (This does not account for the use of names of men which are used for women without change, and which were probably used as a kind of monument, being compound words, and incapable of regular feminine forms). Ai (imperfect form of Jail) with AMIT truth, means truth of Jah; JEDID “darling”, with Jab, Jedidiah Jah’s darling. Some names seem to have been used for both men and women, even the feminine forms, as Shelomith, feminine of Shelomo (Solomon), for a man ( 1 Chronicles 26:25). Many titles of men in office were feminine, as PEKAH “governer”, KOHELETH “preacher”. Ab , “father”, becomes in the plural ABOTH (feminine) not ABIM (masculine). (scattered in Babylon) was a hint of the man’s history. Many names indicate the condition of the National history at the time they were given; as a time of religious elevation in Hodaiah, praise ye Jah; Elioenai, mine eyes look to El; Zephaniah, watcher of the Lord. The pure Hebrew names Eleazar became Grecized into Lazarus; Joshua became Jason, and Jesus; Alcimus from Eleakim. In the Old Testament there are many names which are derived from the heathen idols, as Bethaven, horse of idols; Gurbaal, place of baal; Hadarazer, whose help is Hadad; and in the New Testament, as Apollonius, Phoebe, Artemas. The Hebrews gave their children the names of many natural objects, as Tamar, a palm tree; Hadassah, myrtle; Zipperah sparrow; and Zillah, shadow; Shimrath, vigilant; Tabitha, gazelle; Rachel, ewe; Shual, fox; Cheran, lamb. The right of naming belonged to the father, but was allowed to the mother in many cases. The time was usually at the day of circumcision, the eighth for boys, and for girls at any time during the first year. The boy often was called son of his father if he became noted, or to distinguish him from other relatives of the same name. When a man had no sons he was the subject of his friends’ sympathy who gave him an imaginary son, whose name was added to his. If a son became famous the father was honored by being called the father of such a one. The name often indicated the character or office of the person, as Isaiah, Jah is helper. When God elects a man for a certain work he is said to call him by name, as Bezaleel, the shadow of God ( Exodus 31:1). Receiving a new name from God is an expression founded on the custom of giving children or others new names when some act of theirs, or event in their history, or other cause, made them noted, as the change of Abram to Abraham; and means a new personal relation to God ( Isaiah 65:15, 62:2; Revelation 2:17, 3:12).

Nanea, the Temple of At Elymais, rich with the trophies of Alexander, and plundered by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Macc. 6:1-4; 2 Macc. 1:13-16). Naomi (my pleasantness ). Wife of Elimelech, mother-in-law of Ruth ( Ruth 1:2; 3:1; 4:3). She buried her husband and sons, Mahlon and Chillon, in the land of Moab. She returned to Bethlehem with Ruth. Correctly, Naphish (refreshment ). ( 1 Chronicles 5:19 ). A tribe descended from the last but one of the sons of Ishmael; settled in the Hauran and Gilead; allies of Jetur (who was in Ituraea). Traces of this tribe may be looked for in Arabia, for they were driven out by Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. They were wealthy when dispossessed, having lost to the Israelites 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 asses. Ptolemy says the Agraei were a people of north Arabia.

Naphisi (1 Esdras 5:31 ).

NEPHUSIM.

Naphtali (NIPHTALI, wrestled ). sixth son of Jacob, second-born of Bilhah ( Genesis 30:8). He had four sons when Jacob went into Egypt ( Genesis 46:24). There is not a word said about him personally in the Scriptures. , .

Naphtali, Mount The high land of the district occupied by the tribe ( Joshua 20:7).

Naphthar (a cleaning ). The name given to the substance said to have been found in the pit in which the sacred fire of the altar had been concealed at the destruction of the temple. This fable is related in 2 Macc. 1:19-36.

Naphtuhim Called on the Egyptian monuments Na-Petu, the people of (Nine bows. The chief city of this nation (Naputa) is now in ruins, on the island of Meroe, on the Upper Nile, where there are found pyramids, temples (one of Osiris and Ammon), sphinxes, and many beautiful sculptures. In the British Museum are two lions, sculptured in red granite, fine works of art, brought from this ruined city. Napkin ( ). As a wrapper to fold up money ( Luke 19:20). As a cloth bound round the head of a corpse ( John 11:44; 20:7). As an article of dress; probably as a turban, or as the Bedouin keffieh ( Acts 19:12). Possibly the napkin was a cloth adapted to a variety of uses, such as described; also for a girdle; worn over the face, etc.

Narcisus (the Narcissus plant ).

One of a family of Christians in Rome, alluded to by Paul in Romans 16:11.

Nard ( ).

Nasbas Tobit’s nephew, who, with Achiacharus, attended the wedding of Tobias (Tobit 11:18).

Nasith (1 Esdras 5:32).

Nasor, the Plain of Near Kedesh Naphtali, the scene of a battle between Jonathan and Demetrius (1 Macc. 11:67). . Nathan (gift ). 1. Hebrew prophet in the reign of David and Solomon. In the consultation with David upon the building of the Temple ( 2 Samuel 7:2,3,17) Nathan reproves David for his sin with Bath-sheba, and prophesies in the form of a parable of “the rich man and the ewe-lamb” ( 2 Samuel 12:1-12). Nathan was the educator of Solomon ( 2 Samuel 12:25). In the last days of David Nathan assisted the cause of Solomon. He assisted in the inauguration of Solomon ( 1 Kings 1:8). He had a son, Zabud, who was the “king’s friend.” He wrote a Life of David ( 1 Chronicles 29:29) and a Life of Solomon ( 2 Chronicles 9:29). The loss of his biography of David is a heavy one to history. 2. Son of David by Bath-sheba ( 1 Chronicles 3:5; 14:4, and Samuel 5:14). He appears as one of the forefathers of Joseph in Christ’s genealogy ( Luke 3:31). 3. Related to one of David’s “valiant men” ( 2 Samuel 23:36; Chronicles 11:38). 4. One of the chief men who returned from Babylon with Ezra on his second expedition ( Ezra 8:16; 1 Esdras 8:44).

Nathanael (given of God ). Born at Cana of Galilee. One of the Twelve, under the name of Bartholomew (son of Talmai). ( ). He was one of the seven Apostles to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection at the Sea of Tiberias. When introduced to Jesus by Philip, Jesus said, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit,” thus making his name almost a synonym for sincerity. Tradition says he preached in Arabia Felix, having Matthew’s gospel, and was crucified in Armenia or Cilicia.

Nathanias Nathan, of the sons of Bani (1 Esdras 9:34; Ezra 10:39).

Nathen-melech (placed by the king ). Steward in the court of Josiah ( 2 Kings 23:11). Nation Genesis 10 gives the descendants of Noah. A record of primitive geography and ethnology of the utmost importance. By this record the geographical distribution of Noah’s descendants can be ascertained, as also the origin of the earliest nations. The dispersion of these nations and the circumstances related to that important event, are recorded in Genesis 11. The date of this event of the dispersion can be fixed from the genealogy of Shem, here recorded. ( ). Many nations and countries have been named after Shem, whose descendants wandered and divided into distinct tribes. This tendency is still a characteristic of the Arabs. .

Naum Son of Esli ( Luke 3:25).

Nave ( 1 ) (Hebrew: gav ). The central part of a wheel.

Nave ( 2 ) (Greek: Naue ). Joshua’s father (Ecclesiasticus 46:1): so called in the Septuagint.

Nazarene An inhabitant ofNAZARETH. Especially associated with the name of Christ and his followers, who were called Nazarenes ( Acts 24:5). It was used as a name of contempt to Christ’s followers. In Christ’s family making their home in Nazareth, the prophesy of Isaiah was fulfilled ( Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5), Christ being the young branch from the royal family of David. Nazareth (the branch ). First mentioned in Matthew 2:23, or rather, in the order of time, in Luke 1:26, as the scene of the Annunciation to Mary of the birth and character of Jesus ( Luke 1:31-33). Before this event the place was unknown to history, but since then its name has become a household word through all the Christian world, equally reverenced with Bethlehem and Jerusalem. A low, undulating ridge of hills encloses the green plain that lies like a lake, with Nazareth built on one of its shores. The valley runs nearly east and west, is about one mile long, and a quarter of a mile wide; the hills vary in height from 100 to 500 feet above its level; the highest, Neby Ismail, being 1,800 feet above the ocean. The soil is rich, and well cultivated, producing a great variety of fruit, grain, vegetables, and flowers, which ripen early and in rare perfection. Population about 4,000, nearly all Christians (Latin and Greeks), except a few Arabs, and not one Jew. The parents of Jesus came here soon after their return from Egypt ( Luke 2:39); and after the visit to the Temple, when he was twelve years old, Jesus returned here with them ( Luke 2:51); he grew up here to manhood ( Luke 4:16); from here he went down to Jordan to be baptized by John ( Mark 1:9; Matthew 3:13); his first teaching in public was in its synagogue ( Matthew 13:54); here he was first rejected ( Luke 4:29); and Jesus of Nazareth was a part of the inscription on the cross ( John 19:19). The view from the top of Neby Ismail is very extensive, and includes many interesting Scripture localities, being one of the most noted in Palestine, combining the elements of the beautiful and the sublime. In the north are the white peaks of Lebanon, and Hermon towering high above them, because nearer. Eastward, the Hauran, Gilead, Tabor, Little Hemon, and Gilboa. South, the Plain of Esdraelon, the hills of Samaria; and west, Carmel and the Mediterranean. The villages in the view are Cana, Nain, Endor, Jezreel, Taanach, and many ruins not yet identified. The rock of this whole region is a soft, white marl, easily crumbled; and there is probably not a house, or structure of any kind, nor even a loose stone, remaining of the time of Christ’s residence there. Since the general features of hill and valley, fountains and water-courses, could not have greatly change, we may accept the location of the “steep place,” near the Maronite Church, and the Fountain of the Virgin, as historical. A great many other localities are pointed out by the residents as traditional sites of every event mentioned in the Gospels as having occurred there, but they have no other interest than in so far as they recall the gospel narrative. Nazarite (Hebrew: NAZIR). Either a man or woman who, under ancient Hebrew law, bound himself or herself to abstain from wine and all products of the grape; to wear the hair long and uncut, and to observe purification in abstaining from contact with the dead. If they witnessed death or otherwise approached death, their consecration had to be entirely recommenced. The period of observance of this vow varied from eight days to a month, or even a life time. When this period had concluded, offerings were made, the hair was cut off and burned, and the Nazarite was discharged from his vow (Num 6; Amos 2:11,12). Paul assisted four Christian Jews in this ceremony ( Acts 21:20-26).

Neah (the shaking). Landmark on Zebulun’s west border ( Joshua 19:13). El Ain, three miles northwest of Nazareth.

Neapolis (new city). 1. The first place visited by Paul in Macedonia ( Acts 16:11). On a rocky promontory, in a wide and beautiful bay, stands the Turkish village Kavala (5,000 inhabitants), in the midst of the ruins of the ancient city. There was an aqueduct for bringing water from a distance of 12 miles; near the city, it passed a ravine over a double tier of arches, 80 feet above the brook below, in Roman style, hewn and cemented; fine sarcophagi, with inscriptions, of the age of Claudius, Ionic columns, and sculptured figures, besides foundations of ancient houses, etc., are witnesses of its ancient importance. 2. Shechem was also called Neapolis in Vespasian’s time. 3. The bishops of Neapolis in Arabia were present at the councils of Chalcedon and Constantinople; a place now called Suleim, on Jebel Hauran (Porter, Damascus, ii. 85).

Neariah (servant of Jah). 1. Son of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:22,23). 2. Son of Ishi, captain of 500 Simeonites ( 1 Chronicles 6:42).

Nebai (fruit-bearer).

One who sealed the covenant ( Nehemiah 10:19).

Nebaioth . Ishmael’s firstborn ( Genesis 25:13). Esau married Mahalath, the sister of Nebajoth ( Genesis 28:9). The country from the Euphrates to the Red Sea was called in Josephus’ time Nabatene (Antiquities i. 13, 4; Genesis 25:18). They were called by the Arabs Nabat (or Nabeet), and were celebrated for their agriculture, astronomy, magic and medicine, accounts of which have been recently discovered in some ancient books of theirs, written from 2,500 to 600 B.C., consisting of a book of agriculture, one of poisons, the works of Tenkeloosha, the Babylonian, and the Book of the Secrets of the Sun and Moon; all of which were translated in A.D. 904 by Ibn Washiyeh (Keysee). The rock-temples of Petra, in Edom, were the works of this people, who are thus proved to have been a highly cultivated race many ages before the Greeks.

Neballat (“secret folly”) Benjamite town, after the Captivity ( Nehemiah 11:34). Beit Nebala, four miles northeast of Lydda (Rob.).

Nebat (“look”) Father ofJEROBOAM ( 1 Kings 11:26).

Nebo, Mount From which Moses took his first and last view of the Promised Land ( Deuteronomy 32:49), and where he died and was buried in one of its ravines ( Deuteronomy 34:6). Located by Tristram (Land of Israel, p. 535) three miles, southwest of Heshbon over looking the mouth of the Jordan, over against Jericho, meeting every condition of the text.

Nebo ( 1) (project). 1. Town east of Jordan, on the Mishor, in Gad ( Numbers 32:3,38); a ruin, three miles west of Heshbon, on the side of Wady Heshban. 2. In Benjamin, now called Beit Nubah, 12 miles northwest of Jerusalem, in Wady Mansur. The Crusaders built the Castle of Arnaldi here (William of Tyre, xiv. 3).

Nebo ( 2) (interpreter of the gods). A Babylonian god. Nebo was the god of learning and letters among the Chaldaeans, Babylonians and Assyrians ( Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 48:1).

Nebo was the Babylonian name of the planet Mercury. This word is in the formation of several names, such as Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nebushasban, etc. The picture represents the statue of the god set up by Pul, king of Assyria, in the British Museum, London.

Nebuchadnezzar or (NEBO THE MIGHTY). The son of Nabopolassar, king of Chaldaea and founder of the Babylonian Empire.

Nebuchadnezzar, after having succeeded in recovering Carchemish, by defeating Necho, king of Egypt ( Jeremiah 46:2-12), and conquering Phoenicia, Palestine and Jerusalem, marched into Egypt, when he was informed of the death of his father. He hurried back, accompanied by his light troops, to secure his succession to the throne, which he ascended B.C. 604; the main army and captives (among whom were Daniel Hananiah Mishael and Azariah) following him by a longer route. These captives were of royal lineage, and the king had them educated in the language and learning of the Chaldaeans, with a view to their employment in court ( <122401> Kings 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:6; Daniel 1:1). Nebuchadnezzar had left the conquered Jehoiakim, king of Judah, upon the throne as a tributary prince but he soon after rebelled, probably anticipating support from Egypt ( 2 Kings 24:1). Phoenicia followed in the rebellion, and Nebuchadnezzar, after having invested Tyre, advanced upon Jerusalem, which immediately submitted. He punished Jehoiakim with death, placing that king’s son, Jehoiachin, upon the throne of Judah.. Thin king soon after revolting, caused Nebuchadnezzar for a third time to march to Jerusalem; he took Jehoiachin captive, together with ten thousand, among whom were Ezekiel the prophet, and Mordecai, the uncle of Esther ( Esther 2:6). He also stripped the Temple and the treasury of riches, and placed the king’s uncle, Zedekiah, upon the throne. After nine years, Zedekiah rebelled, the neighboring princes assisting him. The king of Babylon again marched to Judah, and after an obstinate siege of nearly a year, during which time he repelled an incursion of the Egyptians, he entered Jerusalem, seized Zedekiah, Whose children he put to death before his eyes, and sent him, fettered, to Babylon, after having put out his eyes ( 2 Kings 24:25; Chronicles 36). Nebuchadnezzar raised his kingdom and city to the greatest splendor; the marvelous hanging gardens are ascribed to him, erected to please Amytis, his queen, by imitating the groves of her native country, Media. The ruins of Birs Nimroud attest the magnificence of his works; these are situated a few miles from the site of the city of Babylon. He died about B.C. 562, after reigning forty years.

Nebushasban (adherent of Nebo); an officer at the capture of Jerusalem. He was chief of the eunuchs ( Jeremiah 39:13).

Nebuzaradan (favors). Captain of the , an officer of high rank in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, especially engaged in the sieges of Jerusalem (1 Kings 25:8-20; Jeremiah 39:9; 40:1; 52:12,30).

Necho ( 2 Chronicles 35:20,22).

Nechosheth Sometimes translated brass, but properly means copper — sometimes bronze. p. 201 in the book. ( Job 28:2). Neck Used both literally ( Genesis 27:16) and figuratively ( Luke 14:20). Burdens were borne on the neck ( Genesis 27:40). The neck was used figuratively for several ideas: To denote subjection, by placing the foot on it ( Joshua 10:24); seizing a person by the neck securely ( Job 16:12). To be stiff-necked was to be stubborn, rebellious.

Necodan (1 Esdras 5:37).

Necromancer ( Deuteronomy 18:11).DIVINATION.

Nedabiah (whom Jah impels). A son of Jeconiah ( 1 Chronicles 3:18).

Neeanias Son of Hachaliah (Ecclesiasticus 49:13).

Needle’s Eye Supposed to mean a narrow door, or gateway, too low for a camel to pass through, standing. They are unloaded, and forced to creep through on their knees.

Negeb (south). The country south of Beersheba. Its character is that of wide-rolling downs, green in winter, but bare in summer, affording pasturage, but not grain-crops.

Neginah (Hebrew) A term by which all stringed-instruments are described (Psalm 61; Job 30:9): is the singular form of the next word.

Neginoth A general term for stringed-instruments: Psalm 4; Psalm 6; Psalm 45; Psalm 54; Psalm 55; Psalm 76 are addressed to leaders of stringedinstruments. , and .

Nehelamite (strong one). A false prophet ( Jeremiah 29:24,31,32).

Nehemiah (comforter of Jah). His genealogy is not known, although he was perhaps of the tribe of Judah. He was the son of Hachaliah ( Nehemiah 1:1). His brother was Hanani ( Nehemiah 7:2); most probably of royal descent and not of the priesthood as supposed from Nehemiah 10:1-8, but as a prince in Nehemiah 9:38. His office was that of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes Longimanus. At his own request he was appointed governor of Jerusalem about B.C. 444, when he relieved the people from the oppression of the Samaritans. In this good work he was assisted by Ezra ( Nehemiah 8:1,9,13; 12:36). .

Nehiloth (Hebrew: CHALAL). A term for perforated wind instruments of all kinds ( 1 Samuel 10:5).

Nehum (comfort).

One who returned from captivity ( Nehemiah 7:7).

Nehushta (brass). Daughter of Elnathan ( 2 Kings 24:8).

Nehushtan (brazen), ( Numbers 21:8). The brazen serpent which Moses set up in the wilderness. It was destroyed by Hezekiah as it had become debased to the service of idolatry in the reign of Ahaz his father. Hezekiah gave the name Nehushtan to it as a term of derision, implying it to be mere brass ( 2 Kings 18:4).

Neiel (treasure of God). Landmark of Asher, now Miar, on a lofty height ten miles northwest of Nazareth ( Joshua 19:27).

Nekeb (cavern).

On the north border of Naphtali ( Judges 4:11). Lost.

Nekoda (distinguished). 1. The children of Nekoda who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:48). 2. The same who were unable to prove their descent from Israel ( Ezra 2:60).

Nemuel (Hebrew: JEMUEL). 1. Son of Eliab ( Numbers 26:9). 2. Son of Simeon ( Numbers 26:12).

Nemuelites, the Descendants of ( Numbers 26:12).

Nepheg (sprout ). 1. Son of Izhar ( Exodus 6:21). 2. Son of David ( 2 Samuel 6:15). Nephew (Hebrew: NECHED ), (progeny). Has various meanings, as in Judges 12:14, Job 18:19. In Genesis 21:23, son’s son.

Nephi ( ), (2 Macc. 1:36).

Nephis Children of Nebo ( Ezra 2:29).

Nephish ( ), ( 1 Chronicles 5:19).

Nephishesim Those who returned from captivity ( Nehemiah 7:52).

Nephthali (Tobit 1:1,2,4,5).

Nephthalim (Tobit 7:3).

Nephtoah, the Water of Landmark between Judah and Benjamin ( Joshua 15:9). Ain Lifta, 2 1/2 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Another fountain, Ain Yalo, in Wady et Werd (roses), is urged as the site by some, on account of the text in Samuel 10:2.

Nephusim (expansions), ( Ezra 2:50).

Ner (light). Son of Jehiel ( 1 Chronicles 9:36).

Nerd or .

Nereus Name of an ancient sea-god. A Christian at Rome ( Romans 16:15).

Nergal (Hebrew). An Assyrian deity ( 2 Kings 17:30) represented in the Hellenic mythology by Mars. He presided over wars. In the monuments he is entitled “the storm ruler,” “the king of battle,” “the champion of the gods,” “the god of the chase,” etc. The allusion to Nergal in the Scriptures is in 2 Kings 17:30, equivalent to the man-lion of Nineveh.

Nergal Sharezer 1. One of Nebuchadnezzar’s military chiefs ( Jeremiah 29:3). 2. The chief magi under the same king ( Jeremiah 39:3,13) with the title Rab-Mag. Babylonian inscriptions suggest the identification of 2 with Neriglissar, who murdered Evil Merodach and became king of Babylon Neri Son of Melchi ( Luke 3:27).

Neriah (lamp of Jah). Son of Maaseiah ( Jeremiah 32:12).

Nerias (Baruch 1:1).

Nero (brave). The Roman emperor (Lucius Domitius Ahenobardus) born in A.D. 37. He was named Nero Claudius etc. by his grand uncle Claudius, who had adopted him. Made emperor A.D. 54 Accused of having burned Rome, but Nero tortured and burned Christians charging them with the crime. Both Paul and Peter suffered martyrdom during his reign. He committed suicide A.D. 68, to avoid retribution. The Caesar mentioned in Acts 25:8; 26:32; 28:19; Philippians 4:22, is Nero; also Augustus in Acts 25:21,25. Nest (KEN). AS in Job 39:27; Matthew 8:20: also as a dwelling as in Numbers 24:21. In Genesis 6:14, rooms mean nests or cribs.

Net The terms for net in the Bible are numerous, and refer to its application or construction. In the New Testament there appears sagene, denoting a large, hauling-net ( Matthew 13:47); amphibtestron , a casting-net ( Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:16); and diktuon , a similar kind of net ( Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:18; Luke 5:2). Nets were used for hunting, as well as fishing. The Egyptians made their nets of flax, with wooden needles. In Egypt bird and animal nets were used, which last also appear on the Nineveh marbles. These nets were so constructed that the sides closed in upon the prey, or with movable frames. Net has frequently a figurative use, as in Psalm 9:15; 25:15; 31:4, as expressing God’s vengeance, as in Ezekiel 12:13; Hosea 7:12.

Nethaneel (given of God ). 1. Son of Zuar ( Numbers 1:8). 2. Son of Jesse ( 1 Chronicles 2:14). 3. A priest in David’s reign ( 1 Chronicles 15:24). 4. Father of Shemaiah ( 1 Chronicles 24:6). 5. Son of Obed-edom ( 1 Chronicles 26:4). 6. A prince of Judah ( 2 Chronicles 17:7). 7. A chief Levite ( 2 Chronicles 35:9). 8. A priest of Pashur ( Ezra 10:22). 9. Another priest ( Nehemiah 12:21). 10. A Levite ( Nehemiah 12:36).

Nethaniah (given of Jah ). 1. Son of Elishama ( 2 Kings 25:23), of the royal family of Judah. 2. Son of Asaph, a chief in the course of the Temple-choir ( 1 Chronicles 25:2,12). 3. One of the Levites who taught the law in Judah ( 2 Chronicles 17:8). 4. Father of Jehudi ( Jeremiah 36:14).

Nethinim (dedicated ). A body of men gives to assist the Levites in the performance of the rites of the Temple ( Ezra 7:24) as the Levites were given to Aaron ( Numbers 2:9; 8:19). The Nethinim performed the menial offices of the Temple, living near it. They assisted in rebuilding the Temple walls, etc., after the return from captivity.

Netophah (a dropping ). Peopled after the return from captivity ( Ezra 2:22). Two of David’s captains were natives of this place ( 2 Samuel 23:28) At the dedication of the wall: built by Nehemiah, the singers were found residing in the villages of this people; so there were more than one town, perhaps a district, near Bethlehem. Seraiah (warrior of Jehovah), a native of this place, was an accomplice of Ishmael in the murder of Gedaliah ( 2 Kings 25:23). Um Tuba, two miles northeast of Bethlehem. Beit Nettif, in the Wady Sumt, is mentioned in the Jewish traditions as famous for “oil of Netopha” (Job. 2:17).

Netophathi ( Nehemiah 12:28 ).

Netophathite (Hebrew: NETOPHATHI ) The One from ( 2 Samuel 23:28,29).

Nettle (Hebrew: CHARUL ), ( Job 30:7). A plant of rapid growth, and well known for its power of stinging. They have minute tubular hairs, which emit a poisonous fluid when pressed.

New Moon Marked the commencement of each month see ), and was celebrated as a holiday. Offerings were made as ordained ( Numbers 28:11,15). All business was suspended ( Amos 8:5). The Day of the New Moon was recognized as a family festival with religious observances, although not especially ordained. It was proclaimed by the trumpet-sound ( Psalm 81:3). After the establishment of Christianity the observance was discontinued.

New Testament .

Neziah (illustrious ). Ancestor of Nethinim ( Ezra 2:54). Nezib ( Joshua 20:43 ). Beit Nusib, in the low, hilly district between Beit Jibrin and Hebron. There are ruins of a building, 120 feet X 30 feet, and a tower of 60 square feet, of ancient, massive masonry, besides broken columns.

Nibhaz (Hebrew: NABACH ), (“to bark” ) A deity of the Avites; the figure of a dog, or dog-headed man ( 2 Kings 17:31). The Syrians worshiped the dog, and there was a colossal figure of one between Beirut and Tripolis, which has been recently destroyed.

Nibshan (light soil ). 1. A city on the west shore of the Dead Sea ( Joshua 15:62). . 2. .

Nicanor Son of Patroclus (2 Macc. 8:9). A general under Antiochus Epiphanes and Demetrius I. He assisted in the first expedition of Lycias, B.C. 166 (1 Macc. 3:38). He was defeated, but, after the death of Antiochus, Demetrius made him governor of Judaea (2 Macc. 14:12). Nicodemus (NAKDIMON, innocent of blood ). A Pharisee, ruler of the Jews, teacher of the law ( John 2:23; 3:1,10), a member of the Sanhedrin. He was probably wealthy, as his valuable tribute to the tomb of the Lord indicates. His timidity was shown in his night visit to the Great Teacher where he received divine instruction, and a prediction of the crucifixion. When that prediction had been fulfilled and Joseph of Arimathea had begged for and was permitted by Pilate to take the body from the cross, Nicodemus assisted. Tradition says that he lived in intimacy with Gamaliel, and was buried near the grave of Stephen.

Nicolaitans A sect of heretics of the Apostolic period. They held it lawful to eat food sacrificed to idols; to join in idolatrous worship; and that God did not create the universe. They held their women in common. John’s Gospel and also his Apocalypse opposes their teaching. ( ). These doctrines have been supposed to have originated with the prophet Balaam. They are sometimes called Shuaibites, from the Midianite Shuaib, which is Balaam.

Nicolas One of the first seven deacons of the Church of Jerusalem ( Acts 6:5). He was a native of Antioch.

Nicopolis (city of victory ). Built by Augustus, in Epirus, on the site where his army encamped the night before the battle of Actium. The Temple of Neptune was placed on the spot occupied by his own tent. Paul requested Titus ( Titus 3:12), to come to him from Crete, or from Dalmatia ( 2 Timothy 4:10), to Nicopolis. He also urged Timothy in the same manner ( 2 Timothy 4:21). There are on the peninsula, northwest of the Bay of Actium (Gulf of Arta), ruins of a temple, a theatre, walls, and other structures, on the hill and the low marshy plain; now deserted. It is possible that Paul was arrested here, and taken to Rome for his final trial (Conybeare and Howson). Niger (“black” ) A name given to 6 ( Acts 13:1). Night (Hebrew, “TO SINK”;THE SINKING OF THE DAY). , p. 56. Night-hawk (Hebrew: TACHMAS ) In the enumeration of unclean animals in Leviticus 11:16, and in Deuteronomy 14:15, this word appears. There is much controversy as to its meaning, whether the night. hawk or the white owl.

Nile The Hebrew names of the river were SHICHOR (black); Yeor (the river); Sihor, in Jeremiah 2:18. The Sanskrit Nilah means dark blue; and one of the upper branches of the river is now called the Blue Nile. The name Yeor is Egyptian, and is written AUR on the monuments. It is also called HAPEE MU (the abyss). Dr. Livingstone’s late accounts show this to be the longest river in the world; rising in or beyond the lake Victoria Nyanza, south of the equator, and emptying into the Mediterranean at north latitude 31 degrees; its course running through 36 degrees, having been traced more than 2,700 miles, while it is quite certain that it will be found to be 1,000 miles longer. (The Amazon extends through 30 degrees, and the Missouri and Mississippi together about 35 degrees). There are three chief branches: 1. The Blue (Bahr el Azrak) drains Abyssinia, and brings down the alluvial soil which fertilizes Egypt. 2. The White (Bahr el Abyad), joins the Blue at Khartoom, the capital of Soodan. 3. The Atbara (black river), rises also in Abyssinia, and joins the Nile at the north point of the Island of Meroe. There are no tributaries below the Atbara. The stream is interrupted by several cataracts formed by granite projected up through the sandstone of its bed. The first cataract is at the south boundary of Egypt (latitude degrees), the ancient Syene, now Assouan; the second, or Great Cataract, is in latitude 22 degrees; the third in latitude 19 degrees 45 minutes; the fourth in latitude 18 degrees 45 minutes; and the fifth in 18 degrees minutes, 100 miles above the fourth. The river parts into several branches below the pyramids of Memphis and Cairo, and encloses the Delta. The ancients mention seven branches: 1. Pelusiac; 2. Tanitic; 3. Mendesian; 4. Bucolic (Damietta); 5. Sebennytic; 6. Bolbytene (Rosetta); 7. Canopic ( Isaiah 11:15). The width, in its lower course, is from half a mile to a mile wide, where there are islands. The water is sweet, especially during the inundation, and quickly becomes clear by settling its sediment. Since Egypt has no rain ( Zechariah 14:17-19), the river supplies water to the soil by its overflow. The annual rise is noticed at Khartoom in April, but is not visible in Lower Egypt before June, and continues until September. The prophet Amos refers to the inundation as a symbol of great power and utter desolation ( Amos 8:8; 9:5). Job was acquainted with the Nile floods, for the word that he uses in Job 28:10, for rivers, is the plural of the name of the Nile, in the original. Jeremiah also uses it as a figure when speaking of Pharaoh Necho’s army (Jeremiah 46). Its waters abound in fish of many kinds ( Numbers 11:5); but crocodiles (described minutely by Job (Job 41), and mentioned by Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 29:3), are becoming very scarce, and are only found in Upper Egypt. The monuments and the ancient writers give accounts of the banks of the Nile as being bordered with flags, reeds, and flowers, especially the lotus, and full of wild birds.

Now the banks are nearly bare, as prophesied by Isaiah ( Isaiah 19:6,7). The papyrus, which was used for making paper, and for boats (which were remarkable for their swiftness — Isaiah 18:2), has entirely disappeared, except in the marshes of the Delta. Ezekiel compares Pharaoh to a crocodile (great dragon) in the Nile, fearing no one ( Ezekiel 29:1-5; whale, in Ezekiel 32:2). Moses was exposed on its waters in a boat of papyrus (bulrushes, Exodus 2:3). It is said traditionally that Jesus lived on its banks, near Heliopolis; and its name is associated with many other Bible characters, such as Absalom, Jacob, Joseph, Solomon (whose wife was a daughter of Pharaoh), besides the captive king of Judah, pictured on the walls of the temple at Karnac. .

Nimrah (pure water ). In the “land of Jazer,” afterward called Beth Nimrah ( Numbers 32:3,36); in the tribe of Gab. The name Nimrim (panthers) is found in several localities east of Jordan (Porter). Two miles east of the Jordan, on the road from Jericho to Esther Salt, are ruins near copious fountains ( Isaiah 15:6; Jeremiah 48:34). Eusebius says it was a village north of Zoar. If our location of Nimrah is correct, Zoar must have been north of the Dead Sea. Nimrod (the extremely impious rebel ) Son of Cush ( Genesis 10:8,9). He established an empire in Shinar (Babylonia), the chief cities of which were Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh; and extended it northward over Assyria, including the cities Nineveh, Rehoboth, Calah, and Resen. There is no authentic account of his life. The tales of Ctesias, I and others, except that in the Bible, are guesses or inventions; and of the great cities which he built very little has been known until within the last twenty-five years, when Layard exhumed the palaces sculptures and inscriptions of Nimroud. .

Nimshi (“drawn out” ) Grandfather of Jehu, generally called the son of Nimshi ( 1 Kings 19:16). Nineveh (Nin-navah = Nin-town ) The ancient capital of Assyria. First mentioned in Genesis 10:11). The country was also called the land of Nimrod by Micah ( Micah 5:6). Balaam prophesied the captivity of Israel by Assyria ( Numbers 24:22), and Asaph sings of their alliance with Moab ( Psalm 83:8). Jonah was sent to the city about 800 B.C., and Nahum devotes the whole of his book to “the burden of Nineveh,” about 725