Sabacthani (“hast thou forsaken me?” ) Apart of our Saviour’s exclamation on the cross ( Matthew 27:46); the whole is taken from Psalm 20:1, where it is used prophetically. Sabaoth (ZEBOTH, “hosts or armies” ), ( Joel 2:15; 2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 24:10; James 5:4).

Sabat 1. Ancestor of sons of Solomon’s servants, who returned from captivity (1 Esdras 5:34). 2. (1 Macc. 16:14). .

Sabateas (1 Esdras 9:48).

Sabatus (1 Esdras 9:28).

Sabban 1 (1 Esdras 8:63). Sabbath (Hebrew: SHABBATH, “the (day of ) rest” ) The name given to the seventh day of the week under the old covenant. Division of time into weeks was the custom from the earliest recorded ages, among the rudest as well as the most cultivated people. ( ). It is the only ordinance besides marriage which dates from the Creation ( Genesis 2:3), and it is one of the subjects of the Decalogue ( Exodus 34:21). In Leviticus the whole law is repeated ( Leviticus 23:2,3), and one of the finest of the Psalms was written in honor of the day (Psalm 92). The prophets also honor the Sabbath as a holy day ( Isaiah 56:1,2; Ezekiel 20:12; 44:24; 46:3). The observance of the Sabbath indicated a prosperity of religion, and its neglect showed a decay of religion generally. The day of rest was a great boon to the laborer, and to animals ( Exodus 23:12), but the great importance of the institution was its spiritual and religious meaning, and as a sign of the holiness of God, and the holiness required of His people. Its deliberate violation was punished with death ( Numbers 15:32-36). The special rites and services appointed for the day show that it was to be spent in thoughts and exercises on the character and ways of God. The services of the sanctuary were peculiar to the day ( Numbers 28:9; Leviticus 24:3-9); and the laws of Moses were read ( Acts 15:21), “teaching Jacob God’s judgments and Israel His law” ( Deuteronomy 33:10). Josephus alludes to the origin, design, and observance of the day in his discourse against Apion (ii. 18). Jesus instructed His disciples, by His example as well as words, to keep the law of the Sabbath, and to works of kindness and mercy, and exercise of piety ( Matthew 12:1-13; Mark 3:1-5; Luke 4:16; 6:9), and to keep the day in its true spirit as a day of personal privilege and benevolent usefulness, for “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” In Colossians 2:16, Paul argues from the fact of the Sabbath having been superseded by the Lord’s day. Sabbath Day’s Journey The distance between the tents and the ark in the camp, which was 2,000 cubits. The common cubit of 18 inches would be 3,000 feet, and the sacred cubit of 19.05 inches would be 4,762 feet. The English mile is 5,280 feet.

Sabbatheus Shabbethai, the Levite (1 Esdras 9:14).

Sabbeus (1 Esdras 9:32).

Sabeans People of .

Sabi (1 Esdras 5:34).

Sabtah Third son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). Located in Arabia, along the southern coast. Pliny (vi. xxiii. 32) says the chief city of the region had temples, and was the capital of king Elisarus.

Sabtecah Fifth son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). Settled on the Persian Gulf, on the Persian shore.

Sacar (“reward” ) 1. Father of Ahiam ( 1 Chronicles 11:35). 2. Fourth son of Obed-edom (26:4).

Sackbut (Aramaic: sabbecha ). A musical instrument: a brass trumpet with a slide, like the modern trombone (Daniel 12; 5:7,10,15). Sackcloth (Hebrew: SAK; Greek: sakkos ). A coarse stuff, of a dark color, often made of goats’ hair (Isaiah 1; Isaiah 3), and the coarse, black hair of the camel. In great calamities — in penitence, in trouble — the Jews wore sackcloth about their bodies ( Genesis 37:34); The robe resembled a sack, and was confined by a girdle of the same material ( 2 Samuel 3:31). In times of joy those who were clad in sackcloth took it off, and put on their usual clothing ( Isaiah 32:11). . Sacrifice (Hebrew: MINCHAH to give;) KORBAN to approach; ZEBACH to slaughter animals; OLAH whole burntoffering; SHELEM peace-offering; CHATTATH, sin-offering; ASHAM trespass-offering; Greek: thusia ( Matthew 9:13) doron gift ( Matthew 2:11); eidolothuton, idol-sacrifice ( Acts 15:29); prosphora, offering ( Acts 21:26). The first recorded sacrifices were those of Cain and Abel (Minchah ). Of Noah, after the flood ( Genesis 8:20); a burnt-offering (olah ). The sacrifice of Isaac ( Genesis 22:1-13), the only instance of human sacrifice, having been commanded by God as a test of faith, but not actually offered. In the burnt-offerings of Job ( Job 1:5; 42:8), the offering was accompanied by repentance and prayer. The sacrifices of the Mosaic period commenced with the offering of the Passover (Exodus 24). The law prescribed five kinds of sacrifices: the burnt-offering, the meat-offering (unbloody), the peace-offering (bloody), the sin-offering and the trespass-offering. In the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8), there was first a sin-offering, as an approach to God; next, a burnt-offering, typical of dedication to His service, and the meatoffering of thanksgiving; and further, a peace-offering for the congregation, which was accepted by the miraculous descent of fire upon the altar. This was ever afterward the order of the sacrifices. The sacrifices regularly offered in the Temple were of burnt-offerings: first, the daily burntofferings ( Exodus 29:38-42); second, the double burnt-offerings on the Sabbath ( Numbers 28:9,10); third, the burnt-offerings at the great feasts ( Numbers 28:11; 29:39). OF MEAT-OFFERINGS — The daily meat-offerings accompanying the daily burnt-offerings (flour, oil and wine), ( Exodus 29:40); second, the shewbread (twelve loaves, with frankincense), replaced every Sabbath ( Leviticus 24:5-9); third, the special meat-offerings at the Sabbath — a great feast (Numbers 28 and Numbers 29); fourth, wave-offerings — the first fruits of the Passover ( Leviticus 23:10-14) and at Pentecost ( Leviticus 23:17-20). Peace-offerings of the first fruits of the threshingfloor at the harvest-time ( Numbers 15:20,21). OF SIN-OFFERINGS — First, a sin-offering each new moon, of a kid ( Numbers 28:15); second, sin-offerings at the Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets and Tabernacles ( Numbers 28:22,30; Numbers 29); third, the offering of the two goats (one the scape-goat) for the people, and of a bullock for the priest on the great day of (Leviticus 16). Incense was offered morning and evening ( Exodus 30:7,8), and on the Great Day of Atonement. There were also the individual offerings of the people. .

Sadamias Shallam, ancestor of Ezra (2 Esdras 1:1).

Sadas (1 Esdras 5:13).

Saddeus (1 Esdras 8:45).

Sadduc Zadok, the high priest (1 Esdras 8:2). Sadducees (named from “the high priest” ) A religious sect of the Jews at the time of Christ, who refused to accept that the oral law was the revelation of God to the Israelites, and believed exclusively in the written law. They joined with the Pharisees in asking for a sign from heaven ( Matthew 16:1,4,6), but opposed their doctrines otherwise. The Sadducees never exercised the influence that the Pharisees did, and were, more tolerant. They rejected the belief in a resurrection ( Matthew 22:23), nor did they believe in future rewards and punishments. The high priest, at the time of Christ, was of this sect, and the doctrine of the resurrection preached by Christ rendered the Sadducees especially bitter against him ( Acts 4:1; 5:17), but he did not censure the Sadducees as much as the Pharisees.

Sadoc 1. 1 (2 Esdras 1:1). 2. A descendant of Zerubbabel in the genealogy of Jesus Christ ( Matthew 1:14).

Saffron (Arabic: Zafrau, yellow. Hebrew: CARCOM ). A small bluish flower, whose yellow stigma is pulled out and dried, having a peculiar aromatic and penetrating odor and a bitter taste. Used as a stimulant in medicine and highly valued in the East as a perfume ( Song of Solomon 4:14). Saint (Hebrew: HASID, KADOSH Greek: hagios, “a holy one” ), ( Daniel 8:13). A title by which the disciples were known. Originally including all members of the Church, afterward restricted to a few ( Romans 1:1; Acts 9:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:13).

Sala ( Luke 3:35). Salah (extension ), ( Genesis 10:24 ). Father of Eber. Settled in north Mesopotamia.

Salamis City on the east end of the island of Cyprus. Visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey ( Acts 13:5). There were many Jews in Cyprus, attracted by the copper mines. The ancient city was near the modern Famagousta, by the river Pediaeus, on a plain.

Salasadai ( Judges 8:1).

Salathiel or Father of Zerubbabel ( Ezra 3:2). One of the ancestors of Christ ( Matthew 1:14; Luke 3:27).

Salcah ( Deuteronomy 3:10; Joshua 13:11 ). A city on the extreme east limit of Bashan and Gad ( 1 Chronicles 5:11). There was a district of the same name ( Joshua 12:5), belonging to Og. Now called Sulkhad, at the south end of Jebel Hauran. The great Euphrates desert begins near this city and extends to the Persian Gulf. About three miles in circuit. In it is a castle on a lofty (volcanic) hill, feet high. An inscription on a gate is dated A.D. 246, and one on a tombstone, A.D. 196. Salem SHALEM (“peace”) Jerome said Salem was eight Roman miles from Scythopolis (Bethshean), and in his day contained the ruins of the palace of Melchizedek. Some have identified it with Jerusalem. The plain of Salem has the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, with Shechem, on its west end, and the hills on which Salem stands on its east end. In Psalm 76:2, Salem means Jerusalem.

Salim ( John 3:23 ). Near Aenon. Six miles south of Bethshean and two miles west of Jordan is a site of ruins on the Tell Redghah, with a Mohammedan tomb, called Shekh Salim. The brook in Wady Chusneh runs close by, and a copious fountain gushes out near the tomb, while rivulets wind about in all directions. “Here is much water.”

Sallai (“basket maker” ) 1. One who settled in Jerusalem after the Captivity ( Nehemiah 11:8). 2. Head of a course of priests who went with Zerubbabel ( Nehemiah 12:20).

Sallu (“weighed” ) Son of Meshullam ( 1 Chronicles 9:7).

Sallumus (1 Esdras 9:25).

Salma (“garment” ) or (“clothed” ) Son of Nashon, prince of Judah, the husband of Rahab ( Matthew 1:4,5).

Salmah ( Ruth 4:20).

Salmanaser (2 Esdras 13:40).

Salmanasser ( Hosea 11:5). Salmon ( Judges 9:48 ). A hill near Shechem, on which Abimelech and his men cut doom boughs with which they burned the tower of Shethem. . White as snow in Salmon (Isaiah 68:14).

Salmone The east point of the island of ( Acts 27:7).

Salom 1. father of Hilkiah (Baruch 1:7). 2. father of Zimri (1 Macc. 2:26).

Salome (“pacific” ) 1. Wife of mother of the Apostles James and John. She was a most devout and faithful disciple ( Matthew 20:20; Acts 16:1). 2. Salome, the daughter of Herodias; she was the cause of John Baptist’s death ( Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:22). She was the wife of Philip, Tetrarch of Trachonitis, and afterward married Aristobulus, king of Chalcis (Josephus, Antiquities xviii. 5, 4). Salt (MELAH; Greek: hats ). . Salt, City of ( Joshua 15:62 ). In the wilderness, near Engedi and the Dead Sea. It may be the site is found in the modern Nahr Maleh, which is near the Wady Amreh, which is believed to be Gomorrah. The Valley of Salt. Two memorable victories occurred here: that of David over the Edomites ( 2 Samuel 8:13; Psalm 60); and that of Amaziah over the same people ( 2 Kings 14:7). The site is lost. It has been located by some in the plain at the south end of the Dead Sea.

Salum 1. 8 (1 Esdras 5:28). 2. 6 (1 Esdras 8:1). Salutation (Hebrew: SHALOM LEKHA ). Peace be with thee ( John 20:19). By this term is meant the friendly greeting, which, in ancient as in modern times, takes place between persons when meeting or parting; also when sending letters. At parting the form was much the same as at meeting. “Go in peace” ( Judges 18:6). The letter of an Arab will be nearly filled with salutations; and should he come in to tell you that your house is on fire, he would first give and receive the compliments of the day before saying your house is on fire. Salutations are also given by kissing the hand, the forehead, cheek, the beard of a superior. The long, ceremonious greeting which occupied so much time, was deemed unfit for the use of the preachers of the gospel, and they were directed to salute no one by the way. It is not unusual for two ceremonious gentlemen to inquire carefully after every male relative, especially ancestors, of each other, several times over, at each meeting; smoking and sipping coffee during the one or two hours required for this very friendly (?) greeting. Custom does not permit inquiries after each others’ female relatives, it being equal to a decided insult to even allude to another man’s wife. If a man speaks of his wife he apologizes for the discourtesy. Salvation (Hebrew: YESHAH, YESHA; Greek: soteria ). Deliverance from temporal evils or earthly destruction ( Exodus 14:13). is figuratively called “salvation” ( Psalm 27:1). has provided the salvation of the Gospel, and is preeminently “the SAVIOUR” ( Matthew 1:21).

Samael ( Judges 8:1).

Samaias 1. 23 (1 Esdras 1:9). 2. 11 (1 Esdras 8:39). 3. The “great Samaias,” father of Ananias and Jonathas (Tobit 5:13). Samaria (“watch mountain” ) Six miles northwest of Shechem, on a hill which is surrounded by a broad basin-shaped valley. Here built the capital of the kingdom of Israel, on the hill which he bought (B.C. 925) of for two talents of silver ( 1 Kings 16:24). The site is singularly beautiful, and is always admired by every visitor. Ahab built a temple to Baal, with images; and that part of the city was called “the city of the house of Baal” ( Kings 16:22), which was destroyed by Jehu ( 2 Kings 10:25). The Syrians besieged it in 901 B.C. ( 1 Kings 20:1), and in 892 B.C. ( 1 Kings 6:24; 7:20), and in both cases without success.

Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, took it after a siege of three years, B.C. ( 2 Kings 18:9,10), and carried the people away to Assyria. Esarhaddon re-populated the country from Assyria, and these citizens were called Samaritans. Josephus describes it as a very strong city in the time of John Hyrcanus, who took it (B.C. 109), after a year’s siege (Antiquities xiii. 10, 2). After this time the Jews inhabited the city, until the age of Alexander Jannaeus, and until Pompey restored it to the descendants of the original inhabitants (probably the Syro-Macedonians). Herod the Great rebuilt it with some splendor, and called it (Augustus), after his patron the Emperor Augustus. The wall was 20 stadia in circuit. A magnificent temple was dedicated to Caesar. 6,000 veteran soldiers were colonized here, and a large district given them for their support (Antiquities xv. 8, 5; B. J. i. 20, 3, etc.). The remains of the ancient city are mostly colonnades of Herod’s time, or older. There is a group of 16 in a recess near the bottom of the hill, another of 16 near the top, and a long line of columns running around the hill, on one side, on a broad terrace, of which 100 are now standing, and a great many others fallen. The whole hill is covered with rubbish, the remains of a large and well-built city. The city is not mentioned in the New Testament, and it was commanded, “Into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.”

Septimus Severus planted a Roman colony there in the third century. Roman coins struck in the city are preserved of the ages extending from Nero to Geta. In A.D. 409 the Holy Land was divided into three districts, of which the country of Philistia, the northern part of Judaea and Samaria, formed Palestina Prima; with Caesarea for its capital. The bishop of Samaria was present at the Council of Nicea, A.D. 325, signing his name as Maximus Sebastenus. The Mohammedans took Sebaste during their siege of Jerusalem. The present village is called Sebustiyeh, and consists of a few houses scattered among the ruins of the past. The ruined church of John the Baptist bears traces of its former magnificence. A long avenue of columns, many fallen, still lines the upper terrace of the hill. The prophesies of Micah ( Micah 1:6), and Hosea ( Hosea 13:16), are descriptive of its present condition. Samaria, the District of Was so called before the city was named ( 1 Kings 13:32), and included all the tribes who accepted Jeroboam as king, on both sides of the Jordan, and the royal resilience was Shechem ( 1 Kings 13:25). The name Samaritan became contracted, as the kingdom was divided from time to time. The first limitation was probably the losing of Simeon and Daniel The second, when Pul, king of Assyria (B.C. 771) carried away the Reubenites and Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 5:26); the third, when Galilee and Gilead were taken by the Assyrians ( 2 Kings 15:29); and the fourth, when just before the last king of Israel, Hoshea, was deposed, Asher, Issachar and Zebulon, and also Ephraim and Manasseh, sent men up to the Passover at Jerusalem ( 2 Chronicles 30:1-26), in Hezekiah’s reign. Thus, the kingdom which once extended from the sea to the desert of Syria, and from Bethel to Dan in the north, was divided, until only the city Samaria, with a few villages, remained to the name, and even these were wiped out by Shalmanezer ( 2 Kings 17:5-26), who placed other people there instead of the Jews ( 2 Kings 17:24), B.C. 721. These newcomers were idolaters, and brought their idols with them ( Kings 17:29), and although instructed by Jewish priests, never became pure worshipers of Israel’s God. When Judah and Benjamin returned from the Captivity and began to build the Temple, the Samaritans asked permission to assist; and on being refused they petitioned the king of Assyria and had the work stopped (Ezra 4). From this time the “adversaries of Judah and Benjamin” became open enemies, and the feud grew year by year more bitter. In the year B.C. 409, Manasseh, a priest who was expelled from Jerusalem for an unlawful marriage, obtained permission from the Persian king to build a temple on Mount Gerizim, and made a copy of the law, which was the 5 books of Moses only (called the Pentateuch), and they claimed for this copy the highest antiquity, even above any copy in possession of the Jews. The Samaritans claimed from Alexander an exemption from taxes on the Sabbatical year, on the plea that they were Jews; but on examination their claim was found to be false. The woman of Samaria also claimed to be a descendant of Jacob, when talking with Jesus ( John 6:12). The boundaries, according to Josephus, in the time of Christ were from Jenin to Acrabatta. ( ). The soil, productions, etc., are described under and .

Samatus Son of Ozora (1 Esdras 9:34).

Samech (Hebrew: “fulcrum, support” ) The fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Psalm 119). Sameius (1 Esdras 9:21).

Samgar-nebo ( Jeremiah 39:3 ). The whole name is which is to say, The Cupbearer, Nebo-Sarsechim.

Sami (1 Esdras 5:28).

Samis 13 (1 Esdras 9:34).

Samlah (“a garment” ) A king of Edom ( Genesis 36:36,37).

Sammus (1 Esdras 9:43).

Samos (“height” ) An island opposite the boundary between Ionia and Caria. Paul anchored for a night at Trogyllium, in the narrow strait between Samos and Mycale. The ancient Greeks fought a naval battle against the Persians in this strait, B.C. 479. Herod the Great met Marcus Agrippa in Samos, and obtained many privileges for the Jews (Josephus, Antiquities xvi. 2, 2).

Samothracia ( Acts 16:11 ). Mentioned in Paul’s first voyage. It is a lofty and conspicuous island, seen at a great distance, being visible from the shore at Troas (Eothen, p. 64; Homer, II. xiii. 12, 13). Paul anchored for a night off the island. A strong current from the Dardanelles sets southward between the island and the mainland. The mysteries of the Cabeiri (pagan divinities) were practiced here.

Sampsames Now Samsun, on the coast of the Black Sea, between Trebizond and Sinope. Samson (Hebrew: SHIMSHON, “strong” ) Son of , in the tribe of ( Joshua 15:33). The account of his birth, life, and exploits, is given in Judges 13; Judges 16. He was the strongest man, and celebrated for his fearless and wonderful acts, for his moral infirmities, and his tragic end. His sins brought him in great disgrace and misery ( Hebrews 11:32).

Samuel .

Sanabassar (1 Esdras 2:12,15).

Sanabassarus SHESHBAZZAR (1 Esdras 6:18,20).

Sanasib Ancestor of certain priests said to have returned with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:24).

Sanballat A Moabite of , but a resident of Samaria ( Nehemiah 2:10,19), and a great enemy of the Jews. He was an officer in the service of Artaxerxes ( Nehemiah 4:2). See Nehemiah in the . His daughter married Manasseh, the high priest, Eliashib’s grandson, son of Joiada (Tobiah, a companion of his, had “allied” himself to Eliashib’s family in the same manner — Nehemiah 13:4), on account of a settled policy of Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, who concerted together for the injury of the Jews. Nehemiah expelled Manasseh for marrying a Gentile wife. Sanballat attempted to entice Nehemiah from Jerusalem to some village near Ono (6), but the scheme failed, for the Tirshatha suspected mischief. Nothing further is related of Sanballat in the Scripture, and Josephus continues the history in rather a fabulous manner. Sanctification (KADASH , “to sanctify”), ( Genesis 2:3); (Greek: haqiazo ), ( Matthew 22:17,19). “To be holy”. In the Old Testament it denotes the consecration of a person to God ( Exodus 31:13). To make holy, or to set apart for God ( Genesis 2:3; Exodus 19:23). The tabernacle, altar, priests, etc., were solemnly set apart and sanctified for divine service ( Leviticus 8:10-12). A day was set apart for fasting and prayer ( Joel 1:14), and the Sabbath was so regarded ( Deuteronomy 5:12). In the New Testament the doctrine is the making truly and perfectly holy what was before defiled and sinful, and is a progressive work of divine grace upon the soul justified by the love of Christ. After a gradual cleansing from sin the sinner is presented “unspotted before the throne of God,” which is the work of the Holy Spirit ( John 14:26; 17:17). The ultimate sanctification of every believer in Christ is a covenant of mercy, purchased on the cross. Sand (Hebrew: HOL; Greek: ammos ), ( Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3). . The sand of the desert of Petra and Sinai is very light, easily carried with the wind, and penetrates even the cases of a watch so as to stop the wheels. Some of it is a whitish yellow, hard and shining, and some is red. Sandal (Hebrew: NAAL; Greek: sandalon, “little sandal” ), ( Mark 6:9). .

Sahhedrim correct . Greek: sunedrion . “COUNCIL.” .

Sanherib ( 2 Kings 18:13).

Sansannah (“palm branch” ) One of the towns in the south of Judah ( Joshua 15:31). Lost, unless Simsim is the site.

Saph (“threshold” ) Son of “the Giant” slain by Sibbechai ( 2 Samuel 21:18), called in 1 Chronicles 20:4.

Saphat 2 (1 Esdras 5:9).

Saphatias 2 (1 Esdras 8:34).

Sapheth 3 (1 Esdras 5:33).

Saphir (“fair” ) ( Micah 1:11). In the hill country, eight miles northeast of Ascalon. Now called Es Sawafir. Sapphira (“beautiful” ) Wife of 10 and the participator in his guilt and punishment ( Acts 5:1-10). Sapphire .

Sara 1. Sarah, wife of Abraham ( Hebrews 11:11). . 2. Daughter of Asher ( Numbers 26:46).

Sarabias (1 Esdras 9:48).

Saraias 1. , the high priest (1 Esdras 5:5). 2. father of Ezra (1 Esdras 8:1).

Saramel Where Simon Maccabaeus was made high priest (1 Macc. 14:28). It is not certain whether this word means a place or a title of honor.

Saraph (“fiery” ) Descendant of Shelah, the son of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:22).

Sarchedonus (Greek: sacherdonos ). (Tobit 1:21).

Sardius (1 Esdras 9:28).

Sardine .

Sardis A city on a spur of the mountain range Tmolus, about two miles from the river Hermus, the ancient residence of the kings of Lydia. Its original name, in the time of Omphale, was HYDE. It was naturally, from its convenient position and the fertile region surrounding it, a commercial mart of importance. Chestnuts were first made an article of commerce here, and called Nuts of Sardis. Pliny says the art of dyeing wool was invented here, and Phrygia furnished the material from its vast flocks. The carpets of Sardis were very celebrated. The Spartans sent to Sardis for gold to cover the face of Apollo at Amyclae. The sands of the Pactolus, a brook from Tmolus running near Sardis, furnished the gold. Sardis was a slave mart, in very early times, and here traders first became stationary, as distinguished from traveling merchants. It was taken by Antiochus the Great, B.C. 214, and afterward became subject to Pergamus. The city waned after the conquest of Alexander. The inscriptions remaining now visible are all of the Roman age, although there are remains of the earlier ages. The temple of Cybele still bears evidence to its former grandeur in its columns, two of which, with their capitals, “surpass any specimen of the Ionic in perfection of design and execution.” There are remains of a theatre of 400 feet diameter, and of a stadium of 1,000 feet The modern name isSERT KALESS and the river (Hermus) Wadis-tchai, which is about 180 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and muddy. In the time of Tiberius, the city, with 12 others, was destroyed by an earthquake, and suffered so much that its distress excited the compassion of its Roman rulers, who remitted its tax for 5 years. Mentioned in Revelation 3:1-6. .

Sardites, the Descendants of Sered, the son of Zebulun ( Numbers 26:26).

Sardius . Greek: Sardios . . Sardonyx Greek, Sardius and Onyx. .

Sarea An assistant secretary to Ezra (2 Esdras 14:24).

Sarepta east of Sidon ( Luke 4:26).

Sargon (“king in fact” ) One of the greatest Assyrian kings. He sent Tartan, his general, with an army against Ashdod, and took it. He built the palace at Nimroud. He was successor to Shalmanezer IV. The wars of Sargon were numerous, and he carried his victorious arms into many countries. A statue of Sargon, which is now in the Museum of Berlin, was discovered at Idalium, in Cyprus ( Isaiah 20:1,4; 2 Kings 18:9,10).

Sarid ( Joshua 19:10,12 ). Zebulon, west of Chisloth Tabor. Lost.

Saron The district in which Lydda stood ( Acts 9:25). The Sharon of the Old Testament.

Sarothic One who returned from captivity; ancestor of sons of Solomon’s servants (1 Esdras 5:34).

Sarsechim (“chief of the eunuchs” ) A general in Nebuchadnezzar’s army ( Jeremiah 39:3). .

Saruch ( Luke 3:35). Satan .

Sathrabuzanes (1 Esdras 6:3,7,27).

Satyr (Hebrew: SAIR ; plural SEIRIM . “Hairy” in Genesis 27:11,23; “rough” ( Daniel 8:21); “devils” ( Leviticus 7:7); “shaggy animals” ( Isaiah 13:21). It is frequently applied he-goats ( Leviticus 4:24). Satyrs, in Greek mythology, were imaginary demons, half men and half goats, believed by the superstitious to haunt forests and groves. Saul (Hebrew: SHAUL “asked for” ) 1. Saul of Rehoboth by the river; one of the early kings of Edom ( Genesis 36:37,38); called in 1 Chronicles 1:48. 2. Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin; he was the first king of Israel; anointed by Samuel privately (1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10). Afterward Saul was elected in a solemn assembly at Mizpah by the determination of the miraculous lot. Saul was remarkably tall, and of a courageous disposition ( 1 Samuel 9:2; 10:23). His immediate act upon his election, was to head an army and oppose the invasion of the Ammonites. He found them, led by their king, Nahash, at Bezek, and totally routed them ( Samuel 11:11). After this triumph Saul was publicly anointed at Gilgal by Samuel (1 Samuel 12). From this period Saul’s reign was marked by a series of transgressions: he assumed upon the priestly office and disregarded God’s injunction by ordering the offering up of sacrifices ( Samuel 13:9) during his contest with the Philistines. He rebelled against Jehovah in regard to the destruction of the Amalekites ( 1 Samuel 14:48). Saul behaved with the utmost cruelty, to David — twice attempting his life ( 1 Samuel 18:10,11, 19:10). He committed a great atrocity in the murder of Ahimelech, the priest (1 Samuel 22), and of eighty-five other priests of the house of Eli, as well as the inhabitants of Nob. He forced David into opposition, who twice mercifully spared his life ( 1 Samuel 24:3-7; 1 Samuel 26). Saul committed a further offense in consulting the witch of Endor ( Samuel 28:7), although he had previously expelled all those who practiced magical arts ( 1 Samuel 28:3). At this interview he was warned that he and his sons would die the following day. On that day he met the Philistines in Gilboa, on the plain of Esdraelon, and after seeing the utter rout of his army and the death of his three sons (Jonathan of the number), he killed himself upon the battlefield. The bodies of Saul and his sons were exposed by the enemy upon the wall of Bethshan, but were secretly removed by the men of Jahesh-Gilead who in the remembrance of their former obligations to Saul (1 Samuel 11), gave the bodies honorable burial. Their bones were afterward removed by David to Zelah, and buried in the sepulchre of Kish. Saul was anointed B.C. 1791.

Savaran An error for Avaran, borne by Eleazar 9 (1 Macc. 6:43).

Savias Uzzi, ancestor of Ezra (1 Esdras 8:2). Savior or . .

Saw (Hebrew: MEGERAH, MASSOR ). Egyptian saws were single-handed, the teeth usually inclining toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. In most cases they have bronze blades, attached to the handles by leather thongs, but some of those in the British Museum have their blades let into them like our knives. A doublehanded iron saw has been found at Nimroud. Double-handed saws were used ( 1 Kings 7:9; 2 Samuel 12:31).

Scales Hebrew: PELES “a balance,” ( Isaiah 40:12); also weight ( Proverbs 16:11). .

Scape-goat . Scarlet . Sceptre (Hebrew: SHEBET, Greek: skeptron ) or . A rod or decorated staff, sometimes six feet long, borne by kings and magistrates as a symbol of authority ( Genesis 49:10).

Sceva (“prepared” ) A Jew at Ephesus and leader among the priests ( Acts 19:14,16). His seven sons pretended to practice exorcism.

Schin (Hebrew: SHIN “a tooth” ) The twenty-first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Psalm 119). Schism (Greek: schisma ). Division ( 1 Corinthians 1:10; rent, Matthew 9:16). A rent or fissure, used in the New Testament to denote a division in the Church, by contentions. School (Greek: schole, “leisure” ), ( Acts 19:9). A place where a teacher and his disciples met and held discussions. . The Arab school is primitive — a room with a smooth floor (often the bare ground) and one or two windows (generally without glass or any protection), a board and piece of chalk for each boy, and one for the teacher. The teacher also has a Koran from which he reads. The pupils learn to write by imitating the writing of their teacher. They spell by reciting the names of the letters as (n) NOON (a) ALIF (g) GAMEL —\parNAG (“a colt”). The rules of the Church are carefully taught, also grammar. Very few go beyond this in the schools. Those who are destined to the Church are educated specially for that end; and study theology, rhetoric, numbers, and other branches. Some of the priests (ulema) are very well educated, and have a good knowledge of their own and the literature of other people. Robert Morris, LL.D., in 1868, found the Pasha of Damascus able to converse in French and English, and to quote long passages from such poets as Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Longfellow, Bryant, and to give a sketch of our history as a people — in the United States. On geography he was not so well informed. The native maps are more amusing than instructive. Every mosque must support one or more schools, according to its income. The best schools are now being conducted in a few places by the American missionaries; the principal one being the Seminary at Beirut. . Science (Latin: scientia, knowledge; Hebrew: MADDA; Greek: gnosis ). In Daniel 1:4, and 1 Timothy 6:20, the original means knowledge and not science. In Wycliffe’s Bible, in Luke 1:77, there is the sentence “science of health,” instead of “knowledge of salvation,” in the present edition. In Colossians 2:3, is “wisdom and science” for “wisdom and knowledge,” as now written, and in 1 Timothy 6:29, for science the old edition has “kunyinge” (cunning). , in . Scorpion (Hebrew: AKRAB; Greek: skorpios ). One of the largest and most malignant of all the insect tribes. It resembles the lobster. Those found in Southern Europe seldom exceed two inches in length, but, in tropical climates, they are 10 or 12 inches. They live upon other insects, but kill and devour their own species also. When it is placed in danger, and sees no way of escape, it will sting itself to death. Their sting is very poisonous; it occasions great pain and inflammation, with alternate chills and burning. The scorpion of Judaea when curled up resembles an egg; hence, the comparison in Luke 11:11,12; Revelation 9:3-10, Scourging . Scribe . Scrip (Hebrew: YALKUT — ZIKLON; Greek: pera ). A bag or sack, in which travelers carried their food, or articles of convenience ( 1 Kings 17:40; Matthew 10:10).

Scripture . Scroll (Hebrew: SEPHER; Greek: biblion ). Manuscript, roll. .

Scurvy The diseases rendered “scab” and “scurvy,” in Leviticus 21:20; 22:22, and Deuteronomy 28:27 may be almost any skin disease.

Scyth ( Jeremiah 1:16).

Scythian ( Colossians 3:11 ). Barbarians, living on the North of the Black Sea and the Caspian. Herodotus (i. 103) says the Scythians made an incursion through Palestine, into Egypt, in the time of Josiah. This may account for the name Scythopolis, which may have been given by some of those people who settled at Bethsbean. Sea This word is used in several ways: 1. Ocean ( Genesis 1:10). 2. The Mediterranean Sea ( Deuteronomy 11:24). 3. Any inland lake or sea ( Ezekiel 47:8). 4. Any great water-course, as the Nile or Euphrates ( Isaiah 19:5). Salt Sea, the The most ancient name for the Dead Sea ( Genesis 14:3; Numbers 34:3; Deuteronomy 3:17; Joshua 3:16). It is called the Sea of the Arabah (plain) in Deuteronomy 3:17, and the East Sea by Joel ( Joel 2:20), Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 47:18), and by Zechariah ( Zechariah 14:8). In 2 Esdras 5:7 it is called the Edomitish Sea. Josephus calls it Lake Asphaltiris. The name Dead Sea was given by the Greeks (Pausanias, v. 7, and Galen, iv. 9); and by the Latins (Justin, xxxiv.3). The Arabic name is Bahr Lut (Sea of Lot). The Dead Sea is the third of the lakes in the course of the Jordan, lying deepest in the valley at its southern end. It is 46 miles long from North to South, and 10 miles wide, and its surface is 1,317 feet below the ocean level (Lynch). The depression was first noticed (in our day) in 1837. The great heat of the region carries off the water by evaporation. The Jordan flows into the northern end. Twelve miles (by the path) down the eastern shore there enters the Zurka Main (the ancient Callirrhoe — the En Eglaim), and, 8 miles further down the shore, the Mojib (Arnon); 10 miles further, the Bent Hamad; 2 miles beyond this, the Wady Kerak entering, by several channels, Just above the peninsula; and just below it, in the lower bay of the lake, there are 10 or 12 streams, large and small: the largest being the Wady el Jeib, which drains two-thirds of the Arabah. On the west side, the first large stream is the Kedron (Wady el Nar), 5 to 6 miles from the north end of the lake; 8 miles further South is Wady Khureitum; 5 miles beyond is Wady Sudeir, at Am Jidy (Engedi); miles from this, Wady Areyeh, which, near Hebron, is called Wady Dibbeh; and beyond, at intervals of 3 or 4 miles, are, Birket Halil (Khuberah), Wady Seiyal, and Wady en Nemriyeh, which last flows by the north side of the rock Masada, and Wady Zuweirah, just north of the salt mountain of Usdum. Besides these, there are a great number of smaller streams all around the sea, with or without names. There is no visible outlet. The sea is divided into two parts by the peninsula of Lisan (tongue, Hebrew: LASHEN ), which is about nine miles long, from northeast to southwest, to 6 miles wide, and joined to the east shore by a neck 5 miles wide. The channel of the sea is 3 to 5 miles wide opposite the Lisan, and is said to be fordable at the time of the lowest water, in October. The water of the main basin is 1,300 feet deep in the deepest part, opposite Ain Terabeh. The south bay ( Joshua 15:2) is very shallow, varying from 12 to 3 feet Careful observations have found that 20 million cubic feet of water are poured, daily, into the sea, while its evaporating capacity is 24 million in the hottest months, and less than 20 in the rainy season. (See Humboldt). It is believed that the level rises 10 to 15 feet during the winter rains — falling again during the summer. The mountains come close to the shore on both the east and west sides, and are quite uniform in height throughout the whole length, the eastern range being much the higher, and more broken by ravines. The general color is brown or reddish brown on the east (being sandstone, red and yellow, with porphyry), and gray, with whitish tints, on the west side (being limestone over sandstone). The only vegetation is found around the springs, and in the wadies, where palms, tamarisks, mimosa, osiers, oleanders, and a variety of trees and shrubs, besides grain and flowers, form a grateful relief to the general desolation. A plateau divides the mountains on the east side, half way up, extending from the head of the sea south as far as the Zurka Main, which is visible, near sunset, from Jerusalem. The western side is divided into several strata, which are quite distinct; and there are three parallel beaches, one above the other — the highest, 50 feet above the water, extending from Wady Zuweirah north to Ain Jidy, nearly 20 miles. Above Ain Jidy there is but one beach (covered with angular lilts of flint, not rounded gravel), which skirts the mountains, being widest at the mouths of the largest brooks, as at the Kidron (Wady Nar) and Ain Terabeh, where it is more than half a mile wide. Many of the headlands come down steel) into the water, cutting the beach in two, and therefore cannot be passed, except by climbing. There is a line of driftwood bordering the beach and marking the high-water line, all around the sea, brought down by the Jordan and other streams, gray and bleached, and some of it of great antiquity. On the west shore of the south bay is the Salt Mountain of Sodom, called by the Arabs Khasm Usdum. ( ). There is an island in the sea, west of the Jordan, lying feet from the shore at low water, circular and 400 feet in diameter. Stones and driftwood entirely cover the island. Some suppose the square stones found here are remains of ancient structures, because there are no similar stones on the shore. The plains at the north and south ends of the sea are flat, barren, stony, gently sloping up from the water, crusted with salt, soft and slimy to the foot, and destitute of vegetation, except a few reeds cluster round a spring. The eastern side of the south bay is an exception, where the vegetation, fed by copious streams of sweet water, is abundant, and with great variety of trees, plants, flowers and grasses. The water of the sea is the heaviest known in all the world, being 12 1/4 pounds to the gallon, distilled water weighing 9 3/4 pounds. This weight is due to the mineral salts held in solution. Eggs float with one-third exposed above the surface. The color is like the ocean, a greenish blue. The Jordan may be traced for several miles by its muddy color, as it flows into the clear water of the sea. The analysis of the water of the Dead Sea by many scientific men, gives generally the same result, with but little variation, which is, that there are salts of magnesia, soda, lime, potass, manganese, ammonia, aluminum and iron; and of these there are chlorides, suphates and bromides. The quantity averages from 13 to 26 parts in 100, according to the season of the year and the part of the sea from which the sample was taken. Except the absence of vegetation, the appearance of the sea is that of savage and beautiful wildness. The presence of many kinds of birds and wild fowl enlivens the scenes. All along the shores, wherever a brook flows in, there the cane brakes, trees and shrubs harbor partridges, snipe, ducks, doves, hawks, larks, quails, besides many kinds not yet named, or not identified, in great flocks. Frogs are also to be seen in the marshes (not the salt marshes) and hares in the thickets. There has been no change in the size of the sea within the historic period; except the filling up of the south bay by silt from the rivers, and the destruction of the Cities of the Plain is believed to have been independent of the position or character of the sea, or the bed in which it lies. ( .

Seal (Hebrew: HOTHAM; Greek: sphragis). The seal takes the place of our signature in the East. A name or device, well known as belonging to a certain person, was engraved on a seal of a ring, or on a small cylinder, and this was stamped on the papyrus, or parchment, with ink, or was pressed on a piece of clay, or wax, which was attached to the document. Many seals and cylinders of this kind have been found among the used by the ancient kings in signing or witnessing their treaties or decrees, and there is a piece of clay bearing the impression of both the Assyrian and Egyptian king’s seals in the British Museum, deposited there by Layard, who found it in Assyria, and who thinks it the compact of Sabacho and of Sennacherib. Doors of tombs, or houses, or treasuries, or any place that was to be guarded from intrusion, were closed, and a piece of clay stuck over the fastening, and this was impressed with the seal of the keeper or owner, so that the least meddling with the clay would break it ( Job 38:14). The ancient ruins in Assyria and Egypt. Seals were modern Orientals carry a seal hung by a string, or chain to the neck, or on the finger ring. Specimens of engraved seals and gems are found in great numbers in the museums of antiquities, some of which are most valuable as confirmations of history. One in Alnwick museum bears the name of Osirtasen I, B.C. See the ring of Thothmes, and of Suphis, page 84. See seal of Haggai, p. 166, and Abraxas, p. 167.

Seamen . Sea Monsters . Season .

Seba First son of Cush ( Genesis 10:7). A nation in Africa included in Cush, and having a name and power in Solomon’s time ( Psalm 72:10). Located in the island Meroe, which lies at the junction of the white and blue branches of the Nile. The chief city (Meroe) had an oracle of Jupiter Ammon (or the ram-headed Num), ruins of which are now visible, besides pyramids, and other indications of a great population. The great stature and beauty of this people was a theme of the ancients (Herod iii. 20, 114; Isaiah 43:3, 45:14; Ezekiel 23:42). See Josephus, B. J. ii. 10, 2.

Sebaste . Sebaste means in Greek the same as Augustus does in Latin, which is “venerable,” a title of the Roman Emperors. . .

Secacah In the wilderness of Judah ( Joshua 15:61). Lost.

Sechenias 1. 2 (1 Esdras 8:29). 2. (1 Esdras 8:32).

Sechu (eminent), ( 1 Samuel 19:22). Famous for a great well or cistern. Supposed to be Bir Neballa near Neby Samwit. Five miles north of Jerusalem.

Secundus (second). A disciple who went with Paul in some of his journeys ( Acts 20:4).

Sedecias 1. Father of Maaseiah (Baruch 1:1), apparently identified with the false prophet in Jeremiah 29:21,22. 2. Zedekiah, king of Judah (Baruch 1:8) Seed Often used figuratively in Scripture ( Daniel 9:1). The Mosaic Law would not permit a field to be sown with mingled seed of several kinds ( Leviticus 19:19). The precious seed is often committed to the ground with many fears, but the harvest is a season of joy ( <19C605> Psalm 126:5,6). Seed-time .

Seer One who sees into the future. .

Seethe To boil ( Exodus 16:23). To prepare food in hot liquor.

Segub (“elevated”). 1. Youngest son of Hiel ( 1 Kings 16:34). 2. Son of Hezron ( 1 Chronicles 21:22).

Seir (“rugged”) 1. ( Genesis 14:6), and ( Genesis 32:3; 36:30). The mountain and district on the east side of the Arabah, from Akabah to the Dead Sea ( Deuteronomy 2:1,8). Seir, the Horite, inhabited the land ( Deuteronomy 2:20). Called (mountain) by Josephus; and the northern section, from Petra, is still called by the Arabs. Its north border was probably Mount Halak (naked), a range of white cliffs which run across the Arabah eight miles south of the Dead Sea ( Joshua 11:17). Esau drove out the Horites who dwelt in rock-hewn dwellings ( Deuteronomy 2:12), probably such as are seen now in Petra, and changed its name to . Ezekiel prophesied the desolation of Mount Seir, which seems to have been fulfilled in the present condition of the country (Ezekiel 35). 2. ( Joshua 15:10). In Judah, between Kirjath-Jearim and Beth Shemesh. The village ofSARIS, on the ridge between Wady Aly and Wady Ghurab, is probably near the ancient site, which is rugged enough to bear the name.

Seirath ( Judges 3:26). In Mount Ephraim, where Ehud gathered the army with which he destroyed the Moabites who were with Eglon, the fat king, whom he killed in his tent. Lost.

Sela (the rock). Petra. , .

Sela-ham-mahlekoth (“the cliff of divisions”) In the wilderness of Maon. Where David escaped from Saul ( 1 Samuel 23:28). Lost. Selah This word occurs 72 times in the Psalms, and 3 times in Habbakuk, and has given much trouble to translators; but it is now thought to mean a musical pause; when the choir rested, while the instruments played an interlude.

Seled (“exultation”) Son of Nadab ( 1 Chronicles 2:30).

Selemia An assistant of Ezra (2 Esdras 14:24).

Selamias (1 Esdras 9:34).

Seleucia The seaport of Antioch in Syria. On the sea, near the mouth of the river Orontes. Paul (and Barnabas) sailed from here on his first journey ( Acts 13:4), and probably landed there on his return ( Acts 14:26). Named after the first Seleucus, who built the fort and made the harbor, and was buried here, B.C. 175. It was a free city in Paul’s time (Pliny, v. 18). The remains of the ancient works are still sound, and in use, especially the two piers of the harbor called Paul and Barnabas.

Seleucus IV, Philopator (“loving his father”) King of (2 Macc. 3:3), son and successor of . After his father’s death he ascended the throne. He was murdered after a reign of twelve years, B.C. 175, by ( Daniel 11:20). His son gained the crown in 162 B.C. (1 Macc. 7:1; 2 Macc. 14:1).

Sem the patriarch ( Luke 3:36).

Semachiah (“Jah sustains”) Son of 9 ( 1 Chronicles 26:7).

Semei 1. 14 (1 Esdras 9:32). 2. 16 (Esth. 11:2). 3. Father of Mattathias, in the genealogy of Jesus ( Luke 3:26).

Semellius (1 Esdras 2:16,17,25,30).

Semis 13 (1 Esdras 9:23).

Semitic , , .

Senaah (“thorny”) The “children of Senaah” were among the “people of Israel” who returned from captivity ( Ezra 2:35; Nehemiah 7:38). Senate (Greek: gerousia, the elders) ( Acts 5:21). .

Seneh (“thorn”) ( 1 Samuel 14:4). The south rock at the pass of Michmash, memorable in connection with the adventure of Jonathan and his armor-bearer.

Senir (“a coat of mail”) The Amorite name of ( 1 Chronicles 5:23; Ezekiel 27:5; Deuteronomy 3:9); should be written without the “h,” and also in Song of Solomon 4:8.

Sennacherib (Hebrew: TSIN-AKKI-IRIB “the moon increases, brothers”). King of Assyria. He mounted the throne B.C. 702. In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah he attacked the fenced cities of Judah, and took them ( Kings 18:13-16) after having successfully made various war expeditions. He attacked Babylon B.C. 699 and then made a second invasion into Palestine Hezekiah had sought the protection of Egypt, upon which Sennacherib marched into Egypt and sent proposals to Hezekiah ( Kings 9:7). Hezekiah not submitting, caused the king of Assyria to send him a threatening written message. While Sennacherib I was awaiting the result his camp received a divine visitation, by which, in one night, one hundred and eighty-five thousand of his men were destroyed ( 2 Kings 18:13), at which the king fled to his capital. He reigned for twenty-two years. He appears to have been the first king who fixed the seat of government permanently at Nineveh, which he adorned. Of his closing life we read in 2 Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38. The monuments, palaces, etc., at Koyunjik, and Khorsabad, record his exploits, and refer to the Hebrew nation as fallen from its proud station in the time of David and Solomon. The vessels drawn on the walls as trophies are of fine design, and it seems probable that hey were from the Temple. The bas-relief on the rocks at Nahvel Kelb (Dog River), north of Beirut, shows the king in the midst of six other kings, with a long inscription, in wedge-shaped characters, recording his exploits in Syria and Phoenicia. There are, also, inscriptions in Persian, Greek, Latin, and Arabic. On the monuments the amount of the tribute ( 2 Kings 18:13-16), is stated differently from the amount in Kings; giving 800 talents of silver for the 300 talents in Kings. The probability is, that 800 talents was the value of the whole tribute, including the gold. There is in the British Musuem a clay impression from this king’s seal. His attack on Lachish (see ) is, also, recorded in pictures and inscriptions. Isaiah 3, Isaiah 4, and Isaiah 5 Isaiah, are most wonderfully fulfilled on the Assyrian monuments; where Jews appear as doing the work of horses, drawing the king’s chariot, or carts and boats, loaded with sculptures. See the .

Senuah (properly HASSENUAH, “bristling”). Father of Judah ( Nehemiah 11:9), who was over the second city.

Seorim (“barley”). Chief of the fourth course of priests in David’s time ( 1 Chronicles 14:8).

Sephar ( Genesis 10:30). A mount in the East. Now calledZAFAR an ancient seaport town in Yemen, in the province of Hadramawt (Hazar-maveth), Arabia, between Oman and Mirbat, on the shore of the Indian Ocean, at the foot of a lofty mountain. Frankincense is only found on the mountain of Zafar. It was the capital of the Himyerite kings. There was a Christian church there in A.D. Sepharad ( Obadiah 1:20). Where the Jews of Jerusalem were held captive, Most probablyIONIA is meant.

Sepharvaim ( 2 Kings 19:13; Isaiah 37:13; 2 Kings 17:24). A city of Assyria, from which people were brought to repeople Samaria. NowSIPPARA on the Euphrates, above Babylon (Ptol. v. 18). A tradition affirms that Noah buried near this city the records of the antediluvian world. It was a great seat of learning. The sun was the chief object of worship, and they burned their children in the fire to Adramelech and Anamelech, the male and female powers of the sun ( 2 Kings 17:31), which pagan worship they carried with them to