![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() Bad Advertisement? News & Reviews: Are you a Christian? Online Store: |
CPREVIOUS CHAPTER - NEXT CHAPTER - HELP
Cab Cabul (“little” ) 1. Asher ( Joshua 19:27; Josephus, vi. section 43,45). Modern site, miles East of Acre. 2. Region in Galilee given by king Solomon to Hiram, king of Tyre, which “pleased him not” ( 1 Kings 9:12,13; Josephus, Antiquities viii. 5, section 3). Caddis Oldest brother of Judas Maccabaeus (1 Macc. 2:2). Caesarea On the shore of the Great Sea, Northwest of Jerusalem 70 miles, and North of Joppa, on the ancient road from Tyre to Egypt (Jos. Wars, i. 21, section 5). The political capital of Palestine, and a very important city in the time of the apostles ( Acts 8:40; 9:30; 10:1. 24; 11:11; 12:19; 18:22; 21:8,16; 23:23,33; 25:1,4,6,13). In Strabo’s time there was at this place Strato’s Tower, and a landing-place; and Herod the Great, at immense cost, built an artificial breakwater and founded a city, B.C. 22. The seawall was built of very large blocks of stone,50 feet long, and extended into water of 120 feet depth, enclosing several acres, on which a large fleet could safely ride (Josephus, Antiquities xv. 9). Named, in honor of Augustus, Caesarea Sebaste (Josephus, Antiquities xvi. 5,1). Sometimes called C. Palestina, and C. Stratonis. Called Sebastos on coins. The residence of Philip, one of the 7 deacons of the early church, and the home of the historian Eusebius; the scene of some of Origen’s labors and the birthplace of Procopius. Was noted in the time of the Crusades. Is now utterly desolate. It was at Caesarea that Origen (A.D. 185-201), a man of great natural ability, collated the text of the Septuagint, Hebrew and other Greek versions, making a page of six columns, each version in its proper column, thus forming what was called the Hexapla — Six-ply version of the Scriptures, which is the most important contribution to Biblical literature in ancient times. Of some books he gave eight versions. Caesarea Philippi Caiaphas (“rock” or “depression” ) Joseph Caiaphas, high priest of the Jews, under Tiberius at the crucifixion — appointed by Valerius Gratus, A.D. 25, holding it until removed by Marcellus, A.D. 37. His long term indicates unusual power and fitness. Son-in-law of Annas. He pronounced judgment that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy ( Matthew 26:57-66), and uttered a prophesy of Jesus without being conscious of it. Cain (“acquisition” ) 1. The firstborn of the Adamic race. Son of Adam and Eve ( Genesis 4:1). Eve said, “I have got a man, by the help of Jehovah.” It is supposed that he worked in the field, and that his brother Abel kept the flocks. After the murder of Abel (through envy and jealousy) he went into the land of Nod (“wandering land”); saw a sign from heaven, and was assured that no attempt would be permitted against his life; he married Save, and built the city of Enoch. Society was thoroughly organized in his time, and we find such names as Zillah (“shadow”), Naamah (“pleasant”), and Adah (“oramental”); and Jabal living in tents; Jubal making musical instruments; Tubal Cain in the shop of the smith; Lamech composing poetry; while history and genealogy were carefully preserved. 2. Calah (“old age” ) One of the most ancient cities of Assyria, built by Asshur ( Genesis 10:11). Calcol (“sustenance” ) Son or descendant of Zerah ( 1 Chronicles 2:6). Caldron A pot or kettle ( 2 Chronicles 35:13). Caleb (“dog” ) 1. The only one besides Joshua, of all those who left Egypt, who was permitted to enter Canaan. Son of Jephunneh, the Kenezite ( Joshua 14:14). not a Hebrew, but so adopted, and the city of Hebron was given to him as his portion. 2. Son of Hezron — Pharez — Judah — and father of Hur; his wives were Azubah, Jerioth and Ephrath, Ephah and Maachah. 3. Son of Hut. 4. Calne (“fort of Ann” ), Calno, Calnah, Canneh, Assyria, on the East bank of the Tigris, opposite Seleucia ( Genesis 10:10), Ctesiphon, 200 miles below Nineveh, below Bagdad, 6 miles north of Babel. Tauk Kesra is its present name, and the ruins are very interesting. Calisthenes Burnt by the Jews (2 Macc. 8:33). Calphi Father of Judas (1 Macc. 11:70). Calvary (“a bare skull” ) Camel’s milk is a luxury much esteemed in the East. The swiftness of the dromedary (swift-camel) is proverbial, 900 miles in 8 days having been done. Camon (“full of grain” ) Canaanite ( 1 ) Simeon the Zealot (Canaanite — from the Syriac kannean, of which the Greek is zelotes ). Canaanite ( 2 ) 1. Dwellers in the land — lowland — as lower than Gilead. And again, dwellers in the lower lands of the plains by the sea; and in the Jordan River valley ( Numbers 13:29; Genesis 10:18-20). 2. Any people in the land not Hebrew ( Genesis 12:6; Numbers 21:3). Candace (Greek: kandake ). Title of the queens of Meroe, whose capital was Napata. A prime minister from this court was converted by Philip, on his way back from Jerusalem to Ethiopia ( Acts 8:27). Queens of this country were sculptured on the ancient monuments, mentioned by Herodotus (Nitocris, ii. 100), Pliny (vi. 35), Strabo (xvii. 820), Dio Cassius (liv. 5), and Eusebius. Candle Candlestick Cane (“reed, grass” ) A sweet-scented vernal grass, much valued for its perfume ( Isaiah 43:24; calamus (reed) in Song of Solomon 4:14. There is no notice of the sugar-cane. Cankerworm Canon (“rule” ) The authoritative standard of religion and morals, composed only of divinely inspired writings, which have been added from the time of Moses to that of John. In making the selection of the books, the four conditions were kept in view: 1. Divine authority; 2. Entire and incorrupt work as made by the writer; 3. The whole complete as a rule, and guide; and 4. Therefore needing no further addition. The Holy Bible is then the only and supreme standard of religious truth and duty. The evidences are: The decision of the Church in council; the concurrent testimony of ancient Jewish and Christian writers; and the internal evidence of the books themselves. Inquiring, we wish to know: 1. Were the books written by their reputed authors? 2. Were the writers believed to be divinely inspired by their contemporaties? and 3. Have the books been kept as they were written, unchanged? In Exodus and the earlier books of the Old Testament, the term used for the Sacred Writings is “The Law”, or the “Book of the Covenant” ( Exodus 24:7). After the return from the captivity (about 400 B.C.) they are called recitations, or the words read or recited ( Nehemiah 8:8). They were also called “The Books” in Ecclesiasticus. Josephus, Philo, and the writers of the New Testament call them “Sacred Writings”, “Sacred Letters”, and “Scriptures” ( Matthew 21:42, 22:29; John 5:39; Acts 8:32,35; Romans 16:26; 2 Peter 1:20), and Paul, twice, “Holy Scriptures” ( Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15). After the New Testament was written, Jerome (A.D. 400) called them the Sacred Books (following 2 Macc. 2:13), the name “Bible” being first applied by Chrysostom A.D. 400, adding the title “Divine,” or, as we now write it, “Holy Bible.” The word Bible is Greek, and means “book.” The sacred book of Mohammed is called Koran — “the book” (i e., the thing to be read). The word “Scriptures” is Latin, and means writings. The Bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments ( 2 Corinthians 3:14), and according to the Canon (kanon , Greek, rule, meaning “The Catalogue of the Sacred Books”), consisting of 39 books in the Old and 27 in the New Testament. The Roman church adds 10 other books (or parts). The Old Testament collection was completed by Ezra, having been begun by the ancient patriarchs, continued by Moses ( Deuteronomy 31:9), by Joshua ( Joshua 24:26), by Samuel ( 1 Samuel 10:25), by David, Solomon, and others; and his arrangement has been preserved up to the present time. It was divided into three classes of writings: the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nebiim), and the Psalms (Kethubim), ( Luke 24:4). Josephus names the same divisions (contra Apion i. 8). The first canon on record is that of Laodicea in Phrygia, A.D. 365, which-fixed the names and order and number of the books very much as we find them now. The Council of Hippo in 393, of Carthage in 419, in which Augustine (Bishop of Hippo), had great influence, held (A.D. 397) that the entire canon of Scripture is comprised in these books Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 small book of Ruth, * * the 4 books of the Kingdoms, and 2 of the Remains. These are the historical books: Job, Tobit, Esther, Judith,2 books of Maccabees, and 2 books of Ezra. Next are the prophets; 1 book of the Psalms of David,3 of Solomon — viz., Proverbs Canticles, and Ecclesiastes. The 2 books Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus are called Solomon’s only because they resemble his writings, and they were written by Jesus, the son of Sirach, which are to be reckoned among the prophetic books. The rest are the prophets,12 of them being reckoned together as one book; and after these the four prophets of large volumes — Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel. The New Testament was the same as now received. Apocrypal books of the New Testament age. Canopy Curtain over a bed (Judith 10:21). Canticles Song of Solomon. Capernaum (“village of Nahum” ) On the Northwest shore of the Lake of Galilee. The scene of many of the works of Christ. Not mentioned in the Old Testament or the Apocrypha. Site now located at Tell Hum, where there are ruins of a magnificent synagogue, with beautiful specimens of columns, some of which are double; cornices and massive walls; and a great extent of ruins, half a mile long by a quarter wide. The home of Jesus after leaving Nazareth on being rejected ( Mark 2:1). Here Matthew was chosen ( Matthew 9:10). Simon, Peter and Andrew belonged here ( Mark 1:29). (For the miracles wrought here, see Caphar A village ( 1 Chronicles 27:25). Caphar-sal-ama A place where a battle was fought between Judas and Nicanor (1 Macc. 7:31). Caphenatha A place on the East of Jerusalem (1 Macc. 12:37). Caphtor Cappadocia Asia Minor ( Acts 2:9; 1 Peter 1:1; Josephus, Antiquities xii, 3, sec. 4). The road from Palestine passed through the famous Cilician Gates, which led through Mount Taurus. It is an elevated table-land divided by chains of mountains, well watered but scantily wooded. Mazaca, afterward called Caesarea, was the Roman capital, and at the base of Mount Argaeus, the highest in Asia Minor. The people were mixed, Scythian and Persian. Captain Some times a civil and at others a military chief is meant. The Lord is called the captain of his people’s salvation ( Hebrews 2:10). Captivity The Hebrews reckon four captivities: Babylonian, Median, Grecian and Roman. The expatriation of the people belongs to two periods only — the first and second captivity. In the first — the Babylonian — the best of the nation were carried to Assyria. They were not slaves, but were free under their own civil laws (they would not obey the divine law of ceremonies away from the temple, and it is thought that the custom of building synagogues in every city arose during the captivity), and were ruled by their own elders ( Ezekiel 14:1; 20:1), and held slaves themselves (Tobit 8:18); while some filled high offices at the court, as Mordecai and Daniel. This event occupied, from beginning to end, 150 years, ending B.C. 588. Judah was carried away captive by Nebuchadnezzar about a hundred years after the first deportation of Israel (Jeremiah 52). The decree of Cyrus granting the return of the Jews, was dated B.C. 536. A part of the people, under Zerubbabel, returned B.C. 535; and more under Ezra B.C. 458; and of others, under Nehemiah, B.C. 445. The return thus extending over a period of 145 years. (See Nehemiah, Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah). The number of those who remained in Assyria was about six times those who returned to Jerusalem, and they were known in the time of Christ as the Carbuncle ( Isaiah 54:12 ). Carcass One of the seven princes of Ahasuerus ( Esther 1:10). Carchemish (“fort of Chemosh” ) Assyria ( Isaiah 10:9). By Euphrates ( Jeremiah 46:2; 2 Chronicles 25:20). Assyrian inscriptions discovered in modern times show it to have been a chief city of the Hittites, from B.C. 1100 to B.C. 850, who were masters of Syria. Taken by Pharaoh Necho, B.C. 608, and 3 years after by Nebuchadnezzar. Caria Southwest in Asia Minor. Carmanians People of Carmania, north of the Persian Gulf (2 Esdras 15:30). Careah Father of Johanan ( 2 Kings 25:23). Carmel (“park — fruitful field” ) A mountain range branching off to the northwest from the mountains of Samaria,15 miles long, 2 to 4 wide, and 600 to 1,800 feet high, ending in a steep cape far out into the Great Sea, dividing the plain of Acre from Sharon ( Joshua 12:22, 19:26; Jeremiah 46:18). The plain of Esdraelon lies east, and the river Kishon washes its north side. No part of Palestine equals it in picturesque beauty and variety of scenery, the luxuriance of its herbage, and the brilliance and variety, and abundance of its flowers ( Isaiah 35:2; Song of Solomon 7:5). There are many deep ravines, which abound in partridges, quails, woodcock, hares, jackals, wolves, hyenas, and wild-boars; and it is said, anciently also lions and bears. There are many caves in the vicinity of the convent, which were once occupied by hermits; and one of these is said to be the one referred to in 1 Kings 18:4; and also see Amos 9:3. The chief incident in its history is Elijah’s sacrifice, the site of which is now located at el Mukrakah (“the burning — the sacrifice”), on a rock terrace, Tell el Kusis (“hill of the priests”), at the east end; from which was seen the whole of the plain of Esdraelon, the river Kishon, Gilboah with Jezreel at its base, Jezebel’s temple and Ahab’s palace in full view, the sea being hid by the hill to the west, up which the servant could climb in a few minutes and see the sea in its entire expanse ( 1 Kings 18:30; 2 Kings 4:23). Pythagoras visited it, and Vespasian, the emperor, came to consult the oracle of Carmel. Elijah was sitting on the mountain when the “fifties” were sent by Ahaziah to take him prisoner for stopping his messengers to Baal at Ekron, and two bands were consumed by fire from heaven ( 2 Kings 1:9-15). After the ascent of Elijah, Elisha went to reside on Carmel for a time ( 2 Kings 2:25), and was here when the woman from Shunem found him, and told him of her son’s death ( 2 Kings 4:25). Called now Jebel Mar Elias. The convent was built A.D. 1830, over ancient ruins, and is famous for having been founded by Louis of France, and its name given to the Barefoot Carmelite Friars. 2. Judah,6 miles southeast of Hebron. City of Nabal ( 1 Samuel 25:2), and of Abigail, David’s favorite wife ( 1 Samuel 27:3), where Saul set up a “place” after his victory over Amalek ( 1 Samuel 25:12), and Uzziah had vineyards ( 2 Chronicles 26:10). It is mentioned by Jerome and Eusebius as having a Roman garrison; and in the history of the Crusades, A.D. 1172. The heaps of ruins now called Kurmul, lie around the sloping sides of an oval valley, the head of which is shut in by rocky ridges. The castle (Kasr el Birkeh) had walls 10 feet thick of beveled stones,60 feet long, 40 wide, and 30 high. Near it was a round tower, and there are the remains of several churches, one of which was 150 by 50 feet. There is a fine reservoir of sweet water supplied from springs near (Van de Velde). Carmelite Of Carmel in the mountains of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 11:37). Carmelitess Woman of Carmel in Judah ( 1 Samuel 27:3). Carmi (“a vine-dresser” ) 1. Father of Achan ( Joshua 12:1,18). 2. 4th son of Reuben ( Genesis 46:9). Carmites Of Reuben ( Numbers 26:6). Carnaim In the land of Galaad, Gilead. Ashteroth Karnaim. Carpenter Since wood was always too scarce and precious in Palestine for any use besides for doors, windows, etc., and for decorations, the carpenter was probably a carver of such finishing as is now seen in the best rooms of the East. Carpus A disciple at Troas with whom Paul left his cloak ( 2 Timothy 4:13), books and parchments. He is mentioned as bishop of Berytus in Thrace by Hippolytus. Carriage This word means “baggage” in the King James Version. Carshena One of the seven princes ( Esther 1:14). Cart Wagon. Were open or covered ( Numbers 7:3), and used to carry persons and burdens ( Genesis 45:19; 1 Samuel 6:7), or produce ( Amos 2:13). There were no roads, and the only ones now in use have been lately made, from Joppa to Jerusalem, and from Beirut to Damascus. Carving Carving and engraving have always been much used for the decoration of houses, furniture, arms, jewelry, etc. The occupation of Joseph was that of a carver and not a carpenter, as wood has always been too scarce and expensive to use in the framework of houses. Casiphia Place between Babylon and Jerusalem ( Ezra 8:17). Casleu (1 Macc. 1:54 ). Casluhim Mizraite people ( Genesis 10:14). In Upper Egypt. Bochart thinks they were the Colchians of the Greeks. Casphon (1 Macc. 5:36 ). Casphor Fortified city in the land of Galaad (1 Macc. 5:26). The Jews took refuge there from the Ammonites. Caspis A strong, fortified city. Was taken by Judas Maccabaeus (2 Macc. 12:13,16). Cassia One of the principal spices in the composition of the “oil of holy ointment” ( Exodus 30:25); a choice perfume. Also, an article among the precious merchandise of Tyre ( Ezekiel 27:19). Castor and Pollux (sons of Jupiter ), ( Acts 28:11 ). Name of the vessel in which Paul sailed from Malta to Rome; derived from the name of the two stars called “the twins,” the fabled sons of Jupiter and Leda. Cats (Baruch 6:22 ). The cat was a favorite of the Egyptians, and is found embalmed among their mummies. Caterpillar Caul A head-dress, made in checker-work; long, like a scarf; worn by women for ornament. Cause-way Raised path ( 1 Chronicles 26:16,18). Cave Mentioned in the early history as often useful to men. There are a great number in the limestone region of Palestine and Syria, many of which have been cut out larger for shelter or defense. Several Hebrew words are used to denote caves, holes and fissures, and many places were named from noted caves, and some people, as the Horites (caveites), were so named from their dwellings. The great cave near Aleppo will hold 3000 horsesoldiers. Maundrell described a large system of caves, containing rooms, near Sidon. Lot is the first who is recorded as living in a cave. The cave of Machpelah is the first mentioned as a burial-place. Other noted caves were Makkedah (five kings taken in by Joshua); Adullam (where David cut Saul’s skirt off); and in Josephus, the famous robber-caves of Arbela, near Gennesaret. Cedar (Hebrew: erez; Arabic: [^arz, “the latch” ) There are eleven groves of cedars on the Lebanon mountains, which have been visited by travelers recently. One, near the highest peak, 6,000 feet above the sea, Northeast of Beirut, and long famous for its 400 ancient trees of immense size, standing near the summits, which are covered with perpetual snow; the second, near Deir El Kamr. The six largest of this northern group measured, in 1868, 48, 40, 38, 33 1/2, 30, 29 3/4 feet; and a third, near Ain Zehalteh, on the Beirut-Damascus stage road, lately found. Dr. Robert Morris recently brought several camel loads of cones from these trees for distribution among Sunday School students. The references to cedar-wood in the Scripture do not always mean the cedar of Lebanon — as, for instance, when at Sinai ( Leviticus 12:6). The word Ceilan (1 Esdras 5:15 ). Cenchreae Harbor of Corinth, on the Saronic Gulf, east, whence Paul sailed for Ephesus ( Acts 18:18). There was a church here, of which Cendebeus correctly Ceras (1 Esdras 5:29 ). Chabris Son of Gothoniel (Judith 6:15; 8:10; 10:6). Chadias (1 Esdras 5:20 ). Chalce-do-ny Chalk ( Isaiah 27:9 ). Limestone. Chaldaea Chameleon (Hebrew: ko-ach, “strength” ) There are two lizards, each of which has been proposed as the animal meant. Lizards are very plentiful in Palestine and Egypt. 1. The chameleon is noted for its strong grasp, by which it sustains its position for a long time on twigs and branches. The normal color is black or slaty, but can be changed in an instant to many other tones, as green, yellow, spotted, which changes seem to be independent of the will of the animaL 2. The Nile Monitor is sometimes called the land crocodile, being about feet in length. It eats the eggs and young of the crocodile. Chamois A specie of wild goat found in Arabia ( Deuteronomy 14:5). Champaign (“a plain” ) ( Deuteronomy 11:30 ). Chanaan ( Judges 5:39,10 ). Chanaanite ( Judges 5:16 ). Chancellor ( Ezra 4:8,9,17 ). Chanel-bone ( Job 26:22 ). The bone of the arm above the elbow. Changers ( Judges 2:15 ). Channuneus Chanoch Chapel (a holy place, sanctuary ). Idol’s temple (1 Macc. 1:47). Bethel was crowded with altars ( Amos 3:14). Chapiter The upper part of a pillar ( Exodus 38:17). Chapmen Traders ( 2 Chronicles 9:14). Foot-peddlers, Charaathalar (1 Esdras 5:36 ). Characa A place east of Jordan River (2 Macc. 12:17). Lost. Chara-shim, The Valley of A place settled by Joab 2 ( 1 Chronicles 4:14), and reinbabited by Benjamites after the captivity ( Nehemiah 11:35). Charchamis (1 Esdras 1:25 ). Charchemis ( 2 Chronicles 35:20 ). Charcus (1 Esdras 5:32 ). Charran Chavah ( Genesis 3:20 ). Eve. Chebar (“great river” ) Chaldea ( Ezekiel 1:3 ). Some of the Jews were located here during the captivity ( Ezekiel 1:1,3, 3:15; 2 Kings 24:15). Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14 ). King of Elam, perhaps a part of Persia and Media. His marauding excursion, aided by four other kings, was brought to an abrupt and disastrous end by Abraham. Cheese There is no Hebrew word for cheese. The three words translated cheese are: 1. Hebrew: gebinah , curdled milk ( Job 10:10); 2. charitse hechalab , slices of curds ( 1 Samuel 17:18); 3. shephoth bakar , curd rubbed fine — of kine ( 2 Samuel 17:29). Cheese now in use in the East is in small round cakes (4 inches), white, very salt, and hard. The Bedouins coagulate buttermilk, dry it, and grind to powder. Chellal Son of Pahath-moab ( Ezra 10:30). Chelcias 1. Of Baruch (Baruch 1:1). 2. High Priest (Baruch 1:7) 3. Father of Susanna (Susanna 2:29,63). Chellians ( Judges 2:23 ). Chellus Place west of the Jordan River ( Judges 1:9). Chelod (corrupted text in Judges 1:6 ). Chelub (“basket” ) 1. Father of Mehir, of Judah ( 1 Chronicles 4:11). 2. Father of Ezri, David’s officer ( 1 Chronicles 27:26). Che-lubai Caleb, son of Hezron ( 1 Chronicles 2:9) Chemarim (idol-priests ). An ascetic; one who goes about dressed in black ( Zephaniah 1:4). Idolatrous priests in 2 Kings 23:5. Priests of false worship ( Hosea 10:5). Chemosh (“subduer” ) The national god of the Moabites ( 1 Kings 11:7; Jeremiah 48:7), who were called the people of Chemosh ( Numbers 21:29). Also of the Ammonites, though Moloch was afterward their god (Jeremiah 49). Moloch and Chemosh may mean the same god, who might have been also called Baal Peor. Traces of the same worship are found at Babylon, Tyre, and it was introduced among the Hebrews by Solomon, who built a high place on the Mount of Offense, so named for that act. The Arabs worshiped a black stone as his emblem — as a black stone in the Kaaba at Mecca is an emblem now worshiped by all Muslims. This idol represented some of the planets: perhaps Saturn. Chenaan ( Genesis 9:18 ). Chenani A Levite ( Nehemiah 9:4). Chenaniah Chief of the Levites ( 1 Chronicles 15:22,27). Chephar-Haammonai (village of the Ammonites ); a city of Benjamin ( Joshua 18:24). Chephirah (“the village” ) Benjamin (Joshua 9: 17). East of Yalo, two miles. Kefir (Rob., iii. 146). The Gibsonites of this place (and also Kirjath Jearim and Beeroth) played the trick on Joshua mentioned in Joshua 9:3, which led him to make a treaty with them. Cheran Son of Dishon ( Genesis 36:26). Chereas Brothers of Timotheus; governor of Gazara where he was slain by the Jews (2 Macc. 10:32,37). Cherethim Cherethims; plural of Cherethites ( Ezekiel 25:16). Cherethites and Pelethites Body-guard of David. No other king had one, that is recorded, but they had runners. Their captain was Benaiah the son of Jehoiadah ( 2 Samuel 8:18). Under Solomon, Benaiah was made general instead of Joab. The names are of Philistine origin, and the men may have been partly of Philistine and partly of Hebrew (refugee) origin, attached to David in his adversity, and rewarded by him in his prosperity. Cherith The brook Cherith, in a valley now called Kelt, running by Jericho to the Jordan River ( 1 Kings 17:3,5; Josephus, Antiquities viii. 13, section 2). Some have supposed that it must be looked for on the east of the Jordan River. Cherub (“mystic figure on the ark” ) Cherubim, plural. A keeper, warder or guard of the Deity. Josephus said no one in his day could even conjecture the shape of the cherubim that Solomon made for the Holy of Holies (Antiquities viii. 3, 3). They were of wood, gilded, and 15 feet high ( 1 Kings 6:23). Ezekiel describes them as having each four faces and four wings; but he gives only two faces (or it may be but one) to those in the temple on the walls. The cherubim of Revelation 4:7,8, are living creatures, with one body, four faces full of eyes, and six wings. The fourfold combination was of man, lion, ox, and eagle. Monstrous combinations of this kind are figured and sculptured both in Assyria and Egypt. These combined forms are symbolical of united powers; the lion of strength, royal majesty; the ox of patient industry; wings of swiftness, quickness, and the human head the intelligence to guide all these for one purpose; and thus showing that the divine government is sustained by intelligence, power, patience, and speed. They were servants of God, and they were ministers of vengeance ( Ezekiel 10:7; Revelation 15:7), and attendants of the heavenly king, praising and extolling the wonders of his grace ( Revelation 5:11), and thus always nearest to God, “in the midst of the throne” ( Revelation 4:4-6), while others as angels and elders were round about the throne. They are especially called living creatures (Ezekiel and John), and so full of eyes, the peculiar sign of life. The cherubim were designed as symbols of faith and hope to man, pointing to the possibility of man attaining to the highest and holiest places. ( Chesalon (“flank” ) Judah ( Joshua 15:10). Now Kesla, 7 miles west of Jerusalem. Chesed (increase ). Son of Nahor ( Genesis 20:22 ). Chesil Simeon ( Joshua 15:30). Near the desert, south. Chest (Hebrew: aron and genazim ). Meaning Ark of the Covenant, Joseph’s coffin, and the contribution box in the temple. Treasuries in Esther 3:9. Chestnut tree In the King James Version ( Genesis 30:37; Ezekiel 31:8) the translation of the Hebrew: aron the plane tree. In Ecclus 24:14, wisdom is a plane tree by the water. Chesulloth (“loins” ) Issa. Between Jezreel and Shunem ( Joshua 19:18). Iksal? Chisloth Tabor? Chettim Chezib (“false” ) Birthplace of Shelah ( Genesis 38:5). Chilion (“sickly” ) Son of Elimelech. An Ephrathite ( Ruth 1:2-5; 4:9). Chilmad On the Euphrates; mentioned by Xenophon (Anabasis i. 5, 10). Had traffic with Tyre ( Ezekiel 27:23). Chilham (longing ). Son of Barzillai — returned with David ( Samuel 19:37,38,40; Jeremiah 41:17 ). Chios Island in the Aegean Sea,5 miles from the shore of Asia Minor, 32 miles long, 8 to 18 miles wide (Acts 20—21). Chislon (confidence — hope ). Father of Elidad, the prince of Benjamin ( Numbers 34:21). Chisloth-Tabor (“loins — flanks” ) West end of Mount Tabor ( Joshua 19:12). Iksal? Chittim, Kittim (“maritime” ) Josephus says it was Cyprus. Mentioned many times ( Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7; Numbers 24:24). Fleets from Tyre sailed there ( Isaiah 23:1,12; Jeremiah 2:10). Cedar or box-wood was got there ( Ezekiel 27:6). Some suppose the name means all the islands settled by the Phoenicians, as Crete, the Cyclades, etc. Chloe (verdant — short ). A disciple mentioned by Paul ( Corinthians 1:11 ). Choba Ephraim ( Judges 4:4). Chorashan (“smoking furnace” ) Visited or haunted by David ( 1 Samuel 30:30). May be the Chozeba Chronology The chronology of the Bible is that of the Jews and their ancestors, from the earliest records to the end of the writing of the New Testament. Since the Bible is not a complete history of the whole time it represents, nor of the whole world, it must not be expected to have a continuous chronology. Designed alterations by bad men and careless copying have changed many points, and have made it necessary to exercise the greatest care in determining and correcting the errors. The Jews were not a mathematical people, or scientific in any respect, and computed the year by observation only. The Egyptians and Chaldees were far in advance of the Hebrews in science, and attained to a high standard of mathematical knowledge and chronological computation. The observation of the moon was the basis of the year’s reckoning. Messengers were stationed on the heights around Jerusalem, on the 30th day of the month, to announce the appearance of the new moon, who reported to the Sanhedrin. This custom, among the Jews, was older than Moses, as appears in the regulation of it in Numbers 28:11. The year was made of twelve moons; and every fourth or fifth year a month was added at the end of the year, after the month Adar, called Veadar, Second Adar. The sacred year began with the month Nisan, in which Moses brought Israel out of Egypt ( Exodus 12:2; Esther 3:7). The civil year began as now, with the month Tishri, which was supposed to be the month of the creation. The year was also dated from the king’s reign, as in Esther, Chronicles, Kings, etc.; from the building of King Solomon’s temple; and from the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. The week was of seven days, ending with the Sabbath. The Egyptians and Greeks divided the month into periods of ten days, called decades. The day was divided into night and day: thus, in Genesis 1:5, “the evening and the morning were the first day.” The evening began at sunset, the morning at sunrise. There were four divisions of the day in common use — evening, morning, double light (noon), and half night (midnight). The night was divided into watches, the first and the second. A middle watch is mentioned once in Judges 7:19; and the morning watch in Exodus 14:24, and 1 Samuel 11:11. Four night-watches were adopted from the Romans in later times ( Mark 8:35). The day and the night were divided into 12 hours each ( Daniel 4:19,33). The Egyptians divided the day and night into hours from about 1200 B.C. The division into 24 hours was unknown before the fourth century B.C. The most common usage was to divide the day by the position of the sun, as the Arabs do now. The length of the day was longer in summer than in winter, and the hour longer in proportion. There were many contrivances for measuring time, such as dials, gnomons and clepsydrae, which had long been known by other nations. The day was divided into four parts only for the Temple service ( Acts 2:15; 3:1; 10:9). The Sabbath (a day of rest), at the end of the week, was kept up by the patriarchs, and continued by the law of Moses, as a memorial of the deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5), and was a day of joy and rejoicing. The morning and evening sacrifice in the Temple were doubled, the shewbread changed for fresh, the law was publicly read and expounded; and this custom, simple at first, finally developed into the grand ceremonials of the Synagogue, especially under Ezra, after the return from Babylon. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus, the Christ, occurred on the FIRST day of the week (John 20), and several of his appearances to his friends and disciples happening on that day also, the day of Pentecost in that year fell on that day, when the miraculous gift of tongues prepared the apostles for their peculiar work among all nations; therefore it was adopted as the day for stated meetings of the believers, and called the Lord’s day. The seventh day, the seventh month, the seventh year, and the |