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Ishbi-benob - my seat
at Nob, one of the Rephaim, whose spear was three hundred shekels in
weight. He was slain by Abishai (2 Sam. 21:16, 17).
Ish-bosheth -
man of shame or humiliation, the youngest of Saul's four sons, and
the only one who survived him (2 Sam. 2-4). His name was originally
Eshbaal (1 Chr. 8:33; 9:39). He was about forty years of age when
his father and three brothers fell at the battle of Gilboa. Through
the influence of Abner, Saul's cousin, he was acknowledged as
successor to the throne of Saul, and ruled over all Israel, except
the tribe of Judah (over whom David was king), for two years, having
Mahanaim, on the east of Jordan, as his capital (2 Sam. 2:9). After
a troubled and uncertain reign he was murdered by his guard, who
stabbed him while he was asleep on his couch at mid-day (2 Sam.
4:5-7); and having cut off his head, presented it to David, who
sternly rebuked them for this cold-blooded murder, and ordered them
to be immediately executed (9-12).
Ishi - my
husband, a symbolical name used in Hos. 2:16 (See
BAALI.)
Ishmael - God
hears. (1.) Abraham's eldest son, by Hagar the concubine (Gen.
16:15; 17:23). He was born at Mamre, when Abraham was eighty-six
years of age, eleven years after his arrival in Canaan (16:3; 21:5).
At the age of thirteen he was circumcised (17:25). He grew up a true
child of the desert, wild and wayward. On the occasion of the
weaning of Isaac his rude and wayward spirit broke out in
expressions of insult and mockery (21:9, 10); and Sarah, discovering
this, said to Abraham, "Expel this slave and her son." Influenced by
a divine admonition, Abraham dismissed Hagar and her son with no
more than a skin of water and some bread. The narrative describing
this act is one of the most beautiful and touching incidents of
patriarchal life (Gen. 21:14-16). (See
HAGAR.)
Ishmael settled in the land of Paran, a
region lying between Canaan and the mountains of Sinai; and "God was
with him, and he became a great archer" (Gen. 21:9-21). He became a
great desert chief, but of his history little is recorded. He was
about ninety years of age when his father Abraham died, in
connection with whose burial he once more for a moment reappears. On
this occasion the two brothers met after being long separated.
"Isaac with his hundreds of household slaves, Ishmael with his
troops of wild retainers and half-savage allies, in all the state of
a Bedouin prince, gathered before the cave of Machpelah, in the
midst of the men of Heth, to pay the last duties to the 'father of
the faithful,' would make a notable subject for an artist" (Gen.
25:9). Of the after events of his life but little is known. He died
at the age of one hundred and thirty-seven years, but where and when
are unknown (25:17). He had twelve sons, who became the founders of
so many Arab tribes or colonies, the Ishmaelites, who spread over
the wide desert spaces of Northern Arabia from the Red Sea to the
Euphrates (Gen. 37:25, 27, 28; 39:1), "their hand against every man,
and every man's hand against them."
(2.) The son of Nethaniah, "of the seed
royal" (Jer. 40:8, 15). He plotted against Gedaliah, and
treacherously put him and others to death. He carried off many
captives, "and departed to go over to the Ammonites."
Ishmaiah - heard by
Jehovah. (1.) A Gibeonite who joined David at Ziklag, "a hero among
the thirty and over the thirty" (1 Chr. 12:4).
(2.) Son of Obadiah, and viceroy of Zebulun
under David and Solomon (1 Chr. 27:19).
Ishmeelites -
(Gen. 37:28; 39:1, A.V.) should be "Ishmaelites," as in the Revised
Version.
Ishtob - man of
Tob, one of the small Syrian kingdoms which together constituted
Aram (2 Sam. 10:6,8).
Island - (Heb.
'i, "dry land," as opposed to water) occurs in its usual
signification (Isa. 42:4, 10, 12, 15, comp. Jer. 47:4), but more
frequently simply denotes a maritime region or sea-coast (Isa. 20:6,
R.V.," coastland;" 23:2, 6; Jer. 2:10; Ezek. 27:6, 7). (See
CHITTIM.) The shores of the Mediterranean are called the
"islands of the sea" (Isa. 11:11), or the "isles of the Gentiles"
(Gen. 10:5), and sometimes simply "isles" (Ps. 72:10); Ezek. 26:15,
18; 27:3, 35; Dan. 11:18).
Israel - the name
conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen.
32:28), because "as a prince he had power with God and prevailed."
(See
JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob's descendants.
The whole people of the twelve tribes are called "Israelites," the
"children of Israel" (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and
the "house of Israel" (Ex. 16:31; 40:38).
This name Israel is sometimes used
emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3; John
1:47; Rom. 9:6; 11:26).
After the death of Saul the ten tribes
arrogated to themselves this name, as if they were the whole nation
(2 Sam. 2:9, 10, 17, 28; 3:10, 17; 19:40-43), and the kings of the
ten tribes were called "kings of Israel," while the kings of the two
tribes were called "kings of Judah."
After the Exile the name Israel was assumed
as designating the entire nation.
Israel, Kingdom of -
(B.C. 975-B.C. 722). Soon after the death of Solomon, Ahijah's
prophecy (1 Kings 11:31-35) was fulfilled, and the kingdom was rent
in twain. Rehoboam, the son and successor of Solomon, was scarcely
seated on his throne when the old jealousies between Judah and the
other tribes broke out anew, and Jeroboam was sent for from Egypt by
the malcontents (12:2,3). Rehoboam insolently refused to lighten the
burdensome taxation and services which his father had imposed on his
subjects (12:4), and the rebellion became complete. Ephraim and all
Israel raised the old cry, "Every man to his tents, O Israel" (2
Sam. 20:1). Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:1-18; 2 Chr. 10),
and Jeroboam was proclaimed king over all Israel at Shechem, Judah
and Benjamin remaining faithful to Solomon's son. War, with varying
success, was carried on between the two kingdoms for about sixty
years, till Jehoshaphat entered into an alliance with the house of
Ahab.
Extent of the kingdom. In the time of Solomon
the area of Palestine, excluding the Phoenician territories on the
shore of the Mediterranean, did not much exceed 13,000 square miles.
The kingdom of Israel comprehended about 9,375 square miles. Shechem
was the first capital of this kingdom (1 Kings 12:25), afterwards
Tirza (14:17). Samaria was subsequently chosen as the capital
(16:24), and continued to be so till the destruction of the kingdom
by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:5). During the siege of Samaria (which
lasted for three years) by the Assyrians, Shalmaneser died and was
succeeded by Sargon, who himself thus records the capture of that
city: "Samaria I looked at, I captured; 27,280 men who dwelt in it I
carried away" (2 Kings 17:6) into Assyria. Thus after a duration of
two hundred and fifty-three years the kingdom of the ten tribes came
to an end. They were scattered throughout the East. (See
CAPTIVITY.)
"Judah held its ground against Assyria for
yet one hundred and twenty-three years, and became the
rallying-point of the dispersed of every tribe, and eventually gave
its name to the whole race. Those of the people who in the last
struggle escaped into the territories of Judah or other neighbouring
countries naturally looked to Judah as the head and home of their
race. And when Judah itself was carried off to Babylon, many of the
exiled Israelites joined them from Assyria, and swelled that immense
population which made Babylonia a second Palestine."
After the deportation of the ten tribes, the
deserted land was colonized by various eastern tribes, whom the king
of Assyria sent thither (Ezra 4:2, 10; 2 Kings 17:24-29). (See
KINGS.)
In contrast with the kingdom of Judah is that
of Israel. (1.) "There was no fixed capital and no religious centre.
(2.) The army was often insubordinate. (3.) The succession was
constantly interrupted, so that out of nineteen kings there were no
less than nine dynasties, each ushered in by a revolution. (4.) The
authorized priests left the kingdom in a body, and the priesthood
established by Jeroboam had no divine sanction and no promise; it
was corrupt at its very source." (Maclean's O. T. Hist.)
Issachar - hired
(Gen. 30:18). "God hath given me," said Leah, "my hire (Heb. sekhari)...and
she called his name Issachar." He was Jacob's ninth son, and was
born in Padan-aram (comp. 28:2). He had four sons at the going down
into Egypt (46:13; Num. 26:23, 25).
Issachar, Tribe of, during the journey
through the wilderness, along with Judah and Zebulun (Num. 2:5),
marched on the east of the tabernacle. This tribe contained 54,400
fighting men when the census was taken at Sinai. After the entrance
into the Promised Land, this tribe was one of the six which stood on
Gerizim during the ceremony of the blessing and cursing (Deut.
27:12). The allotment of Issachar is described in Josh. 19:17-23. It
included the plain of Esdraelon (=Jezreel), which was and still is
the richest portion of Palestine (Deut. 33:18, 19; 1 Chr. 12:40).
The prophetic blessing pronounced by Jacob on
Issachar corresponds with that of Moses (Gen. 49:14, 15; comp. Deut.
33:18, 19).
Italian band -
the name of the Roman cohort to which Cornelius belonged (Acts
10:1), so called probably because it consisted of men recruited in
Italy.
Italy - Acts
18:2; 27:1, 6; Heb. 13:24), like most geographical names, was
differently used at different periods of history. As the power of
Rome advanced, nations were successively conquered and added to it
till it came to designate the whole country to the south of the
Alps. There was constant intercourse between Palestine and Italy in
the time of the Romans.
Ithamar - palm
isle, the fourth and youngest son of Aaron (1 Chr. 6:3). He was
consecrated to the priesthood along with his brothers (Ex. 6:23);
and after the death of Nadab and Abihu, he and Eleazar alone
discharged the functions of that office (Lev. 10:6, 12; Num. 3:4).
He and his family occupied the position of common priest till the
high priesthood passed into his family in the person of Eli (1 Kings
2:27), the reasons for which are not recorded. (See
ZADOK.)
Ithrite - two of
David's warriors so designated (2 Sam. 23:38; 1 Chr. 11:40).
Ittai - near;
timely; or, with the Lord. (1.) A Benjamite, one of David's thirty
heroes (2 Sam. 23:29).
(2.) A native of Gath, a Philistine, who had
apparently the command of the six hundred heroes who formed David's
band during his wanderings (2 Sam. 15:19-22; comp. 1 Sam. 23:13;
27:2; 30:9, 10). He is afterwards with David at Mahanaim, holding in
the army equal rank with Joab and Abishai (2 Sam. 18:2, 5, 12). He
then passes from view.
Ituraea - a
district in the north-east of Palestine, forming, along with the
adjacent territory of Trachonitis, the tetrarchy of Philip (Luke
3:1). The present Jedur comprehends the chief part of Ituraea. It is
bounded on the east by Trachonitis, on the south by Gaulanitis, on
the west by Hermon, and on the north by the plain of Damascus.
Ivah -
overturning, a city of the Assyrians, whence colonists were brought
to Samaria (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13). It lay on the Euphrates, between
Sepharvaim and Henah, and is supposed by some to have been the Ahava
of Ezra (8:15).
Ivory - (Heb.
pl. shenhabbim, the "tusks of elephants") was early used in
decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was carried on
by the Assyrians (Ezek. 27:6; Rev. 18:12). It was used by the
Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their
galleys, and Hiram's skilled workmen made Solomon's throne of ivory
(1 Kings 10:18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isa.
21:13), and from the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (1 Kings
10:22). Many specimens of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian ivory-work
have been preserved. The word habbim is derived from the
Sanscrit ibhas, meaning "elephant," preceded by the Hebrew
article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir, from which it and
the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 were brought, was in
India.
Izhar - oil,
one of the sons of Kohath, and grandson of Levi (Ex. 6:18, 21; Num.
16:1).
Izrahite - the
designation of one of David's officers (1 Chr. 27:8).
Jaakan - he
twists, one of the sons of Ezer, the son of Seir the Horite (1 Chr.
1:42).
Jaakobah -
heel-catcher, a form of the name Jacob, one of the descendants of
Simeon (1 Chr. 4:36).
Jaala - a wild
she-goat, one of the Nethinim, whose descendants returned from the
Captivity (Neh. 7:58).
Jaalam -
concealer, the second of Esau's three sons by Aholibamah (Gen. 36:5,
14).
Jaanai -
mourner, one of the chief Gadites (1 Chr. 5:12).
Jaare-oregim -
forests of the weavers, a Bethlehemite (2 Sam. 21:19), and the
father of Elhanan, who slew Goliath. In 1 Chr. 20:5 called JAIR.
Jaasau -
fabricator, an Israelite who renounced his Gentile wife after the
Return (Ezra 10:37).
Jaasiel - made
by God, one of David's body-guard, the son of Abner (1 Chr. 27:21),
called Jasiel in 1 Chr. 11:47.
Jaaz-aniah -
heard by Jehovah. (1.) The son of Jeremiah, and one of the chief
Rechabites (Jer. 35:3).
(2.) The son of Shaphan (Ezek. 8:11).
(3.) The son of Azur, one of the twenty-five
men seen by Ezekiel (11:1) at the east gate of the temple.
(4.) A Maachathite (2 Kings 25:23; Jer. 40:8;
42:1). He is also called Azariah (Jer. 43:2).
Jaazer - he
(God) helps, a city of the Amorites on the east of Jordan, and
assigned, with neighbouring places in Gilead, to Gad (Num. 32:1, 35;
Josh. 13:25). It was allotted to the Merarite Levites (21:39). In
David's time it was occupied by the Hebronites, i.e., the
descendants of Kohath (1 Chr. 26:31). It is mentioned in the
"burdens" proclaimed over Moab (Isa. 16:8, 9; Jer. 48:32). Its site
is marked by the modern ruin called Sar or Seir, about 10 miles west
of Amman, and 12 from Heshbon. "The vineyards that once covered the
hill-sides are gone; and the wild Bedawin from the eastern desert
make cultivation of any kind impossible."
Jaaziah -
comforted by Jehovah, a descendant of Merari the Levite (1 Chr.
24:26,27).
Jaaziel -
comforted by God, a Levitical musician (1 Chr. 15:18).
Jabal - a
stream, a descendant of Cain, and brother of Jubal; "the father of
such as dwell in tents and have cattle" (Gen. 4:20). This
description indicates that he led a wandering life.
Jabbok - a
pouring out, or a wrestling, one of the streams on the east of
Jordan, into which it falls about midway between the Sea of Galilee
and the Dead Sea, or about 45 miles below the Sea of Galilee. It
rises on the eastern side of the mountains of Gilead, and runs a
course of about 65 miles in a wild and deep ravine. It was the
boundary between the territory of the Ammonites and that of Og, king
of Bashan (Josh. 12:1-5; Num. 21:24); also between the tribe of
Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh (21:24; Deut. 3:16). In its
course westward across the plains it passes more than once
underground. "The scenery along its banks is probably the most
picturesque in Palestine; and the ruins of town and village and
fortress which stud the surrounding mountain-side render the country
as interesting as it is beautiful." This river is now called the
Zerka, or blue river.
Jabesh - dry.
(1.) For Jabesh-Gilead (1 Sam. 11:3,9,10).
(2.) The father of Shallum (2 Kings 15:10,
13, 14), who usurped the throne of Israel on the death of Zachariah.
Jabesh-Gilead -
a town on the east of Jordan, on the top of one of the green hills
of Gilead, within the limits of the half tribe of Manasseh, and in
full view of Beth-shan. It is first mentioned in connection with the
vengeance taken on its inhabitants because they had refused to come
up to Mizpeh to take part with Israel against the tribe of Benjamin
(Judg. 21:8-14). After the battles at Gibeah, that tribe was almost
extinguished, only six hundred men remaining. An expedition went
against Jabesh-Gilead, the whole of whose inhabitants were put to
the sword, except four hundred maidens, whom they brought as
prisoners and sent to "proclaim peace" to the Benjamites who had
fled to the crag Rimmon. These captives were given to them as wives,
that the tribe might be saved from extinction (Judg. 21).
This city was afterwards taken by Nahash,
king of the Ammonites, but was delivered by Saul, the newly-elected
king of Israel. In gratitude for this deliverance, forty years after
this, the men of Jabesh-Gilead took down the bodies of Saul and of
his three sons from the walls of Beth-shan, and after burning them,
buried the bones under a tree near the city (1 Sam. 31:11-13). David
thanked them for this act of piety (2 Sam. 2:4-6), and afterwards
transferred the remains to the royal sepulchre (21:14). It is
identified with the ruins of ed-Deir, about 6 miles south of Pella,
on the north of the Wady Yabis.
Jabez -
affiction. (1.) A descendant of Judah, of whom it is recorded that
"God granted him that which he requested" (1 Chr. 4:9, 10).
(2.) A place inhabited by several families of
the scribes (1 Chr. 2:55).
Jabin -
discerner; the wise. (1.) A king of Hazor, at the time of the
entrance of Israel into Canaan (Josh. 11:1-14), whose overthrow and
that of the northern chief with whom he had entered into a
confederacy against Joshua was the crowning act in the conquest of
the land (11:21-23; comp. 14:6-15). This great battle, fought at
Lake Merom, was the last of Joshua's battles of which we have any
record. Here for the first time the Israelites encountered the iron
chariots and horses of the Canaanites.
(2.) Another king of Hazor, called "the king
of Canaan," who overpowered the Israelites of the north one hundred
and sixty years after Joshua's death, and for twenty years held them
in painful subjection. The whole population were paralyzed with
fear, and gave way to hopeless despondency (Judg. 5:6-11), till
Deborah and Barak aroused the national spirit, and gathering
together ten thousand men, gained a great and decisive victory over
Jabin in the plain of Esdraelon (Judg. 4:10-16; comp. Ps. 83:9).
This was the first great victory Israel had gained since the days of
Joshua. They never needed to fight another battle with the
Canaanites (Judg. 5:31).
Jabneel - built
by God. (1.) A town in the north boundary of Judah (Josh. 15:11),
called afterwards by the Greeks Jamnia, the modern Yebna, 11 miles
south of Jaffa. After the fall of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), it became one
of the most populous cities of Judea, and the seat of a celebrated
school.
(2.) A town on the border of Naphtali (Josh.
19:33). Its later name was Kefr Yemmah, "the village by the sea," on
the south shore of Lake Merom.
Jabneh -
building, (2 Chr. 26:6), identical with Jabneel (Josh. 15:11).
Jachan -
mourner, one of the chief Gadite "brothers" in Bashan (1 Chr. 5:13).
Jachin - firm.
(1.) The fourth son of Simeon (Gen. 46:10), called also Jarib (1 Chr.
4:24).
(2.) The head of one of the courses (the
twenty-first) of priests (1 Chr. 24:17).
(3.) One of the priests who returned from the
Exile (1 Chr. 9:10).
Jachin and Boaz -
the names of two brazen columns set up in Solomon's temple (1
Kings 7:15-22). Each was eighteen cubits high and twelve in
circumference (Jer. 52:21, 23; 1 Kings 7:17-21). They had doubtless
a symbolical import.
Jacinth -
properly a flower of a reddish blue or deep purple (hyacinth), and
hence a precious stone of that colour (Rev. 21:20). It has been
supposed to designate the same stone as the ligure (Heb. leshem)
mentioned in Ex. 28:19 as the first stone of the third row in the
high priest's breast-plate. In Rev. 9:17 the word is simply
descriptive of colour.
Jacob - one who
follows on another's heels; supplanter, (Gen. 25:26; 27:36; Hos.
12:2-4), the second born of the twin sons of Isaac by Rebekah. He
was born probably at Lahai-roi, when his father was fifty-nine and
Abraham one hundred and fifty-nine years old. Like his father, he
was of a quiet and gentle disposition, and when he grew up followed
the life of a shepherd, while his brother Esau became an
enterprising hunter. His dealing with Esau, however, showed much
mean selfishness and cunning (Gen. 25:29-34).
When Isaac was about 160 years of age, Jacob
and his mother conspired to deceive the aged patriarch (Gen. 27),
with the view of procuring the transfer of the birthright to
himself. The birthright secured to him who possessed it (1) superior
rank in his family (Gen. 49:3); (2) a double portion of the paternal
inheritance (Deut. 21:17); (3) the priestly office in the family
(Num. 8:17-19); and (4) the promise of the Seed in which all nations
of the earth were to be blessed (Gen. 22:18).
Soon after his acquisition of his father's
blessing (Gen. 27), Jacob became conscious of his guilt; and afraid
of the anger of Esau, at the suggestion of Rebekah Isaac sent him
away to Haran, 400 miles or more, to find a wife among his cousins,
the family of Laban, the Syrian (28). There he met with Rachel (29).
Laban would not consent to give him his daughter in marriage till he
had served seven years; but to Jacob these years "seemed but a few
days, for the love he had to her." But when the seven years were
expired, Laban craftily deceived Jacob, and gave him his daughter
Leah. Other seven years of service had to be completed probably
before he obtained the beloved Rachel. But "life-long sorrow,
disgrace, and trials, in the retributive providence of God, followed
as a consequence of this double union."
At the close of the fourteen years of
service, Jacob desired to return to his parents, but at the entreaty
of Laban he tarried yet six years with him, tending his flocks
(31:41). He then set out with his family and property "to go to
Isaac his father in the land of Canaan" (Gen. 31). Laban was angry
when he heard that Jacob had set out on his journey, and pursued
after him, overtaking him in seven days. The meeting was of a
painful kind. After much recrimination and reproach directed against
Jacob, Laban is at length pacified, and taking an affectionate
farewell of his daughters, returns to his home in Padanaram. And now
all connection of the Israelites with Mesopotamia is at an end.
Soon after parting with Laban he is met by a
company of angels, as if to greet him on his return and welcome him
back to the Land of Promise (32:1, 2). He called the name of the
place Mahanaim, i.e., "the double camp," probably his own camp and
that of the angels. The vision of angels was the counterpart of that
he had formerly seen at Bethel, when, twenty years before, the
weary, solitary traveller, on his way to Padan-aram, saw the angels
of God ascending and descending on the ladder whose top reached to
heaven (28:12).
He now hears with dismay of the approach of
his brother Esau with a band of 400 men to meet him. In great agony
of mind he prepares for the worst. He feels that he must now depend
only on God, and he betakes himself to him in earnest prayer, and
sends on before him a munificent present to Esau, "a present to my
lord Esau from thy servant Jacob." Jacob's family were then
transported across the Jabbok; but he himself remained behind,
spending the night in communion with God. While thus engaged, there
appeared one in the form of a man who wrestled with him. In this
mysterious contest Jacob prevailed, and as a memorial of it his name
was changed to Israel (wrestler with God); and the place where this
occured he called Peniel, "for", said he, "I have seen God face to
face, and my life is preserved" (32:25-31).
After this anxious night, Jacob went on his
way, halting, mysteriously weakened by the conflict, but strong in
the assurance of the divine favour. Esau came forth and met him; but
his spirit of revenge was appeased, and the brothers met as friends,
and during the remainder of their lives they maintained friendly
relations. After a brief sojourn at Succoth, Jacob moved forward and
pitched his tent near Shechem (q.v.), 33:18; but at length, under
divine directions, he moved to Bethel, where he made an altar unto
God (35:6,7), and where God appeared to him and renewed the
Abrahamic covenant. While journeying from Bethel to Ephrath (the
Canaanitish name of Bethlehem), Rachel died in giving birth to her
second son Benjamin (35:16-20), fifteen or sixteen years after the
birth of Joseph. He then reached the old family residence at Mamre,
to wait on the dying bed of his father Isaac. The complete
reconciliation between Esau and Jacob was shown by their uniting in
the burial of the patriarch (35:27-29).
Jacob was soon after this deeply grieved by
the loss of his beloved son Joseph through the jealousy of his
brothers (37:33). Then follows the story of the famine, and the
successive goings down into Egypt to buy corn (42), which led to the
discovery of the long-lost Joseph, and the patriarch's going down
with all his household, numbering about seventy souls (Ex. 1:5;
Deut. 10:22; Acts 7:14), to sojourn in the land of Goshen. Here
Jacob, "after being strangely tossed about on a very rough ocean,
found at last a tranquil harbour, where all the best affections of
his nature were gently exercised and largely unfolded" (Gen. 48). At
length the end of his checkered course draws nigh, and he summons
his sons to his bedside that he may bless them. Among his last words
he repeats the story of Rachel's death, although forty years had
passed away since that event took place, as tenderly as if it had
happened only yesterday; and when "he had made an end of charging
his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the
ghost" (49:33). His body was embalmed and carried with great pomp
into the land of Canaan, and buried beside his wife Leah in the cave
of Machpelah, according to his dying charge. There, probably, his
embalmed body remains to this day (50:1-13). (See
HEBRON.)
The history of Jacob is referred to by the
prophets Hosea (12:3, 4, 12) and Malachi (1:2). In Micah 1:5 the
name is a poetic synonym for Israel, the kingdom of the ten tribes.
There are, besides the mention of his name along with those of the
other patriarchs, distinct references to events of his life in
Paul's epistles (Rom. 9:11-13; Heb. 12:16; 11:21). See references to
his vision at Bethel and his possession of land at Shechem in John
1:51; 4:5, 12; also to the famine which was the occasion of his
going down into Egypt in Acts 7:12 (See LUZ ¯T0002335;
BETHEL.)
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Jacob's Well -
(John 4:5, 6). This is one of the few sites in Palestine about which
there is no dispute. It was dug by Jacob, and hence its name, in the
"parcel of ground" which he purchased from the sons of Hamor (Gen.
33:19). It still exists, but although after copious rains it
contains a little water, it is now usually quite dry. It is at the
entrance to the valley between Ebal and Gerizim, about 2 miles
south-east of Shechem. It is about 9 feet in diameter and about 75
feet in depth, though in ancient times it was no doubt much deeper,
probably twice as deep. The digging of such a well must have been a
very laborious and costly undertaking.
"Unfortunately, the well of Jacob has not
escaped that misplaced religious veneration which cannot be
satisfied with leaving the object of it as it is, but must build
over it a shrine to protect and make it sacred. A series of
buildings of various styles, and of different ages, have cumbered
the ground, choked up the well, and disfigured the natural beauty
and simplicity of the spot. At present the rubbish in the well has
been cleared out; but there is still a domed structure over it, and
you gaze down the shaft cut in the living rock and see at a depth of
70 feet the surface of the water glimmering with a pale blue light
in the darkness, while you notice how the limestone blocks that form
its curb have been worn smooth, or else furrowed by the ropes of
centuries" (Hugh Macmillan).
At the entrance of the enclosure round the
well is planted in the ground one of the wooden poles that hold the
telegraph wires between Jerusalem and Haifa.
Jaddua - known.
(1.) One of the chiefs who subscribed the covenant (Neh. 10:21).
(2.) The last high priest mentioned in the
Old Testament (Neh. 12:11, 22), sons of Jonathan.
Jadon - judge,
a Meronothite who assisted in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Neh.
3:7).
Jael -
mountain-goat, the wife of Heber the Kenite (Judg. 4:17-22). When
the Canaanites were defeated by Barak, Sisera, the captain of
Jabin's army, fled and sought refuge with the friendly tribe of
Heber, beneath the oaks of Zaanaim. As he drew near, Jael invited
him to enter her tent. He did so, and as he lay wearied on the floor
he fell into a deep sleep. She then took in her left hand one of the
great wooden pins ("nail") which fastened down the cords of the
tent, and in her right hand the mallet, or "hammer," used for
driving it into the ground, and stealthily approaching her sleeping
guest, with one well-directed blow drove the nail through his
temples into the earth (Judg. 5:27). She then led Barak, who was in
pursuit, into her tent, and boastfully showed him what she had done.
(See SISERA ¯T0003452;
DEBORAH.)
Jagur - place of
sojourn, a city on the southern border of Judah (Josh. 15:21).
Jah - a
contraction for Jehovah (Ps. 68:4).
Jahath - union.
(1.) A son of Shimei, and grandson of Gershom (1 Chr. 23:10).
(2.) One of the sons of Shelomoth, of the
family of Kohath (1 Chr. 24:22).
(3.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of
the overseers of the repairs of the temple under Josiah (2 Chr.
34:12).
Jahaz - trodden
down (called also Jahaza, Josh. 13:18; Jahazah, 21:36; Jahzah, 1 Chr.
6:78), a town where Sihon was defeated, in the borders of Moab and
in the land of the Ammonites beyond Jordan, and north of the river
Arnon (Num. 21:23; Deut. 2:32). It was situated in the tribe of
Reuben, and was assigned to the Merarite Levites (Josh. 13:18;
21:36). Here was fought the decisive battle in which Sihon (q.v.)
was completely routed, and his territory (the modern Belka) came
into the possession of Israel. This town is mentioned in the
denunciations of the prophets against Moab (Isa. 15:4; Jer. 48:34).
Jahaziel -
beheld by God. (1.) The third son of Hebron (1 Chr. 23:19).
(2.) A Benjamite chief who joined David at
Ziklag (1 Chr. 12:4).
(3.) A priest who accompanied the removal of
the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 16:6).
(4.) The son of Zechariah, a Levite of the
family of Asaph (2 Chr. 20:14-17). He encouraged Jehoshaphat against
the Moabites and Ammonites.
Jahdai -
grasper, a descendant of Caleb, of the family of Hezron (1 Chr.
2:47).
Jahzeel -
allotted by God, the first of the sons of Naphtali (Gen. 46:24).
Jahzerah -
returner, the son of Meshullam, and father of Adiel (1 Chr. 9:12).
Jailer - (of
Philippi), Acts 16:23. The conversion of the Roman jailer, a man
belonging to a class "insensible as a rule and hardened by habit,
and also disposed to despise the Jews, who were the bearers of the
message of the gospel," is one of those cases which illustrate its
universality and power.
Jair -
enlightener. (1.) The son of Segub. He was brought up with his
mother in Gilead, where he had possessions (1 Chr. 2:22). He
distinguished himself in an expedition against Bashan, and settled
in the part of Argob on the borders of Gilead. The small towns taken
by him there are called Havoth-jair, i.e., "Jair's villages" (Num.
32:41; Deut. 3:14; Josh. 13:30).
(2.) The eighth judge of Israel, which he
ruled for twenty-two years. His opulence is described in Judg.
10:3-5. He had thirty sons, each riding on "ass colts." They had
possession of thirty of the sixty cities (1 Kings 4:13; 1 Chr. 2:23)
which formed the ancient Havoth-jair.
(3.) A Benjamite, the father of Mordecai,
Esther's uncle (Esther 2:5).
(4.) The father of Elhanan, who slew Lahmi,
the brother of Goliath (1 Chr. 20:5).
Jairus - a
ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum, whose only daughter Jesus
restored to life (Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41). Entering into the chamber
of death, accompanied by Peter and James and John and the father and
mother of the maiden, he went forward to the bed whereon the corpse
lay, and said, Talitha cumi, i.e., "Maid, arise," and immediately
the spirit of the maiden came to her again, and she arose
straightway; and "at once to strengthen that life which had come
back to her, and to prove that she was indeed no ghost, but had
returned to the realities of a mortal existence, he commanded to
give her something to eat" (Mark 5:43).
Jakeh - pious,
the father of Agur (Prov. 30:1). Nothing is known of him.
Jakim -
establisher. (1.) Chief of the twelfth priestly order (1 Chr.
24:12).
(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chr. 8:19).
(3.) Margin in Matt. 1:11 means Jehoiakim.
Jalon - lodger,
the last of the four sons of Ezra, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chr.
4:17).
Jambres - one
of those who opposed Moses in Egypt (2 Tim. 3:8). (See
JANNES.)
James - (1.) The
son of Zebedee and Salome; an elder brother of John the apostle. He
was one of the twelve. He was by trade a fisherman, in partnership
with Peter (Matt. 20:20; 27:56). With John and Peter he was present
at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2), at the raising of
Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37-43), and in the garden with our Lord
(14:33). Because, probably, of their boldness and energy, he and
John were called Boanerges, i.e., "sons of thunder." He was the
first martyr among the apostles, having been beheaded by King Herod
Agrippa (Acts 12:1, 2), A.D. 44. (Comp. Matt. 4:21; 20:20-23).
(2.) The son of Alphaeus, or Cleopas, "the
brother" or near kinsman or cousin of our Lord (Gal. 1:18, 19),
called James "the Less," or "the Little," probably because he was of
low stature. He is mentioned along with the other apostles (Matt.
10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). He had a separate interview with our
Lord after his resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7), and is mentioned as one
of the apostles of the circumcision (Acts 1:13). He appears to have
occupied the position of head of the Church at Jerusalem, where he
presided at the council held to consider the case of the Gentiles
(Acts 12:17; 15:13-29: 21:18-24). This James was the author of the
epistle which bears his name.
James, Epistle of -
(1.) Author of, was James the Less, the Lord's brother, one of
the twelve apostles. He was one of the three pillars of the Church
(Gal. 2:9).
(2.) It was addressed to the Jews of the
dispersion, "the twelve tribes scattered abroad."
(3.) The place and time of the writing of the
epistle were Jerusalem, where James was residing, and, from internal
evidence, the period between Paul's two imprisonments at Rome,
probably about A.D. 62.
(4.) The object of the writer was to enforce
the practical duties of the Christian life. "The Jewish vices
against which he warns them are, formalism, which made the service
of God consist in washings and outward ceremonies, whereas he
reminds them (1:27) that it consists rather in active love and
purity; fanaticism, which, under the cloak of religious zeal, was
tearing Jerusalem in pieces (1:20); fatalism, which threw its sins
on God (1:13); meanness, which crouched before the rich (2:2);
falsehood, which had made words and oaths play-things (3:2-12);
partisanship (3:14); evil speaking (4:11); boasting (4:16);
oppression (5:4). The great lesson which he teaches them as
Christians is patience, patience in trial (1:2), patience in good
works (1:22-25), patience under provocation (3:17), patience under
oppression (5:7), patience under persecution (5:10); and the ground
of their patience is that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, which
is to right all wrong (5:8)."
"Justification by works," which James
contends for, is justification before man, the justification of our
profession of faith by a consistent life. Paul contends for the
doctrine of "justification by faith;" but that is justification
before God, a being regarded and accepted as just by virtue of the
righteousness of Christ, which is received by faith.
Jannes - one of
the Egyptians who "withstood Moses" (2 Tim. 3:8).
Janoah - or
Jano'hah, rest. (1.) A town on the north-eastern border of Ephraim,
in the Jordan valley (Josh. 16:6, 7). Identified with the modern
Yanun, 8 miles south-east of Nablus.
(2.) A town of Northern Palestine, within the
boundaries of Naphtali. It was taken by the king of Assyria (2 Kings
15:29).
Janum -
slumber, a town in the mountains of Judah (Josh. 15:53).
Japheth - wide
spreading: "God shall enlarge Japheth" (Heb. Yaphat Elohim le-Yephet,
Gen. 9:27. Some, however, derive the name from yaphah, "to be
beautiful;" hence white), one of the sons of Noah, mentioned last in
order (Gen. 5:32; 6:10; 7:13), perhaps first by birth (10:21; comp.
9:24). He and his wife were two of the eight saved in the ark (1
Pet. 3:20). He was the progenitor of many tribes inhabiting the east
of Europe and the north of Asia (Gen. 10:2-5). An act of filial
piety (9:20-27) was the occasion of Noah's prophecy of the extension
of his posterity.
After the Flood the earth was re-peopled by
the descendants of Noah, "the sons of Japheth" (Gen. 10:2), "the
sons of Ham" (6), and "the sons of Shem" (22). It is important to
notice that modern ethnological science, reasoning from a careful
analysis of facts, has arrived at the conclusion that there is a
three-fold division of the human family, corresponding in a
remarkable way with the great ethnological chapter of the book of
Genesis (10). The three great races thus distinguished are called
the Semitic, Aryan, and Turanian (Allophylian). "Setting aside the
cases where the ethnic names employed are of doubtful application,
it cannot reasonably be questioned that the author [of Gen. 10] has
in his account of the sons of Japheth classed together the Cymry or
Celts (Gomer), the Medes (Madai), and the Ionians or Greeks (Javan),
thereby anticipating what has become known in modern times as the
'Indo-European Theory,' or the essential unity of the Aryan
(Asiatic) race with the principal races of Europe, indicated by the
Celts and the Ionians. Nor can it be doubted that he has thrown
together under the one head of 'children of Shem' the Assyrians (Asshur),
the Syrians (Aram), the Hebrews (Eber), and the Joktanian Arabs (Joktan),
four of the principal races which modern ethnology recognizes under
the heading of 'Semitic.' Again, under the heading of 'sons of Ham,'
the author has arranged 'Cush', i.e., the Ethiopians; 'Mizraim,' the
people of Egypt; 'Sheba and Dedan,' or certain of the Southern
Arabs; and 'Nimrod,' or the ancient people of Babylon, four races
between which the latest linguistic researches have established a
close affinity" (Rawlinson's Hist. Illustrations).
Japhia -
splendid. (1.) The king of Lachish, who joined in the confederacy
against Joshua (Josh. 10:3), and was defeated and slain. In one of
the Amarna tablets he speaks of himself as king of Gezer. Called
also Horam (Josh. 10:33).
(2.) One of the sons of David (2 Sam. 5:15),
born in Jerusalem.
(3.) A town in the southern boundary of
Zebulum (Josh. 19:12); now Yafa, 2 miles south-west of Nazareth.
Japho - beauty,
a sea-port in Dan (Josh. 19:46); called Joppa (q.v.) in 2 Chr. 2:16;
Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3; and in New Testament.
Jared -
descent. (1.) The fourth antediluvian patriarch in descent from Seth
(Gen. 5:15-20; Luke 3:37), the father of Enoch; called Jered in 1
Chr. 1:2.
(2.) A son of Ezra probably (1 Chr. 4:18).
Jarib - an
adversary. (1.) A son of Simeon (1 Chr. 4:24).
(2.) One of the chiefs sent by Ezra to bring
up the priests to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:16).
(3.) Ezra 10:18.
Jarmuth -
height. (1.) A town in the plain of Judah (Josh. 15:35), originally
the residence of one of the Canaanitish kings (10:3, 5, 23). It has
been identified with the modern Yarmuk, a village about 7 miles
north-east of Beit-Jibrin.
(2.) A Levitical city of the tribe of
Issachar (Josh. 21:29), supposed by some to be the Ramah of Samuel
(1 Sam. 19:22).
Jashen -
sleeping, called also Hashem (1 Chr. 11:34); a person, several of
whose sons were in David's body-guard (2 Sam. 23:32).
Jasher -
upright. "The Book of Jasher," rendered in the LXX. "the Book of the
Upright One," by the Vulgate "the Book of Just Ones," was probably a
kind of national sacred song-book, a collection of songs in praise
of the heroes of Israel, a "book of golden deeds," a national
anthology. We have only two specimens from the book, (1) the words
of Joshua which he spake to the Lord at the crisis of the battle of
Beth-horon (Josh. 10:12, 13); and (2) "the Song of the Bow," that
beautiful and touching mournful elegy which David composed on the
occasion of the death of Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:18-27).
Jashobeam -
dweller among the people; or to whom the people turn, the Hachmonite
(1 Chr. 11:11), one of David's chief heroes who joined him at Ziklag
(12:6). He was the first of the three who broke through the host of
the Philistines to fetch water to David from the well of Bethlehem
(2 Sam. 23:13-17). He is also called Adino the Eznite (8).
Jashub -
returner. (1.) The third of Issachar's four sons (1 Chr. 7:1);
called also Job (Gen. 46:13).
(2.) Ezra 10:29.
Jason - he that
will cure, the host of Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. The Jews
assaulted his house in order to seize Paul, but failing to find him,
they dragged Jason before the ruler of the city (Acts 17:5-9). He
was apparently one of the kinsmen of Paul (Rom. 16:21), and
accompanied him from Thessalonica to Corinth.
Jasper - (Heb.
yashpheh, "glittering"), a gem of various colours, one of the twelve
inserted in the high priest's breast-plate (Ex. 28:20). It is named
in the building of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:18, 19). It was "most
precious," "clear as crystal" (21:11). It was emblematic of the
glory of God (4:3).
Jattir -
pre-eminent, a city in the mountains of Judah (Josh. 15:48; 21:14).
Javan - (1.)
The fourth "son" of Japheth (Gen. 10:2), whose descendants settled
in Greece, i.e., Ionia, which bears the name of Javan in Hebrew.
Alexander the Great is called the "king of Javan" (rendered "Grecia,"
Dan. 8:21; 10:20; comp. 11:2; Zech. 9:13). This word was universally
used by the nations of the East as the generic name of the Greek
race.
(2.) A town or district of Arabia Felix, from
which the Syrians obtained iron, cassia, and calamus (Ezek. 27:19).
Javelin - (1.)
Heb. hanith, a lance, from its flexibility (1 Sam. 18:10, 11; 19:9,
10; 20:33).
(2.) Heb. romah, a lance for heavy-armed
troops, so called from its piercing (Num. 25:7). (See
ARMS.)
Jaw-bone - of an
ass afforded Samson a weapon for the great slaughter of the
Philistines (Judg. 15.15), in which he slew a thousand men. In verse
19 the Authorized Version reads, "God clave a hollow place that was
in the jaw, and there came water thereout." This is a mis-translation
of the words. The rendering should be as in the Revised Version,
"God clave the hollow place that is in Lehi," etc., Lehi (q.v.)
being the name of the hill where this conflict was waged, possibly
so called because it was in shape like a jaw-bone.
Jealousy -
suspicion of a wife's purity, one of the strongest passions (Num.
5:14; Prov. 6:34; Cant. 8:6); also an intense interest for another's
honour or prosperity (Ps. 79:5; 1 Cor. 10:22; Zech. 1:14).
Jealousy, Image of
- an idolatrous object, seen in vision by Ezekiel (Ezek. 8:3,
5), which stood in the priests' or inner court of the temple.
Probably identical with the statue of Astarte (2 Kings 21:7).
Jealousy offering -
the name of the offering the husband was to bring when he
charged his wife with adultery (Num. 5:11-15).
Jealousy, Waters of
- water which the suspected wife was required to drink, so that
the result might prove her guilt or innocence (Num. 5:12-17, 27). We
have no record of this form of trial having been actually resorted
to.
Jearim -
forests, a mountain on the border of Judah (Josh. 15:10).
Jebus - trodden
hard, or fastness, or "the waterless hill", the name of the
Canaanitish city which stood on Mount Zion (Josh. 15:8; 18:16, 28).
It is identified with Jerusalem (q.v.) in Judg. 19:10, and with the
castle or city of David (1 Chr. 11:4,5). It was a place of great
natural strength, and its capture was one of David's most brilliant
achievements (2 Sam. 5:8).
Jebusites - the
name of the original inhabitants of Jebus, mentioned frequently
among the seven nations doomed to destruction (Gen. 10:16; 15:21;
Ex. 3:8, 17; 13:5, etc.). At the time of the arrival of the
Israelites in Palestine they were ruled by Adonizedek (Josh. 10:1,
23). They were defeated by Joshua, and their king was slain; but
they were not entirely driven out of Jebus till the time of David,
who made it the capital of his kingdom instead of Hebron. The site
on which the temple was afterwards built belonged to Araunah, a
Jebusite, from whom it was purchased by David, who refused to accept
it as a free gift (2 Sam. 24:16-25; 1 Chr. 21:24, 25).
Jecoliah - able
through Jehovah, the wife of King Amaziah, and mother of King Uzziah
(2 Chr. 26:3).
Jedaiah - (1.)
Invoker of Jehovah. The son of Shimri, a chief Simeonite (1 Chr.
4:37).
(2.) One of those who repaired the walls of
Jerusalem after the return from Babylon (Neh. 3:10).
(3.) Knowing Jehovah. The chief of one of the
courses of the priests (1 Chr. 24:7).
(4.) A priest in Jerusalem after the Exile (1
Chr. 9:10).
Jediael - known
by God. (1.) One of the sons of Benjamin, whose descendants numbered
17,200 warriors (1 Chr. 7:6, 10, 11).
(2.) A Shimrite, one of David's bodyguard (1
Chr. 11:45). Probably same as in 12:20.
(3.) A Korhite of the family of Ebiasaph, and
one of the gate-keepers to the temple (1 Chr. 26:2).
Jedidiah -
beloved by Jehovah, the name which, by the mouth of Nathan, the Lord
gave to Solomon at his birth as a token of the divine favour (2 Sam.
12:25).
Jeduthun -
lauder; praising, a Levite of the family of Merari, and one of the
three masters of music appointed by David (1 Chr. 16:41, 42;
25:1-6). He is called in 2 Chr. 35:15 "the king's seer." His
descendants are mentioned as singers and players on instruments (Neh.
11:17). He was probably the same as Ethan (1 Chr. 15:17, 19). In the
superscriptions to Ps. 39, 62, and 77, the words "upon Jeduthun"
probably denote a musical instrument; or they may denote the style
or tune invented or introduced by Jeduthun, or that the psalm was to
be sung by his choir.
Jegar-sahadutha -
pile of testimony, the Aramaic or Syriac name which Laban gave
to the pile of stones erected as a memorial of the covenant between
him and Jacob (Gen. 31:47), who, however, called it in Hebrew by an
equivalent name, Galeed (q.v.).
Jehaleleel -
praiser of God. (1.) A descendant of Judah (1 Chr. 4:16).
(2.) A Levite of the family of Merari (2 Chr.
29:12).
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