Smith's Bible Dictionary

B

Baal — Be-eliada

Baal

Ba’al (lord).

2. The son of Jehiel, and grandfather of Saul. 1 Chronicles 8:30; 1 Chronicles 9:36.

Ba’al, the supreme male divinity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish nations, as Ashtoreth was their supreme female divinity. Some suppose Baal to correspond to the sun and Ashtoreth to the moon; others that Baal was Jupiter and Ashtoreth Venus. There can be no doubt of the very high antiquity of the worship of Baal. It prevailed in the time of Moses among the Moabites and Midianites, Numbers 22:41, and through them spread to the Israelites. Numbers 25:3-18; Deuteronomy 4:3. In the times of the kings it became the religion of the court and people of the ten tribes, 1 Kings 16:31-33; 1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 18:22, and appears never to have been permanently abolished among them. 2 Kings 17:16. Temples were erected to Baal in Judah, 1 Kings 16:32, and he was worshipped with much ceremony. 1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 18:26-28; 2 Kings 10:22. The attractiveness of this worship to the Jews undoubtedly grew out of its licentious character. We find this worship also in Phoenician colonies. The religion of the ancient British islands much resembled this ancient worship of Baal, and may have been derived from it. Nor need we hesitate to regard the Babylonian Bel, Isaiah 46:1, or Belus, as essentially identical with Baal, though perhaps under some modified form. The plural, BAALIM, is found frequently, showing that he was probably worshipped under different compounds, among which appear—

1. BAAL-BERITH (the covenant Baal), Judges 8:33; Judges 9:4; the god who comes into covenant with the worshippers.

2. BAAL-ZEBUB (lord of the fly), and worshipped at Ekron. 2 Kings 1:2, 2 Kings 1:3, 2 Kings 1:16.

3. BAAL-HANAN. a. The name of one of the early kings of Edom. Genesis 36:38, Genesis 36:39; 1 Chronicles 1:49, 1 Chronicles 1:50. b. The name of one of David’s officers, who had the superintendence of his olive and sycamore plantations. 1 Chronicles 27:28.

4. BAAL-PEOR (lord of the opening, i.e., for others to join in the worship). We have already referred to the worship of this god. The narrative (Numbers 25) seems clearly to show that this form of Baal-worship was connected with licentious rites.

Baal

Ba’al, geographical. This word occurs as the prefix or suffix to the names of several places in Palestine, some of which are as follows:

1. Baal, a town of Simeon, named only in 1 Chronicles 4:33, which from the parallel list in Joshua 19:8 seems to have been identical with BAALATH-BEER.

2. Baalah (mistress). a. Another name for KIRJATH-JEARIM, or KIRJATH-BAAL, the well-known town, now Kuriet el Enab. Joshua 15:9, Joshua 15:10; 1 Chronicles 13:6. b. A town in the south of Judah, Joshua 15:29, which in Joshua 19:3 is called BALAH, and in the parallel list, 1 Chronicles 4:29, BILHAH.

3. Baalath (mistress), a town of Dan named with Gibbethon, Gath-rimmon and other Philistine places. Joshua 19:44.

4. Baalath-beer (lord of the well). Baal 1, a town among those in the south part of Judah, given to Simeon, which also bore the name of RAMATH-NEGER, or “the height of the south.” Joshua 19:8.

5. Baal-gad (lord of fortune), used to denote the most northern, Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7, or perhaps northwestern, Joshua 13:5, point to which Joshua’s victories extended. It was in all probability a Phœnician or Canaanite sanctuary of Baal under the aspect of Gad or Fortune.

6. Baal-hamon (lord of a multitude), a place at which Solomon had a vineyard, evidently of great extent. Song of Solomon 8:11.

7. Baal-hazor (village of Baal), a place where Absalom appears to have had a sheep-farm, and where Amnon was murdered. 2 Samuel 13:23.

8. Mount Baal-hermon (lord of Hermon), Judges 3:3, and simply Baal-hermon. 1 Chronicles 5:23. This is usually considered as a distinct place from Mount Hermon; but we know that this mountain had at least three names (Deuteronomy 3:9), and Baal-hermon may have been a fourth in use among the Phœnician worshippers of Baal.

9. Baal-meon (lord of the house), one of the towns which were built by the Reubenites. Numbers 32:38. It also occurs in 1 Chronicles 5:8, and on each occasion with Nebo. In the time of Ezekiel it was Moabite, one of the cities which were the “glory of the country.” Ezekiel 25:9.

10. Baal-perazim (lord of divisions), the scene of a victory of David over the Philistines, and of a great destruction of their images. 2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11. See Isaiah 28:21, where it is called Mount Perazim.

11. Baal-shalisha (lord of Shalisha), a place named only in 2 Kings 4:42; apparently not far from Gilgal; comp. 2 Kings 4:38.

12. Baal-tamar (lord of the palm tree), a place named only in Judges 20:33, as near Gibeah of Benjamin. The palm tree (tâmâr) of Deborah, Judges 4:5, was situated somewhere in the locality, and is possibly alluded to.

13. Baal-zephon (lord of the north), a place in Egypt near where the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. Numbers 33:7; Ezekiel 14:2, Ezekiel 14:9. We place Baal-zephon on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, a little below its head, which at that time was about 30 or 40 miles northward of the present head.

Baalah

Ba’alah. [BAAL, No. 2.]

Baalath

Ba’alath. [BAAL, Nos. 3, 4.]

Baale of Judah

Ba’ale of Judah. [BAAL, No. 2, a.]

Baali

Ba’ali. Hosea 2:16. [BAAL.]

Baalim

Ba’alim. [BAAL.]

Baalis

Ba’alis, king of the Ammonites at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah 40:14. (b.c. 588.)

Baana

Ba’ana.

1. The son of Ahilud, Solomon’s commissariat officer in Jezreel and the north of the Jordan valley. 1 Kings 4:12. (b.c. 1000.)

2. Father of Zadok, who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. Nehemiah 3:4. (b.c. 446.)

Baanah

Ba’anah.

1. Son of Rimmon, a Benjamite, who with his brother Rechab murdered Ish-bosheth. For this they were killed by David, and their mutilated bodies hung up over the pool at Hebron. 2 Samuel 4:2, 2 Samuel 4:5, 2 Samuel 4:6, 2 Samuel 4:9. (b.c. 1046.)

2. A Netophathite, father of Heleb or Heled, one of David’s mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:30. (b.c. before 1066.)

3. Accurately Baana, son of Hushai, Solomon’s commissariat officer in Asher. 1 Kings 4:16. (b.c. 1012.)

4. A man who accompanied Zerubbabel on his return from the captivity. Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7. Possibly the same person is intended in Nehemiah 10:27. (b.c. 536.)

Baara

Ba’ara (brutish), one of the wives of Shaharaim, a descendant of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 8:8.

Baaseiah

Ba’asei’ah, or Basse’iah (work of Jehovah), a Gershonite Levite, one of the forefathers of Asaph the singer. 1 Chronicles 6:40 [25]. (b.c. 1310.)

Baasha

Ba’asha (wicked), b.c. 953–931, third sovereign of the separate kingdom of Israel, and the founder of its second dynasty. He was son of Ahijah of the tribe of Issachar, and conspired against King Nadab, 1 Kings 15:27, and killed him with his whole family. He appears to have been of humble origin. 1 Kings 16:2. It was probably in the 13th year of his reign that he made war on Asa, and began to fortify Ramah. He was defeated by the unexpected alliance of Asa with Ben-hadad I of Damascus. Baasha died in the 24th year of his reign, and was buried in Tirzah, Song of Solomon 6:4, which he had made his capital. 1 Kings 16:6; 2 Chronicles 16:1-6.

Babel

Ba’bel (confusion), Bab’ylon (Greek form of Babel), is properly the capital city of the country which is called in Genesis Shinar, and in the later books Chaldea, or the land of the Chaldeans. The first rise of the Chaldean power was in the region close upon the Persian Gulf; thence the nation spread northward up the course of the rivers, and the seat of government moved in the same direction, being finally fixed at Babylon, perhaps not earlier than b.c. 1700.

I. Topography of Babylon—Ancient descriptions of the city.—All the ancient writers appear to agree in the fact of a district of vast size, more or less inhabited, having been enclosed within lofty walls, and included under the name of Babylon. With respect to the exact extent of the circuit they differ. The estimate of Herodotus and of Pliny is 480 stades (60 Roman miles, 53 of our miles), of Strabo 385, of Q. Curtius 368, of Clitarchus 365, and of Ctesias 360 stades (40 miles). (George Smith, in his “Assyrian Discoveries,” differs entirely from all these estimates, making the circuit of the city but eight miles.) Perhaps Herodotus spoke of the outer wall, which could be traced in his time. Taking the lowest estimate of the extent of the circuit, we shall have for the space within the rampart an area of above 100 square miles—nearly five times the size of London! It is evident that this vast space cannot have been entirely covered with houses. The city was situated on both sides of the river Euphrates, and the two parts were connected together by a stone bridge five stades (above 1000 yards) long and 30 feet broad. At either extremity of the bridge was a royal palace, that in the eastern city being the more magnificent of the two. The two palaces were joined not only by the bridge, but by a tunnel under the river. The houses, which were frequently three or four stories high, were laid out in straight streets crossing each other at right angles.

II. Present state of the ruins.—A portion of the ruins is occupied by the modern town of Hillah. About five miles above Hillah, on the opposite or left bank of the Euphrates, occurs a series of artificial mounds of enormous size. They consist chiefly of three great masses of building,—the high pile of unbaked brickwork which is known to the Arabs as Babil, 600 feet square and 140 feet high; the building denominated the Kasr or palace, nearly 2000 feet square and 70 feet high; and a lofty mound, upon which stands the modern tomb of Amrâm-ibn-˒Alb. Scattered over the country on both sides of the Euphrates are a number of remarkable mounds, usually standing single, which are plainly of the same date with the great mass of ruins upon the river bank. Of these by far the most striking is the vast ruin called the Birs-Nimrûd, which many regard as the tower of Babel, situated about six miles to the southwest of Hillah. [BABEL, TOWER OF.]

Birs-Nimrûd.

III. Identification of sites.—The great mound of Babil is probably the ancient temple of Belus. The mound of the Kasr marks the site of the great palace of Nebuchadnezzar. The mound of Amrâm is thought to represent the “hanging gardens” of Nebuchadnezzar; but most probably it represents the ancient palace, coeval with Babylon itself, of which Nebuchadnezzar speaks in his inscriptions as adjoining his own more magnificent residence.

IV. History of Babylon.—Scripture represents the “beginning of the kingdom” as belonging to the time of Nimrod. Genesis 10:6-10. The early annals of Babylon are filled by Berosus, the native historian, with three dynasties: one of 49 Chaldean kings, who reigned 458 years; another of 9 Arab kings, who reigned 245 years; and a third of 49 Assyrian monarchs, who held dominion for 526 years. The line of Babylonian kings becomes exactly known to us from b.c. 747. The “Canon of Ptolemy” gives us the succession of Babylonian monarchs from b.c. 747 to b.c. 331, when the last Persian king was dethroned by Alexander. On the fall of Nineveh, b.c. 625, Babylon became not only an independent kingdom, but an empire. The city was taken by surprise b.c. 539, as Jeremiah had prophesied, Jeremiah 51:31, by Cyrus, under Darius, Daniel 5, as intimated 170 years earlier by Isaiah, Isaiah 21:1-9, and, as Jeremiah had also foreshown, Jeremiah 51:39, during a festival. With the conquest of Cyrus commenced the decay of Babylon, which has since been a quarry from which all the tribes in the vicinity have derived the bricks with which they have built their cities. The “great city” has thus emphatically “become heaps.” Jeremiah 51:37.

Babel Tower of

Ba’bel, Tower of. The “tower of Babel” is only mentioned once in Scripture, Genesis 11:4, Genesis 11:5, and then as incomplete. It was built of bricks, and the “slime” used for mortar was probably bitumen. Such authorities as we possess represent the building as destroyed soon after its erection. When the Jews, however, were carried captive into Babylonia, they thought they recognized it in the famous temple of Belus, the modern Birs-Nimrûd. But the Birs-Nimrûd, though it cannot be the tower of Babel itself, may well be taken to show the probable shape and character of the edifice. This building appears to have been a sort of oblique pyramid built in seven receding stages, each successive one being nearer to the southwestern end, which constituted the back of the building. The first, second, and third stories were each 26 feet high, the remaining four being 15 feet high. On the seventh stage there was probably placed the ark or tabernacle, which seems to have been again 15 feet high, and must have nearly, if not entirely, covered the top of the seventh story. The entire original height, allowing three feet for the platform, would thus have been 156 feet, or, without the platform, 153 feet.

Babylon

Bab’ylon, in the Apocalypse, is the symbolical name by which Rome is denoted. Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:18. The power of Rome was regarded by the later Jews as was that of Babylon by their forefathers. Comp. Jeremiah 51:7 with Revelation 14:8. The occurrence of this name in 1 Peter 5:13 has given rise to a variety of conjectures, many giving it the same meaning as in the Apocalypse; others refer it to Babylon in Asia, and others still to Babylon in Egypt. The most natural supposition of all is that by Babylon is intended the old Babylon of Assyria, which was largely inhabited by Jews at the time in question.

Babylonians

Babylo’nians, the inhabitants of Babylon, a race of Shemitic origin, who were among the colonists planted in the cities of Samaria by the conquering Assyrians. Ezra 4:9.

Babylonish garment

Babylonish garment, literally “robe of Shinar,” Joshua 7:21; an ample robe, probably made of the skin or fur of an animal, comp. Genesis 25:25, and ornamented with embroidery, or perhaps a variegated garment with figures inwoven in the fashion for which the Babylonians were celebrated.

Baca

Ba’ca (weeping), The Valley of, a valley in Palestine, through which the exiled Psalmist sees in vision the pilgrims passing in their march towards the sanctuary of Jehovah at Zion. Psalm 84:6. That it was a real locality is most probable from the use of the definite article before the name. The rendering of the Targum is Gehenna, i.e., the Ge-Hinnom or ravine below Mount Zion. This locality agrees well with the mention of becaim (Authorized Version “mulberry”) trees in 2 Samuel 5:23.

Bachrites The

Bach’rites, The, the family of Becher, son of Ephraim. Numbers 26:35.

Badger Skins

Badger Skins. There is much obscurity as to the meaning of the word tachash, rendered “badger” in the Authorized Version, Exodus 25:5; Exodus 35:7, etc. The ancient versions seem nearly all agreed that it denotes not an animal but a color, either black or sky-blue. The badger is not found in the Bible lands. The Arabic duchash or tuchash denotes a dolphin, including seals and cetaceans. The skins referred to are probably those of these marine animals, some of which are found in the Red Sea. The skin of the Halicore, one of these, from its hardness would be well suited for making soles for shoes. Ezekiel 16:10.

Bag

Bag is the rendering of several words in the Old and New Testaments.

1. Charı̂tı̂m, the “bags” in which Naaman bound up the two talents of silver for Gehazi. 2 Kings 5:23. They were long cone-like bags of the size to hold a precise amount of money, and tied or sealed for that amount, as we stamp the value on a coin. 2. Cı̂s, a bag for carrying weights, Deuteronomy 25:13; also used as a purse. Proverbs 1:14. 3. Celı̂, in Genesis 42:25, is the “sack” in which Jacob’s sons carried the corn which they brought from Egypt. 4. The shepherd’s “bag” used by David was for the purpose of carrying the lambs unable to walk. Zechariah 11:15, Zechariah 11:16. 5. Tschar, properly a “bundle,” Genesis 42:35, appears to have been used by travellers for carrying money during a long journey. Proverbs 7:20. 6. The “bag” which Judas carried was probably a small box or chest. John 12:6; John 13:29.

Baharumite The

Baha’rumite, The. [BAHURIM.]

Bahurim

Bahu’rim (low grounds), a village, 2 Samuel 16:5, apparently on or close to the road leading up from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem, and near the south boundary of Benjamin.

Bajith

Ba’jith (the house), referring to the “temple” of the false gods of Moab, as opposed to the “high places” in the same sentence. Isaiah 15:2, and comp. Isaiah 16:12.

Bakbakkar

Bakbak’kar (admirable), a Levite, apparently a descendant of Asaph. 1 Chronicles 9:15. (b.c. 588.)

Bakbuk

Bak’buk (bottle). “Children of Bakbuk” were among the Nethinim who returned from captivity with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:51; Nehemiah 7:53. (b.c. before 536.)

Bakbukiah

Bakbuki’ah (wasting of Jehovah), a Levite in the time of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 11:17; Nehemiah 12:9. (b.c. after 536.)

Bake

Bake. Reference to baking is found in Leviticus 26:26; 1 Samuel 8:13; 2 Samuel 13:8; Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 37:21; Hosea 7:4-7.

Balaam

Ba’laam (b.c. 1451), the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy. Numbers 22:5. He is mentioned in conjunction with the five kings of Midian, apparently as a person of the same rank. Numbers 31:8; cf. Numbers 31:16. He seems to have lived at Pethor, Deuteronomy 23:4; Numbers 22:5, on the river Euphrates, in Mesopotamia. Such was his reputation that when the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak, the king of Moab, sent for Balaam to curse them. Balaam at first was prohibited by God from going. He was again sent for by the king and again refused, but was at length allowed to go. He yielded to the temptations of riches and honor which Balak set before him; but God’s anger was kindled at this manifestation of determined self-will, and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. See 2 Peter 2:16. Balaam predicted a magnificent career for the people whom he was called to curse, but he nevertheless suggested to the Moabites the expedient of seducing them to commit fornication. The effect of this is recorded in Numbers 25. A battle was afterwards fought against the Midianites, in which Balaam sided with them, and was slain by the sword of the people whom he had endeavored to curse. Numbers 31:8.

Balac

Ba’lac. Revelation 2:14. [BALAK.]

Baladan

Bal’adan. [MERODACH-BALADAN.]

Balah

Ba’lah. Joshua 19:3. [BAAL, Geogr. No. 2, b.]

Balak

Ba’lak (spoiler), son of Zippor, king of the Moabites, who hired Balaam to curse the Israelites; but his designs were frustrated in the manner recorded in Numbers 22:24. (b.c. 1451.)

Balances

Balances. Reference to balances is found in Leviticus 19:36. They were in common use, gold and silver being paid out and received by weight. Reference is also made in Micah 6:11; Hosea 12:7, to the dishonest practice of buying by heavier and selling by lighter weights.

Balamo

Bal’amo. [BAAL, Geogr. No. 6.]

Baldness

Baldness. Natural baldness seems to have been uncommon, since it exposed people to public derision. Leviticus 13:29; 2 Kings 2:23; Isaiah 3:24; Isaiah 15:2; Jeremiah 47:5; Ezekiel 7:18. Artificial baldness marked the conclusion of a Nazarite’s vow, Numbers 6:9; Acts 18:18, and was a sign of mourning.

Balm

Balm (from balsam, Heb. tzorı̂, tezrı̂) occurs in Genesis 37:25; Genesis 43:11; Jeremiah 8:22; Jeremiah 46:11; Jeremiah 51:8; Ezekiel 27:17. (It is an aromatic plant, or the resinous odoriferous sap or gum which exudes from such plants.) It is impossible to identify it with any certainty. It may represent the gum of the Pistacia lentiscus, or more probably that of the Balsamodendron opobalsamum, allied to the balm of Gilead, which abounded in Gilead east of the Jordan. The trees resembled fig trees (or grape vines), but were lower, being but 12 to 15 feet high. It is now called the Balm of Gilead, or Mecca-balsam, the tree or shrub being indigenous in the mountains around Mecca. [INCENSE; SPICES.] Hasselquist says that the exudation from the plant “is of a yellow color, and pellucid. It has a most fragrant smell, which is resinous, balsamic and very agreeable. It is very tenacious or glutinous, sticking to the fingers, and may be drawn into long threads.” It was supposed to have healing as well as aromatic qualities.

Bamah

Ba’mah (high place). Found only in Ezekiel 20:29, applied to places of idolatrous worship.

Bamoth-baal

Ba’moth-ba’al (heights of Baal), a sanctuary of Baal in the country of Moab, Joshua 13:17, which is probably mentioned in Numbers 21:19 under the shorter form of Bamoth, or Bamoth-in-the-ravine (20), and again in Isaiah 15:2.

Band

Band. The “band of Roman soldiers” referred to in Matthew 27:27 and elsewhere was the tenth part of a legion. It was called a “cohort,” and numbered 400 to 600 men. [See ARMY.]

Bani

Ba’ni (built).

1. A Gadite, one of David’s mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:36. (b.c. 1046.)

2. A Levite of the line or Merari, and forefather to Ethan. 1 Chronicles 6:46.

3. A man of Judah of the line of Pharez. 1 Chronicles 9:4.

4. “Children of Bani” returned from captivity with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:10; Ezra 10:29, Ezra 10:34; Nehemiah 10:14; 1 Esdras 5:12. [BINNUI].

5. An Israelite “of the sons of Bani.” Ezra 10:38.

6. A Levite. Nehemiah 3:17.

7. A Levite. Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 9:4, Nehemiah 9:5; Nehemiah 10:13.

8. Another Levite, of the sons of Asaph. Nehemiah 11:22.

Banner

Banner. [See ENSIGN.]

Banquets

Banquets, among the Hebrews, were not only a means of social enjoyment, but were a part of the observance of religious festivity. At the three solemn festivals the family also had its domestic feast. Deuteronomy 16:11. Sacrifices, both ordinary and extraordinary, Exodus 34:15; Judges 16:23, included a banquet. Birthday banquets are only mentioned Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6. The usual time of the banquet was the evening, and to begin early was a mark of excess. Ecclesiastes 10:16; Isaiah 5:11. The most essential materials of the banqueting-room, next to the viands and wine, which last was often drugged with spices, Proverbs 9:2, were perfumed unguents, garlands or loose flowers, white or brilliant robes; after these, exhibitions of music, singers and dancers, riddles, jesting and merriment. Judges 14:12; 2 Samuel 19:35; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes 10:19; Isaiah 5:12; Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 28:1; Matthew 22:11; Luke 15:25. The posture at table in early times was sitting, 1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 20:5, 1 Samuel 20:18, and the guests were ranged in order of dignity. Genesis 43:33; 1 Samuel 9:22. Words which imply the recumbent posture belong to the New Testament.

Baptism

Baptism. It is well known that ablution or bathing was common in most ancient nations as a preparation for prayers and sacrifice or as expiatory of sin. In warm countries this connection is probably even closer than in colder climates; and hence the frequency of ablution in the religious rites throughout the East. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is the rite or ordinance by which persons are admitted into the Church of Christ. It is the public profession of faith and discipleship. Baptism signifies—

1. A confession of faith in Christ; 2. A cleansing or washing of the soul from sin; 3. A death to sin and a new life in righteousness. The mode and subjects of baptism being much-controverted subjects, each one can best study them in the works devoted to those questions. The command to baptize was co-extensive with the command to preach the gospel. All nations were to be evangelized; and they were to be made disciples, admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, by baptism. Matthew 28:19. It appears to have been a kind of transition from the Jewish baptism to the Christian. The distinction between John’s baptism and Christian baptism appears in the case of Apollos, Acts 18:26, Acts 18:27, and of the disciples at Ephesus mentioned Acts 19:1-6. We cannot but draw from this history the inference that in Christian baptism there was a deeper spiritual significance.

Barabbas

Barab’bas (son of Abba), a robber, John 18:40, who had committed murder in an insurrection, Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18, in Jerusalem, and was lying in prison at the time of the trial of Jesus before Pilate.

Barachel

Bar’achel (God has blessed), father of Elihu. Job 32:2, Job 32:6. [BUZ.]

Barachias

Barachi’as. Matthew 23:35. [ZACHARIAS.]

Barak

Ba’rak (lightning), son of Abinoam of Kedesh, a refuge city in Mount Naphtali, was incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, to deliver Israel from the yoke of Jabin. Judges 4. He utterly routed the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon). (b.c. 1291–1251.)

Barbarian

Barbarian. “Every one not a Greek is a barbarian” is the common Greek definition, and in this strict sense the word is used in Romans 1:14. It often retains this primitive meaning, as in 1 Corinthians 14:11; Acts 28:24.

Barhumite The

Barhu’mite, The. [BAHURIM.]

Bariah

Bari’ah (fugitive), a descendant of the royal family of Judah. 1 Chronicles 3:22. (b.c. before 410.)

Bar-jesus

Bar-je’sus (son of Jesus). [ELYMAS.]

Bar-jona

Bar-jo’na (son of Jonah). [PETER.]

Barkos

Bar’kos (painted). “Children of Barkos” were among the Nethinim who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55. (b.c. 536.)

Barley

Barley is one of the most important of the cereal grains, and the most hardy of them all. It was grown by the Hebrews, Leviticus 27:16; Deuteronomy 8:8; Ruth 2:17, etc., who used it for baking into bread, chiefly among the poor, Judges 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John 6:9, John 6:13, and as fodder for horses. 1 Kings 4:28. The barley harvest, Ruth 1:22; Ruth 2:23; 2 Samuel 21:9, 2 Samuel 21:10, takes place in Palestine in March and April, and in the hilly districts as late as May. It always precedes the wheat harvest, in some places by a week, in others by fully three weeks. In Egypt the barley is about a month earlier than the wheat; whence its total destruction by the hail storm. Exodus 9:31.

Barnabas

Bar’nabas (son of consolation or comfort), a name given by the apostles, Acts 4:36, to Joseph (or Jose), a Levite of the island of Cyprus, who was early a disciple of Christ. In Acts 9:27 we find him introducing the newly-converted Saul to the apostles at Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to Jerusalem, Acts 11:19-26, and went to Tarsus to seek Saul, as one specially raised up to preach to the Gentiles. Acts 26:17. He brought him to Antioch, and was sent with him to Jerusalem. Acts 11:30. On their return, they were ordained by the church for the missionary work, Acts 13:2, and sent forth (a.d. 45). From this time Barnabas and Paul enjoy the title and dignity of apostles. Their first missionary journey is related in Acts 13:14. Returning to Antioch (a.d. 47 or 48), they were sent (a.d. 50), with some others, to Jerusalem. Acts 15:1, Acts 15:36. Afterwards they parted, and Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, his native island. Here the Scripture notices of him cease. The epistle attributed to Barnabas is believed to have been written early in the second century.

Barsabas

Bar’sabas (son of Sabas or rest). [JOSEPH BARSABAS; JUDAS BARSABAS.]

Barsabbas

Barsab’bas. Revised Version of Acts 1:23 for BAR&RSQUO;SABAS.

Bartholomew

Barthol’omew (son of Tomai), one of the twelve apostles of Christ. Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13. It has been not improperly conjectured that he is identical with Nathanael. John 1:45-47. He is said to have preached the gospel in India, that is, probably, Arabia Felix, and according to some in Armenia.

Bartimæus

Bartimæus (Bartimaeus) — (son of Timeus), a blind beggar of Jericho who, (Mark 10:46) ff., sat by the wayside begging as our Lord passed out of Jericho on his last journey to Jerusalem.

Baruch

Ba’ruch (blessed).

1. Son of Neriah, the friend, Jeremiah 32:12, amanuensis, Jeremiah 26:4-32, and faithful attendant of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 36:10-12. (b.c. 603.) He was of a noble family, comp. Jeremiah 51:59; Baruch 1:1, and of distinguished acquirements. His enemies accused him of influencing Jeremiah in favor of the Chaldæans, Jeremiah 43:3; cf. Jeremiah 27:13, and he was imprisoned until the capture of Jerusalem, b.c. 586. By the permission of Nebuchadnezzar he remained with Jeremiah at Mizpeh, Jos. Ant. x. 9, §1, but was afterwards forced to go down to Egypt. Jeremiah 43:6. Nothing is known certainly of the close of his life.

2. The son of Zabbai, who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3:20. (b.c. 446.)

3. A priest, or family of priests, who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. Nehemiah 10:6. (b.c. 410)

4. The son of Col-bozeh, a descendant of Perez or Pharez, the son of Judah. Nehemiah 11:5. (b.c. 536.)

Baruch Book of

Ba’ruch, Book of. One of the apocryphal books of the Old Testament. The book was held in little esteem by the Jews, and both its date and authorship are very uncertain.

Barzilla-i

Barzil’la-i (iron, i.e., strong).

1. A wealthy Gileadite who showed hospitality to David when he fled from Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:27. (b.c. 1023.) He declined the king’s offer of ending his days at court. 2 Samuel 19:32-39.

2. A Meholathite, whose son Adriel married Michal, Saul’s daughter. 2 Samuel 21:8. (b.c. before 1062.)

3. Son-in-law to Barzillai the Gileadite. Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63, Nehemiah 7:64. (b.c. before 536.)

Bashan

Ba’shan (fruitful), a district on the east of Jordan. It is sometimes spoken of as the “land of Bashan,” 1 Chronicles 5:11, and comp. Numbers 21:33; Numbers 32:33, and sometimes as “all Bashan.” Deuteronomy 3:10, Deuteronomy 3:13; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:12, Joshua 13:30. It was taken by the children of Israel after their conquest of the land of Sihon from Arnon to Jabbok. The limits of Bashan are very strictly defined. It extended from the “border of Gilead” on the south to Mount Hermon on the north, Deuteronomy 3:3, Deuteronomy 3:10, Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; 1 Chronicles 5:23, and from the Arabah or Jordan valley on the west of Salehah (Sulkhad) and the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites on the east. Joshua 12:3-5; Deuteronomy 3:10. This important district was bestowed on the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua 13:29-31, together with “half Gilead.” This country is now full of interesting ruins, which have lately been explored and from which much light has been thrown upon Bible times. See Porter’s “Giant Cities of Bashan.”

View of Bashan.

Bashan-havoth-jair

Ba’shan-ha’voth-ja’ir (Bashan of the villages of Jair), a name given to Argob after its conquest by Jair. Deuteronomy 3:14.

Bashemath

Bash’emath (fragrant, pleasing), daughter of Ishmael, the last married of the three wives of Esau. Genesis 26:34; Genesis 36:3, Genesis 36:4, Genesis 36:13. (b.c. after 1797.) In Genesis 28:9 she is called Mahalath.

Basin

Basin. Among the smaller vessels for the tabernacle or temple service, many must have been required to receive from the sacrificial victims the blood to be sprinkled for purification. The “basin” from which our Lord washed the disciples’ feet was probably deeper and larger than the hand-basin for sprinkling.

Basket

Basket. The Hebrew terms used in the description of this article are as follows: (1) Sal, so called from the twigs of which it was originally made, specially used for holding bread. Genesis 40:16-18.; Exodus 29:3, Exodus 29:23; Leviticus 8:2, Leviticus 8:26, Leviticus 8:31; Numbers 6:15, Numbers 6:17, Numbers 6:19. (2) Salsillôth, a word of kindred origin, applied to the basket used in gathering grapes. Jeremiah 6:9. (3) Tene, in which the first-fruits of the harvest were presented. Deuteronomy 26:2, Deuteronomy 26:4. (4) Celub, so called from its similarity to a bird-cage. (5) Dûd, used for carrying fruit, Jeremiah 24:1, Jeremiah 24:2, as well as on a larger scale for carrying clay to the brick-yard, Psalm 81:6 (pots, Authorized Version), or for holding bulky articles. 2 Kings 10:7. In the New Testament baskets are described under three different terms.

Egyptian Baskets.

Basmath

Bas’math (fragrant, pleasing), a daughter of Solomon, married to Ahimaaz, one of his commissariat officers. 1 Kings 4:15. (b.c. after 1014.)

Bastard

Bastard. Among those who were excluded from entering the congregation, even to the tenth generation, was the bastard. Deuteronomy 23:2. The term is not, however, applied to any illegitimate offspring, born out of wedlock, but is restricted by the rabbins to the issue of any connection within the degrees prohibited by the law.

Bat

Bat. Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18. Many travellers have noticed the immense numbers of bats that are found in caverns in the East, and Mr. Layard says that on the occasion of a visit to a cavern these noisome beasts compelled him to retreat.

Bath Bathing

Bath, Bathing. This was a prescribed part of the Jewish ritual of purification in cases of accident, or of leprous or ordinary uncleanness, Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16:28; Leviticus 22:6; Numbers 19:7, Numbers 19:19; 2 Samuel 11:2, 2 Samuel 11:4; 2 Kings 5:10; as also after mourning, which always implied defilement. Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 12:20. The eastern climate made bathing essential alike to health and pleasure, to which luxury added the use of perfumes. Esther 2:12; Judith 10:3; Susan. 17. The “pools,” such as that of Siloam and Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:20; Nehemiah 3:15, Nehemiah 3:16; Isaiah 22:11; John 9:7, often sheltered by porticos, John 5:2, are the first indications we have of public bathing accommodation.

Bath

Bath. [MEASURES.]

Bath-rabbim

Bath-rab’bim (daughter of many), The gate of one of the gates of the ancient city of Heshbon. Song of Solomon 7:4 (Song of Solomon 7:5).

Bath-sheba

Bath’-sheba, or Bath-she’ba (daughter of the oath), 2 Samuel 11:3, etc., also called Bath-shua in 1 Chronicles 3:5, the daughter of Eliam, 2 Samuel 11:3, or Ammiel, 1 Chronicles 3:5, the son of Ahithophel, 2 Samuel 23:34, and wife of Uriah the Hittite. (b.c. 1035.) The child which was the fruit of her adulterous intercourse with David died; but after marriage she became the mother of four sons, Solomon, Matthew 1:6, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan. When Adonijah attempted to set aside the succession promised to Solomon, Bath-sheba informed the king of the conspiracy. 1 Kings 1:11, 1 Kings 1:15, 1 Kings 1:23. After the accession of Solomon, she, as queen-mother, requested permission of her son for Adonijah to take in marriage Abishag the Shunammite. 1 Kings 2:21-25.

Bath-shua

Bath-shu’a. [BATH-SHEBA.]

Battering-ram

Battering-ram, Ezekiel 4:2; Ezekiel 21:22, a large beam with a head of iron which was sometimes made to resemble the head of a ram. It was suspended by ropes to a beam supported by posts, and balanced so as to swing backward and forward, and was impelled by men against the wall. In attacking the walls of a fort or city, the first step appears to have been to form an inclined plane or bank of earth, comp. Ezekiel 4:2, “cast a mount against it,” by which the besiegers could bring their battering-rams and other engines to the foot of the walls. “The battering-rams,” says Mr. Layard, “were of several kinds. Some were joined to movable towers which held warriors and armed men. The whole then formed one great temporary building, the top of which is represented in sculptures as on a level with the walls, and even turrets, of the besieged city. In some bas-reliefs the battering-ram is without wheels: it was then perhaps constructed upon the spot and was not intended to be moved.”

Battle-axe

Battle-axe. Jeremiah 51:20. [MAUL.]

Battlement

Battlement. Among the Jews a battlement was required by law to be built upon every house. It consisted of a low wall built around the roofs of the houses to prevent persons from falling off, and sometimes serving as a partition from another building. Deuteronomy 22:8; Jeremiah 5:10.

Bava-i

Bav’a-i, son of Henadad, ruler of the district of Keilah in the time of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 3:18. (b.c. 446.)

Bay tree

Bay tree. A species of laurel, Laurus nobilis. An evergreen, with leaves like our mountain laurel. Psalm 37:35.

Bazlith

Baz’lith (asking). “Children of Bazlith” were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. Nehemiah 7:54. In Ezra 2:52 the name is given as Bazluth. (b.c. 536.)

Bazluth

Baz’luth. [BAZLITH.]

Bdellium

Bdellium (bedôlach). Genesis 2:12; Numbers 11:7. It is quite impossible to say whether bedôlach denotes a mineral or an animal production or a vegetable exudation. Bdellium is an odoriferous exudation from a tree which is perhaps the Borassus flabelliformis, Lin., of Arabia Felix.

Beacon

Beacon. A signal or conspicuous mark erected on an eminence for direction. Isaiah 30:17.

Bealiah

Beali’ah (Jehovah is lord), a Benjamite who went over to David at Ziklag. 1 Chronicles 12:5. (b.c. 1062.)

Bealoth

Be’aloth (ladies), a town in the extreme south of Judah. Joshua 15:24.

Beans

Beans. 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9. Beans are cultivated in Palestine, which produces many of the leguminous order of plants, such as lentils, kidney-beans, vetches, etc.

Bear

Bear. 1 Samuel 17:34; 2 Samuel 17:8. The Syrian bear, Ursus syriacus, which is without doubt the animal mentioned in the Bible, is still found on the higher mountains of Palestine. During the summer months these bears keep to the snowy parts of Lebanon, but descend in winter to the villages and gardens. It is probable also that at this period in former days they extended their visits to other parts of Palestine.

Syrian Bear.

Beard

Beard. Western Asiatics have always cherished the beard as the badge of the dignity of manhood, and attached to it the importance of a feature. The Egyptians, on the contrary, for the most part shaved the hair of the face and head, though we find some instances to the contrary. The beard is the object of an oath, and that on which blessing or shame is spoken of as resting. The custom was and is to shave or pluck it and the hair out in mourning, Ezra 9:3; Isaiah 15:2; Isaiah 50:6; Jeremiah 41:5; Jeremiah 48:37; Baruch 6:31; to neglect it in seasons of permanent affliction, 2 Samuel 19:24, and to regard any insult to it as the last outrage which enmity can inflict. 2 Samuel 10:4. The beard was the object of salutation. 2 Samuel 20:9. The dressing, trimming, anointing, etc., of the beard was performed with much ceremony by persons of wealth and rank. Psalm 133:2. The removal of the beard was a part of the ceremonial treatment proper to a leper. Leviticus 14:9.

Beba-i

Beb’a-i (fatherly).

1. “Sons of Bebai,” 623 (Neh. 628) in number, returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, Ezra 2:11; Nehemiah 7:16 (b.c. 536), and at a later period twenty-eight more under Zechariah, son of Bebai, returned with Ezra. Ezra 8:11. Four of this family had taken foreign wives. Ezra 10:28. The name occurs also among those who sealed the covenant. Nehemiah 10:15.

2. Father of Zechariah, who was the leader of the twenty-eight men of his tribe mentioned above.

Becher

Be’cher (young or first-born).

1. The second son of Benjamin, according to the list in both Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 7:6, but omitted in 1 Chronicles 8:1. (b.c. about 1690.)

2. Son of Ephraim, Numbers 26:35, called Bered in 1 Chronicles 7:20. Same as the preceding.

Bechorath

Becho’rath (first-born), son of Aphiah or Abiah, and grandson of Becher according to 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Chronicles 7:8. (b.c. before 1093.)

Bed

Bed. The Jewish bed consisted of the mattress, a mere mat, or one or more quilts; the covering, a finer quilt, or sometimes the outer garment worn by day, 1 Sam. 19:13, which the law provided should not be kept in pledge after sunset, that the poor man might not lack his needful covering, Deuteronomy 24:13; the pillow, 1 Samuel 19:13, probably formed of sheep’s fleece or goat’s skin, with a stuffing of cotton, etc.; the bedstead, a divan or bench along the side or end of the room, sufficing as a support for the bedding. Besides we have bedsteads made of ivory, wood, etc., referred to in Deuteronomy 3:11; Amos 6:4. The ornamental portions were pillars and a canopy, Judith 13:9, ivory carvings, gold and silver, and probably mosaic work, purple and fine linen. Esther 1:6; Song of Solomon 3:9, Song of Solomon 3:10. The ordinary furniture of a bed-chamber in private life is given in 2 Kings 4:10.

Bedad

Be’dad (solitary), the father of Hadad king of Edom. Genesis 36:35; 1 Chronicles 1:46. (b.c. before 1093.)

Bedan

Be’dan (son of judgment).

1. Mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:11 as a judge of Israel between Jerubbaal (Gideon) and Jephthah. The Chaldee Paraphrast reads Samson for Bedan; the LXX, Syriac and Arabic all have Barak. Ewald suggests that it may be a false reading for Abdon. (b.c. about 1150.)

2. The son of Gilead. 1 Chronicles 7:17.

Bede-iah

Bede-i’ah, one of the sons of Bani, in the time of Ezra, who had taken a foreign wife. Ezra 10:35. (b.c. 458.)

Bee

Bee (debôrâh). Deuteronomy 1:44; Judges 14:8; Psalm 118:12; Isaiah 7:18. Bees abounded in Palestine, honey being a common article of food, Psalm 81:16, and was often found in the clefts of rocks and in hollow trees. 1 Samuel 14:25, 1 Samuel 14:27. English naturalists know little of the species of bees that are found in Palestine, but are inclined to believe that the honey-bee of Palestine is distinct from the honey-bee (Apis mellifica) of this country. The passage in Isaiah 7:18 refers “to the custom of the people in the East of calling attention to any one by a significant hiss or rather hist.”

We read, Judges 14:8, that “after a time,” probably many days, Samson returned to the carcass of the lion he had slain, and saw bees and honey therein. “If any one here represents to himself a corrupt and putrid carcass, the occurrence ceases to have any true similitude, for it is well known that in these countries, at certain seasons of the year, the heat will in the course of twenty-four hours completely dry up the moisture of dead camels, and that, without their undergoing decomposition, their bodies long remain like mummies, unaltered and entirely free from offensive odor.”—Œdmann.

Be-eliada

Be-eli’ada (the Lord knows), one of David’s sons, born in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 14:7. In the lists in Samuel the name is Eliada. (b.c. after 1045.)