Smith's Bible Dictionary

Bul — Buzi

Bull, Bullock, terms used synonymously with ox, oxen, and properly a generic name for horned cattle when of full age and fit for the plough. It is various rendered “bullock,” Isaiah 65:25, “cow,” Ezekiel 4:15, “oxen,” Genesis 12:16. Kine is used in the Bible as the plural of cow. In Isaiah 51:20, the “wild bull” (“wild ox” in Deuteronomy 14:5) was possibly one of the larger species of antelope, and took its name from its swiftness. Dr. Robinson mentions large herds of black and almost hairless buffaloes as still existing in Palestine, and these may be the animal indicated.

Bulrush

Bulrush (or papyrus), a reed growing in the shallow water on the banks of the Nile. It grows to the height of 12 or 15 feet, with a stalk two or three inches in diameter. The stalks are very pliable and can be very closely interwoven, as is evident from their having been used in the construction of arks. Exodus 2:3, Exodus 2:5. Paper was made from this plant, from which it derives its name.

Bulrush.

Bunah

Bu’nah (understanding), a son of Jerahmeel, of the family of Pharez in Judah. 1 Chronicles 2:25.

Bunni

Bun’ni (my understanding).

1. One of the Levites in the time of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 9:4.

2. Another Levite, but of earlier date than the preceding. Nehemiah 11:15.

Burial Sepulchres

Burial, Sepulchres. [TOMBS.] On this subject we have to notice—

1. The place of burial, its site and shape; 2. The mode of burial; 3. The prevalent notions regarding this duty.

1. A natural cave enlarged and adapted by excavation, or an artificial imitation of one, was the standard type of sepulchre. Sepulchres, when the owner’s means permitted it, were commonly prepared beforehand, and stood often in gardens, by roadsides, or even adjoining houses. Kings and prophets alone were probably buried within towns. 1 Kings 2:10; 1 Kings 16:6, 1 Kings 16:28. Cities soon became populous and demanded cemeteries, Ezekiel 39:15, which were placed without the walls. Sepulchres were marked sometimes by pillars or by pyramids. Such as were not otherwise noticeable were scrupulously “whited,” Matthew 23:27, once a year, after the rains before the passover, to warn passers-by of defilement.

2. “The manner of the Jews” included the use of spices, where they could command the means. 2 Chronicles 16:10. A portion of these was burnt in honor of the deceased, and to this use was probably destined part of the one hundred pounds weight of “myrrh and aloes” in our Lord’s case. In no instance, save that of Saul and his sons, were the bodies burned; and even then the bones were interred, and re-exhumed for solemn entombment. It was the office of the next of kin to perform and preside over the whole funeral office; though public buriers were not unknown in New Testament times. Acts 5:6, Acts 5:10. The body was borne by the nearest relatives. The grave-clothes were probably of the fashion worn in life, but swathed and fastened with bandages, and the head covered separately.

3. The precedent of Jacob’s and Joseph’s remains being returned to the land of Canaan was followed, in wish at least, by every pious Jew.

Burnt offering

Burnt offering. The word is applied to the offering which was wholly consumed by fire on the altar, and the whole of which, except the refuse ashes, “ascended” in the smoke to God. The meaning of the whole burnt offering was that which is the original idea of all sacrifice, the offering by the sacrificer of himself, soul and body, to God—the submission of his will to the will of the Lord. The ceremonies of the burnt offering are given in detail in the book of Leviticus. [SACRIFICE.]

Bush

Bush. The Hebrew word seneh occurs only in the those passages which refer to Jehovah’s appearance to Moses “in the flame of fire in the bush.” Exodus 3:2, Exodus 3:3, Exodus 3:4; Deuteronomy 33:16. It is quite impossible to say what kind of thorn bush is intended; but it was probably the acacia, a small variety of the shittim tree found in the Sinai region.

Bushel

Bushel. [WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.]

Butler

Butler. One of the officers of the king’s household, Nehemiah 1:11, who had charge of the wine and poured it out for the king. The chief butler, as the title signifies, was in charge of the butlers. Genesis 40:1-13.

Butter

Butter. Curdled milk. Genesis 18:8; Deuteronomy 32:14; Judges 5:25; Job 20:17. Milk is generally offered to travellers in Palestine in a curdled or sour state, lebben, thick, almost like butter. Hasselquist describes the method of making butter employed by the Arab women: “they made butter in a leather bag, hung on three poles erected for the purpose, in the form of a cone, and drawn to and fro by two women.”

Buz

Buz (contempt).

1. The second son of Milcah and Nahor. Genesis 22:21. Elihu “the Buzite” was probably a descendant of Buz.

2. A name occurring in the genealogies of the tribe of Gad. 1 Chronicles 5:14.

Buzi

Bu’zi (contempt), father of Ezekiel the prophet. Ezekiel 1:3.