Smith's Bible Dictionary

Ajalon — Ananias

Akan

A’kan (sharp-sighted), son of Ezer, one of the “dukes” or chieftains of the Horites, and descendant of Seir. Genesis 36:27. He is called Jakan in 1 Chronicles 1:42.

Akeldama

Akel’dama. Revised Version of Acts 1:19 for ACELDAMA.

Akkub

Ak’kub (insidious).

1. A descendant of Zerubbabel and son of Elioenai. 1 Chronicles 3:24.

2. One of the porters or doorkeepers at the east gate of the temple. (b.c. 536–440.)

3. One of the Nethinim, whose family returned with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:45. (b.c. 536.)

4. A Levite who assisted Ezra in expounding the law to the people. Nehemiah 8:7.

Akrab’bim (the ascent of, or the going up to); also Maaleh-acrabbim (the scorpion pass), a pass between the south end of the Dead Sea and Zin, forming one of the landmarks on the south boundary at once of Judah, Joshua 15:3, and of the Holy Land. Numbers 34:4. Also the boundary of the Amorites. Judges 1:36. As to the name, scorpions abound in the whole of this district.

Alabaster

Alabaster, from the Arabic al bastraton, a whitish stone, or from Albastron, the place in Egypt where it is found. It occurs only in Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37. The ancients considered alabaster to be the best material in which to preserve their ointments. The Oriental alabaster (referred to in the Bible) is a translucent carbonate of lime, formed on the floors of limestone caves by the percolation of water. It is of the same material as our marbles, but differently formed. It is usually clouded or banded like agate, hence sometimes called onyx marble.

Our common alabaster is different from this, being a variety of gypsum or sulphate of lime, used in its finer forms for vases, etc.; in the coarser it is ground up for plaster of Paris. The noted sculptured slabs from Nineveh are made of this material.

Alabaster Vases. Inscription on the centre vessel denotes the quantity it holds.

Alameth

Al’ameth, properly Al’emeth (covering), one of the sons of Becher, the son of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 7:8.

Alammelech

Alam’melech (king’s oak), a place within the limits of Asher, named between Achshaph and Amad. Joshua 19:26 only.

Alamoth

Al’amoth (virgins). Psalm 46, title; 1 Chronicles 15:20. Some interpret it to mean a musical instrument, and others a melody.

Alemeth

Al’emeth (covering), a Benjamite, son of Jehoadah or Jarah, 1 Chronicles 8:36; 1 Chronicles 9:42, and descended from Jonathan the son of Saul. (b.c. after 1077.)

Alexander III

Alexan’der III. (helper of men—brave), king of Macedon, surnamed the Great, the son of Philip and Olympias, was born at Pella b.c. 356, and succeeded his father b.c. 336. Two years afterwards he crossed the Hellespont (b.c. 334) to carry out the plans of his father, and execute the mission of Greece to the civilized world. He subjugated Syria and Palestine b.c. 334–332. Egypt next submitted to him b.c. 332, and in this year he founded Alexandria. In the same year he finally defeated Darius at Gaugamela, who in b.c. 330 was murdered. The next two years were occupied by Alexander in the consolidation of his Persian conquests and the reduction of Bactria. In b.c. 327 he crossed the Indus; turning westward he reached Susa b.c. 325, and proceeded to Babylon b.c. 324, which he chose as the capital of his empire. In the next year (b.c. 323) he died there of intemperance, at the early age of 32, in the midst of his gigantic plans; and those who inherited his conquests left his designs unachieved and unattempted. cf. Daniel 7:6; Daniel 8:5; Daniel 11:3. Alexander is intended in Daniel 2:39 and also Daniel 7:6; Daniel 8:5-7; Daniel 11:3, Daniel 11:4, the latter indicating the rapidity of his conquests and his power. He ruled with great dominion, and did according to his will, Daniel 11:3; “and there was none that could deliver . . . out of his hand.” Daniel 8:7.

Alexander

Alexan’der.

1. Son of Simon the Cyrenian, who was compelled to bear the cross for our Lord. Mark 15:21.

2. One of the kindred of Annas the high priest. Acts 4:6.

3. A Jew at Ephesus whom his countrymen put forward during the tumult raised by Demetrius the silversmith, Acts 19:33, to plead their cause with the mob.

4. An Ephesian Christian reprobated by St. Paul in 1 Timothy 1:20 as having, together with one Hymenæus, put from him faith and a good conscience, and so made shipwreck concerning the faith. This may be the same with . . .

5. Alexander the coppersmith, mentioned by the same apostle, 2 Timothy 4:14, as having done him many mischiefs.

Alexandri-a

Alexan’dri-a, or Alexandri’a (from Alexander), 3 Maccabees 3:1; Acts 18:24; Acts 6:9, the Hellenic, Roman, and Christian capital of Egypt.

Situation.—(Alexandria was situated on the Mediterranean Sea, directly opposite the island of Pharos, 12 miles west of the Canopic branch of the Nile and 120 miles from the present city of Cairo.) It was founded by Alexander the Great, b.c. 332, who himself traced the ground plan of the city. The work thus begun was continued after the death of Alexander by the Ptolemies.

Description.—Under the despotism of the later Ptolemies the trade of Alexandria declined, but its population and wealth were enormous. Its iimportance as one of the chief corn-ports of Rome secured for it the general favor of the first emperors. Its population was mixed from the first. According to Josephus, Alexander himself assigned to the Jews a place in his new city. Philo estimates the number of the Alexandrine Jews in his time at a little less than 1,000,000; and adds that two of the five districts of Alexandria were called “Jewish districts,” and that many Jews lived scattered in the remaining three. “For a long period Alexandria was the greatest of known cities.” After Rome became the chief city of the world, Alexandria ranked second to Rome in wealth and importance, and second to Athens only in literature and science. Its collection of books grew to be the greatest library of ancient times, and contained at one time 700,000 rolls or volumes. Here was made the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, begun about b.c. 285. The commerce of Alexandria, especially in grain, was very great. According to the common legend, St. Mark first “preached the gospel in Egypt, and founded the first church in Alexandria.” At the beginning of the second century the number of Christians at Alexandria must have been very large, and the great leaders of Gnosticism who arose there (Basilides, Valentinus) exhibit an exaggeration of the tendency of the Church.

Present Condition.—The city is now called Scanderia. Its population in 1871 was 219,000 (Encyc. Brit.), and is increasing. “Cleopatra’s Needle,” lately set up in New York, was taken from this city.

Alexandrians

Alexan’drians, the Jewish colonists of Alexandria, who were admitted to the privileges of citizenship and had had a synagogue at Jerusalem. Acts 6:9.

Algum

Algum or Almug Trees, the former occurring in 2 Chronicles 2:8; 2 Chronicles 9:10, 2 Chronicles 9:11, the latter in 1 Kings 10:11, 1 Kings 10:12. These words are identical. From 1 Kings 10:11, 1 Kings 10:12; 2 Chronicles 9:10, 2 Chronicles 9:11, we learn that the almug was brought in great plenty from Ophir for Solomon’s temple and house, and for the construction of musical instruments. It is probable that this tree is the red sandal wood, which is a native of India and Ceylon. The wood is very heavy, hard and fine grained, and of a beautiful garnet color.

The Almug.

Aliah

Ali’ah. [ALVAH.]

Alian

Ali’an. [ALVAN.]

Allegory

Allegory, a figure of speech, which has been defined by Bishop Marsh, in accordance with its etymology, as “a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing.” (“A figurative representation containing a meaning other than and in addition to the literal.” “A fable or parable is a short allegory with one definite moral.”—Encyc. Brit.) In every allegory there is a twofold sense—the immediate or historic, which is understood from the words, and the ultimate, which is concerned with the things signified by the words. The allegorical interpretation is not of the words, but of the things signified by them, and not only may, but actually does, coexist with the literal interpretation in every allegory, whether the narrative in which it is conveyed be of things possible or real. An illustration of this may be seen in Galatians 4:24, where the apostle gives an allegorical interpretation to the historical narrative of Hagar and Sarah, not treating that narrative as an allegory in itself, as our Authorized Version would lead us to suppose, but drawing from it a deeper sense than is conveyed by the immediate representation. (Addison’s Vision of Mirza and Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress are among the best allegories in all literature.)

Alleluia

Alleluia, so written in Revelation 19:6, foll., or more properly Hallelujah, praise ye Jehovah, as it is found in the margin of Psalm 104:35; Psalm 105:45; Psalm 106; Psalm 111:1; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 113:1; comp. Psalm 113:9; Psalm 115:18; Psalm 116:19; Psalm 117:2. The literal meaning of “hallelujah” sufficiently indicates the character of the Psalms in which it occurs as hymns of praise and thanksgiving.

Alliances

Alliances. On the first establishment of the Hebrews in Palestine no connections were formed between them and the surrounding nations. But with the extension of their power under the kings alliances became essential to the security of their commerce. Solomon concluded two important treaties exclusively for commercial purposes; the first with Hiram king of Tyre, 1 Kings 5:2-12; 1 Kings 9:27, the second with a Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 1 Kings 10:28, 1 Kings 10:29. When war broke out between Amaziah and Jeroboam II, a coalition was formed between Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah on the one side, and Ahaz and Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, on the other. 2 Kings 16:5-9.

The formation of an alliance was attended with various religious rites. A victim was slain and divided into two parts, between which the contracting parties passed. Genesis 15:10. Generally speaking, the oath alone is mentioned in the contracting of alliances, either between nations, Joshua 9:15, or individuals. Genesis 25:28; Genesis 31:53; 1 Samuel 20:17; 2 Kings 11:4. The event was celebrated by a feast. Gen. l.c.; Exodus 24:11; 2 Samuel 3:12, 2 Samuel 3:20. Salt, as symbolical of fidelity, was used on these occasions. Occasionally a pillar or a heap of stones was set up as a memorial of the alliance. Genesis 31:52. Presents were also sent by the parties soliciting the alliance. 1 Kings 15:18; Isaiah 30:6; 1 Maccabees 15:18. The fidelity of the Jews to their engagements was conspicuous at all periods of their history, Joshua 9:18, and any breach of covenant was visited with very severe punishment. 2 Samuel 21:1; Ezekiel 17:16.

Allon

Al’lon (an oak), a Simeonite, ancestor of Ziza, a prince of his tribe in the reign of Hezekiah. 1 Chronicles 4:37. (b.c. 727.)

Allon

Allon, a large strong tree of some description, probably an oak.

1. Allon, more accurately Elon, a place named among the cities of Naphtali. Joshua 19:33. Probably the more correct construction is to take it with the following word, i.e., “the oak by Zaanannim.” [Elon.]

2. Allon-bachuth (oak of weeping), the tree under which Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, was buried. Genesis 35:8.

Almodad

Almo’dad (measure), the first in order of the descendants of Joktan. Genesis 10:26; 1 Chronicles 1:20.

Almon

Al’mon (concealed), a city within the tribe of Benjamin, with “suburbs” given to the priests. Joshua 21:18. [Alemeth.]

Almon-diblathaim

Al’mon-diblatha’im (concealing the two cakes), one of the latest stations of the Israelites, between Dibon-gad and the mountains of Abarim. Numbers 33:46, Numbers 33:47. It is probably identical with Beth-diblathaim.

Almond Tree

Almond Tree; Almond. This word is found in Genesis 43:11; Exodus 25:33, Exodus 25:34; Exodus 37:19, Exodus 37:20; Numbers 17:8; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Jeremiah 1:11, in the text of the Authorized Version. It is invariably represented by the same Hebrew word, shaked, meaning hasten. Jeremiah 1:11, Jeremiah 1:12. The almond tree is a native of Asia and North Africa, but it is cultivated in the milder parts of Europe. “It resembles the peach tree in form, blossom and fruit. It is in fact only another species of the same genus.” The height of the tree is about 12 or 14 feet; the flowers are pink, and arranged for the most part in pairs; the leaves are long, ovate, with a serrated margin and an acute point. The covering of the fruit is downy and succulent, enclosing the hard shell which contains the kernel. It is this nut for which the tree is chiefly valued. It is curious to observe, in connection with the almond-bowls of the golden candlestick, that, in the language of lapidaries, almonds are pieces of rock crystal, even now used in adorning branch candlesticks.

Almond.

Alms

Alms. The duty of alms-giving, especially in kind, consisting chiefly in portions to be left designedly from produce of the field, the vineyard and the oliveyard, Leviticus 19:9, Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 15:11; Deuteronomy 24:19; Deuteronomy 26:2-13; Ruth 2:2, is strictly enjoined by the law. Every third year also, Deuteronomy 14:28, each proprietor was directed to share the tithe of his produce with “the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow.” The theological estimate of alms-giving among the Jews is indicated in the following passages: Job 31:17; Proverbs 10:2; Proverbs 11:4; Esther 9:22; Psalm 112:9; Acts 9:36, the case of Dorcas; Acts 10:2, of Cornelius; to which may be added Tobit 4:10, Tobit 4:11; Tobit 14:10, Tobit 14:11, and Sirach 3:30; Sirach 40:24. The Pharisees were zealous in alms-giving, but too ostentatious in their mode of performance, for which our Lord finds fault with them. Matthew 6:2. The duty of relieving the poor was not neglected by the Christians. Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 14:13; Acts 20:35; Galatians 2:10. Regular proportionate giving was expected. Acts 11:30; Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.

Almug Trees

Almug Trees. [ALGUM TREES.]

Aloes Lign Aloes

Aloes, Lign Aloes (in Heb. Ahalim, Ahaloth), the name of a costly and sweet-smelling wood which is mentioned in Numbers 24:6; Psalm 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; John 19:39. It is usually identified with the Aquilaria agallochum, an aromatic wood much valued in India. This tree sometimes grows to the height of 120 feet, being 12 feet in girth.

Lign Aloes.

Aloth

A’loth, a place or district, forming with Asher the jurisdiction of the ninth of Solomon’s commissariat officers. 1 Kings 4:16.

Alpha

Alpha (Α), the first letter of the Greek alphabet. With Omega (Ω), the last letter, it is used in the Old Testament and in the New to express the eternity of God, as including both the beginning and the end. Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:11; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13; Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6; hence these letters became a favorite symbol of the eternal divinity of our Lord, and were used for this purpose in connection with the cross, or the monogram of Christ (i.e., the first two letters, ch and r, of Christ’s name in Greek). Both Greeks and Hebrews employed the letters of the alphabet as numerals.

Alphabet

Alphabet. [WRITING.]

Alphæus

Alphæus (Alphaeus) — (changing) the father of the apostle James the Less, (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) and husband of Mary. (John 19:25) MARY In this latter place he is called Clopas (not, as in the Authorized Version, Cleophas).

Altar

Altar. The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. Genesis 8:20. In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations, e.g., where God appeared. Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 26:25; Genesis 35:1. Though generally erected for the offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. Genesis 12:7; Exodus 17:15, Exodus 17:16. Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. Exodus 20:24, Exodus 20:25.

Altar.

I. The Altar of Burnt Offering. It differed in construction at different times. (1) In the tabernacle, Exodus 27:1 ff.; Exodus 38:1 ff., it was comparatively small and portable. In shape it was square. It was five cubits in length, the same in breadth, and three cubits high. It was made of planks of shittim (or acacia) wood overlaid with brass. The interior was hollow. Exodus 27:8. At the four corners were four projections called horns, made, like the altar itself, of shittim wood overlaid with brass, Exodus 27:2, and to them the victim was bound when about to be sacrificed. Psalm 118:27. Round the altar, midway between the top and bottom, ran a projecting ledge, on which perhaps the priest stood when officiating. To the outer edge of this, again, a grating or network of brass was affixed, and reached to the bottom of the altar. At the four corners of the network were four brazen rings, into which were inserted the staves by which the altar was carried. These staves were of the same materials as the altar itself. As the priests were forbidden to ascend the altar by steps, Exodus 20:26, it has been conjectured that a slope of earth led gradually up to the ledge from which they officiated. The place of the altar was at “the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Exodus 40:29. (2) In Solomon’s temple the altar was considerably larger in its dimensions. It differed too in the material of which it was made, being entirely of brass. 1 Kings 8:64; 2 Chronicles 7:7. It had no grating, and instead of a single gradual slope, the ascent to it was probably made by three successive platforms, to each of which it has been supposed that steps led. The altar erected by Herod in front of the temple was 15 cubits in height and 50 cubits in length and breadth. According to Leviticus 6:12, Leviticus 6:13, a perpetual fire was to be kept burning on the altar.

II. The Altar of Incense, called also the golden altar to distinguish it from the altar of burnt offering, which was called the brazen altar. Exodus 38:30. (a) That in the tabernacle was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. In shape it was square, being a cubit in length and breadth and two cubits in height. Like the altar of burnt offering it had horns at the four corners, which were of one piece with the rest of the altar. This altar stood in the holy place, “before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony.” Exodus 30:6; Exodus 40:5. (b) The altar of Solomon’s temple was similar, 1 Kings 7:48; 1 Chronicles 28:18, but was made of cedar overlaid with gold.

III. Other Altars. In Acts 17:23 reference is made to an altar to an unknown god. There were several altars in Athens with this inscription, erected during the time of a plague, since they knew not what god was offended and required to be propitiated.

Al-taschith

Al-taschith (destroy not), found in the introductory verse to Psalm 57, Psalm 58, Psalm 59, Psalm 75. It was probably the beginning of some song or poem to the tune of which those psalms were to be chanted.

Alush

A’lush (a crowd of men), one of the stations of the Israelites on their journey to Sinai, the last before Rephidim. Numbers 33:13, Numbers 33:14.

Alvah

Al’vah (evil), a duke of Edom, Genesis 36:40; written ALIAH in 1 Chronicles 1:51.

Alvan

Al’van (tall), a Horite, son of Shobal, Genesis 36:23; written ALIAN in 1 Chronicles 1:40.

Amad

A’mad (enduring), an unknown place in Asher, between Alammelech and Misheal. Joshua 19:26 only.

Amadatha

Amad’atha, Esther 16:10, Esther 16:17, and Amad’athus. Esther 12:6. [HAMMEDATHA.]

Amal

A’mal (labor), an Asherite, son of Helem. 1 Chronicles 7:35.

Amalek

Am’alek (dweller in a valley), a son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and chieftain (“duke,” Authorized Version) of Edom. Genesis 36:12, Genesis 36:16; 1 Chronicles 1:36. (b.c. about 1700.)

Amalekites

Am’alekites, a nomadic tribe of uncertain origin, which occupied the peninsula of Sinai and the wilderness intervening between the southern hill-ranges of Palestine and the border of Egypt. Numbers 13:29; 1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Samuel 27:8. Their wealth consisted in flocks and herds. Mention is made of a “town,” 1 Samuel 15:5, but their towns could have been little more than stations or nomadic enclosures. The Amalekites first came in contact with the Israelites at Rephidim, but were signally defeated. Exodus 17:8-16. In union with the Canaanites they again attacked the Israelites on the borders of Palestine, and defeated them near Hormah. Numbers 14:45. Saul undertook an expedition against them. 1 Samuel 14:48. Their power was thenceforth broken, and they degenerated into a horde of banditti. Their destruction was completed by David. 1 Samuel 30:1-17.

Amalekites Mount of

Am’alekites, Mount of, a mountain in Ephraim, Judges 12:15, probably so named because the Amalekites once held possession of it.

Amam

A’mam (gathering place), a city in the south of Judah, named with Shema and Moladah in Joshua 15:26 only.

Aman

A’man. [HAMAN.] Esther 10:7; Esther 12:6; Esther 13:3, Esther 13:12; Esther 14:17; Esther 16:10, Esther 16:17.

Amana

Am’ana (a covenant), apparently a mountain in or near Lebanon. Song of Solomon 4:8. It is commonly assumed that this is the mountain in which the river Abana, 2 Kings 5:12, has its source.

Amariah

Amari’ah (the Lord says, i.e., promises).

1. Father of Ahitub, according to 1 Chronicles 6:7, 1 Chronicles 6:52, and son of Meraioth, in the line of the high priests.

2. The high priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 19:11. He was the son of Azariah.

3. The head of a Levitical house of the Kohathites. 1 Chronicles 23:19; 1 Chronicles 24:23.

4. The head of one of the twenty-four courses of priests. 2 Chronicles 31:15; Nehemiah 10:3; Nehemiah 12:2, Nehemiah 12:13.

5. One of the sons of Bani in the time of Ezra. Ezra 10:42.

6. A priest who returned with Zerubbabel. Nehemiah 10:3; Nehemiah 12:2, Nehemiah 12:13.

7. A descendant of Pharez. Nehemiah 11:4.

8. An ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet. Zephaniah 1:1.

Amasa

Am’asa (a burden).

1. Son of Ithra or Jether, by Abigail, David’s sister. 2 Samuel 17:25. He joined in Absalom’s rebellion, b.c. 1023, was appointed commander-in-chief, and suffered defeat by Joab. 2 Samuel 18:6. David, incensed against Joab for killing Absalom, forgave Amasa and appointed him Joab’s successor. 2 Samuel 19:13. Joab afterwards, when they were both in pursuit of the rebel Sheba, pretending to salute Amasa, stabbed him with his sword. 2 Samuel 20:10.

2. A prince of Ephraim, son of Hadlai, in the reign of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:12.

Amasai

Amasa’i, or Amas’a-i (burdensome).

1. A Kohathite, father of Mahath and ancestor of Samuel. 1 Chronicles 6:25, 1 Chronicles 6:35.

2. Chief of the captains of Judah and Benjamin, who deserted to David while an outlaw at Ziklag. 1 Chronicles 12:18. (b.c. 1060.)

3. One of the priests who blew trumpets before the ark. 1 Chronicles 15:24.

4. Another Kohathite, in the reign of Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 29:12.

Amashai

Amasha’i, or Amash’a-i (burdensome), son of Azareel, a priest in the time of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 11:13; apparently the same as MAASIAI. 1 Chronicles 9:12. (b.c. 440.)

Amasiah

Amasi’ah (whom Jehovah bears), son of Zichri and captain of 200,000 warriors of Judah in the reign of Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17:16. (b.c. 910.)

Amath

A’math. [HAMATH.]

Amaziah

Amazi’ah (the strength of the Lord).

1. Son of Joash, and eighth king of Judah, reigned b.c. 837–809. He succeeded to the throne at the age of 25, on the murder of his father, and punished the murderers. In order to restore his kingdom to the greatness of Jehoshaphat’s days, he made war on the Edomites, defeated them in the Valley of Salt, south of the Dead Sea, and took their capital, Selah or Petra, to which he gave the name of Jokteel, i.e., “God-subdued.” Flushed with his success, he challenged Joash king of Israel to battle, but was completely defeated, and himself was taken prisoner and conveyed by Joash to Jerusalem, which opened its gates to the conqueror. Amaziah lived 15 years after the death of Joash; and in the 29th year of his reign was murdered by conspirators at Lachish, whither he had retired from Jerusalem for safety. 2 Chronicles 25:27.

2. A descendant of Simeon. 1 Chronicles 4:34.

3. A Levite. 1 Chronicles 6:45.

4. Priest of the golden calf at Bethel, who endeavored to drive the prophet Amos from Israel into Judah. Amos 7:10, Amos 7:12, Amos 7:14.

Ambassador

Ambassador, a person of high rank employed by a government to represent it and transact its business at the seat of government of some other power. The earliest examples of ambassadors employed occur in Numbers 20:14; Numbers 21:21; Judges 11:7-19; afterwards in that of the fraudulent Gibeonites, Joshua 9:4, etc., and in the instances of civic strife mentioned Judges 11:12 and Judges 20:12. Ambassadors are found to have been employed not only on occasions of hostile challenge or insolent menace, 1 Kings 20:2, 1 Kings 20:6; 2 Kings 14:8, but of friendly compliment, of request for alliance or other aid, of submissive deprecation and of curious inquiry. 2 Kings 14:8; 2 Kings 16:7; 2 Kings 18:14; 2 Chronicles 32:31. Ministers are called ambassadors of Christ.

Ambassage

Ambassage, embassy, a message of a public nature brought by ambassadors. The word also sometimes includes the ambassadors themselves. Luke 14:32.

Amber

Amber (Heb. chasmal) occurs only in Ezekiel 1:4, Ezekiel 1:27; Ezekiel 8:2. It is usually supposed that the Hebrew word chasmal denotes a metal, and not the fossil resin called amber.

Amen

Amen, literally “true”; and, used as a substantive, “that which is true,” “truth,” Isaiah 65:16; a word used in strong asseverations, fixing, as it were, the stamp of truth upon the assertion which it accompanied, and making it binding as an oath. Comp. Numbers 5:22. In the synagogues and private houses it was customary for the people or members of the family who were present to say “amen” to the prayers which were offered. Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 14:16. And not only public prayers, but those offered in private, and doxologies, were appropriately concluded with “amen.” Romans 9:5; Romans 11:36; Romans 15:33; Romans 16:27; 2 Corinthians 13:14, etc.

Amethyst

Amethyst (Heb. achlamah), a subspecies of quartz of a bluish-violet color. Mention is made of this precious stone, which formed the third in the third row of the high priest’s breastplate, in Exodus 28:19; Exodus 39:12. It occurs also in Revelation 21:20.

Ami

A’mi (builder), one of Solomon’s servants, Ezra 2:57; called AMON in Nehemiah 7:59.

Aminadab

Amin’adab. Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:33. [AMMINADAB, 1.]

Amitta-i

Amit’ta-i (true), father of the prophet Jonah. 2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1.

Ammah

Am’mah (head), The hill of, a hill facing Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon, named as the point to which Joab pursued Abner. 2 Samuel 2:24.

Ammi

Am’mi, i.e., as explained in the margin of the Authorized Version, my people. Hosea 2:1.

Ammi-el

Am’mi-el (people of God).

1. The spy from the tribe of Dan. Numbers 13:12. (b.c. 1490.) He perished by the plague for his evil report.

2. Father of Machir of Lo-debar. 2 Samuel 9:4, 2 Samuel 9:5; 2 Samuel 17:27.

3. Father of Bath-sheba, 1 Chronicles 3:5, called ELIAM in 2 Samuel 11:3.

4. The sixth son of Obed-edom, 1 Chronicles 26:5, and one of the doorkeepers of the temple. (b.c. 1014.)

Ammihud

Am’mihud (people of praise).

1. An Ephraimite, father of Elishama, the chief of the tribe at the time of the Exodus. Numbers 1:10; Numbers 2:18; Numbers 7:48, Numbers 7:53; Numbers 10:22; 1 Chronicles 7:26, and, through him, ancestor of Joshua. (b.c. 1491.)

2. A Simeonite, father of Shemuel. Numbers 34:20.

3. The father of Pedahel, prince of the tribe of Naphtali. Numbers 34:28.

4. The father of Talmai king of Geshur. 2 Samuel 13:37.

5. A descendant of Pharez, son of Judah. 1 Chronicles 9:4.

Amminadab

Ammin’adab (one of the prince’s people).

1. Son of Ram or Aram, and father of Nahshon, or NAASSON (as it is written, Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32); Numbers 1:7; Numbers 2:3; Ruth 4:19, Ruth 4:20; 1 Chronicles 2:10. One of the ancestors of Jesus Christ.

2. The chief of the 112 sons of Uzziel, a junior Levitical house of the family of the Kohathites. Exodus 6:23; 1 Chronicles 15:10, 1 Chronicles 15:11.

3. In 1 Chronicles 6:22, Izhar, the son of Kohath, is called AMMINADIB; probably a clerical error.

Amminadib

Ammin’adib. Probably another form of Amminadab. He was noted for the swiftness of his chariots. Song of Solomon 6:12. It is uncertain whether we ought to read here AMMINADIB, with the Authorized Version, or my willing people, as in the margin.

Ammishadda-i

Ammishad’da-i (people of the Almighty), the father of Ahiezer, prince of the tribe of Dan at the time of the Exodus. Numbers 1:12; Numbers 2:25; Numbers 7:66, Numbers 7:71; Numbers 10:25. (b.c. 1491.)

Ammizabad

Ammiz’abad (people of the Giver, i.e., God), the son of Benaiah, who commanded the third division of David’s army. 1 Chronicles 27:6. (b.c. 1050.)

Ammon

Am’mon (sons of renown, mountaineers), Am’monites, Children of Ammon, a people descended from Ben-ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter. Genesis 19:38; comp. Psalm 83:7, Psalm 83:8. The Ammonites are frequently mentioned with the Moabites (descendants of Ben-ammi’s half-brother), and sometimes under the same name. Comp. Judges 10:6; 2 Chronicles 20:1; Zephaniah 2:8, etc. The precise position of the territory of the Ammonites is not ascertainable. In the earliest mention of them, Deuteronomy 2:20, they are said to have dwelt in their place, Jabbok being their border. Numbers 21:24; Deuteronomy 2:37; Deuteronomy 3:16. Land or country is, however, but rarely ascribed to them. Their capital city was Rabbath, called also Rabbath Ammon, on the Jabbok. We find everywhere traces of the fierce habits of marauders in their incursions. 1 Samuel 11:2; Amos 1:13, and a very high degree of crafty cruelty to their foes. Jeremiah 41:6, Jeremiah 41:7; Judges 7:11, Judges 7:12. Moab was the settled and civilized half of the nation of Lot, and Ammon formed its predatory and Bedouin section. On the west of Jordan they never obtained a footing. The hatred in which the Ammonites were held by Israel is stated to have arisen partly from their denial of assistance, Deuteronomy 23:4, to the Israelites on their approach to Canaan. But whatever its origin, the animosity continued in force to the latest date. The tribe was governed by a king, Judges 11:12, etc.; 1 Samuel 12:12; 2 Samuel 10:1; Jeremiah 40:14, and by “princes.” 2 Samuel 10:3; 1 Chronicles 19:3. The divinity of the tribe was Molech [MOLECH], and they were gross idolaters.

Rabbath Ammon, Capital of the Ammonites. (From a Photograph.)

Ammonitess

Ammoni’tess, a woman of Ammonite race. 1 Kings 14:21, 1 Kings 14:31; 2 Chronicles 12:13.

Ammon-no

Am’mon-no. See NO-AMON.

Amnon

Am’non (faithful).

1. Eldest son of David. (b.c. 1052.) He dishonored his half-sister Tamar, and was in consequence murdered by her brother. 2 Samuel 13:1-29.

2. Son of Shimon. 1 Chronicles 4:20.

Amok

A’mok, a priest who returned with Zerubbabel. Nehemiah 12:7, Nehemiah 12:20. (b.c. 536.)

Amon

A’mon, or A’men (the mysterious), an Egyptian divinity, whose name occurs in that of No-amon. Nahum 3:8. Amen was one of the eight gods of the first order, and chief of the triad of Thebes. He was worshipped at that city as Amen-Ra, or “Amen the Sun.”

Amon.

Amon

A’mon (builder).

1. One of Ahab’s governors. 1 Kings 22:26; 2 Chronicles 18:25.

2. King of Judah, son and successor of Manasseh, reigned two years, from b.c. 642 to 640. Amon devoted himself wholly to the service of false gods, but was killed in a conspiracy, and was succeeded by his son Josiah.

Amorite the Amorites

Am’orite, the Am’orites (dwellers on the summits, mountaineers), one of the chief nations who possessed the land of Canaan before its conquest by the Israelites. As dwelling on the elevated portions of the country, they are contrasted with the Canaanites, who were the dwellers in the lowlands; and the two thus formed the main broad divisions of the Holy Land, Numbers 13:29; and see Genesis 14:7; Deuteronomy 1:7, Deuteronomy 1:20, “mountain of the Amorites”; Deuteronomy 1:44; Joshua 5:1; Joshua 10:6; Joshua 11:3. They first occupied the barren heights west of the Dead Sea, at the place called afterwards Engedi. From this point they stretched west to Hebron. At the date of the invasion of the country, Sihon, their then king, had taken the rich pasture land south of the Jabbok. This rich tract, bounded by the Jabbok on the north, the Arnon on the south, the Jordan on the west, and “the wilderness” on the east, Judges 11:21, Judges 11:22, was, perhaps, in the most special sense the “land of the Amorites,” Numbers 21:31; Joshua 12:2, Joshua 12:3; Joshua 13:10; Judges 11:21, Judges 11:22; but their possessions are distinctly stated to have extended to the very foot of Hermon, Deuteronomy 3:8; Deuteronomy 4:48, embracing “Gilead and all Bashan,” Deuteronomy 3:10, with the Jordan valley on the east of the river. Deuteronomy 4:49. After the conquest of Canaan nothing of importance is heard of the Amorites in the Bible.

Amos

A’mos (burden), native of Tekoa in Judah, about six miles south of Bethlehem, originally a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees, who was called by God’s Spirit to be a prophet, although not trained in any of the regular prophetic schools. Amos 1:1; Amos 7:14, Amos 7:15. He travelled from Judah into the northern kingdom of Israel or Ephraim, and there exercised his ministry, apparently not for any long time. (His date cannot be later than b.c. 808, for he lived in the reigns of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel; but his ministry probably took place at an earlier date, perhaps about the middle of the Jeroboam’s reign. Nothing is known of the time or manner of his death.—Ed.)

Amos Book of

A’mos, Book of. The book of the prophecies of Amos seems to be divided into four principal portions closely connected together. (1) From Amos 1:1 to Amos 2:3 he denounces the sins of the nations bordering on Israel and Judah. (2) From Amos 2:4 to Amos 6:14 he describes the state of those two kingdoms, especially the former. (3) From Amos 7:1 to Amos 9:10 he relates his visit to Bethel, and sketches the impending punishment of Israel. At last he promises blessings. The chief peculiarity of the style consists in the number of allusions to natural objects and agricultural occupations, as might be expected from the early life of the author.

Amoz

A’moz (strong), father of the prophet Isaiah, and, according to rabbinical tradition, brother of Amaziah king of Judah. 2 Kings 19:2, 2 Kings 19:20; 2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 1:1. (b.c. before 756.)

Amphipolis

Amphip’olis (a city surrounded by the sea), a city of Macedonia, through which Paul and Silas passed on their way from Philippi to Thessalonica. Acts 17:1. It was distant 33 Roman miles from Philippi, to the southwest, and about three miles from the sea. Its site is now occupied by a village called Neokhorio; in Turkish Jeni-Keni, or “New Town.”

View of Amphipolis.

Amplias

Am’plias (large), a Christian at Rome. Romans 16:8. (a.d. 55.)

Ampliatus

Amplia’tus (Revised Version, Romans 16:8) (the full name of which AMPLIAS, above, is the contraction. The name in this form is “common in the sepulchral inscriptions of persons connected with Cæsar’s household.” (a.d. 55.)—Ed.)

Amram

Am’ram (an exalted people).

1. A Levite of the family of the Kohathites, and father of Moses. Exodus 6:18, Exodus 6:20. (b.c. 1571.)

2. A son of Dishon and descendant of Seir, 1 Chronicles 1:41; properly “Hamram” = HEMDAN in Genesis 36:26.

3. One of the sons of Bani in the time of Ezra, who had married a foreign wife. Ezra 10:34. (b.c. 459.)

Amramites

Am’ramites. A branch of the great Kohathite family of the tribe of Levi, Numbers 3:27; 1 Chronicles 26:23; descended from Amram, the father of Moses.

Amraphel

Am’raphel (keeper of the gods), perhaps a Hamite king of Shinar or Babylonia, who joined the victorious incursion of the Elamite Chedorlaomer against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities of the plain. Genesis 14. (b.c. 1898.)

Amulets

Amulets were ornaments, gems, scrolls, etc., worn as preservatives against the power of enchantments, and generally inscribed with mystic forms or characters. The “earrings” in Genesis 35:4 were obviously connected with idolatrous worship, and were probably amulets taken from the bodies of the slain Shechemites. They are subsequently mentioned among the spoils of Midian. Judges 8:24. In Hosea 2:13 is another like reference. The “earrings” in Isaiah 3:20 were also amulets.

Amzi

Am’zi (strong).

1. A Levite of the family of Merari. 1 Chronicles 6:46.

2. A priest. Nehemiah 11:12.

Anab

A’nab (grape-town), a town in the mountains of Judah, Joshua 15:50, named with Debir and Hebron as once belonging to the Anakim. Joshua 11:21.

Anah

A’nah (one who answers), the son of Zibeon and father of Aholibamah, one of Esau’s wives. Genesis 36:2, Genesis 36:14, Genesis 36:25. He is supposed to have discovered the “hot springs” (not “mules,” as in the Authorized Version) in the desert as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father. (b.c. 1797.)

Anaharath

Anah’arath (gorge or pass), a place within the border of Issachar, named with Shihon and Rabbith. Joshua 19:19.

Anaiah

Anai’ah (whom Jehovah answers).

1. Probably a priest. Nehemiah 8:4.

2. One of the “heads of the people” who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. Nehemiah 10:22.

Anakim

An’akim (long-necked), a race of giants, descendants of Arba, Joshua 15:13; Joshua 21:11, dwelling in the southern part of Canaan, and particularly at Hebron, which from their progenitor received the name of “city of Arba.” Anak was the name of the race rather than that of an individual. Joshua 14:15. The race appears to have been divided into three tribes or families, bearing the names Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. Though the warlike appearance of the Anakim had struck the Israelites with terror in the time of Moses, Numbers 13:28; Deuteronomy 9:2, they were nevertheless dispossessed by Joshua, Joshua 11:21, Joshua 11:22, and their chief city, Hebron, became the possession of Caleb. Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:20. After this time they vanish from history.

Anamim

An’amim, a Mizraite people or tribe. Genesis 10:13; 1 Chronicles 1:11.

Anammelech

Anam’melech (image of the king), one of the idols worshipped by the colonists introduced into Samaria from Sepharvaim. 2 Kings 17:31. He was worshipped with rites resembling those of Molech, and is the companion-god to Adrammelech.

Anan

A’nan (a cloud), one of the “heads of the people” who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. Nehemiah 10:26. (b.c. 410.)

Anani

Ana’ni (protected by Jehovah), the seventh son of Elioenai, descended from the royal line of Judah. 1 Chronicles 3:24.

Ananiah

Anani’ah (protected by Jehovah), probably a priest, and ancestor of Azariah, who assisted in rebuilding the city wall in the days of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 3:23. (b.c. before 446.)

Ananiah

Anani’ah, a place, named between Nob and Hazor, in which the Benjamites lived after their return from captivity. Nehemiah 11:32.

Ananias

Anani’as (whom Jehovah has graciously given).

1. A high priest in Acts 23:2-5; Acts 24:1. He was the son of Nebedæus. He was nominated to the office by Herod king of Chalcis, in a.d. 48; was deposed shortly before Felix left the province, and assassinated by the Sicarii at the beginning of the last Jewish war.

2. A disciple at Jerusalem, husband of Sapphira. Acts 5:1-11. Having sold his goods for the benefit of the church, he kept back a part of the price, bringing to the apostles the remainder as if it was the whole, his wife being privy to the scheme. St. Peter denounced the fraud, and Ananias fell down and expired.

3. A Jewish disciple at Damascus, Acts 9:10-17, of high repute, Acts 22:12, who sought out Saul during the period of blindness which followed his conversion, and announced to him his future commission as a preacher of the gospel. Tradition makes him to have been afterwards bishop of Damascus, and to have died by martyrdom.