The Barbour Bible Reference Companion Paperback

A n Impr int of B ar bour P ublishing, Inc.

© 2005 by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray Previously published as The Illustrated Everyday Bible Companion.

ISBN 978-1-63058-662-1

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.

Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From The Barbour Bible Reference Companion, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. niv®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked nrsv are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover image: Locusts: © Juan Medina/Reuters/Corbis Maps adapted from The Holman Bible Atlas © 1998. Used by permission.

Published by Barbour Books, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.

Member of the

Evangelical Christian Publishers Association

Printed in the United States of America.

To all my Bible teachers and students, past and present, who have sparked my commitment to a lifetime of study of God’s Word

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TableofofContents Contents Table Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 11 Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 13 Introduction .................................................................................................................

Bible Dictionary and Concordance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bible Dictionary and Concordance ....................................15 15 Abbreviations for Books of the.................................16 Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Abbreviations for Books of the Bible Bible Handbook with on Notes on Bible Handbook with Notes Bible Customs and Curiosities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bible Customs and Curiosities ..................................367 367 Note the ........................................................368 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368 A NoteAon the on Notes THE TESTAMENT..............................369 OLD TESTAMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . 369 PART PART 1: THEI: OLD Chapter 1: Books of the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370 Genesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 1: Books of the Law ....................................370 371 Exodus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Genesis ...............................................................371 378 Leviticus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exodus ................................................................378 383 Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leviticus .............................................................383 387 Deuteronomy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Numbers .............................................................387 393

Deuteronomy ......................................................393 Chapter 2: Books of History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398 Joshua. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

399398 Chapter 2: Books of History ...............................................................................

Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

403399 Joshua ...........................................................................................................

Ruth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

409403 Judges ............................................................................................................ ..............................................................................................................

1 Samuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411409 Ruth 2 Samuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

417411 1 Samuel .......................................................................................................

2 Samuel ....................................................................................................... 417 7

1 Kings ................................................ 424

1 Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Kings ................................................ 431

2 Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 Kings ................................................ 424 1 Chronicles ........................................ 438

1 Chronicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Kings ................................................ 431 2 Chronicles ........................................ 443

2 Chronicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 Chronicles ........................................ 438 Ezra ..................................................... 451 Ezra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Chronicles ........................................ 443 Nehemiah ............................................ 454 Nehemiah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ezra ..................................................... 451 Esther .................................................. 458 Esther. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nehemiah ............................................ 454 Chapter 3: Books of Poetry and Wisdom .. 462 Esther .................................................. 458 Job3:.......................................................

463 Chapter of Poetry andand Wisdom. . . .

Chapter Books 3: Books of Poetry Wisdom .. 462 462 .................................................. 463 467 JobPsalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Job ....................................................... 463 Proverbs ............................................... 478 Psalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Psalms .................................................. 467 467 Ecclesiastes .......................................... 478 483 Proverbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proverbs ............................................... 478 Song of Solomon ................................. 483 486 Ecclesiastes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ecclesiastes .......................................... 483 TheSong SongofofSolomon Solomon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. 486 486 Chapter 4: Books of the Major Prophets ............488 Chapter 4: Books of the Major Prophets . . . 488 Isaiah............................................................489 Isaiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

489 Chapter 4: Books of the Major Prophets............488 Jeremiah .......................................................496 Jeremiah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

496 Isaiah............................................................489 Lamentations ...............................................505 Lamentations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

505 Jeremiah .......................................................496 Ezekiel .........................................................507 Ezekiel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

507 Lamentations ...............................................505 Daniel ..........................................................513 Daniel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

513 Ezekiel .........................................................507 Chapter 5: Books of the Minor Prophets ...........517 Daniel ..........................................................513 Hosea ...........................................................518 Chapter 5: Books of the Minor Prophets. . .

517 Chapter 5: Books of the Minor Prophets ...........517 Joel ...............................................................520 Hosea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

518 Hosea ...........................................................518 Amos ...........................................................522 Joel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520 Joel ...............................................................520 Obadiah .......................................................524 Amos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522 Amos ...........................................................522 Jonah ............................................................525 Obadiah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

524 Obadiah .......................................................524 Micah...........................................................527 Jonah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525 Jonah ............................................................525 Nahum .........................................................529 Micah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

527 Micah...........................................................527 Habakkuk ....................................................531 Nahum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

529 Nahum .........................................................529 Zephaniah .............................................................................................................

533 Habakkuk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

531 Habakkuk ....................................................531 Haggai ..................................................................................................................

Zephaniah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533 534 Zephaniah .............................................................................................................

533 Zechariah ..............................................................................................................

536 Haggai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

534 Haggai .................................................................................................................. 534 Malachi .................................................................................................................

Zechariah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

536 539 Zechariah ..............................................................................................................

536 Malachi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

539 Malachi ................................................................................................................. 539

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PARTPART 2: THE TESTAMENT ...............................................................................

541 II:NEW THE NEW TESTAMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

541 Chapter 6: The6:Gospels ...............................................................................................

542 Chapter The Gospels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

542 PART 2:Matthew THE NEW TESTAMENT ...............................................................................

541 ...............................................................................................................

543 Matthew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

543 Chapter 6:.....................................................................................................................

The Gospels ............................................................................................... 559 542 Mark Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

559 Matthew ............................................................................................................... 568 543 Luke ......................................................................................................................

Luke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

568 Mark...................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................... 559 John 583 John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 583 Luke ......................................................................................................................

Chapter 7: Acts, a History of the Early Church .......................................................... 568 591 John ......................................................................................................................

583 Chapter 8: Epistles of the Apostle 604 Chapter 7: Acts, a History ofPaul the .......................................................................

Early Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591 Chapter 7: Acts, a History of the Early Church ..........................................................

Romans ................................................................................................................. 591 605 Chapter 8: Epistles of the Apostle Paul .......................................................................

604 1 Chapter Corinthians ........................

610 Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604 8: Epistles of the Apostle Romans .................................................................................................................

605 2 Romans. . . . . . . . . . . .

Corinthians ........................605 616 1Galatians Corinthians ........................ 610 ...............................

619 1 Corinthians. . . . . . .

610 2 Corinthians ........................

616 Ephesians ..............................616 622 2 Corinthians. . . . . . .

Galatians ...............................

619 Philippians ............................619 624 Galatians. . . . . . . . . . .

Ephesians ..............................

622 Colossians .............................622 627 Ephesians. . . . . . . . . . ............................

624 1Philippians Thessalonians .....................624 629 Philippians. . . . . . . . .

Colossians .............................

627 2 Colossians. . . . . . . . . .

Thessalonians .....................627 631 Thessalonians ..................... 634 629 11 Timothy .............................

1 Thessalonians. . . . . .

629.

Thessalonians ..................... 631 22 Timothy .............................

637 2 Thessalonians. . . . . .

631 1Titus Timothy .............................

634 639 1.....................................

Timothy. . . . . . . . . . 634 2Philemon Timothy.............................. ............................. 637 640 2 Timothy. . . . . . . . . . 637 Titus ..................................... 639 Titus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639 Philemon .............................. 640 Philemon . . . . . . . . . . 640

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Chapter 9: The General Epistles ...... 641 Chapter 9: General Epistles . . . . 641 Hebrews ..................................... 642 Hebrews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642 James .......................................... 647 James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647 1 Peter ........................................ 650 1 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650 2 Peter ........................................ 653 2 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653 1 John ......................................... 654 1 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 654 2 John ......................................... 657 2 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657 3 John ......................................... 658 3 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 658 Jude ............................................ 659 Jude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659 Revelation .................................. 661 Revelation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661 Maps ....................................................... 669 Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669 Index ....................................................... 679 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679 Art Credits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704 Art Credits .............................................. 703

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Acknowledgments

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book this comprehensive in scope doesn’t happen without the encouragement and support of many people. My special thanks to those who have played a major role in its creation.

Paul K. Muckley, senior editor for non-fiction at Barbour Publishing, served as cheerleader and problem solver for the entire project. He worked under an impossible schedule to make sure all the pieces came together in the right order. My thanks to him for a job well done.

As an editor myself, I realize that behind-the-scenes book-publishing professionals seldom get the recognition they deserve. So let me say a special “thank you” to those creative professionals on the production team who assisted Paul so capably: Steve Miller, photo researcher; Jason Rovenstine, design director; Robyn Martins, page designer; Lauren Schneider, proofreader; Connie Troyer, indexer; and others who played smaller but very important roles in the process.

I am also grateful to my friend and colleague, Rayburn Ray, who worked with me several years ago to cowrite the Bible dictionary part of The Barbour Bible Reference Companion. This was the flagship book that led to several other books in the “Layman’s” series of Bible reference titles, published by Barbour since 1998. My thanks for Rayburn’s contribution to this project and his continuing friendship.

Finally, I express the warmest “thank you” of all to my wife, Dorothy. For more than forty years she has encouraged me in my writing efforts. She has tolerated my “creative moodiness,” never complaining about the hours I spend at the typewriter or word processor. In recent years, she has even gone the second mile by helping me with some of the “grunt work” required for the creation of a reference book such as this—checking Scripture references, doing proofreading, and compiling indexes. King Solomon, author of the book of Proverbs, described her well: “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness…let her own works praise her in the gates” (Prov. 31:26, 31).

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Introduction

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s an average, everyday student of the Bible, you deserve biblical study tools that are handy, affordable, and easy to understand. And that’s exactly what you get in The Barbour Bible Reference Companion.

In this single volume, you have access to four separate Bible study aids—a virtual Bible study library—in one easy-to-use package. For your convenience, these four study tools are grouped into two major sections: (1) Bible Dictionary with Concordance, and (2) Bible Handbook with Notes on Customs and Curiosities (see contents page).

The Bible Dictionary section of the book contains articles on the most important persons, places, objects, and doctrines mentioned in the Bible. Concordance entries of key Bible words and phrases are placed alphabetically among the dictionary articles.

The book’s Bible Handbook section gives an overview and a summary of all sixty-six books of the Bible. Notes on customs of Bible times that help you understand God’s Word better are placed in the handbook at the appropriate biblical passages where these customs are described.

This four-books-in-one approach should make your Bible study time more productive. No longer will you have to turn to a dictionary, a concordance, a handbook, and a book on Bible customs to find answers to your questions about God’s Word. They are right here between the covers of this one book. The thorough index at the back of The Barbour Bible Reference Companion is designed to help you narrow your search if you are looking for a specific topic or subject.

Another handy feature is the maps section at the back of the book. Whenever a city, a nation, or other biblical place name is mentioned, these places are cross-referenced in the text to the appropriate maps. This valuable visual aid should give you a better understanding of biblical geography.

Speaking of visual aids, your study and research will also be enhanced by the drawings and photographs—most of them in full color—of Bible places and personalities throughout the book. These art pieces were specifically selected to make the Scriptures come alive for students of God’s Word.

You will also enjoy the abundance of Scripture references included in the dictionary articles and summaries of Bible books. These are included to encourage you to dig deeper in your study of the Bible. The copious cross-references to related subjects in the dictionary articles also serve this same practical purpose.

How is it possible to put all this valuable information into one affordable book of about 700 pages? It’s possible because the authors carefully selected the content according to biblical significance. The Barbour Bible Reference Companion includes only the most vital and essential information, written in a terse, no-nonsense style. The Concordance section, for example, majors on biblical words with theological significance,

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including “Adoption,” “Confess,” “Love,” “Mercy,” “Peace,” and “Redemption,” and key phrases such as “Eternal Life,” “Gift of God,” and “Signs and Wonders.” The book is not intended for scholars but for lay students and casual readers who want to get to the heart of the Bible quickly and easily—without wading through a lot of verbiage.

The translation on which this book is based is the familiar Authorized, or King James Version. But variant readings are cited from the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version to clarify obscure words and phrases.

In the Bible Dictionary section, variant readings for a key word from the niv and nrsv are included in parentheses immediately following that word. For example: FIRMAMENT (EXPANSE, DOME). The word firmament, the key word for this article, is from the kjv. Expanse and Dome are how the word firmament is rendered by the niv and the nrsv in the account of creation in Genesis 1:6. This helpful format makes the book usable with these two modern translations, in addition to the King James Version.

Another helpful feature of the Bible Dictionary section is the inclusion of all variant names for a person or place recorded in the King James Version itself. For example, the ancient kingdom of Babylonia is also referred to in the kjv as Sheshach, Shinar, and Chaldea. This is how the key word is listed in the entry on Babylonia: BABYLONIA/SHESHACH/SHINAR/CHALDEA. The slash marks between these words indicate these are variant names for Babylonia that occur at different places in the kjv.

These variant names are also cross-referenced to Babylonia at the appropriate places in the dictionary text. Example: SHESHACH. See Babylonia. This helpful feature should clear up some of the confusion about variant biblical names in the King James Version for serious students of the Scriptures.

My prayer is that The Barbour Bible Reference Companion will serve as a valuable source of information for all students who, like the citizens of Berea in the New Testament, are eager to learn more about the Bible, studying expectantly and “with all readiness of mind” (Acts 17:11).

George W. Knight Nashville, Tennessee

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Bible Dictionary with Concordance of Key Bible References 15

List of Abbreviations (for Bible references)

Biblical books noted in The Barbour Bible Reference Companion will be abbreviated as follows: Old Testament Gen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genesis Exod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus Lev.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leviticus Num.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Numbers Deut.. . . . . . . . . . . . Deuteronomy Josh.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Judg.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges Ruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth 1 Sam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Samuel 2 Sam.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Samuel 1 Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kings 2 Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kings 1 Chron.. . . . . . . . . . 1 Chronicles 2 Chron.. . . . . . . . . . 2 Chronicles Ezra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezra Neh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nehemiah Esther. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esther Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job Ps./Pss. . . . . . . . . . . Psalm/Psalms Prov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs Eccles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecclesiastes Song of Sol.. . . . Song of Solomon Isa.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isaiah Jer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremiah Lam.. . . . . . . . . . . . Lamentations Ezek.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezekiel Dan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Hosea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hosea Joel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel Amos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amos Obad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obadiah Jon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonah Mic.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Micah Nah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nahum

Hab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Habakkuk Zeph.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zephaniah Hag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haggai Zech.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zechariah Mal.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malachi New Testament Matt.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Luke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Acts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts Rom.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Romans 1 Cor. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corinthians 2 Cor. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Corinthians Gal.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galatians Eph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephesians Phil.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians Col. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colossians 1 Thess.. . . . . . . . . 1 Thessalonians 2 Thess.. . . . . . . . . 2 Thessalonians 1 Tim.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Timothy 2 Tim.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Timothy Titus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Titus Philem.. . . . . . . . . . . . . Philemon Heb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 1 Pet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Peter 2 Pet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Peter 1 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John 2 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 John 3 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 John Jude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jude Rev.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Revelation

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A AARON. The first high priest of the Israelites (Exod. 28:1) and Moses’ brother (Exod. 4:14).

Designated by God as spokesman for Moses (Exod. 4:13–16), Aaron helped Moses lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt (Exod. 7:8–12). In

the wilderness, he was consecrated by God as Israel’s first high priest, and his sons inherited this position from their father (Num. 3:38).

Like Moses, Aaron was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of his act of unfaithfulness in the wilderness (Num. 20:6–12). His earthly priesthood is compared unfavorably to the eternal priesthood of Christ (Heb. 5:4; 7:11). See also High Priest; Priest.

AARONITES. Descendants of Aaron who were a part of the priestly tribe of Levi. A large force of Aaronites fought with David against King Saul (1 Chron. 12:23–27).

AB. The fifth month of the Jewish year, roughly equivalent to our modern August. This month is referred to, though not specifically by name, in Num. 33:38.

ABADDON/APOLLYON. A Hebrew word meaning “destruction,” used to characterize the angel of the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:11). Apollyon: Greek form.

AARON. Aaron, older brother of Moses, became Israel’s first high priest— starting a family dynasty of priests that lasted more than a millennium.

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ABANA RIVER. A river of 2 Syria that flowed through the F 1

A A

Abarim

city of Damascus. It was mentioned by Naaman the leper as more favorable for bathing than the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:12). See also Pharpar.

2. A fortified city in northern Israel where Sheba sought refuge during his rebellion against David. The citizens of Abel killed Sheba to end the siege by the king’s army (2 Sam. 20:14–22).

ABARIM. A rugged mountain range east of the Jordan River in Moab from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death (Deut. 32:48–50).

ABIA. See Abijah.

ABIAH. A son of Samuel and corrupt judge of Israel. Abiah’s dishonesty, along with that of his brother Joel, led the people to ask Samuel to appoint a king to rule the nation (1 Sam. 8:2–5). See also Joel, No. 2.

ABASE [D]

Ezek. 21:26 exalt him that is low, and a him that is high Luke 18:14 every one that exalteth himself shall be a’d Phil. 4:12 I [Paul] know…how to be a’d…how to abound

ABIATHAR. A high priest under David who remained faithful to the king during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 15:24–35). He was later banished from the royal court by Solomon for supporting Adonijah as king (1 Kings 1:7–25; 2:22–35).

ABBA. An Aramaic word meaning “father,” used by Jesus while praying in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32, 36). It was also used by Paul to express the Christian’s sonship with God the Father (Rom. 8:15).

ABDON. A minor judge of Israel who ruled for eight years ( Judg. 12:13–15). See also Judges of Israel.

ABIB/NISAN. The first month of the Hebrew year, the time when barley opened (Exod.

13:4). Roughly equivalent to our modern April, this month was known as Nisan after the Babylonian Exile (Esther 3:7).

ABED-NEGO/AZARIAH. One of Daniel’s three friends. Thrown into the fiery furnace

by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (Dan. 3:13–27), he was later promoted by the king after his miraculous deliverance at the hand of God (Dan. 3:28–30). Azariah: Hebrew form (Dan. 1:7).

ABIDE [ING, TH]

Ps. 91:1 a under the shadow of the Almighty Luke 2:8 shepherds a’ing in the field John 3:36 believeth not the Son…wrath…a’th on him John 14:16 another Comforter…may a with you for ever John 15:5 He that a’th in me [Jesus]…bringeth…fruit 1 Cor. 13:13 a’th faith, hope, charity 1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother a’th in the light 1 John 2:17 he that doeth the will of God a’th for ever

ABEL 1. Second son of Adam and Eve (Gen. 4:2). Abel’s animal sacrifice was pleasing to God (Gen. 4:4). Abel was then killed by his brother Cain in a jealous rage (Gen. 4:5, 8). Jesus regarded “righteous Abel” as the first martyr (Matt. 23:35). Abel’s works were called “righteous” (1 John 3:12), and his sacrifices were commended as a testimony of faith (Heb. 11:4).

ABIGAIL. A wife of David and the mother of Chileab (2 Sam. 3:3). While married to Nabal, Abigail appeased David’s anger after Nabal rejected David’s servants (1 Sam. 25:14–35).

See also Nabal.

18

Abomination of Desolation

ABIHU. One of Aaron’s four sons. Abihu and his brother Nadab offered “strange fire,” or a forbidden sacrifice, to God—an act for which they were destroyed by fire from God (Lev. 10:1–7). See also Nadab, No. 1.

David’s son Adonijah was killed by Solomon A for desiring to marry her after David’s death (1 Kings 2:13–25).

ABISHAI. The deputy commander of David’s army (2 Sam. 10:9–10). Loyal to David in Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 16:9–12), he also saved David’s life by killing a giant (2 Sam. 21:16–17).

ABIJAH/ABIJAM/ABIA. The son and successor of Rehoboam as king of Judah (reigned about 913–911 b.c.; 2 Chron. 11:20–22).

Abijam: 1 Kings 14:31; Abia: Jesus’ ancestry (Matt. 1:7).

ABISHALOM. See Absalom.

ABILENE. A province of Syria governed by the tetrarch Lysanias during the ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 3:1–2). See also Lysanias.

ABLUTION. The ceremonial washing of a person’s body or clothing to make him pure.

Such washing was commanded in the O.T. Law (Exod. 40:12–13). True cleansing is found only in the blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5). See also Clean.

ABIMELECH 1. A Philistine king of Gerar in Abraham’s time. He took Sarah, Abraham’s wife, into his harem, then returned her to Abraham when he was informed in a dream that she was married (Gen. 20:1–18).

2. A rebellious son of Gideon who killed all his brothers after his father’s death in an attempt to become king over all Israel ( Judg.

9:5–22). He was killed by his armorbearer after a woman dropped a stone on his head from a city wall ( Judg. 9:50–54).

ABNER. The commander-in-chief of Saul’s army. He introduced David to King Saul (1 Sam. 17:55–58) and established Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king after Saul’s death (2 Sam. 2:8–10). Later he shifted his loyalty to David and persuaded all the tribes of Israel to follow David’s leadership (2 Sam. 3:17–21).

ABOLISH [ED]

Isa. 2:18 the idols he [God] shall utterly a Isa. 51:6 my [God’s] righteousness shall not be a’ed 2 Tim. 1:10 Jesus Christ, who hath a’ed death

ABINADAB 1. A man of Kirjath-jearim whose household kept the ark of the covenant for twenty years after it was returned by the Philistines (1 Sam. 7:1–2).

2. A son of King Saul killed at Gilboa, along with Jonathan (1 Chron. 10:1–6).

ABOMINATION. Something considered repulsive by the Hebrews. Examples of these despised practices are heathen idolatry (Deut.

7:25–26), blemished animal sacrifices (Deut.

17:1), sexual transgressions (Lev. 18), child sacrifice (Deut. 12:31), and the practice of witchcraft, magic, and spiritism (Deut. 18:9–12).

ABIRAM. A rebel against Moses in the wilderness who died in an earthquake because of his disobedience (Num. 16:1–33).

ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. The action of Antiochus Epiphanes in sacrificing a pig in the Jewish temple about 165 b.c. This

ABISHAG. A young woman who served as David’s nurse in his old age (1 Kings 1:1–15).

19

A

Abound

despised act of the Syrian ruler is considered fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 9:24–27; Matt. 24:15). See also Antiochus IV Epiphanes; Maccabees.

that I will shew thee” (Gen. 12:1–5). God made a covenant with Abraham to bless all nations of the world through him (Gen. 12:2–3). The land of Canaan was also promised to Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:7; 13:14–18).

Although Abraham and Sarah were childless at an advanced age, God promised Abraham a son (Gen. 15:1–4; 17:19). At Sarah’s urging, Abraham fathered Ishmael by Sarah’s servant Hagar (Gen. 16:1–4, 15). God changed the names of Abraham and Sarah from Abram and Sarai (Gen. 17:5, 15) and established circumcision as a covenant sign (Gen. 17:10– 14). The covenant was to be fulfilled through Isaac rather than Ishmael (Gen. 17:20–21; Gal. 4:22–31). Isaac was born in the couple’s old age (Gen. 21:1–7).

As a test of faith, God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:1–13). Then God Himself intervened to save Isaac and again promised to bless Abraham for his unwavering faith (Gen. 22:16–18). Abraham died at 175 years of age and was buried beside Sarah near Hebron (Gen. 25:7–10).

Abraham remains a model of righteousness and faith for all believers (Gen. 26:24; Ps. 47:9; Isa. 41:8). An ancestor of Christ, he is viewed as a spiritual father of all who share a like faith in Christ (Matt. 1:1; 3:9; Gal. 3:6–9).

See also Sarah.

Things Considered Abominable by the Lord 1. Graven images, or idols (Deut. 7:26) 2. The froward, or wicked (Prov. 3:32) 3. Cheating with a false balance (Prov. 11:1) 4. Lying lips (Prov. 12:22) 5. Sacrifice of the wicked (Prov. 15:8) 6. Thoughts of the wicked (Prov. 15:26) 7. Vanity and pride (Prov. 16:5)

ABOUND [ED]

Rom. 5:15 grace of God…a’ed unto many Rom. 5:20 grace did much more a Rom. 6:1 continue in sin, that grace may a?

Rom. 15:13 a in hope, through the…Holy Ghost Eph. 1:8 he [God] hath a’ed toward us in all wisdom Phil. 4:12 I [Paul] know…how to be abased…how to a

ABOVE

Gen. 1:7 God…divided the waters…a the firmament Deut. 7:6 chosen thee to be a special people…a all people 1 Chron. 16:25 great is the Lord…to be feared a all gods Ps. 95:3 the Lord is…a great King a all gods Prov. 31:10 a virtuous woman? For her price is far a rubies Jer. 17:9 heart is deceitful a all things Matt. 10:24 The disciple is not a his master 1 Cor. 10:13 God…not suffer you…tempted a…ye are able Eph. 4:6 One God…who is a all, and through all Phil. 2:9 given him [Jesus] a name…a every name Col. 3:1 seek those things which are a James 1:17 Every good…and…perfect gift is from a

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM. A symbolic expression for the blissful state after death (Luke 16:22). The Jews believed they joined their forefathers, particularly “father Abraham,” upon their death (Gen. 15:15).

ABSALOM/ABISHALOM. The vain, rebellious son of David (2 Sam. 3:3). He killed his brother Amnon for molesting their sister Tamar (2 Sam. 13:22–33). Absalom conspired against David and seized Jerusalem

ABRAHAM/ABRAM. The father of the nation of Israel (Ps. 105:6, 9). A native of Ur in southern Babylonia, he married Sarah and went to Haran (Gen. 11:26–31). Later he obeyed God’s call to leave Haran for a “land 20

Abyss

(2 Sam. 15:1–29). Massing an army against David (2 Sam. 17:24–26), he was killed by David’s commander Joab after his hair was tangled in a tree (2 Sam. 18:9–18). David mourned grievously at Absalom’s death (2 Sam. 18:19– 33). Abishalom: 1 Kings 15:2, 10. See also David.

ABUNDANCE

Ps. 37:11 meek shall…delight…in the a of peace Eccles. 5:12 a of the rich will not suffer him to sleep Matt. 12:34 out of the a of the heart the mouth speaketh Luke 12:15 life consisteth not in the a…he possesseth

ABUNDANT

2 Cor. 4:15 a grace might…redound to the glory of God 2 Cor. 11:23 in labours more a, in stripes above measure 1 Tim. 1:14 grace of our Lord was exceeding a with faith

ABSTINENCE. To refrain from eating or drinking harmful substances or participating in sinful acts. Priests and Nazirites abstained from strong drink (Num. 6:1–4). Gentile Christians were advised to abstain from fornication and idolatry (Acts 15:20). All believers are counseled by Paul to refrain from any practices that might offend a weak brother (Rom. 14:21).

See also Moderation; Temperance.

ABYSS/BOTTOMLESS PIT. A word translated literally as “bottomless pit” in the book of Revelation, indicating the place where Satan dwells (Rev. 9:1–2, 11).

ABRAHAM. In a test of faith, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. An angel stops Abraham at the last moment, and Isaac grows up to become one of the fathers of the Jewish nation.

21

A

Acacia

ACACIA. See Shittah.

A

ACCOUNT [ED]

Ps. 144:3 son of man, that thou makest a of him!

Matt. 12:36 idle word that men…speak, they shall give a Luke 21:36 a’ed worthy to…stand before the Son of man Rom. 14:12 every one…shall give a of himself to God Gal. 3:6 Abraham believed God…a’ed…for righteousness 1 Pet. 4:5 give a to him…ready to judge…the dead

ACCAD (AKKAD). A fortified city built by Nimrod, a descendant of Noah (Gen. 10:8–10), in the land of Shinar—an ancient kingdom between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Akkad: niv.

ACCOUNTABILITY. The biblical principle that each person is answerable to God and responsible for his or her actions (Rom. 14:12).

Accountability also involves the obligation to act with love toward fellow believers (Rom. 14:15–19).

ACCEPT [ED]

Job 42:9 the Lord also a’ed Job Jer. 37:20 my supplication…be a’ed before thee [God] Amos 5:22 burnt offerings…I [God] will not a them Luke 4:24 No prophet is a’ed in his own country Acts 10:35 feareth him [God]…is a’ed with him

ACCURSED

ACCEPTABLE

Josh. 7:1 For Achan…took of the a thing Rom. 9:3 myself [Paul] were a from Christ for…kinsmen 1 Cor. 12:3 no man speaking by the Spirit…calleth Jesus a

Ps. 19:14 meditation of my heart…a in thy [God’s] sight Prov. 21:3 To do justice…is more a…than sacrifice Isa. 61:2 To proclaim the a year of the Lord Rom. 12:1 bodies a living sacrifice…a unto God Eph. 5:10 Proving what is a unto the Lord 1 Tim. 2:3 good and a in the sight of God 1 Pet. 2:5 spiritual sacrifices, a to God by Jesus Christ

ACCUSATION

Matt. 27:37 his a…Jesus the King of the Jews Luke 6:7 watched him [Jesus]…find an a against him John 18:29 Pilate…said, What a…against this man [Jesus]

ACCESS

ACCUSE [D]

Rom. 5:2 By whom [Jesus]…a…into this grace Eph. 2:18 through him [Jesus]…a…unto the Father Eph. 3:12 In whom [Jesus]…a with confidence

Matt. 12:10 heal…sabbath day…might a him [Jesus] Matt. 27:12 a’d of the chief priests…he [Jesus] answered nothing Luke 23:2 a him [Jesus]…perverting the nation

2 ACCHO/ACRE (ACCO). A coastal city near ACELDAMA (AKELDAMA, HAKELMount Carmel in the territory of Asher ( Judg.

C 3

DAMA). A field near Jerusalem purchased with the money that Judas was paid to betray Jesus. The name means “field of blood” (Acts 1:15–19). Akeldama: niv; Hakeldama: nrsv.

1:31). This is the same city as N.T. Ptolemais (Acts 21:7). It is known today as Acre. Acco: niv, nrsv.

ACCOMPLISHED

ACHAIA. A province of Greece visited by the 8 apostle Paul (Acts 18:12). Christians at Achaia A contributed to their impoverished brethren at 2 Jerusalem (Rom. 15:26).

Isa. 40:2 Jerusalem…her warfare is a Luke 2:6 days were a that she [Mary] should be delivered John 19:28 Jesus knowing that all things were now a

ACCORD

ACHAN/ACHAR. A warrior under Joshua who was stoned to death for withholding the spoils of war ( Josh. 7:16–25). Achar: 1 Chron. 2:7.

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one a in prayer Acts 2:1 Pentecost was…come, they were all with one a Acts 2:46 one a…and breaking bread from house to house Phil. 2:2 having the same love, being of one a

22

Adonijah

ACHAZ. See Ahaz.

(Gen. 2:16–17) and knowingly sinned, along A with Eve (Gen. 3:6). Their sin resulted in broken fellowship with the Creator (Gen. 3:8) and brought God’s curse (Gen. 3:14–19) and eviction from Eden (Gen. 3:22–24). Adam fathered Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:1–2), Seth (Gen. 4:25), and other children (Gen. 5:3–4). He died at age 930 (Gen. 5:5).

As head of the human race, Adam introduced sin into the world. He represents the lost and dying condition of all unrepentant sinners (Rom. 5:12–19; 1 Cor. 15:22). But Christ, referred to in the N.T. as the “second Adam,” offers deliverance from the curse of sin and death (Rom. 5:14–19; 1 Cor. 15:22). See also Eden, Garden of; Eve; Fall of Man.

ACHISH. A Philistine king of the city of Gath who provided refuge to David when he fled from King Saul (1 Sam. 21:10–15; 27:5–7).

1 ACHMETHA (ECBATANA). The capital G 2

city of the empire of the Medes and later one of the capitals of the Persian Empire (Ezra 6:2).

Ecbatana: niv, nrsv.

ACKNOWLEDGE

Ps. 51:3 I a my transgressions…my sin is ever before me Prov. 3:6 ways a him [God], and he shall direct thy paths Jer. 14:20 a, O Lord, our wickedness…sinned against thee

ACRE. See Accho.

ADAR. The twelfth month of the Jewish year, roughly equivalent to parts of our modern February and March. Haman ordered the massacre of the Jews on the thirteenth day of this month (Esther 3:13).

ACTS

Deut. 11:7 eyes have seen all the great a of the Lord Ps. 103:7 his [God’s] a unto the children of Israel Ps. 150:2 Praise him [God] for his mighty a

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. The one book of history in the N.T. that traces the expansion and development of the early church from the ascension of Jesus to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome—a period of about thirty-five years.

Written by Luke as a companion or sequel to his Gospel and addressed to Theophilus (see Luke 1:3–4; Acts 1:1–2), Acts shows clearly how the Christian witness spread in accordance with the Great Commission of Jesus (see Acts 1:8): (1) in Jerusalem (1:1–8:3), (2) throughout Judea and Samaria (8:4–12:25), and (3) to the entire world (12:26–28:31).

See also Luke.

ADAMANT. A precious stone, possibly corundum (Ezek. 3:9; Zech. 7:12).

ADDER. See Asp. ADMAH. One of the five cities near the Dead Sea destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 10:19; Deut. 29:23). See also Cities of the Plain.

ADMONISH [ING]

Rom. 15:14 ye also are…to a one another Col. 3:16 a’ing one another in psalms and hymns 2 Thess. 3:15 not as an enemy, but a him as a brother

ADONAI. The Hebrew name for God, translated “Lord” (Ezek. 11:8). See also God; Lord.

ADAM. The first man. Created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26–27), Adam was an upright and intelligent being (Gen. 2:19–20)—the first worker (Gen. 2:8, 15) and the first husband (Gen. 2:18–25). He received God’s law

ADONIJAH. David’s fourth son and rival of Solomon for the throne (2 Sam. 3:4; 1 Kings 23

Adoni-Zedec

A

1:5, 30). Adonijah was executed by Solomon (1 Kings 2:19–25).

years David sought refuge in a cave near here (1 Sam. 22:1–2).

ADONI-ZEDEC. One of five Amorite kings who joined forces to oppose Joshua’s army at Gibeon. He was defeated and killed by Joshua ( Josh. 10:1–26).

ADULTERY. Sexual intercourse with a person other than one’s husband or wife. Adultery is specifically prohibited by the seventh of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:14). Jesus expanded the concept to prohibit the cultivation of lust and desire that leads to adultery (Matt.

5:28). See also Fornication.

ADOPTION. The legal act of giving status as a family member (Exod. 2:9–10; Esther 2:7).

Paul spoke of adoption in symbolic, spiritual terms (Rom. 11:1–32; Gal. 4:4–7). Adoption as God’s children is made possible by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:24–26). See also Inheritance.

Deut. 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit a Prov. 6:32 committeth a…destroyeth his own soul Mark 10:11 put away his wife, and marry another, committeth a John 8:3 brought unto him [Jesus] a woman taken in a Gal. 5:19 works of the flesh are…A, fornication

Rom. 8:15 Spirit of a, whereby we cry, Abba Rom. 8:23 waiting for the a…redemption of our body Eph. 1:5 predestinated us unto the a of children by Jesus

ADVENT OF CHRIST, THE FIRST. The birth of Jesus Christ in human form to the virgin Mary. His coming was foretold in the O.T. (Isa. 7:14; 9:6). Joseph was reassured by an angel that Mary’s pregnancy was supernatural (Matt. 1:20–21). The angel Gabriel announced His coming birth to Mary (Luke 1:26–35).

Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem (Matt. 1:25; 2:1). His birth was revealed to shepherds (Luke 2:8–16). Wise men from the East brought gifts to the Christ child (Matt.

2:1–11). His birth was defined as a redemptive mission (Matt. 1:21–23; Luke 2:10–11). It nullified the O.T. ceremonial system (Heb. 9) and introduced the gospel age (Acts 3:20–26). See also Incarnation of Christ; Virgin Birth.

3 ADORAM. A city in southwest Judah C 6

rebuilt and fortified by King Rehoboam, son of Solomon (2 Chron. 11:5, 9). Now known as Dura, it is located five miles southwest of Hebron.

ADRAMMELECH. A pagan god worshiped

by Assyrian colonists who settled in Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. Children were offered as sacrifices to this god (2 Kings 17:31).

ADRAMYTTIUM. An important seaport in the Roman province of Asia. Paul boarded a “ship of Adramyttium” to begin his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:2).

4 ADRIA/ADRIATIC SEA. A name for the

ADVERSARY. An active opponent; a term descriptive of Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). God’s wisdom is promised to believers when they face the adversary (Luke 21:15). God’s judgment will ultimately fall on His enemies (Heb. 10:27).

3 ADULLAM. A royal Canaanite city con-

Deut. 32:43 he [God] will…render vengeance to his a’ies Ps. 69:19 mine a’ies are all before thee [God] Ps. 109:29 Let mine a’ies be clothed with shame

D 3

C 6

central part of the Mediterranean Sea, south of modern Italy. Paul was shipwrecked here during his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:27). Adriatic Sea: niv.

ADVERSARY [IES]

quered by Joshua ( Josh. 12:7, 15). In later 24

Afflict A

ADVENT OF CHRIST, THE FIRST. Displayed on a wall in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity is this reminder of why the world’s oldest church exists. An angel tells shepherds to go into the village to see the newborn Christ. An ancient tradition says Jesus was born in a cave beneath this very church.

Nah. 1:2 Lord will take vengeance on his a’ies Matt. 5:25 Agree with thine a…in the way with him 1 Cor. 16:9 great door…is opened…many a’ies

(Acts 1:8) and will abide with believers forever ( John 14:16). See also Comforter; Counsellor; Holy Spirit; Paraclete.

ADVERSITY. Difficult or unfavorable circumstances, perhaps caused by sin (Gen. 3:16– 17) or disobedience toward God (Lev. 26:14– 20). Adversity may also be used by God to test our faith (1 Pet. 1:6–7) or to chasten and correct (Heb. 12:5–11). See also Suffering; Tribulation.

AENON. A place near Salim, exact location 5 unknown, where John the Baptist baptized. It C was probably near the Jordan River, “because 4 there was much water there” ( John 3:23).

AFFECTION

Rom. 1:31 Without understanding…without natural a Col. 3:2 Set your a on things above Col. 3:5 uncleanness, inordinate a 2 Tim. 3:3 Without natural a, trucebreakers

Prov. 17:17 a brother is born for a Prov. 24:10 faint in the day of a, thy strength is small Isa. 30:20 bread of a, and the water of affliction

AFFLICT [ED]

ADVOCATE. One who pleads the cause of another (1 John 2:1). As the advocate, the Holy Spirit provides power for worldwide evangelism

Exod. 1:12 more they a’ed them [Israelites]…more they…grew Job 34:28 he [God] heareth the cry of the a’ed Ps. 88:15 I am a’ed and ready to die Isa. 49:13 Lord…will have mercy upon his a’ed 25