Part 37
The name by which the Greeks designated it, absinthion, means "undrinkable." The absinthe of France is distilled from a species of this plant. The "southernwood" or "old man," cultivated in cottage gardens on account of its fragrance, is another species of it.
•WORSHIP homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being (Exodus 34:14; Isaiah 2:8). Such worship was refused by Peter (Acts 10:25,26) and by an angel (Revelation 22:8,9).
•WORSHIPPER (Gr. neocoros = temple-sweeper (Acts 19:35) of the great goddess Diana). This name neocoros appears on most of the extant Ephesian coins
•WRESTLE (Ephesians 6:12). See GAMES.
•WRITING The art of writing must have been known in the time of the early Pharaohs. Moses is commanded "to write for a memorial in a book" (Exodus 17:14) a record of the attack of Amalek. Frequent mention is afterwards made of writing (28:11, 21, 29, 36; 31:18; 32:15, 16; 34:1, 28; 39:6, 14, 30). The origin of this art is unknown, but there is reason to conclude that in the age of Moses it was well known. The inspired books of Moses are the most ancient extant writings, although there are written monuments as old as about B.C. 2000. The words expressive of "writing," "book," and "ink," are common to all the branches or dialects of the Semitic language, and hence it has been concluded that this art must have been known to the earliest Semites before they separated into their various tribes, and nations, and families.
"The Old Testament and the discoveries of Oriental archaeology alike tell us that the age of the Exodus was throughout the world of Western Asia an age of literature and books, of readers and writers, and that the cities of Palestine were stored with the contemporaneous records of past events inscribed on imperishable clay. They further tell us that the kinsfolk and neighbours of the Israelites were already acquainted with alphabetic writing, that the wanderers in the desert and the tribes of Edom were in contact with the cultured scribes and traders of Ma'in [Southern Arabia], and that the 'house of bondage' from which Israel had escaped was a land where the art of writing was blazoned not only on the temples of the gods, but also on the dwellings of the rich and powerful.", Sayce. (See DEBIR; PHOENICIA.)
The "Book of the Dead" was a collection of prayers and formulae, by the use of which the souls of the dead were supposed to attain to rest and peace in the next world. It was composed at various periods from the earliest time to the Persian conquest. It affords an interesting glimpse into the religious life and system of belief among the ancient Egyptians. We
learn from it that they believed in the existence of one Supreme Being, the immortality of the soul, judgement after death, and the resurrection of the body. It shows, too, a high state of literary activity in Egypt in the time of Moses. It refers to extensive libraries then existing. That of Ramessium, in Thebes, e.g., built by Rameses II., contained 20,000 books.
When the Hebrews entered Canaan it is evident that the art of writing was known to the original inhabitants, as appears, e.g., from the name of the city Debir having been at first Kirjath-sepher, i.e., the "city of the book," or the "book town" (Joshua 10:38; 15:15; Judges 1:11).
The first mention of letter-writing is in the time of David (2 Samuel 11:14, 15). Letters are afterwards frequently spoken of (1 Kings 21:8, 9, 11; 2 Kings 10:1, 3, 6, 7; 19:14; 2 Chronicles 21:12-15; 30:1, 6-9, etc.).
•YARN Found only in 1 Kings 10:28, 2 Chronicles 1:16. The Hebrews word mikveh, i.e., "a stringing together," so rendered, rather signifies a host, or company, or a string of horses. The Authorized Version has: "And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price;" but the Revised Version correctly renders: "And the horses which Solomon had were brought out of Egypt; the king's merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price."
•YEAR Hebrews shanah, meaning "repetition" or "revolution" (Genesis 1:14; 5:3). Among the ancient Egyptians the year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the sun. The Jews reckoned the year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the month Nisan. The month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish year.
•YESHEBI the Hebrew word rendered "inhabitants" in Joshua 17:7, but probably rather the name of the village Yeshepheh, probably Yassuf, 8 miles south of Shechem.
•YOKE (1.) Fitted on the neck of oxen for the purpose of binding to them the traces by which they might draw the plough, etc. (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3). It was a curved piece of wood called 'ol.
(2.) In Jeremiah 27:2; 28:10, 12 the word in the Authorized Version rendered "yoke" is motah, which properly means a "staff," or as in the Revised Version, "bar."
These words in the Hebrew are both used figuratively of severe bondage, or affliction, or subjection (Leviticus 26:13; 1 Kings 12:4; Isaiah 47:6; Lamentations 1:14; 3:27). In the New Testament the word "yoke" is also used to denote servitude (Matthew 11:29, 30; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1).
(3.) In 1 Samuel 11:7, 1 Kings 19:21, Job 1:3 the word thus translated is tzemed, which signifies a pair, two oxen yoked or coupled together, and hence in 1 Samuel 14:14 it represents as much land as a yoke of oxen could plough in a day, like the Latin jugum. In Isaiah 5:10 this word in the plural is translated "acres."
•YOKE-FELLOW (Phil. 4:3), one of the apostle's fellow-labourers. Some have conjectured that Epaphroditus is meant. Wyckliffe renders the phrase "the german felowe", i.e., "thee, germane [=genuine] comrade."
•ZAANAIM wanderings; the unloading of tents, so called probably from the fact of nomads in tents encamping amid the cities and villages of that region, a place in the north-west of Lake Merom, near Kedesh, in Naphtali. Here Sisera was slain by Jael, "the wife of Heber the Kenite," who had pitched his tent in the "plain [R.V., 'as far as the oak'] of Zaanaim" (Judges 4:11).
It has been, however, suggested by some that, following the LXX. and the Talmud, the letter b, which in Hebrew means "in," should be taken as a part of the word following, and the phrase would then be "unto the oak of Bitzanaim," a place which has been identified with the ruins of Bessum, about half-way between Tiberias and Mount Tabor.
•ZAANAN place of flocks, mentioned only in Micah 1:11. It may be identified with Zenan, in the plain country of Judah (Joshua 15:37).
•ZAANANNIM =Zaanaim, (Joshua 19:33).
•ZAAVAN terror, one of the "dukes of Edom" (Genesis 36:27); called also Zavan (1 Chronicles 1:42).
•ZABAD gift. (1.) One of David's valiant men (1 Chronicles 11:41), the descendant of Ahlai, of the "children of Sheshan" (2:31).
(2.) A descendant of Tahath (7:21).
(3.) The son of Shemath. He conspired against Joash, king of Judah, and slew him (2 Chronicles 24:25, 26). He is called also Jozachar (2 Kings 12:21).
(4.) Ezra 10:27.
(5.) Ezra 10:33.
(6.) Ezra 10:43.
•ZABBAI wanderer; pure. (1.) Ezra 10:28.
(2.) The father of Baruch, who "earnestly repaired" part of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:20; marg., "Zaccai").
•ZABBUD gift, Ezra 8:14.
•ZABDI gift of Jehovah. (1.) An ancestor of Achan (Joshua 7:1, 17, 18). He is probably the "Zimri" of 1 Chronicles 2:6.
(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:19).
(3.) Called "the Shiphmite," one of David's officers, who had charge of his vineyards (1 Chronicles 27:27).
(4.) A Levite, one of the sons of Asaph (Nehemiah 11:17); probably the same as Zichri (1 Chronicles 9:15), and Zaccur (Nehemiah 12:35).
•ZABDIEL gift of God. (1.) The father of Jashobeam, who was one of David's officers (1 Chronicles 27:2).
(2.) An overseer of the priests after the Captivity (Nehemiah 11:14).
•ZABUD gift, the son of Nathan, who was "king's friend" in the court of Solomon (1 Kings 4:5).
•ZABULON (Matthew 4:13, 15; Revelation 7:8). See ZEBULUN.
•ZACCAI pure, one whose "sons" returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:9; Nehemiah 7:14). (See ZABBAI.)
•ZACCHAEUS pure, a superintendant of customs; a chief tax-gather (publicanus) at Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). "The collection of customs at Jericho, which at this time produced and exported a considerable quantity of balsam, was undoubtedly an important post, and would account for Zacchaeus being a rich man." Being short of stature, he hastened on before the multitude who were thronging about Christ as he passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed up a sycamore tree that he might be able to see him. When our Lord reached the spot he looked up to the publican among the branches, and addressing him by name, told him to make haste and come down, as he intended that day to abide at his house. This led to the remarkable interview recorded by the evangelist, and to the striking parable of the ten pounds (Luke 19:12-27). At Er-riha (Jericho) there is a large, venerable looking square tower, which goes by the traditional name of the House of Zacchaeus.
•ZACCUR mindful. (1.) Father of Shammua, who was one of the spies sent out by Moses (Numbers 13:4).
(2.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chronicles 24:27).
(3.) A son of Asaph, and chief of one of the courses of singers as arranged by David (1 Chronicles 25:2, 10).
(4.) Son of Imri (Nehemiah 3:2).
(5.) A Levite (Nehemiah 10:12).
(6.) The son of Mattaniah (Nehemiah 13:13).
•ZACHARIAH remembered by the Lord. (1.) Son of Jeroboam II., king of Israel. On the death of his father there was an interregnum of ten years, at the end of which he succeeded to the throne, which he occupied only six months, having been put to death by Shallum, who usurped the throne. "He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done" (2 Kings 14:29; 15:8-12). In him the dynasty of Jehu came to an end.
(2.) The father of Abi, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2).
•ZACHARIAS (1.) A priest of the course of Abia, the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the priests had been originally divided by David (1 Chronicles 23:1-19). Only four of these courses or "families" of the priests returned from the Exile (Ezra 2:36-39); but they were then re-distributed under the old designations. The priests served at the temple twice each year, and only for a week each time. Zacharias's time had come for this service. During this period his home would be one of the chambers set apart for the priests on the sides of the temple ground. The offering of incense was one of the most solemn parts of the daily worship of the temple, and lots were drawn each day to determine who should have this great honour, an honour which no priest could enjoy more than once during his lifetime.
While Zacharias ministered at the golden altar of incense in the holy place, it was announced to him by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elisabeth, who was also of a priestly family, now stricken in years, would give birth to a son who was to be called John, and that he would be the forerunner of the long-expected Messiah (Luke 1:12-17). As a punishment for his refusing to believe this message, he was struck dumb and "not able to speak until the day that these things should be performed" (20). Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth's child was born, and when in answer to their inquiry Zacharias wrote on a "writing tablet," "His name is John," his mouth was
opened, and he praised God (60-79). The child (John the Baptist), thus "born out of due time," "waxed strong in spirit" (1:80).
(2.) The "son of Barachias," mentioned as having been slain between the temple and the altar (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51). "Barachias" here may be another name for Jehoiada, as some think. (See ZECHARIAH.)
•ZACHER memorial, a son of Jehiel (1 Chronicles 8:31; 9:35); called Zechariah (9:37).
•ZADOK righteous. (1.) A son of Ahitub, of the line of Eleazer (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 24:3), high priest in the time of David (2 Samuel 20:25) and Solomon (1 Kings 4:4). He is first mentioned as coming to take part with David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:27, 28). He was probably on this account made ruler over the Aaronites (27:17). Zadok and Abiathar acted as high priests on several important occasions (1 Chronicles 15:11; 2 Samuel 15:24-29, 35, 36); but when Adonijah endeavoured to secure the throne, Abiathar went with him, and therefore Solomon "thrust him out from being high priest," and Zadok, remaining faithful to David, became high priest alone (1 Kings 2:27, 35; 1 Chronicles 29:22). In him the line of Phinehas resumed the dignity, and held it till the fall of Jerusalem. He was succeeded in his sacred office by his son Azariah (1 Kings 4:2; comp. 1 Chronicles 6:3-9).
(2.) The father of Jerusha, who was wife of King Uzziah, and mother of King Jotham (2 Kings 15:33; 2 Chronicles 27:1).
(3.) "The scribe" set over the treasuries of the temple by Nehemiah along with a priest and a Levite (Nehemiah 13:13).
(4.) The sons of Baana, one of those who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:4).
•ZAIR little, a place probably east of the Dead Sea, where Joram discomfited the host of Edom who had revolted from him (2 Kings 8:21).
•ZALMON shady. (1.) One of David's warriors, called the Ahohite (2 Samuel 23:28); called also Ilai (1 Chronicles 11:29).
(2.) A wood near Shechem, from which Abimelech and his party brought boughs and "put them to the hold" of Shechem, "and set the hold on fire" (Judges 9:48). Probably the southern peak of Gerizim, now called Jebel Sulman. (See SALMON.)
•ZALMONAH shady, one of the stations of the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 33:41, 42).
•ZALMUNNA one of the two kings of Midian whom the "Lord delivered" into the hands of Gideon. He was slain afterwards with Zebah (Judges 8:5-21). (See ZEBAH.)
•ZAMZUMMIMS a race of giants; "a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims" (Deuteronomy 2:20, 21). They were overcome by the Ammonites, "who called them Zamzummims." They belonged to the Rephaim, and inhabited the country afterwards occupied by the Ammonites. It has been conjectured that they might be Ham-zuzims, i.e., Zuzims dwelling in Ham, a place apparently to the south of Ashteroth (Genesis 14:5), the ancient Rabbath-ammon.
•ZANOAH marsh. (1.) A town in the low country or shephelah of Judah, near Zorah (Joshua 15:34). It was re-occupied after the return from the Captivity (Nehemiah 11:30). Zanu'ah in Wady Ismail, 10 miles west of Jerusalem, occupies probably the same site.
(2.) A town in the hill country of Judah, some 10 miles to the south-west of Hebron (Joshua 15:56).
•ZAPHNATH-PAANEAH the name which Pharaoh gave to Joseph when he raised him to the rank of prime minister or grand vizier of the kingdom (Genesis 41:45). This is a pure Egyptian word, and has been variously explained. Some think it means "creator," or "preserver of life." Brugsch interprets it as "governor of the district of the place of life", i.e., of Goshen, the chief city of which was Pithom, "the place of life." Others explain it as meaning "a revealer of secrets," or "the man to whom secrets are revealed."
•ZAREPHATH smelting-shop, "a workshop for the refining and smelting of metals", a small Phoenician town, now Surafend, about a mile from the coast, almost midway on the road between Tyre and Sidon. Here Elijah sojourned with a poor widow during the "great famine," when the "heaven was shut up three years and six months" (Luke 4:26; 1 Kings 17:10). It is called Sarepta in the New Testament (Luke 4:26).
•ZARETAN When the Hebrews crossed the Jordan, as soon as the feet of the priests were dipped in the water, the flow of the stream was arrested. The point of arrest was the "city of Adam beside Zaretan," probably near
Succoth, at the mouth of the Jabbok, some 30 miles up the river from where the people were encamped. There the water "stood and rose upon an heap." Thus the whole space of 30 miles of the river-bed was dry, that the tribes might pass over (Joshua 3:16, 17; comp. Psalm 104:3).
•ZARETH-SHAHAR the splendour of the dawn, a city "in the mount of the valley" (Joshua 13:19). It is identified with the ruins of Zara, near the mouth of the Wady Zerka Main, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, some 3 miles south of the Callirrhoe. Of this town but little remains. "A few broken basaltic columns and pieces of wall about 200 yards back from the shore, and a ruined fort rather nearer the sea, about the middle of the coast line of the plain, are all that are left" (Tristram's Land of Moab).
•ZARTHAN a place near Succoth, in the plain of the Jordan, "in the clay ground," near which Hiram cast the brazen utensils for the temple (1 Kings 7:46); probably the same as Zartan. It is also called Zeredathah (2 Chronicles 4:17). (See ZEREDA.)
•ZATTHU a sprout, Nehemiah 10:14.
•ZATTU id., one whose descendants returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:8; Nehemiah 7:13); probably the same as Zatthu.
•ZAZA plenty, a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:33).
•ZEAL an earnest temper; may be enlightened (Numbers 25:11-13; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 9:2), or ignorant and misdirected (Romans 10:2; Phil. 3:6). As a Christian grace, it must be grounded on right principles and directed to right ends (Galatians 4:18). It is sometimes ascribed to God (2 Kings 19:31; Isaiah 9:7; 37:32; Ezekiel 5:13).
•ZEALOTS a sect of Jews which originated with Judas the Gaulonite (Acts 5:37). They refused to pay tribute to the Romans, on the ground that this was a violation of the principle that God was the only king of Israel. They rebelled against the Romans, but were soon scattered, and became a lawless band of mere brigands. They were afterwards called Sicarii, from their use of the sica, i.e., the Roman dagger.
•ZEBADIAH gift of Jehovah. (1.) A son of Asahel, Joab's brother (1 Chronicles 27:7).
(2.) A Levite who took part as one of the teachers in the system of national education instituted by Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7, 8).
(3.) The son of Ishmael, "the ruler of the house of Judah in all the king's matters" (2 Chronicles 19:8-11).
(4.) A son of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:15).
(5.) A Korhite porter of the Lord's house (1 Chronicles 26:2). Three or four others of this name are also mentioned.
•ZEBAH man-killer, or sacrifice, one of the two kings who led the vast host of the Midianites who invaded the land of Israel, and over whom Gideon gained a great and decisive victory (Judges 8). Zebah and Zalmunna had succeeded in escaping across the Jordan with a remnant of the Midianite host, but were overtaken at Karkor, probably in the Hauran, and routed by Gideon. The kings were taken alive and brought back across the Jordan; and confessing that they had personally taken part in the slaughter of Gideon's brothers, they were put to death (comp. 1 Samuel 12:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalm 83:11).
•ZEBAIM (Ezra 2:57; Nehemiah 7:59). "Pochereth of Zebaim" should be read as in the Revised Version, "Pochereth-hazzebaim" ("snaring the antelopes"), probably the name of some hunter.
•ZEBEDEE a Galilean fisherman, the husband of Salome (q.v.), and the father of James and John, two of our Lord's disciples (Matthew 4:21; 27:56; Mark 15:40). He seems to have been a man of some position in Capernaum, for he had two boats (Luke 5:4) and "hired servants" (Mark 1:20) of his own. No mention is made of him after the call of his two sons by Jesus.
•ZEBOIM gazelles or roes. (1.) One of the "five cities of the plain" of Sodom, generally coupled with Admah (Genesis 10:19; 14:2; Deuteronomy 29:23; Hos. 11:8). It had a king of its own (Shemeber), and was therefore a place of some importance. It was destroyed along with the other cities of the plain.
(2.) A valley or rugged glen somewhere near Gibeah in Benjamin (1 Samuel 13:18). It was probably the ravine now bearing the name Wady Shakh-ed-Dub'a, or "ravine of the hyena," north of Jericho.
(3.) A place mentioned only in Nehemiah 11:34, inhabited by the Benjamites after the Captivity.
•ZEBUDAH given, the wife of Josiah and mother of Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36).
•ZEBUL habitation, the governor of Shechem under Abimelech (Judges 9:28, 30, 36). He informed his master of the intention of the people of Shechem to transfer their allegiance to the Hivite tribe of Hamor. This led to Abimelech's destroying the city, when he put its entire population to the sword, and sowed the ruins with salt (Judges 9:28-45).
•ZEBULONITE the designation of Elon, the judge who belonged to the tribe of Zebulun (Judges 12:11, 12).
•ZEBULUN dwelling, the sixth and youngest son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 30:20). Little is known of his personal history. He had three sons (46:14).
•ZEBULUN, LOT OF in Galilee, to the north of Issachar and south of Asher and Naphtali (Joshua 19:10-16), and between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. According to ancient prophecy this part of Galilee enjoyed a large share of our Lord's public ministry (Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matthew 4:12-16).
•ZEBULUN, TRIBE OF numbered at Sinai (Numbers 1:31) and before entering Canaan (26:27). It was one of the tribes which did not drive out the Canaanites, but only made them tributary (Judges 1:30). It took little interest in public affairs. It responded, however, readily to the summons of Gideon (6:35), and afterwards assisted in enthroning David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:33, 40). Along with the other northern tribes, Zebulun was carried away into the land of Assyria by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15:29).
In Deborah's song the words, "Out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer" (Judges 5:14) has been rendered in the R.V., "They that handle the marshal's staff." This is a questionable rendering. "The word sopher ('scribe' or 'writer') defines the word shebhet ('rod' or 'pen') with which it is conjoined. The 'rod of the scribe' on the Assyrian monuments was the stylus of wood or metal, with the help of which the clay tablet was engraved, or the papyrus inscribed with characters. The scribe who wielded it was the associate and assistant of the 'lawgivers.'" (Sayce).
•ZECHARIAH Jehovah is renowned or remembered. (1.) A prophet of Judah, the eleventh of the twelve minor prophets. Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly extraction. He describes himself (1:1) as "the son of Berechiah." In
Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 he is called "the son of Iddo," who was properly his grandfather. His prophetical career began in the second year of Darius (B.C. 520), about sixteen years after the return of the first company from exile. He was contemporary with Haggai (Ezra 5:1).
His book consists of two distinct parts, (1) chapters 1 to 8, inclusive, and (2) 9 to the end. It begins with a preface (1:1-6), which recalls the nation's past history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present generation. Then follows a series of eight visions (1:7-6:8), succeeding one another in one night, which may be regarded as a symbolical history of Israel, intended to furnish consolation to the returned exiles and stir up hope in their minds. The symbolical action, the crowning of Joshua (6:9-15), describes how the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of God's Christ.
Chapters 7 and 8, delivered two years later, are an answer to the question whether the days of mourning for the destruction of the city should be any longer kept, and an encouraging address to the people, assuring them of God's presence and blessing.
The second part of the book (ch. 9-14) bears no date. It is probable that a considerable interval separates it from the first part. It consists of two burdens.
The first burden (ch. 9-11) gives an outline of the course of God's providential dealings with his people down to the time of the Advent.
The second burden (ch. 12-14) points out the glories that await Israel in "the latter day", the final conflict and triumph of God's kingdom.
(2.) The son or grandson of Jehoiada, the high priest in the times of Ahaziah and Joash. After the death of Jehoiada he boldly condemned both the king and the people for their rebellion against God (2 Chronicles 24:20), which so stirred up their resentment against him that at the king's commandment they stoned him with stones, and he died "in the court of the house of the Lord" (24:21). Christ alludes to this deed of murder in Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:51. (See ZACHARIAS [2].)
(3.) A prophet, who had "understanding in the seeing of God," in the time of Uzziah, who was much indebted to him for his wise counsel (2 Chronicles 26:5).
Besides these, there is a large number of persons mentioned in Scripture bearing this name of whom nothing is known.
(4.) One of the chiefs of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:7).
(5.) One of the porters of the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21).
(6.) 1 Chronicles 9:37.
(7.) A Levite who assisted at the bringing up of the ark from the house of Obededom (1 Chronicles 15:20-24).
(8.) A Kohathite Levite (1 Chronicles 24:25).
(9.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chronicles 27:21).
(10.) The father of Iddo (1 Chronicles 27:21).
(11.) One who assisted in teaching the law to the people in the time of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:7).
(12.) A Levite of the sons of Asaph (2 Chronicles 20:14).
(13.) One of Jehoshaphat's sons (2 Chronicles 21:2).
(14.) The father of Abijah, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:1).
(15.) One of the sons of Asaph (2 Chronicles 29:13).
(16.) One of the "rulers of the house of God" (2 Chronicles 35:8).
(17.) A chief of the people in the time of Ezra, who consulted him about the return from captivity (Ezra 8:16); probably the same as mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4,
(18.) Nehemiah 11:12.
(19.) Nehemiah 12:16.
(20.) Nehemiah 12:35,41.
(21.) Isaiah 8:2.
•ZEDAD side; sloping place, a town in the north of Palestine, near Hamath (Numbers 34:8; Ezekiel 47:15). It has been identified with the ruins of Sudud, between Emesa (Hums) and Baalbec, but that is uncertain.
•ZEDEKIAH righteousness of Jehovah. (1.) The last king of Judah. He was the third son of Josiah, and his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter
of Jeremiah of Libnah, and hence he was the brother of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:31; 24:17, 18). His original name was Mattaniah; but when Nebuchadnezzar placed him on the throne as the successor to Jehoiachin he changed his name to Zedekiah. The prophet Jeremiah was his counsellor, yet "he did evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 24:19, 20; Jeremiah 52:2, 3). He ascended the throne at the age of twenty-one years. The kingdom was at that time tributary to Nebuchadnezzar; but, despite the strong remonstrances of Jeremiah and others, as well as the example of Jehoiachin, he threw off the yoke of Babylon, and entered into an alliance with Hophra, king of Egypt. This brought up Nebuchadnezzar, "with all his host" (2 King 25:1), against Jerusalem. During this siege, which lasted about eighteen months, "every worst woe befell the devoted city, which drank the cup of God's fury to the dregs" (2 Kings 25:3; Lamentations 4:4, 5, 10). The city was plundered and laid in ruins. Zedekiah and his followers, attempting to escape, were made captive and taken to Riblah. There, after seeing his own children put to death, his own eyes were put out, and, being loaded with chains, he was carried captive (B.C. 588) to Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 36:12; Jeremiah 32:4,5; 34:2, 3; 39:1-7; 52:4-11; Ezekiel 12:12), where he remained a prisoner, how long is unknown, to the day of his death.
After the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuzaraddan was sent to carry out its complete destruction. The city was razed to the ground. Only a small number of vinedressers and husbandmen were permitted to remain in the land (Jeremiah 52:16). Gedaliah, with a Chaldean guard stationed at Mizpah, ruled over Judah (2 Kings 25:22, 24; jer. 40:1, 2, 5, 6).
(2.) The son of Chenaanah, a false prophet in the days of Ahab (1 Kings 22:11, 24; 2 Chronicles 18:10, 23).
(3.) The son of Hananiah, a prince of Judah in the days of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:12).
•ZEEB the wolf, one of the two leaders of the great Midianite host which invaded Israel and was utterly routed by Gideon. The division of that host, which attempted to escape across the Jordan, under Oreb and Zeeb, was overtaken by the Ephraimites, who, in a great battle, completely vanquished them, their leaders being taken and slain (Judges 7:25; Psalm 83:11; Isaiah 10:26).
•ZELAH slope; side, a town in Benjamin, where Saul and his son Jonathan were buried (2 Samuel 21:14). It was probably Saul's birthplace.
•ZELEK cleft, an Ammonite; one of David's valiant men (2 Samuel 23:37).
•ZELOPHEHAD first-born, of the tribe of Manasseh, and of the family of Gilead; died in the wilderness. Having left no sons, his daughters, concerned lest their father's name should be "done away from among his family," made an appeal to Moses, who, by divine direction, appointed it as "a statute of judgment" in Israel that daughters should inherit their father's portion when no sons were left (Numbers 27:1-11). But that the possession of Zelophehad might not pass away in the year of jubilee from the tribe to which he belonged, it was ordained by Moses that his daughters should not marry any one out of their father's tribe; and this afterwards became a general law (Numbers 36).
•ZELOTES (Luke 6:15). See SIMON; ZEALOTS.
•ZEMARAIM (1.) A town of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22); now the ruin, rather two ruins, es-Sumrah, 4 miles north of Jericho.
(2.) A mount in the highlands of Ephraim, to the north of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 13:4-20). Here the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam engaged in a bloody battle, which issued in the total defeat of the king of Israel, who never "recovered strength again," and soon after died.
•ZEMARITE the designation of one of the Phoenician tribes (Genesis 10:18) who inhabited the town of Sumra, at the western base of the Lebanon range. In the Amarna tablets (B.C. 1400) Zemar, or Zumur, was one of the most important of the Phoenician cities, but it afterwards almost disappears from history.
•ZEMIRA vine-dresser, a Benjamite; one of the sons of Becher (1 Chronicles 7:8).
•ZENAS a disciple called "the lawyer," whom Paul wished Titus to bring with him (Titus 3:13). Nothing more is known of him.
•ZEPHANIAH Jehovah has concealed, or Jehovah of darkness. (1.) The son of Cushi, and great-grandson of Hezekiah, and the ninth in the order of the minor prophets. He prophesied in the days of Josiah, king of Judah (B.C. 641-610), and was contemporary with Jeremiah, with whom he had much in common. The book of his prophecies consists of:
(a) An introduction (1:1-6), announcing the judgment of the world, and the judgment upon Israel, because of their transgressions.
(b) The description of the judgment (1:7-18).
(c) An exhortation to seek God while there is still time (2:1-3).
(d) The announcement of judgment on the heathen (2:4-15).
(e) The hopeless misery of Jerusalem (3:1-7).
(f) The promise of salvation (3:8-20).
(2.) The son of Maaseiah, the "second priest" in the reign of Zedekiah, often mentioned in Jeremiah as having been sent from the king to inquire (Jeremiah 21:1) regarding the coming woes which he had denounced, and to entreat the prophet's intercession that the judgment threatened might be averted (Jeremiah 29:25, 26, 29; 37:3; 52:24). He, along with some other captive Jews, was put to death by the king of Babylon "at Riblah in the land of Hamath" (2 Kings 25:21).
(3.) A Kohathite ancestor of the prophet Samuel (1 Chronicles 6:36).
(4.) The father of Josiah, the priest who dwelt in Jerusalem when Darius issued the decree that the temple should be rebuilt (Zechariah 6:10).
•ZEPHATH beacon; watch-tower, a Canaanite town; called also Hormah (q.v.), Judges 1:17. It has been identified with the pass of es-Sufah, but with greater probability with S'beita.
•ZEPHATHAH a valley in the west of Judah, near Mareshah; the scene of Asa's conflict with Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9-13). Identified with the Wady Safieh.
•ZERAH sunrise. (1.) An "Ethiopian," probably Osorkon II., the successor of Shishak on the throne of Egypt. With an enormous army, the largest we read of in Scripture, he invaded the kingdom of Judah in the days of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). He reached Zephathah, and there encountered the army of Asa. This is the only instance "in all the annals of Judah of a victorious encounter in the field with a first-class heathen power in full force." The Egyptian host was utterly routed, and the Hebrews gathered "exceeding much spoil." Three hundred years elapsed before another Egyptian army, that of Necho (B.C. 609), came up against Jerusalem.
(2.) A son of Tamar (Genesis 38:30); called also Zara (Matthew 1:3).
(3.) A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:21, 41).
•ZERED =Zared, luxuriance; willow bush, a brook or valley communicating with the Dead Sea near its southern extremity (Numbers 21:12; Deuteronomy 2:14). It is called the "brook of the willows" (Isaiah 15:7) and the "river of the wilderness" (Amos 6:14). It has been identified with the Wady el-Aksy.
•ZEREDA the fortress, a city on the north of Mount Ephraim; the birthplace of Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:26). It is probably the same as Zaretan (Joshua 3:16), Zererath (Judges 7:22), Zartanah (1 Kings 4:12), or the following.
•ZEREDATHAH a place in the plain of Jordan; the same as Zarthan (2 Chronicles 4:17; 1 Kings 7:46). Here Solomon erected the foundries in which Hiram made the great castings of bronze for the temple.
•ZERERATH (Judges 7:22), perhaps identical with Zereda or Zeredathah. Some identify it with Zahrah, a place about 3 miles west of Beth-shean.
•ZERESH star of Venus, the wife of Haman, whom she instigated to prepare a gallows for Mordecai (Esther 5:10).
•ZERUAH stricken, mother of Jeroboam, the first king of the ten tribes (1 Kings 11:26).
•ZERUBBABEL the seed of Babylon, the son of Salathiel or Shealtiel (Hag. 1:1; Zorobabel, Matthew 1:12); called also the son of Pedaiah (1 Chronicles 3:17-19), i.e., according to a frequent usage of the word "son;" the grandson or the nephew of Salathiel. He is also known by the Persian name of Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8, 11). In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, he led the first band of Jews, numbering 42,360 (Ezra 2:64), exclusive of a large number of servants, who returned from captivity at the close of the seventy years. In the second year after the Return, he erected an altar and laid the foundation of the temple on the ruins of that which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar (3:8-13; ch. 4-6). All through the work he occupied a prominent place, inasmuch as he was a descendant of the royal line of David.
•ZERUIAH stricken of the Lord, David's sister, and the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel (1 Chronicles 2:16), who were the three leading heroes of David's army, and being his nephews, they were admitted to the closest companionship with him.
•ZETHAM olive planter, a Levite (1 Chronicles 23:8).
•ZETHAN a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 7:10).
•ZIA fear, a Gadite (1 Chronicles 5:13).
•ZIBA post; statue, "a servant of the house of Saul" (2 Samuel 9:2), who informed David that Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan, was alive. He afterwards dealt treacherously toward Mephibosheth, whom he slanderously misrepresented to David.
•ZIBEON robber; or dyed. (1.) A Hivite (Genesis 36:2).
(2.) A Horite, and son of Seir (Genesis 36:20).
•ZIBIA gazelle, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:9).
•ZIBIAH the mother of King Joash (2 Kings 12:1; 2 Chronicles 24:1).
•ZICHRI remembered; illustrious. (1.) A Benjamite chief (1 Chronicles 8:19).
(2.) Another of the same tribe (1 Chronicles 8:23).
•ZIDDIM sides, a town of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35), has been identified with Kefr-Hattin, the "village of the Hittites," about 5 miles west of Tiberias.
•ZIDKIJAH the Lord is righteous, one who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:1).
•ZIDON a fishery, a town on the Mediterranean coast, about 25 miles north of Tyre. It received its name from the "first-born" of Canaan, the grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:15, 19). It was the first home of the Phoenicians on the coast of Palestine, and from its extensive commercial relations became a "great" city (Joshua 11:8; 19:28). It was the mother city of Tyre. It lay within the lot of the tribe of Asher, but was never subdued (Judges 1:31). The Zidonians long oppressed Israel (Judges 10:12). From the time of David its glory began to wane, and Tyre, its "virgin daughter" (Isaiah 23:12), rose to its place of pre-eminence. Solomon entered into a matrimonial alliance with the Zidonians, and thus their form of idolatrous worship found a place in the land of Israel (1 Kings 11:1, 33). This city was famous for its manufactures and arts, as well as for its commerce (1 Kings 5:6; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Ezekiel 27:8). It is frequently referred to by
the prophets (Isaiah 23:2, 4, 12; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3; 47:4; Ezekiel 27:8; 28:21, 22; 32:30; Joel 3:4). Our Lord visited the "coasts" of Tyre and Zidon = Sidon (q.v.), Matthew 15:21; Mark 7:24; Luke 4:26; and from this region many came forth to hear him preaching (Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17). From Sidon, at which the ship put in after leaving Caesarea, Paul finally sailed for Rome (Acts 27:3, 4).
This city is now a town of 10,000 inhabitants, with remains of walls built in the twelfth century A.D. In 1855, the sarcophagus of Eshmanezer was discovered. From a Phoenician inscription on its lid, it appears that he was a "king of the Sidonians," probably in the third century B.C., and that his mother was a priestess of Ashtoreth, "the goddess of the Sidonians." In this inscription Baal is mentioned as the chief God of the Sidonians.
•ZIF brightness; splendour; i.e., "the flower month," mentioned only in 1 Kings 6:1, 37, as the "second month." It was called Iyar by the later Jews. (See MONTH.)
•ZIHA drought. (1.) The name of a family of Nethinim (Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46). (2.) A ruler among the Nethinim (Nehemiah 11:21).
•ZIKLAG a town in the Negeb, or south country of Judah (Joshua 15:31), in the possession of the Philistines when David fled to Gath from Ziph with all his followers. Achish, the king, assigned him Ziklag as his place of residence. There he dwelt for over a year and four months. From this time it pertained to the kings of Judah (1 Samuel 27:6). During his absence with his army to join the Philistine expedition against the Israelites (29:11), it was destroyed by the Amalekites (30:1, 2), whom David, however, pursued and utterly routed, returning all the captives (1 Samuel 30:26-31). Two days after his return from this expedition, David received tidings of the disastrous battle of Gilboa and of the death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:1-16). He now left Ziklag and returned to Hebron, along with his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, and his band of 600 men. It has been identified with 'Asluj, a heap of ruins south of Beersheba. Conder, however, identifies it with Khirbet Zuheilikah, ruins found on three hills half a mile apart, some seventeen miles north-west of Beersheba, on the confines of Philistia, Judah, and Amalek.
•ZILLAH shadow, one of the wives of Lamech, of the line of Cain, and mother of Tubal-cain (Genesis 4:19, 22).
•ZILPAH drooping, Leah's handmaid, and the mother of Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13).
•ZILTHAI shadow (i.e., protection) of Jehovah. (1.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:20). (2.) One of the captains of the tribe of Manasseh who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20).
•ZIMMAH mischief. (1.) A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:20).
(2.) Another Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:42).
(3.) The father of Joah (2 Chronicles 29:12).
•ZIMRAN vine-dressers; celebrated, one of the sons of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:2).
•ZIMRI praise-worthy. (1.) A son of Salu, slain by Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, because of his wickedness in bringing a Midianitish woman into his tent (Numbers 25:6-15).
(2.) Murdered Elah at Tirzah, and succeeded him on the throne of Israel (1 Kings 16:8-10). He reigned only seven days, for Omri, whom the army elected as king, laid siege to Tirzah, whereupon Zimri set fire to the palace and perished amid its ruins (11-20). Omri succeeded to the throne only after four years of fierce war with Tibni, another claimant to the throne.
•ZIN a low palm-tree, the south-eastern corner of the desert et-Tih, the wilderness of Paran, between the Gulf of Akabah and the head of the Wady Guraiyeh (Numbers 13:21). To be distinguished from the wilderness of Sin (q.v.).
•ZINA ornament, one of the sons of Shimei (1 Chronicles 23:10).
•ZION sunny; height, one of the eminences on which Jerusalem was built. It was surrounded on all sides, except the north, by deep valleys, that of the Tyropoeon (q.v.) separating it from Moriah (q.v.), which it surpasses in height by 105 feet. It was the south-eastern hill of Jerusalem.
When David took it from the Jebusites (Joshua 15:63; 2 Samuel 5:7) he built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became "the city of David" (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 19:21, 31; 1 Chronicles 11:5). In the later books of the Old Testament this name was sometimes used (Psalm 87:2; 149:2; Isaiah 33:14; Joel 2:1) to denote Jerusalem in general, and sometimes God's chosen Israel (Psalm 51:18; 87:5).
In the New Testament (see SION) it is used sometimes to denote the Church of God (Hebrews 12:22), and sometimes the heavenly city (Revelation 14:1).
•ZIOR littleness, a city in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:54); the modern Si'air, 4 1/2 miles north-north-east of Hebron.
•ZIPH flowing. (1.) A son of Jehaleleel (1 Chronicles 4:16).
(2.) A city in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:24), probably at the pass of Sufah.
(3.) A city in the mountains of Judah (Joshua 15:55), identified with the uninhabited ruins of Tell ez-Zif, about 5 miles south-east of Hebron. Here David hid himself during his wanderings (1 Samuel 23:19; Psalm 54, title).
•ZIPHAH a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:16).
•ZIPHRON sweet odour, a city on the northern border of Palestine (Numbers 34:9), south-east of Hamath.
•ZIPPOR a little bird, the father of Balak, king of Moab (Numbers 22:2, 4).
•ZIPPORAH a female bird. Reuel's daughter, who became the wife of Moses (Exodus 2:21). In consequence of the event recorded in Exodus 4:24-26, she and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, when so far on the way with Moses toward Egypt, were sent back by him to her own kinsfolk, the Midianites, with whom they sojourned till Moses afterwards joined them (18:2-6).
•ZITHRI the Lord protects, a Levite, son of Uzziel (Exodus 6:22).
•ZIZ projecting; a flower, a cleft or pass, probably that near En-gedi, which leads up from the Dead Sea (2 Chronicles 20:16) in the direction of Tekoa; now Tell Hasasah.
•ZIZA splendour; abundance. (1.) A Simeonite prince (1 Chronicles 4:37-43).
(2.) A son of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:20).
•ZIZAH a Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:11).
•ZOAN (Old Egypt. Sant= "stronghold," the modern San). A city on the Tanitic branch of the Nile, called by the Greeks Tanis. It was built seven years after Hebron in Palestine (Numbers 13:22). This great and important city was the capital of the Hyksos, or Shepherd kings, who ruled Egypt for more than 500 years. It was the frontier town of Goshen. Here Pharaoh was holding his court at the time of his various interviews with Moses and Aaron. "No trace of Zoan exists; Tanis was built over it, and city after city has been built over the ruins of that" (Harper, Bible and Modern Discovery). Extensive mounds of ruins, the wreck of the ancient city, now mark its site (Isaiah 19:11, 13; 30:4; Ezekiel 30:14). "The whole constitutes one of the grandest and oldest ruins in the world."
This city was also called "the Field of Zoan" (Psalm 78:12, 43) and "the Town of Rameses" (q.v.), because the oppressor rebuilt and embellished it, probably by the forced labour of the Hebrews, and made it his northern capital.
•ZOAR small, a town on the east or south-east of the Dead Sea, to which Lot and his daughters fled from Sodom (Genesis 19:22, 23). It was originally called Bela (14:2, 8). It is referred to by the prophets Isaiah (15:5) and Jeremiah (48:34). Its ruins are still seen at the opening of the ravine of Kerak, the Kir-Moab referred to in 2 Kings 3, the modern Tell esh-Shaghur.
•ZOBAH =Aram-Zobah, (Psalm 60, title), a Syrian province or kingdom to the south of Coele-Syria, and extending from the eastern slopes of Lebanon north and east toward the Euphrates. Saul and David had war with the kings of Zobah (1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:3; 10:6).
•ZOHAR brightness. (1.) The father of Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:8).
(2.) One of the sons of Simeon (Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15).
•ZOHELETH the serpent-stone, a rocky plateau near the centre of the village of Siloam, and near the fountain of En-rogel, to which the women of the village resort for water (1 Kings 1:5-9). Here Adonijah (q.v.) feasted all the royal princess except Solomon and the men who took part with him in his effort to succeed to the throne. While they were assembled here Solomon was proclaimed king, through the intervention of Nathan. On
hearing this, adonijah fled and took refuge in the sanctuary (1 Kings 1:49-53). He was afterwards pardoned.
Zoheleth projects into or slightly over-hangs the Kidron valley. It is now called ez-Zehwell or Zahweileh.
•ZOHETH snatching (?), one of the sons of Ishi (1 Chronicles 4:20).
•ZOPHAH spreading out, a son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35), a chief of Asher.
•ZOPHAR chirping, one of Job's friends who came to condole with him in his distress (Job 2:11. The LXX. render here "king of the Mineans" = Ma'in, Maonites, Judges 10:12, in Southern Arabia). He is called a Naamathite, or an inhabitant of some unknown place called Naamah.
•ZOPHIM, FIELD OF field of watchers, a place in Moab on the range of Pisgah (Numbers 23:14). To this place Balak brought Balaam, that he might from thence curse the children of Israel. Balaam could only speak the word of the Lord, and that was blessing. It is the modern Tal'at-es-Safa. (See PISGAH.)
•ZORAH place of wasps, a town in the low country of Judah, afterwards given to Dan (Joshua 19:41; Judges 18:2), probably the same as Zoreah (Joshua 15:33). This was Samson's birthplace (Judges 13:2, 25), and near it he found a grave (16:31). It was situated on the crest of a hill overlooking the valley of Sorek, and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:10). It has been identified with Sur'ah, in the Wady Surar, 8 miles west of Jerusalem. It is noticed on monuments in the fifteenth century B.C. as attacked by the Abiri or Hebrews.
•ZUPH honeycomb, a Kohathite Levite, ancestor of Elkanah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1); called also Zophai (1 Chronicles 6:26).
•ZUPH, LAND OF (1 Samuel 9:5, 6), a district in which lay Samuel's city, Ramah. It was probably so named after Elkanah's son, Zuph (1 Chronicles 6:26, marg.).
•ZUR rock. (1.) One of the five Midianite kings whom the Israelites defeated and put to death (Numbers 31:8).
(2.) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:30).
•ZURIEL rock of God, chief of the family of the Merarites (Numbers 3:35) at the time of the Exodus.
•ZURISHADDAI rock of the Almighty, the father of Shelumiel, who was chief of the tribe of Simeon when Israel was encamped at Sinai (Numbers 1:6; 2:12).
•ZUZIMS restless; sprouting, were smitten "in Ham" by Chedorlaomer and his allies (Genesis 14:5). Some have identified this tribe with the Zamzummims (q.v.).
<> <> <> <> <> <> <>
APPENDIX
I. — CHRONOLOGICAL TABLES
1. The Old Testament to the Death of Solomon,
(According to Usher. See "Chronology.")
year of jubilee is to be reckoned. 1444..The Tabernacle set up in Shiloh, whe remained 328 years. 1427..Joshua dies, aged 110 years. then fol period of anarchy and confusion. Th people sink into idolatry, and are b 1400..Othniel, the first of the judges, deliv Israel. Israel continued to be govern judges for about 450 years, to the tim Samuel. 1091..Saul anointed king by Samuel. 1085..David, the son of Jesse, born. 1065..David anointed king (1 Samuel 16:1 1055..Death of Saul at Gilboa. 1055..David goes to Hebron, and is there anointed king by the men of Judah, and there he reigns 7 1/2 years. 1048..The captains and elders of all the trib coming to hebron anoint David as k over all Israel. Jerusalem now becom seat of his kingdom. Here he reigned years. 1023..Rebellion of Absalom. 1015..Solomon anointed king by the comm his father David. 1012..Solomon begins to build the temple, was finished in 7 1/2 years. 1004..The temple dedicated at the Feast of Tabernacles. 976..Death of Solomon, after reigning 40 years, The kingdom is now divid
B.C.
4004..The creation. 3874..Birth of Seth. 3882..Birth of Enoch, the seventh from Adam. 3317..Birth of Methuselah. 3130..Birth of Lamech. 3074..Death of Adam, aged 930 years 3017..Translation of Enoch in the three hundred and sixty-fifth year of his age. 2948..Birth of Noah. 2348..The deluge. 2233..Dispersion of mankind; confusion of tongues at Babel. 2126..Birth of Terah, Abram's father. 1998..Death of Noah, aged 950 years, 350 years after the flood. 1996..Birth of Abram. He was 75 years old when his father Terah died. 1922..Terah, with his family, leaves Ur of the Chaldees, and dwells in Haran. 1921..Abram enters the land of Canaan. 1913..Abram rescues Lot, who had been taken prisoner by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:4-20). 1910..Birth of Ishmael, 1897..Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 1896 Issac born Abraham being 100 years old. 1859..Sarah died at Hebron, in the one hundred and twenty-seventh year of her age. 1821..Abraham died, aged 175 years, 100 years after his entrance into the land of Canaan. 1773..Ishmael died, aged 137 years. 1760..Jacob fled into Mesopotamia to escape his brother's rage. 1739..Jacob returns to Canaan from Mesopotamia. 1729..Joseph is sold to the Midianites. 1716..Isaac died, aged 180 years. 1715..Joseph made governor over the whole of Egypt. 1708..The seven years of famine begin. 1706..Jacob, with his family, goes down into Egypt.
B.C.
1689..Death of Jacob. 1635..Joseph dies, aged 110 years 1571..Birth of Moses. 1531..Moses flees into the land of Midian. 1491..Moses returns to Egypt at the command of God. 1451..Exodus. 1451..Death of Miriam, Moses' sister. 1444..The first Sabbatical year. From hence the
2. The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel to the Close of the Old Testament.
Relations
Kingdom of
B.C
Kingdom of
Contemporan ous Persons an
of the
Judah.
Israel.
Two Kingdom
Events in
Heathen Countries.
s to each
other.
I. Mutual hostility from B.C. 976 to B.C. 918.
976 Jeroboam. Son of Nebat. Reigned 22 years. Prophet: Ahijah.
Rehoboam. Son of Solomon and Naamah. Reigned 17 years.
Land invaded and Jerusalem plundered by Shishak, and Rehoboam made tributary (1 Kings 14:25, 25). Prophets: Shemaiah and Iddo.
973 Shishak, king o Egypt.
Abijah or Abijam. Son of Rehoboam and Maachah. Reigned 3 years (1 Kings 15:1, 2).
Asa (1 Kings 15:9). Son of Abijah. Cushite invasion. War with Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9). Alliance with Benhadad I. (1 Kings 15:18). Reigned 41 years Prophets: Oded, Azariah, Hanani, and Jehu.
956 955 Nadab (1 Kings 15:25). Son of Jeroboam. Murdered by Baasha, after a brief reign.
Osorkon II. (= probably Zerah), king of Egypt, the invader of Juda (2 Chronicles 14:9).
953 Baasha (1 Kings 15:28). Son of Ahijah of Issachar, He exterminated the entire house of Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29-39; 15:29). Reigned 24 years. Prophet: Jehu
Ben-hadad I., king of Syria.
944 The poet Hesio in Greece
931 Elah (1 King 16:8). Son of Baasha. Was assassinated, after reigning 2 years, by Zimri, one of his captains, who destroyed all the house of Baasha" (1 Kings 16:11). 929 Zimri. Reigned only 7 days (1 Kings 16:10). 925 Omri. Reigned alone 6 years (1 Kings 16:23). 924 Samaria made the capital (1 Kings 16:24). Invaded by the Syrians (1 Kings 20:34). II. Alliance between the kingdoms, and common hostility to Syria, from B.C. 918 to B.C. 883.
918 Ahab (1 Kings 16:29,31). Son of Omri. He changed the state religion, and so "made a prodigious step downwards" by introducing the impure and debasing worship of the Phoenician gods. Reigned 22 years. Prophets: Elijah and Micaiah.
Ethbaal, king o Tyre and Sidon Ben-hadad II., king of Damascus.
Johoshaphat (1 Kings 22:41). Son of Asa and Azubah. Joined "affinity with Ahab" (2 Chronicles 18:1) associated with him his son Jehoram, when 16 years of age, the two reigning conjointly for 8 years. Prophets: Eliezer and Jahaziel.
900 Homer flourished. 900 Battle at Ramothgilead, in which Ahab was slain (1 Kings 22:37). 898 Ahaziah (1 Kings 22:51, 52). Son of Ahab.
Lycurgus in Sparta.
Reigned 2 years. Prophet: Elisha. 897 Jehoram or Joram. Son of Ahab (2 Kinds 3:2). The last king of the house of Omri. War against Mesha (2 Kings 3:427). Was put to death by Jehu (2 Kings 9:1-23; comp. 1 Kings 21:21), after reigning 12 years. Jehoram (2 Kings 8:16; 2 Chronicles 21:11-13). Son of Jehoshaphat. His reign was one of the darkest and most unfortunate in Judean history (2 Chronicles 21:12-20). reigned as sole ruler 8 years.
Ahaziah. Youngest son of Jehoram and Athalia (2 Kings 8:25; 2 Chronicles 22:1-3). Was put to death by Jehu (2 Kings 9:24; comp. 2 Chronicles 22:9), after reigning 1 year.
884 Hazael of Syria
III. Renewal of mutual hostilities , and gradual decline of both kingdoms (B.C. 993 to B.C. 588).
Athaliah (2 Kings 11:3). Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Usurped the throne, and reigned 6 years. The last survivor of the house of Omri. Was put to death by Jehoiada.
883 Jehu (2 Kings 10:36). Son of Nimshi. With him began the most powerful and the longest lived of all the Israelite dynasties. Reigned 28 years. Prophet: Jonah.
Joash or Jehoash (2 Kings 11:4; 12:1). Son of Ahaziah and Zibia. Was slain on his sick-bed in the castle of Milo. reigned 40 years. Prophet : Joel
877 Pygmalion, kin of Tyre.
869 Carthage founded by Dido, the Phoenician queen, 143 yea after the building of the temple.
855 Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:1). Eldest son of Jehu. ravages of the Syrians. Reigned 17 years. Syrians invade Judah. 840 839 Joash or Joash (2 Kings 13:10) Defeats the Syrians thrice. Conquers Judah. Reigned 16 years.
Amaziah (2 Kings 14:1). Son of Joash and Jehoaddan. Conquers Edom. Defeat at Beth-shemesh (2 Kings 14:13). Reigned 29 years.
838 Death of Elisha (2 Kings 13:14).
Ben-hadad III., king of Syria.
823 Jeroboam II. (2 Kings 14:23). Son of Joash. The greatest of all the kings of Samaria. Reigned 41 years. 820 Empire of the Medes founded by Arbaces.
814 Kingdom of Macedon founded by Caranus. Uzziah or Azariah (2 Kings 15:1, 2). Son of Amaziah and Jecholiah. Reigned 52 years. Prophet: Amos.
784 Interregnum. A period of anarchy of 11 years and some months. Prophet: Hosea. 776 The Grecian era Computation b Olympiads, periods of 4 years, begins. 771 Zachariah (2 Kings 15:8). Son of Jeroboam II. Slain by Shallum, Reigned 6 months. 770 Shallum (2 Kings 15:13). Reigned 1 month.
Pul, king of Assyria.
770 Menahem (2 Kings 15:17). Israel invaded by Pul. Menahem becomes a vassal of Assyria (2 Kings 15:19). 761 Pekahiah. Son of Menahem (2 Kings 15:23-26). Reigned 2 years. Jotham (2 Kings 15:32, 33). Son of Uzziah and Jerusha. Reigned 16 years. Prophets: Micah and Isaiah.
759 Pekah (2 Kings 15:27, 28). Forms an alliance with Rezin. War with Judah. The kingdom attacked by Tiglath-pileser. Reigned 20 years. 752 Foundation of Rome 747 Nabonassar, king of Babylo Rezin, king of Syria. Ahaz (2 Kings 16:1). Son of Jatham. The party in Jerusalem in favor of an alliance with Assyria predominates (2 Kings 16:7). Reigned 16 years. Prophets: Isaiah and Oded.
742 Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria
740 Interregnum of 9 years. 735 Syracuse founded. 747 Nabonassar, king of Babylo Rezin, king of Syrain. Ahaz (2 Kings 16:1). Son of Jotham. The party in Jerusalem in favor of an alliance with Assyria predominates (2 Kings 16:7). reigned 16 years. Prophets: Isaiah and Oded.
742 Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria
740 Interregnum of 9 years. 734 Syracuse founded. 730 Hosea (2 Kings s17:1). Son of Elah. Enters into an alliance with So, king of Egypt.
The last and best king of Israel. Reigned 9 years. 727 Shalmaneser IV succeeds Tiglath-pileser and besieges Samaria, makin Hoshea tributary. Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1) Son of Hezekiah. Great national apostasy. Carried captive to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). His repentance and restoration. Reigned 55 years. Prophets: Micah, Isaiah, and probably Nahum.
Sargon seizes the throne of Assyria, and takes Samaria, the siege of which was begun by Shalmaneser. Merodach Baladan conquers Babylon. Kingdom of Judah Contemporaneous Persons and Event
in Heathen Countries 705 Sargon murdered, and succeeded by hi
son Sennacherib.
681 Sennacherib murdered and succeeded b
his son Esarhaddon (2 Kings 19:37). 608 - 626
Assur-bani-pal, king of Egypt, was
succeeded by his son Necho II.
666 - 612
Psammetichus I., king of Egypt, was
succeeded by his son Necho II.
Amon (2 Kings 21:19). Was murdered after a reign of 2 years. Prophet: Nahum.
Joshiah (2 Kings 22:11). National revival of religion.
640 629 625
Fall of Nineveh. Nabopolassar. father o
Nebuchadnezzar, independent in
Babylon. Finding of the book of the law Slain at Megiddo. Reigned 31 years. Prophets: Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Huldah.
Jehoahaz or Shallum (2 Chronicles 3:15). Josiah's third son. "Did evil in the sight of the Lord." Reigned 3 months, when he was deposed by Necho, who took him to Egypt (2 Kings 23:33).
612 - 596 609
Necho II., king of Egypt. Necho II. on his way to assail the Babylonians at Carchemish, encountere
and defeated the army of Josiah near
Megiddo (q.v.). Josiah was fatally wounded (2 Chronicles 35:24), and Palestine became tributary to Egypt. Jehoiakim or Eliakim. Josiah's second son. Made king by Necho (2 Kings 23:36). Judah becomes tributary to Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:1).
Commencement of the 70 year's captivity. 606 Nebuchadnezzar overcame the powerfu
army of the Egyptians, under Necho II at Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:8-21), on th
Middle Euphrates. Syria and Palestine
now became tributary to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1). Daniel and other noble an
royal youths are taken captive to
Babylon. Jehoiakim, despite the warnings of Jeremiah, rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar who marched at the head of a large army into Syria and besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiakim was put to death, and Jehoiachin was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar.
Jehoiachin (Jeconiah or Coniah). Being suspicious of Jehoiachin's loyalty, Nebuchadnezzar led an army against Jerusalem and plundered it, carrying away many captives (2 Kings 24:10-16), among whom were the king and all his household. He placed Mattaniah on the vacant throne, giving him the name of Zedekiah. Second conquest of Jerusalem. Reigned 3 months.
Mattaniah (Zedekiah). He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, his suzerain, and formed an alliance with Hopra, king of Egypt (2 Kings 24:20; Jeremiah 44:30; Ezekiel 17:15). Nebuchadnezzar came "with all his host" against Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:1). Egypt proved again for the Jews a "bruised reed" (2 Kings 18:21), and failed to help them. Jerusalem was besieged for a year and a half, and was visited with dire distress, famine, and pestilence. The defenses of the city gave way, and the Babylonian army entered it. The doomed city drank the cup of God's fury to the dregs. The king and all his followers were taken captive, and brought to Riblah. There his son was put to death in his presence, and his own eyes were than put out, and he became a captive in Babylon to the day of his death. (Jeremiah 52:11). The second captivity. Reigned 11 years. Prophet: Ezekiel.
596 - 591
Psammetichus II., king of Egypt.
594 Solon at Athens 591 - 572
Hophra, king of Egypt.
Gedaliah. Appointed governor by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:22). Was killed by Ishmael. Jerusalem destroyed. Many of the people carried captive to Babylon. The third captivity. The rest fled to Egypt (2 Kings 25:26). Judah lies desolate (2 Chronicles 36:21; Zechariah 7:14).
Palestine. Rome 562 Nebuchadnezzar dies, after a reign of 43 years, and is succeeded by his son Evil merodach. 558 Media and Persia united into one kingdom under Cyrus. 559 Neriglissar (probably = Nergal - Sharezer), Nebuchadnezzar's son-in-law succeeds Evil-merodach. 555 Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon. Belshazzar, his son, latterly associated with him as king. Belshazzar commande at Babylon while his father Nabonidus took the field against Cyrus. 538 During the siege of Babylon by Cyrus, Belshazzar made a great feast, and that night the city was taken, and Belshazza was slain, the empire passing to the
Medes and Persians. Then Darius the Mede "took the kingdom," Cyrus makin him governor of the Medo-Persian empire, with the title of King. Daniel cast into the den of lions. Palestine becomes a province of the Persian empire. Return of the first caravan "of the children of the province" — i.e., of Judea — under Zerubbabel, whom Cyrus made tirshatha or governor of Judea. Only about 50,000 Jews returned on this occasion.
536 Cyrus's first year, on the death of Dariu Issues his edict in favor of the Jewish captives (Ezra 1:1-4; 6:3-5; comp Isaia 44:28).
Rebuilding of the temple begun. 535 Daniel sees the vision recorded in ch. 1012. The Samaritans oppose the building of the temple.
529 Tarquinius Superbus at Rome. Ahasuerus (Cambyses, Cyrus's son) succeeds Cyrus as king of Persia (Ezra 4:6). The temple completed and dedicated in the sixth year of Darius.
490 Battle of Marathon. 486 Xerxes I. (Ahasuerus of Esther). 483 In the third year of his reign, he holds a great assembly previous to his invasion of Greece, and divorces Queen Vashti. Probably not till after his return from th disastrous invasion did he marry Hadassa (Esther). 480 Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis. The Jews are under persian governors. Many abuses appear among them.
479 Battle of Platea. Sea-fight of Mycale.
478 Esther made queen. 466 Xerxes slain by two of his courtiers, succeeded by his son Artaxerxes (Longimanus). Ezra obtains a commission from Artaxerxes (Longimanus) and leads a second company of exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:8).
Nehemiah, cupbearer of Artaxerxes, appointed governor of Jerusalem Is opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah.
Nehemiah returns to persia. 433 Nehemiah revisits Jerusalem, and reforms many abuses.
431 Peloponnesian War begins. 432 Socrates, Xenophon, and Thucydides at Athens. Death of Nehemiah 413 Ezra and the Great Synagogue, including the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, probably gathered together the several books which form the Old
354 Demosthenes.
Testament cannon. Temple built on Gerizim by the Samaritans
322 Alexander the Great takes the city of Tyre.
3. Chronology According to the Assyrian Inscriptions.
The following dates, as given by Sayce from the Assyrian Inscriptions, may be compared with
those in Ussher's Chronology: —
B.C.
B.C.
745..The first Assyrian empire came to an end "partly through the attacks of its Armenian neighbors. The last representative (Assurnirari) of the old dynasty died or was slain in the same year. Pulu (Pul), a military captain of obscure origin, seized the vacant throne." He founded the second Assyrian empire, taking the name of Tiglath-pileser (III.), after the name of one of the most famous monarchs of the older dynasty some four centuries before. 743-40..Tiglath-pileser II. wars against Hamath, Submission of Uzziah. 742..Uzziah sends help to Hamath. 741..Death of Jotham and accession of Ahaz. 738..Azariah (= Uzziah) defeated by Tiglath-pileser, who exacts tribute from Menahem of Samaria and Rezin of Damascus. 734..Damascus besieged by the Assyrians. The tribes beyond Jordan are carried away captive. Jehoahaz of Judah becomes a vassal of Tiglathpileser. 732..Damascus taken and Rezin slain. 729..Pekah put to death. Hoshea ascends the throne. 728..Ulula of Tinu, a usurper, takes the name of Shalman-eser (IV.) (2 Kings 17:3), and ascends the Assyrian throne. 723..Samaria besieged by Shalmaneser V. The siege lasted three years. 722..On the death of Shalmaneser one of his captains, a soldier of fortune, seized the vacant throne, and took the name of Sargon. 721..Merodach-baladan of Chaldea conquers Babylon.
858-823..Shalman-eser II., king of Assyria, succeeded his father assur-natsirpal. His long reign was one continuous history of campaigns against his neighbors, his chief object of attack being the growing power of Damascus. 853..Ahab, son of Omri, as ally of Damascus against Shalmaneser (1 Kings 20:34). In the time of Ahab the Assyrians first became acquainted with the kingdom of Israel. Samaria was ever afterwards called by them Beth-Omri." 851..Death of Ahab 850..Shalmaneser's second campaign against Hadadezer. 843..Hadadezer murdered by Hazael, king of Syria (2 Kings 13:22). 841..Jehu pays tribute to Assyria. 840..Shalmaneser's campaign against Hazael proved disastrous to the Syrians. 840..Shalmaneser's campaign against Hazael proved disastrous to the Syrians. 843..Shalmaneser's campaign against "Hazael of the country of Damascus," and
captured four of his cities, after which he made no further incursions into the west. 823..Samas-Rimmon II. on the Assyrian throne. 810-781..rimmon-nirarl, grandson of Shalmaneser, ascended the throne. 804..Damascus taken by the Assyrians and reduced to a condition of vassalage. 781..Shalmaneser III. ascends the throne of Assyria. 773..Assyrian campaign against Damascus. 771..Assur-dab III, becomes king of Assyria 756..Jotham made regent with his father Uzziah. 753..Assur-nirari king of Assyria
B.C.
B.C.
712-11..Embassy sent by Merodachbaladan to Hezekiah with the view of exciting trouble in the west, so as to divide the forces of Sargon, who was now threatening an invasion of Babylonia. The illness of Hezekiah was only the pretext for this embassy. 711..Capture of Jerusalem and Ashdod by Sargon. 705..Sennacherib, Sargon's son, king of Assyria. 701..Sennacherib's disastrous campaign against Judah. 697..Death of Hezekiah, and accession of his son Manasseh. The name of "Manasseh king of Judah" twice occurs on the Assyrian monuments. 691..Babylon razed to the ground by Sennacherib. 681..Sennacherib murdered, and was succeeded by his son Esarhaddon, who rebuilt Babylon, and sought to win over the Babylonians by residing in it during half the year.
676..Manasseh appears among the Assyrian tributaries. 668..Esarhaddon dies, and is succeeded by his son Assur-bani-pal (Sardanapalos). 665..Destruction of Thebes (= "No Amon" = Ni of the inscriptions) by the Assyrians. This city was "swept like a deluge" because Egypt, under Urduman, son of Tirhakah, had revolted from Assyria (Nahum 3:8, 10). 609..Josiah of Judah, in the name of his suzerain, "The king of Assyria," opposed the march of Pharaoh. He was slain in battle (2 Kings 23:29). 606 (?)..Fall of Nineveh, Esarhad-don II. (Sarakos) being the last king. "The bloody city" became a heap of ruins. "The Assyrian empire vanished from the earth, and its very existence soon became little more than a name. The Oriental ground over which it had tyrannized became the fighting ground of three rival powers the Babylonians, the Egyptians, and the so called Medes" (Sayce).
4. Between the Testaments.
From the death of Nehemiah to the fall of the Medo-Persian empire before the Macedonian little is known of the Jews. The high priests were practically the rulers of the people. They were assisted by a council of one hundred and twenty members, called the great synagogue. The royal house of David sank into oblivion, prophecy was suspended, and the Jews gradually became more and more exclusive and austere, both religiously and socially.
(1) The Hellenistic Domination.
(2.) The Period of the Maccabees and the Ashmonaean Kings. B.C.
B.C. Alexander the Great defeated Darius (Codo-mannus) and founded the Macedonian empire-the Greek empire in Asia ...............................................................331-167 Death of Alexander the Great at Babylon.....................................................323
A band of Patriotic Jews, headed by Matthias the Ashmonaean, rebel against the tyranny of Antiochus.......................166
Antiochus dies at Tabae in Persia, being stricken with a loathsome disease (comp. Acts 12:23), which he recognizes as a judgment sent upon him for his treatment of the Jews..............................................164
Alexander's four generals (the diadochi) divide his empire between them. Palestine becomes a part of Syra..............................323 Judea is annexed to Egypt when the Graeco-Egyptian kingdom is founded, and the Jews came under the dominion of the Ptolemies. The Jews are scattered over the heathen world....................................301-221
After a period of varying success, the Maccabean commonwealth, introducing the era of Jewish independence, is established.............................................143
The Ashmonaean kings rule over Judea
The Old Testament began to be translated into Greek by learned Jews in Alexandria for the use of the African Jews. The translation was probably completed during the next century. It is called the Septuagint (q.v.) Version.........................291
Pompey annexes Syria to Rome, and Judea becomes from this time a Roman dependency................................................63
Julius Caesar appoints Anipater, son of Antipas, an Idumaean chief, first procurator of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, and henceforward the Herodian family supplants the Ashmonaean........................47
Antiochus III., the Great, overruns Palestine....................................................219
Ptolemy IV. of Egypt recovers Palestine...................................................217
Antipater makes his son Herod joint (with his brother Phasael) tetrarch of Judea and Galilee...........................................................41
The Jews submit to Antiochus the Great 205
(3.) The Herodian Kindom.
Antiochus the Great defeats the Etgyptians, and Palestine becomes a part of the Graeco-Syrian kingdom................197
Herod the Great takes Jerusalem, and becomes the founder of the Herodian kingdom. End of the Ashmonaean line...37
Antichus IV. (Epiphanies) usurps the Graeco-Syrian throne.............................175
Battle of Actium.....................................31
Antiochus cruelly persecutes the Jews, ordering all his subjects on pain of death to adopt the Graeco-Syrian religion and customs..............................................170-167
Egypt becomes a Roman province, and is the chief seat of the Jewish Dispersion...30
Herod rebuilds Samaria, and attempts to introduce among the Jews Greek and Roman customs.......................................27
B.C.
Building of Caesarea finished. It is dedicated to Augustus.............................10
Augustus emperor of Rome..B.C. 27-A.D. 14
Birth of John the Baptist...........................5
Herod founds the Graeco-Roman city and port of Caes-area.....................................22
Birth of our Lord, as now generally received. Death of Herod the Great at Jerico. Archelaus becomes king in his stead.............................................................4
Erects a temple to Augustus at Paneas...20
Begins the rebuilding of the temple.......18
5. The New Testament History.
Palestine. B.C. Rome.
Cyrenius (Quirinus) perfect (legatus) of Syria-the first time (Luke 2:2).
Nativity of Christ. See above Antipater murdered by his father.
Nativity of Christ, according to Tertullian and Eusebius.
A.D.
Judea becomes a Roman Province, and is annexed to the province of Syria.
Jesus at the age of twelve visits the temple. 8 Cyrenius again legatus of Syria. Completes the "taxing" (Acts 5:37).
14 Tiberius succeeds Augustus.
Caiaphas made high priest. 17
Pontius Pilate fifth procurator. 26
Palestine B.C. Rome
John the Baptist imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas.
Crucifixion of our Lord. The Pentecostal effusion.
Martydom of Stephen. Conversion of Asaul of Tarsus.
Herod Agrippa I, succeeded his uncle Herod Philip II, in the tetrarchy of Trachonitis and Ituraea.
37 Death of Tiberius. Accession of Caligula.
Saul's first visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18). Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, deposed and banished. Was succeeded by Herod Agrippa.
Herod Agrippa I. gained Judea and Samaria; conversion of Cornelius.
41 Death of Caligula. Accession of Claudius.