Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary: The Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know About the Bible

Editorial Foreword

Since the inception of the Christian church, believers have found both the center and circumference of divine revelation in the sacred Scriptures. The day the church was born she had a fully authoritative Bible, the Old Testament. The need for more Scripture was recognized in due time and the authority of the books that constitute the New Testament was affirmed through a centuries-long process of canonization. The historic faith of the church is that authoritative inscribed (that is, written) revelation begins and ends with the Bible. These are fundamental theological affirmations central to this project. We declare unequivocally our commitment, and the commitment of the other editors, to the total trustworthiness, truthfulness, sufficiency, inerrancy, and infallibility of the Bible.

Further, nothing is more basic to progress in the Christian life and to ministry of every kind than a working knowledge of Scripture. Our sincere hope is that this book will serve multiple purposes, such as facilitating acquisition of knowledge about the Bible, understanding the Bible's meaning and message, and providing an entree into the wider world of biblical scholarship.

We stand on the shoulders of others, the editors and writers who produced the Holman Bible Dictionary (HBD). Interestingly, that project consumed six years, as has this revision and expansion. Neither edition would have been possible without the Herculean effort of general editor Trent Butler and the contributing editors of the HBD. Trent also encouraged the publisher to prepare a new edition, incorporating the best of recent biblical scholarship.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many gifted people in the completion of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (HIBD). Without the active and aggressive leadership, participation, patience, and support of Ray Clendenen, Steve Bond, Vicki Lee, Dean Richardson, and others at B&H this project could not have been completed. In addition, we have received invaluable assistance from secretarial assistants, especially Lisa Taylor, Lindi Fowler, and Tina Brand. The institutions where we have taught over these years have been very gracious and supportive of the project. We extend thanks to our deans, presidents, and colleagues at North Greenville College, Boyce College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for support, advice, and encouragement along the way. We are indebted also to hundreds of gifted writers.

While our editorial design is to serve a broad audience, from lay people to students and ministers, we believe the HIBD is useful also to professors and scholars. For twelve years prior to the writing of this foreword, the HBD has been among the best-selling Bible dictionaries. We commend the HIBD to you, and we hope and pray that it proves as durable and useful and finds as wide a constituency as its predecessor.

General Editors,

Chad Owen Brand, Ph.D.

Charles W. Draper, Ph.D.

Archie W. England, Ph.D.

Table of Contents

1. Editorial Foreword

2. Key to Pronunication

3. Transliteration of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic

4. Contributors

5. Time Line

6. Bible Information from A to Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

PQ

R

S

T

UV

W

XYZ

7. Art Credits

Special Internal Features

CHARTS

1. Time Line

2. Agricultural Calendar

3. Significant Dates in Old Testament History

4. The Jewish Calendar

5. The Hasmonean Dynasty

6. Parables of Jesus

7. Miracles of Jesus

8. Discourses of Jesus

9. Jewish Parties in the New Testament

10. Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament

11. Millennial Perspectives on Revelation

12. Table of Weights and Measures

SCALE RECONSTRUCTIONS

1. Lighthouse in the Harbor at Alexandria

2. Roman Archer's Machine from First Century A.D.

3. Ark of the Covenant

4. Athens

5. Ancient Babylon

6. Pool of Bethesda

7. First-Century Corinth

8. David's Jerusalem

9. Ephesus: A.D.48 -400

10. Reconstruction of the Artemesion at Ephesus

11. First-Century House in Israel

12. Eighth-Century Israelite House

13. Herod the Great's Winter Palace in Jericho

14. Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus

15. Miletus

16. Nehemiah's Jerusalem

17. Caesarea Maritima

18. First-Century Rome

19. Phoenician Trader

20. Solomon's Temple (cutaway from the side)

21. Solomon's Temple (cutaway from the top)

22. First-Century Synagogue

23. Tabernacle

24. Herod's Temple

25. Herod's Temple (floor plan)

26. Jesus' Triumphal Entry

27. Roman Siege Tower

28. Roman Battering Ram

29. Ziggurat from the Babylonian Period (605-550 B.C.)

INTERNAL MAPS

1. The Migration of Abraham

2. Abraham in Canaan

3. Expansion of the Early Church in Palestine

4. Jephthah and the Ammonites

5. David Defeats the Philistines

6. The Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

7. The Bar Kokhba Revolt

8. Jesus in Judea and Jerusalem

9. Journey of the Spies

10. Canaan in the Fourteenth Century: The Tell El-Amarna Tablets

11. Cities of Refuge

12. Joshua's Northern Campaigns

13. Joshua's Central and Southern Campaigns

14. The Conquests of Cyrus the Great

15. David's Rise to Power

16. Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls

17. Deborah's Victory over the Canaanites

18. Egypt: Land of Bondage

19. Ehud and the Oppression of the Moabites

20. Elijah and Elisha

21. The Route of the Exodus

22. The Returns of the Jewish Exiles to Judah

23. The Ministry of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee

24. Galilee in the Time of Jesus

25. Plain of Philistia

26. Gideon's Battles with the Amalekites

27. Alexander the Great's Empire

28. Herod's Building Program

29. Hezekiah's Jerusalem

30. The Passion Week in Jerusalem

31. The Maccabean Revolt

32. Kingdom of David and Solomon

33. Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

34. Palestine in the Time of Jesus

35. Travels of Jacob

36. The Revolt of Jehu

37. Jerusalem in the Time of David and Solomon

38. Jerusalem in the New Testament Period

39. Jesus' Birth and Early Childhood

40. The Ministry of Jesus beyond Galilee

41. Jesus' Journeys from Galilee to Judea

42. John the Baptizer

43. The Journeys of Joseph

44. The Tribal Allotments of Israel

45. Limits of Israelite Settlement

46. The Reign of Josiah

47. The Judges of Israel

48. Kadesh-barnea

49. Titus's Campaigns

50. Expansion of the Christianity in the Second and Third Centuries A.D.

51. The Journey from Kadeshbarnea to the Plains of Moab

52. The Omride Dynasty

53. Climate Patterns of Ancient Palestine

54. Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry

55. The Missionary Journeys of Paul

56. Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment

57. Titus's Siege of Jerusalem

58. Samson and the Philistines

59. The Ministry of Samuel

60. David's Flight from Saul

61. Churches of the Revelation

Key to Pronunciation

Transliteration of Hebrew, Greek, & Aramaic

Contributors

† Deceased                                            * Current information unavailable

Akin, Daniel L. Dean of the School of Theology; VP of Academic Admin.; Prof. of Christian Preaching. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Albright, Jimmy Pastor, Wyatt Park Baptist Church, St. Joseph, Missouri

Allen, Leslie C. Prof. of OT. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasedena, California

Anderson, Douglas Exec. Dir., St. Luke's Community House, Nashville, Tennessee

Andrews, Stephen J. Prof. of OT & Hebrew; Dir. of Morton-Seats Institute of Archaeology & Anthropology. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Arnold, Steve*

Baldwin, Gary D. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Pineville, Louisiana

Baskin, Joe Adjunct Prof. of Davis Center for Ministry Education. Shorter College, Rome, Georgia

Batson, Jerry W. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Associate Prof. of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Bean, Albert F. Associate Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Beck, David R. Associate Prof. of NT & Greek. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Beitzel, Barry J. Exec. VP. Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois

Bellinger, W. H., Jr. Dir. of Graduate Studies in Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Berry, Donald K. Prof. of Religion. University of Mobile, Mobile, Alabama

Berry, Everett Pastor, Utica Baptist Church, Utica, Kentucky

Betts, Terry J. Assistant Prof. of OT Interpretation, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Bishop, Ronald E. Prof. Jones County Junior College, Ellisville, Mississippi

Blaising, Craig Exec. VP; Provost; Dean of the School of Theology. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Blevins, James L. Retired. Former Prof. of NT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Block, Daniel I. Associate Dean, Scripture & Interpretation; Prof. of OT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Blount, Douglas Assistant Dean for Ethics & Philosophical Studies; Assistant Prof. of Philosophy of Religion. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Bond, Steve Editor, Bibles and Reference Books. Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee

Bonner, Gary*

Borchert, Gerald L. Prof. of NT. Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, Illinois

Brand, Chad Owen Associate Prof. of Christian Theology. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary/Associate Prof. of Christian Theology; Coordinator, Dept. of Bible & Theology. Boyce College, Louisville, Kentucky

Brangenberg, John H., III VP & Academic Dean; Associate Prof. of Bible & Biblical Languages. Pacific Rim Bible College, Honolulu, Hawaii

Bridges, Linda McKinnish Associate Dean of the College of Wake Forest. Wake-Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Brisco, Thomas V. Prof. of OT. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Brooks, James A. Prof. Emeritus of NT. Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

Brooks, Oscar S. Sr. Prof. of NT Studies. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Browning, Daniel C, Jr. Prof. of Religion. William Carrey College, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Bruce, Barbara J. Freelance writer, Ridgecrest, North Carolina

Bruce, Larry Freelance writer, Fort Worth, Texas

Burris, Kevin*

Butler, Bradley S. Pastor, Warren Woods Baptist Church, Warren, Michigan

Butler, Trent C. Editor, Bibles & Reference Books. Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee

Byrd, Robert O. Prof. of Religion. Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee

Cabal, Theodore J. Prof. of Christian Philosophy. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Carlson, Stephen W. Leadership & Adult Publishing, Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Cate, Robert L. Phoebe Young Prof. of Religious Studies. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Cathey, Joe Adjunct Prof. of Religion. Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas

Chance, Bradley Chair & Prof. of Religion; Dir. of Academic Advising. William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri

Chandler, William T., III Minister of Education, Valley Station Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Choi, Kyoungwon Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Church, Christopher Prof. of Philosophy & Religion. Baptist College of Health Sciences, Memphis, Tennessee

Clendenen, E. Ray Executive Editor, Bibles & Reference Books. Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee

Coats, George W. Prof. Emeritus. Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky

Cole, R. Dennis Chairperson of the Division of Biblical Studies; Prof. of OT & Archaeology. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Coleson, Joseph*

Collins, Alvin O.† Former Chairman of Dept. of Religion. Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas

Compton, Bob Roseboro, North Carolina

Conyers, A. J., III Prof. of Theology, Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Cook, Donald E.*

Cook, William F. Associate Prof. of NT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Cooper, C. Kenny President-Treasurer, Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes, Inc., Brentwood, Tennessee

Cornett, Daryl C. Assistant Prof. of Church History. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Cowan, Steven B. Associate Director, Apologetics Resource Center, Birmingham, Alabama

Cowen, Gerald P. Dean of Southeastern College at Wake Forest; Prof. of NT & Greek. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Cox, Steven L. Associate Prof. of NT & Greek. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Craig, Kenneth M., Jr. Associate Prof. Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Cranford, Jeff*

Cranford, Lorin L. Prof. of Religion. Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Creech, R. Robert Sr. Pastor, University Baptist Church, Houston, Texas

Creed, Brad Provost. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Cresson, Bruce C. Dir., Institute of Biblical Languages. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Crook, Roger Retired, Prof. of Religion. Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina

Cross, Diane*

Culpepper, R. Alan Dean, McAfee School of Theology. Mercer University, Macon, Georgia

Davis, Earl C.*

Davis, John J. Prof. of OT Studies. Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana

Davis, M. Stephen*

Dean, Robert J. Retired, Sr. Editorial & Curriculum Specialist. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Dehoney, Wayne Retired pastor, Walnut Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Depp, David Freelance writer, Taylors, South Carolina

DeVries, LaMoine Prof. of NT, OT, & Biblical Archaeology. Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri

DeVries, Simon J. Retired, Prof. of OT. Methodist Theological School, Delaware, Ohio

Dockery, David S. President; Prof. of Christian Studies. Union University, Jackson, Tennessee

Dollar, Stephen E. Vidor, Texas

Dominy, Bert B. Prof. of Christian Theology, Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Drakeford, John W. Prof. Emeritus of Psychology & Counseling. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Draper, Charles W. Associate Prof. of Biblical Studies, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Draughon, Walter D., III Pastor, St. Petersburg First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, Florida

Drayer, John R.*

Drinkard, Joel F., Jr. Prof. of OT Interpretation; Dir., Joseph A. Callaway Museum. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Drumm, C. Scott Assistant Prof. of Theological & Historical Studies, Leavell College. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Duke, Barrett, Jr. Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, VP for Public Policy, Southern Baptist Convention, Washington, D.C.

Duke, David Nelson† Former Prof. of Religion. William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri

Duvall, J. Scott Dean & Fuller Prof. of Biblical Studies. Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Eakin, Frank E., Jr. Prof. of Jewish & Christian Studies. University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia

Eakins, J. Kenneth Dir., Marian Eakins Archaeological Collection. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Easley, Kendell Chairman of NT Dept., Prof. of NT & Greek. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Echols, Steve Associate Dean of Professional Doctoral Studies, Associate Prof. of Leadership. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Edwards, W. T., Jr. Prof. Emeritus of Religion. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Ellenburg, Dale Pastor, Ellendale Baptist Church, Bartlett, Tennessee

Ellis, Bob R. Prof. of OT & Hebrew, Logsdon School of Theology. Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas

Ellis, Terence B. Pastor, Spring Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama

England, Archie W. Associate Prof. of OT & Hebrew. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Enns, Paul P. Adjunct Prof. of Theology. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Tampa, Florida

Fallis, William J. Retired, Sr. Editor, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee

Feinburg, Charles Leet Founding Dean & Dean Emeritus, Talbot School of Theology. Biola University, LaMirada, California

Field, Taylor Dir., East Seventh Baptist Ministry New York, New York

Fink, Michael Knowledge & Channel Management. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Fisher, Fred L.† Former Prof. of NT. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Fleming, David M.*

Fountain, Mark Freelance writer, Louisville, Kentucky

Fredericks, Daniel C. Sr. VP & Provost. Belhaven College, Jackson, Mississippi

Freeman, C. Hal, Jr. Associate Prof. of Christian Studies, Dir. for Christian Emphasis in Academics. North Greenville College, Tigerville, South Carolina

Fricke, Robert Retired Dir., Baptist Seminary, Costa Rica

Fuller, Russell T. Associate Prof. of OT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Galeotti, Gary A. Sr. Prof. of OT. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Gautsch, Darlene R. Adjunct Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Gentry, Peter J. Associate Prof. of OT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

George, Timothy Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School; Prof. of Church History, Historical Theology; Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. Exec. Editor for Christianity Today.

Glaze, Joseph E. First Baptist Church, Hamilton, New York

Glaze, R. E., Jr. Prof. Emeritus of NT. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Gloer, William Hulitt Prof. of Preaching & Christian Scripture, Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Gower, Ralph*

Graham, Charles E. Prof. Emeritus of OT. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Gray, Elmer L.† Former Editor of California Southern Baptist, Fresno, California

Grissom, Fred A. Prof. of Religious Studies. North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Haag, Joe Dir., Program Planning & Special Moral Concerns, Christian Life Commission. Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dallas, Texas

Halbrook, Gary K. Dir., Center for Care & Counseling, Lufkin, Texas

Hancock, Omer J., Jr. Prof. of OT, Church Ministry, & Field Education, Logsdon School of Theology. Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas

Hardin, Gary Pastor, Packard Road Baptist Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Harris, R. Laird † Former Prof. Emeritus of OT. Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Harrison, R. K. † Prof. Emeritus of OT, Wycliffe College. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Harrop, Clayton † Former Academic VP & Dean of Faculty. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Hatchett, Randy L. Associate Prof. of Christianity & Philosophy. Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas

Hatfield, Lawson G.*

Haygood, B. Spencer Sr. Pastor, Orange Hill Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia

Hemer, Colin J.† Former Research Fellow, Tyndale House, Cambridge, England

Henderson, Gene† Former Design Editor, Adult Bible Teacher. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Henry, Jerry M. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Fairhope, Alabama

Hepper, F. Nigel Formerly of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England

Hill, C. Dale Sr. Pastor, Grand Parkway Baptist Church, Richmond, Texas

Hockenhull, Brenda R.*

Honeycutt, Roy L. Former President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Horton, Fred L., Jr. John Thomas Albritton Professor. Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

House, Paul R. Dean of Christian Studies; Prof. of OT. Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois

Howe, Claude L., Jr. Prof. Emeritus of Church History. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Hubbard, Kenneth Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Church, Smyrna, Tennessee

Huckabay, Gary C. Sr. Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Humphries-Brooks, Stephenson Associate Prof. of Religious Studies. Hamilton College, Clinton, New York

Hunt, Harry B., Jr. Retired, Prof. of OT. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Ireland, William J., Jr. Pastor, Ardmore Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Jackson, Paul Associate Prof. of Christian Studies. Union University, Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Thomas A. Pastor, Wake Forest Baptist Church, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Johnson, Jerry A. Dean, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Johnson, Ricky L. Former Prof. of OT. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Johnson, Walter Associate Prof. of Philosophy & Christian Studies. North Greenville College, Tigerville, South Carolina

Joines, Karen R. Prof. of Religion. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Jones, Lynn Pastor, First Baptist Church, Booneville, Mississippi

Jones, Peter Rhea Prof. of Preaching & Theology, McAfee School of Theology. Mercer University, Macon, Georgia

Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. President; Prof. of Christian Studies. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts

Keathley, Naymond Dir. of Undergraduate Studies in Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Kelly, Brent R. Adjunct Prof. Indiana Wesleyan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Kelm, George L. Retired, Prof. of Biblical Backgrounds & Archaeology. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Kent, Dan Gentry Retired, Prof. of OT. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Kilpatrick, R. Kirk Assistant Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Kimmitt, Francis X. Associate Dean, Leavell College; Associate Prof. of OT & Hebrew. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Knight, George W. Prof. of NT, Greek, & Biblical Theology, Logsdon School of Theology. Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas

Koester, Helmut Research Prof. of NT Studies. Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Laing, John Assistant Prof. of Philosophy and Theology. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Laing, Stefana Dan Adjunct Instructor in Divinity Beeson Divinity School. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Langston, Scott Associate Prof. of Biblical Studies. Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Missouri

Lanier, David E. Prof. of NT; Editor, Faith & Mission. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Laughlin, John C. H. Chairman of the Religion Dept.; Prof. of OT, Hebrew, & Philosophy. Averett University, Danville, Virginia

Lea, Thomas D.† Former Academic Dean. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Lee, H. Page*

Lee, Philip New Orleans, Louisiana

Lemke, Steve W. Provost; Prof. of Philosophy. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Leonard, Bill J. Dean of the Divinity School & Prof. of Church History. Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Lewis, Floyd† Former pastor, First Baptist Church, Eldorado, Arizona

Lewis, Jack P. Prof. of Bible. Harding University Graduate School of Religion, Memphis, Tennessee

Lewis, Joe O. Retired, Provost. Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

Livingston, George Herbert† Prof. Emeritus of OT. Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky

Logan, Phil*

Lorenzen, Thorwald Sr. Lecturer. St. Mark's National Theological Center, Canberra, Australia

Lunceford, Joe E. Prof. of Religion. Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky

MacRae, Allan A.† Chancellor & Emeritus Prof. of OT. Biblical Seminary, Hatfield, Pennsylvania

Mallau, Hans-Harold*

Maltsberger, David C. Sr. Pastor, Westlynn Baptist Church, North Vancouver, British Columbia

Mapes, David Assistant Prof. of Theology. Luther Rice Bible College and Seminary, Lithonia, Georgia

Mariottini, Claude F. Prof. of OT. Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, Illinois

Marsh, C. Robert*

Martin, D. C.† Former Chairman & Prof., Dept. of Christian Studies. Grand Canyon, College. Phoenix, Arizona.

Martin, D. Michael Dir. of Online Education; Prof. of NT. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Martin, Ralph P. Distinguished Scholar in Residence. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California

Martin, Tony M. Prof. of Religion. University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, Texas

Massey, Ken Sr. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Greensboro, North Carolina

Matheney, M. Pierce, Jr. Retired, Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Matheson, Mark E. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Windermere, Florida

Mathis, Donny R., II Adjunct Prof. of NT, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Matthews, E. LeBron Pastor, Eastern Heights Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia

Matthews, Victor H. Associate Dean of the College of Humanitios & Public Affairs; Prof. of Religious Studies; Coordinator of the Antiquities Program. Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri

McCoy, Glenn Retired, Bible Chair. Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico

McGee, Daniel B. Prof. of Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

McGraw, Larry R. Prof. of NT, OT, & Biblical Backgrounds, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Logsdon School of Theology. Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas

McKinney, Larry Dir. of Communications, Baptist Foundation of Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas

McNeal, T. R. Dir., Leadership Development Team, South Carolina Baptist Convention, Columbia, South Carolina

McRay, John Prof. Emeritus of NT & Archaeology. Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, Illinois

McWilliams, Warren Auguie Henry Prof. of Bible. Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma

Meier, Janice Leadership & Adult Publishing. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Merkle, Ben L. Gelugor, Penang Malaysia

Michaels, J. Ramsey Prof. Emeritus of Religious Studies, Southwest Missouri State University/ Adjunct Prof. of NT. Bangor Theological University, Springfield, Missouri & Madbury, New Hampshire

Mickelsen, A. Berkeley† Prof. of NT Emeritus, Bethel Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

Miller, J. Maxwell Prof. Emeritus, Candler School of Theology. Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

Miller, Stephen R. Chairman of the Doctor of Philosophy Committee; Chairman, Dept. of OT & Hebrew; Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Millikin, Jimmy A. Dir., Masters & Associates Programs; Chairman, Dept. of Theology; Acting Chairman, Dept. of Church History; Prof. of Theology. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Mitchell, Eric Alan Assistant Prof. of Biblical Backgrounds & Archaeology. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Mitchell, Michael J. VP of Mitchell Oil Company, Fort Payne, Alabama

Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. President; Prof. of Christian Theology. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Mooney, D. Jeffrey Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Moore, Russell D. Assistant Prof. of Christian Theology; Exec. Dir., Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Morgan, Barry Prof. of NT & Greek. Hannibal-LaGrange College, Hannibal, Missouri

Morris, Leon† Former Principal. Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

Morris, Wilda W. Adjunct Faculty Member. Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois

Mosley, Harold R. Associate Prof. of OT & Hebrew. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Mott, Stephen Charles Pastor, Cochesett United Methodist Church, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Moyer, James C. Dept. Head of Religious Studies. Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri

Murrell, Rich Network Specialist, Church Resources Division. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Music, David W. Prof. of Church Music, School of Music. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Nelson, David P. Assistant Prof. of Systematic Theology. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Newell, James Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jasper, Alabama

Newman, Carey C. Academic Book Editor, Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky

Ngan, Lai Ling Elizabeth Associate Prof. of Christian Scriptures, OT & Hebrews, Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Norman, Robert Stanton Associate Prof. of Theology, occupying the McFarland Chair of Theology. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

O'Brien, J. Randall Chair & Prof. of Religion Dept. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Omanson, Roger L. American Bible Society, New York, New York

Orrick, Jim Scott Prof. of Literature & Culture, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Ortiz, Steven Assistant Prof. of Archaeology. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Osborne, Grant R. Prof. of NT. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

Overstreet, Mark M. Adjunct Prof. of Preaching, Boyce College. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Owens, J. J.† Former Sr. Prof. of OT & Hebrew. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Palmer, Clark Intentional interim pastor/ Freelance writer, Pineville, Louisana

Parker, W. Dan Dir. of Undergraduate Extension Center System; Associate Prof. of Pastoral Ministry, North Georgia Campus. Leavell College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Parkman, Joel*

Parks, D.Mark Adjunct Prof. of Religion. Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas

Parsons, Mikeal C. Associate Prof. of Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Patterson, Dorothy Prof. of Women's Studies. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Patterson, L. Paige President; Sr. Prof. of Theology. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Pearce, T. Preston Theological Consultant, International Mission Board, Richmond, Virginia

Plummer, Robert L. Assistant Prof. of NT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Polhill, John B. James Buchanan Harrison Prof. of NT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Potts, Donald R. Retired, Chairman of the Religion Dept. East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, Texas

Poulton, Gary President Emeritus & Prof. of History. Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Virginia

Powell, Paul Dean, Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Price, Nelson Pastor Emeritus, Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, Georgia

Prince, Robert William, III Vernon, Texas

Quarles, Charles L. Associate Prof. of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Queen-Sutherland, Kandy Prof. of Religious Studies. Stetson University, DeLand, Florida

Rainey, Joel Church Starter Strategist, North American Mission Board. Southern Baptist Convention, Richmond, Virginia

Ray, Charles A., Jr. Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs; Prof. of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Reddish, Mitchell G. Prof. of Religious Studies. Stetson University, DeLand, Florida

Redditt, Paul L. Chair of Religion Dept.; Prof. of OT, NT, & Non-Western Traditions. Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky

Reeves, Rodney Prof. of NT. Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Missouri

Register, R. Dean Pastor, Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Ridge, Donna R. Freelance writer, Kimberly, Wisconsin

Robbins, Ray Frank Prof. Emeritus of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, St. Joseph, Louisiana

Robertson, Paul E. New Orleans, Louisiana

Robinson, Darrell W. President, Total Church Life Ministries, Inc. & Minister of Evangelism. Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, Georgia

Rogers, Max† Former Prof. of OT. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Rooker, Mark Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Ruffle, John University of Durham, Durham, England

Russell, Jeremiah H. Doctoral student. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Sandlin, Bryce Levelland, Texas

Saul, D. Glenn VP for Academic Services & Graduate Studies. Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas

Sawyer, W. Thomas Prof. Emeritus of NT & Greek. Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina

Scalise, Pamela J. Associate Prof. of OT. Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasedena, California

Schemm, Peter R., Jr. Assistant Prof. of Theology. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Schreiner, Thomas R. Prof. of NT Interpretation; Editor, The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Schweer, G. William Sr. Prof. of Evangelism. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Sexton, James Cordele, Georgia

Shackleford, David G. Prof. of NT & Greek. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Sheffield, Bob Pastoral Ministries. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Simmons, Billy E. Prof. Emeritus of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Gulfport, Mississippi

Skinner, Craig Former Prof. of Preaching. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Sloan, Robert B., Jr. President, CEO, & Prof. of Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Smith, A. J. Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Smith, Billy K.† Former Academic Dean & Prof. Emeritus of OT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Smith, Fred Theology Student Advisor & Adjunct Teacher of Philosophy of Religion. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary/Adjunct Prof. of Philosophy of Religion, The Criswell College, Dallas, Texas

Smith, Gary V. Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Smith, Marsha A. Ellis Associate VP for Institutional Research. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Smith, Ralph L. Retired, Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Smothers, Thomas Retired, Prof. of OT & Hebrew. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Snider, P. Joel Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia

Songer, Harold S. Retired, Prof. of NT. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Spradlin, Michael R. President; Chairman of Dept. of Evangelism; Prof. of OT & Hebrew, Evangelism, Practical Theology, & Church History. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Stabnow, David K. Bible Translation Editor. Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee

Stagg, Robert Prof. Emeritus of Bible. Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Stein, Robert H. Mildred and Ernest Hogan Prof. of NT Interpretation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Stephens, Shirley Freelance writer/editor, Nashville, Tennessee

Stevens, Gerald L. Prof. of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Stewart, Don H. Prof. of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Stewart, Robert B. Assistant Prof. of Philosophy & Theology. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Stinson, Randy Exec. Dir., Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, Louisville, Kentucky

Strange, James F. Prof. of Religious Studies & Dir. of Graduate Studies. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Street, Robert Anderson, Jr. Prof. of OT. Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Kentucky

Strong, L. Thomas III Dean, Leavell College; Associate Prof. of NT & Greek, Leavell College. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Summers, Ray† Former Prof. of NT & Greek. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

Sutherland, Dixon*

Swanson, Phillip J. Pastor, Colts Neck Baptist Church, Colts Neck, New Jersey

Talbert, Charles H. Distinguished Prof. of Religion. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Tan, Randall K. J. Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Tang, Samuel Yau-Chi Sr. Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California

Tankersley, Bruce Prof. of Religion. East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, Texas

Taulman, James Assistant to the Exec. Dir., Baptist History & Heritage Society, rentwood, Tennessee

Thompson, J. William Retired, Sr. Design Editor. Lifeway Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Tobias, Hugh*

Trammell, Timothy Associate Dean, Mary Crowley College of Christian Faith. Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas

Travis, James L. Prof. Emeritus. Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Mississippi

Traylor, John H., Jr. Retired pastor. Monroe, Louisiana

Tullock, John H. Prof. Emeritus of OT & Hebrew. Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee

Turnham, Tim Pastor, Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Silver Spring, Maryland

Van Leeuwen, Raymond C. Prof. of Biblical Studies. Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Vermillion, William H.*

Vickers, Bryan J. Associate Editor, The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology; Doctoral candidate, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Wade, Charles R. Exec. Dir., Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dallas, Texas

Walker, Douglas C. Sr. VP for Institutional Relations. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Walker, Larry Retired, Prof. of OT & Hebrew. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Germantown, Tennessee

Warren, William F., Jr. Dir., Center for NT Textual Studies; Coordinator, Baptist College Partnership Program; Prof. of NT & Greek. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana

Wellum, Stephen J. Associate Prof. of Christian Theology. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

White, James Dir., Alpha & Omega Ministries, Phoenix, Arizona

Wilbanks, Pete Assistant Prof. of Christian Studies. North Greenville College, Tigerville, South Carolina

Wilder, Terry Prof. of NT & Greek. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Wilson, Douglas K., Jr. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Orchard Park, New York

Wilson, Kimberly P. Orchard Park, New York

Wolf, Christian*

Wooldridge, Judith Sr. Product Development Specialist, Lifeway Church Resources. Lifeway Chirstian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee

Wright, G. Al, Jr. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Waynesboro, Georgia

Wright, Paul H. Dir. of Jerusalem University College, Coordinator of Academic Programs; Biblical History & Geography. Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem, Israel

Wyrick, Stephen Von Prof. of Religion. University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, Texas

Yamauchi, Edwin Prof. of History. Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Yarnell, Malcolm B., III Assistant Dean for Theological Studies; Associate Prof. of Theology. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas

York, Hershael W. Lester Prof. of Christian Preaching; Associate Dean of Ministry & Proclamation. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Youngblood, Kevin J. Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Zachariades, Doros Doctoral candidate. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary/Pastor, Woodstock Baptist Church, Somerset, Kentucky

Time Line

AARON Moses' brother; Israel's first high priest. His parents Amram and Jochebed were from the tribe of Levi, Israel's tribe of priests (Exod. 6:16-26). Miriam was his sister. With his wife Elisheba, Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The first two perished when they offered sacrifices with fire that God had not commanded them to make (Lev. 10:1-2; 16:1-2). Two priestly lines developed from the remaining sons: Ithamar through Eli to Abiathar and Eleazar to Zadok (1 Sam. 14:3; 22:20; 1 Kings 2:26-27; 1 Chron. 6:50-53).

Aaron experienced the joy of starting Israel's formal priesthood, being consecrated to the office (Exod. 28-29; Lev. 8-9), wearing the first priestly garments, and initiating the sacrificial system (Lev. 1-7). He also bore the burdens of his office as his sons were killed for their disobedience (Lev. 10:1-2), and he could not mourn for them (Lev. 10:6-7). He also bore the special rules of conduct, clothing, and ritual cleanness (Lev. 21-22).

He could not live up to such high standards perfectly. Thus he had to offer sacrifices for his own sins (Lev. 16:11). Then in his cleansed, holy office, he offered sacrifices for others. In his imperfection Aaron still served as a symbol or type of the perfect priest as seen in Ps. 110:4, where the future king was described as eternal priest. Zechariah 6:11-15 also speaks of a priest—Joshua—in typical terms. Thus the imperfect Aaron established an office full of symbolic meaning for Israel.

With all his faults Aaron was a man chosen by God. We do not know what Aaron did during Moses' 40-year exile from Egypt, but he maintained the faith, kept contact with Israel's leaders, and did not forget his brother (Exod. 4:27-31). Ready of speech, he served nobly as Moses' spokesman before Pharaoh. More than once he stretched out Moses' staff to bring God's plagues on the land (Exod. 7:9,19). In the wilderness Aaron and Hur helped Moses hold up the staff, the symbol of God's power, so that Israel would prevail over Amalek (Exod. 17:12).

At Sinai Aaron and his two older sons, Nadab and Abihu, were called to go up the mountain with Moses and 70 elders (Exod. 24:9). There they worshiped and ate and drank in heavenly fellowship. As Moses and Joshua went farther up, Moses left Aaron and Hur in charge (Exod. 24:14). When Moses delayed on the mountain, the people asked Aaron for action. They cried, Make gods for us (Exod. 32:1 NRSV). Their sin was polytheism (worship of many gods) as well as idolatry. Aaron all too easily obliged and made a calf and apparently led in its worship.

On another occasion Aaron appeared in a bad light. In Num. 12 he and Miriam spoke against Moses' marriage to the Cushite (Ethiopian) woman. (Cush was an old name for Upper Egypt—approximately modern Sudan.) The relationship of the Cushite woman to Zipporah is not clear. Numerous explanations have been offered. Some believe Zipporah had died. Others maintain Moses' relationship with her was severed when he sent her away (Exod. 18:2). Possibly both Zipporah and the Cushite woman may have been Moses' wives at the same time. Some have even suggested that Zipporah was the Cushite woman. Even though Zipporah was a Midianite, at least one side of her family may have been from Cush. Anyway, Aaron and Miriam were jealous of their younger brother. In reality, their murmuring was against God (Num. 12).

Though Miriam was severely judged, Aaron was not, perhaps because he was not the instigator but the accomplice. He confessed his sin and pleaded for mercy for Miriam. When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram opposed Moses and Aaron, Aaron's intercession stopped the plague (Num. 16). God vindicated Aaron's leadership in the miraculous blossoming of his staff (Num. 17). When the people cried for water at Kadesh in the desert of Zin, Aaron joined in Moses' sin as they seized the power of the Lord for themselves (Num. 20:7-13). In consequence, Aaron, like Moses, was not to enter the promised land. Nearby on the border of Edom after 40 years of his priesthood, Moses took Aaron up Mount Hor and transferred his garments to his son, Eleazar. Aaron died there at the age of 123 years (Num. 20:23-28). Israel mourned for their first high priest 30 days (Num. 20:29), as they soon would mourn for Moses (Deut. 34:8). R. Laird Harris

AARONITE Term used only in the KJV to translate the name Aaron where it refers to the descendants of Aaron (1 Chron. 12:27; 27:17). Equivalent to the phrases sons of Aaron, descendants of Aaron, and house of Aaron used often in the OT.

AARON'S ROD Aaron used a rod to demonstrate to the Pharaoh that the God of the Hebrews was Lord. It became a snake when cast down (Exod. 7:8-13) and brought about the first three plagues (Exod. 7:19-20; 8:5-7,16-19). This rod was the same one used to strike the rocks at Horeb and Kadesh to bring forth water (Exod. 17:1-7; Num. 20:7-11).

The rebellion of Korah (Num. 16:1-50) made it necessary to determine who would be eligible to come before God in the tabernacle as priests. The head of each tribe was to inscribe his name on an almond rod representing his tribe, and each rod was placed in the tabernacle. The next morning Aaron's rod had blossomed and bore almonds. This was taken as a sign from God that the house of Aaron had the right to serve Him in the tabernacle. The rod was placed inside the tabernacle (Num. 17:1-11). According to Heb. 9:4, the rod was kept in the ark of the covenant. See Korah.

AB Name for the fifth month in the Jewish religious calendar corresponding to the eleventh month in the Hebrew civic calendar. It usually covered parts of July and August. The name does not appear in the Bible.

ABADDON Name meaning to perish. In the KJV Abaddon appears only in Rev. 9:11 as the Hebrew name of the angel of the bottomless pit whose Greek name was Apollyon. Abaddon occurs six times in the Hebrew Bible (Job 26:6; 28:22; 31:12; Prov. 15:11; 27:20; Ps. 88:11). The KJV and NIV translate Abaddon as destruction, while the NASB and RSV retain the word Abaddon. See Hell.

ABAGTHA One of seven eunuchs on the staff of Ahasuerus or Xerxes (486-465 B.C.), King of Persia (Esther 1:10). See Eunuch.

ABANA or ABANAH (NASB) River in Damascus in Syria. In his anger Naaman wanted to wash here rather than in the dirty Jordan (2 Kings 5:12). Many Hebrew manuscripts, the Septuagint, and Targums call the river the Amana (Song 4:8). Its modern name is Barada, and it travels swiftly from snow-capped Mount Hermon through Damascus to end in a marsh.

ABARIM Mountain range including Mount Nebo from which Moses viewed the promised land (Num. 27:12; 33:47-48; Deut. 32:49). The mountain range is in Moab, east of the Dead Sea, west of Heshbon, and slightly southeast of Jericho. Jeremiah called Jerusalem to cross to Abarim and lament because her allies had been defeated (Jer. 22:20). Iye-abarim (Num. 21:11; 33:44) was a different location perhaps south of the Dead Sea. See Iye-abarim.

The Abana River (modern Barad River) flows through the country of Syria.

ABASE Word applies to lowering one's office, rank, or esteem. See Humility; Meekness.

ABBA Aramaic word for father used by Jesus to speak of His own intimate relationship with God, a relationship that others can enter through faith. It may also refer to an ancestor, grandfather, founder (of something), protector, or even used as an honorary title for an elder.

Old Testament Although abba does not occur in the OT, its Hebrew associate ab occurs frequently. Ab usually refers to a human father. On occasion the OT speaks of God in the role of Father to Israel (Exod. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; Isa. 45:9-11; Mal. 2:10) or to Israel's king (2 Sam. 7:14; Pss. 2:7; 89:26-27).

New Testament The idea of God's intimate relationship to humanity is a distinct feature of Jesus' teaching. God relates to believers as a father relates to his child. Some would translate Abba as Daddy to convey the close, personal meaning of the word. Even when Father in the NT translates the more formal Greek word pater, the idea of Abba is certainly in the background. Jesus addressed God as Abba in prayer (Mark 14:36) and taught His disciples to pray in the same terms (Luke 11:1-2, pater). Jesus' claim of intimate relationship with God offended many of His opponents because they considered Abba to be overly familiar in addressing God. Nevertheless, Jesus' usage established the pattern for the church's view of God and each believer's relationship with Him. Paul used Abba to describe God's adoption of believers as His children (Rom. 8:15) and the change in the believer's status with God that results (Gal. 4:6-7).

Michael Fink

ABDA Name meaning servant for two men. 1. Father of Adoniram, whom Solomon entrusted with his labor force (1 Kings 4:6). 2. Levite living in Jerusalem rather than in one of the Levitical cities (Neh. 11:17). He is also called Obadiah, the son of Shemaiah (1 Chron. 9:16).

ABDEEL Name meaning servant of God. Abdeel's son Shelemiah was one of three attendants whom Jehoiakim (609-597 B.C.) commanded to arrest Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, and Jeremiah (Jer. 36:26). God hid His servants from the king's servants.

ABDI Name meaning my servant, though it is probably an abbreviation for servant of the Lord. 1. Levite whose grandson Ethan was one of the temple musicians David appointed (1 Chron. 6:44). 2. Levite whose son Kish followed King Hezekiah's wishes and helped cleanse the temple (2 Chron. 29:12). 3. Israelite with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra (Ezra 10:26).

ABDIEL Name meaning servant of God. His son Ahi was a leader in the tribe of Gad (1 Chron. 5:15).

ABDON Geographical and personal name meaning service or servile. 1. City from the tribe of Asher given the Levites (Josh. 21:30; 1 Chron. 6:74). Its modern name is Khirbet Abdeh. It lies about three miles from the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Acco. 2. Judge of Israel from the town of Pirathon in the tribe of Ephraim. He had a large family (40 sons, 30 grandsons) and personal wealth (70 donkeys) (Judg. 12:13-15). 3. Two men of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:23,30; 9:36). The second of these was an ancestor of King Saul. 4. Member of the team named by King Josiah to seek God's guidance as to the meaning of the book that Hilkiah, the priest, found in the temple (2 Chron. 34:20). Known in 2 Kings 22:12 as Achbor or Acbor(NJV).

ABEDNEGO In Dan. 1:7 the Babylonian name given to Azariah, one of the three Hebrew youths who were conscripted along with Daniel to serve in the king's court. God delivered them from the fiery furnace (Dan. 2:48-3:30). The precise meaning of the Babylonian name Abednego is disputed. Abed means servant. Nego may be an intentional corruption of the well-known Babylonian deity Nebo (or Nabu). See Azariah; Daniel; Daniel, Book of; Meshach; Shadrach.

ABEL Though best known as the name of the second son of Adam and Eve, the Hebrew word abel also occurs frequently meaning vanity, breath, or vapor. See Ecclesiastes, Book of.

Perhaps as a personal name, Abel alludes to the shortness of life. Such was the case with Abel (Gen. 4:8). Having offered by faith…a better sacrifice than Cain (Heb. 11:4 HCSB), he was murdered by Cain. Why Abel's sacrifice as a keeper of flocks was better than Cain's, whose sacrifice came from harvested fruits, is not directly stated in Gen. 4:4. No ancient evidence for that period yet exists to suggest that animal sacrifice was better than crops, fruits, or precious metals or gems. Two conditions in 4:7, fortunately, provide a partial answer: Cain had not done what was right; Abel had. However, how Abel did right is left unanswered by the historians, prophets, and sages of Israel. Heb. 11:4 offers one further reason: the faith of Abel. His faith relationship with the Lord led him to present a better sacrifice (the fat of the animals); to live as a better person, one who is righteous before God; and to testify eternally, even in death. Identified as the first righteous martyr among the prophets and the ones sent to Israel (Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51), Abel's blood cried out for God's vengeance against the unrighteous (Gen. 4:10; Rev. 6:9-10). In contrast, the blood of Christ satisfied that cry for the vengeance of God against unrighteousness, accomplishing the forgiveness of sins and making possible the reconciliation of sinners to God. Abel's death, then, is a prototype of Christ's death (Heb. 12:24).

Archie W. England

ABEL Place-name used alone and as the first part of other place-names as seen below. The Hebrew ‘Abel is a distinct word with a different spelling from the personal name Abel (Hb. hebel). The precise meaning of the place-name is uncertain. It may mean brook or meadow near a brook. Standing alone, Abel appears in 2 Sam. 20:14-18, probably being the same place as Abel-beth-maachah.

ABEL-BETH-MAACAH or ABEL-BETHMAACHAH City with a strong Israelite tradition, known for its wise people. Joab besieged the city when Sheba fled there after seeking to lead a rebellion against David. A wise woman delivered the city by getting the citizens to execute Sheba (2 Sam. 20:1-22). Ben-hadad, king of Syria, answered the call for help of Asa, king of Judah (913-873 B.C.) and conquered Abel-beth-maachah from Baasha, king of Israel (1 Kings 15:20). Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, captured the city from Pekah, king of Israel (2 Kings 15:29). Abel-bethmaachah is identified with the modern Abil el-Oamh, 12 miles north of Lake Huleh near Dan. Its name indicates it was once part of the citystate of Maachah controlled by Arameans (2 Sam. 10:6). See Abel.

ABEL-CHERAMIM or ABEL-KERAMIM (NASB, NIV, RSV, TEV) Place-name meaning brook of the vineyards. Jephthah, the judge, extended his victory over the Ammonites as far as Abel-cheramim (Judg. 11:33), whose location east of the Jordan is not known precisely.

ABEL-MAIM Place-name meaning brook of the waters. Used in 2 Chron. 16:4 for place called Abel-bethmaachah in 1 Kings 15:20. If Abel-maim is a different city, its precise location east of the Jordan is not known.

ABEL-MEHOLAH Place-name meaning brook of the round dancing. A border town or towns whose location(s) is uncertain. Gideon fought the Midianites in the territory of Issachar west of the Jordan (Judg. 7:22). Solomon places Abel-meholah in a district including Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth-shean (1 Kings 4:12). This was Elisha's home (1 Kings 19:16).

ABEL-MIZRAIM Place-name meaning either brook of Egypt, or, if derived from a different Hebrew word with similar spelling, mourning of the Egyptians. Jacob's children mourned him there east of the Jordan (Gen. 50:11). In giving the name, the Canaanites identified Jacob's sons as Egyptians.

ABEL-SHITTIM Place-name meaning brook of the acacias. The last stop of Israel before crossing the Jordan (Num. 33:49). See Shittim.

ABEZ or EBEZ (NASB, NIV, RSV, TEV) Place-name with unknown meaning. Town allotted to Issachar (Josh. 19:20).

ABI or ABIJAH (NIV) Personal name meaning my father. Mother of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2). Abi was shortened from Abijah.

ABIA (KJV, 1 Chron. 3:10; Matt. 1:7; Luke 1:5) See Abijah.

ABIAH (KJV, 1 Sam. 8:2; 1 Chron. 2:24; 6:28; 7:8) See Abijah.

ABI-ALBON Personal name meaning my father is overpowering. One of David's 30 heroes (2 Sam. 23:31). Called Abiel in 1 Chron. 11:32. Original name in 2 Samuel may have been Abi-baal, whose letters were then transposed to a new name to avoid the idolatrous name. See Abiel.

ABIASAPH Personal name meaning my father has gathered or harvested. A Levitical priest in the line of Korah (Exod. 6:24) who rebelled against the leadership of Moses (Num. 16). See Ebiasaph.

ABIATHAR Personal name meaning father of abundance. The son of Ahimelech and the 11th high priest in succession from Aaron through the line of Eli. He survived the slaughter of the priests at Nob and fled to David, hiding in the cave of Adullam from King Saul (1 Sam. 22). Having escaped with the ephod, Abiathar became the high priest and chief counselor for David (1 Sam. 23:6-12; 30:7). Abiathar shared with Zadok the responsibility of taking the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chron. 15:11-12; 2 Sam. 15:24). While Abiathar remained faithful to David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam. 15), he later supported Adonijah as successor of King David instead of Solomon (1 Kings 1:7). Solomon deposed him from the priesthood and banished him to Anathoth, his hometown, fulfilling the prophecy to Eli. Only because of his faithful service to Solomon's father, King David, was he spared the death penalty (1 Kings 2:26-35).

Mark 2:26 records Jesus' statement that David took the showbread from the place of worship when Abiathar was high priest at Nob. First Samuel 21:1 reports that this happened when Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar, was still the high priest. However, a few days after this incident Abiathar did become high priest (1 Sam. 22:19-20). Some NT Greek manuscripts omit when Abiathar was high priest. It may be that Abiathar was co-priest with his father, or a copyist of the Gospel of Mark may have copied the text wrong. See Levites;Priests.

Donald R. Potts

ABIB Month of the exodus deliverance from Egypt (Exod. 13:4) and thus of the Passover festival (Exod. 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1). A harvest month covering parts of March and April, Abib means ears of grain. Later the month was called Nisan (Esther 3:7). See Calendar.

ABIDA or ABIDAH Personal name meaning my father knows. As the fourth son of Midian, he was the grandson of Abraham by his wife Keturah (Gen. 25:4; 1 Chron. 1:33).

ABIDAN Personal name meaning my father judged. Early leader of the tribe of Benjamin who helped Moses and Aaron number the people in the wilderness (Num. 1:11) and captain of the tribe in the wilderness marches (Num. 2:22; 7:60-65; 10:24). He and his family had fallen from leadership by the time of the 12 spies (Num. 13:9), long before the reorganization for entry into Canaan (Num. 26).

ABIEL Personal name meaning my Father is God. 1. Grandfather of King Saul (1 Sam. 9:1) or at least closely related to him (1 Sam. 14:50-51), the meaning of the texts not being absolutely clear. See Jehiel. 2. One of David's mighty men (1 Chron. 11:32); known also as Abi-alban (2 Sam. 23:31), the Arbathite. See Abi-albon.

ABIEZER Personal and place-name meaning my Father is help. 1. Descendant of Manasseh (his father was Gilead, son of Machir) and grandson of Joseph (Josh. 17:2; 1 Chron. 7:18). 2. Territory belonging to clan of Abiezer of tribe of Manasseh located in southwest part of Manasseh's territory and including towns of Elmattan, Ophrah, and Tetel. The territory was famous for grape production (Judg. 8:2) and was home of the judge Gideon (Judg. 6:11,24,34; 8:32). 3. Member of David's 30 heroes (2 Sam. 23:27; 1 Chron. 11:28) and an administrator of David's forces in the ninth month (1 Chron. 27:12). See jeezer.

ABIEZRITE Descendants of Abiezer (Judg. 6:11,24; 8:32). See Abiezer.

ABIGAIL Personal name meaning my father rejoiced. 1. Wife of David after being wife of Nabal. She was praised for wisdom in contrast to Nabal, her arrogant and overbearing husband, who was a large landowner and successful shepherd. Nabal held a feast for his sheepshearers while David was hiding from Saul in the wilderness of Paran. David and his 600 men were camped near the town of Maon. He heard about Nabal's feast and requested some food. Nabal, in a drunken state, refused the request and insulted David's 10 messengers. In anger David determined to kill Nabal's entire household. Abigail anticipated David's reaction and loaded a convoy of donkeys with food to feed all of David's men. As soon as she met David, she impressed him with her beauty, humility, praise, and advice (1 Sam. 25:32-35). After Nabal became sober and heard about David's plans to kill him, he had a heart attack. Following Nabal's death, David married Abigail, the second of his eight wives. They lived first at Gath and then at Hebron, where Abigail gave birth to Chileab, who is also called Daniel. Later Abigail was taken captive by the Amalekites when they captured Ziklag, but David rescued her (1 Sam. 30:1-18). 2. Sister of David and the mother of Amasa (1 Chron. 2:16-17), married to Jether, an Ishmaelite (also called Ithra). Amasa, her son, was at one time the commander of David's army (2 Sam. 17:25). Abigail was the daughter of Nahash who, because of textual uncertainties, has been described as another name for Jesse. See David.

Donald R. Potts

ABIHAIL Personal name meaning my father is a terror. 1. Woman in family list of Judah (1 Chron. 2:29), wife of Abishur. 2. Wife of King Rehoboam (2 Chron. 11:18). Personal name with different Hebrew spelling meaning my father is powerful. 3. Father of Zuriel, a leading Levite under Moses (Num. 3:35). 4. Father of Esther and uncle of Mordecai (Esther 2:15). 5. Member of the tribe of Gad (1 Chron.5:14).

ABIHU Personal name meaning my father is he. The second son of Aaron; one of Israel's first priests (Exod. 6:23; 28:1). He saw God along with Moses, Aaron, his brother, and 70 elders (Exod. 24:9-10). He and his brother Nadab offered strange fire before God (Lev. 10:1-20). The exact nature of their sin is not known. They simply did what God had not commanded. Perhaps they offered sacrifice at the wrong time or with coals or materials not properly sanctified (cp. Lev. 16:12). The result is clear: God's fire consumed them. See Priests.

ABIHUD Personal name meaning my father is glorious. Grandson of Benjamin (1 Chron.8:3).

ABIJAH or ABIJAM Personal name meaning Yahweh is my Father. 1. Second son of Samuel whose crooked acts as judge led Israel to demand a king (1 Sam. 8:2-5). 2. Son of Jeroboam, first king of the Northern Kingdom Israel. Abijah died according to prophecy of Ahijah (1 Kings 14:1-18). 3. Son of Rehoboam and second king of divided Southern Kingdom of Judah (915-913 B.C.), called Abijam in 1 Kings 15, a name meaning my father is Yam (or sea), possibly a reference to Canaanite god. Abijah was his father's favorite son (2 Chron. 11:22). Abijah followed the sins of Rehoboam (1 Kings 15:3) but still maintained proper worship in Jerusalem (2 Chron. 13:10), and God gave him victory over Jeroboam of Israel (2 Chron. 13:15-20). Abijah was remembered for his large family (2 Chron. 13:21). He is listed in the ancestors of Jesus (Matt. 1:7). 4. Wife of Hezron connected with genealogy of Caleb in a text whose meaning is not clear (1 Chron. 2:24). 5. Grandson of Benjamin (1 Chron. 7:8). 6. Priestly descendant of Aaron (1 Chron. 24:10). He led the eighth (of 24) division of the priests serving in the temple. 7. Priest under Nehemiah who signed a covenant to obey God's law (Neh. 10:7). 8. A leading priest in the days of the return from exile (Neh. 12:4), and then a priestly line (Neh. 12:17) to which Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, belonged (Luke 1:5). 9. Mother of King Hezekiah (2 Chron. 29:1) and thus a powerful political influence.

ABILENE Small mountainous region ruled by the tetrarch Lysanias at the time that John the Baptist began his public ministry (Luke 3:1-3). Abilene was located about 18 miles northwest of Damascus in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. Its capital was Abila. In A.D. 37 Abilene came under the administrative control of Herod Agrippa I. Later it was part of the kingdom of his son, Agrippa II.

ABIMAEL Personal name meaning El (God) is my father. Ancestor of the Israelites as a descendant of Shem and Eber (Gen. 10:28).

ABIMELECH Personal name meaning My father is king. 1. King of Gerar, who took Sarah for himself, thinking she was Abraham's sister rather than his wife (Gen. 20). He restored her to Abraham after a nighttime dream of God. 2. Probably the same as 1., a king who disputed the ownership of a well at Beer-sheba with Abraham and then made a covenant of peace with him (Gen. 21:22-34). 3. King of Philistines at Gerar related to or identical with 1. Isaac lived under his protection and fearfully passed Rebekah, his wife, off as his sister. Abimelech scolded Isaac and warned his people not to touch Rebekah. A dispute over water wells led to Isaac's leaving but finally to a treaty of peace (Gen. 26) at Beer-sheba. 4. Son of Gideon, the judge of Israel (Judg. 8:31). Abimelech seized power after his father's death by murdering his brothers and having himself named king by his relatives at Shechem. This provoked Jotham's famous fable (Judg. 9:7-21). God provoked Shechem against Abimelech, who defeated an army under Gaal and then recaptured Shechem. When he tried to repeat his tactics against Thebez, a woman threw a stone down on his head and killed him (Judg. 9:23-57). Abimelech's fate served as an illustration Joab used to protect himself from David (2 Sam. 11:21). 5. Priest under David with Zadok (1 Chron. 18:16), but correct reading of text here is probably Ahimelech as in 2 Sam. 8:17. 6. Person mentioned