Ibhar(whom
God chooses), one of the sons of David, (2 Samuel 5:15; 1 Chronicles
3:6; 14:6) (born in Jerusalem. B.C. after 1044.)
Ibleam(devouring
the people), a city of Manasseh, with villages or towns dependent on
it. (Judges 1:27) It appears to have been situated in the territory of
either Issachar or Asher. (Joshua 17:11) The ascent of Gur was "at
Ibleam," (2 Kings 9:27) somewhere near the present Jenin, probably to
the north of it.
Ibneiah(whom
Jehovah will build up), son of Jehoram, a Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 9:8)
Ibnijah(whom
Jehovah will build up), a Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 9:8)
Ibri(Hebrew),
a Merarite Levite of the family of Jaaziah, (1 Chronicles 24:27) in the
time of David. (B.C. 1014.)
Ibzan(illustrious),
a native of Bethlehem of Zebulun, who judged Israel for seven years
after Jephthah. (Judges 12:8,10) (B.C. 1137.)
Ichabod(inglorious),
the son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli. (1 Samuel 4:21) (B.C. about
1100.)
Iconium(little
image), the modern Konieh, was the capital of Lycaonia, in Asia Minor.
It was a large and rich city, 120 miles north from the Mediterranean
Sea, at the foot of the Taurus mountains, and on the great line of
communication between Ephesus and the western coast of the peninsula on
one side, and Tarsus, Antioch and the Euphrates on the other. Iconium
was a well-chosen place for missionary operations. (Acts 14:1,3,21,22;
16:1,2; 18:23) Paul's first visit here was on his first circuit, in
company with Barnabas; and on this occasion he approached it from
Antioch in Pisidia, which lay to the west. The modern Konieh is between
two and three miles in circumference and contains over 30,000
inhabitants. It contains manufactories of carpets and leather.
Idalah(memorial
of God), one of the cities of the tribe of Zebulun, named between
Shimron and Bethlehem. (Joshua 19:15)
Idbash(stout),
one of the three sons of Abi-Etam, among the families of Judah. (1
Chronicles 4:3)
Iddo(timely
or lovely).
+The father of Abinadab. (1 Kings 4:14)
+A descendant of Gershom, son of Levi. (1 Chronicles 6:21)
+Son of Zechariah, ruler of the tribe of Manasseh east of Jordan in the
time of David. (1 Chronicles 27:21) (B.C. 1014.)
+A seer whose "visions" against Jeroboam incidentally contained some of
the acts of Solomon. (2 Chronicles 9:29) He appears to have written a
chronicle or story relating to the life and reign of Abijah. (2
Chronicles 13:22) (B.C. 961.)
+The grandfather of the prophet Zechariah. (Zechariah 1:1,7)
+The chief of those who assembled at Casiphia at the time of the second
caravan from Babylon. He was one of the Nethinim. (Ezra 8:17) comp.
Ezra 8:20 (B.C. 536.)
IdolAn
image or anything used as an object of worship in place of the true
God. Among the earliest objects of worship, regarded as symbols of
deity, were the meteoric stones,which the ancients believed to have
been images of the Gods sent down from heaven. From these they
transferred their regard to rough unhewn blocks, to stone columns or
pillars of wood, in which the divinity worshipped was supposed to
dwell, and which were connected, like the sacred stone at Delphi, by
being anointed with oil and crowned with wool on solemn days. Of the
forms assumed by the idolatrous images we have not many traces in the
Bible. Dagon, the fish-god of the Philistines, was a human figure
terminating in a fish; and that the Syrian deities were represented in
later times in a symbolical human shape we know for certainty. When the
process of adorning the image was completed, it was placed in a temple
or shrine appointed for it. Epist. (Jeremiah 12:1; Jeremiah 19:1) ...
Wisd. 13:15; (1 Corinthians 8:10) From these temples the idols were
sometimes carried in procession, Epist. (Jeremiah 4:26) on festival
days. Their priests were maintained from the idol treasury, and feasted
upon the meats which were appointed for the idols' use. Bel and the
Dragon 3,13.
Idolatrystrictly
speaking denotes the worship of deity in a visible form, whether the
images to which homage is paid are symbolical representations of the
true God or of the false divinities which have been made the objects of
worship in his stead. I. History of idolatry among the Jews.--The first
undoubted allusion to idolatry or idolatrous customs in the Bible is in
the account of Rachel's stealing her father's teraphim. (Genesis 31:19)
During their long residence in Egypt the Israelites defiled themselves
with the idols of the land, and it was long before the taint was
removed. (Joshua 24:14; Ezekiel 20:7) In the wilderness they clamored
for some visible shape in which they might worship the God who had
brought them out of Egypt. (Exodus 32:1) ... until Aaron made the calf,
the embodiment of Apis and emblem of the productive power of nature.
During the lives of Joshua and the elders who outlived him they kept
true to their allegiance; but the generation following who knew not
Jehovah nor the works he had done for Israel, swerved from the plain
path of their fathers and were caught in the toils of the foreigner.
(Judges 2:1) ... From this time forth their history becomes little more
than a chronicle of the inevitable sequence of offence and punishment.
(Judges 2:12,14) By turns each conquering nation strove to establish
the worship of its national God. In later times the practice of secret
idolatry was carried to greater lengths. Images were set up on the
corn-floors, in the wine-vats, and behind the doors of private houses,
(Isaiah 57:8; Hosea 9:1,2) and to check this tendency the statute in
(27:15) was originally promulgated. Under Samuel's administration
idolatry was publicly renounced, (1 Samuel 7:3-6) but in the reign of
Solomon all this was forgotten, even Solomon's own heart being turned
after other gods. (1 Kings 11:14) Rehoboam perpetuated the worst
features of Solomon's idolatry. (1 Kings 14:22-24) erected golden
calves at Beth-el and at Dan, and by this crafty state' policy severed
forever the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. (1 Kings 12:26-33) The
successors of Jeroboam followed in his steps, till Ahab. The conquest
of the ten tribes by Shalmaneser was for them the last scene Of the
drama of abominations which had been enacted uninterruptedly for
upwards of 250 years. Under Hezekiah a great reform was inaugurated,
that was not confined to Judah and Benjamin, but spread throughout
Ephraim and Manasseh. (2 Chronicles 31:1) and to all external
appearances idolatry was extirpated. But the reform extended little
below the surface. (Isaiah 29:13) With the death of Josiah ended the
last effort to revive among the people a purer ritual. If not a purer
faith. The lamp of David, which had long shed but a struggling ray,
flickered for a while and then went out in the darkness of Babylonian
Captivity. Though the conquests of Alexander caused Greek influence to
be felt, yet after the captivity better condition of things prevailed,
and the Jews never again fell into idolatry. The erection of synagogues
had been assigned as a reason for the comparative purity of the Jewish
worship after the captivity, while another cause has been discovered in
the hatred for images acquired by the Jews in their intercourse with
the Persians. II. Objects of idolatry .--The sun and moon were early
selected as outward symbols of all-pervading power, and the worship of
the heavenly bodies was not only the most ancient but the most
prevalent system of idolatry. Taking its rise in the plains of Chaldea,
it spread through Egypt, Greece, Scythia, and even Mexico and Ceylon.
Comp. (4:19; 17:3; Job 31:20-28) In the later times of the monarchy,
the planets or the zodiacal signs received, next to the sun and moon,
their share of popular adoration. (2 Kings 23:5) Beast-worship, as
exemplified in the calves of Jeroboam, has already been alluded to of
pure hero-worship among the Semitic races we find no trace. The
singular reverence with which trees have been honored is not without
example in the history of the Hebrew. The terebinth (oak) at Mamre,
beneath which Abraham built an altar, (Genesis 12:7; 13:18) and the
memorial grove planted by him at Beersheba, (Genesis 21:33) were
intimately connected with patriarchal worship. Mountains and high
places were chosen spots for offering sacrifice and incense to idols,
(1 Kings 11:7; 14:23) and the retirement of gardens and the thick shade
of woods offered great attractions to their worshippers. (2 Kings 16:4;
Isaiah 1:29; Hosea 4:13) The host of heaven was worshipped on the
house-top. (2 Kings 23:12; Jeremiah 19:3; 32:29; Zephaniah 1:5) (The
modern objects of idolatry are less gross than the ancient, but are
none the less idols. Whatever of wealth or honor or pleasure is loved
and sought before God and righteousness becomes an object of
idolatry.--ED.) III. Punishment of idolatry .--Idolatry to an Israelite
was a state offence, (1 Samuel 15:23) a political crime of the greatest
character, high treason against the majesty of his king. The first and
second commandments are directed against idolatry of every form.
Individuals and communities were equally amenable to the rigorous code.
The individual offender was devoted to destruction, (Exodus 22:20) his
nearest relatives were not only bound to denounce him and deliver him
up to punishment, (13:2-10) but their hands were to strike the first
blow, when, on the evidence of two witnesses at least, he was stoned.
(17:2-5) To attempt to seduce others to false worship was a crime of
equal enormity. (13:6-10) IV. Attractions of idolatry .--Many have
wondered why the Israelites were so easily led away from the true God,
into the worship of idols. (1) Visible, outward signs, with shows,
pageants, parades, have an attraction to the natural heart, which often
fail to perceive the unseen spiritual realities. (2) But the greatest
attraction seems to have been in licentious revelries and obscene
orgies with which the worship of the Oriental idols was observed. This
worship, appealing to every sensual passion, joined with the
attractions of wealth and fashion and luxury, naturally was a great
temptation to a simple, restrained, agricultural people, whose worship
and law demands the greatest purity of heart and of life.--ED.)
Idumea(red).
[[641]Edom, Idumaea Or Idumea]
Igal(whom
God will avenge).
+One of the spies, son of Joseph, of the tribe of Issachar. (Numbers
13:7) (B.C. 1490.)
+One of the heroes of David's guard, son of Nathan of Zobah. (2 Samuel
23:36) (B.C. 1046.)
Igdaliah(whom
Jehovah makes great), a prophet or holy man--"the man of God"--named
once only, (Jeremiah 36:4) as the father of Hanan. (B.C. before 406.)
Igeal(whom
God will avenge), a son of Nehemiah; a descendant of the royal house of
Judah. (1 Chronicles 3:22) (B.C. 406.)
Iim(ruins).
+The partial or contracted form of the name IJE-ABARIM. (Numbers 33:45)
+A town in the extreme south of Judah. (Joshua 16:29)
Ijeabarim(ruin
of Abarim), one of the later halting-places of the children of Israel.
(Numbers 21:11; 33:44) It was on the boundary--the southeast boundary--
of the territory of Moab; in the waste uncultivated "wilderness" on its
skirts.
Ijon(a
ruin), a town in the north of Palestine, belonging to the tribe of
Naphtali. It was taken and plundered by the captains of Ben-hadad, (1
Kings 15:20; 2 Chronicles 16:4) and a second time by Tiglath-pileser.
(2 Kings 16:29) It was situated a few miles northwest of the site of
Dan, in a fertile and beautiful little plain called Merj' Ayun .
Ikkesh(perverse),
the father of Ira the Tekoite. (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28;
27:9) (B.C. before 1046.)
Ilai(exalted),
an Ahohite, one of the heroes of David's guard (1 Chronicles 11:29)
(B.C. 1046.)
Illyricuman
extensive district lying along the eastern coast of the Adriatic, from
the boundary of Italy on the north of Epirus on the south, and
contiguous to Moessia and Macedonia on the east. (Romans 6:19)
Image[[642]Idol]
Imla(whom
God will fill up), father or progenitor of Micaiah the prophet. (2
Chronicles 18:7,8) The form IMLAH is employed in the parallel
narrative. (1 Kings 12:8,9) (B.C. before 896.)
Immanuelthat
is, God with us, the title applied by the apostle Matthew to the
Messiah, born of the Virgin, (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14) because Jesus
was God united with man, and showed that God was dwelling with men.
Immer(talkative).
+The founder of an important family of priests. (1 Chronicles 9:12;
Nehemiah 11:13) This family had charge of, and gave its name to, the
sixteenth course of the service. (1 Chronicles 24:14) (B.C. 1014.)
+Apparently the name of a place in Babylonia. (Ezra 2:59; Nehemiah 7:61)
Imna(holding
back), a descendant of Asher, son of Helem. (1 Chronicles 7:35) comp.
1Chr 7:40 (B.C. about 1461.)
Imnah(holding
back).
+The first born of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30) (B.C. 1706.)
+Kore ben-Imnah, the Levite, assisted in the reforms of Hezekiah. (2
Chronicles 31:14) (B.C. 726.)
Imrah(stubborn),
a descendant of Asher, of the family of Zophah (1 Chronicles 7:36)
(B.C. after 1445.)
Incensefrom
the Latin "to burn," "a mixture of gums or spices and the like, used
for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned;" or the perfume
itself of the spices, etc., burned in worship. The incense employed in
the service of the tabernacle walls compounded of the perfumes stacte,
onycha, galbanum and pure frankincense. All incense which was not made
of these ingredients was forbidden to be offered. (Exodus 30:9) Aaron,
as high priest, was originally appointed to offer incense each morning
and evening. The times of offering incense were specified in the
instructions first given to Moses. (Exodus 30:7,8) When the priest
entered the holy place with the incense, all the people were removed
from the temple, and from between the porch and the altar. Cf. (Luke
1:10) Profound silence was observed among the congregation who were
praying without, cf. (Revelation 8:1) and at a signal from the perfect
the priest cast the incense on the fire and, bowing reverently toward
the holy of holies, retired slowly backward. The offering of incense
has formed part of the religious ceremonies of most ancient nations. It
was an element in the idolatrous worship of the Israelites. (2
Chronicles 34:25; Jeremiah 11:12,17; 48:35) It would seem to be
symbolical, not of itself, but of that which makes acceptable, the
intercession of Christ. In (Revelation 8:3,4) the incense is of as
something distinct from offered with the prayers of, all the saints cf.
(Luke 1:10) and in Reve 6:8 It is the golden vials, and not the odors
or incense, which are said to be the prayers of saints.
IndiaThe
name of India does not occur in the Bible before the book of Esther
where it is noticed as the limit of the territories of Ahasuerus in the
east, as Ethiopia was in the west. (Esther 1:1; 8:9) The India of the
book of Esther is not the peninsula of Hindostan, but the country
surrounding the Indus, the Punjab and perhaps Scinde . The people and
productions of that country must have been tolerably well known to the
Jews. An active trade was carried on between India and western Asia.
The trade opened by Solomon with Ophir through the Red Sea consisted
chiefly of Indian articles.
Inheritance[[643]Heir]
Ink,
Inkhorn[[644]Writing]
InnThe
Hebrew word (malon) thus rendered literally signified "a lodging-place
for the night." Inns, in our sense of the term were, as they still are,
unknown in the East, where hospitality is religiously practiced. The
khans or caravanserais are the representatives of European inns, and
these were established but gradually. The halting-place of a caravan
was selected originally on account of its proximity to water or
pasture, by which the travellers pitched their tents and passed the
night. Such was undoubtedly the "inn" at which occurred the Incident in
the life of Moses narrated in (Exodus 4:24) comp. Genesis42:27 On the
more frequented routes, remote from towns, (Jeremiah 9:2) caravanserais
were in course of time erected, often at the expense of the wealthy. "A
caravanserai is a large and substantial square building... Passing
through strong gateway, the guest enters a large court, in the centre
of which is a spacious raised platform, used for sleeping upon at night
or for the devotions of the faithful during the day. Around this court
are arranged the rooms of the building."
InspirationDr.
Knapp given as the definition of inspiration, "an extra-ordinary divine
agency upon teachers while giving instruction, whether oral or written,
by which they were taught what and how they should write or speak."
Without deciding on any of the various theories of inspiration, the
general doctrine of Christians is that the Bible is so inspired by God
that it is the infallible guide of men, and is perfectly trustworthy in
all its parts, as given by God.
Instant,
Instantlyin
the Authorized Version, means urgent, urgently or fervently, as will be
seen from the following passages: (Luke 7:4; 23:23; Acts 26:7; Romans
12:12)
Iphedeiah(whom
Jehovah frees), a descendant of Benjamin, one of the Bene-Shashak. (1
Chronicles 8:25)
Ir(city).
(1 Chronicles 7:12) [[645]Iri]
Ira(watchful
of a city).
+"The Jairite," named in the catalogue of David's great officers. (2
Samuel 20:26)
+One of the heroes of David's guard. (2 Samuel 23:38; 1 Chronicles
11:40)
+Another of David's guard, a Tekoite, son of Ikkesh- (2 Samuel 23:26; 1
Chronicles 11:28) (B.C. 1046-1014.)
Irad(fleet),
son of Enoch; grandson of Cain, and father of Mehujael. (Genesis 4:18)
Iram(belonging
to a city), a leader of the Edomites, (Genesis 36:43; 1 Chronicles
1:54) i.e. the chief of a family or tribe. No identification of him has
been found.
Irior
Ir (belonging to a city), a Benjamite, son of Bela. (1 Chronicles
7:7,12)
Irijah(seen
by the Lord), son of Shelemiah, a captain in the ward, who met Jeremiah
in the gate of Jerusalem called the "gate of Benjamin" accused him of
being about to desert to the Chaldeans; and led him back to the
princes. (Jeremiah 37:13,14) (B.C. 589.)
Irnahash(serpent
city), a name which, like many other names of places, occurs in the
genealogical lists of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:12)
Ironis
mentioned with brass as the earliest of known metals. (Genesis 4:22)
The natural wealth in iron of the soil of Canaan is indicated by
describing it as a land whose stones are iron." (8:9) (Recent
explorations have shown that iron ore is abundant in the northern part
of Palestine.--ED.) The book of Job contains passages which indicate
that iron was a metal well known. Sheet-iron was used for cooking
utensils. (Ezekiel 4:3) cf. Levi 7:9 That it was plentiful in the time
of David appears from (1 Chronicles 22:3) The market of Tyre was
supplied with bright or polished iron by the merchants of by Dan and
Javan. (Ezekiel 27:19) The Chalybes of the Pontus were celebrated as
workers in iron in very ancient times. The product of their labor is
supposed to be alluded to in (Jeremiah 16:12) as being of superior
quality. Specimens of Assyrian iron-work overlaid with bronze were
discovered by Mr. Layard, and are now in the British Museum. Iron
weapons of various kinds were found at Nimroud, but fell to pieces on
exposure to the air. (pious), one of the cities of Naphtali, (Joshua
19:38) hitherto totally unknown.
Irpeel(God
heals), one of the cities of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:27) No trace has yet
been discovered of its situation.
Irshemesh(city
of the sun), a city of the Danites (Joshua 19:41) probably identical
with Beth-shemesh.
Iru(watch),
the eldest son of the great Caleb son of Jephunneh. (1 Chronicles 4:15)
(B.C. 1451.)
Isaac(laughter),
the son whom Sara bore to Abraham, in the hundredth year of his age, at
Gerar. (B.C. 1897.) In his infancy he became the object of Ishmael's
jealousy; and in his youth the victim, in intention, of Abraham's great
sacrificial act of faith. When forty years old he married Rebekah his
cousin, by whom, when he was sixty, he had two sons, Esau and Jacob.
Driven by famine to Gerar, he acquired great wealth by his flocks but
was repeatedly dispossessed by the Philistines of the wells which he
sunk at convenient stations. After the deceit by which Jacob acquired
his father's blessing Isaac sent his son to seek a wife in Padan-aram;
and all that we know of him during the last forty-three years of his
life in that he saw that [646]God, with a large and prosperous family,
return to him at Hebron. (Genesis 36:27) before he died there, at the
age of 180 years. He was buried by his two sons in the cave of
Machpelah. In the New Testament reference is made to the offering of
Isaac (Hebrews 11:17; James 2:21) and to his blessing his sons.
(Hebrews 11:20) In (Galatians 4:28-31) he is contrasted with Ishmael.
In reference to the offering up of Isaac by Abraham, the primary
doctrine taught are those of sacrifice and substitution, as the means
appointed by God for taking away sin; and, as co-ordinate with these,
the need of the obedience of faith, on the part of man, to receive the
benefit. (Hebrews 11:17) The animal which God provided and Abraham
offered was in the whole history of sacrifice the recognized type of
"the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world." Isaac is the
type of humanity itself, devoted to death for sin.
Isaiahthe
prophet, son of Amoz. The Hebrew name signifies Salvation of Jahu (a
shortened form of Jehovah), He prophesied concerning Judah and
Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of
Judah, (Isaiah 1:1) covering probably 758 to 698 B.C. He was married
and had two sons. Rabbinical tradition says that Isaiah, when 90 years
old, was sawn asunder in the trunk of a carob tree by order of
Manasseh, to which it is supposed that reference is made in (Hebrews
11:37)
Isaiah,
Book OfI.
Chapters 1-5 contain Isaiah's prophecies in the reigns of Uzziah and
Jotham, foretelling that the present prosperity of Judah should be
destroyed, and that Israel should be brought to desolation. In chs. 6,
7 he announces the birth of the child Immanuel, which in ch. 9 is more
positively predicted. Chs. 9-12 contain additional prophecies against
Israel, chs. (Isaiah 10:5-12) (6) being the most highly-wrought
passages in the whole book. Chs. 13-23 contain chiefly a collection of
utterances, each of which is styled a "burden," fore-telling the doom
of Babylon, Philistia, Moab, Ethiopia, Egypt and Tyre. The ode of
triumph in ch. (Isaiah 14:3-23) is among the most poetical passages in
all literature. Chs. 24-27 form one prophecy, essentially connected
with the preceding ten "burdens," chs. 13-23, of which it is in effect
a general summary. Chs. 23-35 predict the Assyrian invasion, and chs.
36-39 have reference to this invasion; prophecies that were so soon
fulfilled. (2 Kings 19:35) II. The last 27 chapters form a separate
prophecy, and are supposed by many critics to have been written in the
time of the Babylonian captivity, and are therefore ascribed to a
"later Isaiah;" but the best reasons are in favor of but one Isaiah.
This second part falls into three sections, each consisting of nine
chapters:--
+The first section, chs 40-48 has for its main topic the comforting
assurance of the deliverance from Babylon by Koresh (Cyrus), who is
even named twice. ch. (Isaiah 41:2,3,25; 44:28; 45:1-4,13; 46:11;
48:14,15)
+The second section, chs. 49-56, is distinguished from the first by
several features. The person of Cyrus as well as his name and the
specification of Babylon, disappear altogether. Return from exile is
indeed spoken of repeatedly and at length, ch. (Isaiah 49:9-26;
51:9-52; 12; 55:12,13; 57:14) but in such general terms as admit of
being applied to the spiritual and Messianic as well as to the literal
restoration.
+This section is mainly occupied with various practical exhortations
founded upon the views of the future already set forth. In favor of the
authenticity of the last 27 chapters the following reasons may be
advanced:-- (a) The unanimous testimony of Jewish and Christian
tradition, comp. Ecclus. 48:24, and the evidence of the New Testament
quotations. (Matthew 3:3; Luke 4:17; Acts 8:28; Romans 10:16,20) (b)
The unity of design which connects these last 27 chapters with the
preceding; the oneness of diction which pervades the whole book; the
peculiar elevation and grandeur of style which characterize the second
part as well as the first; the absence of any other name than Isaiah's
claiming the authorship; lastly, the Messianic predictions which mark
its inspiration and remove the chief ground of objection against its
having been written by Isaiah. In point of style we can find no
difficulty in recognizing in the second part the presence of the same
plastic genius as we discover in the first.
Iscah(one
who looks forth), daughter of Haran the brother of Abram, and sister of
Milcah and of Lot. (Genesis 11:29) In the Jewish traditions she is
identified with Sarai. (B.C. about 1920.)
Iscariot(man
of Kerioth). [[647]Judas Iscariot ISCARIOT]
Ishbah(praising),
a man in the line of Judah, commemorated as the "father of Eshtemos."
(1 Chronicles 4:17)
Ishbak(left
behind), a son of Abraham and Keturah, (Genesis 25:2; 1 Chronicles
1:32) and the progenitor of a tribe of northern Arabia. (B.C. after
1856.)
Ishbibenob(he
that dwells at Nobl), son of Rapha, one of the race of Philistine
giants, who attacked David in battle, but was slain by Abishai. (2
Samuel 21:16,17) (B.C. 1018.)
Ishbosheth(man
of shame) the youngest of Saul's four sons, and his legitimate
successor. (B.C. 1068.) Ish-bosheth was "forty years old when he began
to reign over Israel, and reigned two years." (2 Samuel 3:10) During
these two years he reigned at Mahanaim, though only in name. The wars
and negotiations with David were entirely carried on by Abner (2 Samuel
2:12; 3:6,12) The death of Abner deprived the house of Saul of its last
remaining support. When Ish-bosheth heard of it, "his hands were
feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled." He was murdered in his
bed.
Ishi(my
husband). This word occurs in (Hosea 2:16) It is the Israelite term, in
opposition to Baali, the Canaanite term, with the same meaning, though
with a significance of its own. (salutary).
+A man of the descendants of Judah, son of Appaim, (1 Chronicles 2:31)
one of the great house of Hezron.
+In a subsequent genealogy of Judah we find another Ishi, with a son
Zoheth. (1 Chronicles 4:20)
+Head of a family of the tribe of Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:42)
+One of the heads of the tribe of Manasseh on the east of Jordan. (1
Chronicles 5:24)
Ishiah(whom
Jehovah lends), the fifth of the five sons of Izrahiah, one of the
heads of the tribe of Issachar in the time of David. (1 Chronicles 7:3)
(B.C. 1046.)
Ishijah(whom
Jehovah lends), a lay Israelite of the Bene-Harim who had married a
foreign wife. (Ezra 10:31) (B.C. 459.)
Ishma(desolation),
a name in the genealogy of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:3)
Ishmael(whom
God hears).
+The son of Abraham by Hagar the Egyptian his concubine; born when
Abraham was fourscore and six years old. (Genesis 16:15,16) (B.C.
1910.) Ishmael was the first-born of his father. He was born in
Abraham's house when he dwelt in the plain of Mamre; and on the
institution of the covenant of circumcision, was circumcised, he being
then thirteen years old (Genesis 17:26) With the institution of the
covenant, God renewed his promise respecting Ishmael. He does not again
appear in the narrative until the weaning of Isaac. At the great feast
made in celebration of the weaning, "Sarah saw the son of Hagar the
Egyptian, which she had borne unto Abraham, mocking," and urged Abraham
to cast him and his mother out. Comforted by the renewal of God's
promise to make of Ishmael a great nation, Abraham sent them away, and
they departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. His mother
took Ishmael a wife out of the land of Egypt." (Genesis 21:9-21) This
wife of Ishmael was the mother of the twelve sons and one daughter. Of
the later life of Ishmael we know little. He was present with Isaac at
the burial of Abraham. He died at the age of 137 years. (Genesis
25:17,18) The sons of Ishmael peopled the north and west of the Arabian
peninsula, and eventually formed the chief element of the Arab nation,
the wandering Bedouin tribes. They are now mostly Mohammedans who look
to him as their spiritual father, as the Jews look to Abraham. Their
language, which is generally acknowledged to have been the Arabic
community so called, has been adopted with insignificant exceptions
throughout Arabia. The term "Ishmaelite" occur on three occasions:
(Genesis 37:25,27,28; 39:1; Judges 8:24; Psalms 83:6)
+One of the sons of Azel, a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or
Mephibosheth. (1 Chronicles 8:38; 9:44)
+A man of Judah, father of Zebadiah. (2 Chronicles 19:11)
+Another man of Judah, son of Jehohanan; one of the captains of
hundreds who assisted Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne. (2
Chronicles 23:1)
+A priest of the Bene-Pashur, who was forced by Ezra to relinquish his
foreign wife. (Ezra 10:22)
+The son of Nethaniah; a perfect marvel of craft and villainy, whose
treachery forms one of the chief episodes of the history of the period
immediately succeeding the first fall of Jerusalem. His exploits are
related in (Jeremiah 40:7; Jeremiah 41:16) with a short summary. During
the siege of the city he had fled across the Jordan where he found a
refuge at the court of Baalis. After the departure of the Chaldeans,
Ishmael made no secret of his intention to kill the superintendent left
by the king of Babylon and usurp his position. Of this Zedaliah was
warned in express terms by Johanan and his companions, but
notwithstanding entertained Ishmael and his followers at a feast,
(Jeremiah 41:1) during which Ishmael murdered Gedaliah and all his
attendants. The same night he killed all Zedaliah's establishment,
including some Chaldean soldiers who were there. For two days the
massacre remained entirely unknown to the people of the town. On the
second day eighty devotees were bringing incense and offerings to the
ruins of the temple. At his invitation they turned aside to the
residence of the superintendent, and there Ishmael and his band
butchered nearly the whole number: ten only escaped by offering a heavy
ransom for their lives. This done he descended to the town, surprised
and carried off the daughters of King Zedekiah, who had been sent there
by Nebuchadnezzar for safety, with their eunuchs and their Chaldean
guard, (Jeremiah 41:10,16) and all the people of the town, and made off
with his prisoners to the country of the Ammonites. The news of the
massacre had by this time got abroad, and Ishmael was quickly pursued
by Johanan and his companions. He was attacked, two of his bravos
slain, the whole of the prey recovered; and Ishmael himself with the
remaining eight of his people, escaped to the Ammonites.
Ishmaelite(decendant
of Ishmael). [[648]Ishmael]
Ishmaiah(Jehovah
hears), son of Obadiah; the ruler of the tribe of Zebulun in the time
of King David. (1 Chronicles 27:19) (B.C. 1046.)
Ishmeelite(1
Chronicles 2:17) and Ish'me-elites (descendants of Ishmael), (Genesis
37:25,27,28; 39:1) the form in which the descendants of Ishmael are
given in a few places in the Authorized Version.
Ishmerai(whom
Jehovah keeps), a Benjamite, one of the family of Elpaal. (1 Chronicles
8:18) (B.C. before 538.)
Ishod(man
of glory), one of the tribe of Manasseh on the east of Jordan, son of
Hammoleketh. (1 Chronicles 7:18) (B.C. 1491.)
Ishpan(bald),
a Benjamite, one of the family of Shashak. (1 Chronicles 8:22) (B.C.
before 588.)
Ishtob(men
of Tob), apparently one of the small kingdoms or states which formed
part of the general country of Aram, named with Zobah, Rehob and
Maacah. (2 Samuel 10:6,8)
Ishuah(quiet),
the second son of Asher. (Genesis 46:17) (B.C. 1706.)
Ishuai(quiet),
the third son of Asher, (1 Chronicles 7:30) founder of a family bearing
his name. (Numbers 26:44) Authorized Version "Jesuites." (B.C. 1706.)
Ishui(quiet),
the second son of Saul by his wife Ahinoam (1 Samuel 14:4) comp. 1Sam
14:50 (Died B.C. 1053.)
IsleThe
radical sense of the Hebrew word seems to be "habitable places," as
opposed to water, and in this sense it occurs in (Isaiah 42:15) Hence
it means secondarily any maritime district, whether belonging to a
continent or to an island; thus it is used of the shore of the
Mediterranean, (Isaiah 20:6; 23:2,6) and of the coasts of Elishah,
(Ezekiel 27:7) i.e. of Greece and Asia Minor.
Ismachiah(Jehovah
hears), a Gibeonite, one of the chiefs of those warriors, who joined
David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:4). (B.C. 1064.) (whom Jehovah
upholds), a Levite who was one of the overseers of offerings during the
revival under King Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 31:13) (B.C. 776.)
Ispah(bald),
a Benjamite of the family of Beriah; one of the heads of his tribe. (1
Chronicles 8:16) (B.C. before 588.)
Israel(the
prince that prevails with God).
+The name given, (Genesis 32:28) to Jacob after his wrestling with the
angel, (Hosea 12:4) at Peniel. Gesenius interprets Israel "soldier of
God."
+It became the national name of the twelve tribes collectively. They
are so called in (Exodus 3:16) and afterward.
+It is used in a narrower sense, excluding Judah, in (1 Samuel 11:8; 2
Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 12:16) Thenceforth it was assumed and accepted as
the name of the northern kingdom.
+After the Babylonian captivity, the returned exiles resumed the name
Israel as the designation of their nation. The name Israel is also used
to denote lay-men, as distinguished from priests, Levites and other
ministers. (Ezra 6:16; 9:1; 10:25; Nehemiah 11:3) etc.
Israel,
Kingdom OfI.
the kingdom.--The prophet Ahijah of Shiloh, who was commissioned in the
latter days of Solomon to announce the division of the kingdom, left
one tribe (Judah) to the house of David, and assigned ten to Jeroboam.
(1 Kings 11:31,35) These were probably Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh),
Issachar, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, Gad and
Reuben; Levi being intentionally omitted. Eventually the greater part
of Benjamin, and probably the whole of Simeon and Dan, were included as
if by common consent in the kingdom of Judah. With respect to the
conquests of David, Moab appears to have been attached to the kingdom
of Israel. (2 Kings 3:4) so much of Syria as remained subject to
Solomon, see (1 Kings 11:24) would probably be claimed by his successor
in the northern kingdom; and Ammon was at one time allied (2 Chronicles
20:1) we know not how closely or how early, with Moab. The seacoast
between Accho and Japho remained in the possession of Israel. The whole
population may perhaps have amounted to at least three and a half
millions. II. the capitals .--Shechem was the first capital of the new
kingdom. (1 Kings 12:25) Subsequently Tirzah became the royal
residence, if not the capital, of Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:17) and of his
successors. cf. (1 Kings 15:33; 16:8,17,23) Samaria was chosen by Omri.
(1 Kings 16:24) Jezreel was probably only a royal residence of some of
the Israelitish kings. III. History .--The kingdom of Israel lasted 254
years, from B.C. 975 to B.C. 721. The detailed history of the kingdom
will be found under the names of its nineteen kings. See chart of the
kings of Judah and Israel, at the end of the work. A summary view may
be taken in four periods: (a) B.C. 975-929. Jeroboam had not sufficient
force of character in himself to make a lasting impression on his
people. A king, but not a founder of a dynasty, he aimed at nothing
beyond securing his present elevation. Baasha, in the midst of the army
at Gibbethon, slew the son and successor of Jeroboam; Zimri, a captain
of chariots, slew the son and successor of Baasha; Omri, the captain of
the host, was chosen to punish Zimri; and after a civil war of four
years he prevailed over Tibni, the choice of half the people. (b) B.C.
929-884. For forty-five years Israel wag governed by the house of Omri.
The princes of his house cultivated an alliance with the king of Judah
which was cemented by the marriage of Jehoram and Athaliah. The
adoption of Baal-worship led to a reaction in the nation, to the moral
triumph of the prophets in the person of Elijah, and to extinction of
the house of Ahab in obedience to the bidding of Elisha. (c) B.C.
884-772. Unparalleled triumphs, but deeper humiliation, awaited the
kingdom of Israel under the dynasty of Jehu. Hazael, the ablest king of
Damascus, reduced Jehoahaz to the condition of a vassal, and triumphed
for a time over both the disunited Hebrew kingdoms. Almost the first
sign of the restoration of their strength was a war between them; and
Jehoash, the grandson of Jehu, entered Jerusalem as the conqueror of
Amaziah. Jehoash also turned the tide of war against the Syrians; and
Jeroboam II., the most powerful of all the kings of of Israel, captured
Damascus, and recovered the whole ancient frontier from Hamath to the
Dead Sea. This short-lived greatness expired with the last king of
Jehu's line. (d) B.C. 772-721. Military violence, it would seem, broke
off the hereditary succession after the obscure and probably convulsed
reign of Zachariah. An unsuccessful usurper, Shallum, is followed by
the cruel Menahem, who, being unable to make head against the first
attack of Assyria under Pul, became the agent of that monarch for the
oppressive taxation of his subjects. Yet his power at home was
sufficient to insure for his son and successor Pekahiah a ten-years
reign, cut short by a bold usurper, Pekah. Abandoning the northern and
transjordanic regions to the encroaching power of Assyria under
Tiglath-pileser, he was very near subjugating Judah, with the help of
Damascus, now the coequal ally of Israel. But Assyria interposing
summarily put an end to the independence of Damascus, and perhaps was
the indirect cause of the assassination of the baffled Pekah. The
irresolute Hoshea, the next and last usurper, became tributary to his
invaders Shalmaneser, betrayed the Assyrian to the rival monarchy of
Egypt, and was punished by the loss of his liberty, and by the capture,
after a three-years siege, of his strong capital, Samaria. Some
gleanings of the ten tribes yet remained in the land after so many
years of religious decline, moral debasement, national degradation,
anarchy, bloodshed and deportation. Even these were gathered up by the
conqueror and carried to Assyria, never again, as a distinct people, to
occupy their portion of that goodly and pleasant land which their
forefathers won under Joshua from the heathen. (Schaff Bib. Dic.) adds
to this summary that "after the destruction of the kingdom of Israel,
B.C. 721, the name 'Israel' began to be applied to the whole surviving
people. No doubt many of the kingdom of Israel joined the later kingdom
of the Jews after the captivity, and became part of that kingdom.--ED.)
Israelite(descendant
of Israel). In (2 Samuel 17:25) Ithra, the father of Amasa, is called
"an Israelite," while in (1 Chronicles 2:17) he appears as "Jether the
Ishmaelite." The latter is undoubtedly the true reading.
Issachar(reward).
I. The ninth son of Jacob and the fifth of Leah. (Genesis 30:17,18)
(B.C. 1753-45) At the descent into Egypt four sons are ascribed to him,
who founded the four chief families of the tribes. (Genesis 46:13;
Numbers 26:23,25; 1 Chronicles 7:1) The number of the fighting men of
Issachar, when taken in the census at Sinai, was 54,400. During the
journey they seem to have steadily increased. The allotment of Issachar
lay above that of Manasseh. (Joshua 19:17-23) In the words of Josephus,
"it extended in length from Carmel to the Jordan, in breadth to Mount
Tabor." This territory was, as it still is, among the richest land in
Palestine. It is this aspect of the territory of Issachar which appears
to be alluded to in the blessing of Jacob.
+A Korhite Levite, one of the door-keepers of the house of Jehovah,
seventh son of Obed-edom. (1 Chronicles 26:5)
Isshiab(whom
Jehovah lends).
+A descendant of Moses by his younger son Eliezer. (1 Chronicles 24:21)
comp. 1Chr 23:17; 26:25 (B.C. after 1451.)
+A Levite of the house of Kohath and family of Uzziel. (1 Chronicles
24:26) (Uncertain date.)
Issue,
Running(Leviticus
15:2,3; 22:4; Numbers 5:2; 2 Samuel 3:29) In (Leviticus 15:3) a
distinction is introduced, which merely means that the cessation of the
actual flux does not constitute ceremonial cleanness, but that the
patient must abide the legal time, seven days, ver 13, and perform the
prescribed purifications and sacrifice. ver. 14.
Isuah(quiet),
second son of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30) (B.C. 1706.)
Isui(quiet),
third son of Asher, (Genesis 46:17) founder of a family called after
him, though in the Authorized Version appearing as THE [649]Jesuites.
(Numbers 26:44) (B.C. 1706.)
Italian
Band[[650]Army]
ItalyThis
word is used in the New Testament, (Acts 18:2; 27:1; Hebrews 13:24) in
the usual sense of the period, i.e. in its true geographical sense, as
denoting the whole natural peninsula between the Alps and the Straits
of Messina.
Ithai(with
the Lord), a Benjamite, son of Ribai of Gibeah, one of the heroes of
David's guard. (1 Chronicles 11:31) (B.C. 1046.)
Ithamar(land
of palms), the youngest son of Aaron. (Exodus 6:23) (B.C. 1491.) After
the death of Nadab and Abihu, (Leviticus 10:1) Eleazar and Ithamar were
appointed to succeed to their places in the priestly office. (Exodus
28:1,40,43; Numbers 3:3,4; 1 Chronicles 24:2) In the distribution of
services belonging to the tabernacle, and its transport on the march of
the Israelites, the Gershonites and the Merarites were placed under the
superintendence of Ithamar. (Exodus 38:21; Numbers 4:21-33) The high
priesthood passed into the family of Ithamar in the person of Eli, but
for what reason we are not informed.
Ithiel(God
is with me).
+A Benjamite, son of Jesaiah. (Nehemiah 11:7)
+One of two persons--Ithiel and Ucal-- to whom Agur ben-Jakeh delivered
his discourse. (Proverbs 30:1) (B.C. about 900.)
Ithmah(bereavedness),
a Moabite, one of the heroes of David's guard. (1 Chronicles 11:46)
Ithnan(given),
one of the towns in the extreme south of Judah. (Joshua 15:23) No trace
of its existence has yet been discovered.
Ithra(excellence),
an Israelite, (2 Samuel 17:25) or Ishmaelite, (1 Chronicles 2:17) the
father of Amasa by Abigail, David's sister. (B.C. before 1023.)
Ithran(excellence).
+A son of Dishon, a Horite, (Genesis 36:26; 1 Chronicles 1:41) and
probably a phylarch of a tribe of the Horim. (Genesis 36:30) (B.C.
about 1800.)
+A descendant of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30-40)
Ithream(abundance
of people), son of David, born to him in Hebron, and distinctly
specified as the sixth, and as the child of Eglah, David's wife. (2
Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:3)
Ithrite(belonging
to Jether), The, the designation of two of the members of David's
guard, Ira and Gareb. (2 Samuel 23:38; 1 Chronicles 11:40) They may
have come from Jattir, in the mountains of Judah. (B.C 1046.)
Ittahkazin(time
of the judge), one of the landmarks of the boundary of Zebulun. (Joshua
19:13) It has not been identified.
Ittai(with
the Lord).
+"Ittai the Gittite," i.e. the native of Gath, a Philistine in the army
of King David. He appears only during the revolution of Absalom. (B.C.
1023.) We first discern him on the morning of David's flight. The king
urges him to return. (2 Samuel 15:18,19) Comp. 1Sam 23:13; 27:2;
30:9,10,19,20 But ittai is firm; he is the king's slave, and wherever
his master goes he will go. Accordingly he is allowed by David to
proceed. When the army was numbered and organized by David at Mahanaim,
Ittai again appears, now in command of a third part of the force. (2
Samuel 18:2,5,12)
+Son of Ribai, from Gibeah of Benjamin; one of the thirty heroes of
David's guard. (2 Samuel 23:29)
Ituraea(land
of Jether), a small province on the northwestern border of Palestine,
lying along the base of Mount Hermon, only mentioned in (Luke 3:1)
Jetur the son of Ishmael gave his name like the rest of his brethren,
to the little province he colonized. (Genesis 25:15,16) It adjoined
Trachonitis, and lay along the base of Libanus between Tiberias and
Damascus. At the place indicated is situated the modern province of
Jedur, which is the Arabic form of the Hebrew Jetur
Ivah(ruined),
or A'va, which is mentioned in Scripture twice, (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13)
comp. Isai 37:13 In connection with Hena and Sepharvaim, and once, (2
Kings 17:24) in connection with Babylon and Cuthah, must be sought in
Babylonia, and is probably identical with the modern Hit, on the
Euphrates.
IvoryThe
word translated "ivory" literally signifies the "tooth" of any animal,
and hence more especially denotes the substance of the projecting tusks
of elephants. The skilled work-men of Hiram, king of Tyre, fashioned
the great ivory throne of Solomon, and overlaid it with pure gold. (1
Kings 10:18; 2 Chronicles 9:17) The ivory thus employed was supplied by
the caravans of Dedan, (Isaiah 21:13; Ezekiel 27:15) or was brought,
with apes and peacocks, by the navy of Tarshish. (1 Kings 10:22) The
"ivory house" of Ahab, (1 Kings 22:39) was probably a palace, the walls
of which were panelled with ivory, like the palace of Menelaus
described by Homer. Odys. iv. 73. Beds inlaid or veneered with ivory
were in use among the Hebrews. (Amos 6:4)
Izehar(oil),
the form in which the name Izhar is given in the Authorized Version of
(Numbers 3:19) only.
Izeharites(descendant
of Izhar), The. A family of Kohathite Levites, descended from Izhar the
son of Kohath, (Numbers 3:27) called also "Izharites" (1 Chronicles
26:23,29)
Izhar(oil),
son of Kohath grandson of Levi, uncle of Aaron and Moses and father of
Korah. (Exodus 6:18,21; Numbers 3:19; 16:1; 1 Chronicles 6:2,18) (B.C.
after 1490.) Izhar was the head of the family of the Izharites, (1
Chronicles 24:22; 26:23) or Izeharites. (Numbers 3:27; 1 Chronicles
26:23,29)
Izrahiah(whom
Jehovah causes to sparkle), a chieftain of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 7:3)
Izrahite(descendant
of Zerah), The, the designation of Shamhuth (1 Chronicles 27:8) Its
real force probably Zerahite, that is, from the great Judaic family of
Zerah.
Izri(creator),
a Levite leader of the fourth course or ward in the service of the
house of God. (1 Chronicles 25:11) In ver. 3 he is called [651]Zeri.
(B.C. 1014.)