Provides quick and reliable information on the most important people, places, and concepts found in the Bible, as well as explanations for difficult-to-understand terms. The Essential Bible Dictionary is a compact reference tool for any reader of Scripture. Unlike similar Bible dictionaries and study aids, this essential dictionary is designed to streamline Bible reading and comprehension and is focused exclusively on proper nouns and words for which a special biblical usage requires comment. In addition to defining words, places, people, and the many themes of the Bible, you'll find: Full-color images, maps, illustrations, and diagrams throughout. - Succinct book overviews (arranged alphabetically) with orientating information on author, content, background, and purpose. - Phonetic pronunciation key for each entry. - Important cross-references for further study. Ideal for use in devotions or personal Bible study, The Essential Bible Dictionary is a storehouse of information that will bring the everyday world of the Bible to life. Can be used with any translation of the Bible. Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible. Essential Bible Dictionary Zondervan Copyright © 2011 Zondervan All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-27821-4 Contents Preface...........................7Abbreviations.....................9Dictionary........................11 Chapter One A Aaron (air'uhn). Brother of MOSES and MIRIAM (Num. 26:59). Aaron and his wife Elisheba had four sons (26:60; see NADAB). God appointed him to be Moses' spokesman (Exod. 4:14–16), and he later became the first HIGH PRIEST in Israel (ch. 28). Although highly regarded, Aaron is also faulted for his part in the incident of the golden calf (32:1–25) and for his criticism of Moses (Num. 12:1–9). He died without being allowed to enter the Promised Land (20:12, 22–29). In the NT, the author of Hebrews regards Aaron as a foreshadowing of Christ (Heb. 5:1–5), but explains that the Aaronic priesthood was only temporary, whereas Christ's ministry is eternal (7:11–28). Aaron's staff (rod) . When korah and his confederates challenged the leadership of MOSES and AARON (Num. 16–17), Moses placed the staffs of the tribal leaders, including Aaron's, inside the TABERNACLE. The next day Aaron's staff was found to have budded, vindicating his divine authority as high priest; it was then placed before the ARK in the holy of HOLIES "as a sign to the rebellious" (17:6–10). The staff referred to is very likely the same shepherd's staff Moses was carrying at the time of his call (Exod. 4:2–4; called "the staff of God" in v. 20). Abaddon (uh-bad'uhn). This Hebrew name means "[place of] destruction, ruin." With its Greek equivalent Apollyon, it is used once in the NT with reference to the evil angel who reigns over the infernal regions of the abyss (Rev. 9:11). Abana (ab'uh-nuh). The name of a river (today called Barada) that flows through damascus and makes the area lovely and fertile. It was mentioned by NAAMAN when he objected to bathing in the JORDAN (2 Ki. 5:12). Abarim (ab'uh-rim). The region E of the JORDAN, and specifically a mountain range in NW MOAB that includes Mount NEBO. The Israelites encamped here just before crossing the Jordan, and from one of its peaks moses saw the Promised Land (Num. 33:47–48; Deut. 32:49). Abba (ah'buh, ab'uh). An ARAMAIC term meaning "father," used with the corresponding Greek term three times in the NT as a way of addressing God (Mk. 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). It is probable that Jesus used this word also in many of the instances where the Gospels record that he referred to God as FATHER. Abdon (ab'duhn). The eleventh mentioned JUDGE of Israel; he ruled eight years (Jdg. 12:13–15). Abednego (uh-bed'ni-goh). The Babylonian name given to AZARIAH, one of the three Israelite youths who were companions of daniel (Dan. 1:7). The other two were SHADRACH and MESHACH. Daniel and his three friends belonged to the Hebrew royal family and determined not to defile themselves with the pagan diet (vv. 8–15). Later, the three youths were appointed provincial administrators (2:49). Because they refused to worship the pagan image set up by King NEBUCHADNEZZAR, they were cast into a fiery furnace, but they were miraculously delivered (3:1–30). The NT alludes to them when it mentions the heroes of faith who "quenched the fury of the flames" (Heb. 11:34). Abel (ay'buhl). (1) ADAM and EVE's second son, who was murdered by his brother cain because God looked with favor on Abel's offering (Gen. 4:1 – 12; see Heb. 11:4; 12:24). (2) Shortened form of Abel Beth Maacah, a town in the extreme N of Palestine (2 Sam. 20:18; see vv. 14–15). Abel Meholah (ay'buhl-mi-hoh'luh). The hometown of ELISHA the prophet (1 Ki. 19:16; also me