Topographical Terms
Topographical Terms
We have had continual occasion in this Cyclopaedia to point out the great accuracy with which these are used in the original languages of the Scripture, especially the Hebrew, although often obscured by the want of exactness and uniformity in the A.V. It is our purpose under the present head to present a general view of such terms, referring for details to the respective articles. Much has already been done in this direct ion by Dean Stanley in the appendix to his work on Sinui and Palestine. SEE GEOGRAPHY.
A. LAND.
I. Tracts (including especially depressions, levels, and barrens).
1. mek (), a valley, used in general (Num 14:25; Jos 8:13; Jos 13:19; Jos 13:27; Jdg 1:19; Jdg 1:34; Jdg 5:15; 1Sa 6:13 [Bethshemesh]; 2Sa 18:18 [dale]; 1Ki 20:28; 1Ch 12:15; Jer 21:13; Jer 31:40; Jer 47:5; Jer 48:5; Jer 49:4; Mic 1:4); or specifically vale of Siddim (Gen 14:3; Gen 14:8; Gen 14:10), valley of Shaveh (Gen 14:17), vale of Hebron (Gen 38:14), valley of Achor (Jos 7:24; Jos 7:26; Jos 15:7; Isa 65:10; Hos 2:15), valley of Ajalon (Jos 10:12), valley of Rephaim (Jos 15:8; Jos 18:16; 2Sa 5:18; 2Sa 5:22; 2Sa 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 1Ch 14:9; 1Ch 14:13; Isa 17:5), valley; of Jezreel (Jos 17:16; Jdg 6:33; Jdg 7:1; Jdg 7:8; Jdg 7:12; Hos 1:5; probably also 1Sa 31:7; 1Ch 10:7), valley of Keziz (Jos 18:21), valley of Beth-rehob (Jos 18:28), valley of Elah (1Sa 17:2; 1Sa 17:19; 1Sa 21:9), valley of Berachah (2Ch 20:26), valley of Baca (Psa 84:6), valley of Succoth (Psa 60:6; Psa 108:7), valley of Gibeon (Isa 28:21), valley of Jehoshaphat (Joe 3:2), valley of Decision (Joe 3:14), Beth-emek (Jos 19:27).
2. Gey ( or ), a ravine (A. V. invariably valley), used generally (Psa 23:4; Isa 28:1; Isa 28:4; Isa 40:4; Jer 2:23; Eze 6:3; Eze 7:16; Eze 31:12; Eze 32:5; Eze 35:8; Eze 36:4; Eze 36:6; Mic 1:6; Zec 14:4-5), and specifically of Moab (Num 21:20 : Deu 3:29; Deu 4:46; Deu 34:6), Hinnon (Jos 15:8; Jos 18:16; 2Ki 23:10; 2Ch 28:3; 2Ch 33:6; Neh 11:30; Jer 7:31-32; Jer 19:2; Jer 19:6; Jer 32:35; prob. 1Sa 22:1; 1Sa 22:5; also valley ate, 2Ch 26:9; Neh 2:13; Neh 2:15; Neh 3:13), Jiphthahl el (Jos 19:14; Jos 19:27), Zeboim (1Sa 13:18; comp. Neh 11:34), Salt (2Sa 8:13; 2Ki 14:7; 1Ch 18:12; 2Ch 25:11; Psalm Ix, title), Zephathah (2Ch 14:10), Charashimim (1Ch 4:14 : craftsmen, Neh 11:35), passengers (Eze 39:11), Hamon gag (Eze 39:11; Eze 39:15), Ai (Jos 8:2), near the Jordan (2Ki 2:16), Gedor (1Ch 4:39).
3. Shaveh (), a dale, namely, of Kirjathhaim (Num 32:37), and the kings (Gen 14:17; in 1Sa 18:18 this word is not used).
4. Metsullch ( ) a dell (Zec 1:8).
5. Bikah (), a broad plain between mountains, used generally (Deu 8:7; Deu 11:11, Psa 104:8; Isa 41:18; Isa 63:14; Isa 40:4, plain): specifically valley of Jericho (Deu 34:3), valley of Mizpeh (Jos 11:8), valley of Lebanon (Jos 11:17; Jos 12:7), valley of Meniddo (Zec 12:11), plain of Oinoi, (Neh 6:2), plain of Aven (Amo 1:5), plain of Dura (Dan 3:1), plain of Mesopotamia (Eze 3:23-24; Eze 8:4; Eze 37:1-2; probably the same as plain of Shinar, Gen 11:2).
6. Mishor (), downs or table-land, specifically of the plateau of Moab (Deu 3:10; Deu 4:43; Jos 13:9; Jos 13:16-17; Jos 13:21; Jos 20:8; 1Ki 20:23; 1Ki 20:25; 2Ch 26:10; Jer 21:13; Jer 48:8; Jer 48:21).
7. Sharan (), a flat, specifically the pasture land along the Mediterranean (Jos 12:19; Son 2:2; Isa 33:9; Isa 35:2; Isa 65:1), perhaps that of Gilead (1Ch 5:16).
8. Shephelah ( ), a low country, specifically the maritime plain (vale, Deu 1:7; Jos 10:40; 1Ki 10:27; 2Ch 1:15; valley, Jos 9:1; Jos 11:2; Jos 11:16; Jos 12:8; Jos 15:33; Judges 1, 9; Jer 32:44; plain, Jer 17:26; Oba 1:19; Zec 7:7′; low plains, 1Ch 27:28; 2Ch 9:27; low country, 2Ch 28:18; Sephela, 1Ma 12:38).
9. Midbar (), a wilderness in the sense of an open tract of unoccupied common, in general a desert or wilderness (Exo 3:1; Exo 5:3; Exo 23:31; Num 20:1 : Deu 33:10; 2Ch 26:10; Job 24:5; Isa 21:1; Jer 25:24, etc.); specifically that of Sinai (Num 33:15-16, etc.; south, Psa 75:6); sometimes (with the art.) fir Arabia in general, or for those parts of it which extend into Palestine (Gen 21:14; Jos 8:15; Jdg 1:16).
10. Arabah (), a desert as such, either generally (wilderness, desert, or plain, Job 24:5; Job 39:6; Isa 33:9; Isa 35:1; Isa 35:6; Isa 40:3; Jer 2:6; Jer 5:6; Jer 17:6; Jer 51:43; Amo 6:14; Zec 14:10), or specifically (technically, with the art.) the Arabah (desert, Eze 47:8; plain, Deu 1:1; Deu 1:7; Deu 2:5; Deu 3:17; Deu 4:49; Jos 3:16; Jos 8:14; Jos 11:16; Jos 12:1; Jos 12:3; 1Sa 23:24; 2Sa 2:29; 2Sa 4:7; 2Ki 14:25; 2Ki 25:4; Jer 39:4; Jer 2:7; plains, Jos 11:2; Jos 12:5; champaign, Deu 11:30; Arabah, Jos 18:18; Beth-arabah, Jos 15:6), or (in the plur. without the art.) the Ghor or the plains (2Sa 15:28; 2Sa 17:16) of Moab (Num 22:1; Num 26:3; Num 26:63; Num 31:12; Num 33:48-50; Num 35:1; Num 36:13; Deu 34:1; Deu 34:8) or Jericho (Jos 4:13; Jos 5:10; 2Ki 25:5; Jer 39:5; Jer 52:8).
11. Jeshimon (), a waste, either generally (especially of the wilderness of the wandering, Deu 32:10; Psa 68:7; desert, Psa 78:40; Psa 106:14; Isa 43:19-20; solitary, Psa 107:4), For specifically the barren tract on both sides of the Dead Sea (Jeshimon, Num 21:20; Num 23:25; Num 33:49; 1Sa 23:19; 1Sa 23:24; 1Sa 26:1; 1Sa 26:3).
12. Kikkar (), a circle (primarily and often, a coin or loaf), specifically (A. V. always plain) the floor of the valley through which the Jordan runs (2Sa 18:23; 1Ki 7:46; 2Ch 4:17; Neh 12:28), or the oasis that formerly existed in (the southern part of) it (Gen 13:10-12; Gen 19:17; Gen 19:25; Gen 19:28-29; Deu 31:3). Less distinctive than the above are the terms Geliloth (), circles, used in the general sense of frontiers (borders, Jos 13:2; coasts, Joe 3:4), or the windings of the Jordan (borders, Jos 22:10-11; country, Eze 47:8); Carmel (), a park, employed (besides. its use as a proper name) in the general signification of a well- cultivated region (fruitful field; Isa 10:8; fruitful place, Jer 4:26; plentiful field, Isa 16:10; Jer 48:33; Carmel, 2Ki 19:23; Isa 37:24); Sadeh ( ), arable land (field, country land); Shedemoth (), highly cultivated: soil (fields of Gomorrah, Deu 32:32; Kidron, 2Ki 23:4; Jer 31:40; Heshbon, Isa 16:8; comp. Hab 3:17); Abel (), a meadow, employed as the name of a place, and usually in composition;. Maargh (), an open tract (meadows of Gibeah, Jdg 20:33; perhaps for , a cave; by others read ) from the west); Chelkch’ (), a (smooth) plot of ground (often in general as a portion), in connection with Saddah (piece, parcel, etc.) or without it (field, piece, plot, etc.); Naphdh ), a height, only of Dor (borders, Jos 11:2; coast, Jos 12:23; region, 1Ki 4:11), or Napheth (), in the same connection (countries, Jos 17:11); Chibel (), a district (lit. as measured by Ai rope); applied as a general topographical division (portion, or coast, Jos 17:5; Jos 17:14; Jos 19:9; Jos 19:29; Zep 2:5-7), especially to Argob (region or country, Deu 3:4; Deu 3:13-14; 1Ki 4:13).
II. Elevations (considered as such, without reference to their extent of area).
1. Har (), a mountain, employed for single summits (as Sinai, Gerizim, Zion, Olivet) or for ranges (as is Lebanon); also to the general backbone or highland of Palestine, or of Judah, Ephraim, etc., in particular (A.V. mountain, mount, hill”). Occasionally the cognate form har ( or ) is employed (usually with the art.), especially with reference to the well-known eminence of that name. The following are the various elevations to which hor is applied: Abarim, Amana (Son 4:8,), Ararat, Baalah, Baal-Hermon (Jdg 3:3; comp. Jos 13:5), Bethel, Bether (Son 2:7), Carmel, Ebanl, Emek (Jos 13:19), Ephron (Jos 15:9), Gesh, Gerizim, Gilboa, Gilead, Halak (Jos 11:17), Heres (Jdg 1:35), Hermon, Hor, Horeb, Jearim (Jos 15:10), Olivet (Zec 14:4; the word is not used in 2Sa 15:30), Mizar (Psalms 42, 6), Moriah, Nebo, Paran (Deu 33:2), Perazim (Isa 28:21), Samaria (1Ki 16:24), Seir, Sephar (Gen 10:30), Sinai, Sion (Sirion or Shenir, all names for Hermon, Deu 3:9; Deu 4:48), Shapher (Num 33:23), Tabor, Zai mon (Jdg 9:48), Zemaraim (2Ch 13:4), Zion. There re also the mountains of the Amorites, of the Amalekites (Jdg 12:15), of Ephraim, of Esau, of Israel, of Judah, of Naiphtali, and of Bashan (Psa 68:15).
The following subordinate terms are applied to parts or features of mountains in personification of the human frame: Irash (), head, the top (Gen 8:5; Exo 19:20; Deu 34:1; 1Ki 18:42); Aznoth (), ears, perh. some projection on the summit (Jos 19:34); Kathliph (, the shouolder, the brow (Deu 33:12; Jos 15:8; Jos 15:10; Jos 18:16); Tsad (), the side or hill-slope (1Sa 23:26; 2Sa 13:34); Kisldth (), loins or flanks, i.e. base (Jos 19:12; Jos 19:18); Tsla (), a rib, i.e. spur (2Sa 16:13); Shekm. (), back, i.e. rear (Shechein); Ammah (), elbow; bend (2Sa 16:2); Yerekah (), thigh, i.e. recesses (of Mount Ephraim, Jdg 19:1; Jdg 19:18; of Lebanon, 2Ki 19:23; Isa 33:24).
2. Gibah ( ), a hill (as in the A.V. invariably), the Arabic Jebel, the common designation of less important or individual eminences; applied (besides its general use) to Zion (Isa 31:4; Eze 34:26), and to the following: the hill of the foreskins. (Jos 5:3), of Phinehas (24, 33), of Moreh (Jdg 7:1), of Hachilhh (1Sa 23:19; 1Sa 26:1), of Ammah (2Sa 2:24), of Gareb (Jer 31:39); also an element of the proper names Gibeah, Geba or Gaba, and Gibeon.
3. Tel (), a hillock (the Arabic Tell), is a diminutive mound or knoll,usually an artificial heap of rubbish (Deu 13:17; Jos 8:28; Jer 30:18; Jer 49:2); often an element of proper names, as Tel-Abib, Tel-llarsha, Tel-Melah.
The two following are other appropriations of appellatives as proper names than general designations of an elevated ground:
4. Pisgah, or rather hap-Pisgth (for it has the art. ), the height (comp. Eugl. the summit), vas probably the ragged edge of the table-land of Moab where it suddenly broke down into the declivity towards the Dead Sea (Num 21:20; Num 23:14; Deu 3:17; Deu 34:1).
5. Ophel (), a swelling mound (so of tumors, Deu 28:27; 1Sa 5:6, etc.), is applied to Elisha’s residence near Jericho (2Ki 5:24), elsewhere (with the doubtful exception of Isa 32:14; Mic 4:8) and everywhere with the art., to the sloping tongue of Mount Moriah on the south (2Ch 27:3; 2Ch 33:14; Neh 3:26-27; Neh 11:21).
The following, likewise, are rather designations of portions or elements of hills than the elevations themselves:
6. Maaleh (), an ascent or rise, used (besides its common meaning, Jdg 8:13) of several localities that of the Scorpions (Num 34:4; Jos 15:3), of Adummim (Jos 15:7; Jos 18:17), of Gur (2Ki 9:27), of Ziz (2Ch 20:16), of Luhith (Isa 15:5; Jer 48:5), of Bethhoron (Jos 10:10), of Olivet (1Ma 3:16; comp. 2Sa 15:13) and Saul’s city [probably Bethlehem] (1Sa 9:11)
7. Mord (), a descent or fall, applied (besides its general use, Mic 1:4) to the declivity of the Jordan valley (Jos 7:5), of Bethhoron (Jos 10:10; 1Ma 3:24), of Horouaim (Jer 48:5), and Olivet (, Luk 19:37).
8. Shephi (), a bare spot on a hill (high place, Num 23:3; Isa 41:18; Isa 49:9; Jer 3:2; Jer 3:21; Jer 4:11; Jer 2:29; Jer 12:11; Jer 14:6).
9. Aruts ( ), a precipice (cliff, Job 30:6).
10. Misgab (), a bluff or inaccessible steep, as a refuge (2Sa 22:3; Psa 18:2; Isa 25:12, etc.); with the art, a particular fortress of Moab (Jer 48:1).
11. Kephim (), crags or rough isolated rocks (Job 30:6; Jer 4:29), hence the Syriac name Ceihas. There remain the two distinctive terms for a stony prominence, with their concomitants.
12. Tsur (), Chald. and Arab. Tur, a rock or outstanding block of stone whether fixed or builder, of frequent occurrence (A.V. rock), both literally (2Ki 5:23, etc.) and figuratively (Psa 31:2; Psa 62:6, etc.), and in only a few cases referring to the height of the rock (Num 23:1; Psa 61:2, etc.); in one case assuming the dignity of a proper name, Tyre. It is specifically applied to Horeb (Exo 17:6), the rock of Obel (Jdg 7:25; Isa 10:26), and is an element of the names Helkath-hazzurim (2Sa 2:16), and Beth-sur (Jos 15:58).
In connection with Sela twice occurs the peculiar term Nekrah (), a hole or cleft (Exo 33:22; Isa 2:21).
13. Sela (), a cliff or abrupt and elevated rock, especially in personification (Psa 18:2; Psa 42:9, etc,), and as a parallel with Tur (Psa 31:2-3; Psa 31:7-8; Psa 31:15-16; Isa 2:21 etc.). In the A.V. it is loosely rendered rock, stone, etc. It is applied generally to the spot in Ka’desh whence Moses brought forth water (Num 20:8; Num 20:10-11; Neh 9:15; Psa 78:16; comp. Tsur, in Ezekiel 17), to the rocks of Edam, (Jdg 15:8; Jdg 8:11) Rimmol (Jdg 20:45), and Sela-hlam- mahlekoth (1Sa 23:28); also as a proper name to Peta (with the art., 2Ki 14:7; 2Ch 25:12; and prob. Jdg 1:36; without the art., Isa 16:1; Oba 1:3).
In exclusive connection with Sela are found the following descriptive terms: Chagavim (), chasms (Son 2:14; Jer 49:16; Oba 1:3): Seph (), a cleft (Jdg 15:8; Jdg 15:11; Isa 2:21; Isa 57:5); Tsechiach ( ), a bald spot, as the summit (f a rock exposed to the drying sun (Neh 4:13; Eze 24:7-8; Eze 26:14);. Nekik (), a cranny or fissure (Isa 7:19 Jer 13:4; Jer 16:16); and Shen (), a tooth or sharp edge or end of a crag (Job 39:28; 1Sa 14:4-5); also as a proper name (1Sa 7:12).
B. WATER.
I. Flowing (including the valley or bed though which it courses); of these the first two are the most general and distinctively descriptive.
1. Nahar, ( ), a perennial river (as almost always rendered in the A.V.), the Arab. nahr ; used generally in the poetical books of watercourses and of the sea (Job 14:11; Job 20:17; Job 22:16; Job 28:1; Job 40:23; Psa 24:2; Psa 46:4; Psa 78:16; Psa 93:3; Psa 98:8; Psa 105:41; Psa 107:33; Son 8:7; Isa 18:2; Isa 18:7; Isa 33:21; Isa 41:18; Isa 42:15; Isa 43:2; Isa 43:19-20; Isa 1:2; Isa 56:12); also a stream of fire (Dan 7:10); and specifically to some of the great rivers of Mesopotamia and Egypt (Gen 2:10; Gen 2:13-14; Gen 15:18; Exo 7:9; Exo 8:5; 2Ki 5:12; 2Ki 17:6; 2Ki 18:11.; 1Ch 5:26; Ezr 8:15; Ezr 8:21; Ezr 8:31; Ezr 8:36; Isa 18:1; Isa 19:5-6; Jer 46:7-8; Eze 1:1; Eze 1:3; Eze 3:15; Eze 3:23; Eze 10:15; Eze 10:20; Eze 10:22; Eze 32:2; Eze 32:14; Eze 43:3; Dan 10:4; Zep 3:10), especially the Euphrates (Isa 7:20; Jer 2:18; Mic 6:1; Mic 6:12; Zec 9:10), or that in connection with the Tigris (Aram-Niharaim, Gen 24:10; Deu 23:4; Jdg 1:2; Jdg 1:8; Psalms 60 title; 1Ch 19:6), but never the Jordan (unless, perhaps, that or the Dead Sea be intended in Psa 61:6; Psa 74:15; Hab 3:8-9) and with the art. it specifically decimates the Euphrates, either alone (Gen 31:21; Gen 36:37; Exo 23:31; Num 22:5; Num 24:6; Jos 24:2-3; Jos 24:14-15; 2Sa 10:16; 1Ki 4:21; 1Ki 4:24; 1Ki 14:5; 1 Kings 15; 1Ch 1:48; 1Ch 19:16; 2Ch 9:26; Neh 2:9; Neh 3:7; Psa 72:8; Psa 30:11; Isa 8:7; Isa 11:15; Isa 27:12; Isa 48:18; Isa 59:19; and so is the phrase in Ezra, beyond the river) or with the name added (Gen 2:14; Gen 15:18; Deu 1:7; Deu 11:24; Jos 1:4; 2Sa 8:3; 2Ki 24:7; 1Ch 5:9; 1Ch 18:3; Jer 46:2; Jer 46:6; Jer 46:10); while in the plural it apparently denotes the canals or branches of the same river (Psa 89:25; Psa 137:1; Isa 44:27; Isa 47:2; Eze 31:4; Eze 31:15 : Nah 1:4; Nah 2:6).
The following are the terms which, in the imagery of the East, are applied to the various parts of a river: Yad (), at hand or side, either right or left (Num 13:29; Deu 2:37; Jdg 11:26); Saphcah (), a lip or brink of a river or of the sea (Gen 22:17; Gen 41:3; Gen 41:17; Exo 2:3; Exo 7:15; Exo 14:30; Deu 2:36; Deu 4:48; Jos 11:4; Jos 12:2; Jos 13:9; Jos 13:16; Jdg 7:12; Jdg 7:22; 1Sa 13:5; 1Ki 4:29; 1Ki 9:26 : 2Ki 2:13; 2Ch 8:17; Eze 47:6-7; Eze 47:12; Dan 12:5; and so of the molten sea, of Solomon’s Temple, 1Ki 7:23; 1Ki 7:26; 2Ch 4:2); Lashon (), a tongue or bay (Jos 15:2; Jos 15:5; Jos 18:19; Isa 11:15);Gedoth (), banks (of the Jordan, Jos 3:15; Jos 4:18; 1Ch 12:15; or of the Euphrates, Psa 8:7); Katseh (), the extreme limit or end (1Sa 14:27), whether of a river (Jos 15:5; Jos 18:19), of the water (Jos 3:8; Jos 3:15), or of: a lake (Num 34:3; Jos 15:2), and so of a country (Gen 47:21; Exo 13:20; Num 33:3 a mountain (Exo 19:12; Jos 18:16), and a town (Jos 18:15; 1Sa 14:2); Maabirs (), Mabarah (), a ford (as of the Jordan, Jos 2:7; Jdg 3:18; Jdg 12:6; the Jabbok, Gen 32:22; or the Arunon, Isa 16:2), and so a pass between hills (at Michmash, 1Sa 13:23; 1Sa 14:4; Isa 10:29; Jer 2:32).
2. Nachal (), a brook or summer watercourse, the Arabic wady, signifying both the stream and the torrent-bed or valley (translated very. variously in tie A.V., brook, valley, river, stream, etc.); it is applied to the following places: the torrent of Gerar (Gen 26:17; 1Sa 15:5), of Eshcol (Num 13:23-24; Num 32:9), of Zered (Num 21:12; Deu 2:13; perhaps Isa 15:7; Amo 6:14), the Arnon (Num 21:14; Deu 2:24; Deu 3:8), of Jabbok (Deu 2:37), of Kaulah (Jos 16:8), of Kishon: (Jdg 4:7; 1Ki 18:40; Psa 83:9; probably Jos 19:11), of Besor (1Sa 30:9), of Sorek (Jdg 16:4), of Kedron (2Sa 15:23; 1Ki 2:3; Jer 31:40) of Gaash (2Sa 23:30; 1Ch 11:32); of Cherith (1Ki 17:3; perhaps 2Sa 24:5), of Egypt (the Wady el Arish, Num 34:5; Jos 15:4; Isa 37:12), of Shittim (Joe 3:18).
The following terms designate artificial or temporary flowings of water of greater or less extent, some of them of local use.
3. Yior ( or ), once (Ecclesiastes 24:27) Or ( , by abbreviation), is properly a canal (perhaps an Egyptian word), specifically a branch of the Nile (so in the plur., Exo 7:19; Exo 8:5; 2Ki 19:24; Job 28:10; Psa 78:44; Isa 7:18; Isa 19:6-7; Isa 33:21; Isa 37:25; Eze 29:3; Eze 4:5; Eze 4:10; Eze 30:12; Nah 3:8), and so the Nile itself (in the sing. Gen 41:1-3; Gen 41:17 : Exo 1:22; Exo 2:3; Exo 2:5; Exo 4:9; Exo 7:15; Exo 7:17-18; Exo 7:20-21; Exo 7:24-25; Exo 8:3; Exo 8:9; Exo 8:11; Exo 17:5; Isa 23:3; Isa 23:10; Jer 46:7; Eze 29:3; Eze 29:9; Amo 8:8; Amo 9:5; Zec 10:11), and in Daniel (Dan 12:5-7) the river Ulai, a similar alluvial stream.
4. Shichor (), a black or turbid stream, as swollen or discolored by showers, either generally (Isa 23:3; Jer 2:18) or specifically (the Belus, Jos 19:26; and perhaps the Arish, 13:3; 1Ch 13:5).
5. Peleg (), a channel, a poetical term for the divisions of a stream (Psa 46:4), such as the gullies of Reatbeli (Jdg 5:15-16), the subdivisions of an irrigating stream (Psa 1:3), contrasted with Jubol (Isa 30:25), or with Nahal (Job 20:17), or even the dew (Psa 65:9).
6. Mikal ), a rivulet (2Sa 17:20).
7. Tealah (), a conduit or trench for water raised or poured out for irrigation, such as a ditch (1Ki 18:32; 1Ki 18:35; 1Ki 18:38), an aqueduct (2Ki 18:17; 2Ki 20:20; Isa 7:3; Isa 36:2; see also Job 38:25), or for a garden (Eze 31:4).
The following denote rainfall or its effects more or less direct.
8. Geshem (), a shower, i.e. sudden and heavy rain as it ordinarily falls in the East.
9. Zerem (), a storm or violent and overwhelming rain (e.g. Job 24:8; Isa 25:4; Isa 28:2; Hab 3:10; comp. Mat 7:27).
10. Yubal ( ), Yabul ( ), or Ubal ( or ), a freshet or overflow of streams from rain (Isa 30:25; Isa 44:4; Jer 17:8); hence the Ulai itself, as liable to such inundations (Dan 8:2-3; Dan 8:6).
11. Aphik (), an outburst or crevasse in the bank of an alluvial stream or mountain torrent, throwing the water into new and destructive channels; a poetical term for any unusual rush (Job 6:15; Psalms 42, 1; Son 5:12; Isa 8:7; Eze 6:2; Eze 31:12; Joe 1:20, etc.).
12. Aphik (), a gushing, as tears (Job 36:28; Isa 45:8), brooklets (Psa 78:16; Pro 5:18, etc.), or the sea (Exo 15:8).
13. Shibblleth (), a full stream (Psa 69:12; Psa 69:15; Isa 27:12).
14. Eshed (), a rapid (Num 21:15; Jos 10:5; Jos 12:8); in the plur. especially the tumbling stream bursting forth from the roots of Pisgah (Deu 3:17; Deu 4:49; Jos 12:3; Jos 13:20).
15. Sheteph (), a poetical word apparently for a local inundation (Job 38:25; Psa 32:6; Pro 27:4; Dan 9:26; Dan 11:22; Nah 1:8).
16. Mabbul (), a deluge, as of the accumulation of waters in the sky (Psa 29:10), and especially Noah’s flood.
II. Sources of supply, whether living or otherwise.
1. Ayun (), lit. an eye, hence a spring of natural Water open and running (A. V. usually fountain, but unfortunately well in Gen 16:7; Num 33:9 [comp. Exo 15:27]; Deu 7:7; Deu 33:28; 1Sa 29:1; 2Ch 32:3; Neh 2:14; Neh 4:15; Neh 12:37; Pro 8:28). It is applied, in the nature of a proper name (being a marked feature of any locality) to the following places: simply Ain, a city of Simeon (Jos 15:32; Jos 19:7; Jos 21:16; 1Ch 4:32); the Ain, a landmark of Palestine (Num 34:11); the two Ains, i.e. Enam (Jos 15:34; comp. Gen 38:14; Gen 38:21); the spring of Jezreel (1Sa 29:1), of Harod (Jdg 7:1), the dragon spring (Neh 2:13), of Shur (Gen 16:7); also En dor, El eglaimn, En gannlim, En-gedi, Eim-haddah, Enih’ak-kore, En-hazr, En- mishuah,’En-iuimmon, En-rgel, En-shemesh, En-tappuah, and Enon.
2. Mayan ( ), a fountain consisting of a collection of springs (fountain, Gen 7:10; Gen 8:2; Lev 11:36; Psa 74:15; Psa 114:8; Pro 5:16; Pro 8:24; Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Son 4:12; Son 4:15; Isaiah 61:18; Hos 13:15; Joe 3:18; well, Psa 84:6; Isa 12:3; springs, Psa 87:7; Psa 104:10); hence (topographically) a place watered by springs (fountain, Jos 15:9; 1Ki 18:5; 2Ch 32:4;: well, Jos 18:15; 2Ki 3:19; 2Ki 3:25).
3. Motsa (), a source or spring-head (spring, 2Ki 2:21; Isa 41:18; Isa 58:11; watercourse, 2Ch 32:30; water- springs, Psa 107:33; Psa 107:35).
4. Makor (), a well-spring or vein of water (Lev 12:7; Jer 51:36; Psa 36:9; Pro 10:11; Pro 16:22, etc.).
5. Guillth (), boiling or bubbling springs, used only of those given by Caleb to Achsah, (Jos 15:19; Jdg 1:15); and in the shorter form Gal (), a heap or spring. (Son 4:12); hence billow of the sea (Psa 106:25; Isa 48:18; Jon 2:3, etc.).
6. Mabbua, ), a gushing spring (spring, Isa 35:7; Isa 49:10; fountain, Ecc 12:6).
The following represent (mostly artificial) collections or receptacles of water:
7. Beer (), a well (as everywhere in the A.V., except pit in Gen 14:10; Psa 55:23; Psa 69:15; Pro 23:27) dug in the earth or rock and yielding a perpetual supply, three such are specially named (Gen 26:20-22), besides Jacob’s (Joh 4:6), and one at Bahurim (2Sa 17:18). The word stands alone as a proper name (Num 21:16; Jdg 9:21), and enters as an element into the names Beer-Tahai-roi, Beer-sheba, Beeroth-benejankasm, Beeroth, Beer- elim, Baaluth-beer, Berothah, and Berothai. Cognate with this is
8. Bor ( or ), a cistern (A.V. usually pit or well), whether dug (Deu 6:11; Exo 21:33; 2Ch 26:10) or built (Isa 14:19; Jer 2:13), and whether empty (and so often used for dungeon, Gen 37:20; Gen 41:14; Exo 12:29; 1Sa 13:16; 2Sa 23:20 : 1Ch 11:22; Jer 36:16; Jer 28:6; Zec 9:1) or as a receptacle of spring or rain water (Psa 7:15; Isa 11:15; Jer 6:7 [Kethib]; Eze 26:20, etc.). Special cisterns of this kind are sometimes mentioned, as they are next in importance to springs in the East; thus in Sechu (1Sa 19:22), of Sirah (2Sa 3:26), of Bethlehem (2Sa 23:15; 1Ch 9:17), at Mizpah (Jer 41:7; Jer 41:9; comp, 2Ki 25:25).
9. Berekah ( ); a pool (as uniformly rendered in the A.V.), the Arab. Birkah, an artificial tank for surface water. Special pools of this kind are mentioned at Gibeon (2Sa 2:13), Hebron (2Sa 4:12), Samaria (1Ki 22:35), Heshbon (Son 7:4), and several at Jerusalem, e.g. the upper (2Ki 18:17; Isa 7:3; Isa 36:3), the lower (Isa 22:9), or old (Isa 22:11), the king’s (Neh 2:14; Ecc 2:6), another (Neh 3:16), Siloam (Neh 3:15; Jos 9:7), Bethesda (Jos 5:2).
10. Mikveh (), a reservoir or large receptacle for water for irrigation, etc. (gathering together, Genesis 1; pools, Exo 7:19; plenty [of water], Lev 11:36; ditch, Isa 21:11).
11. Agam (), a pond of stagnant water (Exo 7:19; Exo 8:5; standing water, Psa 107:35; Psa 114:8; hence reeds, which abounded in such receptacles, Jer 51:32).
12. Keroth (), pits or wells in holes dug to water sheep (cottages, Zep 2:6); and so likewise Mikreh (), a pit for the same purpose (salt, Zep 2:9).
13. Mashabim (), troughs for watering animals (Jdg 5:11; comp. Gen 24:19-20; Gen 24:44-45, etc.).
The following are not employed with topographical exactness:
14. Geb () or Geb (), a ditch (2Ki 3:16; Isa 30:14; Eze 47:11); hence Gebim, a place near Jerusalem (Isa 10:31).
15. Pachath (), a hollow, used as a trap (pit, 2Sa 17:9; 2Sa 18:17; Isa 24:17-18;. Jer 48:43; Jeremiah 44; hole, Jer 44:27; snare, Lam 3:47). Akin to this is:
16. Shachath () or Sihtehah (), a pitfall, poetically used (variously rendered in the A.V., Psa 9:15; Pro 26:27; Jer 2:6; Jer 18:20, etc.).
17. Gumats (.), a deep hole or sunken shaft (Ecc 10:8).
18. Mahamarcah (), a gulf or whirlpool (deep pit, Psa 140:10).
III. Bodies of water and their connections. For these there really is but one Heb. term.
1. Yam (), sea (as always rendered in the A.V. except when used for west), including lakes and expanses of rivers; applied specially to the Mediterranean (with the art., Jos 15:47; sometimes with other adjuncts, as reat, Num 34:6-7 :’ hinder or western, Deu 11:24; and’ so’ sometimes when the situation is not west, as in. Egypt [Exo 10:19], Arabia, [27, 13; 38:12]), the Red Sea, that of Chinnereth, the Dead Sea (salt sea sea of the desert eastern sea); also (like the Arab. Bahr) of great rivers, as the Nile (Jer 19:5; Nah 3:8 : Eze 32:2), the Euphrates (Isa 27:1; Jer 51:26, finally of the laver in the Temple (1 Kings 25:18 1Ch 18:8). Connected with Yam are the following:
Miphrts (), a bay (breaches, Jdg 5:17). Choph (), a shore, or rather perhaps cove (comp. Haifa), as a lesser form of the preceding: (haven, Gen 49:13; side, Deu 1:7; Coasts, Jos 9:1; shore, Jdg 5:1).
Machoz (), a pot or haven (Psa 107:30).
Iyim (), islands, or the distant shores of the Mediterranean, which seemed such to the Hebrews (Eze 27:6; Jer 2:10, etc.).
Waves of the sea are represented (besides Gal, above) by Dakat ( ), literally (Psa 93:3); Mishbar ( ), an overwhelming, (metaphor wave, 2Sa 22:5; Psa 10:3; Psa 10:7; billow Jon 2:3); Bamah (), a light place, usually on land, but put (Job 9:8) for a ridge of the sea.
2. Tehom (), the deep, a poetical word for ocean, corresponding to our main (Gen 7:2; Job 28:14; Job 33:6; Job 33:30; Pro 8:27-28; Eze 26:19; Eze 31:15; Jon 2:6; Hab 3:10; fully the great deep, Gen 5:2; Gen 5:11; Psa 36:7; Isa 51:10; Amo 1:4); more rarely any other great mass of waters (as those covering the earth at Cioetiton, Gen 1:2; Psa 104:6 or the subterranean waters, Gen 49:25; Deu 33:13; also floods, Job 41:32; Psa 42:7; Eze 31:4). In the plural () it designates either the surges of the sea (Exo 14:5; Exo 14:8; Psa 33:7; Psa 77:16;Psa 106:9; Pro 3:20; Pro 8:24; Isa 13:13), or its alysses (Psa 107:26; Psa 135:6; Psa 148:7); occasionally the [depths of the earth (Psa 71:20), as supply of streams (Deu 8:7).
C. Accessories.
These are such features as to obviously affect the character of the country for purposes of occupation, but not, like the foregoing, of a permanently essential nature.
I. Internal (including natural cavities and grottos)
1. Mearah (), a cave (hole, Isa 2:19; den, Isa 32:14; Jer 7:11), Alrab. Megharah, used as a proper name alone (Jos 13:4), but generally with the adjunct of locality of Adnullima (1Sa 22:1; 2Sa 23:13), Makkedah (Jos 10:16. etc.), Elngedi (1Sa 24:3), Obadiah (1Ki 18:4), Zoar (Gen 19:30), Machpelali, Horeb (1Ki 19:9).
2. Chor ( or ) and Chur (), a hole in’ the earth or rock (1Sa 14:11; Job 30:6), hence in the proper names Horite, Hanlran, Beth-horlon, Hooronaimili Hor-bagidgad.
3. Mechillah (), a fissure or cavern (Isa 2:19).
4. Minharcah (), a burrow or hiding-place (Jdg 6:2).
II. Superficial (including objects of natural growth, such as conspicuous and enduring vegetation).
1. Yar (), a forest or dense growth of trees, but occasionally a thicket only (Isa 21:13). In the historical books it is the usual name for the wooded tracts of Palestine, whether east or west of the Jordan; namely, the forest of Hareth (1Sa 22:5), the forest of Lebanon (1Ki 7:2; 1Ki 10:17; 1Ki 10:22; 2Ch 9:16; 2Ch 9:20), the wood of Ephrainim (2Sa 18:6; 2Sa 18:8; 2Sa 18:17;: see also Jos 17:15; Jos 17:18; 1Sa 14:25-26; 2Ki 2:24). In the poetical parts of Scripture it often occurs, and is translated: forest (but wood in Deu 19:5; 1Ch 16:33; Psa 80:13; Psa 83:14; Psa 96:12; Ecc 2:6; Son 2:3; Isa 7:2; Eze 24:2 Mic 7:14), It forms and element of the names Kijathjearim and Mount Jeaiim (Jos 15:10). In two passages (1Sa 14:27; Son 5:1) the word is applied to a honey-comb, which is the frequent product of forests.,
2. Choresh (), a wood, i.e. a thick growth of vegetation, whether in a single tree or in a copse: thus in Eze 31:3 it is used for the thick foliage (shroud’) of the cedar; elsewhere for a limited piece of wood (forests, 2Ch 27:4; bough, Isa 17:9; wood of Ziph, 1Sa 23:15-16; 1Sa 23:18-19).
3. Pardes (), a Persian word for a park or plantation of timber (forest, Neh 2:8) or fruit-trees (orchard, Ecc 2:5; Son 4:13).
4. Ets (), a tree in the widest sense, whether an individual one (Gen 1:29; Gen 2:16; Deu 12:2; Jos 10:16 [comp. Act 10:38]; Isa 7:2, etc.) or wood as its product (Exo 7:19 : Lev 11:32; 1Sa 6:14, etc.); hence timber (1Ki 5:6, etc.), or a piece (stick, Num 15:32; 1Ki 17:10); sometimes as wrought (taff of a spear, 1Sa 7:7; handle of an axe, Deu 19:5).
The most important of generally used names of particular species of trees are the following, which (do not always seem to be used exactly or distinctively:
5. El in some of its various forms (all from , or , to be strong), which, according to Gesenius, are used thus: Eyl may be either an oak or a terebinth; where Allon is opposed to Elah (as in Isa 6:13; Hos 4:13), the former is the oak, the latter the terebinth; on the other hand, all the Words appear to be interchangeable, f r the same tree which is Allon (Jos 19:33) is also in (Jdg 4:11), while that which is Elon (plain 9) is likewise Elah (Gen 35:4) and Allah (Jos 24:26). The following are several terms and their application:
Eyl (), in the sing., occurs only in the combination El-parian (Gen 14:6); in the masc. plur. Eylim ( or ) of a collection of trees (oaks, Isa 1:29 trees, Isa 61:3; Eze 31:4), and the proper name Elim (from the seventy palms there, Exo 15:27; Exo 16:1; Num 33:9-10). The fem. plur. Eyloth’ () or Elyilth (), as a p proper name Eloth or Elath, probably refers to the palm- grove at Akabah (Deu 2:8; 1Ki 9:26; 2Ki 14:22; 2Ki 16:6; 2Ch 8:17; 2Ch 26:2). Elah (), designated a notable tree, perhaps the terebinth (oak, Gen 35:4; Isa 1:30; Eze 6:13; elms, Hos 4:13; teil-tree, Isa 6:3; with the art. Jdg 6:1; Jdg 6:19; 2Sa 18:9-10; 2Sa 18:14; 1Ki 12:14 Elah, 1Sa 17:2; 1Sa 17:19; 1Sa 21:9).
Eylon ( ), a similar notable tree, perhaps the oak (plain of Moreh, Gen 12:6; Deu 11:30; of Mamre, Gen 13:18; Gen 14:13; Gen 18:1; of Zaanaim, Jdg 4:11; of the pillar, Jdg 9:6; of Monenim, Jdg 9:37; (Tabor 1Sa 10:3), and also stands as a proper name, Elon (Jos 19:43).
Ilon (), a great tree (Dan 4:10-11; Dan 4:14; Dan 4:20; Dan 4:23; Dan 4:26).
Alliah (), a marked tree (oak, Jos 24:6), as. a prop. name Allah- milek (the king’s oak, Jos 19:26).
Allon (), the same (oak, Gen 30:5; Isa 44:14; Amo 2:9; in connection with Elah, Isa 6:13; Hos 4:13; of Bashall, Isa 2:13; Eze 27:6 ch. Eze 11:3), and in the names Allon- bachuth (Gen 35:8) and Allon’zaanaim (Jdg 4:11), or simply Allon (Jos 19:33).
6. Eshel (), prob. the tamarisk (tree, 1Sa 22:6; 1Sa 31:13; grove, Gen 21:3).
7. Asherh (), tendered in the A. V. grove was an idolatrous image or pillar of Astarte (Jdg 6:25-27), which, on account of its height, was planted in the ground, Deu 16:21; as at Samaria, 1Ki 16:32-33; 2Ki 10:20; 2Ki 17:16 : at Bethel; 2Ki 23:15; at Ophrah, Jdg 6:25; and even at Jerusalem, 2Ki 23:6; so in the plur. , Baal’s cippi, 1Ki 14:23, etc.); and hence the goddess herself (1Ki 15:13, etc.), among other species of trees that seem to have given names to localities we mention Rimmon, the pomegranate; Liz, the almond; Tamar, the palm; Shittah (in the plu. Shittim), the acacia; Libneh (or Jibnah), the white poplar; and Rithem (Rithmah), the Spanish broon.
III. Human structures (including residences or defenses), whether collective or individual, public or private.
1. Ir () or Ar (), a city (as always rendered in the A.V., except town, in Deu 3:5; 1Sa 16:4; 1Sa 23:7; 1Sa 27:5; Est 9:9; Jer 19:15; court, in 2Ki 20:4), designates a fortified place (2Ki 10:25; 2Ki 17:9; 2Ki 18:8; 1Ch 11:5, etc.), such as Jerusalem, Samaria, Jericho, etc., especially walled cities (Gen 23:10; Genesis 8; Gen 34:20; Gen 34:24; Jos 8:29; Jos 11:4; Jdg 16:2-3; Rth 3:11; 1Sa 23:7; 1Ki 4:13; 1Ki 17:10; 1Ch 11:9; 2Ch 8:5, etc..), in contrast with others (Lev 25:29; Lev 25:31; 1Sa 6:18); but in one case (Deu 3:5) we have unwalled cities. The former of these two cognate terms occurs as part of a proper name in Ir- hat-temaritm (Deu 34:3; Jdg 1:16; Jdg 3:13; 2Ch 28:15) Irham-melelach (Jos 15:62), Ir-shemesh (Jos 19:41), Ir-nahash (1Ch 4:12), Ir-ha-heres (Isa 19:18), Rechoboth-ir (Gen 10:11); the latter as Ar (Num 21:15; Deu 2:9; Deu 2:18; Deu 2:29) or Ar-Moab (Num 21:28; Num 22:36, Isa 15:1).
2. Kiryah (), a town, apparently the aucient (hence their mnaauitish Kirjath) and poetical (but proverbial, Deu 2:36; Deu 3:4; 1Ki 1:41; 1Ki 1:45; or Slamauitan, Ezr 4:10; Ezr 4:12-13; Ezr 4:15-16; Ezr 4:19; Ezr 4:21) word for a city (Num 21:28; Psa 68:2 : Isa 25:2), especially in the proper names Kirjath, Kijnathainm, Kirjatih-arba, Kiljath-huzoth, Kirj atti-jearim, Kirj tharim, Kirjath-baal, Kirjath-sepher, Kirjth-satniah, Kerioth, anid Kiartch.
3. Perazah (, only with the plur. Perazoth, , and the collective Perazin, , or Perazi, unwalled town or open village of considerable size and character (Deu 2:5; 1Sa 6:18; Est 9:19; Eze 38:11; Zec 1:4; but villages in Jdg 5:7; Jdg 5:11; Hab 3:14, means chiefs), and in the designation of the Perizzites, or inhabitants of open villages.
4. Kaphar (), a hamlet or small collection of houses (village, 1Sa 6:18; 1Ch 27:25; Son 7:11), occurs chiefly in combination as a proper name: Chehar-ha-Amnmonai (Jos 18:24), Chephirah (Jos 9:17), Ciaphar-saba (1Ma 7:31), Caperniumin, and many Talmudic places (Caiphii), like the Arab. Kefr.
5. Chatser (), a village (literally an enclosure), originally a court or vestibule (as of the Tabernacle, Exo 27:9, etc.; or TempLeviticus , 1Ki 6:36; of a palace, 2Ki 2:4; Est 1:5; Jer 36:20; comp. Jer 36:22; prison, Neh 3:25; Jer 22:2, etc.; or even of a common house, 2Sa 17:18), but topographically designating a permanent Bedawin encampment of tent- cloths spread over stone walls (Gen 25:16; Isa 42:11), such as the Hazerim dwelt in (Deu 2:23). It appears especially in the proper names Hazeroth, Hazar-addar, Hazareth; Hazar-addah, Hazar-hat- ticon, Haza-shulal, Hazar-isth (or susim), and (in a slightly changed form, Chatsor, ), Hazor.
6. Chavvh (), in the plur. (Chavoth, ), a tent village of a more temporary or frail character than the preceding, was not being surrounded by any defense (town, Num 32:41; Jos 13:30; 1Ki 4:13; Havoth, Deu 3:14; Jdg 4:13). The following are rather separate erections or fortification than congregated abodes but they are of a fixed character in distinction from the simple and primitive Ohel ( ), or tent. For all these the general name is Bayith (), a house (as almost always rendered in the A.V.), which is the common expression for a fixed habitation (very generally as built [from ] of substantial materials, but occasionally a frailer structure, Gen 10:17; Gen 10:15 : Jdg 18:31; 1Sa 1:7; 2Ki 18:7; Job 8:14), and for a permanent dwelling (as appears from the form of the letter called from it which represents the three sides of a house, the other being left open for a doorway). The main element of the former and most enduring of these erections is denoted by the word Kr ( cognate with Kirch above), a wall (as of a house, whether exterior or interior, Lev 14:37; 1Sa 10:25; 1Ki 6:5; Eze 23:14, etc.; hence the side of an altar, Lev 1:5; Lev 5:9; a fence or enclosure, Num 22:25; and the will of a town, only Num 35:4; as the distinctive term for this last is Chomah, ; see Jos 2:15, where both occur together), which, itself is also used as a proper name, Kir (both in Moab, Psa 15:1; comp. 2Ki 3:25,; Isa 16:7; Isa 16:11; Jer 48:31; Jer 48:36; and in Assyria, 2Ki 16:9; Isa 22:6; Amo 1:5; Amo 9:7).
7. Heykal (), a palace or, large edifice for royalty (Pro 30:28; Isa 39:7; Dan 1:4, etc.), especially the temple of Jehovah at Jerusalem (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 3:17; Jer 50:28; Hag 2:15; Zec 6:14-15; elsewhere distinguished by the epithet holy, or denoted by Lord’s house); and so, of the tabernacle previously (1Sa 1:9; 1Sa 3:3; Psa 5:8; poetically for the heavens, Psa 11:4, etc.), specifically for the holy place (1Ki 6:5, etc.).
8. Binrh (), a citadel (a word of wide etymological affinities, all denoting strength of defense SEE BARIS ), a term of later Hebrew (for the acropolis adjoining the Temple, Neh 2:7; or the Temple itself, 1Ch 29:19) or Chaldaic use (the Persian palace, Ezr 6:2 Neh 1:7; Est 1:2; Est 2:3; Est 3:15; Est 8:14; Est 9:6, etc.; Dan 8:2), and in the plur. (castles, 2Ch 17:12; 2Ch 27:4).
9. Armon (, ounce (Amo 4:3) Harmony (), the keep or harem of a palace, a poetical term (1Ki 16:18; 2Ki 15:25; 2Ch 36:19; Psa 48:3; Psa 48:13; Isa 25:2; Jer 17:21; Amo 1:4; Amo 2:2, etc.).
10. Tirah (), a Bedawin castle (Gen 25:16; Num 31:10; palace, Eze 25:4).
11. Mibtsr ( ), a fortress, commonly used with Irs (fenced city, Num 32:17; Num 32:36; Jos 10:20; Jos 19:35; 1Sa 6:18; 2Ki 3:19; 2Ki 10:2; 2Ki 17:9; 2Ki 18:8; 2Ch 17:19); such as Tyre (Jos 19:29; 2Sa 24:7), frequent in the poetical books (fortress, or defensed city, Psalm 29:40; Isa 17:3; Jer 1:8; Nah 3:12, etc.), as well as in the historical (stronghold, Num 13:19; 2Ki 8:12). Cognate is, Bitsaron (Stronghold, Zec 9:12).
12. Matsor () or Metsurah ( ), a fort (A.V. fort, fenced, stronghold, etc.), either alone (2Ch 11:10), or ,within (2Ch 8:5; 2Ch 11:5; 2 Chronicles 10, 11, 23; 2Ch 13:4; 2Ch 14:6), to denote the fortified towns of Judah and Benjamin, once (Zec 9:3) Tyre and (especially in the poetical books) for offensive works of a siege (siege bulwarks, or fort, Deu 20:19-20; Deu 28:5; Deu 28:3; Isaiah 19; Nah 2:4 etc.) As a proper name (2Ki 19:24; Psa 19:6)] Mazor seems to denote Egypt (Miz-raim).
The remaining terms are rather designations of temporary and natural protection than artificial and settled abodes.
13. Maoz ( ), a stronghold, such as a rock (Jdg 6:26), elsewhere poetically as an attributive for military strength (fort, fortress, stronghold, strength, Psa 27:1; such as Tyre, Isa 23:4; Isa 23:11; Isa 23:14; or Egypt, Isa 30:2-3;).
14. Maoi () or Meonuah (), a secure dwelling place, as of Jehovah (at Shiloh, 1Sa 2:29; 1Sa 2:32; at Jerusalem, Psa 26:5; Psa 68:5; Psa 76:2); and so a den (of a lion, Job 38:40; Psa 104:22; Son 4:8; Nah 2:11-12; Amo 3:4; or other beast, Job 37:5; Jer 9:11; Jer 10:22; Jer 49:33; Jer 51:37).
15. Metsad () or Metsudah (), a lair (from the idea of hunting), prop. of wild beasts and hence of birds (Job 39:28; Jer 48:41; Eze 17:20); frequent in the poetical books (munition, fortress, defense) connection with Sela and Tsr; and topographically applied to the hill forts of Judean (hold, 1Sa 22:4-5; 1Sa 24:22; 2Sa 23:14; 1Ch 11:16; 1Ch 12:8; 1Ch 12:16; fort, Eze 33:27; stronghold, Jdg 6:2; 1Sa 23:14; 1Sa 23:19; 1Sa 23:29), especially Zion (hold, 2Sa 5:17; 1Ch 11:16 : fort, 2Sa 5:9; castle 1Ch 11:5; 1Ch 11:7; stronghold, 2Sa 5:7).
16. Sok, ( ) or Sukkoh (), a booth or canopy of leafy boughs as a habitation for man or beast’ (booth, Leviticus 22:42, 43; Neh 8:14-17; Job 31:20; Jon 4:5; pavilion, Psa 31:20; cottage, Isa 50:8; tabernacle, Isa 4:6), such as Jacob constructed (Gen 21:17), and the Israelites occupied during the Festival of Tabernacles (Lev 23:43, in commemoration of their first stopping-place out of Egypt, Succoth Exo 13:20), and hence applied to the retreat of the lion (den, Psa 10:9; covert, Job 38:40; Jer 25:38), and to Jerusalem, Jehovah’s retreat (Psa 76:2), to military tents (tent, 2Sa 11:11; pavilion, 1Ki 20:12; 1Ki 20:16), and to the clouds (tabernacle, Job 36:29; pavilion, 2Sa 22:12; Psa 18:11).
17. Mistat ( ), a covert or hiding-place (A.V. secret place, etc.), once (Isa 4:6, covert) Mistor (), as a shelter from the elements (Isa 4:6), or concealment (Jer 13:17; Jer 23:24; Jer 19:10), and especially the lurking-place of lions (Psa 17:12; Lam 3:10) and of violent men (Psa 10:5; Psa 10:9; Psa 64:4; Heb 3:14).
In connection with this whole subject, we may add that we have had frequent illustrations, in the aptness with which geographical names are given in the Bible, of that nice sense of locality which a simple people, especially one of nomadic instincts, invariably exhibits. Indeed, the whole Hebrew language is an exemplification, particularly in the varied import of the nearly synonymous roots which unfortunately the lexicons generally fail accurately to distinguish, of the close observance of all physical traits. In like manner the descriptions of locality, which, to a modern Occidental, often seem vague and casual, are generally found, when carefully scanned, to be remarkably precise and graphic, a fact, which later travelers are beginning to appreciate. Instances of this abound in the dooms-day book of Joshua, and many of them we lave pointed out under the art. TRIBE SEE TRIBE .
A question of much practical importance has arisen respecting the lists of towns in the various tribes given in that book, whether they are arranged in geographical order. The presumption, growing out of the minute character of the delineation, evidently copied from some memorandum of survey, is in favor of such accuracy, and this is confirmed by the fact now well recognized by commentators, that the list of nations mentioned in Act 2:9-11 proceeds regularly from the East to the West. Lieut. Conder, in his papers in the Quar. Reports of the Pal. Explor. Fund, bases many of his proposed identifications of places on this theory, which he elaborately defends. We are inclined, however, to doubt its trustworthiness for that purpose, as the Oriental mind is not so uniformly methodical as this view implies; and we have found very frequent reason to depart from such a rule in the indications of identification that we have pointed out under the various places named.