Grandson of Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:17-22),he was the father ofKing David,and thus is included in the genealogical lists for Jesus (Matt. 1:5-6). He was a farmer from the region of Bethlehem,and in later life whenDavid was called "son of Jesse" ,it was inte...[继续阅读]

    A human agent who brings up communication with the dead for thepurpose of learning the future (Lev. 19: 31,20: 6,7). The use of mediumswas strongly discouraged in Israel because God controlled the future,and oneshould communicate directly with God rather ...[继续阅读]

    A beverage which has turned sour. Since pure vinegar is undi-gestable,the biblical texts are best understood as referring to sour wine. Inbiblical times vinegar was produced by pouring water over the skins and stalksof grapes after the juice had been pres...[继续阅读]

    One who takes care of sheep or goats. These animals were promi-nent in the Biblical culture,so there are many references to shepherds in theBible. Many important OT persons were shepherds,including Abraham,Isaac,Jacob,Moses,and David (Gen.12:16; Ex. 3:1; ...[继续阅读]

    Specialists in magic,using their control of evil powers against people.Witches were common in the Ancient world,and Israel was affected bythem. They were included on lists of persons who were to be avoided,andtheir skills were not to be used by Israelites...[继续阅读]

    A small village on the NW shore of the Sea of Galilee near themouth of the Jordan river. It was an important city in the gospels as the cen-ter for Jesus Galilean ministry (Matt. 4:13). He was very active in this town,healing,teaching and preaching (Lk. 7...[继续阅读]

    A writing or collection of writings which is considered authorita-tive or sacred for the life of religious people. In Christian faith,scripturerefers to the Bible,which Christians consider to as Gods Word to humanity.The belief in the scriptures as divine...[继续阅读]

    The second of Noahs 3 sons (Gen. 5:32,6:10) who joined Noah inthe ark during the flood. In Gen. 9:20-27,disrespect for Noah earned Ham acurse which put him in subordination to his brothers.In several of thePsalms,Ham is used as a poetic synonym for Egypt ...[继续阅读]

    Reward often has a neutral meaning,describing something (eithergood or bad) which is given to another as the result of actions which that per-son has taken. In the scriptures,the word most often carries a positive meaning.In the OT,the people of Israel li...[继续阅读]

    A loose confederation of ten independent Greek cities located Eastof the Jordan River (Matt. 4:25; Mk. 5:20). They remained free as long asthey paid taxes,and provided military support to the Roman empire. Sincethey were on the frontier of the empire,they...[继续阅读]