Bible Dictionary

ABDÍAS (Book) The fourth of the minor prophets. He announced the destruction of Edom, a nation that had been hostile to Israel since time immemorial. The book does not mention dates, but it was probably

ABDON (a) Son of Hillel, of Pirathon, he judged Israel for eight years. He had many descendants and prosperity (Judg. 12:13-15). (b) Principal leader of the tribe of Benjamin (2 Chron. 8:23, 26, 28). (c)

ABEDNEGO It is the Babylonian name of Azariah, Daniel’s companion in Babylon (Dan. 1:7). Along with Meshach and Shadrach, he was appointed as a slave to serve King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:49). When the three young

ABEL Second son of Adam, shepherd by trade. He was righteous (Mt. 23:35) and full of faith (Heb. 11:4). Out of envy he murdered his brother Cain. Abel typifies “innocent blood” (Mt 23:34). Many conjectures

ABEL-BET-MAACA The Abelmaim of 2 Chron. 16:4. Fortified town of Naphtali, where Sheba took refuge in his rebellion against David (2 Sam. 20: 14-18). (See 1 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:29.) Today Abil or Abl,

ABEL-IZRAIM Name given to the plane of Atad, where the funeral procession of Jacob, coming from Egypt, stopped when taking him to bury Canaan (Gen. 50:9-13).

Place of Elisha’s birth (Judges 7:22; 1 Kings 4:12; 19:16). Doubtful situation, probably in Manasseh.

ABEL-SITIM “valley of acacias” in the plain of Moab, near Mount Peor, east of the Jordan River. It was the site of one of the camps of the Israelites on the desert pilgrimage before the

ABIAH “Jehovah is Father or Jehovah is careful.” Fairly common name in Hebrew and also used in its feminine form. Among the main characters mentioned are: (a) Second son of Samuel, who, together with his

ABIATHAR Son of Ahimelech, high priest whom he succeeded in office (1 Sam. 22:20). He was a faithful counselor to David (2 Sam. 15:24; 17:15; 19:11); Together with Zadoc he brought the ark of the