Concise Bible Dictionary: I
George A. Morrish
Table of Contents
I Am That I Am
See GOD.
I-chabod
The name which the wife of Phinehas gave to her son, because the ark of God had been taken by the Philistines, and her father-in-law and her husband were dead. After naming her child she died also: “the glory had departed,” as the name signifies (1 Sam. 4:21; 1 Sam. 14:3).
Ibhar
Son of David, born at Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:15; 1 Chron. 3:6; 1 Chron. 14:5).
Ibleam
City assigned to Manasseh, but situated in Issachar or Asher (Josh. 17:11; Judg. 1:27; 2 Kings 9:27). Identified by some with Yebla, in Issachar, 32° 35' N, 35° 28' E. See BILEAM.
Ibneiah
Son of Jeroham, a Benjamite (1 Chron. 9:8).
Ibnijah
Father of Reuel, a Benjamite (1 Chron. 9:8).
Ibri
Descendant of Merari (1 Chron. 24:27).
Ibzan
A man of Bethlehem, perhaps the city in Zebulon, and if so, he was judge of Israel in the N.E. of the land. He ruled seven years, and had thirty sons and thirty daughters. He was succeeded by Elon a Zebulonite (Judg. 12:8,10-11).
Ice
Ice Crystals
Frozen water or snow. God demanded of Job, “Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?” It is answered in the Psalms; it is God who “casteth forth His ice like morsels: who can stand before His cold?” (Job 6:16; Job 38:29; Psa. 147:17).
Iconium
City in Lycaonia in the center of Asia Minor, visited by Paul and Barnabas when they had been driven from Antioch of Pisidia. Multitudes of Jews and Greeks believed the word of God’s grace, and the apostles wrought many signs and wonders there. They had to flee for their lives but returned again (Acts 13:51; Acts 14:1,19,21; Acts 16:2). In 2 Timothy 3:11 Paul speaks of the persecutions he had endured at this city. It is now called Konieh, a town of some extent, 37° 53' N, 32° 25' E.
Idalah
City of Zebulon (Josh. 19:15). Identified by some with el Huwarah, 32° 44' N, 35° 10' E.
Idbash
One “of the father of Etam,” a descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 4:3).
Iddo
1. Father of Ahinadab one of Solomon’s commissariat officers (1 Kings 4:14).
2. Son of Joah, a descendant of Gershom (1 Chron. 6:21).
3. Son of Zechariah and a ruler of Manasseh in Gilead (1 Chron. 27:21).
4. A seer who had “visions” against Jeroboam. He wrote of Rehoboam in a book “concerning genealogies”; and also of Abijah in his “story” or “commentary” (2 Chron. 9:29; 2 Chron. 12:15; 2 Chron. 13:22).
5. Grandfather of Zechariah the prophet (Ezra 5:1; Ezra 6:14; Zech. 1:1,7).
6. Chief at Casiphia, to whom Ezra sent for Levites (Ezra 8:17).
7. Priest who returned from exile (Neh. 12:4, 16).
Idolatry
The worship of idols—a sin which is mentioned as committed after the flood. There seems to have been a universal giving up of the knowledge of the true God. Paul, speaking of men, says that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, notwithstanding that what may be known of God in nature, His eternal power and Godhead, was manifested to them. They degraded the worship of the true God everywhere, and idolatry became universal. In this, man had no excuse. Images were made like corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things (Rom. 1:20-23). From this state Abram was rescued by the God of glory appearing to him. Scripture shows the folly of a man cutting down a tree, and burning part of it to cook his food and to warm himself, and yet making a god of the rest, and worshipping it (Isa. 44:14-17); and yet Israel, to whom God had revealed Himself, not only as Creator but in redemption, adopted these wicked follies. There were also molten images and images of stone.
Imaginary creatures were regarded as gods, and these were feared and propitiated. Some believed in a fetish of good and a fetish of evil. Others had an elaborate system of mythology, as the Greeks, with husbands and wives and sons and daughters of the gods and goddesses. Man himself was exalted by some into a god, as with the Greeks and the Romans.
In Israel at first there might have been the thought that the idol was only a representative of God, just as the Egyptians professed to have representations of their unseen gods. When the golden calf was made Aaron built an altar before it, and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to Jehovah”; but the people said, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Ex. 32:4-5). Yet they had been commanded to make no graven image, because they saw no similitude when God spake to them at Horeb. This species of idolatry is seen further developed in the case of Micah, who had a house of gods. See MICAH.
The secret of all the abominations in idolatry is, that Satan is the grand mover of it. To Israel it was said that they were no more to offer sacrifices unto demons (Lev. 17:7). They “sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto demons” (Psa. 106:37). They made their children pass through the fire to Molech (2 Kings 23:10; Ezek. 23:37,39); “slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks” (Isa. 57:5).
As to the sacrificing being to demons, the same thing is said of the idolatry at Corinth, with its Grecian mythology (1 Cor. 10:20). Satan being the real promoter of it all, he knows how to lead a poor unintelligent heathen to be satisfied with an imaginary fetish; the Greeks and Romans to be pleased with their stately statues; and the Brahmins and Hindus to pride themselves in their superior and refined mysticism. Satan has also succeeded in introducing into the professing church the worship of the Virgin Mary and of the saints. To this must be added another species of idolatry to which Christians are sometimes enticed, namely, that of letting anything but Christ have the first place in the heart; for in Him God is revealed, He “is the image of the invisible God”—“He is the true God.” “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). The word εἴδωλον is from εῖδος, “that which is seen,” and covetousness is specially characterized as idolatry (Col. 3:5).
Idumaea
See EDOM.
Igal
1. Son of Joseph, of the tribe of Issachar (Num. 13:7).
2. Son of Nathan of Zobah and one of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:36).
Igdaliah
Father of Hanan, “a man of God” (Jer. 35:4).
Igeal
Son of Shemaiah, a descendant of David (1 Chron. 3:22).
Iim
1. A contraction of Ije-Abarim.
2. City in the extreme south of Judah (Josh. 15:29). Not identified.
Ije-abarim
One of the later halting places of the Israelites on the S.E. border of Moab, translated in the margin “Heaps of Abarim” (Num. 21:11; Num. 33:44). Contracted into Iim in Numbers 33:45. Not identified.
Ijon
Town in Naphtali (1 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Chron. 16:4). Identified by some with el Khiam, 33° 19' N, 35° 36' E.
Ikkesh
The Tekoite, father of Ira (2 Sam. 23:26; 1 Chron. 11:28; 1 Chron. 27:9).
Ilai
The Ahohite, one of David’s guard (1 Chron. 11:29). Apparently the same as ZALMON in 2 Samuel 23:28.
Illuminated
“Enlightened,” by receiving light from God (Heb. 10:32).
Illyricum
An extensive region on the east coast of the Adriatic, to which the preaching of Paul extended (Rom. 15:19). It is now nearly all embraced under the name of Dalmatia.
Image
Besides the many references to graven and molten images connected with idolatry, which the law strictly forbade the Israelites to make, the word is used in several important connections: for instance, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion....so God created man in his own image, in the image of God created He him” (Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 5:1; Gen. 9:6). The word translated “image” is tselem, which is the same that is used for idolatrous images, and for the great image in Daniel: (Dan. 2).
It might naturally have been thought that man at his fall would have ceased to be in the image and likeness of God, but it is not so represented in scripture. On speaking of man as the head of the woman, it says he ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as “he is the image and glory of God” (1 Cor. 11:7). Again, in James 3:9, we find “made after the similitude (or likeness, ὁμοίωσις) of God.” In what respects man is the image and likeness of God may not be fully grasped, but it is at least obvious that an image is a representation. The Lord when shown a penny asked “whose image” is this? They said, Caesar’s. It may not have been well executed, and so not have been a likeness. It may also have been very much battered, as money often is, yet that would not have interfered with its being the image of Caesar: it represented him, and no one else. So man as the head of created beings in connection with the earth represents God: to him was given dominion over every living thing that moveth upon the earth and in the sea and in the air. This was of course in subjection to God, and so man was in His image.
This is seen in perfection in the second Man, who has in resurrection superseded Adam, who was in this sense a figure or type of Christ (Rom. 5:14). Man may be a battered and soiled image of his Creator, but that does not touch the question of his having been made in the image of God.
Likeness goes further; but was there not in man a certain moral and mental likeness to God? He not only represents God on earth, but, as one has said, he thinks for others, refers to and delights in what God has wrought in creation, and in what is good, having his moral place among those who do. The likeness, alas, may be very much blurred; but the features are there: such as reflection, delight, love of goodness and beauty; none of which are found in a mere animal. With Christ all is of course perfect: as man He is “the image of God”; “the image of the invisible God” (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15).
Imla, Imlah
Father of Micaiah, the prophet (1 Kings 22:8-9; 2 Chron. 18:7-8).
Immanuel, Emmanuel
Names of the Messiah prophetically announced, meaning “God with us.” The introduction of this name is remarkable. Ahaz king of Judah, being attacked by Rezin king of Syria, and Pekah king of Israel—and there being also a disposition to form a confederacy to set up the son of Tabeal, and so reject the son of David, which Ahaz was—Isaiah was sent to tell him to be quiet and fear not. Jehovah then told Ahaz to ask for a sign, either in the deep or in the height above; but Ahaz refused to ask; therefore the Lord gave him this sign, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good” (Isa. 7:14-15).
It has been asked, How could this be a sign to Ahaz, seeing that this event did not take place till centuries after? The prophetic announcement of the birth of such a child was the present evidence to faith that whatever combinations men might make, the remnant could count on God: see Isaiah 8:9-10, where they say, “God is with us.” It should be noticed that there are two prophetic children: the one (Shear-jashub) figurative of the remnant, and Immanuel; so the prophecy continues, “For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings thou fearest shall be forsaken” (as Isa. 7:16 should be translated). In Isaiah 7:3 of this chapter Isaiah had been told, when he went to meet Ahaz, to take his symbolical child Shear-jashub (“the remnant shall return”) with him. And doubtless Isaiah 7:16 refers to Shear-jashub; and before this child could have grown to maturity, Pekah had been killed by Hoshea, and Damascus had been taken and Rezin slain by the king of Assyria (2 Kings 15:30; 2 Kings 16:9).
It may seem strange that there should be no break between Isaiah 7:15 and Isaiah 7:16, as the one refers to Immanuel, and the other to Shear-jashub; but such abrupt transitions are not unusual in prophetic scriptures. When the Lord was in the temple, and speaking of His Father’s house, He was asked for a sign, He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” referring to His body. And in the prophecies the future is often closely associated with what related to passing events. In Isaiah 8:8 it is foretold that the wing of the king of Assyria should fill the breadth of the land—the land of Immanuel—which took place soon after, yet this is a type of the Assyrian’s attacks in the last days.
In the New Testament we get the fulfillment of the above prophecy: Mary the virgin conceived and brought forth her Son. His name was Jesus, and also Emmanuel, “God with us,” showing that He was God, and became man (Matt. 1:23).
Immer
1. A family of priests who bore this name. One had charge of the sixteenth course of priestly service, and some returned from exile, two of whom had married strange wives; but there is no genealogy of their descent from Aaron (1 Chron. 9:12; 1 Chron. 24:14; Ezra 2:37; Ezra 10:20; Neh. 7:40; Neh. 11:13; Jer. 20:1).
2. Father of Zadok who repaired the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:29).
3. Place from which some returned from exile (Ezra 2:59; Neh. 7:61).
Immortality (ἀθανασία)
The deathless state which stands in contrast to the mortality of man, and which the “mortal” will “put on” when “changed” (1 Cor. 15:53-54). God only has in Himself immortality, being the fountain and source of life for all things (1 Tim. 6:16). In Romans 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:10 the word is (ἀφθαρσία, not “immortality,” but “incorruption.”
The immortality of the soul is plainly revealed in scripture. God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living soul (Gen. 2:7), which is quite different from anything said of a mere animal. The Lord, when showing the Sadducees that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, added “for all live unto [or ‘for’] him” (Luke 20:38), though as to the body they may have died.
Immutability
Three things are said to be unchangeable: God’s counsel, His word, and His oath (Heb. 6:17-18). To these certainty may be attached. In Malachi 3:6 we read, “I am Jehovah, I change not,” and the Lord is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Imna
Son of Helem, of the tribe of Asher (1 Chron. 7:35).
Imnah
1. The firstborn of Asher (1 Chron. 7:30). Called in the AV JIMNAH in Genesis 46:17, and JIMNA in Numbers 26:44, though the Hebrew is the same in the three passages.
2. Levite, father of Kore (2 Chron. 31:14).
Impute, to (λογίζομαι)
Imputation has an important place in God’s plan of salvation. “Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity” (Psa. 32:2; Rom. 4:8). The sins of the man believing on Jesus are not imputed to him: Christ has atoned for them; the believer may come under discipline for them (compare 1 Cor. 11:31-32; Hebrews 12:7), but there is no imputation. On the contrary, he enters into the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes, or reckons, righteousness without works. Abraham believed God and it was reckoned (same word) to him as righteousness; and this is true of believers generally (Rom. 4:3-4). Therefore not only are the believer’s sins not imputed to him; but he is accounted righteous.
In 2 Corinthians 5:19 the aspect in which Christ came to earth was that of grace. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, and not imputing to men their offenses; but, alas, they refused the grace, and put Him to death. In Romans 5:13 the word is ἐλλογέω, “sin is not put to account when there is no law.” It is sin, and those that sin without law perish without law; but they are not at once called to account for it in God’s government (compare Acts 17:30).
Imrah
Son of Zophah, of the tribe of Asher (1 Chron. 7:36).
Imri
1. Son of Bani, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chron. 9:4).
2. Father of Zaccur who helped to build the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:2).
Incense
Incense Being Sold in Jerusalem
Precise instructions were given as to how the sweet incense was to be made that was burnt in the tabernacle. It was a compound of sweet spices: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, an equal weight of each. It was to be compounded after the art of the apothecary, tempered together (or salted, margin), pure, and holy. No one was to make any like it for their private use: anyone who did so was to be cut off from God’s people (Ex. 30:34-38). This incense was to be burnt on the golden altar morning and evening: “a perpetual incense before the Lord” (Ex. 30:7-8). It expressed the fragrance of the perfections of Christ’s person for God’s delight. It also characterized the worship of the priestly company of those in the light, as Christians are.
Censer
The incense was also to be put on burning coals in a censer and carried by the high priest into the most holy place on the Day of Atonement, that the cloud of incense might cover the mercy seat that was upon the testimony, “that he die not.” It typified the personal perfection of Him who carried in the blood of atonement (Lev. 16:12-13). We find that while the high places remained, incense was burnt there as well as sacrifices offered (1 Kings 22:43, and more). The burning of incense to Baal and other false gods is also often spoken of (Jer. 1:16; Jer. 7:9, and more). Satan has his incense and perfume, and makes it a delight to his willing devotees.
Incense, Altar of
See ALTAR.
Incorruption (ἀφθαρσία)
The state which the bodies of the dead in Christ (now going to corruption in their graves) will have at the resurrection. When this takes place, and the mortal shall have put on immortality, death will be swallowed up in victory! (1 Cor. 15:42-54). In Romans 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:10 the word is the same as the above, and should be translated “incorruption” instead of “immortality.”
India
This was the boundary of the Persian empire of Ahasuerus on the east, as Ethiopia was its boundary on the west (Esther 1:1; Esther 8:9). India is not mentioned elsewhere in scripture, but Solomon’s ships may have visited it in their three-year voyages for sandal wood, apes, peacocks, and such (1 Kings 10:22).
Infidel
The Greek word is ἄπιστος, “not believing,” and hence an “unbeliever” (2 Cor. 6:15; 1 Tim. 5:8). The word is translated “unbeliever” (Luke 12:46; 1 Cor. 6:6; 1 Cor. 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:14); and “unbelieving” (1 Cor. 7:14-15; Titus 1:15; Rev. 21:8). Thus the scriptural use of the term does not imply the denial of the truth of Christianity, as it is now commonly understood.
Infinite
1. en mispar, “no number:” only applied to the understanding of the Lord (Psa. 147:5).
2. en gets, “no end.” Eliphaz, quite unintelligent as to Job’s case, said there was “no end” of his iniquities (Job 22:5). There was “no end” to the strength of Ethiopia and Egypt in supporting the city No; yet it was carried away: so would God’s judgments fall upon Nineveh (Nah. 3:8-9).
Inhabiters of the Earth
A designation of those mentioned in the Revelation, who, notwithstanding the successive judgments that fall upon them, cling to the earth as settlers there, and against whom “woe, woe, woe” is pronounced (Rev. 8:13; Rev. 17:2). During Christ’s rejection from the earth God’s call has been to heaven, hence to have the character of dwelling on earth is a denial of the heavenly calling. In Revelation 12:12 The Editors omit the words “inhabiters of.”
Inheritance
The land of promise is constantly spoken of as the inheritance of Israel: the land flowing with milk and honey was given to them by God (Deut. 4:21; Psa. 105:11, and more). So when Israel returns to take possession of the land in a future day, it is still called their inheritance (Ezek. 45:1, and more). This all shows that they were and will be an earthly people, but God blessed them on earth in relationship with Himself as Jehovah, and will again bless them on earth when they own the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. In connection with this God calls Israel His inheritance: He hath chosen them for His own inheritance (Psa. 33:12; Psa. 78:62, and more).
The Christian has no inheritance on earth; his inheritance is with the saints in light (Col. 1:12): an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4). In the meanwhile the Holy Spirit is given as the earnest of the inheritance (Eph. 1:14). It is in Christ Himself the inheritance is obtained, for the Lord Jesus will possess all things in heaven and in earth (Eph. 1:18).
Ink, Inkhorn
We know from the papyrus rolls discovered in Egypt that writing with pen, or reed, and ink was practiced in early days. Jeremiah caused Baruch to write in a book with ink the denunciations against Israel and Judah (Jer. 36:18). The horn that contained the ink was carried in the girdle, as it is in some parts of the East to this day (Ezek. 9:2-3,11).
Inn
We read of the inn as early as Genesis 42:27 and Genesis 43:21, when Jacob sent to Egypt for corn. As the word malon signifies simply “lodging place,” at first nothing more may be implied than a place near water, where travelers usually rested. It would soon have been found that persons traveling long distances needed protection and some better resting place at night, which led to such places being provided at certain stations. Those known in the East were merely enclosures walled round for security, with covered compartments attached to the walls, where travelers could recline, and place their goods. It was at an inn that Zipporah circumcised her son (Ex. 4:24).
In the New Testament when the Lord was born, the word for “inn” is κατάλυμα, which is translated “guest-chamber” (Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11); and may refer to a lodging house. Travelers have found such accommodation, and at times cattle occupied part of the house, which might account for a “manger” being found there. In Luke 10:34 the word is πανδοχεῖον, “a house for the reception of strangers,” a road-side inn. As there was a “host” to whom the injured man was committed, it was doubtless a better place than a Khan.
Innocent
A word often used in the Old Testament in opposition to those manifesting wickedness. It occurs only twice in the New Testament: as uttered by Judas in reference to the Lord, to whom it could be truthfully applied as “guiltless”; and by Pilate in reference to himself (Matt. 27:4,24). It was the true state of Adam and Eve before they fell. See HOLINESS.
Inspiration
Though this word occurs in the Bible but once in reference to the scriptures, yet the one statement in which it is found is important and full of deep meaning: “Every scripture is divinely inspired [literally, “God-breathed”], and is profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This places all scripture on one basis as to inspiration, whether it be historical, doctrinal, or prophetic. We learn by this passage that not simply the persons who wrote were inspired, but the writings themselves are divinely inspired (compare 2 Pet. 1:21).
All writings are composed of words, and if these writings are inspired, the words are inspired. This is what is commonly called “verbal inspiration.” Other passages speak of the importance of “words”; Peter said, “To whom shall we go? thou hast the words (ρἠματα) of eternal life” (John 6:68): and we find those words in the Gospels. When it was a question of Gentiles being brought into blessing without being circumcised, James in his address appealed to the “words” of the prophets (Acts 15:15). Paul in writing to the Corinthian saints said, “Which things also we speak, not in the ‘words’ (λόγοι) which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13). The Holy Spirit taught Paul what words to use. The whole of scripture forms the word of God, and both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament we read of “the words of God” (1 Chron. 25:5; Ezra 9:4; Psa. 107:11; John 3:34; John 8:47; Rev. 17:17). Neither must His word be added to, or taken from (Deut. 4:2; Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19).
The above passages should carry conviction to simple souls that every scripture is God-inspired. As nothing less than this is worthy of God, so nothing less than this would meet the need of man. Amid the many uncertain things around him he needs words upon which his faith can be based, and in the inspired scriptures he has them. The Lord Jesus said, “The words (ρἠματα) that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). He had the words of eternal life; and, through the grace of God, many a soul has found them to be such, and has no more doubt of the plenary inspiration of scripture than of the existence of God Himself.
It may be noted that scripture records the sayings of wicked men, and of Satan himself. It need scarcely be said that it is not the sayings but the records of them that are inspired. Paul also, when writing on the question of marriage, makes a distinction between what he wrote as his judgment, and what he wrote as commandments of the Lord. “I speak this by permission,” he says; and again, “I give my judgment” (1 Cor. 7:6,10,12,25). He was inspired to record his spiritual judgment and to point out that it was not a command.
Some have a difficulty as to what has been called the human element in inspiration. If the words of scripture are inspired, it has been asked, how is it that the style of the writer is so manifest? John’s style, for instance, being clearly distinguishable from that of Paul. The simple answer is that it is as if one used, so to speak, different kinds of pens to write with. God made the mind of man as well as his body, and was surely able to use the mind of each of the writers He employed, and yet cause him to write exactly what He wished. God took possession of the mind of man to declare His own purposes with regard to man.
Further, it has been asserted that the doctrine of verbal inspiration is valueless, because of diversities in the Greek manuscripts, which in some places prevent anyone from determining what are the words God caused to be written. But this does not in any way touch the question of inspiration, which is, that the words written were inspired by God. Whether we have a correct copy is quite another question. The variations in the Greek manuscripts do not affect any one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and only in a few places are the words doubtful.
Another objection to the value of verbal inspiration is that most persons read scripture in a translation, the words of which cannot, it is alleged, be said to be inspired. But if the translation conveys exactly the same meaning as in the original, the words can be said to be inspired; for instance, the words “God is love,” may surely be said to be the same as ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν, or Deus caritas est, Dieu est amour, or Dios es amor, to those who can read them. It may be that the translations from which the above are taken cannot in all places be said to be the same as the Greek; but this only shows the great importance of each having a correct translation in his vernacular tongue. And it must not be forgotten that the Lord Himself and those who wrote the New Testament often quoted the Septuagint, which is a translation from the Hebrew; and they quoted it as scripture.
Nothing can exceed the importance of having true thoughts of the inspiration of scripture. As no human author would allow his amanuensis to write what he did not mean, so surely what is called the word of God is God’s own production, though given through the instrumentality of man. Though there were many writers, separated by thousands of years, there is a divine unity in the whole, showing plainly that one and only one could have been its Author. That One can only have been the Almighty—Jehovah—now happily revealed to the Christian as his Father as well as his God.
Instant, Instantly
“Urgent” with importunity (Luke 7:4; Luke 23:23; Acts 26:7; Rom. 12:12; 2 Tim. 4:2).
Intercession
The word is from ἐντυγχάνω, which signifies “to meet with, to intercede.” It refers to the intercession of Christ for His saints, while in their present state, to bring them into conformity with the place justifying forgiveness has given them, also to raise them above their trials, and lead them on as priests into the blessed joys and occupations of the sanctuary (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). The Holy Spirit also, when they know not what to pray for as they ought, makes intercession for the saints with groanings which cannot be uttered (Rom. 8:26-27). In 1 Timothy 2:1 we are instructed to make intercession for all men. It is remarkable that a substantive (ἔντευξις) formed from the above verb is used in 1 Timothy 4:5, where food is sanctified by the word of God and “prayer,” or, as it there means, reverent communication with Him.
Inventions
God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions (Eccl. 7:29) or devices: the same word is translated “engines” in 2 Chronicles 26:15. Cain went out from the presence of God and built a city, and his descendants made harps and organs. Men made themselves as happy as they could without God, as in the days of Uzziah (Amos 6:5). In Psalm 99:8 and Psalm 106:29,39, the word signifies “doings.”
In natural things inventions have much increased since early days. There is no harm in the things themselves; but if they foster the pride of man, and divert him from God, they become the instruments of Satan. Many things also are found in Christendom of which there is not the least mention in scripture. WITTY INVENTIONS in Proverbs 8:12 is the same word as that translated “discretion” in Proverbs 1:4 and Proverbs 2:11, and others. Fürst gives for Proverbs 8:12, “knowledge of intelligent counsels.”
Iphedeiah
Son of Shashak, a Benjamite (1 Chron. 8:25).
Ir
Apparently a son of Aher, a Benjamite (1 Chron. 7:12).
Ir-nahash
Son of Tehinnah (1 Chron. 4:12); or, as intimated in the margin, “Tehinnah, founder of the city of Nahash.”
Ir-shemesh
Border city of Dan (Josh. 19:41). Probably the same as BETH-SHEMESH, No. 1.
Ira
1. A Jairite, one of David’s chief officers (2 Sam. 20:26).
2. Son of Ikkesh a Tekoite, and one of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:26; 1 Chron. 11:28; 1 Chron. 27:9).
3. An Ithrite, one of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:38; 1 Chron. 11:40).
Irad
Son of Enoch and grandson of Cain (Gen. 4:18).
Iram
Duke of Edom (Gen. 36:43; 1 Chron. 1:54).
Iri
Son of Bela, a son of Benjamin (1 Chron. 7:7).
Irijah
“Captain of the ward” at Jerusalem who arrested Jeremiah (Jer. 37:13-14).
Iron
Iron Ore
This metal is mentioned as early as Genesis 4:22, when it was used by artificers; and Job speaks of it as dug out of the earth (Job 28:2). It was in use in Palestine before the Israelites entered, for they found that the Canaanites had chariots of iron (Josh. 17:16,18). Og king of Bashan had a bedstead of iron, and iron was used for spear heads, threshing instruments, and other such purposes. Iron is used as a symbol of hardness. Israel is described as obstinate; their neck was like an iron sinew and their brow as brass (Isa. 48:4). The Lord Jesus will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Rev. 12:5; Rev. 19:15). Iron also characterized the kingdom of Rome. When represented as a beast, it had great iron teeth (Dan. 7:7,19); and in the great image the character of the various kingdoms had depreciated from gold to silver, then to brass, thence to iron and clay, that would not unite, the traces of which are seen around us in the national governments of the present day (Dan. 2:33-45).
Iron
City of Naphtali (Josh. 19:38). Identified with Yarun, 33° 5' N, 35° 25' E.
Irpeel
City of Benjamin (Josh. 18:27). Identified with Ra-fat, 31° 52' N, 35° 11' E.
Iru
Son of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh (1 Chron. 4:15).
Isaac
As Isaac was the patriarch that stood between Abraham and Jacob, it may seem remarkable that so little is recorded of him, especially as the promise given to Abraham, of all nations being blessed through his seed, was confirmed to Isaac. He was “the son of promise,” born when Abraham was a hundred years old, and “the son of the freewoman,” in contrast to “the son of the bondwoman.” He became the heir, the son of the bondwoman being cast out (Gal. 4:22-30). Abraham’s faith was tried when told to offer up this son of promise, called his “only son,” as being a type of Christ. Abraham obeyed, and Isaac heard that beautiful utterance of faith, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb” He was raised as from the dead and restored to his father, and the covenant was confirmed as to the seed.
As Isaac thus became in principle a risen or heavenly man, he must not return for a wife to the country from whence he had been separated by death and resurrection, as also by the call of Abraham; a bride must be fetched for him from thence, and she must be one of the same “kindred:” a remarkable type of the heavenly Christ, and of those given to Him of the Father: they are heavenly as He is heavenly. God in a remarkable way blessed the mission of the servant (type of the Holy Spirit gathering a bride for Christ), and Rebekah, Isaac’s cousin, became his wife. He loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death. Abraham had several sons; but he gave all that he had to Isaac, in which Isaac is again a type of Christ, who will possess all things.
Rebekah was barren, but on Isaac beseeching the Lord, she conceived, and was told that she should be the mother of two nations, and the twin brothers Esau and Jacob were born, Esau being the firstborn. A famine being in the land, Isaac removed to Gerar, and there faithlessly said that Rebekah was his sister, and was rebuked by the king of the Philistines.
God confirmed the blessing promised to Abraham, both as to Isaac’s seed possessing all those countries, and also as to all the nations of the earth being blessed in his seed.
After the Philistines had had much contention with Isaac respecting some wells of water which they claimed, they bade him depart from them, for he had become too great to dwell so near. He submitted and removed to Beer-sheba. He was thus again in the truth of his calling within the limits of the land of promise: there the Lord again appeared to him, and told him not to fear, He would bless him for his father Abraham’s sake. Now the Philistines come to him, admitting that they saw that Jehovah was blessing him, and they desired a covenant with him that he would do them no hurt. Thus was he now in the true place of moral superiority, in the place of his calling, and as such having no disputes with the nations, but acknowledged as the blessed of the Lord—a word surely for world-borderers of today.
God does not hide the failings and weaknesses of His people, hence it is related how that Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his venison; and that when he was old he directed him to make savory meat such as he loved, that he might eat and bless him, his eldest son, before he died. God had said that the elder should serve the younger, but Rebekah, instead of leaving the matter in God’s hands, contrived by a deceitful stratagem to get the blessing for Jacob instead of Esau the firstborn. The deception was soon found out; but how was it that Isaac intended to bless the elder, thus disregarding the word of the Lord? It is to be feared that his love of the venison and savory meat led him astray. Notwithstanding this failure we read in Hebrews 11:20, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” This doubtless refers to Isaac’s words when the deception was discovered. He said of Jacob “Yea, and he shall be blessed” (Gen. 27:33).
The days of Isaac were 180 years: when he died his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. God is constantly referred to as the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob: it was through them the blessings to Israel flowed, and through them came the Seed—Christ—in whom all nations of the earth are being blessed (Gen. 21-35).
Isaiah, Book of
Nothing more is known of the ancestors of Isaiah than that he was the son of Amoz. He prophesied in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, all kings of Judah. From the closing years of Uzziah to the death of Hezekiah would be from about B.C. 765 to 700, embracing a period of 65 years. The first verse says that the vision was concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Had due attention been paid to this, it would have prevented many things being ascribed in the headings of the chapters to the church, and the prophecy would have been the better understood. In few words the prophecy may be said to treat of the failures of the nation of Judah and the judgments upon it. Assyria is used as God’s rod to punish them, and is then destroyed. Judgments are pronounced against the nations around the promised land that had been enemies to God’s people. The Messiah is prophesied of and His rejection, and universal blessing is spoken of.
The following seven divisions are distinctly marked:
Isaiah 1-12. The sinful condition of the people as still in possession of the land: various pleadings and chastisements culminating in the Assyrian: the introduction of Immanuel: ends with a song.
Isaiah 13-27. Judgments on Babylon and the nations where Israel was captive and outcast: ends in deliverance from their outcast condition and worship at Jerusalem.
Isaiah 28-35. Five woes on unfaithful Israel: ends with deliverance from the Assyrian and the confederacy of nations, and the joy of the kingdom.
Isaiah 36-39. Historical, but typical: the way of blessing for Jerusalem and the house of David.
Isaiah 40-48. Controversy of God with Israel on account of idolatry. Cyrus (type of Christ) the deliverer.
Isaiah 49-57. Controversy of God with Israel on account of the rejected suffering Messiah.
Isaiah 58-66. Final results: the remnant delivered and blessed.
Isaiah 1-4. is introductory. The “sinful nation” was completely corrupt, and had been sorely chastised; there was no soundness from head to foot; though chastened, there was no contrition, and God’s judgments must still follow. There is also grace in store for the latter days: Zion will be a center of blessing, and a remnant will be saved.
Isaiah 5. Israel was God’s vineyard and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: the people were judged in view of the care God had bestowed on them, no remnant is mentioned (compare Matt. 21:33-41).
Isaiah 6. The people were unfit for their Messiah, but will be judged in view of His coming glory: a remnant is acknowledged.
Isaiah 7. Immanuel, Son of David, is introduced as a sign for faith, when unbelief was seeking a confederacy. The house of David after the flesh is judged: still there is hope. See IMMANUEL.
Isaiah 8-9:7. The Assyrians overrun the land, and the confederacy of nations is to be brought to naught. A remnant, “my brethren,” is attached to Immanuel, who is a stone of stumbling to the unbelieving nation, but a light amid the darkness until He is received in power and glory.
Isaiah 9:8-10. The national history is resumed from the end of Isaiah 5. Various judgments from the Lord are detailed until the last judgment by means of the Assyrian, who is used as a rod by God, and then is punished for his pride in the last days.
Isaiah 11. Messiah, the “Branch,” and His reign the source of millennial blessing.
Isaiah 12. Israel’s song of triumph in that day (compare with Exodus 15).
Isaiah 13-24. “Burdens” are pronounced. They are judgments on Babylon and the nations, especially on those who were in relationship with Israel. Moab, Damascus, “the land shadowing with wings which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia,” Egypt, “ the desert of the sea,” Dumah, Arabia, “the valley of vision” (Jerusalem), Tyre, “the earth [or land] made empty and waste, and turned upside down”; and finally the hosts on high and kings on the earth punished.
Isaiah 25-26. A song in which God’s intervention is celebrated, even to the swallowing up of death in victory.
Isaiah 27. The power of Satan, “leviathan, the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent” is destroyed, and worship established in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 28-35. Gives details of all that will happen to the Jews in the last days. They make a covenant with death and with hell, but their covenant will be disannulled. Security is in the Stone laid in Zion, all else will perish.
Isaiah 29. Judgments are pronounced against Jerusalem under the name of Ariel, “lion of God”; deliverance comes when at the last extremity, but a far worse judgment, a spirit of blindness, rests on the people. In the day of deliverance the remnant will come to understanding, the scorner being consumed.
Isaiah 30-31. They seek counsel of and trust in Egypt instead of in God.
Isaiah 32. Christ will reign in righteousness: desolation is followed by restoration.
Isaiah 33. The attack of a spoiler in the character of Gog (Ezek. 38), but the Lord, having filled Zion with judgment and righteousness, arises and the enemy is destroyed, and Zion is in peace.
Isaiah 34-35. Final judgment pronounced upon Idumaea and other nations (Compare Psalm 83); and the blessings that will succeed the judgment.
Isaiah 36-39. treat of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. Waiting upon the Lord is enforced. The deliverance wrought is figurative of the outward deliverance there will be from the Assyrian for Jerusalem and the house of David in the last days. Hezekiah’s personal history is appended to this, as figurative of the nation’s sense of the judgment of God upon them, leading to repentance and recovery, and inward or moral deliverance.
Isaiah 40-43. Begin another part of the book. The Messiah is but little introduced: it is rather a question of God and idols. There is comfort for those who have an opened ear. The Lord Jesus, Jehovah’s servant and His elect, shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 44. Jehovah reasons with Jacob and Jesurun (compare Deut. 32:15; Deut. 33:26-27): Israel, embracing the twelve tribes.
Isaiah 45-47. Cyrus is God’s servant, and He would subdue nations before him. God would keep open the two-leaved gates (of Babylon, which were left open in their festivity). The idols of Babylon could not save her: she should be brought to shame for her pride.
Isaiah 48. God pleads with Israel.
Isaiah 49-57. Introduces Christ, and shows the people’s guilt in respect to Him.
Isaiah 50:1-9. Israel had been as divorced, but Messiah had come to them suitably, to instruct them and take up their cause. Who would contend with Him?
Isaiah 50:10-51. The character of the remnant: they are owned as “my people” by the Lord God, and He will comfort and redeem them.
Isaiah 52:1-12. Zion is called to awake and put on her strength, the feet of messengers with glad tidings were beautiful.
Isaiah 52:13-53. These refer to the work of Christ in a fivefold way, including the atonement.
Isaiah 54-55. Jerusalem is called upon to sing: through the sure mercies of David there are blessings in store for her, and full free grace to everyone that thirsts.
Isaiah 56-57. Exhortations follow in view of the restoration of Israel; and those, even of Israel, are denounced that walk contrary to God’s will.
Isaiah 58-59. Indignation of the Spirit at the condition of Israel at the time the prophecy was uttered, but goes on to the end, when the Redeemer shall come to Zion.
Isaiah 60. The glory of Jerusalem in the times of blessing.
Isaiah 61-62. Christ, in the full grace of His person, is concerned in the blessing of Israel.
Isaiah 63-64. Christ returns from the judgments of Isaiah 34 with garments stained with the slaughter of His enemies; followed by the intercessions of the Spirit of prophecy.
Isaiah 65. God’s answer to those pleadings.
Isaiah 66. Judgments introducing the millennium, ending with these solemn words: “They shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.”
This prophecy embraces a very large field. The condition of the people was sinful when the prophecy was written, and though God had long patience with it, yet the condition was such that judgment must be executed upon it unless there was true repentance. Judgment did follow, but the consummation of evil was not reached until their Messiah had come, and had been rejected; indeed Antichrist will yet be received. Judgment followed the rejection of their Messiah, but the great tribulation is yet to come.
Quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament (nearly forty in number) show that his words applied to the times, that then were; such as the condition of the people; the unprofitableness of the rites and ceremonies; and that grace to the Gentiles had been foretold. The climax of Israel’s sin, and of their judgment, and of God’s blessing are still future. Christ coming in humiliation is revealed in the prophet as well as His glory; indeed, all the ways of God in dealing with His people Israel, on to the end—though some subjects are expanded elsewhere-are to be found in this comprehensive prophecy: clearly it could only have been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Iscah
Daughter of Haran, the brother of Abraham (Gen. 11:29). According to Josephus the Jews believed she was Sarai, Abraham’s wife.
Iscariot
See JUDAS.
Ish-bosheth
Youngest of the four sons of Saul, and who claimed the throne on the death of his father and his elder brothers. Apparently he did not begin to reign till five years after, and then reigned two years, over all the tribes except Judah, Benjamin, and perhaps Simeon. He was supported by Abner the head of Saul’s army; but made his headquarters at Mahanaim, east of the Jordan. There was long war between the two houses, but David waxed stronger and stronger, and Ish-bosheth became weaker and weaker. Abner’s pride was deeply wounded by a remonstrance from Ish-bosheth, and he revolted to David, and then spoke to the elders of Israel in David’s favor. After the treacherous murder of Abner by Joab, Baanah and Rechab, captains of bands, slew Ish-bosheth as he lay on his bed, and cutting off his head brought it to David, doubtless expecting a reward; they were however at once put to death, for David could not sanction such wickedness. David was then made king of all the tribes, being God’s chosen and anointed one (2 Sam. 2:8-17; 2 Sam. 3:6-16; 2 Sam. 4:5-12). Apparently Ish-bosheth is called ESH-BAAL in 1 Chronicles 8:33 and 1 Chronicles 9:39.
Ishbah
Father of Eshtemoa, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chron. 4:17).
Ishbak
Son of Abraham and Keturah. Abraham gave him gifts, and sent him away from Isaac unto the east country (Gen. 25:2, 6; 1 Chron. 1:32). An Assyrian inscription mentions “Bur-anate of the land of Iasbuk” (Ia-as-bu-qa-ai) which is judged to refer to the above, situated on the west bank of the Euphrates.
Ishbi-benob
Philistine giant who attacked David, but was killed by Abishai (2 Sam. 21:16-17).
Ishi
See HUSBAND.
Ishi
1. Son of Appaim, a descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 2:31).
2. Another descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 4:20).
3. Descendant of Simeon (1 Chron. 4:42).
4. One of the chiefs of Manasseh (1 Chron. 5:24).
Ishiah
Son of Izrahiah, of the tribe of Issachar (1 Chron. 7:3). The name in the Hebrew is the same as ISHIJAH, ISSHIAH, and JESIAH.
Ishijah
Son of Harim: he had married a strange wife (Ezra 10:31).
Ishma
One “of the father of Etam,” a descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 4:3).
Ishmael
1. Son of Abraham and Hagar the bondmaid of Sarah. Before he was born, when Hagar ran away because of the severity of her mistress, the angel of the Lord appeared to her, and told her to return to her mistress: her seed should be numberless, and she was to call her son’s name Ishmael, which signifies “El shall hear.” He would be a wild man, his hand would be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. Abraham prayed that Ishmael might live before God, but typically he represents the seed of Abraham according to the flesh, hence though God answered that He would bless Ishmael, and multiply him exceedingly, he should also beget twelve princes, and God would make him a great nation; yet the covenant should be established with Isaac. When Ishmael was thirteen years old Abraham circumcised him, and all the men of his house. In this act Abraham acknowledged in faith that the blessing asked for his natural seed could not be had through the strength of the flesh: all the mercies of God are secured in resurrection.
At the “great feast” when Isaac, the child born after the Spirit, was weaned, Ishmael mocked, and Sarah besought Abraham to cast out both mother and son. This was grievous to Abraham, but God, having approved the suggestion, he rose early in the morning, and providing them with some bread and a bottle of water he sent them away. The water was soon consumed, and Hagar in despair placed Ishmael under a shrub, and departed so as not to see him die. The angel of God called to her, showed her a well, and the child was saved. God was with the lad, for he was the seed of Abraham; he dwelt in the wilderness and became an archer. At first he was located in the wilderness of Beer-sheba and afterward at Paran, a region between Canaan and Mount Sinai. His mother chose a woman of Egypt for his wife. His twelve sons are recorded, and their “towns” and “castles,” or encampments, according to their nations, are spoken of. Ishmael was present at the burial of his father and lived 137 years (Gen. 16:11-16; Gen. 17:18-26; Gen. 25:9-17; Gen. 28:9; Gen. 36:3; 1 Chron. 1:28-31).
The Bedouin Arabs are doubtless the descendants of Ishmael. They are wild men in the sense of their love of freedom, dwelling in tents, and riding over the desert, spear in hand. They truly are “against every man,” robbing every one when they can do so with safety to themselves. The Bedouins will not admit their descent from Ishmael; they refer his descendants to the Most (or mixed) Arabians, because Ishmael’s mother was an Egyptian. The Bedouins claim to have descended from Joktan, son of Eber (Gen. 10:25).
2. Son of Azel, a descendant of Saul (1 Chron. 8:38; 1 Chron. 9:44).
3. Father of Zebadiah a ruler under Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 19:11).
4. Son of Jehohanan, and one of the “captains of hundreds” who assisted in setting Joash on the throne (2 Chron. 23:1).
5. Priest who had married a strange wife (Ezra 10:22).
6. Son of Nethaniah, of the “seed royal,” but of what family is not known. His craft and ferocity show that he was unworthy of a throne. He treacherously slew Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the cities of Judah, and all the Jews that were with him in Mizpah. He followed up this crime by the cruel and treacherous murder of eighty men from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, who were bringing gifts to the temple, only ten being spared. He then carried away captive all that were left in Mizpah, and departed to go over to the Ammonites; but Johanan the son of Kareah, and those with him, rescued the captives.
Ishmael escaped and is heard of no more (2 Kings 25:23-25; Jer. 40:8-16; Jer. 41:1-18).
Ishmaelites, Ishmeelites
Descendants of Ishmael the son of Abraham (Gen. 37:25-28; Gen. 39:1; Judg. 8:24; 1 Chron. 2:17; 1 Chron. 27:30; Psalm 83:6). See ISHMAEL.
Ishmaiah
Son of Obadiah, and a ruler of Zebulu (1 Chron. 27:19).
Ishmerai
Son of Elpaal, a descendant of Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:18).
Ishod
Descendant of Manasseh (1 Chron. 7:18).
Ishpan
Son of Shashak, a descendant of Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:22).
Ishtob
A state which supplied 12,000 men to the children of Ammon to fight against David (2 Sam. 10:6,8). In the margin it reads “men of Tob.” It was to “the land of Tob” that Jephthah fled from his brethren (Judg. 11:3,5). It is supposed to be on the east of Jebel Hauran.
Ishuah, Isuah
Second son of Asher (Gen. 46:17; 1 Chron. 7:30).
Ishuai, Isui, Jesui
Third son of Asher, and founder of the JESUITES (Gen. 46:17; Num. 26:44; 1 Chron. 7:30).
Ishui
Son of Saul and Ahinoam (1 Sam. 14:49).
Islands, Isles
There are no islands near to Palestine. Cyprus is the nearest, and that is about seventy miles from the nearest point of Syria, far north. So that the term “the isles” may be used at times indefinitely for places or nations far off. We read of “the isles which are beyond the sea,” “the isles afar off,” and “isles of the Gentiles” (Gen. 10:5 and more; Jer. 25:22; Jer. 31:10 and more). It is thought that in some places in the prophets the sea-coasts or maritime countries are intended. Definite islands are also mentioned, especially in the New Testament when Paul began his missionary journeys.
Ismachiah
A Levite, set over the offerings, tithes, and dedicated things in the time of king Hezekiah (2 Chron. 31:13).
Ismaiah
A Gibeonite, the head of David’s thirty valiant men: he joined David at Ziklag (1 Chron. 12:4).
Ispah
Son of Beriah, a Benjamite (1 Chron. 8:16).
Israel
Name given to Jacob after “a man” had wrestled with him, to whom he clung when he was by him crippled. It signifies “a prince of God,” and it was said, “as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” It thus indicated the way of blessing with regard to the nation in which God’s government in the earth was to be established. The twelve sons of Jacob became the heads of the twelve tribes, and they and their descendants were called the children of Israel, or simply Israel. At the division of the kingdom, the ten tribes were called “Israel,” and the two tribes “Judah,” though this distinction is not at all times rigidly adhered to: thus the princes and kings of Judah are called princes of Israel, and kings of Israel (2 Chron. 12:5-6; 2 Chron. 21:2; 2 Chron. 28:19). So those who returned from exile, though they were in the main of the two tribes, are called people of Israel, or Israel. In the prophets also, though the ten tribes are not called Judah, the two tribes are at times called Israel. The ten tribes in the prophets are often spoken of as EPHRAIM, which was the chief of the ten. Though Israel was reckoned as ten tribes, it is most probable that the portion of Simeon, being situated on the extreme south, was united to Judah, as well as the territory of Dan in the S.W., though the people of Simeon may have scattered themselves among the other tribes, and those of Dan have gone north and joined their tribe there.
THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL commenced when Jeroboam was made king, to whom it was promised that his house should be established if he followed the Lord. He, on the contrary, to prevent the people going to Jerusalem, immediately set up the golden calves at Dan and at Bethel. The kingdom was given up to idolatry, and a series of judgments followed. Baasha murdered Jeroboam’s son and successor; and his own son and successor was slain by Zimri; Zimri was killed by Omri, and after a civil war of four years with Tibni, Omri became king and reigned with his successors forty-five years, ending with Jehoram the son of Ahab. He and the survivors of the house of Ahab were slain by Jehu directly or indirectly, and Jehu began the 5th dynasty, B.C. 884. He and his successors reigned, with varying judgments upon them, for a hundred and twelve years. Zachariah was the last, being the fourth successor of Jehu, as God had said, 2 Kings 15:12: he reigned only six months and was murdered by Shallum. During another fifty years the kingdom was spared: but there was no repentance. About B.C. 740 the two and a half tribes east of the Jordan were carried into captivity, and Israel became tributary to Assyria. Hoshea murdered Pekah, and after nine years of anarchy succeeded to the throne. He revolted against Assyria, trusting to Egypt; but Samaria was taken, and Israel carried into captivity. Thus ended the kingdom of Israel (B.C. 721). From about B.C. 784 to 725 Hosea was God’s prophet in Israel. He solemnly pleaded with them, protesting against their evil ways, and was ever ready to help them to turn to God, though his efforts were, alas, in vain (2 Kings 17:13-18; Hos. 13:16; Hos. 14:1-9).
Israel when carried away were placed in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan (in the neighborhood of the river Khabour, an affluent of the river Euphrates), and in the cities of the Medes. As far as is known they never returned, though doubtless individuals found their way back in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, and in the four hundred years that followed before the Lord appeared. Jews from those districts were present on the day of Pentecost; but as a body they are still commonly regarded as “the Lost Tribes.” God knows where to find them when His set time of blessing arrives. The twelve tribes surely exist, and remnants of them will again come into the land (Ezek. 48:1-29; Matt. 19:28; Acts 26:7; James 1:1; Rev. 7:5-8).
The ten tribes will be dealt with differently from the two, who were in the land when the Lord was presented to them, and who rejected Him, and demanded His crucifixion. The ten tribes will, by a mighty hand and with fury poured out, be brought into the wilderness, and there God will plead with them, cause them to pass under the rod, and bring them into the bond of the covenant; but the rebels will be purged out (Ezek. 20:34-38). The question as to the wounds in the hands of the Lord, which He received in the house of His “friends” is connected with Judah, who will be judged when in the land, and only one third of them after being refined, will be owned as God’s people (Zech. 13:6-9). When God thus purges and restores a remnant of all the tribes, and brings them into full blessing in the land, the name of ISRAEL will embrace them all as it did at the first, and God will be their God forevermore (Ezek. 37:1-28).
Israel in Egypt
The details of the history of Israel in Egypt are few. When Joseph was in power, Jacob and his whole household settled in the land: there they multiplied and became a great nation. In time a king reigned who knew not Joseph, and the people were reduced to cruel bondage. Through God’s intervention and after dire judgments upon the Egyptians, the Israelites were delivered. See EGYPT and JOSEPH.
A question not easily answered is, How long were the Israelites in Egypt? In Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6, the period seems to be stated as four hundred years. Exodus 12:40 says “the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years”; and Galatians 3:17 declares that the law was given four hundred and thirty years after the promise to Abraham. The promise to Abraham was long before Israel went into Egypt, and the law was given after they came out; so that according to this passage their sojourning in Egypt must have been much less than four hundred years. A much shorter period is implied in Genesis 15:16, which says of Israel in Egypt that “in the fourth generation they shall come hither again”; and if we turn to Exodus 6:16-20 we find exactly four generations, thus:
Jacob’s son Levi.
Levi’s son Kohath.
Kohath’s son Amram.
Amram’s son Moses.
Or, if we start with Levi, who entered with Jacob, there was ample time for Moses to have had a son, as he was eighty years old at the Exodus. Now if we reckon that at that time a man had his first son when he was forty years of age, there would have been ten generations in four hundred years. Further, the mother of Moses (Jochebed) was Levi’s daughter, (Num. 26:59), Amram having married his own aunt (Ex. 6:20). Levi lived only a hundred and thirty-seven years in all, and supposing (it can be approximately proved) that he lived in Egypt eighty-eight years, Jochebed was born during those years. If Moses was born when she was forty-seven years of age, and Moses was eighty years old at the Exodus, these sums (88 + 47 + 80 = 215 years) show that Israel may have been in Egypt about two hundred and fifteen years, and this is the period now generally supposed.
If we admit this to be the time of the occupation, we must endeavor to see how it agrees with the four hundred and thirty years of Galatians 3:17.
YEARS
Age of Abraham when Isaac was born 100
Age of Abraham, when the promise was given 75
25
Age of Isaac when Jacob was born 60
Age of Jacob when he stood before Pharaoh 130
Sojourn of Israel in Egypt 215
430
If then this be the correct period, how does it agree with Genesis 15:13 and Exodus 12:40? In Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6, nothing is said about Egypt: “Thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs.” This was said to Abraham, and may include the whole period from the birth of Isaac to the Exodus, which according to the above was four hundred and five years—thus agreeing with the round number of four hundred years. Exodus 12:40 is worded differently: “The sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.” The Samaritan Pentateuch and the LXX add the words “and of their fathers in the land of Canaan”; but these words are not in the Arabic, Syriac, or Vulgate versions; and may therefore have been added to meet the apparent difficulty. It is better to take the four hundred and thirty years as including the sojourn of Abraham (after the promise), and of Isaac, and of Jacob, though strictly speaking Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not “children of Israel.”
The conclusion that the sojourn in Egypt was really for two hundred and fifteen years creates another difficulty in some minds, namely, the great increase of the Israelites during that period. Exodus 12:37 speaks of there being 600,000 men, besides children, at the Exodus. Numbers 1:46 gives the number more exactly as 603,550 from twenty years old and upwards that were able to go to war. This has been calculated to signify a total of about two million men, women, and children, without the descendants of Levi. Is this a greater number than could be the descendants of those who entered Egypt? This may be reckoned in two ways: if we deduct thirteen from the seventy—for the family of Levi and for those who could not be called heads of families at that time (Deut. 10:22), the result gives fifty-seven heads of families; and if each had 14 children,
In one generation there would be 798
In the second 11,172
In the third 156,408
In the fourth 2,189,712
To reckon fourteen children to each may seem a large number, but it must be remembered that there was the plurality of wives, and scripture speaks of their multiplying exceedingly (Ex. 1:7,12,20).
The increase may be reckoned in another manner by the population. If the above fifty-seven are multiplied by 3.3 it gives as the population at the commencement (excluding Levi, and his descendants, as above) 188 persons. Suppose the population doubled itself in fifteen years (as it has been known to do in some places), the number in two hundred and ten years would be over three million. There is therefore no difficulty in the increase of the people.
Israel in Egypt is typical of mankind in the world, under the power of Satan, before being sheltered under the blood of Christ, and redeemed by the power of God.
Issachar
1. The ninth son of Jacob, and the fifth of Leah. Of his personal history there is no record except that he had four sons, who became heads in the tribe. When Jacob blessed his sons he said, “Issachar is a strong ass, couching down between two burdens, and he....bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute” (Gen. 49:14-15). This seems to imply that this tribe, with Zebulun, would mix with the world and become slaves to it for profit. When Moses blessed the tribes, Issachar and Zebulun are also placed together. He said, “They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand” (Deut. 33:19). This seems to point also to commercial enterprise. Some of Issachar resorted to David at Ziklag, of whom it is said they “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32). At the first numbering there were of Issachar 54,400 fit for war, and at the second 64,300. They are described as “valiant men of might,” and they furnished 36,000 men of war (1 Chron. 7:4-5). The tribe possessed some of the most productive portions of the land, including the extensive plain of Jezreel, with the Jordan on its border for about 50 miles. See map under TWELVE TRIBES.
2. Son of Obed-Edom, a Korhite Levite (1 Chron. 26:5).
Isshiah
1. Son of Rehabiah, a grandson of Moses (1 Chron. 24:21).
2. Levite of the house of Uzziel (1 Chron. 24:25).
Isuah
See ISHUAH.
Isui
See ISHUAI.
Italian Band
An Italian cohort of which Cornelius was the centurion. It was doubtless so called because of the men being recruited in Italy (Acts 10:1).
Italy
The well-known country, of which Rome was the capital. It is only incidentally mentioned in scripture (Acts 18:2; Acts 27:1,6, Heb. 13:24).
Ithai
See ITTAI.
Ithamar
Youngest son of Aaron: he was anointed with Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar to minister in the priest’s office. Under the superintendence of Ithamar were placed the Gershonites and Merarites who carried portions of the tabernacle. The high-priesthood came into the family of Ithamar in the person of Eli, and it reverted to the descendants of Eleazar in Zadok on the deposition of Abiathar by Solomon (Ex. 6:23; Ex. 28:1; Ex. 38:21; Lev. 10:6,12,16; Num. 3:2-4; Num. 4:28,33; Num. 7:8; Num. 26:60; 1 Chron. 6:3; 1 Chron. 24:1-6). Daniel, a descendant of Ithamar, returned from exile (Ezra 8:2).
Ithiel
1. Son of Jesaiah, a Benjamite (Neh. 11:7).
2. One to whom Agur addressed his prophecy (Prov. 30:1).
Ithmah
A Mahavite, one of David’s valiant men (1 Chron. 11:46).
Ithnan
City in the extreme south of Judah (Josh. 15:23). Not identified.
Ithra
See JETHER.
Ithran
1. Son of Dishon, a descendant of Seir (Gen. 36:26; 1 Chron. 1:41).
2. Son of Zophah, an Asherite (1 Chron. 7:37).
Ithream
Sixth son of David, by Eglah (2 Sam. 3:5; 1 Chron. 3:3).
Ithrites
Designation of Ira and Gareb, two of David’s mighty men, described as among “the families of Kirjath-jearim,” which links them with Judah (2 Sam. 23:38; 1 Chron. 2:53; 1 Chron. 11:40).
Ittah-kazin
Landmark of the boundary of Zebulun (Josh. 19:13). Not identified.
Ittai
1. A Philistine of Gath, head of a portion of David’s guard. He was faithful to David at the revolt of Absalom, returned with the king, and had a command in his army (2 Sam. 15:19-22; 2 Sam. 18:2,5,12). He illustrates how Gentiles will be associated with the remnant of Israel, both in the sufferings and reign of their Messiah, and serve Him in a future day.
2. Son of Ribai a Benjamite, and one of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:29). Called ITHAI in 1 Chronicles 11:31.
Ituraea
A province on the east of the upper Jordan of which Herod Philip was made tetrarch (Luke 3:1). Its boundaries cannot be well defined, but it reached toward Damascus and embraced the southern slopes of Anti-Lebanon. Its name is derived from JETUR, son of Ishmael (Gen. 25:15). See map under GALILEE.
Ivah
District or city that had been conquered by Assyria (2 Kings 18:34; 2 Kings 19:13; Isa. 37:13). Supposed to be the same as AVA in 2 Kings 17:24, and AHAVA in Ezra 8:15,21.
Ivory
The well-known substance of which the tusks of the elephant consist. We read of beds of ivory, thrones of ivory, palaces of ivory, ivory houses, and all manner of vessels. The finest specimens were used for carving and the smaller were cut into veneers for covering surfaces (1 Kings 10:18; 1 Kings 22:39; Psa. 45:8; Song of Sol. 5:14; Song of Sol. 7:4; Amos 3:15; Amos 6:4; Rev. 18:12). It was imported into Palestine by the Assyrians and was brought by the ships of Solomon. Ancient ivories of Egypt and Assyria have been found.
Izehar, Izhar, Izeharites, Izharites
Son of Kohath, and his descendants (Ex. 6:18,21; Num. 3:19,27; Num. 16:1; 1 Chron. 6:2,18,38; 1 Chron. 23:12,18; 1 Chron. 24:22; 1 Chron. 26:23,29). Apparently once called AMMINADAB (1 Chron. 6:22).
Izrahiah
Son of Uzzi of the tribe of Issachar (1 Chron. 7:3).
Izrahite
Designation of Shamhuth, one of David’s captains (1 Chron. 27:8).
Izri
Levite, chief of the fourth course in the service of song (1 Chron. 25:11). Apparently called ZERI in 1 Chronicles 25:3.
Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.