< Vorige | Inhoud | Volgende >
•EAST WIND the wind coming from the east (Job 27:21; Isaiah 27:8, etc.). Blight caused by this wind, “thin ears” (Genesis 41:6); the withered “gourd” (Jonah 4: 8). It was the cause and also the emblem of evil (Ezekiel 17:10; 19:12; Hos. 13:15). In Palestine this wind blows from a burning desert, and hence is destitute of moisture necessary for vegetation.
•EATING The ancient Hebrews would not eat with the Egyptians (Genesis 43:32). In the time of our Lord they would not eat with Samaritans (John 4:9), and were astonished that he ate with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11). The Hebrews originally sat at table, but afterwards adopted the Persian and Chaldean practice of reclining (Luke 7:36-50). Their principal meal was at noon (Genesis 43:16; 1 Kings 20:16; Ruth 2:14; Luke 14:12). The word “eat” is used metaphorically in Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1; Revelation 10:9. In John 6:53-58, “eating and drinking” means believing in Christ. Women were never present as guests at meals (q.v.).
•EBAL stony. (1.) A mountain 3,076 feet above the level of the sea, and 1,200 feet above the level of the valley, on the north side of which stood the city of Shechem (q.v.). On this mountain six of the tribes (Deuteronomy 27:12,13) were appointed to take their stand and respond according to a prescribed form to the imprecations uttered in the valley, where the law was read by the Levites (11:29; 29:4, 13). This mountain was also the site of the first great altar erected to Jehovah (Deuteronomy 27:5-8; Joshua 8:30-35). After this the name of Ebal does not again occur in Jewish history. (See GERIZIM.)
(2.) A descendant of Eber (1 Chronicles 1:22), called also Obal (Genesis 10:28).