Smith's Bible Dictionary.pdf - Online Christian Library

Smith's Bible Dictionary
a deeper sense than is conveyed by the immediate representation. (Addison’s Vision of Mirza and
Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress are among the best allegories in all literature.)
Alleluia
so written in (Revelation 19:6) foll., or more properly Hallelujah, praise ye Jehovah, as it is
found in the margin of (Psalms 104:35; 105:45; 106; 111:1; 112:1; 113:1) comp. Psal 113:9; 115:18;
116:19, 117:2 The literal meaning of “hallelujah” sufficiently indicates the character of the Psalms
in which it occurs as hymns of praise and thanksgiving.
Alliances
On the first establishment of the Hebrews in Palestine no connections were formed between
them and the surrounding nations. But with the extension of their power under the kings alliances
became essential to the security of their commerce. Solomon concluded two important treaties
exclusively for commercial purposes the first with Hiram king of Tyre (1 Kings 5:2-12; 9:27) the
second with a Pharaoh, king of Egypt. (1 Kings 10:28,29) When war broke out between Amaziah
I and Jeroboam II, a coalition was formed between Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah on the one side,
and Ahaz and Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, on the other. (2 Kings 16:5-9) The formation of an
alliance was attended with various religious rites. A victim was slain and divided into two parts,
between which the contracting parties passed. (Genesis 15:10) Generally speaking the oath alone
is mentioned in the contracting of alliances, either between nations, (Joshua 9:15) or individuals.
(Genesis 25:28; 31:53; 1 Samuel 20:17; 2 Kings 11:4) The event was celebrated by a feast. Genesis
l.c.; (Exodus 24:11; 2 Samuel 3:12,20) Salt, as symbolical of fidelity, was used on these occasions.
Occasionally a pillar or a heap of stones was set up as a memorial of the alliance. (Genesis 31:52)
Presents were also sent by the parties soliciting the alliance. (1 Kings 15:18; Isaiah 30:6); 1 Macc
16:18. The fidelity of the Jews to their engagements was conspicuous at all periods of their history,
(Joshua 9:18) and any breach of covenant was visited with very severe punishment. (2 Samuel
21:1; Ezekiel 17:16)
Allon
a large strong tree of some description probably an oak.
•Allon more accurately Elon, a place named among the cities of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:33) Probably
the more correct construction is to take it with the following word, i.e., “the oak by Zaanannim.
[Elon]
•Allon BACHUTH (oak of weeping) the tree under which Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, was buried.
(Genesis 35:8)
(an oak) a Simeonite, ancestor of Ziza, a prince of his tribe in the reign of Hezekiah (1 Chronicles
4:37) (B.C. 727.)
Almodad
(measure) the first in order of the descendants of Joktan. (Genesis 10:26; 1 Chronicles 1:20)
Almon
(concealed) a city within the tribe of Benjamin, with “suburbs” given to the priests. (Joshua
21:18) [Alemeth]
Almond Tree; Almond
This word is found in (Genesis 43:11; Exodus 25:33,34; 37:19,20; Numbers 17:8; Ecclesiastes
12:5; Jeremiah 1:11) in the text of the Authorized Version. It is invariably represented by the same
Hebrew word, shaked meaning hasten. (Jeremiah 1:11,12) The almond tree is a native of Asia and
North Africa, but it is cultivated in the milder parts of Europe.” It resembles the peach tree in form,
32
William Smith