Ezekiel 40:3,5; 42:16-18. There is another Hebrew word, mozena’yim, i.e.,
“two poisers”, also so rendered (Daniel 5:27). The balances as represented
on the most ancient Egyptian monuments resemble those now in use. A
“pair of balances” is a symbol of justice and fair dealing (Job 31:6; Psalm
62:9; Proverbs 11:1). The expression denotes great want and scarcity in
Revelation 6:5.
- BALDNESS from natural causes was uncommon (2 Kings 2:23; Isaiah
3:24). It was included apparently under “scab” and “scurf,” which
disqualified for the priesthood (Leviticus 21:20). The Egyptians were
rarely subject to it. This probably arose from their custom of constantly
shaving the head, only allowing the hair to grow as a sign of mourning.
With the Jews artificial baldness was a sign of mourning (Isaiah 22:12;
Jeremiah 7:29; 16:6); it also marked the conclusion of a Nazarite’s vow
(Acts 18:18; 21:24; Numbers 6:9). It is often alluded to (Micah 1:16;
Amos 8:10; Jeremiah 47:5). The Jews were forbidden to follow the
customs of surrounding nations in making themselves bald (Deuteronomy
14:1). - BALM contracted from Bal’sam, a general name for many oily or resinous
substances which flow or trickle from certain trees or plants when an
incision is made through the bark.
(1.) This word occurs in the Authorized Version (Genesis 37:25; 43:11;
Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11; 51:8; Ezekiel 27:17) as the rendering of the Hebrew
word tsori or tseri, which denotes the gum of a tree growing in Gilead
(q.v.), which is very precious. It was celebrated for its medicinal qualities,
and was circulated as an article of merchandise by Arab and Phoenician
merchants. The shrub so named was highly valued, and was almost
peculiar to Palestine. In the time of Josephus it was cultivated in the
neighbourhood of Jericho and the Dead Sea. There is an Arab tradition that
the tree yielding this balm was brought by the queen of Sheba as a present
to Solomon, and that he planted it in his gardens at Jericho.
(2.) There is another Hebrew word, basam or bosem, from which our word
“balsam,” as well as the corresponding Greek balsamon, is derived. It is
rendered “spice” (Cant. 5:1, 13; 6:2; margin of Revised Version, “balsam;”
Exodus 35:28; 1 Kings 10:10), and denotes fragrance in general. Basam also
denotes the true balsam-plant, a native of South Arabia (Cant. l.c.).