- BASILISK (in R.V., Isaiah 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; Jeremiah 8:17), the “king
serpent,” as the name imports; a fabulous serpent said to be three spans
long, with a spot on its head like a crown. Probably the yellow snake is
intended. (See COCKATRICE.) - BASIN or Bason. (1.) A trough or laver (Hebrews aggan’) for washing
(Exodus 24:6); rendered also “goblet” (Cant. 7:2) and “cups” (Isaiah
22:24).
(2.) A covered dish or urn (Hebrews k’for) among the vessels of the
temple (1 Chronicles 28:17; Ezra 1:10; 8:27).
(3.) A vase (Hebrews mizrak) from which to sprinkle anything. A metallic
vessel; sometimes rendered “bowl” (Amos 6:6; Zechariah 9:15). The
vessels of the tabernacle were of brass (Exodus 27:3), while those of the
temple were of gold (2 Chronicles 4:8).
(4.) A utensil (Hebrews saph) for holding the blood of the victims (Exodus
12:22); also a basin for domestic purposes (2 Samuel 17:28).
The various vessels spoken of by the names “basin, bowl, charger, cup,
and dish,” cannot now be accurately distinguished.
The basin in which our Lord washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:5) must
have been larger and deeper than the hand-basin.
- BASKET There are five different Hebrew words so rendered in the
Authorized Version: (1.) A basket (Hebrews sal, a twig or osier) for
holding bread (Genesis 40:16; Exodus 29:3, 23; Leviticus 8:2, 26, 31;
Numbers 6:15, 17, 19). Sometimes baskets were made of twigs peeled;
their manufacture was a recognized trade among the Hebrews.
(2.) That used (Hebrews salsilloth’) in gathering grapes (Jeremiah 6:9).
(3.) That in which the first fruits of the harvest were presented, Hebrews
tene, (Deuteronomy 26:2, 4). It was also used for household purposes. In
form it tapered downwards like that called corbis by the Romans.
(4.) A basket (Hebrews kelub) having a lid, resembling a bird-cage. It was
made of leaves or rushes. The name is also applied to fruit-baskets (Amos
8:1, 2).
(5.) A basket (Hebrews dud) for carrying figs (Jeremiah 24:2), also clay to
the brick-yard (R.V., Psalm 81:6), and bulky articles (2 Kings 10:7). This