are about a foot square and four inches thick. They were usually dried in
the sun, though also sometimes in kilns (2 Samuel 12:31; Jeremiah 43:9;
Nah. 3:14). (See NEBUCHADNEZZAR.)
The bricks used in the tower of Babel were burnt bricks, cemented in the
building by bitumen (Genesis 11:3).
- BRIDE frequently used in the ordinary sense (Isaiah 49:18; 61:10, etc.).
The relation between Christ and his church is set forth under the figure of
that between a bridegroom and bride (John 3:29). The church is called “the
bride” (Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Compare parable of the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:1-13). - BRIDLE Three Hebrew words are thus rendered in the Authorized
Version. (1.) Hebrews mahsom’ signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by
which the rider governs his horse (Psalm 39:1).
(2.) Me’theg, rendered also “bit” in Psalm 32:9, which is its proper
meaning. Found in 2 Kings 19:28, where the restraints of God’s
providence are metaphorically styled his “bridle” and “hook.” God’s
placing a “bridle in the jaws of the people” (Isaiah 30:28; 37:29) signifies
his preventing the Assyrians from carrying out their purpose against
Jerusalem.
(3.) Another word, re’sen, was employed to represent a halter or
bridle-rein, as used Psalm 32:9; Isaiah 30:28. In Job 30:11 the restraints of
law and humanity are called a bridle.
- BRIER This word occurs frequently, and is the translation of several
different terms.
(1.) Micah 7:4, it denotes a species of thorn shrub used for hedges. In
Proverbs 15:19 the word is rendered “thorn” (Hebrews hedek, “stinging”),
supposed by some to be what is called the “apple of Sodom” (q.v.).
(2.) Ezekiel 28:24, sallon’, properly a “prickle,” such as is found on the
shoots of the palm tree.
(3.) Isaiah 55:13, probably simply a thorny bush. Some, following the
Vulgate Version, regard it as the “nettle.”
(4.) Isaiah 5:6; 7:23-25, etc., frequently used to denote thorny shrubs in
general. In 10:17; 27:4, it means troublesome men.