the Greek pascha (the Passover). When the Authorized Version (1611)
was formed, the word “passover” was used in all passages in which this
word pascha occurred, except in Act 12:4. In the Revised Version the
proper word, “passover,” is always used.
- EAST GATE (Jeremiah 19:2), properly the Potter’s gate, the gate which
led to the potter’s field, in the valley of Hinnom. - EAST SEA (Joel 2:20; Ezekiel 47:18), the Dead Sea, which lay on the east
side of the Holy Land. The Mediterranean, which lay on the west, was
hence called the “great sea for the west border” (Numbers 34:6). - 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).