- ETERNAL LIFE This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in
Daniel 12:2 (R.V., “everlasting life”).
It occurs frequently in the New Testament (Matthew 7:14; 18:8, 9; Luke
10:28; comp. 18:18). It comprises the whole future of the redeemed (Luke
16:9), and is opposed to “eternal punishment” (Matthew 19:29; 25:46). It
is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter (1
Timothy 6:12, 19; Romans 6:22; Galatians 6:8; 1 Timothy 1:16; Romans
5:21); their Sabbath of rest (Hebrews 4:9; comp. 12:22).
The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ (Romans 6:4) is
the very essence of salvation, and hence the life of glory or the eternal life
must also be theirs (Romans 6:8; 2 Timothy 2:11, 12; Romans 5:17, 21;
8:30; Ephesians 2:5, 6). It is the “gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord”
(Romans 6:23). The life the faithful have here on earth (John 3:36; 5:24;
6:47, 53-58) is inseparably connected with the eternal life beyond, the
endless life of the future, the happy future of the saints in heaven
(Matthew 19:16, 29; 25:46).
- ETHAM perhaps another name for Khetam, or “fortress,” on the Shur or
great wall of Egypt, which extended from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of
Suez. Here the Israelites made their third encampment (Exodus 13:20;
Numbers 33:6). The camp was probably a little to the west of the modern
town of Ismailia. Here the Israelites were commanded to change their route
(Exodus 14:2), and “turn” towards the south, and encamp before
Pi-hahiroth. (See EXODUS; PITHOM.) - ETHAN firm. (1.) “The Ezrahite,” distinguished for his wisdom (1 Kings
4:31). He is named as the author of the 89th Psalm. He was of the tribe of
Levi.
(2.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of the leaders of the temple
music (1 Chronicles 6:44; 15:17, 19). He was probably the same as
Jeduthun. He is supposed by some to be the same also as (1).
- ETHANIM the month of gifts, i.e., of vintage offerings; called Tisri after
the Exile; corresponding to part of September and October. It was the first
month of the civil year, and the seventh of the sacred year (1 Kings 8:2). - ETH-BAAL with Baal, a king of Sidon (B.C. 940-908), father of Jezebel,
who was the wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31). He is said to have been also a
priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely allied to that of Baal, and