became the head of the province of Gaulanitis, one of the four provinces
into which Bashan was divided after the Babylonish captivity, and almost
identical with the modern Jaulan, in Western Hauran, about 39 miles in
length and 18 in breath.
- GOLD (1.) Hebrews zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Exodus
25:11; 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:5).
(2.) Hebrews segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or
treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
(3.) Hebrews paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psalm 19:10; 21:3, etc.).
(4.) Hebrews betzer, “ore of gold or silver” as dug out of the mine (Job
36:19, where it means simply riches).
(5.) Hebrews kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16,19;
Psalm 45:9; Proverbs 25:12). Rendered “golden wedge” in Isaiah 13:12.
(6.) Hebrews haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Proverbs 8:10; 16:16;
Zechariah 9:3).
Gold was known from the earliest times (Genesis 2:11). It was principally
used for ornaments (Genesis 24:22). It was very abundant (1 Chronicles
22:14; Nah. 2:9; Daniel 3:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with
the temple (2 Chronicles 1:15). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir
(1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16), but not in Palestine.
In Daniel 2:38, the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a “head of gold”
because of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah (14:4) the
“golden city” (R.V. marg., “exactress,” adopting the reading marhebah,
instead of the usual word madhebah).
- GOLDEN CALF (Exodus 32:4,8; Deuteronomy 9:16; Nehemiah 9:18).
This was a molten image of a calf which the idolatrous Israelites formed at
Sinai. This symbol was borrowed from the custom of the Egyptians. It
was destroyed at the command of Moses (Exodus 32:20). (See AARON;
MOSES.) - GOLDSMITH (Nehemiah 3:8,32; Isaiah 40:19; 41:7; 46:6). The word so
rendered means properly a founder or finer. - GOLGOTHA the common name of the spot where Jesus was crucified. It
is interpreted by the evangelists as meaning “the place of a skull”