between Sepharvaim and Henah, and is supposed by some to have been
the Ahava of Ezra (8:15).
- IVORY (Hebrews pl. shenhabbim, the “tusks of elephants”) was early
used in decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was carried on
by the Assyrians (Ezekiel 27:6; Revelation 18:12). It was used by the
Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their galleys,
and Hiram’s skilled workmen made Solomon’s throne of ivory (1 Kings
10:18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isaiah 21:13), and from
the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many specimens
of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian ivory-work have been preserved. The
word habbim is derived from the Sanscrit ibhas, meaning “elephant,”
preceded by the Hebrew article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir,
from which it and the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 were
brought, was in India. - IZHAR oil, one of the sons of Kohath, and grandson of Levi (Exodus
6:18, 21; Numbers 16:1). - IZRAHITE the designation of one of David’s officers (1 Chronicles 27:8).