Kohath (1 Chronicles 26:31). It is mentioned in the “burdens” proclaimed
over Moab (Isaiah 16:8, 9; Jeremiah 48:32). Its site is marked by the
modern ruin called Sar or Seir, about 10 miles west of Amman, and 12 from
Heshbon. “The vineyards that once covered the hill-sides are gone; and the
wild Bedawin from the eastern desert make cultivation of any kind
impossible.”
- JAAZIAH comforted by Jehovah, a descendant of Merari the Levite (1
Chronicles 24:26,27). - JAAZIEL comforted by God, a Levitical musician (1 Chronicles 15:18).
- JABAL a stream, a descendant of Cain, and brother of Jubal; “the father
of such as dwell in tents and have cattle” (Genesis 4:20). This description
indicates that he led a wandering life. - JABBOK a pouring out, or a wrestling, one of the streams on the east of
Jordan, into which it falls about midway between the Sea of Galilee and
the Dead Sea, or about 45 miles below the Sea of Galilee. It rises on the
eastern side of the mountains of Gilead, and runs a course of about 65
miles in a wild and deep ravine. It was the boundary between the territory
of the Ammonites and that of Og, king of Bashan (Joshua 12:1-5; Numbers
21:24); also between the tribe of Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh
(21:24; Deuteronomy 3:16). In its course westward across the plains it
passes more than once underground. “The scenery along its banks is
probably the most picturesque in Palestine; and the ruins of town and
village and fortress which stud the surrounding mountain-side render the
country as interesting as it is beautiful.” This river is now called the Zerka,
or blue river. - JABESH dry. (1.) For Jabesh-Gilead (1 Samuel 11:3,9,10).
(2.) The father of Shallum (2 Kings 15:10, 13, 14), who usurped the throne
of Israel on the death of Zachariah.
- JABESH-GILEAD a town on the east of Jordan, on the top of one of the
green hills of Gilead, within the limits of the half tribe of Manasseh, and in
full view of Beth-shan. It is first mentioned in connection with the
vengeance taken on its inhabitants because they had refused to come up to
Mizpeh to take part with Israel against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges
21:8-14). After the battles at Gibeah, that tribe was almost extinguished,
only six hundred men remaining. An expedition went against