and human, that in his work he might represent man, and be capable of
rendering obedience to the law and satisfying the claims of justice
(Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16), and that in his glorified humanity he might
be the head of a glorified Church (Romans 8:29).
This office involves the three functions of prophet, priest, and king, all of
which are discharged by Christ both in his estate of humiliation and
exaltation. These functions are so inherent in the one office that the quality
appertaining to each gives character to every mediatorial act. They are
never separated in the exercise of the office of mediator.
- MEEKNESS a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13).
Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matthew 5:5; Isaiah 66:2). The
cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11;
Zephaniah 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matthew 11:29), Abraham
(Genesis 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Numbers 12:3), David (Zechariah 12:8; 2
Samuel 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Corinthians 9:19). - MEGIDDO place of troops, originally one of the royal cities of the
Canaanites (Joshua 12:21), belonged to the tribe of Manasseh (Judges
1:27), but does not seem to have been fully occupied by the Israelites till
the time of Solomon (1 Kings 4:12; 9:15).
The valley or plain of Megiddo was part of the plain of Esdraelon, the
great battle-field of Palestine. It was here Barak gained a notable victory
over Jabin, the king of Hazor, whose general, Sisera, led on the hostile
army. Barak rallied the warriors of the northern tribes, and under the
encouragement of Deborah (q.v.), the prophetess, attacked the Canaanites
in the great plain. The army of Sisera was thrown into complete confusion,
and was engulfed in the waters of the Kishon, which had risen and
overflowed its banks (Judges 4:5).
Many years after this (B.C. 610), Pharaohnecho II., on his march against
the king of Assyria, passed through the plains of Philistia and Sharon; and
King Josiah, attempting to bar his progress in the plain of Megiddo, was
defeated by the Egyptians. He was wounded in battle, and died as they
bore him away in his chariot towards Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:29; 2
Chronicles 35:22-24), and all Israel mourned for him. So general and bitter
was this mourning that it became a proverb, to which Zechariah (12:11,
12) alludes. Megiddo has been identified with the modern el-Lejjun, at the
head of the Kishon, under the north-eastern brow of Carmel, on the