Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Frankie) #1

vowel-points it may happen to be written. This custom, which had its origin in reverence, was
founded upon an erroneous rendering of (Leviticus 24:16) from which it was inferred that the mere
utterance of the name constituted a capital offence. According to Jewish tradition, it was pronounced
but once a year, by the high priest on the day of atonement when he entered the holy of holies; but
on this point there is some doubt. When Moses received his commission to be the deliverer of
Israel, the Almighty, who appeared in the burning bush, communicated to him the name which he
should give as the credentials of his mission: “And God said unto Moses, “I AM THAT I AM
(ehyea asher ehyeh); and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent
me unto you.” That this passage is intended to indicate the etymology of Jehovah, as understood
by the Hebrews, no one has ventured to doubt. While Elohim exhibits God displayed in his power
as the creator and governor of the physical universe, the name Jehovah designates his nature as he
stands in relation to man, as the only almighty, true, personal, holy Being, a spirit and “the father
of spirits,” (Numbers 16:22) comp. John 4:24 Who revealed himself to his people, made a covenant
with them, and became their lawgiver, and to whom all honor and worship are due.
Jehovahjireh
(Jehovah will see or provide), the name given by Abraham to the place on which he had been
commanded to offer Isaac, to commemorate the interposition of the angel of Jehovah, who appeared
to prevent the sacrifice, (Genesis 22:14) and provided another victim.
Jehovahnissi
(Jehovah my banner), the name given by Moses to the altar which he built in commemoration
of the discomfiture of the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovahshalom
(Jehovah (is) peace), or, with an ellipsis, “Jehovah the God of peace.” The altar erected by
Gideon in Orphrah was so called in memory of the salutation addressed to him by the angel of
Jehovah, “Peace be unto thee.” (Judges 6:24)
Jehozabad
(whom Jehovah gave).
•A Korhite Levite, second son of Obed-edom, and one of the porters of the south gate of the temple
and of the storehouse there in the time of David. (1 Chronicles 26:4,15) compared with Nehe 12:25
(B.C. 1014.)
•A Benjamite, captain of 180,000 armed men, in the days of King Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 17:18)
(B.C. 910.)
•Son of Shomer or Shimrith, a Moabitish woman, who with another conspired against King Joash
and slew him in his bed. (2 Kings 2:21; 2 Chronicles 24:26) (B.C. 837.)
Jehozadak
(Jehovah justifies), usually called Jozadak or Josedech. He was the son of the high priest Seraiah.
(1 Chronicles 6:14,15) When his father was slain at Riblah by order of Nebuchadnezzar, (2 Kings
25:18,21) Jehozadak was led away captive to Babylon. (1 Chronicles 6:15) (B.C. 588.) He himself
never attained the high priesthood, but he was the father of Jeshua the high priest, and of all his
successors till the pontificate of Alcimus. (Ezra 3:2; Nehemiah 12:26), etc.
Jehu
(the living).
•The founder of the fifth dynasty of the kingdom of Israel, son of Jehoshaphat. (2 Kings 9:2) He
reigned over Israel 28 years, B.C. 884-856. His first appearance in history is when he heard the

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