Leech
[HORSE-LEECH]
Leeks
(Heb. chatsir). The leek was a bulbous vegetable resembling the onion. Its botanical name is
Allium porrum. The Israelites in the wilderness longed for the leeks and onions of Egypt. (Numbers
11:5) The word chatsir, which in (Numbers 11:5) is translated leeks, occurs twenty times in the
Hebrew text. The Hebrew term, which properly denotes grass, is derived from a root signifying “to
be green,” and may therefore stand in this passage for any green food—lettuce, endive, etc.; it
would thus be applied somewhat in the same manner as we use the term “greens;” yet as the chatsir
is mentioned together with onions and garlic in the text, and as the most ancient versions unanimously
understand leeks by the Hebrew word, we may be satisfied with our own translation.
Lees
the coarser parts of a liquor, its sediment or dregs. “Wine on the lees” means a generous,
full-bodied liquor. (Isaiah 25:6) Before the wine was consumed, it was necessary to strain off the
lees; such wine was then termed “well refined.” (Isaiah 25:6) To drink the lees, or “dregs,” was an
expression for the endurance of extreme punishment. (Psalms 75:8)
Legion
the chief subdivision of the Roman army, containing about 6000 infantry, with a contingent of
cavalry. The term does not occur in the Bible in its primary sense, but appears to have been adopted
in order to express any large number, with the accessory ideas of order and subordination. (Matthew
26:53; Mark 5:9)
Lehabim
(fiery, flaming), occurring only in (Genesis 10:13) the name of a Mizraite people or tribe. There
can be no doubt that they are the same as the Rebu or Lebu of the Egyptian inscriptions,a nd that
from them Libya and the Libyans derived their name. These primitive Libyans appear to have
inhabited the northern part of Africa to the west of Egypt, though latterly driven from the coast by
the Greek colonists of the Cyrenaica.
Lehi
(jaw bone), a place in Judah, probably on the confines of the Philistines’ country, between it
and the cliff Etam; the scene of Samson’s well-known exploit with the jaw bone. (Judges 15:9,14,19)
It may perhaps be identified with Beit-Likiyeh, a village about two miles below the upper Beth-horon.
Lemuel
(dedicated to God), the name of an unknown king to whom his mother addressed the prudential
maxims contained in (Proverbs 31:1-9) The rabbinical commentators identified Lemuel with
Solomon. Others regard him as king or chief of an Arab tribe dwelling on the borders of Palestine,
and elder brother of Agur, whose name stands at the head of (Proverbs 30:1)
Lentils
(Heb. ’adashim), a leguminous plant bearing seeds resembling small beans. The red pottage
which Jacob prepared and for which Esau sold his birthright was made from them. (Genesis 25:34)
There are three of four kinds of lentils, all of which are much esteemed in those countries where
they are grown, viz., the south of Europe, Asia and north Africa. The red lentil is still a favorite
article of food in the East. Lentil bread is eaten by the poor of Egypt. The lentil is much used with
other pulse in Roman Catholic countries during Lent; and some are of opinion that from this usage
the season derives its name.
frankie
(Frankie)
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