(Heb. abattichim) are mentioned only in (Numbers 11:5) By the Hebrew word we are probably
to understand both the melon (Cumcumis melo) and the watermelon (Cucurbita citrullus). The
watermelon, which is now extensively cultivated in all hot countries, is a fruit not unlike the common
melon, but the leaves are deeply lobed and gashed; the flesh is pink or white, and contains a large
quantity of cold watery juice with out much flavor; the seeds are black.
Melzar
(steward). The Authorized Version is wrong in regarding melzar as a proper name; it is rather
an official title, (Daniel 1:11,16) the marginal reading, “the steward,” is therefore more correct.
Memphis
(haven, of the good), a city of ancient Egypt, situated on that western bank of the Nile, about
nine miles south of Cairo and five from the great pyramids and the sphinx. It is mentioned by (Isaiah
40:14,19) and Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 30:13,16) under the name of Noph. Though some regard Thebes
as the more ancient city, the monuments of Memphis are of higher antiquity than those of Thebus.
The city is said to have had a circumference of about 10 miles. The temple of Apis was one of the
most noted structures of Memphis. It stood opposite the southern portico of the temple of Ptah; and
Psammetichus, who built that gateway, also erected in front of the sanctuary of Apis a magnificent
colonnade, supported by colossal statues or Osiride pillars, such as may still be seen at the temple
of Medeenet Habou at Thebes. Herod. ii, 153. Through this colonnade the Apis was led with great
pomp upon state occasions. At Memphis was the reputed burial-place of Isis; it has also a temple
to that “myriad-named” divinity. Memphis had also its Serapeium, which probably stood in the
western quarter of the city. The sacred cubit until other symbols used in measuring the rise of the
Nile were deposited in the temple of Serapis. The Necropolis, adjacent to Memphis, was on a scale
of grandeur corresponding with the city itself. The “city of the pyramids” is a title of Memphis in
the hieroglyphics upon the monuments. Memphis long held its place as a capital; and for centuries
a Memphite dynasty ruled over all Egypt. Lepsius, Bunsen and Brugsch agree in regarding the
third, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth dynasties of the old empire as Memphite, reaching through
a period of about 1000 years. The city’s overthrow was distinctly predicted by the Hebrew prophets.
(Isaiah 19:13; Jeremiah 46:19) The latest of these predictions was uttered nearly 600 years before
Christ, and a half a century before the invasion of Egypt by Cambyses (cir, B.C. 525). Herodotus
informs us that Cambyses, engaged at the opposition he encountered at Memphis, committed many
outrages upon the city. The city never recovered from the blow inflicted by Cambyses. The rise of
Alexandria hastened its decline. The caliph conquerors founded Fostat (old Cairo) upon the opposite
bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and brought materials from the old city to build
their new capital, A.D. 638. At length so complete was the ruin of Memphis that for a long time
its very site was lost. Recent explorations have brought to light many of its antiquities.
Memucan
(dignified), one of the seven princes of Persia in the reign of Ahasuerus, who “saw the king’s
face,” and sat first in the kingdom. (Esther 1:14,16,21)
Menahem
(comforter), son of Gadi, who slew the usurper Shallum, and seized the vacant throne of Israel.
B.C. 772. His reign, which lasted ten years, is briefly recorded in (2 Kings 15:14-22) He maintained
the calf-worship of Jeroboam. The contemporary prophets Hosea and Amos have left a melancholy
picture of the ungodliness, demoralization and feebleness of Israel. Menahem reigned B.C. 771-760.
Menan
frankie
(Frankie)
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