Smith's Bible Dictionary

(Frankie) #1

Kirjath-sepher, or Debir as it was afterward called. Caleb promised to give his daughter Achsah to
whosoever should assault and take the city. Othniel won the prize. The next mention of him is in
(Judges 3:9) where he appears as the first judge of Israel after the death of Joshua, and the deliverer
of his countrymen from the oppression of Chushahrishathaim (Judges 3:8-9)
Oven
The eastern oven is of two kinds—fixed and portable. The former is found only in towns, where
regular bakers are employed. (Hosea 7:4) The latter ia adapted to the nomad state, it consists of a
large jar made of clay, about three feet high and widening toward the bottom, with a hole for the
extraction of the ashes. Each household possessed such an article, (Exodus 8:3) and it was only in
times of extreme dearth that the same oven sufficed for several families. (Leviticus 26:26) It was
heated with dry twigs and grass, (Matthew 6:30) and the loaves were placed both inside and outside
of it.
Owl
A number of species of the owl are mentioned in the Bible, (Leviticus 11:17; 14:16; Isaiah
14:23; 34:15; Zephaniah 2:14) and in several other places the same Hebrew word is used where it
is translated ostrich. (Job 30:29; Jeremiah 50:39) Some of these species were common in Palestine,
and, as is well known, were often found inhabiting ruins. (Isaiah 34:11,13-15)
Ox
There was no animal in the rural economy of the Israelites, or indeed in that of the ancient
Orientals generally, that was held in higher esteem than the ox and deservedly so, for the ox was
the animal upon whose patient labors depended all the ordinary operations of farming. Oxen were
used for ploughing, (22:10; 1 Samuel 14:14) etc.; for treading out corn, (25:4; Hosea 10:11) etc.;
for draught purposes, when they were generally yoked in pairs, (Numbers 7:3; 1 Samuel 6:7) etc.;
as beasts of burden, (1 Chronicles 12:40) their flesh was eaten, (14:4; 1 Kings 1:9) etc.; they were
used in the sacrifices; cows supplied milk, butter, etc. (32:14; 2 Samuel 17:29; Isaiah 7:22) Connected
with the importance of oxen in the rural economy of the Jews is the strict code of laws which was
mercifully enacted by God for their protection and preservation. The ox that threshed the corn was
by no means to be muzzled; he was to enjoy rest on the Sabbath as well as his master. (Exodus
23:12; 5:14) The ox was seldom slaughtered. (Leviticus 17:1-6) It seems clear from (Proverbs
15:17) and 1Kin 4:23 That cattle were sometimes stall-fed though as a general rule it is probable
that they fed in the plains or on the hills of Palestine. The cattle that grazed at large in the open
country would no doubt often become fierce and wild, for it is to be remembered that in primitive
times the lion and other wild beasts of prey roamed about Palestine. Hence the force of the Psalmist’s
complaint of his enemies. (Psalms 22:13)
Ozem
(power).
•The sixth son of Jesse, the next eldest above David. (1 Chronicles 2:15) (B.C. 1055.)
•Son of Jerahmeel. (1 Chronicles 2:25)
Ozias
(strength from the Lord).
•Uzzi, one of the ancestors of Ezra. 2, Esd. 2:2.
•Uzziah, king of Judah. (Matthew 1:8,9)
Ozni

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