from Palestine in great quantities (1 Kings 5:11; Ezekiel 27:17; Acts
12:20).
Parched grains of wheat were used for food in Palestine (Ruth 2:14; 1
Samuel 17:17; 2 Samuel 17:28). The disciples, under the sanction of the
Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 23:25), plucked ears of corn, and rubbing them
in their hands, ate the grain unroasted (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23; Luke
6:1). Before any of the wheat-harvest, however, could be eaten, the
first-fruits had to be presented before the Lord (Leviticus 23:14).
- WHEEL (Hebrews galgal; rendered “wheel” in Psalm 83:13, and “a rolling
thing” in Isaiah 17:13; R.V. in both, “whirling dust”). This word has been
supposed to mean the wild artichoke, which assumes the form of a globe,
and in autumn breaks away from its roots, and is rolled about by the wind
in some places in great numbers. - WHITE a symbol of purity (2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18;
Revelation 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in
raiment “white as the light” (Matthew 17:2, etc.). - WIDOWS to be treated with kindness (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy
14:29; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:12; 27:19, etc.). In the New Testament
the same tender regard for them is inculcated (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy
5:3-16) and exhibited. - WIFE The ordinance of marriage was sanctioned in Paradise (Genesis
2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Monogamy was the original law under which man
lived, but polygamy early commenced (Genesis 4:19), and continued to
prevail all down through Jewish history. The law of Moses regulated but
did not prohibit polygamy. A man might have a plurality of wives, but a
wife could have only one husband. A wife’s legal rights (Exodus 21:10)
and her duties (Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 5:14) are specified. She
could be divorced in special cases (Deuteronomy 22:13-21), but could not
divorce her husband. Divorce was restricted by our Lord to the single case
of adultery (Matthew 19:3-9). The duties of husbands and wives in their
relations to each other are distinctly set forth in the New Testament (1
Corinthians 7:2-5; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18, 19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). - WILDERNESS (1.) Hebrews midhbar, denoting not a barren desert but a
district or region suitable for pasturing sheep and cattle (Psalm 65:12;
Isaiah 42:11; Jeremiah 23:10; Joel 1:19; 2:22); an uncultivated place. This