- EN-SHEMESH fountain of the sun a spring which formed one of the
landmarks on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:7;
18:17). It was between the “ascent of Adummim” and the spring of
En-rogel, and hence was on the east of Jerusalem and of the Mount of
Olives. It is the modern ‘Ain-Haud i.e., the “well of the apostles” about a
mile east of Bethany, the only spring on the road to Jericho. The sun
shines on it the whole day long. - ENSIGN (1.) Hebrews ‘oth, a military standard, especially of a single
tribe (Numbers 2:2). Each separate tribe had its own “sign” or “ensign.”
(2.) Hebrews nes, a lofty signal, as a column or high pole (Numbers 21:8,
9); a standard or signal or flag placed on high mountains to point out to the
people a place of rendezvous on the irruption of an enemy (Isaiah 5:26;
11:12; 18:3; 62:10; Jeremiah 4:6, 21; Psalm 60:4). This was an occasional
signal, and not a military standard. Elevation and conspicuity are implied
in the word.
(3.) The Hebrew word degel denotes the standard given to each of the four
divisions of the host of the Israelites at the Exodus (Numbers 1:52; 2:2;
10:14). In Cant. 2:4 it is rendered “banner.” We have no definite
information as to the nature of these military standards. (See BANNER.)
- ENTERTAIN Entertainments, “feasts,” were sometimes connected with a
public festival (Deuteronomy 16:11, 14), and accompanied by offerings (1
Samuel 9:13), in token of alliances (Genesis 26:30); sometimes in
connection with domestic or social events, as at the weaning of children
(Genesis 21:8), at weddings (Genesis 29:22; John 2:1), on birth-days
(Matthew 14:6), at the time of sheep-shearing (2 Samuel 13:23), and of
vintage (Judges 9:27), and at funerals (2 Samuel 3:35; Jeremiah 16:7).
The guests were invited by servants (Proverbs 9:3; Matthew 22:3), who
assigned them their respective places (1 Samuel 9:22; Luke 14:8; Mark
12:39). Like portions were sent by the master to each guest (1 Samuel 1:4;
2 Samuel 6:19), except when special honour was intended, when the
portion was increased (Genesis 43:34).
The Israelites were forbidden to attend heathenish sacrificial
entertainments (Exodus 34:15), because these were in honour of false gods,
and because at such feast they would be liable to partake of unclean flesh
(1 Corinthians 10:28).