- AGE used to denote the period of a man’s life (Genesis 47:28), the
maturity of life (John 9:21), the latter end of life (Job 11:17), a generation
of the human race (Job 8:8), and an indefinite period (Ephesians 2:7; 3:5,
21; Colossians 1:26). Respect to be shown to the aged (Leviticus 19:32). It
is a blessing to communities when they have old men among them (Isaiah
65:20; Zechariah 8:4). The aged supposed to excel in understanding (Job
12:20; 15:10; 32:4, 9; 1 Kings 12:6, 8). A full age the reward of piety (Job
5:26; Genesis 15:15). - AGEE fugitive, the father of Shammah, who was one of David’s mighty
men (2 Samuel 23:11) - AGONY contest; wrestling; severe struggling with pain and suffering.
Anguish is the reflection on evil that is already past, while agony is a
struggle with evil at the time present. It is only used in the New Testament
by Luke (22:44) to describe our Lord’s fearful struggle in Gethsemane.
The verb from which the noun “agony” is derived is used to denote an
earnest endeavour or striving, as “Strive [agonize] to enter” (Luke 13:24);
“Then would my servants fight” [agonize] (John 18:36). Comp. 1
Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 1:29; 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7,
where the words “striveth,” “labour,” “conflict,” “fight,” are the renderings
of the same Greek verb.
- AGRICULTURE Tilling the ground (Genesis 2:15; 4:2, 3, 12) and rearing
cattle were the chief employments in ancient times. The Egyptians excelled
in agriculture. And after the Israelites entered into the possession of the
Promised Land, their circumstances favoured in the highest degree a
remarkable development of this art. Agriculture became indeed the basis of
the Mosaic commonwealth.
The year in Palestine was divided into six agricultural periods:-
I. SOWING TIME. Tisri, latter half (beginning about the autumnal
equinox.) Marchesvan. Kisleu, former half. Early rain due = first showers
of autumn.
II. UNRIPE TIME. Kisleu, latter half. Tebet. Sebat, former half.
III. COLD SEASON. Sebat, latter half. Adar. [Veadar.] Nisan, former half.
Latter rain due (Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Hos. 6:3; Zechariah
10:1; James 5:7; Job 29:23).