Table IX. OF THE COINS MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. 23 Drachma, silver, worth 2 denarii, or 00 25 0 Dıdrachma, silver, (Matthew xvii. 25) worth 2 drachmas, or 00 50 0 Shekel, silver, (Matthew xxiv. 15) worth 00 50 0 Stater, silver, worth 2 didrachmas, or 01 00 0 Talent, silver, (Matthew xviii. 24) worth 300 drachmas, or 1,500 00 0 Talent, gold, worth 22,500 00 0 Table X. SECTS, OFFICES, AND OFFICERS, MENTIONED IN THE SACRED WRITINGS. PATRIARCHS, or Fathers of Families; such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their sons. Judges, Temporary Supreme Governors, immediately appointed by God over the children of Israel. Kings, Supreme Governors, either of the whole nation, or, after the falling off of the ten tribes, of Judah, and of Israel. Elders, Senators, the LXX. or Sanhedrim. Officers, Provosts, Sheriffs, or Executioners. Judges, Inferior Rulers, such as determined controversies in particular cities. Israelites, Hebrews, descendants from Jacob. A Hebrew of Hebrews, an Israelite by original extraction. A Proselyte of the Covenant, who was circumcised, and submitted to the whole law. A Proselyte of the Gate, or Stranger, who worshipped one God, but remained uncircumcised. There is much doubt entertained by many learned men, whether there was a distinct class of proselytes known by the designation of "Proselytes of the Gate." OFFICERS UNDER ASSYRIAN OR PERSIAN MONARCHS. Tirshatha, or Governor appointed by the kings of Assyria or Persia. precarious government during the Captivity. UNDER THE GRECIAN MONARCHS. Superior Officers. Maccabees, the Successors of Judas Maccabeus, high priests, who presided with kingly power. UNDER THE ROMAN EMPERORS. Presidents, Governors sent from Rome with imperial power. Tetrarchs, Governors of a fourth part of a kingdom, or those who exercised kingly power in four provinces. Proconsuls, Deputies of provinces. Publicans, Tax-gatherers. Inferior Officers. Centurions, Captains of one hundred men. Ecclesiastical Officers, and Sects of Men. High Priest, who only might enter the Holy of Holies. Second Priest, or Sagan, who supplied the high priest's office, in case he were disabled. High Priest of the War, set apart for the occasion of an expedition. Priests, Levites of the sons of Aaron, divided into twenty-four ranks, each rank serving weekly in the temple. Levites, of the tribe of Levi, but not of Aaron's family; of these were three orders, Gershonites, Kohathites, Merarites, several sons of Levi. Nethinims, inferior servants to the Priests and Levites, (not of their tribes) to draw water and cleave wood, &c. Prophets, anciently called Seers, who foretold future events, and denounced God's judgments. Children of the Prophets, their disciples or scholars. Wise men, called so in imitation of the eastern Magi, or Gentile Philosophers. Scribes, writers and expounders of the law. Disputers, who raised and determined questions out of the law. Rabbies, or Doctors, Teachers of Israel. Libertines, freed men of Rome, who, being Jews or proselytes, had a synagogue or oratory for themselves. Gaulonites, or Galileans, who pretended it unlawful to obey a heathen magistrate. Herodians, who shaped their religion to the times, and particularily flattered Herod. Epicureans, who placed all happiness in pleasure. Stoics, who denied the liberty of the will, and pretended all events were determined by fatal necessity. Nicolaitans, the disciples of Nicolas of Antioch, who is said to have held and taught the doctrine of a community of wives, and to have made no difference between common meats and those offered to idols. Nazarites, who, under a vow, abstain from wine. Zelots, Sicarii, or murderers, who, under pretence of the law, thought themselves authorised to commit any outrage. Pharisees, a famous sect of the Jews, who distinguished themselves by their zeal for the tradition of the elders, which they derived from the same fountain with the word itself; pretending that both were delivered to Moses from Mount Sinai, and were, therefore, both of equal authority. From their rigorous observance of these traditions, they looked upon themselves as more holy than other men; and, therefore, separated themselves from those whom they thought sinners or profane, so as not to eat or drink with them; and hence, from the Hebrew word pharis, which signifies to separate, they had the name of Pharisees, or Separatists. This sect was one of the most ancient and most considerable among the Jews, but its original is not very well known; however, it was in great repute at the time of our Saviour, and most probably had its origin at the same time with the traditions. The Pharisees, contrary to the opinion of the Sadducees, held a resurrection from the dead, and the existence of angels and spirits. Sadducees, a famous sect among the Jews; so called, it is said, from their founder, Sadoc. It began in the time of Antigonus, of Socho, president of the Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, and teacher of law in the principal school of that city. Antigonus having often, in his lectures, inculcated to his scholars that they ought not to serve God in a servile manner, but only out of filial love and fear, two of his scholars, Sadoc and Baithus, thence inferred that there was no rewards at all after this life; and, therefore, separating from the school of their master, they taught there was no resurrection nor future state, neither angel, nor spirit, Matt. xxii. 23. Acts xxiii. 8. They seem to agree greatly with the Epicureans; differing, however, in this, that though they denied a future state, they allowed the power of God to create the world; whereas the followers of Epicurus denied it. It is said also, that they rejected the Bible, except the Pentateuch; denied predestination; and taught that God had made man absolute master of all his actions, without assistance to good, or restraint from evil. Samaritans, an ancient sect among the Jews, whose origin was in the time of King Rehoboam, under whose reign the people of Israel were divided into two distinct kingdoms, that of Judah, and that of Israel. The capital of the kingdom of Israel was Samaria, whence the Israelites took the name of Samaritans. Shalmanezer King of Assyria, having beseiged and taken Samaria, carried away all the people captives into the remotest parts of his own dominions, and filled their place with Babylonians, Cutheans, and other idolaters. These, finding they were exposed to wild beasts, desired that an Israelitish priest might be sent among them, to instruct them in the ancient religion and customs of the land they inhabited. This being granted them, they were delivered from the plague of wild beasts, and embraced the law of Moses, with which they mixed a great part of their ancient idolatry. Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity, it appears that they had entirely quitted the worship of their idols. But though they were united in religion, they were not so in affection, with the Jews; for they employed various calumnies and stratagems to hinder their rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem; and when they could not prevail, they erected a temple on Mount Gerizim, in opposition to that of Jerusalem. [See 2d Kings xvii. Ezra iv, v, vi.] The Samaritans at present are few in number, but pretend to great strictness in their observation of the law of Moses. They are said to be scattered; some at Damascus, some at Gaza, and some at Grand Cairo in Egypt. Table XI. Words and Phrases, the meaning of which is either ascertained or illustrated from ancient usages, manners, and customs. ABRAHAM'S Bosom-An allusion to the posture in which the Jews and other eastern nations placed themselves at table. The Jews and Romans reclined on couches while eating; the upper part of the body resting upon the left elbow, and the lower lying at full length upon the couch. When three reclined upon the same couch, the most worthy generally reclined at the head, sometimes in the middle: the next in dignity lay reclining with his head in the bosom of his superior; as John did on the bosom of Jesus at supper. Hence Abraham's bosom denotes both honor and felicity. ANATHEMA MARANATHA-In Syriac Maranatha means, "The Lord comes," or "The Lord comes quickly." In devoting any person to destruction, or in pronouncing an anathema, they sometimes added, "The Lord will put this sentence in execution when he comes." Hence originated the Anathema Maranatha-"He will be accursed when the Lord comes." BEATING THE AIR-It was usual for those who intended to box in the Grecian games, in order to obtain greater agility, to exercise their arms with the gauntlet on, when they had no antagonist before them. This was "beating the air." Not so when they had an antagonist before them. 1 Cor. ix. 26. BOOK OF LIFE-Some ancient cities kept registers containing all the names of the citizens, from which the names of infamous persons were erased. The good and orderly citizens were continued on the register, and the disorderly blotted out. Phil. iv. 3. may be an allusion to this, as the persons mentioned were honorable citizens in the Christian kingdom. D BOTTLES-Were anciently made of skins. BRIDEGROOM COMES--It was a custom in some countries to conduct the bridegroom to the house of the bride with torches and lamps. The ancient Greeks conducted the new married pair with torches and lamps. In Persia and India nothing was more brilliant than the nuptial solemnities. At 5 o'clock in the evening the bridegroom arrives at the house of the bride, when the Mobed, or Priest, pronounces the nuptial benediction. He then brings her to his own house, gives her some refreshment, and then the relatives and friends reconduct her to her father's house. Then again the Mobed repeats the nuptial benediction: this is generally about midnight. Immediately after, the bride, accompanied by a part of her attendants, is reconducted to the house of her husband, where she generally arrives at 3 o'clock in the morning. A number of lighted torches and the sound of musical instruments give great brilliancy to the scene. BRIDEGROOM'S FRIEND-It is said that after espousals, and before marriage, there was a chamber or covered place, where it was usual for the bridegroom to converse familiarly with his espoused bride in order to increase their affectien before marriage, which was never supposed to be perfected until the bridegroom came out of his chamber rejoicing. This illustrates Psalms xix, 5. Whilst this intercourse was going on, the friend of the bridegroom stands at the door to hearken; and when he hears the bridegroom speak joyfully, he rejoices himself, and communicates the intelligence to other friends. John iii, 29. BURNING AND SHINING LAMP-The Jews called any one distinguished for knowledge, "a candle." CAMEL GOING THROUGH A NEEDLE'S EYE-The plundering Arabs commonly ride into houses, and commit acts of violence; on this account doors were made low, frequently not more than three feet high. Those who keep camels, and often want to introduce them into the court yard, find this a great inconvenience. To surmount this, they train the camels to fall on their knees while they unload them, and often succeed in teaching them to pass through these low doors on their knees. This was considered a great difficulty; and, therefore, gave rise to the proverb of the camel passing through the needle's eye. CANTON-A territory assigned to a tribe. The phrase, Land of Judea, generally denotes the whole country; whereas, the canton of Judah denotes that portion which belonged simply to the tribe. CAPTAIN OF THE TEMPLE GUARD-The Romans allowed the Jews a company of Roman soldiers to guard the temple, which was under the command of the rulers of the Jews. To this Pilate alludes when he says, "You have a guard." CAST AWAY-Those whom the judges of the games disapproved, as not fairly deserving the prize, were called adokimoi, not approved, or cast away. CASTOR AND POLLUX-lt was the custom of the ancients to have images on the ships, both at the head and stern; the first was called the sign, from which the ship was named; the other was the name of the tutelar deity, to whose care the ship was committed. CHARGES WITH THEM-Acts xxi, 24-It was meritorious among the Jews to contribute to the expences of sacrifices and offerings, which those who had taken the vow of Nazaritism were to offer when the time of the vow was to be accomplished; whoever paid a part of these expences were reputed to partake in the merits of him who fulfilled the vow. CHILDREN OF THE BRIDEMEN-Great mirth and cheerfulness accompanied the celebration of nuptials among the Jews. The friends and acquaintances of the parties were called the children of the bride chamber. COHORT-A company of soldiers which guarded a Roman governor or magistrate, when he went into any province. CORBAN-A gift consecrated to God; but generally given to the priest. DRINK OF MY cur-As each guest received his own cup at entertainments, it became a proverb to denote a person's portion or lot. ESPOUSED, or BETROTHED-Betrothing was a solemn promise of marriage made by two persons, each to the other, at such a distance of time as they agreed upon. It was sometimes done by writing, and sometimes by a piece of silver given to the bride, with these words, "Receive this piece of money as a pledge that you shall become my spouse." The woman often continued with her parents several months afterwards. EUROCLYDON, or LEVANTER-A very fierce wind, which sometimes greatly agitates the Mediterranean sea, and the Archipelago. EXAMINE BY SCOURGING-The Romans put persons to the question, or endeavored to extort confession by scourging the accused. FAST-Fasting in all ages and among all nations, has been usual in times of mourning, sorrow, and affliction. FEET OF GAMALIEL-The disciples of the Rabbies sat on low seats, while they received instructions; but it is said they sometimes stood before themand certain antiquarians contend at the feet means near to--thus, 'They laid the money at the Apostles' feet, that is, presented it to them. In the Maccabees it is said, "They saw death lying at their feet:" the Syriac translator renders this phrase, "They saw death approaching." FIERY DARTS-Javelins or arrows on whose points was combustible matter smeared, and when set on fire, were darted at the enemy. Livy calls them falarica. To these the Apostle alludes, Eph. vi, 16. GRASS CAST INTO THE OVEN-Shaw tells us that in Barbary, myrtle, rosemary, and other plants are used to heat ovens. HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS-When the laws were written in old times, they were hung up in a public place, that all might see them. HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID-At the feast of tabernacles they carried boughs in their hands, and sung psalms and hosannahs. The Greeks practised the carrying of branches and singing of songs at their sacred festivals. KEY OF KNOWLEDGE-Authority to explain the law and the prophets was given, among the Jews, by the delivery of a key. When Rabbi Samuel died, they put his key and his tablets into his coffin. KEYS OF THE KINGDOM-Stewards always wore the keys; and the giving of a key was a token of this office. LIVING STONES-Stones in the quarry, not detached from the natural bed, are said to be living; contrasted with those which are taken out. Ovid compares firmness of mind, a steady and inflexible purpose, to a living rock--Et saxo, quod adhuc vivum radice tenetur. LocusTs-Several travellers affirm that, to this day, the animal called locust, among the Indians at the east, is an article of food. Dampier, Shaw, and Ives give instances of the manner of dressing and eating them. LONG HAIR-Chardon says, "The eastern women are remarkable for the great length and the number of the tresses of their hair. Their hair hangs at full length behind, divided into tresses braided with ribbon or pearl. Lady Montague counted one hundred and ten tresses, all natural, on the head of one lady. The men wear but very little on their heads. Young men who wear their hair in the East, are regarded as effeminate and infamous." Lors-Acts i, 26. Grotius says, (in deciding whether Joseph or Matthias should supply the room of Judas, or the place made vacant by his death,) "They put their lots into two urns, one of which contained the names of Joseph and Matthias, and the other a blank and the word Apostle. In drawing these out of the urns, the blank came up with the name of Joseph; and the lot on which was written the word Apostle, came up with Matthias." MEASURING INTO THE BOSOM-The eastern garments being long, and folded and girded with girdles, admitted of carrying much corn and fruits of that kind in the bosom. Luke vi, 38. |