JOHN THE BAPTIST

JOIARIB

of self-denial, humility, and holy courage. His abstinence was so great that some thought him possessed, and said, "He hath a devil." In his humility he declined the honors which an admiring multitude almost forced upon him, and declared himself to be no one-a voice merely-calling upon the people to prepare for the reception of the one whose shoe-latchet he was not worthy to unloose. And when that one came he recommended his own disciples to attach themselves to him, furnishing the world an example of gracefully accepting the fact, "He must increase, but I must decrease." For his courage in speaking the truth he went a willing victim to prison and to death.

hand, which John declined to administer, until our Lord's declaration that "Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). (4) Subsequent ministry. With the baptism of Jesus John's more especial office ceased. The king had come, and there was little further need of the herald. We learn that John and his disciples continued to baptize some time after our Lord entered upon his ministry (John 3:23; 4:1). He also instructed his disciples in certain moral and religious duties, as fasting (Matt. 9:14; Luke 5: 33) and prayer (Luke 11:1). We learn also that he still continued to be a witness to Jesus, so confidently pointing him out as the Lamb of God that two of his own disciples were led to accept NOTE.-John's acquaintance with Jesus. Much Jesus as the true Messiah, and became his fol- discussion has arisen concerning the apparent conlowers (John 1.29, sq.; v. 35-37). (5) Imprison-tradiction in Matt. 3:13, 14, and John 1:31, 33. In the former John evidently recognized Jesus, while in ment and death. Shortly after this his public the latter he says, "I knew him not." The truth seems

ministry was brought violently to a close. Herod Antipas bad taken Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and when John reproved him for this and other sins (Luke 3:19), Herod cast him in prison, the castle of Machærus, on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. While confined there he sent two of his disciples with the inquiry, "Art thou he that should come?" This was doubtless done in order to assist his disciples in transferring their allegiance to Jesus, as Jesus himself bore testimony to the steadfastness of John (7:19-28). Herodias, embittered against John, determined upon his death, but was prevented by Herod's conviction that John was a just man (Mark 6:20) and his fear of the people (Matt. 14:5). But at last her opportunity arrived, and taking advantage of a promise given by Herod to her daughter,

Herodias bade her order the head of John the Baptist. The king reluctantly complied, and sent an executioner, who beheaded him in the prison. His disciples, when they heard of his death, buried his body and went and told the Lord (Matt. 14: 3-12; Mark 6:17-29).

3. Character. The nature of John the Baptist was full of impetuosity and fire-a very Elijah. His life, however, was characterized by the graces (39)

to be that John knew Jesus, but was not certain of his ing positively that Jesus was the Christ, to have unMessiahship. It was necessary for him, before assertdoubted testimony of the fact. This was given him in the descent of the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove, as John himself declares (John 1:33).

JOI'ADA (Heb., yo-yaw-daw', a contraction of JEHOIADA, q. v.), the son and successor of Eliashib in the high priesthood, and succeeded by his son Jonathan (Neh. 12:10, 11, 22). Another of his sons married a daughter of Sanballat, on which account he was banished by Nehemiah (Neh. 13:28), B. C. before 445.

JOI AKIM (Heb. O, yo-yaw-keem', a contraction of JEHOIAKIM, q. v.), a high priest, son of Jeshua, and father of Eliashib (Neh. 12:10, 12, 26). B. C. before 445.

JOI'ARIB (Heb., yo-yaw-reeb, Jehovah will contend).

1. A man "of understanding," and one of those with whom Ezra consulted upon the subject of obtaining a company of Levites to return with him to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:16). This conference took place at the river Ahava (v. 15), and resulted in sending a delegation to "Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia," who responded with a large num 593

ber of the desired ministers (vers. 17-20), B. C. it from them (2 Kings 14:7; comp. 2 Chron. 25: about 457. 11-13).

2. A descendant of Judah, son of Zechariah, and father of Adaiah, probably through Shelah (Neh. 11:5), B. C. before 445.

3. The founder of one of the courses of priests, and father of Jedaiah (Neh. 11:10). It is thought that there is some error in the list by which he is given as the father of Jedaiah, for in 1 Chron. 9: 10 (where his name is given in full, Jehoiarib), he ranks with Jedaiah and Jachin as heads of courses of priests (see Kiel, in loc ).

4. A priest who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon (Neh. 12:6). His son, Mattenai, was a contemporary with the high priest Joiakim (v. 19),

B. C. 536.

JOINING (Heb. i, mekh-ab-ber-oth'), cramps or binders in the wall of a building (1 Chron. 22:3).

JO'NA (John 1:42), same as JONAS (q. v.). JONʼADAB, a shortened form of the name JEHONADAB (q. v.).

1. The son of Shimeah, and nephew of David (2 Sam. 18:3, 32, 35).

2. The Rechabite (Jer. 35:6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 19).

JO'NAH (Heb., yo-naw', dove), the fifth in order of the minor prophets, was the son of tribe of Zebulun (2 Kings 14:25). Amittai, and was born in Gath-hepher, in the

ably in or before the reign of Jeroboam II. (B. C. Personal History. Jonah flourished probabout 783), and predicted the successful conquests, enlarged territory, and brief prosperity of the Israelitish kingdom under that monarch's sway (2 Kings 14:25). What else we know of Jonah's history is to be gathered from the book that bears

his name.

He was commissioned by Jehovah to

flee to Tarshish.

JOINT (Heb. 25, kham-mook', a wrapping) is employed very erroneously in the A. V. (Cant. 7:1) for drawers, "a part of the female dress, and prophesy to the Ninevites, but for some which, in the case of bridal toilet, are represented reason was reluctant to obey, and attempted to as being fringed with a worked edging like lace embarked upon a ship bound for that port. A He went to Joppa, and there or a skillfully chased jewel" (McC. and S., Cyc.). violent storm arose, and the captain of the vessel Or it may refer to a richly worked girdle. called upon Jonah to pray to his God to save JOK'DEAM (Heb. ?, yok-deh-awm', burn-them. As the storm did not abate, the sailors

ing of people), a city of Judah, in the mountains (Josh. 15:56), apparently south of Hebron. JO'KIM (Heb. 7, yo-keem', contraction of Joiakim), a descendant of Shelah, the son of Judah (1 Chron. 4:22). Jerome quotes a Hebrew legend that Jokim was Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, in whose days the sun stood still on account of the transgressors of the law (Smith, s. v.).

proceeded to cast lots, believing that some person on board the ship had caused the anger of God, as manifested in the tempest. Jonah was singled out as the culprit, and at his suggestion they unBy the appointwillingly cast him into the sea. ment of God he was swallowed by a great fish, which upon the third day cast him out upon dry land. Jonah was again commanded to go to Nineveh, and immediately obeyed. The people JOK'MEAM (Heb., yok-meh-awm', peo-repented, a fast was appointed, and the city was Provoked at the sparing of Nineveh, Jonah in his displeasure prayed to Jehovah to take his life, as his proclamation had not been fulfilled. God taught him, by means of the rapidly growing and speedily decaying gourd, that it was proper for him to exercise mercy toward the repentant city (Jonah 1:1-4:11).

ple will be raised), one of the places given to the Levites with its suburbs (1 Chron. 6:68). It is in the Jordan Valley. The A. V. gives it as Kibzaim (Josh. 21:22), and "Jokneam" (1 Kings 4:12).

JOK'NEAM (Heb. 7, yok-neh-awm', people will be lamented), a city in Palestine on the border of Zebulun's allotted portion (Josh. 12:22; 19:11; 21:34; 1 Kings 4:12). Called also Jokmeam (1 Chron. 6:68). The modern Tell Kaimon, twelve miles S. W. of Nazareth.

JOK'SHAN (Heb. 77, yok shawn', snarer, or fowler), the second son of Abraham and Keturah (Gen. 25:2, 3; 1 Chron. 1:32). His sons Sheba and Dedan are supposed to have been the ancestors of the Sabæans and Dedanites that peopled a part of Arabia Felix.

JOK'TAN (Heb. 7777, yok-tawn', small), the second named of the two sons of Eber, a descendant of Shem. His brother was Peleg (Gen. 10:25, 26, 29; 1 Chron. 1:19, 20, 23).

JOK'THEEL (Heb., yok-theh-ale”, veneration of God).

1. A city in the low country of Judah, mentioned between Mizpeh and Lachish (Josh. 15:38), possibly preserved in the ruins of Keitulaneh.

2. The name given by King Amaziah to Selahthe stronghold of the Edomites—after he captured

not destroyed.

NOTE.-1. Much objection has been urged against the truth of the story of Jonah and the fish. It is simply said, "The Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah." The species of marine animal is not defined. and the Greek KiToç, kayꞌ-tos, is often used to specify, not the genus whale, but any large fish or sea monster. All objection to its being a whale which lodged Jonah in its stomach, from the straitness of throat or rareness of haunt in the Mediterranean, are thus removed. Since the fish was of the shark species, Lamia canis carthe days of Bochart it has been a common opinion that charias, or “sea dog.” Entire human bodies have been found in some fishes of this kind. Still, granting all these facts, the narrative is miraculous, and nothing is impossible with God. 2. Various interpretations are given of the sign of the prophet Jonas" (Matt. 12:39). Keil (Com., in loc.) says: "The mission of Jonah was a fact of symbolical and typical importance, which was intended not only to enlighten Israel as to the position of the Gentile world in relation to the kingdom of God, but also to typify the future adoption of such of the heathen as should observe the word of God, into the fel

lowship of the salvation prepared in Israel for all nations." Whedon (Com., in loc.) explains: "Our Lord, even in refusing a sim, gives a sign. His prophecy of his burial, after the manner of the swallowing of Jonah, was in itself a miracle of foreknowledge, and so a proof of his Messiahship" (McC. and S., Cyc.; EwaldHist.).

JONAH, BOOK OF

JOʻNAH, BOOK OF. See BIBLE, BOOKS OF. JOʻNAN (Gr. 'Iwváv, ee-o-nan', the son of Eliakim, and father of Joseph, among the maternal ancestors of Christ (Luke 3:30). He is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

JO'NAS (Gr. 'Iwvāç, ee-o-nas', for the Hebrew Jonah).

JONATHAN

Jonathan, but the people interfered in his behalf (14:16-45), B. C. about 1022. Jonathan is next introduced to us as the bosom friend of David. Their friendship began on the day of David's return from the victory over Goliath, and was confirmed by a solemn covenant, which was ratified by Jonathan giving his friend his mantle, sword, girdle, and bow (18:1-4). Shortly after this he pleaded with his father in behalf of David, and

1. The prophet Jonah (Matt. 12:39, 40, 41; 16:4; Luke 11:29, 30, 32). 2. The father of the apostle Peter (John 21:15-secured a reversal of the royal decree against the 17). In John 1:42 the name is given as Jona. JON'ATHAN (Heb. 1, yo-naw-thawn', a contracted form of Jehonathan, God-given).

1. The Son (or descendant) of Gershom, the son of Moses (Judg. 18:30). Jonathan, who was a Levite, resided at Bethlehem, and, leaving that place to seek his fortune, came to Mount Ephraim, to the home of Micah. This person made Jonathan an offer to receive him into his house as priest, which offer he accepted (17:7-13). Not long after five Danite spies, looking for a suitable place for settlement, came to the house of Micah, and inquired of Jonathan respecting the success of their journey. He replied, "Go in peace: before the Lord is your way wherein ye go." Afterward, when a company of six hundred Danites were on their way to occupy Laish, they went to Micah's house, appropriated the carved image, the ephod, the teraphim, and the molten image. Jonathan accepted their invitation to accompany them, and became their priest. This office remained in his family until the day of the captivity of the land" (18:1-30).

NOTE.-There is little doubt but that Jonathan was a descendant of Moses, and we have, therefore, to explain the expression "son of Manasseh." It is supposed that in the name Moses (2, mo-sheh!), the single letter n (2) has been interpolated, changing it into Manasseh, in order to save the character of the great lawgiver from the stain of having an idolater among his immediate descendants.

latter's life, (19:1-7). The king's madness soon
returned, and David fled. The friends met, how-
ever, by the stone of Ezel, and entered into a
second covenant, pledging themselves to strive for
each other's safety, and David swearing to show
kindness to the family of Jonathan when he should
be delivered of his enemies. He again pleaded
with his father to spare David, which so enraged
the king that he "cast a javelin at him," with the
evident intention of taking his life. The next
day he communicated the failure of his mission to
David, and they parted to meet only once more
(20:1-42). This last meeting was in the forest of
Ziph, during Saul's pursuit of David. Jonathan
gave expression to his confidence in his friend's
elevation to the throne. "They two made a cove-
nant before the Lord," and parted to meet no
more (23:15-18). We hear no more of Jonathan
until the battle of Gilboa, when, with his father
and his two brothers, he was slain by the Philis-
tines (31:2, 8). His remains were carried to Ja-
besh-gilead and buried there (v. 13), but were
afterward removed, with those of his father, to
Zelah in Benjamin (2 Sam. 21:12-14). Jonathan
left one son, Mephibosheth, who was five years
old at the time of his death (4:4), B. C. 1000.
Jonathan was a man of lofty
(2) Character.
daring, who did not shrink to place himself in the
greatest danger for the sake of his country. But
his most noticeable characteristic was his ardent
and unselfish devotion to his friends, which led
him to give up his hopes of the throne, and even
expose himself to death, for the sake of those he
loved. Notwithstanding that his affection for his
father was repelled by the latter, owing to the
king's insanity, he cast his lot with his father's
decline, and "in death they were not divided."

3. Son of Abiathar, the high priest, who adhered to David during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Sam. 15:27, 36). He remained at En-rogel to report to his master the proceedings in the camp of the insurgents, but, being discovered, fled to Bahurim, and escaped by hiding in a well (17:1721), B. C. about 967. Later his loyalty to the house of David is shown by announcing to the ambitious Adonijah the forestallment of his measures by the succession to the throne of Solomon (1 Kings 1:42, 43), B. C. 1000.

2. The eldest son of Saul, king of Israel. (1) Personal history. Jonathan first appears in history some time after his father's accession, being at that time at least thirty years of age. In the war with the Philistines, commonly called, from its locality, "the war of Michmash," he commanded one thousand men of the three thousand which composed Saul's standing army. He was encamped at Gibeah, and "smote the garrison of the Philistines" in Geba (1 Sam. 13:2, 3), B. C. 1028. Saul and the whole population rose, but unsuccessfully, and the tyranny of the Philistines became harsher than ever. From this oppression Jonathan resolved to deliver his people, and, unknown to any but his armor-bearer, he attacked the garrison at Michmash (14:1, 4-14). A panic seized the garrison, spread to the camp, and thence to the surrounding bands. This was increased by an earthquake and by the combined assault of various bodies of Israelites hidden in the mountains. Saul and his band joined in the pursuit of the Philistines, having forbidden any man to taste of food until the evening. Ignorant of this command and accompanying curse, Jonathan partook of some honey while passing through the forest. This coming to the knowledge of Saul, he would doubtless have fulfilled his vow and have sacrificed, 11:34).

4. The son of Shimeah (Shammah), and nephew of David, who slew a gigantic relative of Goliath, and became one of David's chief warriors (2 Sam. 21:21; 1 Chron. 20:7). He is probably the same who is mentioned as secretary of the royal cabinet (1 Chron. 27:32), where is translated "uncle."

5. The son of Shage the Hararite, and one of David's famous warriors (2 Sam. 23:32; 1 Chron.

JONATH-ELEM-RECHOKIM

an

JORDAN, VALLEY OF

Here

6. The second son of Jada, the grandson trees from the same mountains (Ezra 3:7). of Jarahmeel, of the family of Judah. Jether Jonah embarked for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). In dying without issue, this branch of the line was Joppa Peter wrought the miracle on Tabitha continued through Jonathan's two sons, Peleth and Zaza (1 Chron. 2:32, 33). (Acts 9:36), resided for quite a time with Simon the tanner (v. 43), and saw the vision of the great sheet let down from heaven (10:5, 16), and here Jonathan Maccabeus captured Joppa in B. C. 148 received the summons from Cornelius (v. 17, sq.). (1 Mace. 10:76). Simon, suspecting its inhabitants, set a garrison there (1 Mace. 12:34), and upon the restoration of peace, established it again as a

sons

7. Father of Ebed, which latter was Israelite of the of Adin, who returned with Ezra from Babylon with fifty males (Ezra 8:6), B. C. before 457.

8. Son of Asahel, employed with Jahaziah in separating the people from their Gentile wives (Ezra 10:15), B. C. 457.

the Romans, and changed hands several times during the crusades. It was made in the 4th called Jaffa, or Yâfa, and is connected (A. D. 1898) century the seat of a bishopric. The city is now with Jerusalem by a railroad.

9. Son of Joiada, and father of Jaddua, Jew-haven (14:5). The city was twice destroyed by ish high priests (Neh. 12:11); elsewhere (12:22) called JOHANAN (q. v.). Josephus relates (Ant., xi, 7, 1, 2) that he murdered his own brother, Jesus, in the temple, because Jesus was endeavoring to get a high priesthood from him through the influence of Bagoses, the Persian general.

JOʻRAH (Heb. 7", yo-raw', sprinkling), a

10. A priest, the descendant of Melicu, in the time of Joiakim (Neh. 12:14), B. C. between 536 and 549.

11. Son of Shemaiah, and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall (Neh. 12:35), B. C. after 536. He is probably the same as Jehonathan (v. 18).

12. A scribe in the time of King Zedekiah, in whose house Jeremiah was imprisoned by the princes of Judah (Jer. 37:15, 20; 38:26), B. C. 589. 13. One of the sons of Kareah, who, with others, held a conference with Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor of Jerusalem (Jer. 40:8, B. C. 588.

JO'NATH-E'LEM-RECHO'KIM, a term in title of Psalm 56. See MUSICAL TERMS.

man whose descendants (or place whose former inhabitants), to the number of one hundred and twelve, returned from the Babylonish captivity (Ezra 2:18; Hariph in Neh. 7:24), B. C. about 536.

JO'RAI (Heb. ", yo-rah'ee, rainy, same as Jorah), the fourth named of seven Gadite chiefis not given, unless, as Keil conjectures (Com., in tains (1 Chron. 5:13), the place of whose residence loc.), v. 16 mentions it. in Gilead, in Bashan, B. C. perhaps about 782. In that case they dwelt JO'RAM (Heb., yo-rawm', a shortened form of JEHORAM, q. v.).

1. Son of Toi, king of Hamath, who was sent by his father to congratulate David upon his victory over Hadadezer (2 Sam. 8:9, 10), B. C. about 986. He is called Hadoram in 1 Chron. 18:10.

2. One of the descendants of Eliezer (1 Chron. 26:25). In Matt. 1:8, JEHORAM (q. v.).

with article 1, hay-yar-dane', the descender, JOR'DAN, RIVER OF (Hebrew generally probably from the rapid descent of the stream). It is now called El Urdan, or Esh Sheryah, or the watering-place, and is the chief river of Pales

JOP'PA (Heb., or NE, yaw-fo', beauty; Gr. 'Ión, ee-op'-pay), a very old city on the Mediterranean, about thirty miles N. W. of Jerusalem. It is supposed to have got its name from the mass of sunshine which its houses reflected. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, ranking with Hebron, Zoan, and Damascus. It was in cluded in the portion assigned to Dan (Josh. 19:46, A. V. "Japho"). Its harbor naturally made it the port of Jerusalem. Thither Hiram floated JOR'DAN, VALLEY OF (Heb., ardown from Tyre the fir trees of Lebanon (2 Chron. aw-baw'; rendered "the plain," Josh. 18:18, marg., 2:16), and, later, Zerubbabel, acting on the edict" the champaign," Deut. 11:30, "the desert," Ezek. of Cyrus, caused to be brought here the cedar 47:8). Its modern name is El Ghor. For con

tine.