Index / Aa, Ad, Ah, Am, An-Az / B / C / D / Ea, El, En-Ez / F / G / Ha, He, Hi, Ho-Hz / I / Ja, Je, Ji, Jo-Jz / K / L / Ma, Me, Mi-Mz / N / O / P / Q-R / Sa, Sc, Sh-Sz / T / U-Y / Z
Key: † Ancestor of Christ / Ω Prophet / ■ High Priest / ♦ King-Queen / ○ Judge or Ruler / + Female / BD = Bible Dictionary / GS = Guide to Scriptures / JE = Jewish Encyclopedia
בעל – "Lord"
Sun or Storm God ≈ 2000 BC
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
Storm/sun god worshipped in many religions by many different names (see below); often worshipped with Ashtoreth the goddess
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Israelites were constantly warned from his worship (1 Kgs. 16:31)
- Compare to:
בעשא – "Revolting"
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Son of Ahijah II | Father of Elah of Israel
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Probably a military leader
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Conspired against and killed Nadab of Israel, taking the throne (1 Kgs. 15:27)
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Killed all the house of Jeroboam (1 Kgs. 15:29)
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Constantly warred against Asa of Judah (1 Kgs. 15:32); Benhadad assisted the Southern Kingdom against him (1Kgs. 15:20)
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Jehu prophesied against him and his posterity (1 Kgs 16:1–7)
בני-בבל | 𒆳𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 – "Gate of the Gods"
Tribe/group from Mesopotamia ≈ 2000 – 539 BC
Babylonian
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Famous people include Nebuchadnezzar II and Amel-marduk
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Ancient kingdom from present-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran
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Nimrod was an early founder (Gen. 10:10–12)
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Often at war with neighboring Assyrians
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Prided themselves on education in Astronomy, Mathematics, and Philosophy
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Became a symbol for the Israelites of wickedness
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After conquering the Jews, Nebuchadnezzar carried them away captive to Babylon
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The empire was absorbed into the Persian/Achaemenid Empire in 539 BC by Cyrus the Great
בלעם – "Destroyer of People"
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
Son of Beor
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From Pethor, Mesopotamia
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Bribed by Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites (Num. 22–23)
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His donkey saw an angel and tried to avoid it on the road; when he struck the beast, it spoke to him (Num. 22:22–35)
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The Lord commanded him to bless Israel instead; he saw a vision of the destiny of Israel and the Messiah, the Star out of Jacob and Scepter (Num 23–24)
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Prophesied against the Amalekites and Kenites (Num. 24:20–24)
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Slain with Midianites (Num. 31:8)
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Story mentioned often in scripture (Josh. 13:22; Micah 6:5; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 1:11; Rev. 2:14)
בלק – "To Lay Waste"
Wikipedia | Jewish Encyclopedia
Son of Zippor
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King of Moabites during Israel's wanderings in the desert; summoned Balaam to curse them but he blessed them instead (Num. 22–24)
ברק – "Lightning"
General and Judge? ≈ 1200 – 1160 BC
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Son of Abinoam
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From Kedesh-naphtali (Judg. 4:6)
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Agreed to fight Sisera, captain of Jabin of Hazor, only if Deborah went (Judg. 4:8); defeated them with 10,000 men from Mount Tabor; pursued Sisera when he fled, but he was killed by Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite (Judg. 4)
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Sang a song with Deborah of praise (Judg. 5)
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Possibly served as Judge of Israel with Deborah
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Mentioned for his faith by Paul (Heb. 11:32)
ברנביא | Βαρναβας –"Son of Consolation"
Apostle & Companion of Paul ≈ 34 AD
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Cousin or nephew of Mark (Col. 4:10)
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From Cyprus (Acts 4:36–37)
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Sold his land and gave the money to the apostles (Acts 4:36–37)
- Witnessed to the apostles that Paul had been converted (Acts 9:27)
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Made an apostle (Acts 14:14)
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Served several missionary journeys (Acts 11; 12; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9; Col. 4:10)
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Tradition states he was martyred in Cyprus
בר-תלמי | Βαρθολομαιος – "Son of Talmai"
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From Cana
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Considered same person as Nathanael since they are never mentioned in the same list of apostles
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When his friend Philip II spoke of finding the Messiah, he questioned "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:45–46)
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Jesus called him "An Israelite...in whom is no guile!" and he asked how He knew him; Jesus said He saw him under a fig tree and he immediately believed (John 1:45–46)
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Ordained as one of the original 12 apostles (Mark 3:14–19)
ברוך –"Blessed"
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Son of Neriah
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Scribe who wrote the prophesies of Jeremiah; read them in the Temple and later to the Jewish leaders who burned them; had to rewrite (Jer. 36)
בת־שבע – "Daughter of an oath"
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Daughter of Eliam | Wife of Uriah the Hittite & David | Mother of Solomon, Nathan II, & others | Ancestor of Jesus through Solomon & Nathan II (Matt. 1:6; Luke 3:31)
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David lusted after her; when she became pregnant by him, he arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle (1 Sam. 11); they were married after Uriah's death
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Her first son died (2 Sam. 12:20); she gave birth to other sons, including Solomon (2 Sam. 12:24)
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With the prophet Nathan, she convinced David to make Solomon king over Adonijah (1 Kgs. 1)
בעל־זבוב – "Lord of the Fly"
Philistine god | Name the pharisees called Satan |
see Baal
בלשאצר | 𒁍𒊏𒋼𒊏𒀭𒊏𒁲 – "Bel Protects the King"
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Son of Nabonidus | Grandson of Nebuchadnezzar II
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Last ruler before Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon
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Made a great feast using the vessels stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem; saw mid-feast a finger writing a message on the wall; none of his wise men could read the message, but the queen suggested Daniel could; Daniel prophesied the kingdom's downfall; king was killed that evening (Dan. 5)
בן־עמי – "Son of My People"
Father of Ammonites ≈ 1890 BC
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Son of Lot & Lot's daughter | Brother of Moab (Gen. 19:30–38)
בן־הדד – "Son of Thunder"
King of Aram Damascus ≈ 885 – 865 BC
Family Tree | Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary-1
Son of Tabrimmon
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Allied with Asa of Judah against Baasha of Israel (1 Kgs. 15:18–20)
בן־הדד – "Son of Thunder"
King of Aram Damascus ≈ 796 – 792 BC
Family Tree | Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary-3
Son of Hazael
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Fought against Jehoahaz II of Israel (2 Kgs. 13:3); defeated by Jehoash II of Israel who took back cities (2 Kgs. 13:25)
בנימן – "Son of the Right Hand"
Patriarch ≈ 1733 BC
Family Tree | Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary-1 | Guide to Scriptures
Youngest son of Jacob & Rachel | Father of 10 sons, 1 daughter | Ancestor of Benjamites
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Rachel died giving birth to him in Bethlehem; named him "Ben-oni" (Gen. 35:16-20)
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Stayed with Jacob when brothers went to Egypt; Joseph demanded they bring him too; Joseph gave him special gifts (Gen. 42–45)
בנימן – "Son of the Right Hand"
Israelite: Manassite: Nephite
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Son of Mosiah I | Father of Mosiah II, Helorum, & Helaman
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Righteous king of Nephites
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Drove Lamanites out of the land with the sword of Laban II (Omni 1:24; WoM 1:13)
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Amaleki gave the small plates of Nephi which he put with other plates (Omni 1:25; WoM 1:10)
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Gathered his people for final address; recorded names of those who entered covenant; appointed priests (Mosiah 2–6)
בנימן – "Sons of the Right Hand"
One of the Twelve Tribes ≈ 1600 BC – Present
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Descendants of Benjamin | Famous people include King Saul, Queen Esther, and the apostle Paul
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Blessed by Jacob that they "shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil" (Gen. 49:27); and by Moses that "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders" (Deut. 33:12)
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Territory was west of the Jordan River and parts of Judea around Jerusalem, including Jericho (see map)
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Tribe was nearly destroyed after the men of Gibeah abused and killed a Levite's concubine (Judg. 19-21)
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Majority ended up in the Southern Kingdom of Judah; after the Babylonian captivity, many lost their distinction from the tribe of Judah
Βερνικη – "Bringer of Victory"
Princess/Queen? of Judea ≈ 39 – 92 AD
Family Tree | Wikipedia | Jewish Encyclopedia
Daughter of Herod Agrippa & Cypros III | Wife of Marcus Julius Alexander, Herod V of Chalcis, Polemon II of Pontus, and mistress of Roman Emperor Titus; Josephus and others also implied she had an incestuous relationship with her brother Herod Agrippa II | Mother of Berenicianus and Hyrcanus
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Seemed to have been co-ruler with her brother Agrippa II
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Paul stood trial before her and Agrippa II in Caesarea (Acts 25:13)
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Begged governor Florus to spare Jerusalem and the Jews in 66 AD, but she was nearly killed and the Jews burned down her palace
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After the Jewish-Roman war and destruction of Jerusalem, she moved to Rome to be with Emperor Titus, conqueror of Jerusalem; he eventually dismissed her
בתואל – "House of God"
Patriarch ≈ 1900 BC
Syrian (Gen. 25:20)
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Son of Nahor II & Milcah; nephew of Abraham (Gen. 22:22) | Father of Rebekah & Laban (Gen. 22:23; 24) | Ancestor of Jesus
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From Haran
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Took part of negotiations for Isaac and Rebekah to marry (Gen. 22:50)
בלהה – "Calamity"
Matriarch ≈ 1768 BC
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Handmaid of Rachel (Gen. 29:29) | Wife/concubine of Jacob | Mother of Dan & Naphtali (Gen. 30:5–8)
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Rachel gave her as a wife to Jacob after Rachel was unable to have children (Gen. 30:3–4)
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After Rachel's death, Reuben slept with her and lost his birthright (1 Chr. 5:1)
επίσκοπος – "Overseer"
Religious Leader ≈ 40 AD
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
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Qualifications for (1 Tim. 3:1–7)
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Jesus is the "Bishop of our souls" (1 Pet. 2:25)
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Must be ordained (D&C 20:67) and a high priest (D&C 68:19)
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Should care for the poor (D&C 84:112)
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A judge in Israel (D&C 107:74)
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Presides over the Aaronic Priesthood (D&C 107:87–88)
בעז – "Strength"
Patriarch ≈ 1200 BC
Israelite: Judahite: Ephrathite
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Son/descendant of Salmon & Rahab; wealthy relative of Elimelech & Naomi (Ruth 2:1) | Husband of Ruth (Ruth 4:13) | Father of Obed (Ruth 4:17) | Great-grandfather of David (Ruth 4:22) | Ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:5)
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Showed charity to Ruth by deliberately leaving grain for her and allowing her to eat with him and workers (Ruth 2)
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Accepted Ruth's offer of marriage after confirming his right as kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3–4)
"Bridge Homestead"
Prophet & Governor of Utah = b.1801 – d. 1877 AD
American
Wikipedia | Guide to Scriptures
Son of John & Abigail Howe Young | Husband of many | Father of many
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From Whitingham, Vermont
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Carpenter, glazier, and painter by trade
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Converted to the restored gospel in 1832
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Marched with members of Zion's Camp to the aid of the Missouri Saints
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Called to be an apostle in 1835 by the Three Witnesses; appointed president of the twelve in 1841 (D&C 124:127)
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Worked on the Kirtland Temple and spoke in tongues at its dedication in 1836
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Served missions to spread the gospel in the eastern states and the United Kingdom
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After expulsion from Missouri and then Illinois, he led groups of saints to safety (D&C 136)
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Became prophet after the death of Joseph Smith and succession crisis in 1847–1877
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Governor of Utah from 1850–1857
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Among the choice ones in the spirit world (D&C 138:53)
"Gift of God"
Wikipedia | Guide to Scriptures
Brother of Jared II | Ancestor of Jaredites
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Asked Lord to not confound the language of his family and friends at the Tower of Babel (Ether 1:33)
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Saw the Lord in vision (Ether 2–3)
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Built eight barges (Ether 2–3)
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Shown the history of the world (Ether 3:25)
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Sailed with family to Promised Land/Americas (Ether 6)
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Moved a mountain (Ether 12:30)
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Founder of the Jaredites
בקי – "Emptied"
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Son of Abishua | Father of Uzzi (1 Chr. 6:5)
קופה | Καιαφας – "Basket Man"
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Son-in-law of Annas
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Possibly served as joint High Priest with Annas (Luke 3:2, see also John 18)
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After the resurrection of Lazarus, conspired to kill Jesus (John 11)
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Jesus' trial was held at the Palace of Caiaphas (Matt. 26:3)
קין – "Spear "
Patriarch ≈ 3900 BC
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Son of Adam & Eve (Gen 4:1) | Father of Enoch II
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Tiller of the ground; offering was rejected by the Lord (Gen. 4:3–7)
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Killed younger brother Abel (Gen. 4:8–14)
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Made a covenant with Satan (Moses 5:29–31)
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Had wicked descendants who lived separately from other descendants of Adam (Gen. 4)
כלב – "Devoted"
Prince/Head of Judah ≈ 1400 BC
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Son of Jephunneh | Father of Achsah | Father-in-law of Othniel
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Sent by Moses when 40yo to search the land of Canaan; he and Joshua gave a true report and were only ones of the older generation permitted to survive to the conquest (Num. 13:6, 30; 26:65)
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Given Hebron for an inheritance (Josh. 14:13–14)
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Gave daughter Achsah to nephew Othniel to wife; gave her land and springs (Josh. 15)
כנען – "Purple"
Patriarch ≈ 2300 BC
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | GS
Fourth son of Ham | Brother of Cush, Mizraim, & Phut (Gen. 9:18) | Grandson of Noah | Father of Sidon & Heth | Ancestor of the Canaanites
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Noah cursed him and his descendants to be the servants of Israelites (Gen. 9:24–27)
כנען – "Purple"
Tribes in the Levant ≈ 2000 BC
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Descendants of Canaan (Gen. 10:18) | Split into Sidonians/Phoenicians, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, Arvadites, Zemarites, & Hamathites
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Joshua was commanded to drive them out of the land
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Often at war with Israelites
𐤊𐤌𐤔 | כמושׁ – "Bull"
God of the Moabites ≈ 1000 BC
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary
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Solomon built a high place to him on the Mount of Olives (1 Kgs. 11:7); Josiah of Judah destroyed it (2 Kgs. 23:13)
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Mesha of Moab offered his child in sacrifice to Chemosh (2 Kgs. 3:27)
כוהנים ראשיים | ἀρχιερεῖς
Priests ≈ 1600 BC – 70 AD
Descendants of Levi
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Group of priests who oversaw in the Temple; included the High Priest
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During the Second Temple period, many served on the Great Sanhedrin
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Often argued with Jesus; tried to arrest Him (John 7); ultimately participated in His arrest and trial (Matt. 27:1); Jesus prophesied of their part (Matt. 16:21)
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Continued to oppose early Christians including Peter and John (Acts 4); Paul had authority from them to arrest Christians (Acts 9:14)
Χριστιανός – "Followers of Christ"
Greek title for the Hebrew Messiah | see Jesus Christ
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
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Name first given to disciples in Antioch (Acts. 11:26)
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Herod Agrippa II almost persuaded by Paul to be a Christian (Acts 26:28)
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Believers gladly take upon them the name of Christ (Alma 46:15)
Κλαυδιος – "Shut in"
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary-1
Son of Nero Claudius Drusus
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Agabus prophesied of a famine during his reign (Acts 11:28)
Κορνηλιος – "Little Horn"
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
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God-fearing Roman Centurion stationed in Caesarea
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After an angelic vision and visit from Peter, became first Gentile convert to Christianity without first joining Judaism (Acts 10); many of his household also converted
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His baptism marked a new beginning in preaching the gospel
כוש – 𓎡𓄿𓈙𓈉
Patriarch ≈ 2200 BC
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Son of Ham (Gen. 10:6–7) | Grandson of Noah | Father of Nimrod and 5 others | Ancestor of Cushites/Kushites
כורש | 𐎤𐎢𐎽𐎢𐏁 – "The Sun"
King of Achaemenid Empire ≈ b. 600 – d. 530 BC
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Son of Cambyses | Father of Cambyses II, Bardiya | Father-in-law of Darius the Great
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King of Achaemenid Empire from ≈ 550 – 530 BC
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Conquered Babylon and all of Mesopotamia to create the largest empire in history to that point
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Fulfilled Isaiah's prophesy (Isa. 44:28) and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (2 Chr. 36:22)
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Returned the vessels of the Temple (Ezra 1:7–11)
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Daniel lived through part of his reign (Dan. 1, 6, 10)
דן – "Judge"
One of the Twelve Tribes ≈ 1600 BC – Present
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Descendants of Dan | Famous people include Samson
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Blessed by Jacob that he would judge his people and "be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord" (Gen. 49:16–18); and by Moses that he is a "lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan" (Deu. 33:24–25)
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Territory located along Mediterranean coastline and eastward which included Joppa and Ekron (see map)
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Joined the Northern Kingdom of Israel
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Majority carried away captive by Assyrians in 722 BC; one of the "Lost 10 tribes" (2 Kgs. 17)
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For an unknown reason, tribe was excluded from the 144,000 sealed Israelites mentioned by John (Rev. 7:4–8)
דנאל – "God is My Judge"
Prince of Judah & Prophet ≈ 605 – 530 BC
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Descendant of Royal Judahite
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One of the young royals carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:3–4)
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Refused the king's meat and wine (Dan. 1:5–17)
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Interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Dan. 2, 4, 6) and the handwriting on the wall (Dan. 5)
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Became 3rd in seniority; Darius the Mede's advisors became jealous and schemed to get him thrown in a lion's den for praying; an angel shut the lions' mouths (Dan. 6)
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Prophesied much, including signs preceding the Second Coming (Dan. 7–12)
𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
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Son of Ahasuerus II (Dan. 9:1)
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Took over the kingdom after Belshazzar was killed (Dan. 5)
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Reigned at 62 yo (Dan. 5:31)
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Tricked by advisors to outlaw prayers as a way to trap Daniel; forced to punish Daniel when he was caught praying; threw him in a lion's den; fasted and prayed for Daniel's deliverance; decreed that people should "fear" Daniel's God; threw the advisors and families in the lion's den (Dan. 6)
דריוש | 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
King of Achaemenid Empire ≈ 522 – 486 BC
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Son of Hystaspes | Son-in-law of Cyrus the Great | Father of Xerxes I
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Considered one of the greatest rulers of the Achaemenid dynasty
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Murdered Bardiya, son of Cyrus the Great to become king
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Authorized the Jews again to rebuild the Temple in 519 BC (Ezra 4:24; 6:3–48)
דריוש | 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
Last King of Achaemenid Empire ≈ 336 – 330 BC
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Son of Arsames
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Possibly murdered Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great's father; Alexander was determined to defeat him; Darius sent letters of friendship, but Alexander rejected both letters;
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Killed by his relative Bessus before Alexander could reach him
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Alexander eventually married his daughter
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Called Darius the Persian (Neh. 12:22)
דוד – "Beloved"
King of Israel ≈ b. 1040 – 970 BC
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Youngest of eight sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:12) | Great-grandson of Boaz & Ruth (Ruth 4:17–22) | Husband of Michal, Ahinoam II, Abigail, Maacah IV, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, Bathsheba, & others | Father of Amnon, Absalom, Tamar II, Adonijah, Solomon, Nathan II, & others | Ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:6)
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Killed a lion and bear in his youth (1 Sam. 17:32–37)
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Musician for Saul (1 Sam 16:14–23)
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Defeated Goliath the giant Philistine (1 Sam. 17)
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Befriended Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:1–4)
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Made a military leader by Saul; had to flee Saul's jealousy and wrath; spared Saul's life twice (1 Sam. 18–27)
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After hearing of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, anointed king over Judah at Hebron (2 Sam. 2:3–4); and eventually made king over all Israel (2 Sam. 5:4–5); made Jerusalem his capital
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Brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem; wanted to build a Temple but was denied by the Lord
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Sinned with Bathsheba; had her husband Uriah killed; Nathan condemned him (2 Sam. 11–12)
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Two sons (Absalom and Adonijah) openly rebelled against him
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Wrote many psalms, including many about his contrition; obtained forgiveness in all except in the murder of Uriah (D&C 132:39)
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His reign is considered Israel's "golden age"; he united all of Israel under a holy government of God who awaited the coming of the Messiah; and he conquered a large portion of the Levant
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Jesus often called "Son of David" (Matt. 22:41–46)
דוד – "Beloved"
Witness & Apostle = b. 1805 – d. 1888 AD
American
Wikipedia | Guide to Scriptures
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One of the Three Witnesses (JS–H)
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Apostle from = 1835 – 1838 AD
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Arranged for the Book of Mormon translation to be finished at his father's home
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One of the first six members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Apr 6, 1830
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Excommunicated in 1838
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Founded the Church of Christ (Whitmerites)
דברה – "Bee"
Judge of Israel & Prophetess ≈ 1200 – 1160 BC
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Wife of Lapidoth
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Prophetess and Judge of Israel (Judg. 4:4)
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Summoned Barak to fight Sisera, captain of Jabin of Hazor's army; he agreed only if she went (Judg. 4:8); defeated them with 10,000 men from Mount Tabor; pursued Sisera when he fled, but he was killed by Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite (Judg. 4)
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Sang a song with Barak of praise (Judg. 5)
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Served as Judge of Israel
דלילה – "One Who Hangs" or "Weak"
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From Sorek
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Samson loved her; Philistine lords convinced her to find out where he got his strength and promised her 1,100 pieces of silver each; found out his strength came from his uncut hair; shaved his head in his sleep; Philistines captured him (Judg. 16)
דינה – "Judgment"
Daughter of Jacob & Leah ≈ 1670 BC
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Daughter of Jacob & Leah (Gen. 30:21)
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Only daughter of Jacob mentioned
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Visited the Canaanite daughters in Shechem; Shechem son of Hamor took her and defiled her; desired to marry her; Levi and Simeon her brothers demanded the men of the city be circumcised; they slew all the men and retrieved her (Gen. 34)
μαθητής – "Follower" or "Pupil"
Follower or Student ≈ 30 AD
Wikipedia | Bible Dictionary | Guide to Scriptures
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John the Baptist had disciples before Jesus' ministry (John 1:15–51)
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Sometimes the word is used interchangeably with Apostle (Matt. 11:1)
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Those who believe on Jesus and follow in His word are His disciples (John 8:31)
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Mormon II was a disciple of Christ (3 Ne. 5:12–13)
Δρουσιλλα – "Freshness"
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Daughter of Herod Agrippa & Cypros III | Sister of Herod Agrippa II and Berenice II | Wife of Aziz of Emesa & Felix
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Listened to Paul with her husband Felix (Acts 24:24)
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Son died in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD
אדום – Red
Tribe/group from south of Dead Sea ≈ 1800 BC
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Descendants of Esau and wives (Gen. 25:30) | Ancestors of Idumeans | Famous people include Agag, Eliphaz, the Amalekites, and Herod the Great & family
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Territory was south of Dead Sea and centered around Mt. Seir (Josh. 24:4)
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Defeated the Horims-Horites (Deu. 2:12, 22)
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Spoke a language similar to Hebrew
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Moses asked for passage through their land; turned him down (Num. 20:14–21)
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Became David's servants (2 Sam. 8:13–14)
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Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied against them (Jer. 49; Ezek. 35)
Matriarch ≈ 2300 BC
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Daughter of Ham & Egyptus I
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Discovered Egypt (Abr. 1:23-25)
מצרים (Mizraim) – "Double Lands"
Tribe/group from Egypt ≈ 2300 BC
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Descendants of Ham & Egyptus I | Famous people include: Asenath, Apries-Hophra, Shishak-Shoshenq and Necho II
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One of the most ancient, advanced, and prosperous civilizations on earth
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Often interacted with the Israelites and their ancestors, from Abraham to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph III fleeing to Egypt for safety; unfortunately many biblical Pharaohs are unnamed, leaving it up to speculation
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Joseph served in the royal court as second in command to Pharaoh; brought family to Egypt
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Moses raised in the royal court; 10 plagues; freed the Israelite slaves from the Egyptians
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Solomon made an alliance with Egypt, but Pharaoh Shishak allied with Jeroboam and sacked Jerusalem
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Pharaoh Necho II conquered and killed Josiah of Judah, bringing the Kingdom of Judah under Egyptian rule until Nebuchadnezzar II
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Lehi was taught in the language of the Egyptians (1 Ne. 1:2; Morm. 9:32)
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Many Jews fled to Egypt as part of the diaspora
אהוד – "I Shall Praise"
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Son of Gera
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Left-handed which was associated with deception
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Killed Eglon of Moab when he was delivering the annual tribute to him; fought with the Israelites to defeat the Moabites (Judg. 3:15–30)
אלה – Oak Tree
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Son of Baasha
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Reigned 2 years
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His captain of chariots Zimri conspired against him; killed him and posterity, fulfilling Jehu's prophecy (1 Kgs. 16:6–14)
זקנים | πρεσβύτερος (Presbyteros)
Older leader or ordained office in priesthood ≈ 4000 – Present
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Elders of Joseph's house and the Egyptians went to bury Jacob-Israel (Gen. 50:7)
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Seventy elders assist Moses (Ex. 24)
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Elders and priests were ordained among the Nephites (Alma 6:1)
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Pharisees question why the disciples don't follow the elders and wash before meals (Matt. 15:2)
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Paul ordained elders (Acts 14:23); elders anointed the sick (James 5:14–15)
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Elders ordained in the Restored Gospel (D&C 20:38, 42–45)
אלעזר – "God Has Helped"
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Son of Aaron & Elisheba (Ex. 6:23) | Brother of Nadab, Abihu, & Ithamar | Husband of a daughter of Putiel | Father of Phinehas | Ancestor of most High Priests
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Made a priest (Ex. 28:1)
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Made a covering for the altar in the Tabernacle (Num. 16:38–40)
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Oversaw of the Tabernacle and expected to live a holy life (Lev. 10; Num. 4:16)
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Given father's priestly garments before Aaron's death; ministered in the high priest's office for over 20 years (Num. 20:25–29; Deu. 10:6)
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Helped Joshua with the land territory distribution (Josh. 14:1)
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Was buried in Mt. Ephraim (Josh. 24:33)
עלי – My God
Judge & High Priest ≈ 1080 BC
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Not a descendant of Eleazar like most High Priests, but a descendant of Ithamar | Father of Hophni & Phinehas II (1 Sam. 1:3)
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At the Tabernacle when Hannah came to pray for a son; accused her of being drunk; promised that her prayer would be answered; she gave birth to Samuel (1 Sam. 1)
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His sons were wicked and slept with women by the door to the Tabernacle; he didn't correct them; a man of God prophesied that they would be killed on the same day (1 Sam. 2)
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Samuel lived with him at the Tabernacle and heard a voice calling in the middle of the night; told Samuel to go back to bed; on the third time, realized it was the Lord; told Samuel to respond; the Lord repeated the prophecy against Eli's household; Samuel was scared to tell him but told him anyway; Eli acknowledged it was from the Lord (1 Sam. 3)
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Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and killed Eli's sons; when he heard, he fell and died; daughter-in-law also died that day giving birth to Ichabod (1 Sam. 4)
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Judged Israel for 40 years; died at 98yo (1 Sam. 4:15, 18)
אליה – "My God is Yahweh"
Forerunner
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Title for one who goes before or a forerunner; also is the Greek form of the name Elijah (Matt. 17:3-4)
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John the Baptist went before Jesus (Mark 1:1–8)
אלישיב – "God Causes to Run"
Son of Joiakim (Neh. 3:1)
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Helped fortify the walls of Jerusalem
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Allowed Tobiah the Ammonite to use a large room in the Temple courts which was for temple offerings; grandson married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite; Nehemiah drove the grandson out of the Temple (Neh. 13:8–9)
אלעזר – "God Has Helped"
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Son of Dodavah (2 Chr. 20:37)
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From Mareshah
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Prophesied against Jehoshaphat of Judah because he joined with Ahaziah of Israel (2 Chr. 20:37)
אליה – "My God is Jehovah"
Israelite: Gadite? or Benjamite?
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The Tishbite (1 Kgs. 17:1)
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Prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kgs. 17) during the reign of Ahab & Jezebel and their sons
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Shut the heavens from rain for 3.5 years; ravens fed him; fed by the Gentile widow of Zarephath near Sidon; promised her that her grain and oil would not run out; raised her son from the dead (1 Kgs. 17); mentioned by Jesus when He proclaimed Himself the Messiah in Nazareth (Luke 4:25–26)
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Challenged the priests of Baal to call down fire from heaven; showed God's power over the heavens; killed the priests (1 Kgs. 18)
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Jezebel tried to kill him; he fled and waited to die; an angel ministered to him and sent him to Horeb-Sinai; Lord was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but in the still small voice (1 Kgs. 19:1–12)
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Told to anoint Hazael to be king of Syria, Jehu II to be king of Israel, and Elisha to be a prophet; cast his mantle on Elisha (1 Kgs 19:15–19); Elisha later accomplished both tasks for the kings (2 Kgs. 8)
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Prophesied of Ahab & Jezebel' deaths; prophesied the same to their son Ahaziah (1 Kgs. 21; 2 Kgs. 1)
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Wrote to Jehoram II of Judah, prophesying of his illness and death for disobedience (2 Chr. 21:12–15)
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Called down fire from heaven against fifty soldiers (2 Kgs. 1)
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Gave his mantle to Elisha before he was translated in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind (2 Kgs. 2)
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Malachi prophesied he would return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5–6)
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Some wondered if Jesus or John the Baptist was Elijah returned, or if Elijah would save Jesus on the cross (Matt. 16:14; 27:47–49; Mark 6:14–15)
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Holds the keys of sealing power; appeared with Moses to Jesus, Peter, James, and John at the Mount of Transfiguration to confer priesthood keys (Matt. 17:3); appeared again to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple for the same purpose during Passover week, Apr. 3 1836 (D&C 110:13–16)
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Jews today wait for him to return and announce the coming of the Messiah (making him an Elias); they pour a cup of wine and open the door for him during the Passover Seder meal, leave a seat for him during circumcisions, and at the end of each Sabbath, appeal in prayer (Havdalah) that he will return quickly; consider him an intercessory figure to help those in need
אלישבע | Ελισαβετ – "God is an Oath"
Matriarch ≈ 2 BC
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Descendant of Aaron & Elisheba (Luke 1:5–60) | Wife of Zacharias | Relative of Mary (Luke 1:36) | Mother of John the Baptist
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"Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" (Luke 1:6)
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Barren; an angel appeared to Zacharias in the Temple and said she would conceive in her old age; Zacharias struck dumb for disbelief (Luke 1:5–24)
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Hid for five months after she conceived; visited by Mary for 3 months; John leapt in her womb when Mary arrived (Luke 1:24–25, 39–56)
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At John's circumcision, people called his name Zacharias, but she corrected them saying his name should be John; Zacharias wrote his name and was healed (Luke 1:57–80)
אלישע – "God is Salvation"
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Son of Shaphat
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Prophesied for more than 50 years to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu II, Jehoahaz II, and Jehoash II
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Elijah cast his mantle on him; used the mantle to part the Jordan River (1 Kgs. 19:16–21; 2 Kgs. 2:13)
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Healed the waters of Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:19–22)
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Mocked by 42 children for his "bald head"; cursed him; two bears killed them (2 Kgs. 2:23–24)
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Prophesied victory over the Moabites to Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah (2 Kgs. 3)
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Multiplied the oil of a widow (2 Kgs. 4:1–7)
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Promised a barren Shunammite woman a son; later when the son died, Elisha raised him from the dead (2 Kgs. 4:8–37); years later told her to flee to Philistia to escape a famine (2 Kgs. 8)
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Multiplied grain and bread (2 Kgs. 4:38–44)
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Told Naaman the Syrian to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed of leprosy; refused a reward; Gehazi his servant took a reward and was cursed with leprosy instead (2 Kgs. 5); mentioned by Jesus when He proclaimed Himself the Messiah in Nazareth (Luke 4:27)
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Made an ax head float in the Jordan River (2 Kgs. 6:1–7)
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Protected from the Syrian army by a heavenly host of horses and chariots of fire; smote the Syrians with blindness (2 Kgs. 6:8–23)
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Prophesied abundance in Samaria; Syrians fled, leaving provisions for the people (2 Kgs. 7)
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Prophesied a seven-year famine;
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Told Hazael he would become king of Syria; arranged for the anointing of Jehu II king of Israel (2 Kgs. 8)
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Prophesied that Jehoash II of Israel would defeat Syria (2 Kgs. 13:14–19)
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Died after an illness; another man was raised from the dead when his body touched Elisha's bones (2 Kgs. 13:14,20–21)
אלישבע - "God is My Oath"
Matriarch ≈ 1500 BC
Daughter of Amminadab (Ex. 6:23) | Sister of Nashon | Mother of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar
| Ancestor of the High Priests of Israel and Elisabeth (which is a variant of her name)
אלהים - "Gods" or "Godhood"
see God the Father
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Gen. 1:1 in Hebrew reads, "In the beginning, God (אלהים - Elohim) created the heaven and the earth"
אילן – "Oak"
Judge of Israel ≈ 1150 BC
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Judged Israel for 10 years (Judg. 12:11–12)
"Whole"
Wife of Joseph Smith ≈ b. 1804 – d. 1879 AD
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Daughter of Isaac Hale & Elizabeth Lewis | Wife of Joseph Smith | Mother of 11
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Served as scribe for the Book of Mormon for a time
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Asked to compile a book of hymns (D&C 25)
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First Relief Society President
חנוך – "Follower"
Prophet & Patriarch ≈ b. 3378 – d. 2948 BC
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Son of Jared | Father of Methuselah | Ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:37)
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Walked in righteousness (Gen. 5:18–24)
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Ordained to the priesthood (D&C 84:15-16; 107:48)
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Preached repentance (Moses 6:37)
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The Lord called his people Zion (Moses 7:18)
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Prophesied of the Lord coming (Jude 1:14)
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He and his city were translated (Heb. 11:5; Moses 7:69)
אנוש – "Mortal Man"
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Son of Jacob II (Enos 1:1) | Father of Jarom
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Given plates by Jacob II (Jacob 7:27); taught in the language and religion of his father (Enos 1:1)
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Went hunting for beasts; prayed all day and night for a remission of his sins; prayed for his people and the Lamanites (Enos 1:2–18)
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Prophesied among the Nephites all his days; saw many wars among them and Lamanites (Enos 1:19–27)
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Commanded son Jarom to write (Jarom 1:1)
אפרים – "Fruitful"
Patriarch ≈ 1707 BC
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Son of Joseph & Asenath (Gen. 41:52) | Grandson of Jacob | Brother of Manasseh | Father of Shuthelah, Tahan, Beriah-Becher (Num. 26:35) | Ancestor of Ephraimites
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Born in Egypt
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Jacob he made him and Manasseh equal to his sons (Gen. 48:5); given the birthright of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob over his older brother Manasseh (Gen. 48:13–20)
אפרים – "Fruitful"
One of the Twelve Tribes ≈ 1600 BC – Present
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Descendants of Ephraim | Famous people include Joshua, Deborah II, Jeroboam, Ahab, Ishmael II, and Joseph Smith
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Blessed by Jacob that they would grow into a "multitude in the midst of the earth" and greater than Manasseh in that "his seed shall become a multitude of nations" (Gen. 48); and by Moses that they would be fruitful and "His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh" (Deu. 33:13–17)
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Territory included some of the richest land in the country and had several important highways and cities, including Shechem, Ebal, and Gerizim (modern-day West Bank and Samaria) (see map)
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Angry Gideon didn't invite them to battle the Midianites; later helped capture Midianite princes (Judg. 6:35–8:21)
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Part of (and often led) the Northern Kingdom of Israel
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Majority carried away captive by Assyrians in 722 BC; one of the "Lost 10 tribes (2 Kgs. 17)
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Samaritans claim descent partially from their tribe
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Promised to bear the message of the Restored gospel to the world and help gather Israel (D&C 133:26–34; Isa. 11:12–13)
אסר-חדן | 𒀭𒊹𒉽𒀸 – "Ashur Has Given a Brother"
King of Assyria ≈ 681 – 669 BC
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Younger son of Sennacherib & Naqi'a | Husband of several | Father of Ashurbanipal and at least 17 others
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Appointed the heir to Sennacherib to the fury of his elder brothers; they attempted a coup and murdered Sennacherib
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Manasseh II of Judah was his vassal; rebuilt Babylon with contributions from Manasseh II (see archeological prism) and other vassalages
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Conquered Egypt in 671 BC and forced Pharaoh Taharqa to flee; captured the pharaoh's family
עשו – "Hairy"
Patriarch ≈ 1832 BC
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Son of Isaac & Rebekah | Older twin of Jacob | Husband of 4 wives | Father of Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jaalam, & Korah | Ancestor of Edomites/Idumaeans
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Rival with his twin brother since birth; sold his birthright to Jacob (Gen. 25:29–34); Rebekah helped Jacob secure the birthright blessing from Isaac (Gen. 27); hated Jacob for it and wanted to kill him; Rebekah sent Jacob to Haran for safety (Gen. 27:41–28:5) when Jacob and his family returned, he and Jacob finally made peace and departed on friendly terms (Gen. 32–33)
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Married three Canaanite-Hittite women to the disappointment of his parents (Gen. 26:34–35); later married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath (Gen. 28:9)
אסתר | 𒀭𒈹 – "Star"
Queen of Persia ≈ 480 BC
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Cousin or niece of Mordecai | Wife of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I or Artaxerxes II?)
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Birth name was Hadassah
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Orphan; brought up by her cousin Mordecai (Esth. 2:7)
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Beautiful; caught the eye of Ahasuerus of Persia; he made her queen; she hid her religion from him by recommendation of Mordechai (Esther 2)
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Mordechai wouldn't bow to Haman, the king's official; Haman convinced the king to decree that all Jews should die on the 13th day of Adar; Mordechai asked Esther to supplicate the king to save them; Esther feared to approach him without being invited, punishable by death; she asked all the Jews to fast for her for three days, "and if I perish, I perish"; when she approached the king, she invited him and Haman to two feasts; at the second, she told the king of the decree against her people; furious, Ahasuerus hung Haman and issued a decree to save the Jews (Esther 2–10)
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Purim became a holiday to commemorate the Jews deliverance; still celebrated today on the 14th day of Adar (typically late Feb. or early March)
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Jesus was in Jerusalem possibly celebrating Purim when he healed the infirm man on the Sabbath (John 5:1)
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Son of Coriantor (Ether 11:23)
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Last Jaredite prophet
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Prophesied and preached repentance during Coriantumr's reign; people rejected his teachings; hid in a cave and recorded history of his people (Ether 12:1–13:5); prophesied to Coriantumr that if he would repent, they would be spared; otherwise they would all be destroyed
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Witnessed the people gathering for war for 4 years; saw the end of the Jaredites (Ether 15:12–34)
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Finished his record and hid them: "Whether the Lord will that I be translated," or not, "it mattereth not"
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People of Limhi found his 24 gold plates (Mosiah 8:8–19; Ether 1:2); Mosiah II translated them; (Mosiah 28:11–19) Moroni II included them as the Book of Ether
εὐαγγελιστής – "Bringer of Good News"
Missionary/Patriarch ≈ 33 AD – Present
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Someone who preaches gospel (Eph. 4:11)
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Joseph Smith taught it is also the title of a Patriarch
חוה – "Life"
Mother of all mankind ≈ 4000 BC
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Created by God (Gen. 1:26-27) | Wife of Adam | Mother of Cain, Abel, Seth, & others (Gen. 4)
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Lived in the Garden of Eden before the Fall and in the fallen world after (Gen. 2-3)
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Taught her children the gospel (Moses 5:11–12)
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Joseph F. Smith saw her in vision with many of her faithful daughters (D&C 138:39)
יחזקאל – "God Will Strengthen"
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Son of Buzi | Descendant of Zadok | Husband of unnamed wife (Ezek. 24:18)
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Born in Jerusalem; carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar II (Ezek. 1:3)
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Didn't weep at his wife's death (Ezek. 24:15–27)
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Prophesied about the Israelites and return of the Jews to Jerusalem; saw in vision a valley of dry bones (House of Israel) being resurrected; saw the stick of Judah (Bible) and the stick of Ephraim (Book of Mormon) being joined (Ezek. 37)
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Prophesied many things about the events leading up to the Second Coming
עזרא – "Helper"
High Priest?, Scribe, & Prophet ≈ 458 BC
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Descendant of Seraiah
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Artaxerxes of Persia gave him edict to help exiles return to Jerusalem; appointed government leaders into the Great Assembly, which became the basis for the later Great Sanhedrin (Ezra 7–10)
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Asked Jews to separate from their foreign wives (Ezra 10)
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Taught the people the Mosaic Law; helped make scripture available to the every Jew, not just the priests (Neh. 8)
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