F
FELIX ANTONIUS ○
Φηλιξ – "Fortunate"
Roman Governor (Procurator) of Judea
≈ b. 5 – d. 70 AD (Procurator from 52 – 60 AD)
Roman
Family Tree / Husband of Drusilla and others / Father of Marcus Antonius Agrippa
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Heard Paul's defense after his arrest; hoped Paul would offer him a bribe; left him imprisoned for two years (Acts 24)
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According to Josephus, arranged the assassination of Jonathan III the High Priest
FESTUS PORCIUS ○
Φηστος – "Festive"
Roman Governor (Procurator) of Judea
≈ b. 20 – d. 70 AD (Procurator from ≈ 60 – 62 AD)
Roman
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Paul had his final hearing before him; proposed sending Paul's case to Jerusalem and the Sanhedrin, but Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar
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Herod Agrippa II and Berenice II came to pay their respects to him; heard Paul's testimony (Acts 25–26)
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GABRIEL
גבריאל – "Mighty Man of God"
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Appeared to Daniel to explain visions (Dan. 8:15–17; 9:20–22)
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Announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias (Luke 1:18–20)
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Announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26–27)
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Joseph Smith taught that Gabriel is Noah; appeared to him "declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood” (see topic)
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GAD
גד – "Good Fortune"
GAD II Ω
גד – "Good Fortune"
Patriarch
Israelite: Gadite / Born in Haran / Lived in Canaan / Died in Egypt
Family Tree / Son of Jacob & Zilpah (Gen. 30:11) / Father of 7 sons / Ancestor of Gadites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
Prophet and Seer (2 Sam. 24:11; 1 Chr. 21:9)
≈ 1012 BC
Friend of David (1 Sam. 22:5)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-2 / Guide to Scriptures
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Wrote a lost book of scripture about David; parts may have been included in the books of Samuel (1 Chr. 29:29)
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The Lord sent him to David to choose a punishment for numbering Israel; told David to build an altar (2 Sam. 24:11–19)
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GADITES (TRIBE OF GAD)
גד – "Good Fortune"
One of the Twelve Tribes
Israelite: Gadite / Territory was east of the Jordan River, north of Moab and south of Gilead (see map)
Family Tree / Descendants of Gad / Famous people may include Elijah
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
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Blessed by Jacob that "a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last" (Gen. 49:19); and by Moses that "he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head, and he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel (Deu. 33:20–21)
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Joined the Northern Kingdom of Israel after split
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Many were carried away captive by Assyrians in 722 BC; today considered one of the "Lost 10 tribes" (2 Kgs. 17)
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GAMALIEL
גמליאל – "Reward of God"
Son of Simeon ben Hillel / Father of Simeon ben Gamaliel
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Pharisee and doctor of the law held in honor of the people (Acts 5:34)
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Leader and Nasi of the Sanhedrin; convinced them to release Peter and John (Acts 5:35–40)
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GEDALIAH II ○
גדליה – "The Lord is Great"
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Appointed governor of Judea by Nebuchadnezzar II (2 Kgs. 25:22)
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Assassinated by Ishmael ben Nethaniah at the order of Baalis of Ammon (Jer. 41:2–3)
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Jews today observe the Fast of Gedaliah in memory of his assassination; his death ended the autonomy of the Jews following the destruction of the Temple
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GENTILES
גוים – "Nations"
Non-Israelites
First used to denote descendants of Japheth (Gen. 10:5) / Famous people who converted or joined the Israelites are Ruth, Rahab, Cornelius, and Jethro
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Often designated non-Israelites or nations without the gospel
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Israelites were often commanded to remain separate from the religious practices of surrounding nations
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Jesus and the apostles first preached to the Israelites (Matt. 10:5–6; 15:24); after the Resurrection, Jesus commanded them to go into all nations (Matt 28:19); Peter had a vision and a Roman Cornelius asked to be baptized, marking the beginning of the gospel going to the Gentiles (Acts 10)
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Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13)
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GERSHON
גרשון – "Driven Out"
GERSHONITES
גרשון – "Driven Out"
Patriarch
≈ 1716 BC
Israelite: Levite: Gershonite
Family Tree / Eldest son of Levi (Gen. 46:11 ) / Father of Libni and Shimi (Ex. 6:17) / Ancestor of Gershonites
Wikipedia
Levitical division
Israelite: Levite: Gershonite
Family Tree / Descendants of Gershon (Num. 3:25-26) / Famous people include Asaph (1 Chr. 6:39–43)
Wikipedia
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Responsible for transporting and caring for the curtains, coverings, hangings, and cords of the Tabernacle (Num. 3:25–26)
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The family of Asaph became one of the principal guilds of Temple musicians and singers (1 Chr. 16:5; Ezra 2:41; Neh. 12:46)
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GIDEON (JERUBBAAL, JERUBBESHETH) ○
גדעון – "Hewer"
GIDEON II
גדעון – "Hewer"
≈ b. 1210 – d. 1144 BC (judged Israel ≈ 1184–1144 BC)
Israelite: Manassite: Abiezrite / From Ophrah (Judg. 6:11)
Family Tree / Younger son of Joash (Judg. 6:11) / Father of 70 sons, including Jether, Abimelech II, and Jotham
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Claimed his clan was least in Manasseh and he was least in his father's house (Judg. 6:15)
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Angel appeared to him; promised he would save the Israelites from the Midianites; asked for signs from the Lord, including the sign of the fleece (Judg. 6:11–24)
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Destroyed his father's altar to Baal and his grove; built an altar to the Lord in their place; men of the city wanted to kill him (Judg. 6:24–32)
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Led the Manassites, Asherites, Zebulunites, and Naphtalites against the Midianites and Amalekites in Jezreel; the Lord cut down his army to 300 men to show His power; Ephraimites complained they had not been called to battle (Judg. 6:33–8:22)
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Israelites wanted him to be king; he declined (Judg. 8:22–23)
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Made an ephod of gold that the Israelites worshipped; became a snare to the (Judg. 8:24–27)
Nephite Leader and Captain
≈ 145 BC
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
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Enemy of Noah II; tried to kill him; searched the wilderness for Noah's priests; found the men who killed Noah (Mosiah 19)
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Reminded Limhi about Noah's priests in the wilderness; created a plan to escape the Lamanites (Mosiah 20, 22)
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Taught the people of the church; opposed Nehor who killed him (Alma 1:7–15)
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A valley and city were later named after him (Alma 2:20; 6:7)
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GILEAD
גלעד – "Heap of Testimony"
Patriarch
≈ 1400 BC
Israelite: Manassite: Gileadite / Born in Egypt
Family Tree / Son of Machir (Num. 26:29) / Grandson of Manasseh / Ancestor of the Gileadites
Wikipedia
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Brought up "on Joseph's knee" (Gen. 50:23)
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Possibly named for the land of Gilead or the land was named after him
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GOD THE FATHER (HEAVENLY FATHER, ELOHIM) †Ω■♦
אלוהים האב – "Elohim"
Heavenly Father
No beginning or end
Father and creator of our spirits (Num. 16:22; Heb. 12:9) / Father of Jesus
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Under His direction, Jesus created the earth (Moses 1:33)
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Visited Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3)
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Jesus often prayed to or spoke of Him; reminded Mary and Joseph III that He was to be about His Father's business (Luke 2:49)
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Testified of Jesus as a voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism, at the Mount of Transfiguration, and to Jews and Nephites (Matt. 3:17; Mark 9:7; John 12:28–29; 3 Ne. 11:3–7)
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Stephen saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God (Acts. 7:55–56); Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw the same (D&C 76:20)
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Appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove (JSH 1:17)
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GOG ♦
גוג – possibly "Rooftop"
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Ezekiel prophesied that he would lead a great invasion against Israel and be destroyed by God; called the prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezek. 38-39)
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Another battle will happen at the end of the Millenium (Rev. 20:7–9)
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GOLIATH
גלית – "Uncovered"
Giant Warrior
≈ 1020 BC
Canaanite: Philistine / From Gath
Brother of Lahmi (2 Sam. 21:19; 1 Chr. 20:5)
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Giant; six or four cubits and a span tall, depending on text (Masoretic = six; Dead Sea Scrolls = four)
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Challenged Israel to a one-on-one battle twice a day for 40 days; Saul was afraid; Young David took the challenge and smote him with a slingshot, then used his own sword to cut off his head (1 Sam. 17)
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GRECIANS (HELLENISTS)
Έλληνες – "Greeks"
GREEKS
Έλληνες – "Steadfast"
Tribe/Group
Israelites: Jewish: Hellenistic (Greek-speaking)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Jews who adopted the Greek language and aspects of Greek culture after the conquests of Alexander the Great
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Complained that their widows were being neglected; apostles appointed Seven Leaders to help (Acts 6:1–8)
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Many early Christian converts came from Hellenistic Jewish communities
People from Greece
Family Tree / Descendants of Javan (Gen. 10:2) / Famous people include Alexander the Great, Luke, Timothy, and Titus II
Wikipedia
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Greek became the common language of the eastern Mediterranean after Alexander the Great; language in which the New Testament was written
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Jesus cast an unclean spirit out of the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman, who was Greek (Mark 7:24–30)
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A group wished to see Jesus (John 12:20)
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"This is the King of the Jews" was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew over Jesus' cross (Luke 23:38)
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Paul taught that salvation through Christ was available to Jews and Greeks (Rom. 10:12; Gal. 3:28); many believed his teachings (Acts 11:20–21; 17:4)
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HABAKKUK Ω
חבקוק – "Embrace"
Family Tree
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Little is known about him; assumed to be a contemporary of Jeremiah and Zephaniah
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Assumed to be a Temple musician (Hab. 3:19)
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Questioned why God allowed wickedness to prosper; God answered that Babylon would be used as an instrument; prophesied of Judah's captivity to the Babylonians (Hab. 1–2)
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Concluded with a psalm of trust despite coming judgments (Hab. 3)
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HADADEZER (BEN-HADAD II) ♦
הדדעזר – "Hadad is Help"
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Besieged Samaria; lost battle against Ahab; captured; Ahab released him with a treaty and called him his brother (1 Kgs. 20:1–34)
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Led a coalition of 11 kings including Ahab against Shalmaneser III of Assyria at the Battle of Qarqar (mentioned in extra-biblical archeology)
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Ahab and Jehoshaphat battled against him to recapture Ramoth-Gilead; Ahab was killed (1 Kgs. 22)
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Sent Naaman, captain of his army, to Elisha to be healed (2 Kgs. 5)
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Hazael murdered him to become king (2 Kgs. 8:15)
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+ HAGAR
הגר – "Fugitive" or "Stranger"
Matriarch
≈ 1820 BC
Family Tree / Handmaid of Sarah / Wife-concubine of Abraham (Gen. 16) / Mother of Ishmael / Ancestor of Ishmaelites; Islamic tradition traces Muhammad through her and Ishmael
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Tradition states that Pharaoh gave her as a handmaid to Sarah when Sarah and Abraham were in Egypt
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Sarah gave her to Abraham as a wife so she could "obtain children by her" (Gen. 16:1–3); after Hagar conceived, she despised Sarah; Sarah dealt harshly with her; Hagar fled; an angel visited her and prophesied the birth of Ishmael and his greatness; named God "Thou God seest me"; returned and gave birth to Ishmael (Gen. 16)
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Mocked Isaac and Sarah at his weaning feast; Sarah sent her and Ishmael (then a teenager) away; Hagar thought they were going to die in the desert; visited again by an angel who showed her water and promised a great nation would descend from her (Gen. 21:9–21)
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Found Ishmael a wife from Egypt (Gen. 21:20)
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HAGGAI Ω
חגי – "Circle" or "Festival"
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Reprimanded the people for not finishing the Second Temple (Hag. 1); work resumed and it was soon dedicated
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Prophesied that the glory of the Second Temple would exceed that of the First Temple (Hag. 2:9).
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Contemporary of Zechariah III (Ezra 5:1)
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HAM
חם – "Hot"
Patriarch
≈ 2444 BC
Ancestor of Egyptians and Canaanites
Family Tree / Son of Noah (Gen. 5:29) / Father of Canaan, Cush, Mizraim, and Phut / Wife of Egyptus (Abr. 1:23) / Father of Egyptus II / Ancestor of Canaanites and Egyptians
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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One of eight saved on the ark (Gen. 6–9)
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Saw his father's nakedness but didn't cover him; Noah cursed his son Canaan to be a servant to his brothers (Gen. 9:22–25)
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Egypt sometimes called the land of Ham (Ps. 105:23)
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HANANI Ω
חנני – "My Grace"
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Rebuked Asa of Judah for relying on Ben-Hadad of Syria rather than trusting in the Lord; Asa became angry and imprisoned him (2 Chr. 16:7–10)
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His son Jehu later rebuked Baasha of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah (1 Kgs. 16:1–7; 2 Chr. 19:2).
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+ HANNAH
חנה – "Gracious"
Matriarch
≈ 1100 BC
Israelite: Ephraimite? | From Ramathaim-zophim
Family Tree / Wife of Elkanah / Mother of Samuel and others (1 Sam. 2:21)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Barren for many years; prayed for a son at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, promising to dedicate him to the Lord; Eli thought she was drunk but prophesied that her prayer would be answered (1 Sam. 1)
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Gave birth to Samuel; kept him with her until he was weaned; then sent him to the Tabernacle to be raised unto the Lord (1 Sam. 1)
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Visited Samuel and brought him a little coat every year during the yearly sacrifice (1 Sam. 2:19); Eli blessed her and Elkanah for their sacrifice; she had 5 more children—3 sons and 2 daughters (1 Sam. 2:20–21)
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"Song of Hannah" (1 Sam. 2:1–10); contains themes later echoed in Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:45–55)
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HARAN
הרן – "Mountaineer"
Patriarch
Mesopotamian / From Ur of Chaldees
Family Tree / Son of Terah / Brother of Abraham and Nahor II / Father of Lot, Milcah, and Iscah (probably Sarah)
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Died young in Ur (Gen. 11:26–28); Jewish tradition states he died in a fire associated with Abraham's conflict with idolatry
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HAZAEL ♦
חזהאל – "God Has Seen"
Aramean: Syrian / From Damascus
Family Tree / Father of Benhadad III (2 Kgs. 13:24)
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Elijah commanded to anoint him king of Syria (1 Kgs. 19:15, 17); the prophecy was later fulfilled through Elisha (2 Kgs. 8:7–15)
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Murdered Hadadezer-Benhadad II to become king (2 Kgs. 8:15)
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Battled against Ahaziah of Judah and Jehoram of Israel over Ramoth-gilead; Jehoram was wounded; shortly afterward, Jehu II overthrew and killed both kings (2 Kgs. 8:28–29; 9:14–15)
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Tried to conquer Jerusalem; Jehoash of Judah paid him off with Temple treasures (2 Kgs. 12:17–18)
- Fought against Jehoahaz II of Israel (2 Kgs. 13:3, 22)
Archeology: the Tel Dan Stele was probably erected by him; mentions killing Jehoram of Israel and Ahaziah of the House of David, which is the earliest extrabiblical mention of the "House of David"
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HEBREWS
עברים – "Companions"
see Israelites
Descendants of Eber, from which the name is derived
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Ancient Near Eastern texts mention the Habiru, which some consider the same as the Hebrews
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Descendants of Eber but later became a common designation for Abraham's descendants and the Israelites
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HELAMAN II Ω
הילמן – possibly "Fortress" or "Abundance"
Prophet and Military Leader
Israelite: Manassite: Nephite
Family Tree / Son of Alma II (Alma 31:7) / Father of Helaman III
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
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Given records and added to them (Alma 37:1–2, 21; 45–62)
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Reestablished the church among the Nephites (Alma 45)
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Led the 2,000 stripling warriors into battle (Alma 53, 56–58)
HELAMAN III Ω
הילמן – possibly "Fortress" or "Abundance"
Prophet and Chief Judge
≈ 53 BC
Israelite: Manassite: Nephite
Family Tree / Son of Helaman II (Hel. 2:2) / Father of Nephi II and Lehi III
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
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Served as chief judge after Pahoran II (Hel. 2:2; 3:20)
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Presided during a time of rapid population growth, migration, and prosperity among the Nephites (Hel. 3)
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Wrote the book of Helaman with Nephi II
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HEROD THE GREAT ♦
Ηρωδης – "Wanderer"
≈ b. 72 – d. 4/1BC (reigned 37–1 BC)
Idumaean: Herodian / Born in Idumea / Died in Jericho
Family Tree / Son of Antipater & Cypros I / Husband of Mariamne I (Hasmonean princess) and nine others (see Family Tree) / Father of Herod II Philip, Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Philip, and others / Ancestor of the Herodian dynasty
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Friends with Julius Caesar who made him governor of Judea in 47 BC; named Tetrarch by Mark Antony in 41 BC; proclaimed king of Judea by the Roman senate and Augustus in ≈ 40 BC; conquered Jerusalem and ordered execution of the Maccabean king Antigonus II in ≈ 37 BC; married Antigonus' niece Mariamne I to secure his claim to the throne
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Killed Mariamne I and many in her family including his own sons by her; however he saved his grandchildren, including Herodias and Herod Agrippa who he sent to Rome for education
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His ancestors were forced to convert to Judaism under the reign of John Hyrcanus; while he publicly identified as a Jew and tried to appease his people, they still hated him for his brutality and lifestyle
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A master builder; renovated and great expanded the Second Temple and Temple Mount, including the famous Western Wall; built Caesarea with a harbor and aqueduct; rebuilt Samaria; built Masada with a winter palace and swimming pool; many others
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Visited by the Wise men looking for Jesus; ordered the deaths of all babies in Bethlehem (Matt. 1:1–20); Joseph III warned by angel to flee with Mary and baby Jesus; stayed in Egypt until after his death (Matt. 1:13–20)
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Died between 4BC and 1BC; Augustus divided up the kingdom and made Herod Archelaus ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea (Edom); Herod Antipas tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; Philip tetrarch of the territories east of the Jordan River; Salome I toparch of Iamnia, Azotus (Ashdod), and Phasaelis.
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HEROD II (HEROD PHILIP, HEROD BOETHUS)
Ηρωδης – "Wanderer"
Prince of Judea
Family Tree / Son of Herod the Great & Mariamne II / Descendant of Idumaeans and Boethians / First husband of Herodias
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Called "Philip" in the gospels even though his brother was Philip the Tetrarch
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After Herodias divorced him to marry his brother Herod Antipas, John the Baptist condemned Antipas and Herodias, leading to John's imprisonment and death (Mark 6:17–20; Matt. 14:3)
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Father of Salome III
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HEROD AGRIPPA I ♦
Ηρωδης Αγριππα – "Wanderer Cultivated"
HEROD AGRIPPA II ♦
Ηρωδης Αγριππα – "Wanderer Cultivated"
Family Tree / Son of Aristobulus IV & Berenice I / Grandson of Herod the Great / Descendant of Idumaeans and Maccabees / Father of Herod Agrippa II, Berenice II, and Drusilla
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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His grandfather Herod killed most of his family, including his father; sent Agrippa to Rome to spend his childhood with the imperial family; he befriended the future emperors Caligula and Claudius
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In Judaea, quarreled often with his uncle Herod Antipas; had Emperor Caligula exile Antipas to Gaul
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Caligula appointed him king of Iturea, Trachonitis, Batanea, the Golan Heights, Auranitis, and Paneas in 37 AD; then Galilee and Perea in 40 AD; and Judea, Samaria, and Idumea from 41 – 44 AD
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Helped Claudius become Roman Emperor
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Executed James and imprisoned Peter around 44 AD (Acts. 12:2–3)
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Killed and eaten by worms for not giving God the glory (Acts. 12:20–23)
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Last Herodian ruler to govern most of the kingdom ruled by Herod the Great
Last Herodian Ruler
≈ b. 27 – d. 92 AD (reigned 48–92/100 AD)
Herodian
Family Tree / Son of Herod Agrippa I & Cypros III / Brother of Berenice II and Drusilla / Descendant of Idumaeans and Maccabees / No known children
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Educated in the court of Emperor Claudius
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Claudius granted him the former kingdom of Chalcis and the territories of Philip and Lysanias in northern Palestine
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Heard Paul's defense and testimony after arrest; "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts. 25–26)
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In 66 AD tried to avert a Jewish war with Rome; the Jews expelled him and Berenice II from Jerusalem; the two siblings were rumored to have an incestous relationship
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He sent 2,000 soldiers to the Romans; after the capture of Jerusalem, he returned to Rome
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Maintained correspondence with Josephus and supplied information used in his histories of the Jewish people
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HEROD ANTIPAS (HEROD THE TETRARCH) ○
Ηρωδης Αντιπας – "Wanderer Against the Father"
HEROD ARCHELAUS ○
Ηρωδης Αρχελαος – "Wanderer Chief"
≈ b. 25 BC – d. after 39 AD (Tetrarch from 4/1 BC – 39 AD)
Family Tree / Son of Herod the Great & Malthace / Descendant of Idumaeans and Samaritans / Husband of Phasaelis and Herodias (his brother Herod II's wife)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Divorced Phasaelis to marry his niece Herodias, wife of his half-brother Herod II; John the Baptist publicly denounced this marriage; furious, Herodias asked her daughter Salome III to dance for Antipas who agreed to give her anything; when she asked for John's head, he was sorry but killed John anyway (Mark 6:17–20; Matt. 14:1–12)
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Jesus called him a "fox" (Luke 13:32)
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Some believed Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead, a view Antipas himself feared might be true (Matt. 14:1–2; Mark 6:14–16)
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Interrogated Jesus before His death, but Jesus "answered him nothing"; mocked Jesus and arrayed him in a "gorgeous robe" for his crucifixion (Luke 23:7–11)
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Became friends with Pilate after Jesus' crucifixion (Luke 23:12)
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Accused by Herod Agrippa I of conspiracy against Emperor Caligula; removed from power and exiled to Gaul with Herodias
Ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea
≈ b. 23 BC – d. 18 AD (Ethnarch from 4 BC – 6 AD)
Family Tree / Son of Herod the Great & Malthace / Descendant of Idumaeans and Samaritans
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Because of his handling of an uprising at the Temple and canceling Passover, Caesar Augustus opted to not make him king after his father's death, and instead proclaimed him ethnarch
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Hated by the Jews
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Joseph III was warned by angel not to return to Judea because of his reign; instead took to Mary and baby Jesus to Nazareth (Matt. 2:22)
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Many believe Jesus' parable about the rich nobleman might be about his journey to Rome (Luke 19:12–27)
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After a decade of complaints by the Jews, Augustus deposed and banished him to Gaul; Rome assumed control of Judea with non-Jewish prefects and governors
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HERODIANS
Ηρωδης – "Wanderer"
+ HERODIAS
Ηρωδιάς – "Wanderer"
Political Party
Some were descendants of Herod the Great
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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Supporters of the Herodian dynasty and its political influence; wanted to place another Herod on the throne
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Often opponents of Jesus who cooperated with the Pharisees in seeking ways to destroy Him (Mark 3:6)
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Joined with Pharisees to question Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, attempting to trap Him politically (Matt. 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17)
Herodian Princess
Herodian
Family Tree / Daughter of Aristobulus IV & Berenice I / Granddaughter of Herod the Great / Descendant of Idumaeans and Maccabees / Wife of two of her uncles, Herod II and Herod Antipas / Mother of Salome III
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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John the Baptist publicly denounced her marriage to Herod Antipas after she divorced Herod II; she wanted John dead; after her daughter Salome III danced for Antipas, Herodias persuaded her to ask for John's head as a reward (Mark 6:17–20; Matt. 14:3)
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Her brother Herod Agrippa I accused Herod Antipas of conspiracy against Emperor Caligula; she and Antipas were exiled to Gaul
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HEZEKIAH (EZEKIAS) † ♦
חזקיה – "The Lord Strengthens"
≈ b. 739/741 – d. 687 BC (reigned 715 – 687 BC; possible coregency beginning 729 BC)
Israelite: Judahite / From Jerusalem
Family Tree / Son of Ahaz & Abijah III (2 Kgs. 18:2) / Husband of Hephzibah / Father of Manasseh II and Amariah IV / Ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:9)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
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Some Jewish interpretation claims he is the child Isaiah prophesied being born to a virgin in Isa. 7:14; Christians view Jesus' birth as the ultimate fulfillment (Matt. 1:22-23)
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Reigned at 25yo for 29 years from (possible coregency with son and/or father)
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He reformed the government and religion with the help of Isaiah; purified Temple worship and reformed the priesthood
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Defeated the Philistines
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Restored the Passover pilgrimage; invited Ephraim and Manasseh to Jerusalem to celebrate; some from Asher and Zebulun came
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Witnessed the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
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Refused to pay tribute to Assyria; Sennacherib of Assyria laid siege to Jerusalem in 701 BC; dug a tunnel to supply Jerusalem with fresh water from the Gihon Springs; 185,000 Assyrians killed in one night; Sennacherib withdrew (2 Kgs. 19)
Archeology: One of the most well documented kings in archeology, including the Hezekiah Bulla, Taylor Prism, Hezekiah's Tunnel and Lachish Reliefs.
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HIGH PRIEST (KOHEN GADOL) ■
כהן גדול – "The Great Priest"
Head of the Levitical Priesthood
Traditionally descendants of Aaron & Elisheba / Famous people include Aaron, Zadok, Hilkiah, Caiaphas, and Annas
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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First high priests were ordained from Adam down (D&C 107:40–57)
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From Aaron until the destruction of the Second Temple, it was a hereditary office that served as leader of the Levitical Priesthood in Judaism (Ex. 28)
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When appointed, one was dressed in the priestly garments (see below) and anointed with holy oil
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Duties involved overseeing seeing the Temple, offering sacrifices on Sabbaths, new moons, and festivals, teaching and interpreting the Law of Moses, and being a spiritual leader for the people; they acted as intercessor between God and mankind; they were forbidden from touching a dead body or marrying a widow; had to be married according to Jewish tradition
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Priestly garments were holy and symbolic; they included an ephod/apron with two stones with the names of the 12 tribes, a white turban with a gold plate inscribed with "Holiness to the Lord", white tunic, blue robe, sash, and finally a breastplate with 12 precious stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel (note: stone colors are used on this website for the tribal colors) and the Urim and Thummim tucked into a fold
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The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the only day the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple; would sprinkle blood on and in front of the Mercy Seat to make an atonement for himself and the people (Lev. 16)
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At times the office became corrupted, appointed to the highest bidder, or used to wield unrighteous power; Menelaus in the 2nd century BC was most likely not a Levite
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Jesus was called the Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 4:14, 5:10); Hebrews 7 argues that salvation and the priesthood can't come alone through Aaron because Christ was from Judah; Melchizedek also was before Aaron and was called a High Priest (JST Gen. 14:27; Heb. 7:1)
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In Judaism, the office was discontinued after the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD
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Modern Samaritans still have High Priests who claim descendancy from Aaron
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The office of High Priest was restored in latter-days to Joseph Smith and is an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood; High Priests are to administer in spiritual things (D&C 107)
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HILKIAH ■
חלקיה – "Portion of the Lord"
Family Tree / Son of Shallum / Father of Azariah VI and possibly Jeremiah (2 Kgs. 22)
Wikipedia
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Served during Josiah of Judah's reign
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Found a copy of the Book of the Law (probably Deuteronomy) in the Temple; showed it to Josiah, who sent it to Huldah the prophetess for interpretation; she prophesied wrath poured out on the Jewish people but peace to Josiah (2 Kgs. 22)
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Helped Josiah restore covenant worship, institute religious reforms (2 Kgs. 23), and restore the Passover celebration (2 Chr. 35:1–19)
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HIRAM (HURAM) ♦
חירם – "High Born"
King of Tyre
Canaanite: Phoenician: Tyrian / From Tyre
Family Tree / Son of Abibaal / Father of Baal-Eser
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1
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Supplied building materials for David's palace and the Temple of Solomon (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kgs. 5)
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Given twenty cities in Galilee by Solomon in exchange for his help (1 Kgs. 9:11); disliked them and called them Cabul (1 Kgs. 9:13)
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HITTITES
חתי / 𒄩𒀜𒌅𒊭 – "One Who is Broken"
Tribe from Asia Minor
Canaanite: Hittite / From Asia Minor
Family Tree / Descendants of Heth and Canaan (Gen. 10:15) / Famous people include Uriah
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
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HOLY GHOST (COMFORTER, SPIRIT)
רוח הקודש – "Spirit of Holiness"
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Personage of Spirit
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Bears witness of God the Father and Jesus Christ (John 15:26)
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Comforts, teaches, and guides believers (John 14:26)
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Inspired prophets and revealed truth (2 Pet. 1:21)
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Descended upon Jesus at His baptism in the form of a dove (Matt. 3:16)
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Apostles received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost (Acts 2)
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Bears witness of God the Father and Jesus Christ
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HOSEA (HOSHEA I) Ω
הושע – "Salvation"
HOSHEA II ♦
הושע – "Salvation"
≈ 750 BC
Family Tree / Son of Beeri
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Prophet for the Northern Kingdom
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Prophesied during Jeroboam II's reign (Hosea 1)
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Married Gomer as a symbolic representation of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness (Hos. 1–3)
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Named his children Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi as prophetic signs; prophesied of Israel’s repentance and restoration
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Quoted by Matthew regarding Jesus being called out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1; Matt. 2:15)
Last King of Northern Kingdom
≈ b. 759 – d. after 722 BC (reigned 732 – 722 BC)
Family Tree / Son of Elah
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Advisor of Pekah of Israel; assassinated him during battle against Assyrians (2 Kgs. 15:30); Tiglath-Pileser III installed him as a vassal king
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Last king of the Northern Kingdom; stopped paying tribute to Assyria and instead sought assistance from So (Osorkon IV) of Egypt (2 Kgs. 17:4)
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Shalmaneser V and Sargon II besieged and eventually conquered Samaria; took the Northern Kingdom captive; unknown if Hoshea was taken captive or killed
Archeology: In the Calah inscription, Tiglath-Pileser III claims he appointed Hoshea king after Pekah was killed
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+ HULDAH Ω
חלדה – "Mole"
≈ 622 BC
Family Tree / Wife of Shallum / Tradition states she was a descendant of Joshua
Wikipedia
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Prophetess during Josiah of Judah's reign (2 Kgs. 22:14)
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Authenticated the book of the law
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Prophesied that Judah would be destroyed because of its disobedience, but Josiah would be spared from seeing the destruction (2 Kgs. 22:8–20; 2 Chr. 34:14–28)
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IDDO Ω
אדו – "Strong"
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ISAAC † Ω
יצחק – "He laughs"
Grandfather of Israelites / From Canaan
Family Tree / Son of Abraham & Sarah / Husband of Rebekah / Father of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:20–26) / Ancestor of the Israelites and Jesus (Matt. 1:2)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Born in his parents' old age (Gen. 21:2–3)
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Taken by Abraham to Mt. Moriah for sacrifice in similitude of Christ (Gen. 22); the Lord provided a ram
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Loved Rebekah (Gen. 24)
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Prayed for her to conceive in her bareness; she had twins (Gen. 25:21)
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Covenanted with the Lord (Gen. 26:1–5)
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Said Rebekah was his sister so Abimelech wouldn't kill him (Gen. 26:6–11)
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Blind in old age and blessed Jacob over Esau (Gen. 27)
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Lived to 180 years (Gen. 35:28–29)
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ISAIAH (ESAIAS) Ω
ישעיה – "Jehovah Saves"
Israelite: Judahite / From Jerusalem
Family Tree / Son of Amoz (Isa. 1) / Husband of "the prophetess" (Isa. 8:3) / Father of Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Isa. 7:3; 8:4)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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ISH-BOSHETH (ESHBAAL) ♦
איש־בשת – "Man of Shame"
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After Saul and Jonathan's death, the tribe of Judah anointed David king, but Abner anointed Ish-bosheth (2 Sam. 2:8–10)
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Killed by Rechab and Baanah who were in turn killed by David in punishment (2 Sam. 4:5–9); David became sole ruler over a united Israel
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ISHMAEL
ישמעאל – "God Heareth"
Patriarch
Part-Egyptian
Family Tree / Son of Abraham & Hagar (Gen. 16:11–16) / Husband of an Egyptian (Gen. 21:21) / Father of 12 sons / Ancestor of Ishmaelites (Gen. 25:13–18), Arabs, and Muhammad
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Sent away after his mother mocked Sarah and Isaac (Gen. 21:9–21)
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An archer (Gen. 21:20)
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Lived to 137 years old (Gen. 25:17)
ISHMAEL II
ישמעאל – "God Heareth"
Patriarch
Israelite: Ephraimite / From Jerusalem / Died in Nahom
Family Tree / Father-in-Law of Laman, Lemuel, and Nephi / Descendant of Ephraim / Ancestor of Lamoni (Alma 17:21)
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
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Died in Nahom (Arabia) (1 Ne. 16:34)
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ISHMAELITES
ישמעאל – "God Heareth"
Tribe/group living in Arabia
≈ 1700 BC
Ishmaelite
Family Tree / Descendants of Ishmael (Gen. 21:18)
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Group of traders bought Joseph and sold him to Egypt (Gen. 35:27–28)
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Paul taught about the children of the bondwoman vs. the children of the free (Gal. 4)
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ISRAELITES
ישראל – "Let God Prevail"
Israelite
Family Tree / Descendants of Jacob/Israel and his twelve sons / Tribes are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (Ephraim, Manasseh), Benjamin
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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God's covenant people in ancient times and today
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Most of the scriptures revolve around their story
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ISSACHAR
יששכר – "Man of Reward"
ISSACHARITES (TRIBE OF ISSACHAR)
יששכר – "Man of Reward"
Patriarch
≈ 1743 BC
Israelite: Issacharite / Born in Haran / Lived in Canaan / Died in Egypt
Family Tree / Son of Jacob & Leah (Gen. 30:18) / Father of Tola, Phuvah, Jashub, Shimron / Ancestor of Issacharites
One of the Twelve Tribes
Israelite: Issacharite / Territory included parts of the Galilee including Jezreel and Mt. Tabor (see map)
Family Tree / Descendants of Issachar / Famous people include the judge Tola, kings Baasha, Elah, and Hoshea II, and the prophet Elisha
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
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Blessed by Jacob that they are "a strong ass couching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute" (Gen. 49:14–15); and by Moses that "They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand" (Deu. 33:18–19)
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Joined the Northern Kingdom of Israel after split
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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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ITHOBAAL †♦
אתבעל – "With the Lord"
≈ 896 BC
Canaanite: Phoenician: Tyrian / From Tyre
Family Tree / Father of Jezebel (1 Kgs. 16:31) / Father-in-law of Ahab of Israel / Ancestor of Jesus
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Influenced the Northern Kingdom to worship Baal