Glossary

the primary biblical text
for Thus Says the LORD
—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided

The following proper nouns name people and places in the biblical text for the Turning to God’s Word Catholic Bible study Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided.

Abana—A river in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Lesson 11
Abel-Beth-Maacah—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel near the border of territory settled by the tribe of Naphtali. It was one of the cities conquered by the Syrian king Ben-Hadad, who was paid by Asa, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt the northern kingdom’s attacks on Judah. Abel-Beth-Maacah also was one of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Abel-Beth-Maacah sometimes shows up in Scripture as Abel of Beth-Maacah. Lessons 5, 19
Abel-Meholah—Birthplace and residence of the prophet Elisha in the northern kingdom of Israel. Abel-Meholah was near the Jordan River in territory settled by the tribe of Issachar. Lesson 7
Abi—The mother of Hezekiah. Hezekiah succeeded his father Ahaz as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 22
Abiathar—The only member of the priestly clan of Eli to escape the slaughter at Nob (see the twentieth through twenty-second chapters of the First Book of Samuel). Lesson 2
Abijah—The first member of the house of Jeroboam to die as a result of the sins of Jeroboam. Lesson 5
Abijam—Jeroboam’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Abijam continued wars with the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Abijam for having a heart not wholly true to the LORD. (In the RSVCE and some other translations, the Second Book of the Chronicles refers to Abijam as Abijah and doesn’t include the story of the death of Jeroboam’s young son Abijah.) Lesson 5
Abimelech—The name of numerous Philistine kings prominent in the Old Testament. In the biblical text that accompanies this study, Abimelech refers to the son of Gideon who slew all of his brothers except Jotham. Abimelech was killed when a woman dropped a millstone on his head from a tower in the besieged town of Thebez, an event described in the ninth chapter of the Book of Judges. Lesson 2
Abiram—The first-born son of Hiel of Bethel. Abiram was sacrificed by his father during the rebuilding of Jericho during the reign of Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Abishag—A beautiful Shunammite who served as David’s caretaker in his old age. The name Abishag means “my father strays.” Lesson 2
Abishalom—The father of Maacah, who was the mother of Abijam and grandmother of Asa. Abijam succeeded his father Jeroboam as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, and Asa then succeeded his father Abijam. (In the RSV-CE and some other translations, the Second Book of the Chronicles refers to Abijam as Abijah and doesn’t include the story of the death of Jeroboam’s young son Abijah.) Lesson 5
Abraham—A major Old Testament figure with whom God entered into covenant. Abraham was the father of Isaac and grandfather of Jacob, who later was renamed Israel. The LORD frequently is referred to in Scripture as “the God of Abraham” or “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Details of Abraham’s life are recorded in the book of Genesis. Lessons 7, 17
Absalom—The third son of David. Absalom unsuccessfully sought to usurp his father’s throne. The name Absalom means “my father is peace.” Lesson 2
Achbor—One of the people sent by Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to the prophetess Huldah to determine authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the priest Hilkiah. It is likely that this same Achbor was the father of Elnathan, who was among those who followed the prophet Uriah to Egypt so that Jehoiakim could have Uriah put to death for foretelling an end to Jerusalem and the southern kingdom. Lessons 25, 28
Adaiah—The father of Jedidah, who was the mother of Josiah. Josiah succeeded his father Amon as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 25
Adonijah—The fourth son of David. Adonijah unsuccessfully sought to usurp his father’s throne. The name Adonijah means “the LORD is my God.” Lesson 2
Adoram—Taskmaster over forced labor in the united kingdom at the time of Solomon’s death. Adoram was killed when the 10 northern tribes of Israel rebelled against harsh labor policies continued by Solomon’s son Rehoboam. Lesson 4
Adrammelech (pagan god)—A god of Sepharvaim often paired with the goddess Anammelech. Worship of Adrammelech and Anammelech commonly involved child sacrifice. Lessons 21, 23
Adrammelech (son of Sennacherib)—One of the two sons who murdered their father Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Lesson 23
Ahab—Scripture presents Ahab as of the most notorious of the rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. He succeeded his father Omri. Ahab and his notorious wife Jezebel had numerous run-ins with the prophet Elijah, who chastised them for repeatedly flaunting religious law. Lessons 6–10, 13–15, 24
Ahaz—Jotham’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Ahaz for not doing right in the eyes of the LORD. Ahaz’s behavior led the prophet Isaiah to foretell the birth of Immanuel. Lessons 19–22, 26
Ahaziah (of Israel)—Ahab’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Ahaziah of Israel for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. This included turning to Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, behavior that led the prophet Elijah to predict Ahaziah’s death. Lesson 9
Ahaziah (of Judah)—Jehoram’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Athaliah, granddaughter of Omri who ruled in the northern kingdom, was Ahaziah’s mother. Scripture criticizes Ahaziah of Judah for not doing right in the eyes of the LORD. While visiting the northern king Joram, Ahaziah of Judah was fatally wounded and died at Megiddo. Lessons 13–18
Ahijah (prophet)—A prophet from Shiloh who announced that God was about to tear Solomon’s united kingdom apart and give the 10 northern tribes to Jeroboam, a descendant of Ephraim. Lessons 3–6
Ahijah (father of Baasha)—The father of Baasha. Baasha became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after killing Jeroboam’s son Nadab and destroying the rest of the house of Jeroboam. Baasha was a descendant of Issachar. Lessons 6, 8, 14
Ahikam (official)—One of the people sent by Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to the prophetess Huldah to determine authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the priest Hilkiah. Lesson 25
Ahikam (father of Gedaliah)—The father of Gedaliah. Gedaliah was appointed governor of the  territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Lesson 28
Amalek—An Edomite ruler descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (see the thirty-sixth chapter of the book of Genesis). The word Amalek also refers to the regions inhabited by descendants of Amalek. Lesson 1
Amalekites—Descendants of Amalek, an Edomite ruler descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (see the thirty-sixth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Amaziah—Joash’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Amaziah successfully fought against the Edomites, but was defeated when his attempt to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel failed. Although Scripture records that Amaziah did right in the eyes of the LORD, he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lessons 16–18
Amittai—The father of Jonah the prophet. Lesson 18
Ammonites—Descendants of Benammi, the son born of an incestuous union between Abraham’s nephew Lot and Lot’s younger daughter (see the nineteenth chapter of the book of Genesis). Lessons 2–3, 26–27
Ammonitess—A female descendant of Benammi. See Ammonites. Lesson 5
Amon (governor of Samaria)—Governor of Samaria, capital of the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Ahab. Lesson 9 
Amon (son of Manasseh)—Manasseh’s son who succeeded him as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Amon for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. After Amon was assassinated by servants in his household, his son Josiah became ruler of Judah. Lesson 24
Amorites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis). Lessons 8, 24–25
Amos—A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah who was active in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. Amos foretold the fall of Jeroboam II. Lesson 18
Amoz—The father of the prophet known as Proto-Isaiah (First Isaiah). Proto-Isaiah is believed to have written the first thirty-nine chapters of the Book of Isaiah and sometimes is referred to as Isaiah of Jerusalem. Proto-Isaiah was active in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah. Lesson 23
Anammelech—A goddess of Sepharvaim often paired with the god Adrammelech. Worship of Anammelech and Adrammelech commonly involved child sacrifice. Lesson 21
Aphek—An early Philistine stronghold that eventually became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. Aphek was the city to which the Syrian king Ben-Hadad retreated after being defeated by Ahab’s forces. Lessons 8, 17
Arabah—A barren wilderness terrain south of the Dead Sea. Also see Sea of Arabah. Lesson 28
Aram—One of the sons of Shem (see the book of Genesis 10:22) who founded the nation of Aram, a region of Mesopotamia northeast of territory inhabited by the tribe of Jacob. The nation of Aram was known as Syria before being conquered by the Assyrians. Assyria, also located in Mesopotamia, was a founded by Aram’s brother Asshur.
Aramaic—The language spoken by inhabitants of Aram, a region northeast of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Aram eventually became Assyria. Inhabitants of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah spoke Hebrew, but by the time of Jesus, the three most common languages in Judea were Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. Lesson 22
Arameans—Inhabitants of Aram.
Ararat—A mountainous region of Assyria northeast of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Lesson 23
Arnon—See Valley of Arnon. Lesson 15
Aroer—A city on the banks of the Arnon River east of the Dead Sea. Lesson 15
Arpad—A Syrian city that fell to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser (Pul). Lessons 22–23
Arza—Overseer of Elah’s household at Tirzah, an early capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Elah’s reign came to an end when he was killed by Zimri, one of his military commanders, while drinking at the home of Arza. Lesson 6
Asa—Abijam’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Asa enlisted mercenary aid from Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria, to halt attacks on Judah led by Baasha, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Although Asa did right and was considered to have a heart wholly true to the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lessons 5–6, 9
Asaiah—One of the people sent by Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to the prophetess Huldah to determine authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the priest Hilkiah. Lesson 25
Asaph—The father of Joah. Joah was one of the members of a delegation sent by Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to negotiate with representatives of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Lesson 22
Asher—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Asher became part of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Asherah—The principal female Canaanite goddess associated with fertility. Asherah often is identified with the Sidonian goddess Ashtoreth. Lessons 5–7, 17, 21–22, 24, 26
Asherim—Poles or stylized trees used as cult objects in the worship of Asherah. Lessons 5, 21, 26
Asherites—Genealogically, descendants of Asher; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Asher.
Ashima—An idol worshiped by the people of Hamath. Lesson 21
Ashtoreth—A Sidonian moon goddess considered the female counterpart to the male pagan god Baal. Lessons 3, 26
Assyria—A kingdom northeast of territory settled by the tribe of Jacob. Assyria was founded by Asshur, one of the sons of Shem (see the book of Genesis 10:22). The Assyrians first conquered Syria, founded by Asshur’s brother Aram, then later conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C. Although the Assyrians posed a threat to the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah, Babylon eventually replaced Assyria as the major power in the region. Lessons 19–23, 26
Assyrians—Inhabitants of Assyria.
Athaliah—The granddaughter of Omri, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Athaliah married Jehoram, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, and became the mother of Ahaziah. At Ahaziah’s death, she usurped the throne of Judah but eventually was assassinated in a coup that installed her grandson Joash on the throne. Lessons 13, 16
Avva—After Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C., descendants of Jacob living in Israel were forced into exile. Avva was one of five conquered kingdoms in the region whose people were brought in by the Assyrians to settle in the abandoned cities of Samaria. Lesson 21
Avvites—Inhabitants of Avva. Lesson 21
Azaliah—The father of Shaphan. Shaphan was secretary to Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 25
Azariah (Uzziah)—Amaziah’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Azariah (Uzziah) was a leper, and his son Jotham essentially ran the kingdom before succeeding to the throne. Although Azariah (Uzziah) did right in the eyes of the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lessons 18–20
Azubah—The mother of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat succeeded his father Asa as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 9

—B—

Baal/Baals—The Canaanite god of storms and fertility. The plural Baals refers to a collective of pagan gods. Because the LORD was considered a warrior God, when the descendants of Jacob settled in Canaan they turned to the worship of local deities they believed could to aid farming through control of the weather and animal fertility. Lessons 6–7, 9–10, 15–16, 19, 21, 24, 26–27
Baal-Shalishah—A city in the central area of the northern kingdom of Israel. Baal-Shalisha was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lesson 11
Baal-Zebub—The god of Ekron, a Philistine city. The name Baal-Zebub means “God of the flies,” and probably refers to the idea that Baal was believed to have divine control over plagues. Baal-Zebub shows up in the New Testament as Beelzebub, another name for the devil. Lesson 9
Baasha—A descendant of Issachar who overthrew Jeroboam’s son Nadab to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Baasha was responsible for destroying the house of Jeroboam. Scripture criticizes Baasha for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Baasha’s behavior prompted God to send the prophet Jehu (son of Hanani) to announce that Baasha’s house also would be destroyed. Lessons 5–6, 8, 14
Babylon—After Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C., descendants of Jacob living in Israel were forced into exile. Babylon was one of five conquered kingdoms in the region whose people were brought in by the Assyrians to settle in the abandoned cities of Samaria. Babylon later replaced Assyria as the dominant power in the region. The Babylonians eventually conquered the southern kingdom and sent most of its inhabitants into exile in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. Lessons 21, 23, 27–28
Babylonians—Inhabitants of Babylon.
Baladan—A king of Babylon during the reign of Hezekiah in the southern kingdom of Judah. After Hezekiah welcomed envoys from Babylon, the prophet Proto-Isaiah foretold the fall of Judah. Lesson 23
Baruch—Scribe to the prophet Jeremiah, Baruch was a prophet in his own right. Jeremiah was active in the final days of the southern kingdom of Judah. The Book of Baruch, written during the Babylonian Captivity, is one of the deuterocanonical books included in Catholic Bibles. Lesson 28
Bashan—A region north Gilead and east of the Sea of Galilee. Bashan eventually became part of the territory of the northern kingdom of Israel but was taken over by Hazael, the king of Syria, during the reign of Jehu. Lesson 15
Bathsheba—The wife of Uriah the Hittite. After her husband’s death, Bathsheba became one of David’s wives and the mother of Solomon. The name Bathsheba means “oath” or “voluptuous.” Lesson 2
Beeri—The father of the prophet Hosea. Hosea was active in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. Lesson 19
Beer-Sheba—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. Beer-Sheba was located in territory originally settled by the tribe of Simeon but later absorbed by the tribe of Judah. In Scripture, Beer-Sheba sometimes indicates the southernmost boundary of territory occupied by all of the descendants of Jacob. The name Beer-Sheba means “well of the seven” or “well of the oath.” (A map showing the location of Beer-Sheba is on page 12 in Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided.) Lessons 1, 7, 16, 26
Benaiah—The son of Jehoiada. Benaiah was one of David’s mighty men and captain of the royal bodyguard. Lesson 2
Ben-Hadad (son of Tabrimmon)—The son of Tabrimmon. Ben-Hadad was a king of Syria who provided mercenary aid to Asa, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt attacks on Judah led by Baasha, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. This probably is the same Ben-Hadad who attacked the northern kingdom during Ahab’s reign. Ahab’s leniency toward Ben-Hadad angered God, who sent an unnamed prophet to foretell the death of Ahab and an end to the northern kingdom. Ben-Hadad also threatened to harm the prophet Elisha during the reign of Joram, ruler of the northern kingdom. Ben-Hadad later was smothered by Hazael, who went on to usurp the throne of Syria. Lessons 5, 8, 12–13
Ben-Hadad (son of Hazael)—The son of Hazael. Hazael assassinated another man named Ben-Hadad in order to become king of Syria. Hazael’s son Ben-Hadad succeeded his father as king of Syria. Lesson 17
Benjamin—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Benjamin became part of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lessons 4–5
Benjaminites—Genealogically, descendants of Benjamin; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Benjamin.
Beth-Eked (of the Shepherds)—A city near Jezreel in the northern kingdom of Israel. Beth-Eked was in territory settled by the tribe of Issachar. It was at Beth-Eked that Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi) murdered 42 kinsmen of Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Lesson 15
Bethel—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Bethel was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim and close to the border of territory settled by the tribe of Benjamin in the southern kingdom. Bethel was one of two worship sites set up by Jeroboam to discourage subjects of Israel from traveling to Jerusalem for major religious feasts. The name Bethel means “house of God.” Lessons 4, 6, 10, 15, 18, 21, 26
Beth-Haggan—A city in the north-central plains region of the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahaziah, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who was on good terms with Israel, was shot by Jehu, a descendant of Nimshi, at Gur in the northern kingdom. Ahaziah traveled as far as Megiddo before dying there. Lesson 14
Bethlehem Ephrathah—A town in the southern kingdom of Judah. Bethlehem was foretold by the prophet Micah to be the future birthplace of the Messiah. Lesson 22
Beth-Shemesh—A city near Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah. Beth-Shemesh was the site where the forces of Jehoash, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, defeated the forces of Amaziah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 18
Bidkar—An aide to Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi). Bidkar accompanied Jehu when Jehu killed Joram, Jezebel, and all the members of the house of Ahab to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 14
Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel—Records in ancient royal archives that no longer exist. Lessons 5–6, 9, 15, 17–19
Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah—Records in ancient royal archives that no longer exist. Lessons 5, 9, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23–24, 26–27
Bozkath—A city in the southwest region of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 25
Branch—Another way of referring to the Messiah or Anointed One, a descendant of David. The prophet Jeremiah foretold that the LORD would raise up the Messiah as a righteous Branch. Lesson 28
Brook of Egypt—Although brook of Egypt sometimes is thought to refer to the Nile River, most scholars believe it refers to a smaller river that served as the westernmost boundary of the territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Lesson 27

—C—

Canaan—The Promised Land settled by the descendants of Jacob.
Canaanites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Carites—Another name for Cherethites, who with the Pelethites were elite soldiers serving as David’s bodyguards. The term Carites is used to refer to guards summoned by the priest Jehoiada when he installed Joash as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah in place of Athaliah, whom Jehoiada had assassinated. Lesson 16
Carmel—See Mount Carmel. (The city of Carmel, which doesn’t figure into this study, is a different location southwest of the Dead Sea in the southern kingdom of Judah.) Lessons 7, 23
Chaldeans—Semi-nomadic warlike people who eventually were assimilated by the Babylonians. Lessons 27–28
Chemosh—A pagan god worshiped by the Moabites and Ammonites. Lessons 3, 26
Chenaanah—The father of Zedekiah. Zedekiah was a court prophet employed by Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 9
Cherethites—Elite soldiers who with the Pelethites served as David’s bodyguards. Lesson 2
Cherith—A brook east of the Jordan River. The prophet Elijah hid near the brook of Cherith during a long drought that he had prophesied. Lesson 6
Chinneroth—A city on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee in the northern kingdom of Israel. Chinneroth was in territory settled by the tribe Naphtali. The name Chinneroth refers not only to the city but also to the area adjacent to the Sea of Galilee. Chnneroth sometimes appears as Genneserat. It was one of the cities conquered by the forces of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad, who was paid by Asa, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt Israel’s attacks on Judah. Lesson 5
Coniah—A short form of the name Jeconiah. The prophet Proto-Isaiah refers to Jehoiachin, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, as Coniah. Also see Jehoiachin. Lessons 27–28
Corner Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time Amaziah ruled the southern kingdom the Corner Gate was located along the northwest wall. Lesson 18
Cushi—The great grandfather of Jehudi. Cushi was sent to read aloud to Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, a scroll dictated to Baruch by the prophet Jeremiah. Lesson 28
Cuth (Cuthah)—After Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C., descendants of Jacob living in Israel were forced into exile. Cuth or Cuthah was one of five conquered kingdoms in the region whose people were brought in by the Assyrians to settle in the abandoned cities of Samaria. Lesson 21

—D—

Damascus—An early Aramean city-state that became the capital of Syria before later being taken over by the Assyrians and then the Babylonians. Lessons 3, 5, 7–8, 11, 13, 18, 20
Dan/Danites—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. Geographically, Dan refers to territory in the land of Canaan settled by the tribe of Dan. It became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. The city of Dan was one of two worship sites set up by Jeroboam to discourage subjects of Israel from traveling to Jerusalem for major religious feasts. The city of Dan indicates the northernmost boundary of territory occupied by all of the descendants of Jacob. It was of the cities conquered by the forces of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad, who was paid by Asa, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt Israel’s attacks on Judah. The name Dan means “God is my judge.” Danites refers genealogically to the descendants of Dan or geographically to inhabitants of the territory settled by the tribe of Dan. (A map showing the location of the city of Dan is on page 12 of Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided.) Lessons 1, 4–5, 15
David—A king from the tribe of Judah. David was chosen by God to replace Saul as ruler over all of the descendants of Jacob. The name David means “beloved” or “friend.” Details of David’s life are recorded in the sixteenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel through the second chapter of the First Book of the Kings. Lessons 1–5, 9, 13–14, 16, 18–25, 27–28
Diblaim—A parent of Gomer. There is no  scholarly consensus about whether Diblaim was Gomer’s mother or her father. Gomer became the wife of the prophet Hosea, who was active in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. Lesson 19
Dothan—A city a few miles north of Shechem, Tirzah, and Samaria in the northern kingdom of Israel. Dothan was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lesson 12

—E—

Eden—The people of Eden who were in Telassar were listed by the Assyrian Rabshakeh among those nations whose gods failed to prevent conquest by Assyria. Lesson 23
Edom—Land south of the Dead Sea. Edom was settled by Jacob’s twin brother Esau. The twenty-seventh chapter of the book of Genesis describes the beginning of the long history of bad blood between the descendants of Jacob and the descendants of Esau. Lessons 3, 9–10, 13, 18, 20
Edomites—Inhabitants of Edom. Lessons 3, 13, 18, 20
Egypt/Egyptians—The region surrounding the Nile River in the northeast corner of Africa. The land was inhabited by descendants of Egypt, a son of Ham and grandson of Noah (see the Table of Nations in the tenth chapter in the book of Genesis). Its inhabitants are called Egyptians. Lessons 1–5, 12, 19, 21–24, 26–28
Ekron—Am early Philistine stronghold located on the border with the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 9
Elah (son of Baasha)—Baasha’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Elah’s two-year reign ended when he and the entire house of Baasha were killed by Zimri, the commander of Elah’s chariots. Lessons 6
Elah (father of Hoshea)—The father of Hoshea. Hoshea became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after he assassinated Pekah. Lessons 19, 21–22
Elath—A city located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aquaba in territory south of the usual boundaries of the southern kingdom of Judah. Elath was rebuilt by Azariah (Uzziah). Lessons 18, 20
Eli—The second chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Eli as a priest at Shiloh who instructed Samuel when Samuel was a youth. The name Eli means “high” or “ascended.” Lesson 1
Eliada—The father of Rezon. Rezon became king of Syria and an adversary of Solomon. Lesson 3
Eliakim (official in Hezekiah’s court)—One of the members of a delegation sent by Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to negotiate with representatives of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Lessons 22–23
Eliakim (Jehoiakim)—Josiah’s son who replaced his brother Jehoahaz as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Eliakim was renamed Jehoiakim by Pharaoh Neco, who had Jehoahaz imprisoned in Egypt. Scripture criticizes Jehoaikim for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, Judah was repeatedly attacked by the Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites. Lesson 27
Eliam—The father of Bathsheba, David’s wife. Bathsheba became the mother of Solomon. Lesson 2
Elihu—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Elihu as one of the prophet’s ancestors. The name Elihu means “my God is he.” Lesson 1|
Elijah—A prophet sent by God to the northern kingdom of Israel. Eliljah had repeated encounters with the rulers Ahab and Jezebel, whom he chastised for flaunting religious law. The name Elijah means “my God is the LORD.” Elijah frequently appears in Scripture as an iconic representation of all the prophets—often with Moses, who represents the Law. Lessons 6–10, 14–15
Elisha—The prophet chosen by God to succeed Elijah. At the time that Elijah was taken into heaven, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. The name Elisha means “my God is salvation.” Lessons 7, 10–14, 17
Elishama—A forefather of Ishmael in the royal family of David. Ishmael, along with 10 men, attacked and killed Gedaliah after the fall of Jerusalem. Gedaliah had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Elkanah—Although Elkanah often is described as an Ephraimite, the sixth chapter of the First Book of the Chronicles indicates that the father of Samuel was descended from Kohath in the tribe of Levi. As used in connection with Elkanah, the term Ephraimite indicates that Elkanah lived in territory settled by the tribe of Ephraim. The name Elkanah means “God has created.” Lesson 1
Elnathan—The father of Nehushta, who was mother of Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin succeeded his father Jehoiakim as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Jehoiachin for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. It is likely that this same Elnathan was among those who followed the prophet Uriah to Egypt so that Jehoiakim could have Uriah put to death for foretelling an end to Jerusalem and the southern kingdom. Lessons 27–28
En-Dor—A city located in the northern kingdom of Israel. En-Dor was in territory allotted by God to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Lesson 1
En-Rogel—A spring south of Jerusalem in the Kidron Valley in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 2
Ephraim/Ephraimites—One of two Egyptian-born sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob. Ephraim’s descendants are called Ephraimites and are referred to as a half-tribe instead of a tribe. Geographically, Ephraim refers to territory in the land of Canaan settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim, and any inhabitant of the region also may be referred to as an Ephraimite. Because the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel later was located in the territory of Ephraim, Scripture sometimes refers to the entire northern kingdom as Ephraim. The name Ephraim means “fruitful.” Lessons 1, 3, 4, 11, 18–20
Ephraim Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time Amaziah ruled the southern kingdom the Ephraim Gate was located along the north wall facing toward territory settled by the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraim Gate is believed to be synonymous with the Fish Gate. Lesson 18
Esarhaddon—Sennacherib’s son who succeeds his father as king of Assyria after two other sons assassinated their father. Lesson 23
Ethbaal—King of Sidon and father of Jezebel. Jezebel became the notorious wife of Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Ethiopia—A country located on the horn of Africa. It is believed that the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon came from Ethiopia. When Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was besieging the southern kingdom of Judah, he received word that Ethiopia intended to engage Assyria in war. Lesson 23
Euphrates River—Along with the Tigris River, the Euphrates defined the boundaries of Mesopotamia (“the land between two rivers”). In the Old Testament, the Euphrates River sometimes is referred to as “the great river.” Lessons 5, 26–27
Evil-Merodach—The king of Babylon who showed leniency to Jehoiachin, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who had been imprisoned for 37 years. Lesson 28
Ezion-Geber—A port city located on the Sea of Aqaba on the Sinai Peninsula south of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 9

—F—

Fish Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time the prophet Zephaniah was active the southern kingdom the Fish Gate was located along the north wall. The Fish Gate is believed to be synonymous with the Ephraim Gate. Lesson 25
Fuller’s Field—A location west of Jerusalem to which the LORD sent the prophet Proto-Isaiah to meet with Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. A delegation sent by Hezekiah also met at this location to negotiate with representatives of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Lessons 20, 22

—G—

Gad—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Gad was in the region known as the Transjordan (east of the Jordan River). It became part of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Gadi—The father of Menahem. Menahem became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel by assassinating Shallum. Scripture criticizes Menahem for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Lesson 19
Gadites—Genealogically, descendants of Gad; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Gad. Lesson 15
Galilee—The region surrounding the Sea of Galilee in the northern kingdom of Israel. Galilee was captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lesson 19–20
Gath—An early Philistine stronghold that became part of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Gath-Hepher—The hometown of the prophet Jonah near the Sea of Galilee in the northern kingdom of Israel. Gath-Hepher was in territory settled by the tribe of Zebulun. Lesson 18
Gaza—An early Philistine stronghold that became part of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 22
Geba—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. It was built up by Asa, the ruler of the Judah, after Baasha, ruler of the northern kingdom, was forced to abandon plans to fortify Ramah on the border between the two kingdoms. Lessons 5, 26
Gedaliah—The son Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Gedaliah was appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Gehazi—The servant of the prophet Elisha. As a result of accepting two talents of silver and two festal garments from Naaman the Syrian, whom Elisha cured of leprosy, Gehazi became a leper. Lessons 11, 13
Genubath—The son born to Hadad the Edomite and his Egyptian wife, who was the sister of Tahpenes, the wife of the Pharaoh at that time. Lesson 3
Gibbethon—An early Philistine stronghold in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was at Gibbethon that Baasha conspired to kill Nadab, after which Baasha took control of the northern kingdom. Lesson 6
Gihon—An area surrounding the spring that was the main source of water to Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 2
Gilboa—A mountainous region in the northern kingdom of Israel. Gilboa was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh. See Mount Gilboa. Lesson 1
Gilead—A region east of the Jordan River in the northern kingdom of Israel. Gilead was captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lessons 6, 15, 19
Gileadites—Inhabitants of Gilead. Lesson 19
Gilgal—A city near Jericho located on the north shore of the Dead Sea in the northern kingdom of Israel. Gilgal was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lessons 10–11
Ginath—The father of Tibni. For about six years following the death of Zimri, Tibni was one of two competing rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. Little is known about Tibni, and full control of the northern kingdom eventually passed to Omri. Most scholars assume that Tibni was assassinated. Lesson 6
Girgashites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Gomer—The wife of Hosea, a prophet who was active in the southern kingdom of Judah. Hosea used his unhappy marriage to demonstrate the unfailing nature of God’s love for his people. Lesson 19
Gozan—One of the places to which inhabitants of the northern kingdom of Israel were exiled after they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722–721 B.C. Gozan was listed by the Assyrian Rabshakeh among those nations whose gods failed to prevent conquest of their homelands by Assyria. Lessons 21–23
Gur—An elevation at Ibleam in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ibleam was settled at various times by the tribe of Issachar and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Ahaziah, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who was on good terms with the northern kingdom, was fatally shot by Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi) at Gur. Lesson 14

—H—

Habakkuk—A prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah who was active prior to the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in two waves in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. Habakkuk urged the people of Judah to be patient in waiting for the LORD to appear. Lesson 26
Habor—A river in Gozan, one of the places to which inhabitants of the northern kingdom of Israel were exiled after they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722–721 B.C. Lessons 21–22
Hadad—An Edomite who as a child was forced to flee his home to avoid being killed by forces of David’s united kingdom. Hadad later became an adversary of David’s son Solomon. Lesson 3
Hadad-Ezer—A king of Zobah, an early Aramean city-state that later was absorbed as part of Syria. Lesson 3
Haggith—One of David’s wives. Haggith became the mother of Adonijah, David’s fourth son. Lesson 2
Halah—One of the places to which inhabitants of the northern kingdom of Israel were exiled after they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722–721 B.C. Lessons 21–22
Hamath—After Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C., descendants of Jacob living in Israel were forced into exile. Hamath was one of five conquered kingdoms in the region whose people were brought in by the Assyrians to settle in the abandoned cities of Samaria. Lessons 18, 21–23, 27–28
Hamutal—The mother of Jehoahaz and Mattaniah (Zedekiah). Jehoahaz succeeded his father Josiah as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, but was imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco and died in Egypt. Mattaniah was renamed Zedekiah and installed as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 27
Hanani—The father of Jehu the prophet. Jehu was sent by God to announce the destruction of the house of Baasha. Scripture is unclear whether this is the same Hanani who served as a prophet to Asa in the sixteenth chapter of the Second Book of the Chronicles. Lesson 6
Hannah—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Hannah as Samuel’s mother. The name Hannah means “favor” or “grace.” Lesson 1
Haran—Haran was listed by the Assyrian Rabshakeh among those nations whose gods failed to prevent conquest of their homelands by Assyria. Lesson 23
Harhas—The grandfather of Shallum. Shallum was married to the prophetess Huldah. Lesson 25
Haruz—The father of Meshullemeth, who was the mother of Amon. Amon became ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 24
Hazael—The man chosen by God to become king of Syria. Although the LORD announced his plan to the prophet Elijah, it was Elijah’s successor Elisha who directly interacted with Hazael. Syria became the instrument by which the LORD chastised the northern kingdom of Israel for being unfaithful to the covenant. Lessons 7, 13–17
Hazor—One of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lesson 19
Hena—A Syrian city-state that fell to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser (Pul). Lessons 22–23
Hephzibah—The mother of Manasseh. Manasseh succeeded his father Hezekiah as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 24
Hezekiah—Ahaz’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. During Hezekiah’s reign God defended Jerusalem against an attack by Sennecherib, the king of Assyria. God also granted Hezekiah an extra 15 years of life. Although Scripture records that Hezekiah did right in the eyes of the LORD, he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lessons 19–20, 22–24, 28
Hezi-on—The grandfather of Ben-Haddad. As king of Syria, Ben-Hadad accepted payment from Asa, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to fight against the northern kingdom of Israel that was threatening Judah. Lesson 5
Hiel—During the reign of Ahab in the northern kingdom of Israel, Hiel of Bethel built up Jericho, sacrificing the lives of two of his sons to do so. Joshua’s prophecy concerning this event is recorded in the sixth chapter of the Book of Joshua. Lesson 6
Hilkiah (father of Eliakim)—The father of Eliakim. Eliakim was overseer of the household of Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 22
Hilkiah (priest)—High priest in Jerusalem during the time in which Josiah ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. Hilkiah was responsible for finding a lost copy of the book of the law (probably an early version of the book of Deuteronomy) in the Temple. Lessons 25–26
Hinnom—See Valley of the son of Hinnom. Lesson 26
Hittites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis). Lessons 2–3, 5, 12
Holy One—The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Lessons 19, 23
Hophni—The first chapter and the second chapter in the First Book of Samuel identify Hophni as one of Eli’s two corrupt sons; Phinehas was the other. The name Hophni means “swordsman.” Lesson 1
Horeb—See Mount Horeb. Lesson 7
Hosea—A prophet active in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. The prophet Hosea used marriage as a metaphor to describe the LORD’s relationship with his people. Lesson 19
Hoshea—Elah’s son who succeeded his father as ruler in the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Hoshea for doing evil in the sight of the LORD but adds that his behavior was not as bad as the kings of Israel who ruled before him. It was during the reign of Hoshea that the northern kingdom fell to Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, in 722–721 B.C. Lessons 19, 21–22
Huldah—A prophetess in Jerusalem to whom Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, sent to verify authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the high priest Hilkiah. Lesson 25

—I—

Ibleam—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahaziah, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who was on good terms with Israel, was fatally shot by Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi) at Gur, an elevation at Ibleam. Zechariah, the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, was assassinated at Ibleam by Shallum, who then became ruler in the northern kingdom. Lessons 14, 19
Ijon—One of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel conquered by the forces of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad, who was paid by Asa, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt Israel’s attacks on Judah. Ijon also was one of the cities in the northern kingdom captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lessons 5, 19
Imlah—The father of the prophet Micaiah. Micaiah correctly prodicted a disastrous end to a battle with Syria in which Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, was fatally wounded. Micaiah’s prophesy directly contradicted that of the count prophets employed by Ahab. Lesson 9
Immanuel—The person that the prophet Proto-Isaiah foretold as a sign from God for Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although the original prophecy can be interpreted as referring to the birth of Hezekiah, the same prophecy can be interpreted allegorically to refer to Jesus as the Messiah. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” (Emmanuel is the Latinized form of the name.) Lesson 20
Isaac—Abraham’s son and immediate heir of God’s covenant promises to Abraham. Isaac became the father of Jacob, who later was renamed Israel. The covenant with Abraham extended to Jacob’s 12 sons and their descendants. The LORD frequently is referred to in Scripture as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Details of Isaac’s life are recorded in the book of Genesis. Lessons 7, 17–18
Isaiah—A book of the Old Testament that most scholars agree was written by at least three people. Proto-Isaiah (first Isaiah) focuses on the first thirty-nine chapters and deals with the situation in Judah prior to the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. Deutero- and Trito-Isaiah (second and third Isaiah) are believed to the be written by anonymous authors. They focus the exiled people’s desire for restoration of a right relationship with God. (Deutero- and Trito-Isaiah will be addressed in the second volume of Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets.) Lessons 20–23
Ishmael—A descendant of Nethaniah and Elishama in the royal family of David. Ishmael, along with 10 men, attacked and killed Gedaliah. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Gedaliah had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Israel—A term with a variety of meanings depending on context. Israel may refer to the patriarch Jacob. In the First and Second Books of Samuel, Israel usually refers to all of the descendants of Jacob or to all of them except thoses from the tribe of Judah. In the First and Second Books of the Kings, after the death of Solomon, Israel identifies the northern kingdom that includes all of the tribes except Judah and Benjamin. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722–721 B.C. The name Israel means “may God prevail” or “he who struggles with God.”
Issachar—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Issachar became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Issacharites—Genealogically, descendants of Issachar; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Issachar.
Ivvah—A Syrian city-state that fell to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser (Pul). Lessons 22–23

—J—

Ja-azaniah—The son of a man identified only as a Ma-acathite. Ja-azaniah accompanied Ishmael and Johanan to confront Gedaliah, who had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Lesson 28
Jabesh—The father of Shallum. Shallum became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after assassinating Zechariah at Ibleam. Lesson 19
Jacob—The son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. Jacob was renamed Israel by God, and he became the father of 12 sons whose descendants make up the 12 tribes of Israel. The LORD frequently is referred to in Scripture as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Details of Jacob’s life are recorded in the book of Genesis. Lessons 7, 17–18, 20–22
Janoah—One of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lesson 19
Jebusites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis). Jerusalem was a Jebusite stronghold before David conquered the city and made it his capital. 
Jecoliah—The mother of Azariah. Azariah (Uzziah) succeeded his father Amaziah as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although Scripture records that Azariah (Uzziah) did right in the eyes of the LORD, he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lesson 18
Jeconiah—See Coniah and Jehoiachin. Lessons 27–28
Jedidah—The mother of Josiah. Josiah succeeded to the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah when his father Amon was murdered by household servants. Scripture records that Josiah “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, walked in the all the way of David his father, and did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” Lesson 25
Jedidiah—Another name for David’s son Solomon. The name Jedidiah means “beloved of the LORD.” See Solomon. Lesson 2
Jehoaddin—The mother of Amaziah. Amaziah succeeded his father Joash as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although Scripture records that Amaziah did right in the eyes of the LORD, he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lesson 18
Jehoahaz (son of  Jehu)—Son of Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi). Jehoahaz succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Jehoahaz for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, God allowed the Syrian kings Hazael and Hazale’s son Ben-Hadad to destroy most of Jehoahaz’s army. Lessons 15, 17–18
Jehoahaz (son of Josiah)—Son of Josiah. Jehoahaz succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. He was imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco and died in Egypt. Lessons 26–27
Jehoash—Jehoahaz’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Jehoash for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. (In the RSV-CE and some other translations, Jehoash sometimes is referred to as Joash, making it easy to confuse him with the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who also is referred to by both names. In this study, Jehoash always refers to the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel and Joash always refers to the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah.) Lessons 17–19
Jehoiachin—Jehoiakim’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. After reigning only three years, Jehoiachin surrendered the city of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, in 597 B.C. He and most of his family were taken captive to Babylon. After 37 years in captivity, Jehoiachin is released when Evil-Merodach begins to reign as king of Babylon. The prophet Proto-Isaiah criticizes Jechoiachin and refers to him as Coniah, a short form of the name Jeconiah. Lessons 27–28
Jehoiada (father of Benaiah)—The father of Benaiah. Benaiah was captain of David’s bodyguard. Lesson 2
Jehoiada (priest)—The priest who hid Joash in the house of the LORD in Jerusalem for six years before staging a successful coup to assassinate Athaliah and install Joash as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Jehoaikim—The name given by Pharaoh Neco to Eliakim, the son of Josiah. Jehoaikim replaced Jehoahaz as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Jehoaikim for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, Judah was repeatedly attacked by the Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites. Lessons 27–28
Jehonadab—The son of Rechab and a close friend of Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi) who became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehonadab assisted Jehu in destroying the temple of Baal in Samaria and in killing worshipers of Baal in Israel. Lesson 15–16
Jehoram (ancestor of Samuel)—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies the prophet’s grandfather as a man named Jehoram. The name Jehoram means “God is exalted.” Lesson 1
Jehoram (king of Judah)—Jehoshaphat’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Jehoram for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, Edom and Libnah revolted against Judah. (In the RSV-CE and some other translations, Jehoram sometimes is referred to as Joram, making it easy to confuse him with the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel who also is referred to by both names. In this study, Jehoram always refers to the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah and Joram always refers to the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel.) Both the name Jehoram and the name Joram mean “God is exalted.”  Lessons 9, 13, 16
Jehoshaphat (king of Judah)—Asa’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although Scripture records that Jehoshaphat did right in the eyes of the LORD, he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. During his reign Jehoshaphat made peace with the northern kingdom of Israel. Lessons 5, 9–10, 13, 16
Jehoshaphat (father of Jehu)—Nimshi ‘s son and the father of Jehu. Jehu was a military commander who assassinated Joram, Jezebel, and all the members of Joram’s family to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 14
Jehosheba—The daughter of Jehoram, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Jehosheba was responsible for protecting Joash when his father Ahaziah died and Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother, murdered all of the other potential heirs to the throne. Joash became king of Judah following a coup led by the priest Jehoiada. Lesson 16
Jehozabad—One of two household servants who murdered Joash, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Jehu (prophet) The son of Hanani. The prophet Jehu was sent by God to announce the destruction of the house of Baasha in the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Jehu (descendant of Nimshi)—Although sometimes referred to in Scripture as the son of Nimshi, Jehu probably was Nimshi’s grandson. Jehu was a military commander who assassinated Joram, Jezebel, and all of Joram’s family in order to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Some scholars suggest that Nimshi was a well-known figure whose lineage was a branch of the house of Omri. This would put Jehu in the same family as his victims. Jehu also assassinated Ahaziah of Judah and a number of Ahaziah’s kinsmen who were traveling in the northern kingdom. Although the LORD charged Elijah with anointing  Jehu ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, the actual task fell to one of the sons of the prophets who was sent to Jehu by Elijah’s successor Elisha. Lessons 7, 14–19
Jehudi—The son of Nethaniah. Jehudi was sent to read aloud to Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, from a scroll dictated to Baruch by the prophet Jeremiah. Lesson 28
Jeremiah (of Libna)—Jeremiah of Libnah was the farther of Hamutal, who became the mother of Jehoahaz and Mattaniah (Zedekiah). Jehoahaz succeeded his father Josiah as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, but was imprisoned by Pharaoh Neco and died in Egypt. Mattaniah was renamed Zedekiah and installed as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 27
Jeremiah (prophet)—A prophet who was active in the final days of the southern kingdom of Judah before the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in two waves in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonian Captivity would last 70 years, after which the people would be able to return to Judah. He also prophesied that the LORD then would enter into a new covenant with the people. Lessons 27–28
Jericho—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Jericho was on the north shore of the Dead Sea in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lessons 6, 10, 28
Jeroboam (I)—The son of Nebat, an Ephraimite. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon in charge of the forced labor of the house of Joseph. After Solomon’s death, Jeroboam became ruler of the 10 northern tribes who split away from the united kingdom ruled by Solomon’s son Rehoboam. Jeroboam repeatedly is criticized in Scripture for setting up worship centers in Dan and Bethel to compete with the Temple in Jerusalem. Lessons 3–6, 8–10, 14–15, 17-19, 21, 26
Jeroboam (II)—Jehoash’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Although Scripture criticizes Jeroboam II for doing evil in the sight of the LORD, Jeroboam II also is described as the ruler who prevented Israel from being blotted out by its enemies. Lessons 17–19
Jeroham—An ancestor of Samuel in the tribe of Levi. Lesson 1
Jerubbesheth—Another name for Gideon, a judge and military leader from the half-tribe of Manasseh. The name Jerubbesheth means “contender with the idol.” Lesson 2
Jerusalem—Originally a Jebusite stronghold, Jerusalem was conquered by David, who made it his capital city. Jerusalem was located in territory settled by the tribe of Judah. After the division of the united kingdom, Jerusalem continued as capital of the southern kingdom. Lessons 2–5, 9, 13–14, 16, 18, 20, 22–28
Jerusha—The mother of Jotham. Jotham succeeded his father Azariah (Uzziah) as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although Jotham followed his father’s practice of doing right in the eyes of the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lesson 20.
Jesse—A descendant of Judah and the father of David, the king who ruled over all of the descendants of Jacob. The First Book of Samuel 13:14 describes David as a man after God’s own heart, and Scripture repeatedly holds him up as a model of good kingly behavior. Lessons 4, 20
Jews—People who practice Judaism, a law-based religion founded on traditional Hebrew worship of the God of Abraham. Judaism developed after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 B.C., which is when the term Jews began to be used. Prior to that, the term Judahite was used to describe members of the tribe of Judah. Before the Babylonian Captivity, descendants of Jacob who worshiped the God of Abraham are properly identified as Hebrews (descendants of Eber) or as Israelites (descendants of Jacob/Israel). Lesson 28
Jezebel—The daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. As the wife of Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, Jezebel opposed traditional Hebrew worship practices and was responsible for the deaths of many prophets of the LORD. Surprisingly enough, the name Jezebel means “pure” or “virginal.” Lessons 6–8, 14
Jezreel (city)—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel strategically located on a major trade route between Egypt and Syria. Jezreel was in territory settled by the tribe of Issachar. Although Samaria remained the capital of Israel, Jezreel became a major military stronghold for the northern kings, especially during the reign of Ahab, who built a palace in Jezreel. Lessons 7–8, 13–15
Jezreel (son of Hosea)—The name that the LORD instructed the prophet Hosea to give to his first-born son. Lesson 19
Jezreelites—Inhabitants of Jezreel. Lessons 8, 14
Joab—The son of David’s sister Zeruiah. Joab served as David’s primary military general. The name Joab means “God is father.” Lessons 2–3
Joah—One of the members of a delegation sent by Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to negotiate with representatives of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Lesson 22
Joahaz—A contracted form of Jehoahaz (son of Jehu), ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 18
Joash (son of Ahab)—A son of Ahab, the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 9
Joash (son of Ahaziah)—Ahaziah’s son who became ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah after his grandmother Athaliah was killed in a coup led by the priest Jehoiada. Although Athaliah had attempted to murder all of Ahaziah’s heirs in order to rule Judah herself, Joash was rescued as a child by his aunt Jehosheba. Scripture records that Joash did right in the eyes of the LORD, but he is criticized for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. (In the RSV-CE and some other translations, Joash sometimes is referred to as Jehoash, making it easy to confuse him with the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel who also is referred to by both names. In this study, Joash always refers to the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah and Jehoash always refers to the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel.) Lessons 16–18
Joel—Scholars are in disagreement about when the prophet Joel lived, but he is believed to be from the southern kingdom of Judah. The prophet Joel foretold a time when the LORD would pour out his spirit on all flesh. Lesson 18
Johanan—Johanan accompanied Ishmael and Ja-azaniah to confront Gedaliah, who had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Lesson 28
Jokthe-el—A city of Edom that was called Sela prior to its conquest by Amaziah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 18
Jonah—Scholars find it difficult to date the Book of Jonah, which is viewed by most as a fictional account written to communicate a religious message. The book describes the prophet Jonah being sent by God from the northern kingdom of Israel to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. It is something of a mystery to find Jonah mentioned in the fourteenth chapter of the Second Book of the Kings in connection with prophecies concerning Amaziah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 18
Joram—Ahab’s son who succeeded his brother Ahaziah as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Although Scripture criticizes Joram for doing evil in the sight of the LORD, the biblical text also praises Joram for tearing down a pillar of Baal built by Ahab. Joram enlisted the aid of the northern kingdom of Israel as well as Edom to fight against Moab. The prophet Elisha foretold that the three kings would be victorious. (In the RSV-CE and some other translations, Joram sometimes is referred to as Jehoram, making it easy to confuse him with the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who also is referred to by both names. In this study, Joram always refers to the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel and Jehoram always refers to the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah.) Lessons 9–10, 13–14
Jordan River—A river that has its source north of the Sea of Galilee and flows south into the Dead Sea. Because the descendants of Jacob crossed the Jordan River when entering the land of Canaan, the term “crossing the Jordan” sometimes is used as an image of dying and entering the Promised Land of heaven. Lessons 6, 10–12, 15, 20
Joseph—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. Because Jacob adopted Joseph’s two Egyptian-born sons as his own, Joseph’s descendants are referred to either as Ephraimites or Manassites. The half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh each received an inheritance in the land of Canaan. The territories they settled  later became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name Joseph means “may the LORD add increase.” Details of Joseph’s life are recorded in the book of Genesis. Lesson 3
Joshua (successor to Moses)—The successor to Moses who successfully led the descendants of Jacob into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. The name Joshua, which is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, means “God saves.” Details of Joshua’s life are recorded in the Book of Joshua. Lesson 6
Joshua (governor of Jerusalem)—Governor of Jerusalem during the time that Josiah ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 26
Josiah—Manasseh’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Josiah is considered one of that nation’s greatest rulers. During the reign of Jeroboam, Josiah’s good deeds were prophesied by a man of God sent by the LORD from Judah to the northern kingdom of Israel. Lessons 4, 24–28
Jotbah—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel between the Sea of Gaililee and the Mediterranean Sea. Lesson 24
Jotham—Azariah’s (Uzziah’s) son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah.  Although Jotham followed his father’s practice of doing right in the eyes of the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lessons 18–20, 22
Jozacar—One of two household servants who murdered Joash, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Judah—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. Geographically, Judah refers to territory in the land of Canaan settled by the tribe of Judah. After the death of Solomon, Judah identifies the southern kingdom made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The southern kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians in two waves— 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. The name Judah means “praise.”
Judahites—Genealogically, descendants of Judah; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Judah. The term Jews properly refers to practitioners of the law-based religion of Judaism, which develops after the fall of the southern kingdom in 586 B.C.

—K—

Kadmonites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Kareah—The father of Johanan. Johanan accompanied Ishmael, Seraiah, and Ja-azaniah to confront Gedaliah. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Gedaliah had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Kedesh—One of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel. Lesson 19
Kenites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Kidron—A stream that runs east of Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah. The bed usually is dry unless there have been heavy rains in the surrounding mountains. Lessons 5, 26
Kir—Often identified with Kir-Hareseth, the primary city in Moab. Scholars are uncertain about whether this was the location where Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), the king of Assyria, resettled people from Damascus after being entreated to come to the aid of Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 20
Kir-Hareseth—The primary city in Moab. Lessons 10, 20
Kiriath-Jearim—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah located on the border between territories settled by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was at Kiriath-Jearim that the ark of the covenant was kept before being moved to Jerusalem by David. Lesson 28
Kishon—A small river usually referred to as a brook in the northern kingdom of Israel. The Kishon flows from the Jezreel Valley into the Mediterranean Sea. Lesson 7

—L—

Lebanon—A region along the Mediterranean coast near the northern kingdom of Israel. Important trade routes linking Egypt and Mesopotamia passed through Lebanon. Its principle city-states were Tyre and Sidon. Lessons 18, 23
Lachish—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lachish was known for being a defensive stronghold. It was the place to which Amaziah fled and where he eventually was killed by conspirators. It also was the place where Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, awaited an end to his seige of Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lessons 18, 22–23
Levi—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The Levites were the only one of the 12 tribes not to receive an inheritance of land in Canaan. Instead, members of the tribe of Levi were set apart to serve the LORD as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle. Details are recorded in the thirty-second chapter of the book of Exodus.
Levites—Descendants of Levi. Lesson 4
Libnah—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. Its inhabitants revolted during the reign of Jerhoram. The Assyrian king Shalmaneser fought against Libnah during the time his forces also were laying seige to Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. The father of Hamutal was from Libnah. Hamutal was the mother of Jehoahaz and Mattaniah (Zedekiah), sons of Josiah who each ruled the southern kingdom of Judah for a short time. Lessons 13, 23, 27
Lord/LORD—The Old Testament uses a variety of words to refer to God. Some translations, including the Revised Standard Version—Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), use small capital letters for LORD to designate Yahweh, the most sacred name of God. For more information, refer to the archived Lost in Translation entry for Lord & God.

—M—

Maacah (daughter of Abishalom)—The daughter of Abishalom and mother of Abijam. Despite somewhat confusing biblical text in the fifteenth chapter of the First Book of the Kings, many scholars believe that Maacah probably was the grandmother of Asa, Lesson 5
Maacah (Syrian kingdom)—A small Syrian city-state that eventually became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. Maacah was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh. 
Ma-acathites—Inhabitants of Maacah. Lesson 28
Manasseh (king of Judah)—Hezekiah’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Manasseh for doing evil in the sight of the LORD and cites Manasseh’s behavior as a leading factor in God’s decision to destroy the southern kingdom of Judah and its capital Jerusalem. Lessons 23–24, 26–27
Manasseh (son of Joseph)—One of two Egyptian-born sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob. Manasseh’s descendants are called a half-tribe instead of a tribe. Geographically, Manasseh also refers to territory in the land of Canaan settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh, a portion of which was in the region known as the Transjordan (east of the Jordan River). Territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh became part of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Manassites—Genealogically, descendants of Manasseh; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh. Lesson 15
Master—A term that the LORD used to refer to himself in relationship to the descendants of Jacob. Lesson 28
Mattan—A priest of Baal who was slain by the people after Jehoiada, a priest loyal to the LORD, had Athaliah killed and her grandson Joash installed as ruler in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Mattaniah—Josiah’s son who was named ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah after Jehoiachin surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Mattaniah king, changing his name to Zedekiah. Scripture criticizes Zedekiah for doing such evil in the sight of the LORD that God determined to cast Jerusalem and Judah from his presence. It is during the reign of Zedekiah that the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom in 586 B.C. and forced its people into exile. Lesson 27
Medes—The cities of the Medes were among the places to which inhabitants of the northern kingdom of Israel were exiled after they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722–721 B.C. Lessons 21–22
Megiddo—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahaziah, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who was on good terms with Israel, was shot by Jehu, a descendant of Nimshi, at Gur. Ahaziah traveled as far as Megiddo before dying. Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, was killed at Megiddo by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Beth-Haggan is another name for Megiddo. Megiddo appears in the book of Revelation as Armageddon. Lessons 14, 26
Menahem—Gadi’s son who became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after slaying Shallum. Scripture criticizes Menahem for doing evil in the sight of the LORD, including sacking the city of Tappuah and ripping up the women in it who were with child. Lesson 19
Merodach-Baladan—A Chaldean who became king of Babylon. During the reign of Hezekiah, Merodach-Baladan sent envoys to the southern kingdom of Judah, where they were welcomed by Hezekiah. The prophet Isaiah then foretold the fall of Judah to Babylon. Lesson 23
Mesha—A king of Moab who revolted against the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Joram. Lesson 10
Meshullam—The grandfather of Shaphan. Shaphan was secretary to Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 25
Meshullemeth—The mother of Amon. Amon succeeded his father Manasseh as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Scripture criticizes Amon for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Lesson 24
Mesopotamia—A region northeast of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Also called the “cradle of civilization,” Mesopotamia produced multiple city-states and kingdoms, including Syria, Assyria, and Babylon. The name Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers,” a geographic reference to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.  
Micah—A prophet who was active in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah. Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, and the prophet is known for teaching that holiness consists of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Lessons 22, 28
Micaiah (prophet)—A prophet who correctly predicted a disastrous end to the battle with Syria in which Ahab, the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, was fatally wounded. Micaiah’s prophecy directly contradicted that of the count prophets employed by Ahab. Lesson 9
Micaiah (father of Achbor)—The father of Achbor. Achbor was one of the people sent by Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to verify authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the high priest Hilkiah. Lesson 25
Midian—A wilderness area southeast of the Dead Sea. Midian takes its name from one of Abraham’s five sons born to his second wife Keturah after the death of Sarah (see the twenty-fifth chapter of the book of Genesis). The “day of Midian” appears in Psalm 83 and in the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Habakkuk in reference to Gideon’s spectacular victory over Midianite kings Zeba and Zalumunna and their princes Oreb and Zeeb (see the sixth through eighth chapters of the Book of Judges). Lessons 3, 20
Milcom—A pagan god associated with child sacrifice and worshiped by the Ammonites. Milcom also is called Molech. Lessons 3, 26
Millo—A defensive fortification of walls filled with earth and stones built by the Jebusites to protect the north side of Jerusalem from attack. This structure was expanded by David and later reconstructed by Solomon. Lessons 3, 16
Mizpah—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. Mizpah was in territory settled by the tribe of Benjamin. Close to the border between the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Mizpah was built up by Asa, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lessons 5, 28
Moab—An area east of the Dead Sea settled by descendants of Moab, the son of an incestuous union between Lot and Lot’s elder daughter (see the nineteenth chapter of the book of Genesis). Lessons 3, 9–10, 26
Moabites—Inhabitants of Moab. Lessons 3, 10, 17, 27
Molech—A pagan god associated with child sacrifice and worshiped by the Ammonites. Molech also is called Milcom. Lessons 3, 26
Moresheth—A city in the southern kingdom of Judah. Moresheth was the home of the prophet Micah. Lessons 22, 28
Mortar—The Mortar was a section in the northern district of Jerusalem known as the Second Quarter. It was entered through the Fish Gate. Lesson 25
Moses—A man called by God to lead the descendants of Jacob out of slavery in Egypt. Religious law was given by God to Moses in the form of the 10 Commandments, and Moses self-identified as a prophet, foretelling that at some future date the LORD would raise up another prophet like him. The book of Exodus describes details of Moses. Lessons 18, 22, 24, 26
Mount Carmel—A mountain near the Mediterranean Sea in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was at this location where the prophet Elijah triumphed over 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, all of whom were supported by Jezebel, the notorious wife of King Ahab. Lessons 7, 10–11, 23
Mount Gilboa—A mountainous region in the northern kingdom of Israel. Mount Gilboa was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Mount Horeb—A mountain also referred to as Mount Sinai. It is believed to be located in desert terrain on the Sinai Peninsula south of the southern kingdom of Judah. It was at this mountain that the prophet Elijah encountered the LORD, and it also was where Moses was given the 10 Commandments. Lesson 7
Mount Sinai—A mountain also referred to as Mount Horeb. It is believed to be located in desert terrain on the Sinai Peninsula south of the southern kingdom of Judah. It was at this mountain that the prophet Elijah encountered the LORD, and it also was where Moses was given the 10 Commandments.
Mount Zion—The elevation on which Jerusalem is built. The city of Jerusalem sometimes is called Mount Zion. See Zion. Lessons 20, 23

—N—

Naamah—An Ammonitess who was the mother of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the first to rule the southern kingdom of Judah after the 10 northern tribes split away to form the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 5
Naaman—Commander of the army of the king of Syria. Naaman was cured of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. Lesson 11
Naboth—The Jezreelite owner of a vineyard that Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, wanted to acquire for a vegetable garden. When Naboth refused Ahab’s offer to buy or trade for the land, Ahab’s wife Jezebel arranged to have Naboth killed. Lessons 8, 14
Nadab—Jeroboam’s  son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Nadab was assassinated by Baasha, who then killed all of the house of Jeroboam to become ruler of the 10 tribes in the north. Lessons 5–6
Naphtali—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. Genealogically, descendants of Naphtali; geographically, territory settled by the tribe of Naphtali which became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. Much of it was conquered by the forces of the Syrian king Ben-Hadad, who was paid by Asa, the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to halt Israel’s attacks on Judah. Many of the cities in the northern kingdom of Israel captured by Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), king of Assyria, during Pekah’s reign over Israel, were located in the region of Naphtali. Lessons 5, 19–20
Nathan—A prophet sent by God to counsel David. Nathan announced God’s promise of an eternal kingdom to be established in David’s line, chastised David for committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah the Hittite killed, and anointed Solomon as king. The name Nathan means “gave.” Lesson 2
Nathan-Melech—Chamberlain during the reign of Josiah as ruler in the southern kingdom of Judah. Nathan-Melech’s chamber was near the area where idolatrous kings of Judah kept horses used in worship of a sun god who was believed to light the day by driving a chariot of fire across the sky. Lesson 26
Nebat—The father of Jeroboam, the first to rule the northern kingdom of Israel and the first king with that name. Jeroboam II was the son of the later northern ruler Jehoash. Lessons 3–6, 8–10, 14–15, 17–19, 21, 26
Nebuchadnezzar—The king of Babylon who beseiged Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar conquered the southern kingdom of Judah in two waves in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C. Most of the descendants of Jacob living in Judah were forced into a 70-year exile that became known as the Babylonian Captivity. Lessons 27–28
Nebuzaradan—Captain of the bodyguards for Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. After the fall of the southern kingdom of Judah in two waves in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C., Nebuzaradan was sent by Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem and to force the inhabitants of Judah into exile. Lesson 28
Negev—A desert region south of the territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. It sometimes is called the Negeb.
Nehushta—The mother of Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim’s son. Jehoiachin was the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah who surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, in 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar then installed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, as king of Judah, renaming him Zedekiah. Lesson 27
Nehushtan—A name given the bronze serpent made by Moses, recounted in the twenty-first chapter of the book of Numbers. When Hezekiah became ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah he destroyed Nehushtan, which the descendants of Jacob had begun worshiping as an idol. Lesson 22
Nergal—An idol worshiped by the people of Cuth. Lesson 21
Neriah—The father of Baruch. Baruch was scribe to the prophet Jeremiah as well as being a prophet in his own right. Lesson 28
Nethaniah (forefather of Ishmael)—A forefather of Ishmael in the royal family of David. Ishmael, along with 10 men, attacked and killed Gedaliah after the fall of Jerusalem. Gedaliah had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Nethaniah (father of Jehudi)—The father of Jehudi, who was sent to read aloud to Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, from a scroll dictated to Baruch by the prophet Jeremiah. Lesson 28
Netophathites—Inhabitants of Netophah, a town in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 28
New Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time the prophet Jeremiah was active in the southern kingdom the New Gate was located in the Temple courtyard. Lesson 28
Nibhaz—An idol worshiped by the Avvites. Lesson 21
Nimshi—Although sometimes referred to in Scripture as the father of Jehu, most scholars believe that Nimshi actually was the father of Jehoshaphat and a forefather of Jehu. Jehu was a military commander who assassinated Joram, Jezebel, and all of the members of Joram’s family to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lessons 7, 14
Nineveh—The capital of Assyria. Lesson 23
Nisroch—The god of agriculture worshiped by Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Sennacherib was worshiping Nisroch when he was slain by two of his sons. Lesson 23
Not My People—The name that the LORD instructed the prophet Hosea to give to his second son. Lesson 19
Not Pitied—The name that the LORD instructed the prophet Hosea to give to his daughter. Lesson 19
Nun—The father of Joshua. Joshua was the successor of Moses who led the descendants of Jacob into the Promised Land of Canaan after Moses’ death. Lesson 6

—O—

Obadiah—Overseer of the household of Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite his close association with Ahab, Obadiah is described as a man who greatly revered the LORD. Lesson 7
Omri—Commander of the army of the northern kingdom of Israel who defeated Zimri, another military commander who had conspired to kill Elah and take the throne. After six years, during which Omri and Tibni competed for control, Omri became king of Israel. Most scholars assume that Tibni was assassinated. Lessons 6, 13
Ophir—Scholars are uncertain about the location of Ophir, mentioned several places in the Old Testament as a source of gold and other wealth. Ophir is thought probably to have been in India or Africa. Lesson 9

—P—

Paran—A wilderness area on the Sinai peninsula south of the southern kingdom of Judah. The wilderness of Paran is the place to which Sarah’s Egyptian maid Hagar was exiled after giving birth to Abraham’s son Ishmael (see the twenty-first chapter of the book of Genesis.) Lesson 3
Passover—An annual religious feast celebrating the liberation of the descendants of Jacob from enslavery in Egypt, an event described in the twelfth chapter of book of Exodus. Lesson 26
Pedaiah—The grandfather of Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim was put on the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah by Pharaoh Neco. Lesson 27
Pekah—The military captain who slew Pekahiah to become ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Pekah for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. During Pekah’s reign Tiglath-Pileser (Pul), the king of Assyria, captured cities in the northern part of Israel. Lessons 19–20
Pekahiah—Menahem’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Pekahiah for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Pekahiah was assassinated by his military captain Pekah. Lesson 19
Pelethites—Elite soldiers who with the Cherethites served as David’s bodyguards. Lesson 2
Peninnah—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Peninnah as one of the two wives of Elkanah, Samuel’s father. Samuel’s mother’s name was Hannah. The name Peninnah means “pearl” or “precious stone.” Lesson 1
Penuel—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel that served as the second capital after Shechem and before Tirzah. Lesson 4
Perizzites—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Pharaoh—The title given to the rulers in Egypt. Pharaohs held power equivalent to that of a king. The word Pharaoh means “ruler.” Lessons 1–3, 21–22
Pharaoh Neco—The Egyptian Pharaoh who killed Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah.  Neco imprisoned Jehoahaz and installed Eliakim as king of Judah, renaming Eliakim Jehoiakim. Lessons 26–27
Pharpar—A river in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Lesson 11
Philistines—Coastland peoples or “sea peoples” descended from Noah (see the Table of Nations in the tenth chapter of the book of Genesis). The Philistines were one of the main enemies of the descendants of Jacob prior to the Assyrians’ rise to power. Lessons 1, 6, 13, 22
Phinehas—The first chapter and the second chapter in the First Book of Samuel identify Phinehas as one of Eli’s two corrupt sons; Hophni was the other. The name Phinehas means “oracle.” Lesson 1
Potsherd  Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time the prophet Jeremiah was active in the southern kingdom the Potsherd Gate was located along the south tip of the wall facing southwest toward the Hinnom Valley. Lesson 27
Pul (Tiglath-Pileser)—The king of Assyria who repeatedly attacked the northern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. Pul (Tiglath-Pileser) also accepted payment from  Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to attack Syria. Lessons 19–20

—Q—

—R—

Rabbah—The major city of the Ammonites. Lesson 2
Rabsaris—Military officers of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. Lesson 22
Rabshakeh—A military commander of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The title Rabshakeh means “chief of the princes.” The Rabshakeh served as the primary spokesman for Sennacherib in talks with representatives of Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lessons 22–23
Ramah—The name of several ancient cities in the northern kingdom of Israel, including the home of the prophet Samuel’s father Elkanah. It was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Ramah means “on high” or “exalted”; the variation Ramathaim-Zophim means “two watch-towers.” (A map showing the location of Ramah/Rarathaim-Zophim is on page 12 of Thus says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided.) Lessons 1, 5, 13
Ramathaim-Zophim—See Ramah. Lesson 1
Ramoth-Gilead—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ramoth-Gilead was in the far northeastern region of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. During the time of when Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel, Ramoth-Gilead was claimed by Syria. Fighting the Syrians for control of Ramoth-Gilead led Ahab to his death. Lessons 9, 13–14
Rechab—The father of Jehonadab. Jehonadab was a close friend of Jehu (a descendant of Nimshi). Jehu became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehonadab assisted Jehu in destroying the temple of Baal in Samaria and in killing many worshipers of Baal who were living in Israel. Lesson 15
Rehoboam—The son of Solomon. Rehoboam became the first to rule the southern kingdom of Judah after 10 of the 12 tribes split away to form the northern kingdom of Israel. Lessons 3–5
Rei—Rei was a supporter of Solomon at the time Adonijah attempted to ascend to the throne. Lesson 2
Remaliah—The father of Pekah. Pekah became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after assassinating Pekahiah. Lesson 19–20
Rephaim—Inhabitants of the land of Canaan before it was settled by descendants of Jacob (see the fifteenth chapter of the book of Genesis).
Reuben—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Reuben was in the region known as the Transjordan (east of the Jordan River). It became part of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Reubenites—Genealogically, descendants of Reuben; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Reuben. Lesson 15
Rezeph—Rezeph was listed by the Assyrian Rabshakeh among those nations whose gods failed to prevent their homelands from being conquered by Assyria. Lesson 23
Rezin—The king of Syria who led attacks on the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Jotham. Lesson 20
Rezon—The leader of a band of marauders who became king of Syria and an adversary of Solomon. Lesson 3
Riblah—A city in the kingdom of Hamath northeast of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Lessons 27–28
Rimmon—An ancient pagan god worshiped by the Syrians in Damascus. Lesson 11
Rumah—A city in the northern section of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 27

—S—

Salt—See Valley of Salt. Lesson 18
Samaria—Capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Samaria was established by Omri to replace Tirzah as the capital city. Both cities were located in the central region in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. After the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., the word Samaria began to be used refer to the entire territory that had been inhabited by the 10 northern tribes. Lessons 4, 6–12, 15–22, 24, 26
Samaritans—Prior to the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., the word Samaritans refers to inhabitants of the capital city. After 722 B.C., the word Samaritans refers to anyone living in the entire territory of the former kingdom. Lesson 21
Samuel—An important figure in the Old Testament, Samuel was the last of the judges to rule over the descendants of Jacob and the first person to hold the newly defined office of prophet. He anointed the first two kings to reign over the united kingdom. Although Samuel was born into the tribe of Levi, he usually is referred to as an Ephraimite to describe the geographical region in which he lived. The name Samuel means “God has heard” or “name of God.” Lesson 1
Saul—The first king to rule over all of the descendants of Jacob, Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. The twenty-eighth chapter of the First Book of Samuel describes Saul’s visit to a medium (often called a witch) at En-Dor. The name Saul means “inquired of God.” Lessons 1–2
Sea of Arabah—Another name for the Dead Sea, which also sometimes is called the Salt Sea. Lesson 18
Second Quarter—The district of Jerusalem where the prophetess Huldah lived. It was located between the west wall of the Temple and the north wall of the city. Lesson 25
Segub—The youngest son sacrificed by Hiel of Bethel during the rebuilding of Jericho. Lesson 6
Sela—A city of Edom that was renamed Jokthe-el following its conquest by Amaziah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 18
Sennacherib—The king of Assyria who threatened the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah. The LORD defended Jerusalem from attack by the Assyrians. Lessons 22–23
Sepharvaim—After Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722–721 B.C., descendants of Jacob living in Israel were forced into exile. Sepharvaim was one of five conquered kingdoms in the region whose people were brought in by the Assyrians to settle in the abandoned cities of Samaria. Lessons 21–23
Sepharvites—Inhabitants of Sepharvaim. Lesson 21
Seraiah (chief priest)—The chief priest in Jerusalem who was executed after the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar conquered the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 28
Seraiah (son of Tanhumeth)—The son of Tanhumeth. Seriah accompanied Ishmael, Johanan, and Ja-azaniah to confront Gedaliah. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., Gedaliah had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Serpent’s Stone—A boulder near En-Rogel in territory allotted by God to the tribe of Judah. Lesson 2
Shallum (son of Jabesh)—Jabesh’s son. Shallum became ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after assassinating Zechariah. After reigning one month, Shallum was assassinated by Menahem. Lesson 19
Shallum (husband of Huldah)—The husband of the prophetess Huldah. Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, asked Huldah to verify the authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the high priest Hilkiah. Lesson 25
Shalmaneser—The king of Assyria who invaded the northern kingdom of Israel and sent its people into exile. Lessons 21–22
Shaphan—One of the people sent by Josiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to the prophetess Huldah to verify the authenticity of the book of the law found in the Temple by the high priest Hilkiah. Probably the grandfather of Gedaliah, who was appointed governor of the territory fo Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Lessons 25, 28
Shaphat—The father of Elisha. Elisha was the prophet chosen by God as successor to the prophet Elijah. Lessons 7, 10, 12
Sharezer—One of the two sons who murdered their father Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Lesson 23
Sharon—A level plain about 30 miles long between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountainous area west of the Jordan River. Lesson 23
Shearjashub—The son of Proto-Isaiah. Shearjashub accompanied his father when the prophet was sent by the LORD to meet with Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 20
Shebna—One of the members of a delegation sent by Hezekiah, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to negotiate with representatives of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Lessons 22–23
Shechem—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Shechem was between Mount Gerazim and Mount Ebal in territory settled by the tribe of Ephraim. Lesson 4
Shelemiah (grandfather of Jehudi)—The grandfather of Jehudi. Jehudi was sent to read aloud to Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, from a scroll dictated to Baruch by the prophet Jeremiah. Lesson 28
Shemaiah (man of God)—A man of God sent by the LORD to discourage Rehoboam from fighting the 10 northern tribes who wanted to split away from the united kingdom. Lesson 4
Shemaiah (father of the prophet Uriah)—The father of Uriah. Uriah was a prophet who was put to death by Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 28
Shemer—Original owner of the hill on which Omri built Samaria as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Samaria was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lesson 6
Sheol—The Hebrew abode of the dead, believed to be a place beneath the earth where all souls were sent after death, regardless of whether they had done good or evil during their lives. Lessons 20, 23
Shilhi—The father of Azubah, who was the mother of Jehoshapat. Jehoshaphat become ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 9
Shiloh—A city in the the northern kingdom of Israel. Shiloh was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim and was the first major religious center for the descendants of Jacob after they arrived in Canaan. The name Shiloh means “tranquil” or “peaceful.” (A map showing the location of Shiloh is on page 12 of Thus Says the LORD: God Speaks Through His Servants the Prophets—Volume I: A Kingdom Divided.) Lessons 1, 5, 28
Shilonites—Inhabitants Shiloh. Lessons 3–4, 6
Shimeath—The father of Jozacar. Jozacar was one of the two household servants who murdered Joash, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Shime-i—A common Old Testament name usually associated with the Benjaminite son of Gera who cursed David at the time of Absalom’s uprising. Lesson 2
Shishak—A ruler of Egypt during the time of Solomon. Lessons 3, 5
Shomer—The father of Jehozabad. Jehozabad was one of the two household servants who murdered Joash, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Shunammites—Inhabitants of Shunem. Lessons 2, 11
Shunem—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Shunem was in territory settled by the tribe of Issachar. Lessons 1, 11
Sidon—A coastal city-state in Lebanon north of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Sidonians—Inhabitants of Sidon. Lessons 3, 6, 26
Silla—An uncertain location near Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 16
Simeon—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Simeon was surrounded by territory settled by the tribe of Judah. It became absorbed into the southern kingdom.
Simeonites—Genealogically, descendants of Simeon; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Simeon.
Sinai—A desert region south of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Also see Mount Sinai.
Slaughter—See Valley of Slaughter. Lesson 27
So—The ruler in Egypt during the time in which Hoshea ruled in the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 21
Solomon—The second son born to David and Bathsheba. Solomon succeeded his father David as ruler over all of the descendants of Jacob. The name Solomon means “peace.” Lessons 2–5, 24, 26–27
Succoth-Benoth—An idol worshiped by the Babylonians. Lesson 21
Sur Gate—Because the walls of Jerusalem were so often destroyed, rebuilt, and occasionally renamed, scholars are uncertain where all of the gates of the ancient city were located. It generally is thought that during the time Joash ruled in the southern kingdom the Sur Gate was an interior gate leading to the royal residence. Lesson 16
Syria—A kingdom northeast of territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Syria was founded by Aram, one of the sons of Shem (see the book of Genesis 10:22). Syria was a major power in the region prior to being conquered by Assyria, a kingdom founded by Aram’s brother Asshur. Lessons 3, 5, 7–14, 16–17, 20
Syrians—Inhabitants of Syria. Lessons 8–10, 12–14, 17, 27

—T—

Tabeel—The father of an unnamed man whom Pekah, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, unsuccessfully sought to place on the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 20
Tabrimmon—The father of Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria who accepted payment from Asa, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to fight against the northern kingdom of Israel that was threatening Judah. Lesson 5
Tahpenes—The wife of a Pharaoh of Egypt during Solomon’s reign over all of the descendants of Jacob. Lesson 3
Tanhumeth—A Netophathite and the father of Seraiah. Seraiah accompanied Ishmael, Johanan, and Ja-azaniah to confront Gedaliah, who in 586 B.C. had been appointed governor of the territory of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Lesson 28
Tappuah—A city in the northern kingdom of Israel in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. It was sacked by Menahem, ruler of the northern kigndom, who ripped up all the women in it who were with child. Lesson 19
Tarshish—A city across the Mediterranean Sea from territory settled by the descendants of Jacob. Despite many biblical references to Tarshish, scholars are uncertain of its location. Possible contenders include Spain, Britain, or the city of Tarsus in present-day Turkey. Lesson 9
Tartak—An idol worshiped by the Avvites. Lesson 21
Tartan—Military commander in chief of the army of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. Lesson 22
Teacher—A term for God in prophecies issued by Proto-Isaiah. Lesson 23
Telassar—An Assyrian city named after the god Asshur, who was considered by the Assyrians to be the father of all the gods. Telassar probably was located on the east bank of the Euphrates River. Lesson 23
Thebez—A city in territory settled by the half-tribe of Manasseh. Lesson 2
Tibni—For about six years following the death of Zimri, Tibni was one of two competing rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. Little is known about him, and full control of the northern kingdom eventually passed to Omri. Most scholars assume that Tibni was assassinated. Lesson 6
Tiglath-Pileser (Pul)—The king of Assyria who repeatedly attacked the northern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. Tiglath-Pileser (Pul) also accepted payment from  Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, to attack Syria. Lessons 19–20
Tigris River—Along with the Eurphrates River, the Tigris defined the boundaries of Mesopotamia (“the land between two rivers”).
Tikvah—The father of Shallom, husband of the prophetess Huldah. Lesson 25
Tirhakah—The king of Ethiopia who threatened to fight against Sennecherib, king of Assyria, when the Assyrian forces were beseiging Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah. Lesson 23
Tirzah—An early capital of the northern kingdom of Israel before Omri established Samaria as the  capital city. Previous capitals included Shechem and Penuel. Shechem, Tirzah, and Samaria were in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lessons 5–6, 19
Tishbe—Elijah’s hometown east of the Jordan River in the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 6
Tishbites—Inhabitants of Tishbe. Lessons 6, 8–9, 14
Tohu—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Tohu as one of the prophet’s ancestors. The name Tohu means “that lives” or “that declares.” Lesson 1
Topheth—A deep ravine located outside the walls of Jerusalem. This location, sometimes called Gehenna or the valley of the son(s) of Hinnom, was the place where idolatrous inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah burned their children alive as offerings to the god Molech. Lessons 26–27
Transjordan—The region of the land of Canaan east of the Jordan River. The tribes of Gad and Reuben settled in the Transjordan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh ended up with territory on both sides of the Jordan River.

—U—

Uriah (Bathsheba’s first husband)—A Hittite who was Bathsheba’s first husband. Lessons 2, 5
Uriah (priest)—A priest who acted on instructions from Ahaz, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, and modeled one of the main altars at the Temple at Jerusalem after a pagan altar in Assyria. Lesson 20
Uriah (prophet)—A prophet who was put to death by Jehoiakim, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 28
Urim—Often referred to as Urim and Thummim, these items were used in a miraculous way to reveal God’s will. They seem to have faded from use after the early days of the united kingdom, quite possibly because the institution of the the kingship was accompanied by the inauguration of the office of prophet, and the prophet’s job was to speak for the LORD. Lesson 1
Uzza—The name given to the garden in Jerusalem where Manasseh, ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, was buried. Some scholars speculate that Uzza might be an alternate spelling of Uzzah and that the garden was located on the site where Uzzah died when he reached out his hand to steady the ark of the covenant as it was being transported from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem. Lesson 24
Uzziah (Azariah)—Amaziah’s son who succeeded his father as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Uzziah (Azariah) was a leper, and his son Jotham essentially ran the kingdom and succeeded him as ruler. Although Uzziah (Azariah) did right in the eyes of the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lesson 18–20

—V—

Valley of Arnon—A valley surrounding the Arnon River east of the Dead Sea. The Arnon River formed part of the  boundary between Moab and territory settled by the tribe of Reuben. Lesson 15
Valley of Salt—A valley southwest of the Dead Sea in Edom. Lesson 18
Valley of Slaughter—The name that the prophet Jeremiah substitutes for the valley of the son of Hinnom, a location where idolatrous inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah burned their children alive as offerings to the god Molech. The location sometimes is referred to as Gehenna or as  Topheth. Lesson 27
Valley of the son(s) of Hinnom—A deep ravine located outside the walls of Jerusalem. This location, sometimes called Gehenna or Topheth, was the place where idolatrous inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah burned their children alive as offerings to the god Molech. Lesson 27

—W, X, Y—

—Z—

Zadok (priest)—The priest who anointed Solomon as successor to David as king over all the descendants of Jacob. Lesson 2
Zadok (grandfather of Jotham)—The grandfather of Jotham, who succeeded his father Azariah (Uzziah) as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Although Jotham did right in the eyes of the LORD, Scripture criticizes him for not eliminating idol worship in Judah. Lesson 20
Zair—An Edomite city on the southern shore of the Dead Sea. Lesson 13
Zarephath—A city near Sidon in Lebanon, northwest of the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophet Elijah was sent by God to Zarephath during a drought. Lesson 6
Zebidah—The mother of Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim was the name given by Pharaoh Neco to Eliakim, the son of Josiah who replaced Jehoahaz as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 27
Zebulun—One of the 12 sons of Jacob. The territory settled by the tribe of Zebulun became part of the northern kingdom of Israel. Lesson 20
Zebulunites—Genealogically, descendants of Zebulun; geographically, inhabitants of territory settled by the tribe of Zebulun.
Zechariah (son of Jeroboam II)—The son of Jeroboam II who succeeded his father as ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Scripture criticizes Zechariah for doing evil in the sight of the LORD. He was assassinated by Shallum. Lessons 18–19
Zechariah (grandfather of Hezekiah)—The father of Abi, the mother of Hezekiah. Hezekiah succeeded his father Ahaz as ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Lesson 22
Zedekiah (prophet)—A court prophet employed by Ahab, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Zedekiah issued prophecy that contradicted that of Micaiah, who correctly predicted a disastrous end to the battle with Syria for control of Ramoth-Gilead. Lesson 9
Zedekiah (king)—The last ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah. Mattaniah, an uncle of Jehoiachin, was one of Josiah’s sons. He was appointed ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar changed Mattaniah’s name to Zedekiah. Scripture criticizes Zedekiah for doing such evil in the sight of the LORD that God determined to cast Jerusalem and Judah from his presence. It is during the reign of Zedekiah that the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom in 586 B.C. and force its people into exile. Lessons 27–28
Zephaniah (prophet)—A prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Amon and Josiah. Zephaniah’s prophecy foreshadows Christian dogma concerning the Trinity. Lessons 25
Zephaniah (priest)—A priest in Jerusalem who was executed after the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzae conquered the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. Lesson 28
Zeredah—A city in the northern kingdom of Isral. Zeredah was in territory settled by the half-tribe of Ephraim. Lesson 3
Zeruah—The mother of Jeroboam, the first to rule the northern kingdom of Israel and the first king with that name. Jeroboam II was the son of the later northern ruler Jehoash. Scripture rarely includes the names of the mothers of rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel, although almost all of the mothers of the rulers of the southern kingdom of Judah are listed in the First and Second Books of the Kings. Lesson 3
Zeruiah—David’s sister. Zeruiah was the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, all active in David’s military. Lesson 2
Zibiah—The mother of Joash. Joash was Ahaziah’s son who became ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah after his grandmother Athaliah was killed in a coup led by the priest Jehoiada. Lesson 16
Zimri—A military commander for Elah, ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel. Zimri usurped the throne by killing Elah, and he immediately then killed all of the remaining members of the house of Baasha. Zimri’s seven-day reign came to an abrupt end after he committed suicide when the military commander Omri began besieging Tirzah. Lessons 6, 14
Zion—Another name for Jerusalem, which sometimes is called Mount Zion, Zion, daughter Zion, or mother Zion. In Scripture people always travel “up” to Jerusalem. The word Zion means “promised land.” See Mount Zion. Lessons 18, 22–23, 25, 27–28
Zobah—An early Aramean city-state that was conquered by David (see the tenth chapter of the Second Book of Samuel). When Solomon assumed David’s throne, Zobah became independent. Lesson 3
1
Zuph—The first chapter in the First Book of Samuel identifies Zuph as one of the prophet’s ancestors. The name Zuph means “that beholds” or “covering.” Lesson 1