Bible Dictionary

AHASUERUS (a) Ruler of the Persian Empire mentioned in the book of Ezra (Ezra 4:6). In secular history he is called Xerxes or Artaxerxes, following Greek nomenclature. (See ARTAJERJES). In the Masoretic text, Persian king

AHAVA “water”. (a) Name of a river (Ezra 8:21). (b) Babylonian town where Ezra met those who would travel with him to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15). It was probably one of the centers where the Jews

AHAZIAH “Jehovah has sustained.” (a) King of Israel, he replaced his father Ahab on the throne when the latter marched against Shalmansar with his allies. Upon Ahab’s death he began to reign alone. His reign

AHIJAH “brother of the Lord or the Lord is brother.” (a) A prophet from Shiloh who announced to King Jeroboam the division of the kingdom and the death of the prince (1 Kings 11:29-39; 14:1-18).

AHIKAM “brother of him who rises” or “a brother has appeared.” Prince of Judah who protected Jeremiah (2 Kings 22:12; Jer. 26:24) and who King Josiah sent to Huldah the prophetess when the book of

AHILUD “a brother born.” Father of Jehoshaphat, the chronicler of David and Solomon (2 Sam. 8:16; 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3, 12; 1 Chron. 8:15), and father of Baana, one of Solomon’s governors (1 Kings 4:12).

AHIMAAS “powerful brother.” (a) Father of Ahinoam, wife of Saul (1 Sam. 14:50). (b) Son of Zadok the priest (2 Sam. 15:27, 36). When Absalom rebelled and David had to flee from Jerusalem, Zadok remained

AHIMAN “brother of Man.” (a) One of the three sons of Anak who lived in Hebron when the spies went up (Num. 13:22), and who were driven out by Caleb and killed by Judah (Joshua

AHIMELECH “brother of the king.” (a) Priest at the time the ark was in Nob. He welcomed David as he fled from Saul, and gave him the shewbread and the sword of Goliath. When Saul

AHIMOTH “brother of death.” Son of Elkanah, of the house of Kohath (1 Chr. 6:25).