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LehabimAid to Bible Understanding
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2 Chronicles 12:3, where the American Standard Version reads “Lubim” and other translations read “Libyans.”—Mo; NW; RS.
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LehiAid to Bible Understanding
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LEHI
(Leʹhi) [jaw(bone)].
The scene of one or, possibly, two Israelite victories over the Philistines. Its exact location is unknown today. But perhaps modern Khirbet es-Siyyaj, less than two miles (3 kilometers) E of Beth-shemesh, derives its name from the Greek word si·a·gonʹ (jawbone). It may therefore point to the ancient site.
At Lehi, Samson struck down a thousand Philistines with the moist jawbone of an ass. Subsequently he called the site Ramath-lehi (“the lofty place of the jaw[bone]”), probably to memorialize the victory Jehovah had given him there. (Judg. 15:9-19) Originally, though, Lehi may have gotten its name from the shape of its crags.
Later, according to the rendering of numerous translators, Shammah struck down many Philistines assembled at Lehi. (2 Sam. 23:11, 12; AT, JB, NW, RS) However, the Hebrew term la·hhay·yahʹ may also be rendered by such expressions as “into a troop” (AV, Le, Ro) instead of “to (at) Lehi.”
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LemuelAid to Bible Understanding
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LEMUEL
(Lemʹu·el) [belonging to God].
An unidentified king of ancient times whose words are recorded in Proverbs chapter thirty-one. His identity has been the subject of considerable discussion, some commentators suggesting that Lemuel was another name for Solomon. Others identify Lemuel with Hezekiah. The words of King Lemuel constitute “the weighty message that his mother gave to him in correction.” (Prov. 31:1) However, the time and circumstances of the king’s reception of such information from his mother are unknown. This “weighty message” advises against involvement with a bad woman, warns of how intoxicating liquor can pervert judgment, highlights the need to judge righteously, and then describes a good wife.
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LentilAid to Bible Understanding
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LENTIL
An annual plant of the leguminous family that has long been cultivated by man and is still extensively grown in Egypt and Palestine, as well as in other lands. (2 Sam. 17:27, 28; 23:11) This small plant, measuring from six to eighteen inches (c. 15.2 to 45.7 centimeters) in height, thrives in light, dry soil. Its compound leaves, generally consisting of six pairs of oblong leaflets, terminate in tendrils. Slender branchlets bear two to four small pealike flowers each. The short pods that develop from the flowers resemble those of the pea, and usually contain two small lens-shaped seeds. The color of the seeds and that of the flowers differs with the variety of lentil plant. The seeds may be reddish brown, gray or black, and the flowers, white or pale blue. Rich in protein and carbohydrates, the seeds are, as in the past, commonly used for soups. (Gen. 25:34) In combination with barley, lentils have been used for making bread. (Compare Ezekiel 4:9.) The plant itself serves well as a fodder for livestock.
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LeopardAid to Bible Understanding
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LEOPARD
One of the large cats, usually having a light-tan coat with black spots arranged in broken circles. (Jer. 13:23) Leopards commonly measure four feet (1.2 meters) in length, not including the tail. Although even in more recent years several leopards have been killed near Jerusalem, these creatures evidently were found in far greater numbers in ancient Palestine. (Song of Sol. 4:8) The cheetah or hunting leopard, ranked among the fastest of mammals, was also found in Palestine, and the Hebrew designation na·merʹ may have included this animal as well as the leopard. The cheetah differs from the true leopard in that its claws are only partially retractile and its spots are solid, not ringed.
In the Scriptures, allusion is made to the swiftness of the leopard (Hab. 1:8) and its manner of lying in wait near towns, ready to pounce upon passing domestic animals. (Jer. 5:6; Hos. 13:7) In sharp contrast with this, the leopard and the kid are depicted as lying down together in peace during Messiah’s rule.—Isa. 11:6.
At Daniel 7:6, the four-winged, four-headed leopard represents the Grecian World Power, which conquered Medo-Persia with the swiftness of a leopard. Also, the wild beast out of the sea, seen in vision by the apostle John, was basically like a leopard.—Rev. 13:1, 2; see BEASTS, SYMBOLIC.
The Hebrew word laʹyish, otherwise translated “lion” (Job 4:11; Prov. 30:30), is, in harmony with a Mishnaic Talmudic meaning, rendered “leopard” at Isaiah 30:6 (NW), the “lion” (la·viʼʹ) already being mentioned in the same text.
[Picture on page 1055]
The prophet Habakkuk alluded to the leopard’s swiftness
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LeprosyAid to Bible Understanding
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LEPROSY
A loathsome and dreadful disease manifesting itself in various ways and designated in the Bible by the Hebrew term tsa·raʹʽath and the Greek word leʹpra. A person afflicted with it is called a leper.
In the Scriptures “leprosy” is not restricted to the disease known by that name today, for it could affect not only humans but also clothing and houses. (Lev. 14:55) The Hebrew term tsa·raʹʽath may have included what is now technically known as Elephantiasis Graecorum (Greek for “elephant disease”), but this cannot be established definitely. The leprosy of today is otherwise called “Hansen’s disease,” so named because Dr. Gerhard A. Hansen discovered the germ that is generally viewed as causing this malady. However, though tsa·raʹʽath applies to more than the leprosy of today, there is no doubt that human leprosy now called “Hansen’s disease” was in evidence in the Middle East in Biblical times.
VARIETIES, WITH THEIR EFFECTS
Today leprosy or Hansen’s disease (which is only slightly communicable) manifests itself in three basic varieties. One, the nodular type, results in a thickening of one’s skin and the forming of lumps, first in the skin on the face and then on other parts of the body. It also produces degenerative effects in mucous membranes of the victim’s nose and throat. This is known as black leprosy. Another type is anesthetic leprosy, sometimes called white leprosy. It is not as severe as black leprosy and basically affects the peripheral nerves. It may manifest itself in skin that is painful to the touch, though it can also result in numbness. The third type of leprosy, a mixed kind, combines the symptoms of both forms just described.
As leprosy progresses toward its advanced stage, the swellings that initially develop discharge pus, the hair may fall from one’s head and eyebrows, nails may loosen, decay and fall off. Then the victim’s fingers, limbs, nose or eyes may be slowly eaten away. Finally, in the most serious cases, death ensues. That Biblical “leprosy” certainly included such a serious disease is apparent from Aaron’s reference to it as a malady wherein the flesh is “half eaten off.”—Num. 12:12.
This description helps one better to appreciate Biblical references to this dreaded malady and the dire consequences of Uzziah’s presumptuous act in improperly endeavoring to offer incense in Jehovah’s temple.—2 Ki. 15:5; 2 Chron. 26:16-23.
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