(Encyclopedia) Alexander BalasAlexander Balasbāˈləs [key], d. 145 b.c., ruler of Syria, putative son of Antiochus IV. He seized power from his uncle Demetrius I (c.152 b.c.); Jonathan the Maccabee…
(Encyclopedia) Erskine, John, 1721?–1803, Scottish theologian. A leader of the evangelical party in the Church of Scotland, he was minister successively at Kirkintilloch, Culross, and New Greyfriars…
(Encyclopedia) Bellamy, Joseph, 1719–90, New England clergyman, b. Cheshire, Conn. A follower of Jonathan Edwards and a powerful revivalist of the Great Awakening, he preached in Bethlehem, Conn.,…
(Encyclopedia) Saul, first king of the ancient Hebrews. He was a Benjamite and anointed king by Samuel. Saul's territory was probably limited to the hill country of Judah and the region to the north…
(Encyclopedia) MichmasMichmasmĭkˈmăs [key] or MichmashMichmash–măsh [key], town, c.8 mi (12.9 km) NE of Jerusalem. It is identified with modern Mukhmas (West Bank). In the Bible, it was a bivouac of…
(Encyclopedia) Collins, Anthony, 1676–1729, English theologian; a friend of John Locke. He set forth the position of the deists and defended the cause of rational theology. His Discourse of Free…
(Encyclopedia) Brainerd, DavidBrainerd, Davidbrāˈnərd [key], 1718–47, missionary to the Native Americans, b. Haddam, Conn. Licensed to preach in 1742, he spent his brief years among the Native…
(Encyclopedia) MattathiasMattathiasmătˌəthīˈəs [key] [Gr. variant of Mattithiah]. 1, 2 Two in Luke's genealogy. 3 Father of the Maccabees. 4 Captain under Jonathan, the Maccabee. 5 Son of Simon, the…
