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In the earliest times of which we have record kinsmen carried their dead to the grave (Genesis 25:9; 35:29; Judges 16:31), but in later times this was done by others (Amos 6:16).
Immediately after decease the body was washed, and then wrapped in a large cloth (Acts 9:37; Matthew 27:59; Mark 15:46). In the case of persons of distinction, aromatics were laid on the folds of the cloth (John 19:39; comp. John 12:7).
As a rule the burial (q.v.) took place on the very day of the death (Acts 5:6, 10), and the body was removed to the grave in an open coffin or on a bier (Luke 7:14). After the burial a funeral meal was usually given (2 Samuel 3:35; Jeremiah 16:5, 7; Hos. 9:4).
•FURLONG a stadium, a Greek measure of distance equal to 606 feet and 9 inches (Luke 24:13; John 6:19; 11:18; Revelation 14:20; 21:16).
•FURNACE (1.) Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in (Daniel 3:22, 23; comp. Jeremiah 29:22). This furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babylonians disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who invaded Mesopotamia.
(2.) Hebrews kibshan, a smelting furnace (Genesis 19:28), also a lime-kiln (Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1).
(3.) Hebrews kur, a refining furnace (Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Ezekiel 22:18). (4.) Hebrews alil, a crucible; only used in Psalm 12:6.
(5.) Hebrews tannur, oven for baking bread (Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 31:9; Nehemiah 3:11). It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface, and thus was baked. “A smoking furnace and a burning lamp” (Genesis 15:17), the symbol of the presence of the Almighty, passed between the divided pieces of Abraham’s sacrifice in ratification of the covenant God made with him. (See OVEN.)