< Previous | Contents | Next >

between Sepharvaim and Henah, and is supposed by some to have been the Ahava of Ezra (8:15).

IVORY (Hebrews pl. shenhabbim, the “tusks of elephants”) was early used in decorations by the Egyptians, and a great trade in it was carried on by the Assyrians (Ezekiel 27:6; Revelation 18:12). It was used by the Phoenicians to ornament the box-wood rowing-benches of their galleys, and Hiram’s skilled workmen made Solomon’s throne of ivory (1 Kings 10:18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isaiah 21:13), and from the East Indies by the navy of Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many specimens of ancient Egyptian and Assyrian ivory-work have been preserved. The word habbim is derived from the Sanscrit ibhas, meaning “elephant,” preceded by the Hebrew article (ha); and hence it is argued that Ophir, from which it and the other articles mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22 were brought, was in India.

IZHAR oil, one of the sons of Kohath, and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21; Numbers 16:1).

IZRAHITE the designation of one of David’s officers (1 Chronicles 27:8).