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The word “linen” is used as an emblem of moral purity (Revelation 15:6). In Luke 16:19 it is mentioned as a mark of luxury.
•LINES were used for measuring and dividing land; and hence the word came to denote a portion or inheritance measured out; a possession (Psalm 16:6).
•LINTEL (1.) Hebrews mashkoph, a projecting cover (Exodus 12:22, 23; ver. 7, “upper door post,” but R.V. “lintel”); the head-piece of a door, which the Israelites were commanded to mark with the blood of the paschal lamb.
(2.) Hebrews kaphtar. Amos 9:1; Zephaniah 2:14 (R.V. correctly “chapiters,” as in A.V. marg.).
•LIONS the most powerful of all carnivorous animals. Although not now found in Palestine, they must have been in ancient times very numerous there. They had their lairs in the forests (Jeremiah 5:6; 12:8; Amos 3:4), in the caves of the mountains (Cant. 4:8; Nah. 2:12), and in the canebrakes on the banks of the Jordan (Jeremiah 49:19; 50:44; Zechariah 11:3).
No fewer than at least six different words are used in the Old Testament for the lion.
(1.) Gor (i.e., a “suckling”), the lion’s whelp (Genesis 49:9; Jeremiah 51:38, etc.).
(2.) Kephir (i.e., “shaggy”), the young lion (Judges 14:5; Job 4:10; Psalm 91:13; 104:21), a term which is also used figuratively of cruel enemies (Psalm 34:10; 35:17; 58:6; Jeremiah 2:15).
(3.) ’Ari (i.e., the “puller” in pieces), denoting the lion in general, without reference to age or sex (Numbers 23:24; 2 Samuel 17:10, etc.).
(4.) Shahal (the “roarer”), the mature lion (Job 4:10; Psalm 91:13; Proverbs 26:13; Hos. 5:14).
(5.) Laish, so called from its strength and bravery (Job 4:11; Proverbs 30:30; Isaiah 30:6). The capital of Northern Dan received its name from this word.
(6.) Labi, from a root meaning “to roar,” a grown lion or lioness (Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; 24:9; Ezekiel 19:2; Nah. 2:11).