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•MERATHAIM double rebellion, probably a symbolical name given to Babylon (Jeremiah 50:21), denoting rebellion exceeding that of other nations.
•MERCHANT The Hebrew word so rendered is from a root meaning “to travel about,” “to migrate,” and hence “a traveller.” In the East, in ancient times, merchants travelled about with their merchandise from place to place (Genesis 37:25; Job 6:18), and carried on their trade mainly by bartering (Genesis 37:28; 39:1). After the Hebrews became settled in Palestine they began to engage in commercial pursuits, which gradually expanded (49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18; Judges 5:17), till in the time of Solomon they are found in the chief marts of the world (1 Kings 9:26; 10:11, 26, 28; 22:48; 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:10, 21). After Solomon’s time their trade with foreign nations began to decline. After the Exile it again expanded into wider foreign relations, because now the Jews were scattered in many lands.
•MERCURIUS the Hermes (i.e., “the speaker”) of the Greeks (Acts 14:12), a heathen God represented as the constant attendant of Jupiter, and the God of eloquence. The inhabitants of Lystra took Paul for this God because he was the “chief speaker.”
•MERCY compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Genesis 19:19; Exodus 20:6; 34:6, 7; Psalm 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Matthew 5:7; 18:33-35).