< Previous | Contents | Next >
•BOOTY captives or cattle or objects of value taken in war. In Canaan all that breathed were to be destroyed (Deuteronomy 20: 16). The “pictures and images” of the Canaanites were to be destroyed also (Numbers 33:52). The law of booty as to its division is laid down in Numbers 31:26-47. David afterwards introduced a regulation that the baggage-guard should share the booty equally with the soldiers engaged in battle. He also devoted of the spoils of war for the temple (1 Samuel 30:24-26; 2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Chronicles 26:27).
•BORROW The Israelites “borrowed” from the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35, R.V., “asked”) in accordance with a divine command (3:22; 11:2). But the word (sha’al) so rendered here means simply and always to “request” or “demand.” The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated “borrow” in Deuteronomy 28:12; Psalm 37:21. It was well known that the parting was final. The Egyptians were so anxious to get the Israelites away out of their land that “they let them have what they asked” (Exodus 12:36, R.V.), or literally “made them to ask,” urged them to take whatever they desired and depart. (See LOAN.)
•BOSOM In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one’s bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Genesis 16:5; 2 Samuel 12:8). Christ is said to have been in “the bosom of the Father,” i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isaiah 40:11).
•BOSOR the Chaldee or Aramaic form of the name Beor, the father of Balaam (2 Peter 2:15).
•BOSSES the projecting parts of a shield (Job 15:26). The Hebrew word thus rendered means anything convex or arched, and hence the back, as of animals.