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•BRIMSTONE an inflammable mineral substance found in quantities on the shores of the Dead Sea. The cities of the plain were destroyed by a rain of fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24, 25). In Isaiah 34:9 allusion is made to the destruction of these cities. This word figuratively denotes destruction or punishment (Job 18:15; Isaiah 30:33; 34:9; Psalm 11:6; Ezekiel 38:22). It is used to express the idea of excruciating torment in Revelation 14:10; 19:20; 20:10.
•BROOK a torrent. (1.) Applied to small streams, as the Arnon, Jabbok, etc. Isaiah (15:7) speaks of the “book of the willows,” probably the Wady-el-Asha. (2.) It is also applied to winter torrents (Job 6:15; Numbers 34:5; Joshua 15:4, 47), and to the torrent-bed or wady as well as to the torrent itself (Numbers 13:23; 1 Kings 17:3). (3.) In Isaiah 19:7 the river Nile is meant, as rendered in the Revised Version.
•BROTHER (1.) In the natural and common sense (Matthew 1:2; Luke 3:1, 19).
(2.) A near relation, a cousin (Genesis 13:8; 14:16; Matthew 12:46; John
7:3; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19).
(3.) Simply a fellow-countryman (Matthew 5:47; Acts 3:22; Hebrews
7:5).
(4.) A disciple or follower (Matthew 25:40; Hebrews 2:11, 12).
(5.) One of the same faith (Amos 1:9; Acts 9:30; 11:29; 1 Corinthians 5:11); whence the early disciples of our Lord were known to each other as brethren.
(6.) A colleague in office (Ezra 3:2; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1).
(7.) A fellow-man (Genesis 9:5; 19:7; Matthew 5:22, 23, 24; 7:5; Hebrews
2:17).