tam´a - risk : (1) אשׁל , 'ēshel ( Genesis 21:33 , the King James Version "grove," margin "tree"; 1 Samuel 22:6 , the King James Version "tree," margin "grove"; 1 Samuel 31:13 , the King James Version "tree"). The Revised Version (British and American) translation is due to the similarity of'ēshel to the Arabic 'athl, "the tamarisk." (2) ערער , ‛ar‛ār (Jeremiah 17:6 margin (compare Jeremiah 48:6 ), English Versions of the Bible "heath" (which see)). The tamarisk (Tamarix , with various species in Palestine, chiefly T. Syriaca ) is a very characteristic tree of Palestine, especially in the Maritime Plain, near the sea itself, and in the Jordan Valley. Eight species are described. They are characterized by their brittle, feathery branches and by their tiny scale-like leaves. Some varieties flourish not infrequently in salty soil unsuited to any ordinary vegetation.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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