Bible Dictionary
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
MERCHANDISE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Merchandise refers to goods traded or exchanged, the activity or place of commerce, or the profits gained through trade. Biblical usage includes wares, traffic, a marketplace, and commercial gain.
Merchant
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A merchant was a traveling trader who carried goods from place to place, often exchanging them by barter. Merchants and commercial trade became increasingly important in Israel, especially during the periods of Solomon’s prosperity and the later dispersion of the Jewish people.
Mercurius
Other - New Testament
Mercurius is the Roman name for Hermes, a pagan god associated with speech, eloquence, commerce, and messages. At Lystra, the people called Paul Mercurius because he was the chief speaker while Barnabas was identified with Jupiter.
Mercury
Other - New Testament
Mercury is the Roman name for the pagan Greek deity Hermes. In Acts, the people of Lystra called Paul Mercury because he was the principal speaker.
Mercy
Doctrine & Theology - Both
Mercy is compassion shown toward those in misery or distress. Scripture presents it as a gracious attribute of God and a virtue believers are called to practice, made consistent with righteousness through Christ’s atoning work.
Mercy-seat
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The mercy-seat was the gold covering of the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place. The high priest sprinkled blood upon it on the Day of Atonement, and it represented the place of God’s gracious presence.
MERCY-SEAT, THE
Temple & Tabernacle - Both
The mercy-seat was the covering of the ark of the covenant, where sacrificial blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement. It represented the place of atonement and reconciliation, and the New Testament applies this imagery to Jesus Christ’s sacrificial work.
Mercyseat
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The mercy-seat was the gold lid of the ark of the covenant. Blood was sprinkled upon it by the high priest during the yearly atonement, signifying the covering of sin before God.
Mered
People & Groups - Old Testament
Mered, meaning “rebellion,” was a descendant of Judah and a son of Ezrah. He is mentioned in a fragmentary genealogy as having an Egyptian wife named Bithiah.
Meremoth
People & Groups - Old Testament
Meremoth was the name of several Old Testament men, including a priest who returned from Babylon, handled sacred vessels, and helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and temple. Other men of the name appear among postexilic families and covenant signatories.
Meres
People & Groups - Old Testament
Meres was one of the seven counselors of King Ahasuerus in the Persian court.
Merib-baal
People & Groups - Old Testament
Merib-baal was another name for Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. The name appears in the genealogies of Chronicles.
Meribah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Meribah means “strife” or “quarrel.” It was the name given to places where Israel quarreled with God over the lack of water, including the rock at Rephidim and the spring near Kadesh.
Meribbaa
People & Groups - Old Testament
Meribbaa is an alternate form of Merib-baal, the other name of Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and descendant of Saul.
Merodach
Other - Old Testament
Merodach was a chief Babylonian deity, also associated with Bel. His name appears in the prophetic announcement of Babylon’s overthrow.
Merodach-baladan
People & Groups - Old Testament
Merodach-baladan was a king of Babylon who sent ambassadors to Hezekiah after hearing of his recovery from illness. He was a prominent Chaldean opponent of Assyrian rule.
Merodachbaladan
People & Groups - Old Testament
Merodach-baladan, also called Berodach-baladan, was king of Babylon during Hezekiah’s reign. He sent messengers to Jerusalem, and Hezekiah received them and showed them his treasures.
Merom
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Merom was a lake in northern Palestine through which the Jordan flowed. Joshua defeated the allied Canaanite forces there in the final major battle of the northern conquest.
MEROM, WATERS OF
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Waters of Merom were the setting of Joshua’s victory over Jabin and his allies. They are commonly identified with Lake Huleh, though another location near lower Galilee has also been proposed.
Meronothite
People & Groups - Old Testament
A Meronothite was a person associated with an otherwise unidentified place called Meronoth. The designation is applied to Jehdeiah, keeper of David’s asses, and to Jadon, a repairer of Jerusalem’s wall.
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