BAAL
בעל – "Lord"
Sun/Storm God in many religions
≈ 2000 BC
Depending on region, was husband to the goddess Ashtoreth
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Israelites were constantly warned from worship; Gideon overthrew altar (Judg. 6:25–27); worshipped by Ahab & Jezebel (1 Kgs. 16:31), Athaliah, Ahaz, Manasseh, and others
- Compare to:
.
BAASHA ♦
בעשא – "Offensive"
-
Probably a military leader
-
Conspired against Nadab II, killed him and entire house of Jeroboam to take the throne (1 Kgs. 15:27–29)
-
Constantly warred against Asa of Judah (1 Kgs. 15:32); Ben-Hadad assisted the Southern Kingdom against him (1Kgs. 15:20)
-
Jehu prophesied against him and his posterity (1 Kgs. 16:1–7)
.
Group from Mesopotamia
Babylonian / From Babylon
Family Tree / Famous people include Nebuchadnezzar II and Amel-marduk
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures / Bible Maps
-
Nimrod was an early founder (Gen. 10:10–12)
-
Often at war with neighboring Assyrians
-
Prided themselves on advances in astronomy, law, and mathematics
-
Became a symbol of wickedness for the Israelites
-
After conquering Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar carried the Jews away captive to Babylon
-
The empire was absorbed into the Persian/Achaemenid Empire in 539 BC by Cyrus the Great
.
BALAAM Ω
בלעם – "Destroyer of People"
BALAK ♦
בלק – "To Lay Waste"
≈ 1400 BC
Aramean / From Pethor, Mesopotamia
Family Tree / Son of Beor
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Balak of Moab offered him reward to curse Israel (Num. 22–23)
-
His donkey saw an angel of the Lord and tried to avoid it on the road; when he struck the beast, it spoke to him (Num. 22:22–35)
-
The Lord commanded him to bless Israel instead; prophesied of Israel's future and the messianic prophecies of the Star out of Jacob and Scepter (Num 23–24)
-
Prophesied against the Amalekites and Kenites (Num. 24:20–24)
-
Slain with Midianites (Num. 31:8)
-
Frequently mentioned in scripture (Josh. 13:22; Micah 6:5; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 1:11; Rev. 2:14)
King of Moab
≈ 1400 BC
Family Tree / Son of Zippor
Wikipedia / Jewish Encyclopedia
-
King of Moab during Israel's wanderings in the desert; summoned Balaam to curse them but he blessed them instead (Num. 22–24)
.
BARAK ○
ברק – "Lightning"
General and possibly a Judge
Israelite: Naphtalite / From Kedesh-naphtali (Judg. 4:6)
Family Tree / Son of Abinoam
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Agreed to fight Sisera, captain of Jabin of Hazor, only if Deborah II went (Judg. 4:8); defeated them with 10,000 men from Mt. Tabor; pursued Sisera when he fled, but he was killed by Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite (Judg. 4)
-
Sang a song with Deborah of praise (Judg. 5)
-
Possibly served as Judge of Israel with Deborah
-
Mentioned for his faith (Heb. 11:32)
.
BARNABAS (JOSEPH, JOSES) Ω
ברנביא / Βαρναβας –"Son of Encouragement"
Apostle and Companion of Paul
≈ 34 AD
Israelite: Levite / From Cyprus (Acts 4:36–37)
Family Tree / Cousin or relative of Mark (Col. 4:10)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Sold his land and gave the money to the apostles (Acts 4:36–37)
- Witnessed to the apostles that Paul had been converted (Acts 9:27)
-
Called an apostle (Acts 14:14)
-
Served on several missionary journeys (Acts 11; 12; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9; Col. 4:10)
-
Tradition states he was martyred in Cyprus
.
BARTHOLOMEW (NATHANAEL) Ω
בר-תלמי / Βαρθολομαιος – "Son of Talmai"
Apostle
Israelite: Jewish / From Cana (John 21:2)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Considered same person as Nathanael since they are never mentioned in the same list of apostles
-
When his friend Philip II spoke of finding the Messiah, he questioned "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:45–46)
-
Jesus called him "An Israelite...in whom is no guile!" and he asked how He knew him; Jesus said He saw him under a fig tree and he immediately believed (John 1:45–50)
-
Ordained as one of the original 12 apostles (Mark 3:14–19)
-
Tradition states he was flayed alive in Armenia
.
BARUCH
ברוך –"Blessed"
.
+ BATHSHEBA †♦
בת־שבע – "Daughter of an oath"
≈ 1000 BC
Israelite: Jewish / From Jerusalem
Family Tree / Daughter of Eliam / Wife of Uriah the Hittite and David / Mother of Solomon, Nathan II, and others / Ancestor of Jesus through Solomon and Nathan II (Matt. 1:6; Luke 3:31)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
David lusted after her; when she became pregnant by him, he arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle (2 Sam. 11); married David after Uriah's death
-
Her first son died (2 Sam. 12:20); she gave birth to other sons, including Solomon (2 Sam. 12:24)
-
With the prophet Nathan, she convinced David to make Solomon his heir and king instead of Adonijah (1 Kgs. 1)
.
BEELZEBUB (BAAL-ZEBUB)
בעל־זבוב – "Lord of the Flies"
-
Philistine god worshipped at Ekron (1 Kgs. 1:2)
-
Name used by the Pharisees for Satan; accused Christ of casting out demons by its power (Matt. 12:24)
.
Prince of Babylon
Babylonian / From Babylon
Family Tree / Son of Nabonidus / Possible grandson of Nebuchadnezzar II through his mother / Last ruler before Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
.
BEN-AMMI (AMMON)
בן־עמי – "Son of My People"
Patriarch
≈ 1890 BC
Ammonite
Family Tree / Son of Lot & Lot's daughter / Brother of Moab (Gen. 19:30–38) / Ancestor of Ammonites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
.
BEN-HADAD ♦
בן־הדד – "Son of Thunder"
Family Tree / Son of Tabrimmon
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1
-
Bribed or paid by Asa of Judah to war against Baasha of Israel; took the towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maachah, and all Chinneroth-Galilee with the land of Naphtali (1 Kgs. 15:18–20)
BEN-HADAD III ♦
בן־הדד – "Son of Thunder"
Family Tree / Son of Hazael
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-3
-
Fought against Jehoahaz II of Israel (2 Kgs. 13:3); defeated by Jehoash II of Israel who took back cities (2 Kgs. 13:25)
.
BENJAMIN (BEN-ONI)
בנימין – "Son of the Right Hand"
BENJAMIN II Ω♦
בנימין – "Son of the Right Hand"
Patriarch
≈ 1733 BC
Israelite: Benjamite / Born near Bethlehem / Lived in Canaan / Died in Egypt
Family Tree / Youngest son of Jacob & Rachel / Father of 10 sons, 1 daughter / Ancestor of Benjamites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
-
Rachel died giving birth to him; named him "Ben-oni" (Gen. 35:16-20)
-
Stayed with Jacob when brothers went to Egypt; Joseph demanded they bring him to Egypt; Joseph gave him special gifts (Gen. 42–45)
Israelite: Manassite: Nephite
Family Tree / Son of Mosiah I / Father of Mosiah II, Helorum, and Helaman
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Drove Lamanites out of the land with the sword of Laban (Omni 1:24; WoM 1:13)
-
Amaleki gave him the small plates of Nephi which he put with other plates (Omni 1:25; WoM 1:10)
-
Gathered his people for final address; recorded names of those who entered covenant; appointed priests (Mosiah 2–6)
.
BENJAMITES (TRIBE OF BENJAMIN)
בנימין – "Sons of the Right Hand"
One of the Twelve Tribes
Israelite: Benjamite / Territory was between Ephraim and Judah, including Jericho, Bethel, and Jerusalem's northern outskirts (see map)
Family Tree / Descendants of Benjamin / Famous people include Saul, Queen Esther, and the apostle Paul
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Blessed by Jacob that they "shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil" (Gen. 49:27); and by Moses that "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders" (Deu. 33:12)
-
Several left-handed people mentioned in scripture were from this tribe of "sons of the right hand"
-
Tribe was nearly destroyed after the men of Gibeah abused and killed a Levite's concubine; 700 were "left-handed" seeming to imply rebellion against who they were (Judg. 19-21)
-
After the division of the kingdom, remained in the Kingdom of Judah; many lost their distinction from Judahites after the Babylonian captivity
.
+ BERENICE II (BERNICE) ♦
Βερνικη – "Bringer of Victory"
Princess and possibly co-regent of Judea with her brother
Herodian
Family Tree / Daughter of Herod Agrippa & Cypros III / Sister of Herod Agrippa II, Drusilla, and others / Wife of Marcus Julius Alexander, Herod V of Chalcis, Polemon II of Pontus, and mistress of Roman Emperor Titus; rumors circulated that she had an incestuous relationship with her brother Herod Agrippa II / Mother of Berenicianus and Hyrcanus
Wikipedia / Jewish Encyclopedia
-
May have been co-ruler with her brother Agrippa II
-
Paul stood trial before her and Agrippa II in Caesarea (Acts 25:13)
-
Begged governor Florus to spare Jerusalem and the Jews in 66 AD, but she was nearly killed and the Jews burned down her palace
-
After the Jewish-Roman war and destruction of Jerusalem, she moved to Rome to be with Emperor Titus, conqueror of Jerusalem; he eventually dismissed her
.
BETHUEL †
בתואל – "House of God"
Patriarch
≈ 1900 BC
Aramean-Syrian (Gen. 25:20) / From Haran
Family Tree / Son of Nahor II & Milcah; nephew of Abraham (Gen. 22:22) / Father of Rebekah and Laban (Gen. 22:23; 24) / Ancestor of Jesus
-
Took part of marriage negotiations for Isaac and Rebekah (Gen. 24:50)
.
+ BILHAH
בלהה – "Calamity"
Matriarch
≈ 1768 BC
Israelite / From Haran / Lived in Canaan
Family Tree / Handmaid of Rachel (Gen. 29:29) / Wife-concubine of Jacob / Mother of Dan and Naphtali (Gen. 30:5–8)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Rachel gave her as a wife to Jacob after Rachel was unable to have children (Gen. 30:3–4)
-
After Rachel's death, Reuben slept with her and lost his birthright (1 Chr. 5:1)
.
BISHOP
ἐπίσκοπος – "Overseer"
-
Qualifications listed (1 Tim. 3:1–7)
-
Jesus is the "Bishop of our souls" (1 Pet. 2:25)
-
Should care for the poor (D&C 84:112)
-
A judge in Israel (D&C 107:74)
-
Presides over the Aaronic Priesthood (D&C 107:87–88)
.
BOAZ †
בעז – "Strength"
Patriarch
≈ 1200 BC
Israelite: Judahite: Ephrathite / From Bethlehem
Family Tree / Son or descendant of Salmon & Rahab; relative of Elimelech (Ruth 2:1) / Husband of Ruth (Ruth 4:13) / Father of Obed (Ruth 4:17) / Great-grandfather of David (Ruth 4:22) / Ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:5)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
.
BRIGHAM YOUNG Ω
Prophet and First Governor of Utah Territory
American / From Whitingham, VT
Son of John Young & Abigail Howe / Husband of 16 wives; sealed to many others / Father of 56 children
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Carpenter, glazier, and painter by trade
-
Converted to the restored gospel in 1832
-
Marched with members of Zion's Camp to the aid of the Missouri Saints
-
Called to be an apostle in 1835 by the Three Witnesses; appointed president of the twelve in 1841 (D&C 124:127)
-
Worked on the Kirtland Temple and spoke in tongues at its dedication in 1836
-
Served missions to spread the gospel in the eastern states and the United Kingdom
-
After expulsion from Missouri and then Illinois, he led groups of saints to safety (D&C 136)
-
Led the church following the death of Joseph Smith; sustained as president and prophet from 1847–1877
-
Governor of Utah from 1850–1857
-
Listed among the "choice spirits" reserved for the latter days (D&C 138:53)
.
BROTHER OF JARED (MAHONRI MORIANCUMER) Ω
"Gift of God"
BUKKI ■
בקי – "Examined" or "Tested"
≈ 2100 BC
Jaredite / From Babel-Babylon
Family Tree / Brother of Jared II / Father of Pagag and others / Ancestor of Jaredites
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Asked Lord to not confound the language of his family and friends at the Tower of Babel (Ether 1:33)
-
Saw the Lord in vision (Ether 2–3)
-
Built eight barges (Ether 2–3)
-
Shown the history of the world (Ether 3:25)
-
Sailed with family to Promised Land/Americas (Ether 6)
-
Moved a mountain (Ether 12:30)
-
Founder of the Jaredites
.
.
CAIAPHAS (JOSEPH CAIAPHAS) ■
קופה / Καιαφας – "Basket Man"
Israelite: Levite: Sadducee / From Jerusalem
Family Tree / Son-in-law of Annas
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Possibly served as joint high priest with Annas (Luke 3:2, see also John 18)
-
After the resurrection of Lazarus, conspired to kill Jesus (John 11)
-
Jesus' trial was held at the Palace of Caiaphas (Matt. 26:57)
.
CAIN
קין – "Spear "
-
Tiller of the ground; offering was rejected by the Lord (Gen. 4:3–7)
-
Killed younger brother Abel (Gen. 4:8–14)
-
Made a covenant with Satan (Moses 5:29–31)
-
Had wicked descendants who lived separately from other descendants of Adam (Gen. 4)
.
CALEB II ○
כלב – "Devoted"
Prince or head of Judah
≈ 1400 BC
Israelite: Judahite / Born in Egypt (possibly Goshen) / Given Hebron for inheritance (Josh. 14:13–14)
Family Tree / Son of Jephunneh / Father of Achsah / Father-in-law of Othniel
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Sent by Moses when 40yo to search the land of Canaan; he and Joshua gave a true report and were only ones of the older generation permitted to survive to the conquest (Num. 13:6, 30; 26:65)
-
Given Hebron for an inheritance (Josh. 14:13–14)
-
Gave daughter Achsah to nephew Othniel to wife; gave her land and springs (Josh. 15)
.
CANAANITES
כנען – "Purple"
Patriarch
≈ 2300 BC
Family Tree / Fourth son of Ham / Brother of Cush, Mizraim, and Phut (Gen. 9:18) / Grandson of Noah /
Father of Sidon and Heth / Ancestor of the Canaanites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Noah said he and his descendants would be the servants of Israelites (Gen. 9:24–27)
Tribes in the Levant
≈ 2000 BC
Family Tree / Descendants of Canaan (Gen. 10:18) / Included the Sidonians/Phoenicians, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Worshipped idols
-
Joshua was commanded to drive them out of the land
-
Often at war with Israelites
.
CHEMOSH
𐤊𐤌𐤔 / כמושׁ – "Bull"
-
Solomon built a high place to him on the Mount of Olives (1 Kgs. 11:7); Josiah later destroyed it (2 Kgs. 23:13)
-
Mesha of Moab offered his child in sacrifice to Chemosh (2 Kgs. 3:27; Mesha Stele)
.
CHIEF PRIESTS ○
כוהנים ראשיים / ἀρχιερεῖς
-
Group of priests who oversaw worship in the Temple; included the High Priest
-
During the Second Temple period, many served on the Great Sanhedrin
-
Frequently opposed Jesus; sought to arrest Him (John 7); participated in His arrest and trial (Matt. 27:1); Jesus prophesied of their part (Matt. 16:21)
-
Continued to oppose early Christians, including Peter and John (Acts 4); Paul received authority from them to arrest Christians (Acts 9:14)
.
CHRIST †
Χριστος – "Anointed One"
Greek title for the Hebrew Messiah
see Jesus Christ
CHRISTIANS
Χριστιανός – "Followers of Christ"
-
Name first given to disciples in Antioch (Acts 11:26)
-
Herod Agrippa II almost persuaded by Paul to be a Christian (Acts 26:28)
-
Believers gladly take upon them the name of Christ (Alma 46:15)
.
CLAUDIUS ♦
Κλαυδιος – "Shut in"
≈ b. 10 BC – d. 54 AD (reigned 41 – 54 AD)
Roman / Born in Lugdunum / Died in Rome
Family Tree / Son of Nero Claudius Drusus & Antonia Minor
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1
-
Agabus prophesied of a great famine during his reign (Acts 11:28)
.
CORNELIUS
Κορνηλιος – "Little Horn"
≈ 39 AD
Roman / Lived in Caesarea
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
.
Patriarch
≈ 2200 BC
Cushite / From ancient Nubia/Sudan
Family Tree / Son of Ham (Gen. 10:6–7) / Grandson of Noah / Father of Nimrod and 5 others / Ancestor of Cushites/Kushites
.
CYRUS THE GREAT ♦
כורש / 𐎤𐎢𐎽𐎢𐏁 – "The Sun"
≈ b. 600 – d. 530 BC (reigned 550 – 530 BC)
Persian / Born in Anshan, Persis
Family Tree / Son of Cambyses I / Father of Cambyses II, Bardiya / Possible father-in-law of Darius the Great
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Conquered Babylon and Mesopotamia, creating the largest empire in history to that time
-
Fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy (Isa. 44:28) and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (2 Chr. 36:22); returned the vessels of the Temple (Ezra 1:7–11)
-
Daniel lived through part of his reign (Dan. 1:21; 6:28, 10:1)
.
DAN
דן – "Judge"
DANITES (TRIBE OF DAN)
דן – "Judge"
≈ 1745 BC
Israelite: Danite/ Born in Haran / Lived in Canaan / Died in Egypt
Family Tree / Son of Jacob & Bilhah (Gen. 30:5–6) / Father of Hushim / Ancestor of Danites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
One of the Twelve Tribes
Israelite: Danite / Territory located along the Mediterranean coast and eastward, including Joppa and Ekron (see map)
Family Tree / Descendants of Dan / Famous people include Samson
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Blessed by Jacob that he would judge his people and "be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord" (Gen. 49:16–18); and by Moses that he is a "lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan" (Deu. 33:22)
-
Joined the Northern Kingdom of Israel
-
Tribe carried away captive by Assyrians in 722 BC; today considered one of the "Lost 10 tribes" (2 Kgs. 17)
-
For an unknown reason, tribe was excluded from the 144,000 sealed Israelites mentioned by John (Rev. 7:4–8)
.
DANIEL (BELTESHAZZAR) Ω
דניאל – "God is My Judge"
Noble or royal of Judah and Prophet
Israelite: Judahite / From Jerusalem / Taken captive to Babylon
Family Tree / Descendant of the royal family of Judah (Dan. 1:3–4)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-2 / Guide to Scriptures
-
One of the young nobles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:3–4)
-
Refused the king's meat and wine (Dan. 1:5–17)
-
Interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Dan. 2, 4, 6) and the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar (Dan. 5)
-
Became third ruler in the kingdom
-
Darius the Mede's advisors became jealous and schemed to get him thrown in a lion's den for praying; an angel shut the lions' mouths (Dan. 6)
-
Received visions and prophecies concerning future kingdoms, the Messiah, and events preceding the Second Coming (Dan. 7–12)
.
DARIUS THE MEDE ♦
דריוש / 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
King of Babylon
≈ 540 BC
Family Tree / Son of Ahasuerus (Dan. 9:1)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
-
Took over the kingdom after Belshazzar was killed (Dan. 5)
-
Reigned at 62 yo (Dan. 5:31)
-
Tricked by advisors to outlaw prayers as a way to trap Daniel; forced to punish Daniel when he was caught praying; threw him in a lion's den; fasted for Daniel's deliverance; decreed that people should "fear" Daniel's God; threw the advisors and families in the lion's den (Dan. 6)
.
DARIUS I THE GREAT ♦
דריוש / 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
DARIUS II OCHUS ♦
דריוש / 𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎹𐎺𐎢𐏁 – "He Who Possesses Good"
≈ b. 550 – d. 486 BC (reigned 522 – 486 BC)
Persian / From Susa-Shushan
Family Tree / Son of Hystaspes / Son-in-law of Cyrus the Great / Father of Xerxes I
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-2
Family Tree / Son of Artaxerxes I / Father of Artaxerxes II
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Mentioned in Neh. 12:22
.
DAVID †♦
דוד – "Beloved"
Israelite: Judahite / Born in Bethlehem / Died in Jerusalem
Family Tree / Youngest of eight sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:12) / Great-grandson of Boaz & Ruth (Ruth 4:17–22) / Husband of Michal, Ahinoam II, Abigail, Maacah IV, Haggith, Abital, Eglah, Bathsheba, and others / Father of Amnon, Absalom, Tamar II, Adonijah, Solomon, Nathan II, and others / Ancestor of Jesus (Matt. 1:6)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures / Bible Maps
-
Killed a lion and bear in his youth (1 Sam. 17:32–37)
-
Anointed by Samuel to be a future king of Israel (1 Sam. 16)
-
Musician for Saul (1 Sam. 16:14–23)
-
Defeated Goliath the giant Philistine (1 Sam. 17)
-
Befriended Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:1–4)
-
Made a military leader by Saul; had to flee Saul's jealousy and wrath; spared Saul's life twice (1 Sam. 18–27)
-
After hearing of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, anointed king over Judah at Hebron (2 Sam. 2:3–4); and eventually made king over all Israel (2 Sam. 5:4–5); made Jerusalem his capital
-
Brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem; wanted to build a Temple but was denied by the Lord
-
Sinned with Bathsheba; had her husband Uriah killed; Nathan condemned him (2 Sam. 11–12); afterward the house of David had many incidents: two sons (Absalom and Adonijah) openly rebelled against him; another son Amnon raped Tamar II for which Absalom killed him (2 Sam. 13–14)
-
Wrote many psalms, including many about his contrition; has "fallen from his exaltation" for "the case of Uriah and his wife" (D&C 132:39)
-
His reign is considered Israel's "Golden Age"; he united all of Israel under a holy government who awaited the coming of the Messiah and he expanded Israel's territory and subdued many surrounding nations
-
Jesus often called "Son of David" (Matt. 22:41–46)
.
DAVID WHITMER Ω
דוד – "Beloved"
-
One of the Three Witnesses (JS–H)
-
Arranged for the Book of Mormon translation to be finished at his father's home
-
One of the first six members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Apr 6, 1830
-
Excommunicated in 1838
-
Organized the Church of Christ (Whitmerites) in 1847
.
+ DEBORAH II Ω○
דבורה – "Bee"
Judge of Israel and Prophetess
Israelite: Ephraimite / From Mt. Ephraim
Family Tree / Wife of Lapidoth?
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-2 / Guide to Scriptures
-
Prophetess and only known female Judge of Israel (Judg. 4:4)
-
Dwelt under a palm tree; the children of Israel went to her for judgment
-
Summoned Barak to fight Sisera, captain of Jabin of Hazor's army; he agreed only if she went with him (Judg. 4:8); defeated them with 10,000 men from Mount Tabor; only Sisera escaped, but he was killed by Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite (Judg. 4)
-
Sang a song with Barak of praise called the "Song of Deborah" (Judg. 5)
-
Called herself a "Mother in Israel" (Judg. 5:7)
.
+ DELILAH
דלילה – "Weak"
Temptress of Samson
≈ 1060 BC
Canaanite: Philistine? / From Valley of Sorek
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Samson loved her
-
Philistine lords convinced her to find out where he got his strength and promised her 1,100 pieces of silver each; discovered that Samson's strength was linked to his uncut hair; shaved his head in his sleep; Philistines captured him (Judg. 16)
.
+ DINAH
דינה – "Judgment"
≈ 1670 BC
Family Tree / Daughter of Jacob & Leah (Gen. 30:21) / Shechem wanted her to be his wife
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Only daughter of Jacob mentioned (Gen. 30:21)
-
Visited the Canaanite daughters in Shechem; Shechem son of Hamor took her and defiled her; desired to marry her; Levi and Simeon her brothers demanded the men of the city be circumcised; they slew all the men and retrieved her (Gen. 34)
-
Listed as one of the 70 people who went to Egypt (Gen. 46:15)
-
Later Jewish traditions claimed she married Job or her half-brother Simeon
.
DISCIPLES
μαθητής – "Follower" or "Pupil"
-
John the Baptist had disciples before Jesus' ministry (John 1:15–51)
-
The word is sometimes used interchangeably with Apostle (Matt. 11:1)
-
Those who believe on Jesus and follow in His word (John 8:31)
-
Mormon II was a disciple of Christ (3 Ne. 5:12–13)
.
+ DRUSILLA
Δρουσιλλα – "Freshness"
Princess of Judea
≈ 38 AD
Herodian
Family Tree / Daughter of Herod Agrippa & Cypros III / Sister of Herod Agrippa II and Berenice II / Wife of Aziz of Emesa and Felix / Mother of Marcus Antonius Agrippa
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Listened to Paul with her husband Felix (Acts 24:24)
-
According to Josephus, son Marcus Antonius Agrippa died in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD
.
EDOMITES (IDUMEANS)
אדום – "Red"
Tribe/group from south of Dead Sea
≈ 1800 BC
Family Tree / Descendants of Esau and wives (Gen. 25:30) / Ancestors of Idumeans / Famous people include Eliphaz, the Amalekites, and Herod the Great and family
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Territory was south of Dead Sea and centered around Mt. Seir (Josh. 24:4)
-
Defeated the Horites (Deu. 2:12, 22)
-
Spoke a language similar to Hebrew
-
Moses asked for passage through their land; turned him down (Num. 20:14–21)
-
Became subject to David and Israel (2 Sam. 8:13–14)
-
Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied against them (Jer. 49; Ezek. 35)
-
Later, the Greeks called them Idumeans
-
During the time of Maccabees, many Idumeans were incorporated into Judea, including Herod the Great's family
.
EGYPTIANS
מצרים (Mizraim) – "Double Lands"
EGYPTUS II
Tribe/group from Egypt
≈ 3000 BC
Family Tree / Descendants of Ham & Egyptus I and Mizraim / Famous people include: Asenath, Apries-Hophra, Shishak (Shoshenq I), and Necho II
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
One of the most ancient, advanced, and prosperous civilizations on earth
-
Often interacted with the Israelites and their ancestors, from Abraham to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph III fleeing to Egypt for safety; unfortunately many biblical Pharaohs are unnamed, leaving it up to speculation
-
Joseph rose to become second in command under Pharaoh; preserved Egypt; brought family during famine (Gen. 41)
-
Moses raised in the royal court; 10 plagues; freed the Israelite slaves from the Egyptians
-
Solomon made an alliance with Egypt; Jeroboam fled to but Pharaoh Shishak who sacked Jerusalem (1 Kgs. 14:25-26; 2 Chr. 12)
-
Pharaoh Necho II defeated and killed Josiah of Judah, bringing the Kingdom of Judah under Egyptian rule until Nebuchadnezzar II
-
Lehi was taught in the language of the Egyptians (1 Ne. 1:2; Morm. 9:32)
-
Many Jews fled to Egypt as part of the diaspora
Matriarch
≈ 2300 BC
Egyptian
Family Tree / Daughter of Ham & Egyptus I / Mother of the first Pharaoh
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Discovered Egypt (Abr. 1:23-25)
.
EHUD ○
אהוד – "I Shall Praise"
ELAH ♦
אלה – "Oak Tree"
≈ 1300 BC
Family Tree / Son of Gera
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Left-handed Benjamite (name means "son of my right hand"), which was associated with deception
-
Killed Eglon of Moab when he was delivering the tribute to him; fought with the Israelites to defeat the Moabites (Judg. 3:15–30)
Family Tree / Son of Baasha
Wikipedia
-
Reigned 2 years
-
His commander of chariots, Zimri, conspired against him; killed him and his posterity, fulfilling Jehu's prophecy (1 Kgs. 16:6–14)
.
ELDERS
זקנים / πρεσβύτερος (Presbyteros)
Older leader; later ordained office in priesthood
Israelite
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary
-
Elders of Joseph's house and the Egyptians went to bury Jacob-Israel (Gen. 50:7)
-
Seventy elders assisted Moses (Ex. 24; Num. 11)
-
Elders and priests were ordained among the Nephites (Alma 6:1)
-
Pharisees question why the disciples don't follow the elders and wash before meals (Matt. 15:2)
-
Paul ordained elders (Acts 14:23); elders anointed the sick (James 5:14–15)
-
Elders ordained in the Restored Gospel (D&C 20:38, 42–45)
.
ELEAZAR ■
אלעזר – "God Has Helped"
≈ 1400 BC
Israelite: Levite: Kohanim / Born in Egypt (probably Goshen) / Lived in Mt. Ephraim
Family Tree / Son of Aaron & Elisheba (Ex. 6:23) / Brother of Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar / Husband of a daughter of Putiel / Father of Phinehas / Ancestor of most High Priests
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1
-
Made a priest (Ex. 28:1)
-
Made a covering for the altar in the Tabernacle (Num. 16:38–40)
-
Oversaw the Tabernacle and expected to live a holy life (Lev. 10; Num. 4:16)
-
Given father's priestly garments before Aaron's death; ministered in the high priest's office for many years (Num. 20:25–29; Deu. 10:6)
-
Helped Joshua with the land territory distribution (Josh. 14:1)
-
Buried in Mt. Ephraim (Josh. 24:33)
.
ELI ■○
עלי – "My God"
Judge and High Priest
≈ 1080 BC
Israelite: Levite: Kohanim / From Shiloh
Family Tree / Not a descendant of Eleazar like most High Priests, but a descendant of Ithamar / Father of Hophni & Phinehas II (1 Sam. 1:3)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary-1 / Guide to Scriptures
-
At the Tabernacle when Hannah came to pray for a son; accused her of being drunk; promised that her prayer would be answered; she gave birth to Samuel (1 Sam. 1)
-
His sons were wicked and "lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle"; he didn't correct them; a man of God prophesied that they would be killed on the same day (1 Sam. 2)
-
Samuel lived with him at the Tabernacle and heard a voice calling in the middle of the night; told Samuel to go back to bed; on the third time, realized it was the Lord; told Samuel to respond; the Lord repeated the prophecy against Eli's household; Samuel was scared to tell him but told him anyway; Eli acknowledged it was from the Lord (1 Sam. 3)
-
Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and killed Eli's sons; when he heard, he fell and died; daughter-in-law also died that day giving birth to Ichabod (1 Sam. 4)
-
Judged Israel for 40 years; died at 98yo (1 Sam. 4:15, 18)
.
ELIAS
אליהו – "My God is Yahweh"
Forerunner
Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Title for one who goes before or a forerunner; also is the Greek form of the name Elijah (Matt. 17:3-4)
-
John the Baptist went before Jesus (Mark 1:1–8)
.
ELIASHIB ■
אלישיב – "God Restores"
-
Helped lead the rebuilding and dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:1)
-
Allowed Tobiah the Ammonite to use a large room in the Temple courts which was for temple offerings; grandson married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite; Nehemiah drove the grandson out (Neh. 13:8–9)
.
ELIEZER II Ω
אלעזר – "God Has Helped"
-
Prophesied against Jehoshaphat of Judah because he joined with Ahaziah of Israel (2 Chr. 20:37)
.
ELIJAH (ELIAS) Ω
אליה – "My God is Jehovah"
Prophet
Israelite: Gadite, Manassite, Benjamite, or Levite / From Tishbe of Gilead (1 Kgs. 17:1)
Family Tree
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kgs. 17) during the reign of Ahab & Jezebel and their sons
-
Shut the heavens from rain for 3.5 years; ravens fed him; fed by the Gentile widow of Zarephath near Sidon; promised her that her grain and oil would not run out; raised her son from the dead (1 Kgs. 17); mentioned by Jesus when He proclaimed Himself the Messiah in Nazareth (Luke 4:25–26)
-
Challenged the priests of Baal to call down fire from heaven; showed God's power over the heavens; killed the priests (1 Kgs. 18)
-
Jezebel tried to kill him; he fled and waited to die; an angel ministered to him and sent him to Horeb-Sinai; Lord was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, but in the still small voice (1 Kgs. 19:1–12)
-
Told to anoint Hazael king of Syria, Jehu II to be king of Israel, and Elisha to be a prophet; cast his mantle on Elisha (1 Kgs. 19:15–19); Elisha later accomplished both tasks for the kings (2 Kgs. 8)
-
Prophesied of Ahab & Jezebel' deaths; prophesied the same to their son Ahaziah (1 Kgs. 21; 2 Kgs. 1)
-
Wrote to Jehoram II of Judah, prophesying of his illness and death for disobedience (2 Chr. 21:12–15)
-
Called down fire from heaven against fifty soldiers (2 Kgs. 1)
-
Gave his mantle to Elisha before he was translated in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind (2 Kgs. 2)
-
Malachi prophesied he would return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5–6)
-
Some wondered if Jesus or John the Baptist was Elijah returned, or if Elijah would save Jesus on the cross (Matt. 16:14; 27:47–49; Mark 6:14–15)
-
Holds the keys of sealing power; appeared with Moses to Jesus, Peter, James, and John at the Mount of Transfiguration to confer priesthood keys (Matt. 17:3); appeared again to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple for the same purpose during Passover week, Apr. 3 1836 (D&C 110:13–16)
-
Jews today wait for him to return and announce the coming of the Messiah (making him an Elias); they pour a cup of wine and open the door for him during the Passover Seder meal, leave a seat for him during circumcisions, and at the end of each Sabbath, appeal in prayer (Havdalah) that he will return quickly; consider him an intercessory figure to help those in need
.
+ ELISABETH
אלישבע / Ελισαβετ – "God is an Oath"
Matriarch
≈ 2 BC
Israelite: Levite / From the Judean Hill Country
Family Tree / Descendant of Aaron & Elisheba (Luke 1:5–60) / Wife of Zacharias / Relative of Mary (Luke 1:36) / Mother of John the Baptist
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
"Righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" (Luke 1:6)
-
Barren; an angel appeared to Zacharias in the Temple and said she would conceive in her old age; Zacharias struck dumb for disbelief (Luke 1:5–24)
-
Hid for five months after she conceived; visited by Mary for 3 months; John leapt in her womb when Mary arrived (Luke 1:24–25, 39–56)
-
At John's circumcision, people called his name Zacharias, but she corrected them saying his name should be John; Zacharias wrote his name and was healed (Luke 1:57–80)
.
ELISHA (ELISEUS) Ω
אלישע – "God is Salvation"
Israelite: Issacharite / From Abel-meholah (1 Kgs. 19:16)
Family Tree / Son of Shaphat
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Prophesied for approximately 50 years to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu II, Jehoahaz II, and Jehoash II
-
Elijah cast his mantle on him; used the mantle to part the Jordan River (1 Kgs. 19:16–21; 2 Kgs. 2:13)
-
Healed the waters of Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:19–22)
-
Mocked by 42 teens for his "bald head"; pronounced judgment; two bears killed them (2 Kgs. 2:23–24)
-
Prophesied victory over the Moabites to Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah (2 Kgs. 3)
-
Multiplied the oil of a widow (2 Kgs. 4:1–7)
-
Promised a barren Shunammite woman a son; later when the son died, Elisha raised him from the dead (2 Kgs. 4:8–37); years later told her to flee to Philistia to escape a famine (2 Kgs. 8)
-
Multiplied grain and bread (2 Kgs. 4:38–44)
-
Told Naaman the Syrian to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed of leprosy; refused a reward; Gehazi his servant took a reward and was cursed with leprosy instead (2 Kgs. 5); mentioned by Jesus when He proclaimed Himself the Messiah in Nazareth (Luke 4:27)
-
Made an ax head float in the Jordan River (2 Kgs. 6:1–7)
-
Protected from the Syrian army by a heavenly host of horses and chariots of fire; smote the Syrians with blindness (2 Kgs. 6:8–23)
-
Prophesied abundance in Samaria; Syrians fled, leaving provisions for the people (2 Kgs. 7)
-
Prophesied a seven-year famine
-
Told Hazael he would become king of Syria; arranged for the anointing of Jehu II king of Israel (2 Kgs. 8)
-
Prophesied that Jehoash II of Israel would defeat Syria (2 Kgs. 13:14–19)
-
Died after an illness; another man was raised from the dead when his body touched Elisha's bones (2 Kgs. 13:14,20–21)
.
+ ELISHEBA
אלישבע - "God is My Oath"
.
ELOHIM †Ω■♦
אלהים - "Gods" or "Godhood"
see God the Father
-
Gen. 1:1 in Hebrew reads, "In the beginning, God (אלהים - Elohim) created the heaven and the earth"
-
In Hebrew, Elohim is plural but is often used with singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel
Matriarch
≈ 1500 BC
Family Tree / Daughter of Amminadab (Ex. 6:23) / Sister of Nashon / Mother of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Ex. 6:23) / Ancestor of the High Priests of Israel and Elisabeth (a variant of her name)
Wikipedia
.
ELON II ○
אילון – "Oak"
.
+ EMMA HALE SMITH
"Whole"
Wife of Joseph Smith
Daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth Hale / Wife of Joseph Smith / Mother of 11
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Served as scribe during part of the Book of Mormon translation
-
Commanded to compile a selection of sacred hymns (D&C 25)
-
Became the first General Relief Society President
-
JSH 1:55
.
ENOCH †Ω
חנוך – "Trained"
Family Tree / Son of Jared / Father of Methuselah / Ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:37)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Walked in righteousness (Gen. 5:18–24)
-
Ordained to the priesthood (D&C 84:15-16; 107:48)
-
Preached repentance (Moses 6:37)
-
The Lord called his people Zion (Moses 7:18)
-
Prophesied of the Lord coming (Jude 1:14)
-
He and his city were translated (Heb. 11:5; Moses 7:69)
.
ENOS II Ω
אנוש – "Mortal Man"
≈ 420 BC
Israelite: Manassite: Nephite
Family Tree / Son of Jacob II (Enos 1:1) / Father of Jarom
-
Given plates by Jacob II (Jacob 7:27); taught in the language and religion of his father (Enos 1:1)
-
Went hunting for beasts; prayed all day and night for a remission of his sins; prayed for his people and the Lamanites (Enos 1:2–18)
-
Prophesied among the Nephites all his days; saw many wars among them and Lamanites (Enos 1:19–27)
-
Commanded son Jarom to write (Jarom 1:1)
.
EPHRAIM
אפרים – "Fruitful"
≈ 1707 BC
Israelite: Ephraimite / From Egypt
Family Tree / Son of Joseph & Asenath (Gen. 41:52) / Grandson of Jacob / Brother of Manasseh / Father of Shuthelah, Tahan, Beriah-Becher (Num. 26:35) / Ancestor of Ephraimites
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Jacob adopted him and Manasseh as his own sons and gave him the birthright of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob over his older brother Manasseh (Gen. 48:5, 13–20)
.
EPHRAIMITES (TRIBE OF EPHRAIM)
אפרים – "Fruitful"
One of the Twelve Tribes
Israelite: Ephraimite / Territory included some of the richest land in the country and had several important highways and cities, including Shechem, Ebal, and Gerizim (in modern-day West Bank and Samaria) (see map)
Family Tree / Descendants of Ephraim / Famous people include Joshua, Deborah II, Jeroboam, Ahab, Ishmael II, and Joseph Smith
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Blessed by Jacob that they would grow into a "multitude in the midst of the earth" and greater than Manasseh in that "his seed shall become a multitude of nations" (Gen. 48); and by Moses that they would be fruitful and "His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh" (Deu. 33:13–17)
-
Tribe was angry that Gideon didn't call them to battle the Midianites; later helped capture Midianite princes (Judg. 6:35–8:21)
-
Powerful tribe that often led the Northern Kingdom of Israel
-
Many were carried away captive by Assyrians in 722 BC; today considered one of the "Lost 10 tribes (2 Kgs. 17)
-
Samaritans claim partial descent from their tribe
-
Promised to bear the message of the Restored gospel to the world and help gather Israel (D&C 133:26–34; Isa. 11:12–13)
.
ESARHADDON ♦
אסר-חדן / 𒀭𒊹𒉽𒀸 – "Ashur Has Given a Brother"
≈ b. 713 – d. 669 BC (reigned 681 – 669 BC)
Assyrian / From Assyria / Died in Haran
Family Tree / Younger son of Sennacherib & Naqi'a / Husband of many / Father of Ashurbanipal and at least 17 others
-
Appointed the heir of Sennacherib to the fury of his elder brothers; they attempted a coup and murdered Sennacherib
-
Rebuilt Babylon with labor and tribute supplied by western vassals, including Manasseh II of Judah (see archeological prism)
-
Conquered Egypt in 671 BC and forced Pharaoh Taharqa to flee; captured the pharaoh's family
.
ESAU (EDOM)
עשו – "Hairy"
Patriarch
≈ 1832 BC
Edomite / Born in Canaan / Lived in Seir
Family Tree / Son of Isaac & Rebekah / Older twin of Jacob / Husband of 4 wives / Father of Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah / Ancestor of Edomites/Idumaeans
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Rival with his twin brother since birth; sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage (Gen. 25:29–34)
-
Called Edom (Gen. 25:30)
-
Rebekah helped Jacob secure the birthright blessing from Isaac (Gen. 27); hated Jacob for it and wanted to kill him; Rebekah sent Jacob to Haran for safety (Gen. 27:41–28:5) when Jacob and his family returned, he and Jacob finally made peace and departed on friendly terms (Gen. 32–33)
-
Married three Canaanite-Hittite women to the disappointment of his parents (Gen. 26:34–35); later married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath (Gen. 28:9)
.
+ ESTHER (HADASSAH) ♦
אסתר / 𒀭𒈹 – "Star"
Queen of Persia
≈ 480 BC
Israelite: Benjamite / From Shushan
Family Tree / Cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai / Wife of Ahasuerus (possibly Xerxes I or Artaxerxes II)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Birth/Hebrew name was Hadassah
-
Orphan; fair and beautiful; brought up by her cousin Mordecai (Esth. 2:7)
-
Ahasuerus of Persia banished his first wife Vashti and sought another; Esther was taken to the House of the Women; she caught the king's eye and he made her queen
-
Hid her religion from him by recommendation of Mordechai (Esther 2)
-
Mordechai overheard a plot to kill the king; warned Esther who warned the king (Esther 2:20–23)
-
Haman, the king's official hated Mordechai and convinced the king to decree that all Jews should die on the 13th day of Adar; Mordechai asked Esther to supplicate the king to save them; Esther feared to approach him without invitation, which was punishable by death; she asked the Jews to fast for her for three days, "and if I perish, I perish"; when she approached the king, she invited him and Haman to two feasts; at the second, she told the king of the decree; furious, Ahasuerus hung Haman, saved the Jews, and promoted Mordechai (Esther 2–10)
-
Purim became a holiday to commemorate the Jews deliverance; still celebrated today on the 14th day of Adar (typically late Feb. or early March)
.
ETHAN (JEDUTHUN)
איתן – "Perennial"
≈ 1000 BC
Family Tree / Son of Kishi-Kushaiah / Father of 6 sons (1 Chr. 25:3)
Wikipedia
-
Genealogy listed (1 Chr. 6:44-47)
-
One of David's three main musicians for the temple and the ministry of music along with Asaph and Heman (1 Chr. 25:1)
-
Played music and sang when the ark of the covenant was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chr. 15:17–19)
-
Considered wise at the time of Solomon (1 Kgs. 4:31)
-
Sang music when the ark was placed in the Holy of Holies of the temple; the glory of the Lord filled the temple (2 Chr. 5:12, 14)
-
His descendants continued to worship God through music in the Temple (2 Chr. 29:13-14)
-
Authored Psalms 39, 62, 77, 89
.
ETHER Ω
≈ 550 BC
Jaredite
Family Tree / Son or descendant of Coriantor (Ether 11:23)
Wikipedia / Guide to Scriptures
-
Last Jaredite prophet
-
Prophesied and preached repentance during Coriantumr's reign; people rejected his teachings; hid in a cave and recorded history of his people (Ether 12:1–13:5); prophesied to Coriantumr that if he would repent, they would be spared; otherwise they would all be destroyed
-
Witnessed the people gathering for war for 4 years; saw the end of the Jaredites (Ether 15:12–34)
-
Completed his record and entrusted it to the Lord's preservation: "Whether the Lord will that I be translated," or not, "it mattereth not"
-
People of Limhi found his 24 gold plates (Mosiah 8:8–19; Ether 1:2); Mosiah II translated them; (Mosiah 28:11–19) Moroni II included them as the Book of Ether
.
EVANGELIST
εὐαγγελιστής – "Bringer of Good News"
Missionary/Patriarch
-
Someone who preaches gospel (Eph. 4:11)
-
Joseph Smith taught it is also the title of a Patriarch
.
+ EVE †
חוה – "Life" or "Living"
Mother of mankind
≈ 4000 BC
Family Tree / Created by God (Gen. 1:26-27) / Wife of Adam / Mother of Cain, Abel, Seth, and others (Gen. 4)
-
Lived in the Garden of Eden before the Fall and in the fallen world after (Gen. 2-3)
-
Taught her children the gospel (Moses 5:11–12)
-
Joseph F. Smith saw her in vision with many of her faithful daughters (D&C 138:39)
.
EZEKIEL Ω
יחזקאל – "God Will Strengthen"
≈ 593 BC
Israelite: Levite: Kohanim / Born in Jerusalem / Taken captive to Babylon
Family Tree / Son of Buzi / Descendant of Zadok / Husband of unnamed wife (Ezek. 24:18)
Wikipedia / Bible Dictionary / Guide to Scriptures
-
Carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar II (Ezek. 1:3)
-
Didn't weep at his wife's death (Ezek. 24:15–27)
-
Prophesied about the Israelites and return of the Jews to Jerusalem; saw in vision a valley of dry bones (House of Israel) being resurrected; saw the stick of Judah (Bible) and the stick of Ephraim (Book of Mormon) being joined (Ezek. 37)
-
Prophesied many things about the events leading up to the Second Coming
.
EZRA Ω■
עזרא – "Helper"
≈ 458 BC
Israelite: Levite: Kohanim / Born in Babylon / Lived in Jerusalem
Family Tree / Descendant of Seraiah
-
Artaxerxes of Persia gave him edict to help exiles return to Jerusalem; associated with the formation of the Great Assembly which became the basis for the Great Sanhedrin (Ezra 7–10)
-
Asked Jews to separate from their foreign wives (Ezra 10)
-
Taught the people the Mosaic Law; read and taught publicly to make it available to the every Jew, not just the priests (Neh. 8)