Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ambush Joshua at the capture of Ai lay in ambush, and so deceived the inhabitants that he gained an easy victory (Josh. 8:4-26). Shechem was taken in this manner (Judg. 9:30-45. Compare Jer 51:12).

Amen This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev 3:14). In Isa 65:16, the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of Amen." It is frequently used by our Saviour to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated "verily." Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 3:14). It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers (Psa 41:13; Psa 72:19; Psa 89:52), to confirm the words and invoke the fulfillment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15; Neh 5:13; Neh 8:6; Ch1 16:36). In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say "Amen" at the close of the prayer (Co1 14:16). The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (Co2 1:20).

Amethyst One of the precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest (Exo 28:19; Exo 39:12), and in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:20). The ancients thought that this stone had the power of dispelling drunkenness in all who wore or touched it, and hence its Greek name formed from a, " privative ," and methuo , "to get drunk." Its Jewish name, ahlamah' , was derived by the rabbins from the Hebrew word halam , "to dream," from its supposed power of causing the wearer to dream. It is a pale-blue crystallized quartz, varying to a dark purple blue. It is found in Persia and India, also in different parts of Europe.

Amittai True, the father of Jonah the prophet, a native of Gath-hepher (Kg2 14:25; Jon 1:1).

Ammah A cubit, the name of a hill which Joab and Abishai reached as the sun went down, when they were in pursuit of Abner (Sa2 2:24). It lay to the east of Gibeon.

Ammi My people, a name given by Jehovah to the people of Israel (Hos 2:1, Hos 2:23. Compare Hos 1:9; Eze 16:8; Rom 9:25, Rom 9:26; Pe1 2:10).

Ammiel People of God. (1.) One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to search the land of Canaan (Num 13:12). He was one of the ten who perished by the plague for their unfavorable report (Num 14:37). (2.) The father of Machir of Lo-debar, in whose house Mephibosheth resided (Sa2 9:4, Sa2 9:5; Sa2 17:27). (3.) The father of Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and afterwards of David (Ch1 3:5). He is called Eliam in Sa2 11:3. (4.) One of the sons of Obed-edom the Levite (Ch1 26:5).

Ammihud People of glory; i.e., "renowned." (1.) The father of the Ephraimite chief Elishama, at the time of the Exodus (Num 1:10; Num 2:18; Num 7:48, Num 7:53). (2.) Num 34:20. (3.) Num 34:28. (4.) The father of Talmai, king of Geshur, to whom Absalom fled after the murder of Amnon (Sa2 13:37). (5.) The son of Omri, and the father of Uthai (Ch1 9:4).

Amminadab Kindred of the prince. (1.) The father of Nahshon, who was chief of the tribe of Judah (Num 1:7; Num 2:3; Num 7:12, Num 7:17; Num 10:14). His daughter Elisheba was married to Aaron (Exo 6:23). (2.) A son of Kohath, the second son of Levi (Ch1 6:22), called also Izhar (Ch1 6:2, Ch1 6:18). (3.) Chief of the 112 descendants of Uzziel the Levite (Ch1 15:10, Ch1 15:11).

Amminadib A person mentioned in Sol 6:12, whose chariots were famed for their swiftness. It is rendered in the margin "my willing people," and in the Revised Version "my princely people."