E
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Eastern Gate
Main entrance to the temple area in Jerusalem. In some
traditions, it is believed to be the location of the Last
Judgment. Also known as the Beautiful Gate.
Eastern Wall
Followed the original line dating from Solomon's days. The main
feature in the wall, the Eastern Gate (see above), was the
original eastern entrance to the Temple Mount. At one point, the
walls of the temple rose more than 225 feet above the bottom of
the Kidron Valley.
Eden
The place where Adam and Eve lived before the Fall (Gen.
2:8-24).
Edomites
Esaus descendents. Edom means red and the Edomites lived in
the mountains to the east and south of the Dead Sea. Because of
Edoms attacks on Judah, God promised to take revenge on the
Edomites
Egypt, Egyptians
Land and civilization south and west of Israel that flourished
along the banks of the Nile River. During the time of Moses,
home to enslaved Jews. Part of the Roman Empire during the first
century. Throughout the Bible, Egypt was economically dependent
on the eastern civilizations of Mesopotamia (Babylon, Assyria,
and Persia). Trade routes connecting Egypt to these empires ran
through mountain passes of Israel. By placing his people between
the Egyptians and eastern empires, God guaranteed that the whole
known world would hear his message.
Ekron
One of the five Philistine city-states, it is the one closest to
the Judea Mountains.
Elah Valley
Valley in the Shephelah between the coastal plain and the Judea
Mountains. David fought Goliath here.
Elders
Older men who were leaders of God's chosen people.
Elijah
One of the first prophets; name literally means "Yahweh is God."
On Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the pagan prophets and
challenged the Israelites to stop wavering between faith in
Yahweh and Baal.
En Gedi
Means "place of the spring goat." A canyon and surrounding hills
filled with springs that enabled a lush oasis to flourish on the
Dead Sea's barren, western shore. Here David hid from Saul and
possibly wrote several psalms.
Eshtaol
Small town on the hills above the Soreq, near Samson's
birthplace.
Essenes
A highly organized religious group that renounced the priestly
establishment and saw themselves as God's soldiers. They
strengthened their bodies, minds, and spirits for the battle
they believed would usher in the new age. The Dead Sea Scrolls
found at Qumran may have been their library. Some believe that
John the Baptist belonged to this group, because his message was
similar to that contained in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Some of the
beliefs and practices of the Essenes resembled those of Jesus
and the early church.
Exedra
Semicircular recess usually with seats, found in Greek and
Byzantine buildings.