J
-J-
Jericho
Oasis next to a spring in the Great Rift Valley north of the
Dead Sea. First city captured by the Israelites after wandering
in the desert for 40 years.
Jerusalem
The promised Messiah, lived a remarkable life as a Jewish rabbi.
Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, God fulfilled his
covenant promises.
Jew
At first, this was the name for someone from the tribe of Judah.
Later it came to be used for anyone who was from the family of
Jacob (Israel).
Jezreel
City gaurding the Valley of Harod and the route from the Valley
of Jezreel to Beth Shean. Here Ahab and Jezebel had a summer
palace, Ahab stole Naboth's vineyard, and Jezebel was killed.
Jezreel Valley
Means "valley of Megiddo." A fertile, agricultural valley whose
strategic location led to frequent battles for control over the
world trade route between the west and Mesopotamia. Used by
biblical writers as the symbolic setting of the final triumph of
God's power over evil, Armageddon. Nazareth is nearby.
Joppa
This Old Testament port city is on the coast of the
Mediterranean Sea. Jonah sailed from here.
Jordan River
Hebrew Yarden, meaning, "the descender." Headwaters are fed by
snow melt on Mount Hermon and underground springs; flows into
the Dead Sea; where John baptized Jesus. Largest river in
Israel.
Jordan Valley
See Great Rift Valley.
Joseph
The husband of Mary who was the mother of Jesus (Matt. 1:16-25).
Josephus
Jewish historian named Josephus Flavius, author of four major
extra-biblical texts of Jewish life and culture. Born to a
preistly family about the time of Jesus' death, he died
approximately 100 AD; he was a Galilean commander in the First
Jewish Revolt. Trapped in the doomed city of Jotapata, Josephus
convinced the other survivors to commit suicide, arranging that
he would be the last one alive. He surrendered to the Roman
commander Vespian and prophesied that Vespian would become
emperor. Vespian made Josephus a scribe and a member of his own
family; he became a Roman citizen. He write extensively about
the First Jewish Revolt and Jewish history, and confirmed that
New Testament descriptions of life and culture were accurate.
Judah
Fourth son of Jacob from whom the tribe of Judah and Jesus
descended. Also the name of the southern kingdom after Israel
divided in 926 BC.
Judea
Region of Israel, named for the tribe of Judah, where Jerusalem
was located. Ruled by Herod the Great and later given to his
son, Archelaus; then directly under Roman authority. The Judean
Temple leadership resisted Jesus' message and ministry.
Judea Wilderness
The eastern slopes of the Judea Mountains form a 10-mile-wide,
30-mile-long hot, dry wilderness frequently used as a refuge for
those in hiding or seeking a spiritual retreat, including the
Essenes at Qumran, John the Baptist, David, and Jesus. Site of
Masada, the last battle in the First Jewish Revolt.
Judge
A strong leader of the people of Israel before Israel had kings.
God brought judges to power to save the people from their
enemies.
Judge's Platform
The platform on which the ruler of the city sat. The presence of
the ruler or king ready to pass judgment in the gate of the city
is behind the prophet Amos plea for "justice in the city gate."
Juno
Roman goddess of marriage, very jealous wife of Zeus, queen of
gods.
Jupiter
Roman god of the sky, supreme god. Son of Saturn.