First so-called as a "province" of Persia (Daniel 5:13; Ezra 5:8; Nehemiah 11:3; Esther 8:9). On the return from Babylon the Jews, besides Judah, included large portions of Benjamin, Levi, Ephraim, and Manasseh (Ezra 1:5; Ezra 10:5-9; Nehemiah 11:4-36; 1 Chronicles 9:3; "Israel," Ezra 2:70; Ezra 2:59; Ezra 3:1; Ezra 10:5; Nehemiah 7:73), and many whose pedigree could not be found. The number twelve was retained in the sin offerings, as though all the tribes were represented (Ezra 6:17; Ezra 8:35). The amalgamation began when Jeroboam's idolatry drove the godly of northern Israel to Judah, again it took place under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30-33). Anna was of Asher (Luke 2:36); Paul of Benjamin (Romans 11:1); Barnabas of Levi (Acts 4:36). The "twelve tribes" appear Acts 26:7; James 1:1.
Judea is strictly the region W. of Jordan, S. of Samaria (though "beyond Jordan" is vaguely included in it Mark 10:1, and Galilee Luke 23:5). The village Anuath marked its northern boundary (Josephus, B. J., iii. 3, section 5), Jardan its southern boundary: comprising the territory of Judah, Dan, Simeon, and Benjamin, 100 miles long, 60 broad. Upon the deposition of the ethnarch Archelaus, A.D. 6, Judaea was ruled by a procurator subject to the governor of Syria; he resided at Caesarea on the coast. Judea was little frequented by our Lord, except Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Bethany (compare John 7:1 for the reason in part). Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 34:22) is fulfilled; "the cities of Judaea" are "a desolation without inhabitant," the vine-clad terraces and grainfields have only left their traces behind, ruins alone abound, and the scenery has but little beauty.
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
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