Elyma'is (Ε᾿λυμαϊvς), a general designation (Tobit 2:10) of that province of the Persian empire. See Smith, Diet. of Class. Geog. s.v.) termed ELAM SEE ELAM (q.v.) in the Bible. In 1 Macc. 6:1, however, the word is used (incorrectly) in a more specific or local sense of some Persian city, as we are there informed that Antiochus Epiphanes, understanding there were very great treasures in the temple at Elymais, determined to plunder it; but the citizens resisted him successfully. 2 Macc. 9:2 calls this city Persepolis, probably because it formerly had been the capital of Persia; for Persepolis and Elymais were very different cities; the former situated on the Araxes, the latter on the Eulaeus. The temple which Antiochus designed to pillage was that of the goddess Nannaea, according to 2 Macc. 1:13; Appian says (Syr. page 66) a temple of Venus (i.e., probably the goddess Anubis); Polybius (31:11), Diodorus, Josephus (Ant. 12:9, 1), and Jerome say a temple of Diana. SEE ANTIOCHUS (EPIPHANES).
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More