Megilloth (מגַלּוֹת, rolls, from גָּלִל). The Hebrew MSS. were on rolls of parchment, usually written on one side, though sometimes also. on both (Eze 2:10). Afterwards the term מגלה was used of a book consisting of several leaves fastened together (Jer 36:23-24); once it occurs in Scripture as designating the Pentateuch (Ps 40:8 [7]). In later Jewish usage the term Megilloth was applied to the five books, viz. Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, which were read on certain festivals in the synagogue. SEE HAPHTHARAH. The title of Megillah was used κατ᾿ ἐξοχήν of the book of Esther, SEE ESTHER, BOOK OF; and from this it is supposed it was transferred to the others. To the reading of this at the Feast of Purim special importance was attached by the Jews (Talmud, Tr. Megillah, ed. Surenhus. 2:387). SEE ROLL.
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