shı̄´nab ( שׁנאב , shin'ābh ; Samaritan: שׁנאר , shin'ār ; Σενναάρ , Sennaár ): King of ADMAH (which see). He is mentioned with Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; he was attacked by Chedorlaomer and his allies (Genesis 14:2 ). The reading is very uncertain. If the incident narrated is founded on fact, Shinab may be identical with Sanibu, an Ammonite king in the time of Tiglath-pileser III (so French Delitzsch, Wo lag das Paradies? 294); or the name may be equated by the Assyrian Sin -šar -uṣur (compare "Shenazzar"), and Shem-eber with the Assyrian Sumu -abi (Sayce, The Expository Times , VIII, 463). Jewish exegesis gives a sinister explanation of all four names (Genesis 14:2 ). The Midrash (Ber. Rab. 42) explains Shinab as ממּון שׁואב , shō'ebh māmmōn , "one who draws money (wherever he can)." It is of interest to note that the names fall into two alliterative pairs and that each king's name contains exactly as many letters as that of his city. On the whole, however, the list leaves an impression of artificiality; as the names are not repeated in Genesis 14:8 , it is highly probable that they are later additions to the text.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More