Page 384 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

MAZZAROTH - MEEK

MAZZAROTH (the twelve signs of the zodiac). Job MEDIATOR. Intercessor; middle man; one that
38:32. interposes between parties at variance for the purpose
ME THINKETH. It seems to me (2 Sa. 18:27). of reconciling them. The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole
MEAH (a hundred). Ne. 3:1. Mediator between God and men by the atonement He
MEAL OFFERING. The meal offering (Le. 2) pictures made on the cross (1 Ti. 2:5; He. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24).
“Christ constantly presents the merits of his death as a
Christ as the perfect man being tested by suffering. The reason why we should be saved. He does in heaven
fine flour (v. 1) signifies Christ’s pure, sinless life. The whatever is necessary to obtain for us grace and
oil poured upon it (Le. 2:1) signifies the Holy Spirit strength; secures the aid which we need against our
anointing Christ (Mt. 3:16; Is. 11:1-3). The frankincense foes; and is the pledge or security for us that the law
signifies Christ’s devotion to God the Father. The oil shall be honoured, and the justice and truth of God
mingled with the offering (Le. 2:4) signifies Christ born maintained, though we are saved. It is reasonable to
of the Spirit and possessing the Spirit without measure. presume that this is somehow by the presentation of the
The absence of leaven (Le. 2:11) depicts the sinlessness merits of his great sacrifice, and that is the ground on
of Christ. The baking of the offering pictures Christ’s which all this grace is obtained. As that is infinite, we
sufferings. [See Frankincense, Jesus Christ, Offerings.] need not fear that it will ever be exhausted” (Barnes).
MEAN. (1) Obscure; unimportant (Pr. 22:29; Ac. [See High Priest, Intercession, Jesus Christ.]
21:39). (2) To think; to devise (Ge. 50:20; Is. 10:7; Mt. MEDITATION. Concentration; thinking (Ps. 19:14;
9:13). [See Humble, Poverty.] 104:34; 119:97, 99). [See Bible, Heart, Mind.]
MEARAH (a cave). Jos. 13:4). MEDITERRANEAN SEA. The sea which forms the
MEASURE. (1) Size; stature; dimensions (Ex. 26:2; western border of Israel. Also called “the Sea” (Nu.
Nu. 35:5). (2) A common household measure (2 Ki. 13:29), “the great sea” (Jos. 1:4), “the uttermost
7:1). “According to the rabbins, it was equal to one-third sea” (De. 11:24), and “the sea of the Philistines” (Ex.
ephah” (Unger). [See Weights and Measures.] (3) To 23:31).
mete out; apportion (Is. 65:7). (4) Allotment; portion MEDO-PERSIAN. [See Medes, Persia.]
(Mt. 23:32). (5) “Beyond measure” and “out of
measure” means beyond normal bounds, exceedingly MEEK. Mild of temper; gentle; not easily provoked;
(Mk. 6:51; 7:37; 10:26; 2 Co. 1:8; Ga. 1:13). (6) “Above humble; gentle of spirit; not proud (Nu. 12:3; Ps. 22:26;
measure” means excessively (2 Co. 11:23; 12:7). 25:9; 37:11; 147:6; 149:4; Is. 61:1; Zep. 2:3; Mt. 5:5).
MEASUREMENT. [See Weights and Measures.] “Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in
which we accept His dealings with us as good and
MEAT. In the Bible “meat” does not refer strictly to therefore without disputing or resisting. In the O.T., the
flesh, but is used generically for food in general (Ge. meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their
1:29, 30; 9:3; 40:17; Le. 22:11, 13; 25:6; De. 20:20; Pr. own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus,
23:3; Eze. 16:19; Ac. 16:34). In the N.T. the term meekness toward evil people means knowing God is
“meat” more often refers to flesh and is contrasted with permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them
vegetables and breads (Ro. 14:15-20; 1 Co. 8:8-13; 1 Ti. to purify His people, and that He will deliver them in
4:3; Col. 2:16). [See Beast, Vegetarian.] His time (Is. 41:17; Lk. 18:1-8). Meek is the opposite to
MEAT OFFERING. [See Meal offering, Offerings.] self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in
MEBUNNAI (built by God). 2 Sa. 23:27. God’s goodness and control over the situation. The
MECHERATHITE (inhabitant of Mecherah). 1 Ch. meek person is not occupied with self. This is a work of
11:36. the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Ga.
MEDAD (love, affection). Nu. 11:26. 5:23)” (Vine). Meekness is a characteristic of the Lord
Jesus Christ (Mt. 11:29; 21:5; 2 Co. 10:1). It is the fruit
MEDAN (great enlargement, strife). Ge. 25:2. of the Spirit (Ga. 5:23). It is associated with gentleness
MEDDLE. To be involved with; to mix up with (De. (2 Co. 10:1; Tit. 3:2), lowliness (Ep. 4:2), mercy and
2:5, 19; 2 Ki. 14:10; Pr. 20:19; 24:21). kindness (Col. 3:12), humbleness of mind (Col. 3:12),
MEDEBA (water of peace). Nu. 21:30. longsuffering (Col. 3:12), a quiet spirit (1 Pe. 3:4). The
MEDES, MEDIA. An ancient nation that God used to rebellious and unsaved are to be dealt with in meekness
judge Israel (2 Ki. 17:6; 18:11; Es. 1:19; Is. 13:17; Da. (2 Ti. 2:25; 1 Pe. 3:15). The Word of God is to be
5:28). In about 550 BC the Medes were conquered by received with meekness (Jam. 1:21). True wisdom is
Cyrus the Great, king of Persians, creating the Medo- accompanied by meekness (Jam. 3:13). Meekness is
Persian Empire. The Medes and Persians conquered being weak to defend one’s own opinions, but strong to
Babylon (Is. 13:17; Je. 51:11, 28; Da. 5:28) (Revell). defend God and His Word. Meekness is to be weak to
[See Babylon, Persia.] promote self, but strong to promote God and His Word.

384 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity