FLANK (flank), (Heb. 171:%;, kch'sel, loin), in the plural the internal muscles of the loins near the kidneys, to which the fat adheres (Lev. iii:4, 10,15; vii:4); hence the viscera in general, figuratively for the inmost feelings (Ps. xxxviii:7, "loins"). (See REINs.) FLAX (flax), (Heb. 11-71P;', pish-law'), a well known plant, Linum sativum, L.
The fibers of the bark, when separated, twisted, bleached and woven, are linen. In the raw state they are "tow" (Judg. xvi :9; Is. i :31). Somewhat twisted, tow constitutes a "wick" (R. V. marg. Is. xlii :3; xliii :17). (See Pisitraii.) It was produced of the best quality in Egypt (Is. xix :9), and was an article of extensive com merce.
At the present day, as in ancient times, flax is laid upon the housetop in the heat of the sun to dry (Josh. ii :6). It was anciently the labor of the most noble ladies (Prov. xxxi :13, 19, 24. (See LINEN.) FLEA (fle), irritans), occurs only I Sam. xxiv:IA; xXvi:2o, where David thus addresses his persecutor Saul at the cave of Adullam: 'After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue—after a flea?' 'The king of Israel is come out to seek a Heal' In both these passages the Hebrew means.'to pursue after, to seek one or a single flea.' David's allusion to the flea displays great address. It. is an appeal founded upon the immense disparity between Saul as the king of Israel and himself as the poor, contemptible object of the monarch's laborious pursuit. Hunting a flea is a compari son, in other ancient writings, for much labor ex pended to secure a worthless result. However, the reference (t Sam. xxvi :2o) is considered by some an error in the text. Owing to the habits of the lower orders, fleas abound so profusely in Syria, especially during the spring, in the streets and dusty bazaars, that persons of condition al ways change their long dresses upon returning home. There is a popular saying in Palestine that
'the king of the fleas keeps his court at Tiberias ;' though many other places in that region might dispute the distinction with that town (Kitto's Physical History of Palestine, p. 421).
J. F. D.
FLESH (II6sh), (Heb. baw-sawr', fleshi ness). This word bears a variety of significations in Scripture: (1) Whole Animal Creation. It is applied, generally, to the whole animated creation, whether man or beast ; or to all beings whose material sub stance is flesh (Gen. vi :13, 17, 19; vii :15, tete.).
(2) Humanity. But it is more particularly applied to 'mankind ;' and is, in fact, the only He brew word which answers to that term (Gen. vi: 12; PS. xlv :3; cxlv :21; Is. xl :5, 6). In this sense it is used somewhat figuratively to denote that evil principle which is opposed to the spirit, and to God, and which it is necessary to correct and sub due (Gen. vi:5; Job x:4; Is. xxxi:3; Matt. xvi: 17; Gal. i :16, etc.).
(3) Opposed to Soul. The word 'flesh' is op posed to nephesh, 'soul,' or 'spirit,' just as we oppose body and soul (Job xiv :22; Prov. xiv :3o; Is. x:18).
(4) Ordinary Sense. The ordinary senses of the word, namely, the flesh of men or beasts (Gen. xli :2, 19; Job xxxiii :25), and flesh as used for food (Exod. xvi :12 ; Lev. vii :19), are both suffi ciently obvious; and with respect to the latter see FOOD.
(5) General Term. The word 'flesh' is also used as a modest general term for the secret parts, in such passages as Gen. xvii:11; Lev. xii:3; Ezek. xxiii:2o; 2 Peter ii:lo; Jude 7. In Prov. v:11 the 'flesh of the intemperate' is described as being consumed by infamous diseases.