PRINCE (prince), (Heb. na-sik'), the translation of several Hebrew and Greek words.
1. The fathers who were the heads of the tribes (Exod. xxxiv :31 ; xxxv :27).
2. Princes of provinces (1 Kings xx:14).
3. Princes mentioned in Dan. vi :I (see Esth. i : 1) who were succeeded by the officers of Darius Hystaspis.
4. A prince in general is one who, whether as the son of a king or otherwise, is possessed of high rule and authority. (1) When the Hebrews came out of Egypt, they had twelve princes, as referred to above, to govern their twelve tribes. These princes, on twelve several days, offered their oblations for the dedication of the taber nacle. The offering of each was one silver charger of 13o shekels weight, one silver bowl of 7o shekels, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil, for a meat-offering ; one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense ; one bullock, one ram, and one lamb, for a meat-offering; one kid for a sin-offering; and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and as many lambs, for a peace-offering (Num. i :5-16; vii :12-89). (2) Ten princes of the congregation, along with Joshua and Elcazar, were appointed to divide the land of Canaan west ward of Jordan (Num. xxxiv:i7-I9). David had twelve princes, who commanded the standing militia in their respective months; and Solomon had twelve princes, who provided for his family. (3) David's princes contributed largely towards the expenses of building the temple. Jehoshaphat's were active in reforming the country; and those of Joash active in corrupting it with idolatry. Hezekiah's princes were active in his reforma tion, and gave to the people for offerings at the solemn passover, L000 bullocks and io,000 sheep. Josiah's princes did much the same (1 Citron. xxix :6-8; 2 Chron. xvii, xix, xxiv:17, 18; xxx, xxxiv, xxxv). After Josiah's death, some of the princes were furious persecutors of Jeremiah and other prophets; and some of them were not (Jer.
xxvi, xxxvi-xxxviii).
Figurative. (I) The " princes '' and " thou sands of Judah" denote the same thing, the gov ernor being put for the governed, or whole body (Mic. v:2; Matt. ii:6). (2) God is called the "Prince of the host," and "Prince of princes ;" he rules over all, and in a peculiar manner was the governor of the Jewish nation (Dan. viii :1 t, 25). (3) Jesus Christ is the "Prince of the kings of the earth ;" in his person he surpasseth every creature in excellency; and he bestows rule and authority on men as he sees meet (Rev. i :5). (4) He is the "Prince of life:" as God, he is the au thor and disposer of all life, temporal, spiritual, and eternal ; as Mediator, he purchases, bestows, and brings men to everlasting happiness (Acts iii:15). (5) He is the "Prince of peace ;" he is the "God of peace ;" he purchased peace between God and men ; made peace between Jews and Gentiles; he left peace to his disciples and people; and he governs his church in the most peaceable manner (Is. ix :6). (6) Angels are called "chief princes," and "principalities ;" how excellent their nature! how high their station! and how great their influence in ruling the world! (Dan. x :13). (7) The devil is called a "principality," the "prince of this world," and of the power of the air; he is the head of such angels as rove about in the air to do mischief (John xii :3i ; Eph. 2). (8) The apostles, ministers, and saints, are called "princes:" spiritually descended from, and authorized by Jesus, the King of saints, and who is over his holy hill of Zion : how dignified their state, and how great their influence on the gov ernment of the world, especially in what relates to the church! (Ps. xlv :16). (9) TheHebrew priests are called the "princes of the sanctuary," because they ruled in and managed the affairs of it (Is. xliii :28).