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(Hebrews tsaphon), a “hidden” or “dark place,” as opposed to the sunny south (Deuteronomy 3:27). A Hebrew in speaking of the points of the compass was considered as always having his face to the east, and hence “the left hand” (Genesis 14:15; Job 23:9) denotes the north. The “kingdoms of the north” are Chaldea, Assyria, Media, etc.

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