OPHLIAS, or Oblias. This is a Name that was given to St. James Minor. Eusebius, Epiphanius, the false Abdias1, Nicephorus, read Oblias; others Joblias, others Ophlias. The Learned are not agreed about the Signification of the Word. Some would have it read Hosleam2, the Strength of the People. Others3 Hapleam, the Tow-er of the People. Others4 Chablia, the Pilate of the People. I conceive that Ophlia was the real Name given to this holy Apostle. The Grecians have put B instead of ph, because in their Tongue B is pronounced with an Aspiration, pretty much like a φ. In Michah iv. 8. there is Mention made of Ophel. Et tu turris gregis nebulosa filiæ Sion. The Hebrew is, Et tu turris gregis, Ophel filiæ Sion. Ophel is spoke of, 2 Chron. xxxiii. 14. as of a Part of the Walls of Jerusalem. The Nethinims had their Dwelling there, as it appears from Nehem. iii. 26. Ophlia literally signifies, the Eminency or Fortress of God; and Ophelam, the Fortress of the People. See OPHEL.
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