Raca Term of reproach and hatred. Matt. 5:22.
Race A symbol of energy in Christian life and service. as illustrated by the Grecian contests. 1 Cor.
Rachel an ewe or sheep. Wife of Jacob, and mother of Benjamin, represented as weeping for the loss of her children when Herod killed all the infants of Bethlehem. Matt. 2:18. Jacob’s love for his two wives is a picture of the Jew (Rachel) first loved and sought by Christ, but Leah (the Gentile) first possessed. Name occurs about 48 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 29.
Rahab enlargement. Heb. 11:31; James 2:25. Referred to in the N.T. (a,) as an example of faith: she believed Israel was going to be victorious; (b,) as being justified, in her acts, on the principle of faith being proved by works. Called Rachab in Matthew 1:5. She is picture of faith in the word and work of Jehovah, securing immunity from judgment, and a place with God, and with His people. Name occurs about 8 times in the Scriptures. (Josh. 2)
Rain A symbol of blessing from heaven. Refreshing and fruitful. Psa. 84:6; Heb. 6:7; Deut. 32:2; James 5:7.
Rainbow Named in Genesis, when God made a promise concerning the earth, and not again until Ezekiel 1:28. The appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord includes the rainbow, Rev. 4:3; and with the mighty angel, Rev. 10:1. If God has to smite the earth, it will not be in violation of His promise; He has been faithful. Symbol of God’s covenant as to the earth.
Ram This clean animal was largely used in sacrifice. Ex. 29:26; Gen. 15:9. It was the consecration animal. Ex. 29 and Lev. 8. Its horns were formed into trumpets, Josh. 6, and its skin dyed red served as a covering for the tabernacle. Ex. 25:5, etc. A symbol of consecration. A symbol of Median and Persian power. Lev. 8:22; Dan. 8.
Rama Rachel was the mother of Benjamin, and Ramah was a town in Benjamin; but the children to be killed were in Bethlehem of Judah: still the two tribes were so united that the passage represents Rachel weeping for her children. In Jeremiah the weeping appears to be for the children of Ephraim; Rachel being the grandmother of Ephraim, they can also be called her children. Matt. 2:18; called in Jer. 31:15 Ramah. Rama is identified with Er-Ram, about 5½ miles north of Jerusalem.
Rams’ Horns A symbol of man’s weakness consecrated to the service of God. Josh. 6.
Rams’ Skins dyed Red A symbol of absolute devotedness and consecration to God. {vi 2201;2250}Ex. 25:5; 26:14.
Ranges ranks. 2 Kings 11:8.
Ransom The Lord Jesus gave His life a ransom for “many,” Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45; “for all,” 1 Tim. 2:6. God’s character has been fully glorified with regard to sin; the gospel goes out to all {see Redemption}.
Raven(s) This unclean bird is well known. The various characteristics ascribed to it and its general habits are true to the letter. Gen. 8:7; Job 38:41. God’s care in using this bird of prey to supply His servant and prophet Elijah with food, 1 Kings 17:6, and the Divine care in feeding even these most unclean of birds, Luke 12:24, are beautifully illustrative of God’s goodness towards and over all His creatures, for God feeds them, though they have no store-house.
Reason seemly. Acts 6:2.
Rebekah binding. The bride travelling through the wilderness to Christ on high, cheered and sustained by the comforts of the Holy Spirit. Name occurs about 31 Times in the Scriptures. Gen. 24.
Reconciliation καταλλαυή, from “to change, reconcile.” From being naturally enemies, believers are reconciled to God through the death of His Son. Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18. God has by the cross removed the distance. God was, in Christ when on earth, reconciling the world unto Himself; but alas! the world refused to be reconciled. His servants still go forth beseeching men to be reconciled to God. {vi 28897-28898}2 Cor. 5:19-20. The enmity is in man alone. Christ abolished the law, that Jew and Gentile might be reconciled, and one new man be formed. {vi 29245-29246}Eph. 2:15-16. Christ, having made peace by the blood of the cross, God will by Him reconcile unto Himself all things in heaven and on earth. Col. 1:20. In contrast see Philippians 2:10, where “under the earth” is added. Reconciliation is the effect of the work of the cross, applied to persons and things in bringing them back to God. Believers are already reconciled, 2 Cor. 5:18, and all things in heaven and on earth will be reconciled. This reconciliation of persons and things is presented as the fruit of atonement in Leviticus 16. Scripture gives no countenance to the thought common to many, either that God has to be reconciled or is reconciled. God did not depart from man, hence needed not to be reconciled. To say that the death of Jesus turned the heart of God to man, is to deny the truth of that magnificent declaration contained in John 3:16, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” He “loved,” therefore He “gave”; not “gave” in order to love. The reconciliation of man to God is the blessed character of God’s present ministry towards the world. {vi 28896-28898}2 Cor. 5:18-20. It is important to distinguish between the reconciliation of persons and things; the former is a present blessing, the latter is millennial blessing. “All things” will be brought back to God, but not “all persons,” {vi 29486-29487}Col. 1:20-21. Universal subjection to Christ of all in heaven, earth, and hell (Phil. 2:10) is certainly more wide in its range and extent than all things in heaven and earth reconciled. The Colossian passage teaches the future reconciliation of things contained in heaven and earth; while the Philippian Scripture shows the future subjection of heaven, earth, and hell’s inhabitants to Christ.
Record to celebrate. 1 Chron. 16:4.
Red Sea The well-known sea on the east of northern Africa. Its southern extremity opens into the Indian Ocean, and from thence it runs N.N.W. for about 1,400 miles. Near its northern extremity it divides into the Gulf of Suez on the west, in length about 200 miles, and the Gulf of Akaba to the east, 140 miles long. It was, as far as is known, the Gulf of Suez that the Israelites crossed, near its northern extremity. Acts 7:36; Heb. 11:29.
Red A symbol of judgment; bloodshed. Isa. 63:2; Zech. 1:8; Rev. 6:4.
Redemption
1. λύτρωσις, άπολ, from to “loose from, redeem.” Redemption is by the precious blood of Christ, Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; {vi 30393-30394}1 Peter 1:18-19; it is eternal, Heb. 9:12. Christ is made unto us redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30. It is also viewed as future, for we are not yet taken home. Rom. 8:23; {vi 29221;29303}Eph. 1:14; 4:30.
2. έξαγορἀζω, “to buy out of, redeem.” Christ redeemed those that were under the law, being made a curse for them. {vi 29116;29137}Gal. 3:13; 4:5. We are called to redeem the time, seize every good opportunity. Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5; see also Dan. 2:8. In Revelation 5:9; 14: 3-4 the word is ἀγορἀζω, which signifies “to buy,” and is so translated in every other passage. The difference is important in some passages: for instance, the wicked deny the Lord that “bought” them, in 2 Peter 2:1, where we could not say “redeemed,” which implies that that which is “bought” is claimed and taken home. Those referred to in Revelation 5:9 are also redeemed. All were bought, but only believers are redeemed.
3. By purchase you change masters. We belonged to Satan — were his slaves, and doing his will, {vi 29232-29233}Eph. 2:2-3, now by purchase we belong to God, are His willing slaves, and gladly do His will. Rom. 6:22. Redemption gives freedom, an entire change of state. The believer is no longer “in the flesh,” Rom. 7:5), although the flesh may be in him, Rom. 7:23 — a totally different thing. The change of position and state — from Adam to Christ, from the flesh to the Spirit — is true in God’s sight, and is so presented, as doctrine and truth for the saint to make practically his own, and in this sense he is already redeemed. The soul is redeemed, but not the body, for that we wait, Rom. 8:23. Redemption in its fullest extent for Israel, creation, and the Church, is yet future. The right to redeem is founded on the blood of the Lamb, and the power to effect it on the glorious person of the Redeemer.
Reed A symbol of inconstancy; weakness. Isa. 36:6; Matt. 11:7; 2 Kings 18:21.
Regeneration παλιγγενεσία, the “renovation of things,” hence “restoration,” Matt. 19:28. In Titus 3:5 we are cleansed in connection with the new order of things into which we are brought. In Scripture regeneration has not the sense of new birth. Heb. 9:10. The ordinances of the Jewish ritual were to be observed until the time of “setting things right” by the coming and work of Christ. This word occurs but twice in the New Testament. In Matt. 19:28 it is applied to the new state of things, commonly termed the millennium. In Titus 3:5 it is used to describe the believer’s new place on earth, as patterned in baptism. It is almost universally regarded as equivalent to the new birth, but it is not so in Scripture. Regeneration is an objective state or condition, while the new birth is the expression of an inward and subjective state. “The washing of regeneration” can be discerned by the eye of man, as it is an outward change; “the renewing of the Holy Ghost” can alone be seen by God, as it is an internal condition.
Rehoboam enlargement of the people. He reigned seventeen years over Judah. For the first three years of this monarch’s reign, both prince and people walked in the ways of David and Solomon; afterward, however, the land became filled with Sodomite wickedness and idolatry. 2 Chron. 12.
Reins
Reins “the kidneys,” Christ searcheth the most secret thoughts and affections (see also Psa. 7:9). Symbol of inward thoughts and feelings. Rev. 2:23; Psa. 16:7. A symbol of inward thoughts and feelings. Psa. 26:2; Jer. 20:12.
Religion, Religious In Acts 26:5 it is “sect of our [the Jews’] religion.” In {vi 30293-30294}James 1:26-27, practical religion is defined. In Acts 13:43 JnD, it is “worshipping proselytes.”
Remission {See Forgiveness.}
Remnant Especially applied to the Jews. It was prophesied that a remnant should be saved, Rom. 9:27, and a remnant were being saved by the election of grace when the apostle wrote, Rom. 11:5. There will be a future remnant with whom Satan will make war. Rev. 12:17.
Remphan Acts 7:43. This is a quotation from Amos 5:26 in the LXX. In the Hebrew it reads “Chiun,” instead of Remphan. What god is alluded to is not known.
Repentance It is a change of mind Godward that leads to a judgment of self and one’s acts. {vi 23195;23393;23856;23859;24133}Matt. 3:2; 9:13; 21:29,32; 27:3; Luke 15:7; Acts 20:21; Rom. 2:4; {vi 28926-28927}2 Cor. 7:9-10; {vi 30046;30051}Heb. 6:1,6, etc. Repentance also refers to a change of thought and action, where there is no evil to repent of. Rom. 11:29; 2 Cor. 7:8; Heb. 7:21.
Repentance in the Old Testament, when spoken of God, signifies a change of action or dealing; but in the New Testament there are but two instances in which repentance is directly spoken of in regard to God, and in both cases the unchangeableness of His action is declared, Rom. 11:29; Heb. 7:21. What a stay to the heart! Repentance is a Divine gift, Acts 11:18; is preceded by godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7:10, in view of the goodness of God, Rom. 2:4; is unto life, and without recall.
Repent and be converted. Acts 3:19.
Repent and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:15.
Repent and be baptized. Acts 2:38.
Repent and turn to God. Acts 26:20.
Repentance and remission of sins. Luke 24:47.
Repentance and faith. Acts 20:21.
Repentance is not godly sorrow. 2 Cor. 7:10.
These Scriptures show the importance which “repentance” occupied in the preaching of the apostles. Alas! that it should be to such an extent overlooked in modern preaching and in evangelistic work generally. Where repentance is not pressed upon the hearers, solid results cannot be expected.
If repentance is not conversion, nor baptism, nor faith, nor godly sorrow, as these and other Scriptures clearly show, what is it? Spite of its etymological signification, change of mind, it carries with it a deeper thought in the Scriptures of truth. It refers to the moral judgment of self, my state and ways, and that too in presence of the goodness of God. It is the thorough wakening up of the conscience to the reality of what sin is, and that in presence of infinite love and grace. Repentance is a deep soul-searching process, most needful to insist upon in these days, where the conscience is but feebly addressed.
Reprobate Disapproved, rejected, that which will not stand testing, Rom. 1:28; {vi 29049-29051}2 Cor. 13:5-7; 2 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:16; also translated “rejected,” Heb. 6:8; and “castaway,” 1 Cor. 9:27.
Rest Applied to those that labour and are heavy laden under a sense of their sins; if such go to Christ they will find rest — rest of conscience. Matt. 11:28. Also to the saint: if he takes Christ’s yoke, and learns from Him, he will find rest unto his soul, heart-rest. Matt. 11:29. Also to the body of the saint as a future thing, when he will cease from work. {vi 30024-30025}Heb. 4:9-10. In contrast, those who bow to the beast and his image will have “no rest” from their torment day nor night forever and ever! Rev. 14:11.
Restitution The restoration to Israel of all things spoken by the prophets, Acts 3:21. Matthew 17:11 speaks of Elias coming and “restoring” all things, which does not include the wicked, see Colossians 1:20, where the words “under the earth” are omitted.
Resurrection The fundamental importance of the resurrection is proved in 1 Cor 15, yet it was denied by some, 1 Cor. 15:12. Later on some held that the resurrection had already passed. 2 Tim. 2:18. We do not find the expression, “a general resurrection”; on the contrary, it is expressly said “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:16. John also speaks of the first resurrection; and adds “the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” {vi 31044-31045}Rev. 20:5-6. When Lazarus lay dead, the Lord declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life,” and He raised the dead one to life. John 11:25.
Reward Rewards are spoken of from Matthew to Revelation, in various connections. Matt. 10:42; {vi 25169-25170;25182}Luke 6:22-23,35. He who labours in the Lord’s vineyard, if his work abide, will receive his reward. {vi 28419;28425}1 Cor. 3:8,14. John was anxious, when evil had come in, that nothing should be given up, and that he might have “a full reward.” 2 John 8. The Lord Jesus, in closing the Revelation, says, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.
Rhegium A city on the coast of Italy, near its S.W. extremity. Paul’s ship waited there one day for a favourable wind. The place is now called Reggio, and is the capital of Calabria. Acts 28:13.
Rhodes An island lying near the S.W. corner of Asia Minor: once a place of renown, but from wars and other causes is reduced to poverty, as other places under Turkish rule. Acts 21:1.
Righteousness The question of righteousness, and how man can be just with God is fully discussed in the Epistle to the Romans. The righteousness of God (God acting in consistency with Himself) stands in direct contrast to the unrighteousness of men. {vi 27948-27949}Rom. 1:17-18) The righteousness of God is, by faith of Jesus, upon all them that believe. Rom. 3:22. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness: so that the faith of the believer is counted for righteousness, altogether apart from works. {vi 28026;28028}Rom. 4:3,5. Christ was made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21. Christ Jesus is made unto us righteousness. 1 Cor. 1:30.
Righteousness of God The righteousness of God is a term peculiar to and characteristic of Paul’s epistles. It is not imputable, neither is it the law-keeping of Jesus. “The imputed righteousness of Christ” is unscriptural both in thought and language. It is granted that righteousness is imputed (Rom. 4), but that is not said of the righteousness of God. It is righteousness of which God is the source, altogether Divine in its quality and character. It is towards man from God, and on the ground of the work of the Lord Jesus. It is essential to the understanding of this expressive and beautiful term to note that it is altogether apart from the law, Rom. 3:21 — irrespective of it, although witnessed to by the law and the prophets. The righteousness of God and a legal righteousness by the perfect law-keeping or obedience of Christ, instead of being synonymous as in modern systems of theology, are expressly contrasted in the Roman and Galatian Epistles.
Ring
1. A symbol of honour.
2. A symbol of royal authority.
3. A symbol of love and relationship. Gen. 41:42; Esther 8:8; Luke 15:22.
Riot dissoluteness. Titus. 1:6.
River A symbol of streams of spiritual blessing. John 7:38; Psa. 65:9; {vi 31082-31083}Rev. 22:1-2.
Road raid. 1 Sam. 27:10.
Roast A symbol of thoroughness of the judgment of God. Ex. 12; 2 Chron. 35:13.
Robe, best A symbol of Christ risen, our righteousness in the Divine presence. Luke 15:22.
Rock He who heard the sayings of the Lord, and did them is compared to a man who built a house on the rock, which no storms or floods could shake. {vi 23341-23342}Matt. 7:24-25; Luke 6:48. The nature of man is compared to a rock, on which some of the seed of the gospel falls. {vi 25252;25259}Luke 8:6,13. The Lord said, “Thou art Peter [πέτρος], and upon this rock [πέτρα] I will build My church.” The rock was what Peter confessed, Christ Himself, the Son of the living God. Matt. 16:16-18: see {vi 28422;28572}1 Cor. 3:11; 10:4. A symbol of firm, immovable foundation. Psa. 31:2; {vi 23341-23342;23691}Matt. 7:24-25; 16:18.
Rod
1. A symbol of authority and power displayed in chastening or judgment. Psa. 2:9; Isa. 10:5; 1 Cor. 4:21; Rev. 2:27.
2. A symbol of grace bestowed. Psa. 23:4; Heb. 9:4.
3. A symbol of a tribe or people. Psa. 74:2.
Roe This clean animal, whose flesh was ever a delicacy, is one of the most beautiful of horned animals. The roebuck or gazelle, for they are identical, is still found in Israel, and the sacred writers frequently refer to the beauty, swiftness, elegance, and other traits of this species of deer. Song of Sol. 2:7; Deut. 12:15.
Rome The well-known chief city of Italy. It is only mentioned in the N.T. by name as the seat of the Roman Empire. {vi 26960;27560;27746;27916}Acts 2:10; 18:2; 23:11; 28:16; {vi 27938;27946}Rom. 1:7,15. But it is also referred to as the head of apostate Christendom, see Rev. 17.
Rose of Sharon is twice referred to in Scripture – Isa. 35 and Song of Sol. 2:1. What particular flower is indicated by the “Rose” and “Lily” cannot be determined. Beauty and fragrance are however characteristics of the Israel roses. It is a symbol of the Spouse in her fragrance and beauty.
Rue a medicinal plant is a plant mentioned only in the New Testament, and has long been used as a disinfectant in fevers.
Rufus
1. Son of Simon, a Cyrenian, who bore the cross of the Lord. Mark 15:21.
2. A Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent a salutation, to which he adds “and his mother and mine,” no doubt as the literal mother of Rufus, and as one who had been practically a mother to Paul. Rom. 16:13.
Ruler
1. ἄοχων, any “chief man,” Rom. 13:3.
2. ἡγεμών, PRETOR (as above), Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12.
3. πολιτάοχης, “head or ruler of the citizens,” a Politarch, {vi 27530-27532}Acts 17:6-8.
Ruth beauty. Israel taken up in the future, on the ground of sovereign grace alone, figured by Ruth, a Moabitess, in herself utterly destitute of right to blessing. Deut. 23:3. Name occurs about 13 times in the Scriptures. Ruth 1.
Rye was both an Egyptian and Palestinian cereal.