“crystal” in Ezekiel 1:22. “At the present day frost is entirely unknown in
the lower portions of the valley of the Jordan, but slight frosts are
sometimes felt on the sea-coast and near Lebanon.” Throughout Western
Asia cold frosty nights are frequently succeeded by warm days.
“Hoar frost” (Hebrews kephor, so called from its covering the ground) is
mentioned in Exodus 16:14; Job 38:29; Psalm 147:16.
In Psalm 78:47 the word rendered “frost” (R.V. marg., “great hail-stones”),
hanamal, occurs only there. It is rendered by Gesenius, the Hebrew
lexicographer, “ant,” and so also by others, but the usual interpretation
derived from the ancient versions may be maintained.
- FRUIT a word as used in Scripture denoting produce in general, whether
vegetable or animal. The Hebrews divided the fruits of the land into three
classes:,
(1.) The fruit of the field, “corn-fruit” (Hebrews dagan); all kinds of grain
and pulse.
(2.) The fruit of the vine, “vintage-fruit” (Hebrews tirosh); grapes, whether
moist or dried.
(3.) “Orchard-fruits” (Hebrews yitshar), as dates, figs, citrons, etc.
Injunctions concerning offerings and tithes were expressed by these
Hebrew terms alone (Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 14:23). This word
“fruit” is also used of children or offspring (Genesis 30:2; Deuteronomy
7:13; Luke 1:42; Psalm 21:10; 132:11); also of the progeny of beasts
(Deuteronomy 28:51; Isaiah 14:29).
It is used metaphorically in a variety of forms (Psalm 104:13; Proverbs
1:31; 11:30; 31:16; Isaiah 3:10; 10:12; Matthew 3:8; 21:41; 26:29;
Hebrews 13:15; Romans 7:4, 5; 15:28).
The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; James 3:17, 18)
are those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in
those in whom he dwells and works.
- FRYING-PAN (Hebrews marhesheth, a “boiler”), a pot for boiling meat
(Leviticus 2:7; 7:9). - FUEL Almost every kind of combustible matter was used for fuel, such as
the withered stalks of herbs (Matthew 6:30), thorns (Psalm 58:9;