- RAINBOW caused by the reflection and refraction of the rays of the sun
shining on falling rain. It was appointed as a witness of the divine
faithfulness (Genesis 9:12-17). It existed indeed before, but it was then
constituted as a sign of the covenant. Others, however (as Delitzsch,
Commentary on Pentateuch), think that it “appeared then for the first time
in the vault and clouds of heaven.” It is argued by those holding this
opinion that the atmosphere was differently constituted before the Flood.
It is referred to three other times in Scripture (Ezekiel 1:27, 28; Revelation
4:1-3; 10:1). - RAISINS dried grapes; mentioned 1 Samuel 25:18; 30:12; 2 Samuel 16:1;
1 Chronicles 12:40. - RAKKATH shore-town, a “fenced city” of the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua
19:35). The old name of Tiberias, according to the Rabbins. - RAKKON a place upon the shore, a town belonging to Dan (Joshua
19:46). It is now Tell er-Rakkeit, 6 miles north of Joppa, on the sea-shore,
near the mouth of the river ‘Aujeh, i.e., “yellow water.” (See KANAH.) - RAM exalted. (1.) The son of Hezron, and one of the ancestors of the
royal line (Ruth 4:19). The margin of 1 Chronicles 2:9, also Matthew 1:3,
4 and Luke 3:33, have “Aram.”
(2.) One of the sons of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:25, 27).
(3.) A person mentioned in Job 32:2 as founder of a clan to which Elihu
belonged. The same as Aram of Genesis 22:21.