some length, or perhaps a bunch of hyssop twigs fastened to a rod with
the sponge. (See CANE.)
- REFINER The process of refining metals is referred to by way of
illustrations in Isaiah 1:25; Jeremiah 6:29; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2, 3. - REFUGE, CITIES OF were six in number (Numbers 35). 1. On the west
of Jordan were (1) Kadesh, in Naphtali; (2) Shechem, in Mount Ephraim;
(3) Hebron, in Judah. 2. On the east of Jordan were, (1) Golan, in Bashan;
(2) Ramoth-Gilead, in Gad; and (3) Bezer, in Reuben. (See under each of
these names.) - REGEM-MELECH friend of the king, one of the two messengers sent by
the exiled Jews to Jerusalem in the time of Darius (Zechariah 7:2) to make
inquiries at the temple. - REGENERATION only found in Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5. This
word literally means a “new birth.” The Greek word so rendered
(palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes
produced by the return of spring. In Matthew 19:28 the word is equivalent
to the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21). In Titus 3:5 it denotes that
change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from death to life (1 John
3:14); becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17); being
born again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2); a resurrection
from the dead (Ephesians 2:6); a being quickened (2:1, 5).
This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. It originates not with man but
with God (John 1:12, 13; 1 John 2:29; 5:1, 4).
As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a new
principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual life to
those who are by nature “dead in trespasses and sins.”
The necessity of such a change is emphatically affirmed in Scripture (John
3:3; Romans 7:18; 8:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1; 4:21-24).
- REHABIAH enlargement of the Lord, the son of Eliezer, and grandson of
Moses (1 Chronicles 23:17; 24:21). - REHOB street; broad place. (1.) The father of Hadadezer, king of Tobah
(2 Samuel 8:3, 12).
(2.) Nehemiah 10:11.