narcissus is intended. Chateaubriand mentions the narcissus as growing in the Plain of Sharon.
Roses are greatly prized in the East, more especially for the sake of the rose-water, which is much
request. Dr. Hooker observed seven species of wild roses in Syria.
Rosh
(Ezekiel 38:2,3; 39:1) probably a proper name, referring to the first of the three great Scythian
tribes of which Magog was the head.
(head). In the genealogy of (Genesis 46:21) Rosh is reckoned among the sons of Benjamin.
Rosin
Properly “naphtha,” as it is both in the LXX. and the Vulgate, as well as in the Peshito-Syriac.
Pliny mentions naphtha as a product of Babylonia, similar in appearance to liquid bitumen, and
having a remarkable affinity to fire.
Rubies
Concerning the meaning of the Hebrew words translated “rubies” there is much difference of
opinion. (Job 28:18) see also Prov 3:15; 8:11; 31:10 Some suppose “coral” to be in tended; others
“pearl,” supposing that the original word signifies merely “bright in color,” or “color of a reddish
tinge.” (The real ruby is a red sapphire, next in value to the diamond. The finest rubies are brought
chiefly from Ceylon and Burmah.)
Rue
occurs only in (Luke 11:42) The rue here spoken of is doubtless the common Ruta graveolens
a shrubby plant about two feet high, of strong medicinal virtues. It is a native of the Mediterranean
coasts, and has been found by Hasselquist on Mount Tabor. The Talmud enumerates rue amongst
kitchen herbs, and regards it as free of tithe as being a plant not cultivated in gardens. In our Lord’s
time however rue was doubtless a garden plant, and therefore tithable.
Rufus
(red) is mentioned in (Mark 15:21) as a son of Simon the Cyrenian. (Luke 23:26) (A.D. 29.)
Again, in (Romans 16:13) the apostle Paul salutes a Rufus whom he designates as “elect in the
Lord.” This Rufus was probably identical with the one to whom Mark refers.
Ruhamah, Or Ruhamah
(having obtained mercy). (Hosea 2:1) The name if name it be, is symbolical, and is addressed
to the DAUGHTERS of the people, to denote that they were still the objects of love and tender
compassion.
Rumah
(high), mentioned once only— (2 Kings 23:36) It has been conjectured to be the same place as
Arumah. (Judges 9:41) which was apparently near Shechem. It is more probable that it is identical
with Dumah. (Joshua 15:52)
Ruth
(a female friend) a Moabitish woman, the wife, first of Mahlon, second of Boaz, the ancestress
of David and Christ,and one of the four women who are named by St. Matthew in the genealogy
of Christ. A severe famine in the land of Judah induced Elimelech, a native of Bethlehem—ephratah,
to emigrate into the land of Moab, with his wife Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.
This was probably about the time of Gideon, B.C. 1250. At the end of ten years Naomi now left a
widow and childless, having heard that there was plenty again in Judah, resolved to return to
Bethlehem, and her daughter-in-law Ruth returned with her. They arrived at Bethlehem just at the
beginning of barley harvest, and Ruth, going out to glean, chanced to go into the field of wheat, a
frankie
(Frankie)
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