The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

rite attached to this deity assumes all manners of gross immoral rituals were conducted characteristic of fertility cults. This goddess was courted for her favor and protection in the earth and for bountiful harvests, fruitful conception, and easy childbirth. 1230. Ra/Re—Name of Egyptian solar god. 1231. Rahab—The name of the harlot who hid Joshua’s spies before Israel conquered Jericho. The woman was a temple prostitute, a ritual harlot whose name meant “stormy, arrogant, and of a proud spirit.” Rahab is also a symbolic name for Egypt and is synonymous with “a mythical sea monster—Egypt’s dragon.” Joshua 2:1; Psalm 87:4 and 89:10; Isaiah 51:9; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. See Ritual Harlot. 1232. Rain—Symbolic of heavenly downpours. Rain can signify blessings to ease drought and cause the growth of the earth’s produce, or judgment where its severity causes destruction. Gentle rain speaks to mercy, golden rain to the blessings of prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual manifestations. Rain symbols include thunderbolts, lightning, snakes and serpents, and the dragon, since they are credited with the wisdom and power over the weather and its elements. 1233. Rainbow—A symbol of the Creator’s covenant of perpetuity and prosperity with the earth. In early times it was the symbol of the goddess Iris whose inspiration behind prophecy gave its revelatory and utterance perspective. For this reason, rainbows were always seen as prophetic symbols and a signature of this goddess’ goodwill in the heavens. 1234. Ram—A) An animal that represents power and virility in procreation and war. Rams were offered to sun deities. B) In Egypt, Amun Ra the sun god. C) Rams represented many male deities, Baal, Zeus, and Apollo included. They symbolized hot-tempered obstinacy and ruthless confrontation. Like most of the animal deities of the day, fertility was always an objective. In Israel, the shofar is the ram’s horn, which they felt represented divine protection. Rams were offered as peace offerings in the installation of priests and kings. Leviticus 7:28–35 and 8:25–26. 1235. Ras Shamras—Another name for ancient Ugarit, where ancient religions, rituals, and prophetics were born and widely developed. It is located southwest of Antioch where Christ’s disciples were first called Christians. Ras Shamras was a great religious center where ancient Baal and Dagon were