RODON (rei'don), (Gr. AbSov hron'tion, rose), occurs only in the Apocryphal books of Eccles iasticus and the Book of Wisdom.
In the English translation of the Hebrew Scrip tures 'rose' occurs also in the Song of Solomon (xi :r) and in Isaiah (xxxv :1) ; but in neither of these passages is there any proof that the word Chabbaczcleth ought to be so rendered. Indeed, by many the narcissus is thought to be intended. In the books of the Apocrypha. written in Greek, the word ii6Sov, rodon, may seem to indicate the same plant that it did among the Greeks, namely, the rose.
The rose was as highly esteemed among an cient, as it is among modern nations, if we may judge by the frequent references to it in the poets of antiquity. As we know that it continues to be the favorite flower of the Persians, and is much cultivated in Egypt, we might expect more frequent mention of some of its numerous species and varieties in the Jewish writings. This, how ever, is not the case, and probably arises from its being less common in a wild state in a compara tively dry and warm climate like that of Syria. It is, however, indigenous in some parts. Monro. as quoted by Kitto in the Physical History of Palestine, 'found in the valley of Baalbec, a creeping rose of a hright yellow color in full bloom, about the end of May. About the same time, on advancing towards Rama and Joppa from Jerusalem, the hills are found to be to a considerable extent covered with white and pink roses. The gardens of Rama itself abound in roses of a powerful fragrance.' Mariti, as stated by Roscnmiiller, found the greatest quantity of roses in the hamlet of St. John, in the desert of the same name. 'In this place the rose plants form small forests in the gardens. The greatest part of the roses reared there are brought to Jeru salem, where rose water is prepared from them, of which the scent is so very exquisite, that in every part of Lycia, and also in Cyprus, it is in request above all other rose waters.' Burckhardt
was struck with the number of rose trees which he found among the ruins of Bozra beyond the Jordan. That the rose was cultivated in Damas cus is well known. Indeed. one species is named Rosa Domasecna from being supposed to be in digcnous there. 'In the gardens of the city roses are still much cultivated. Monro says that in size they are inferior to our damask rose, and less perfect in form; but that their odor and color are far more rich. The only variety that exists in Damascus is a white rose, which appear; to belong to the same species, differing only in color' (Kitto, 4 c. p. 284). (See Rom) J. F. R.
ROE (ro), (Heb.
There is no doubt that the roe of the Scrip tures is the gazelle. Roes are found chiefly in Western Asia and Northern Africa, and are very common in Palestine, especially in the wilderness of Judma. They are the most beautiful and graceful, and the fleetest of all animals. They are small, slender, and of a sandy color, with a band of white down the face, and a white rump and abdomen.
The roe was considered a "clean" animal, and therefore its flesh was used for food (Dent. xii:15, 22 ; XiV :5 ; XV :22). King Solomon had roe's flesh on the royal table (1 Kings iv :23), with "harts, fallow deer, and fatted fowl." Their swiftness, grace, and gentleness are men tioned numerous times in the Scriptures. We find "as light of foot as a wild roc" (2 Sam. ii :t8), and "as swift as the roc upop the moun tains" (1 Chron. xii :8). Its timidity is referred to, "It shall be as the chased roc. and as a sheep that no man taketh up" (Is. xiii :14).
From the feminine of this word is derived the Hebrew female name "Tabitha," and the Greek "Dorcas" or "gazelle" (Acts ix :36). (Sec AN TELOPE.)