Definition and Meaning:
The term "rase" is an archaic English word meaning to demolish, destroy, or level to the ground. It is often used in the context of tearing down walls or buildings. In biblical literature, "rase" is typically associated with the destruction of cities or fortifications, symbolizing divine judgment or military conquest.

Biblical References:
The word "rase" appears in the context of divine judgment and military action. One notable instance is found in Psalm 137:7, where the psalmist recalls the Edomites' cry during the destruction of Jerusalem: "Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day Jerusalem fell: 'Tear it down,' they cried, 'tear it down to its foundations!'" . Here, "tear it down" is synonymous with "rase," indicating a complete and utter destruction.

Historical and Theological Context:
In the ancient Near East, the rasing of a city was a common practice during warfare. It served as a means of subjugating a conquered people and preventing future rebellion. Theologically, the rasing of cities in the Bible often signifies God's judgment against sin and rebellion. For example, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings due to the Israelites' persistent idolatry and disobedience.

Symbolism and Themes:
The act of rasing carries significant symbolic weight in biblical narratives. It represents the totality of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The destruction of physical structures often parallels the spiritual desolation experienced by those who reject God's covenant. Conversely, the rebuilding of what was razed can symbolize restoration and redemption, as seen in the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

Related Concepts:
· Divine Judgment: The rasing of cities is frequently depicted as an instrument of God's judgment against nations and peoples who oppose His will.
· Prophetic Fulfillment: Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel warned of the impending destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness.
· Restoration: Following judgment, the theme of restoration emerges, highlighting God's mercy and the hope of renewal for His people.

Cultural and Literary Impact:
The imagery of rasing has permeated literature and art, often symbolizing the fall of great powers and the transient nature of human achievements. In Christian theology, it serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over human history and the importance of aligning with His purposes.

Conclusion:
While the term "rase" may not be commonly used in contemporary language, its biblical significance remains profound. It encapsulates themes of judgment, destruction, and eventual restoration, reflecting the broader narrative of sin and redemption found throughout Scripture.1. (v. t.) To rub along the surface of; to graze.

2. (v. t.) To rub or scratch out; to erase.

3. (v. t.) To level with the ground; to overthrow; to destroy; to raze.

4. (v. i.) To be leveled with the ground; to fall; to suffer overthrow.

5. (n.) A scratching out, or erasure.

6. (n.) A slight wound; a scratch.

7. (n.) A way of measuring in which the commodity measured was made even with the top of the measuring vessel by raising, or striking off, all that was above it.

6168. arah -- to be naked or bare
... leave destitute, discover, empty, make naked, pour out, rase, spread self,
uncover. A primitive root; to be (causatively, make) bare ...
/hebrew/6168.htm - 6k

Whether Pride is the First Sin of All?
... Hence a gloss on Ps.136:7, "Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof," says
that "by heaping vice upon vice a man will lapse into unbelief," and the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride is the first.htm

The Possibility of Repentance is a Reason Why Baptism Should not ...
... it of all protection. To which case the words apply: "Rase it, rase it,
even to the foundations." [3156]. 106. And David, pitying ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi the possibility of.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... "Remember," saith he, "O Lord," forget not those "who said, Rase it, rase it, even
to the foundation thereof." Remember then, it means, that day wherein they ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm

The Faithfulness of God in his Promises.
... pen. 4 Engrav'd as in eternal brass, The mighty promise shines; Nor can
the powers of darkness rase Those everlasting lines.]. 5 ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 13125 the faithfulness of.htm

The Faithfulness of God in the Promises.
... Engraved as in eternal brass. The mighty promise shines; Nor can the powers of darkness
'rase. Those everlasting lines.]. [He that can dash whole worlds to death ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 69 the faithfulness of.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... out. Engraved as in eternal brass. The mighty promise shines; Nor shall
the powers of darkness rase. Those everlasting lines.". We ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Rase (1 Occurrence)
...Rase (1 Occurrence). Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the
day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. ...
/r/rase.htm - 7k

Foundations (49 Occurrences)
... Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem;
who said: 'Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.' (See RSV NIV). ...
/f/foundations.htm - 21k

Rash (18 Occurrences)

/r/rash.htm - 12k

Edomites (22 Occurrences)
... Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem;
who said: 'Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.' (See NIV). ...
/e/edomites.htm - 23k

Rascally (1 Occurrence)

/r/rascally.htm - 6k

Rase: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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