Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Drouth, more commonly spelled "drought," refers to a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. In biblical times, drouth was often seen as a divine judgment or a call to repentance. It was a significant concern for agrarian societies dependent on regular rainfall for crops and livestock. Biblical References: Drouth is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a tool used by God to discipline His people or to demonstrate His power. In the Old Testament, droughts are often depicted as consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commandments. 1. Deuteronomy 28:23-24 : "The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed." This passage is part of the curses for disobedience, illustrating how God would withhold rain as a form of judgment. 2. 1 Kings 17:1 : "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'" Here, the prophet Elijah announces a drought as a direct challenge to King Ahab and the worship of Baal, demonstrating the sovereignty of the God of Israel. 3. Jeremiah 14:1-4 : "This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: 'Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. Their jars return empty; they are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land; the farmers are dismayed and cover their heads.'" This passage describes the physical and emotional toll of drought on the people of Judah, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Theological Significance: Drouth in the Bible is often associated with themes of judgment, repentance, and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on divine provision and the consequences of turning away from God's statutes. The withholding of rain is a powerful symbol of God's control over nature and His ability to provide or withhold blessings based on the faithfulness of His people. Spiritual Lessons: 1. Dependence on God: Drouth teaches believers about the importance of relying on God for sustenance and provision. It underscores the reality that all creation is under God's control, and human efforts are futile without His blessing. 2. Call to Repentance: Droughts often serve as a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to examine their ways and return to God. The lack of rain is a tangible reminder of the spiritual dryness that can result from sin and disobedience. 3. Faith and Obedience: The accounts of drought in the Bible encourage believers to maintain faith and obedience even in difficult times. They highlight the importance of trusting in God's timing and provision, as seen in the account of Elijah, who was sustained by God during the drought. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the success of crops was directly tied to rainfall. Droughts could lead to famine, economic hardship, and social instability. The biblical narrative often uses drought as a backdrop to convey deeper spiritual truths and to demonstrate God's interaction with His people. Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide a systematic theology of drought, the recurring theme of drouth in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, the consequences of sin, and the need for repentance and faithfulness. Through these narratives, believers are encouraged to seek God's face and trust in His provision, even in times of scarcity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Same as Drought.Library Hosea and Joel. Prayer Born of Compassion Prayer and Trouble From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem. Putting God to Work Thesaurus Drouth (9 Occurrences)...Drouth (9 Occurrences). Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drouth consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from my eyes. (WBS). ... /d/drouth.htm - 9k Droughts (3 Occurrences) Snow-waters (1 Occurrence) Shades (29 Occurrences) Drove (89 Occurrences) Resources Drouth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Drouth (9 Occurrences)Genesis 31:40 Deuteronomy 8:15 Job 24:19 Psalms 32:4 Jeremiah 2:6 Jeremiah 17:8 Jeremiah 50:38 Hosea 13:5 Haggai 1:11 Subtopics Related Terms Money-changers (5 Occurrences) |