Dew: A Merciful Providence
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In the biblical context, dew is often portrayed as a symbol of divine blessing and providence. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs when moisture in the air condenses into tiny droplets, typically seen in the early morning. In the arid regions of the Near East, where the Bible was written, dew was a crucial source of moisture for plants and crops, especially during dry seasons when rain was scarce. Thus, dew is frequently associated with God's provision and care for His creation.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Genesis 27:28 · In the blessing of Jacob by Isaac, dew is mentioned as a sign of prosperity and divine favor: "May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine." Here, dew represents the sustenance and fertility that God provides, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of His people.

2. Deuteronomy 33:13 · In Moses' blessing over the tribes of Israel, he speaks of Joseph's land being blessed "with the dew of heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath." This highlights the dual nature of God's provision, both from above and below, ensuring the fertility and productivity of the land.

3. Hosea 14:5 · Dew is used metaphorically to describe God's restorative power: "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon." In this passage, dew symbolizes God's mercy and the renewal of His people, leading to spiritual growth and flourishing.

4. Proverbs 19:12 · The favor of a king is likened to dew: "A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." This comparison underscores the refreshing and life-giving nature of dew, akin to the benevolent and gracious rule of a just king.

Theological Implications

Dew, as a symbol of God's merciful providence, reflects the consistent theme of divine care throughout Scripture. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for the needs of His people, even in times of scarcity. The regular appearance of dew, despite the absence of rain, illustrates God's ability to sustain life in unexpected ways.

In a spiritual sense, dew represents the gentle and quiet workings of God's grace in the lives of believers. Just as dew forms silently and unnoticed, God's grace often operates in subtle ways, bringing refreshment and renewal to the soul. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to recognize His hand in the everyday blessings of life.

Practical Applications

For the faithful, the concept of dew as a merciful providence encourages a posture of gratitude and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder to seek God's provision in prayer and to trust in His timing and methods. Additionally, it calls believers to recognize and appreciate the small, often overlooked blessings that God provides daily.

In agricultural societies, dew's role as a vital source of moisture underscores the importance of stewardship and care for the environment. It highlights the interconnectedness of creation and the responsibility of humanity to preserve and protect the natural resources that God has graciously provided.

In summary, dew in the Bible is a powerful symbol of God's merciful providence, reflecting His ongoing care and provision for His creation. Through its presence, believers are reminded of the sustaining grace of God and the assurance of His faithful provision.
Nave's Topical Index
Deuteronomy 33:13
And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter xix. (AD 390. )
... be rejected, I would have you know that these things have fallen as dew from the ...
And surely the merciful providence of our God can in no wise permit a man so ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xix a d 390.htm

November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ...
... Unless a merciful Providence intervenes, she will marry Florian Varillo,"and no
doubt he ... where one or two diamonds flashed like drops of dew,"and Aubrey ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvi november was now drawing.htm

Vision First. Against Filthy and Proud Thoughts, and the ...
... and his grace will be in heaven, and he will have the Lord merciful in every ... [49]
By His own wisdom and providence. ... [Scripture is here distilled like the dew. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/vision first against filthy and.htm

The Unknown To-Morrow
... I need not remind you how merciful and good it is ... The Spirit of God is the true
Interpreter of Providence. ... hear 'the sweep of scythe in morning dew,' and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the unknown to-morrow.htm

De Profundis.
... fortune,""but which is really the wise providence and loving ... a condemning judge,
and not a merciful Father; and ... His word is like the rain and dew, which fall ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxiii de profundis.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... When I listened to that interesting record and sketch of the history of your church,
so fostered by a merciful providence and by a Saviour's care, I could not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The General Service to a Prophet.
... up my life from corruption, O Greatly merciful One. ... Unto the pious hast Thou made
dew out of the ... thou hast mystically learned the ways of providence and hast ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter vii the general service.htm

Turn or Burn
... if he were not just; he could not be merciful if he ... tear that is dried more easily
than the dew-drop by ... the next world; I could not account for providence if I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... This fructifying dew was associated with the coming of the Messiah, for I saw ... I saw
this blessing withdrawn by God's merciful providence from Adam when he was ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... than to behold iniquity; and yet merciful, gracious, and ... to those outward things,
whereto the providence of God ... goodness was but as the morning dew, and they ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 24 upon our lords.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of 1 Kings - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org

What are some of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Dew: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Dew

Dew in the Night

Dew: A Merciful Providence

Dew: Absence of

Dew: Called the Dew of Heaven

Dew: Figurative

Dew: Forms Imperceptibly

Dew: from the Clouds

Dew: Miraculous Profusion and Absence of

Related Terms

Fleece (6 Occurrences)

Drenched (11 Occurrences)

Frost (9 Occurrences)

Wet (25 Occurrences)

Drought (20 Occurrences)

Roots (31 Occurrences)

Drops (27 Occurrences)

Wool (34 Occurrences)

Mist (17 Occurrences)

Dropping (33 Occurrences)

Bathed (45 Occurrences)

Manna (19 Occurrences)

Drop (32 Occurrences)

Hermon (16 Occurrences)

Layer (4 Occurrences)

Willeth (14 Occurrences)

Fatness (17 Occurrences)

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)

Rissah (2 Occurrences)

Richness (4 Occurrences)

Earth's (9 Occurrences)

Disappears (4 Occurrences)

Dwellers (12 Occurrences)

Distil (5 Occurrences)

Descendeth (3 Occurrences)

Periods (8 Occurrences)

Bestows (7 Occurrences)

Corpses (16 Occurrences)

Causest (25 Occurrences)

Awaking (24 Occurrences)

Abital (2 Occurrences)

Shades (29 Occurrences)

Stump (7 Occurrences)

Showers (20 Occurrences)

Grass (92 Occurrences)

Descending (23 Occurrences)

Hoarfrost (3 Occurrences)

Realm (23 Occurrences)

Hamutal (3 Occurrences)

Quail (5 Occurrences)

Mankind (80 Occurrences)

Fat (150 Occurrences)

Dawn (70 Occurrences)

Wake (34 Occurrences)

Awake (83 Occurrences)

Dry (217 Occurrences)

Rain (118 Occurrences)

Diadem (9 Occurrences)

Crops (48 Occurrences)

Rephaim (32 Occurrences)

Tender (66 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Floor (69 Occurrences)

Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences)

Covered (325 Occurrences)

Falls (79 Occurrences)

Triumph (52 Occurrences)

Descended (64 Occurrences)

Herbs (24 Occurrences)

Herb (46 Occurrences)

Corn (107 Occurrences)

Plants (70 Occurrences)

Lying (203 Occurrences)

Places (610 Occurrences)

Tents (284 Occurrences)

Threshing (57 Occurrences)

Kingdoms (65 Occurrences)

Root (54 Occurrences)

Shout (114 Occurrences)

Yield (78 Occurrences)

Ahab (85 Occurrences)

Quails (4 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Volunteer (2 Occurrences)

Vilely (2 Occurrences)

Knocks (5 Occurrences)

Knocketh (4 Occurrences)

Knocking (9 Occurrences)

Dew in the Night
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