Topical Bible: Dew: Called the Dew of Heaven

◄ Dew: Called the Dew of Heaven ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Dew, often referred to as the "Dew of Heaven," holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, dew was a vital source of moisture, sustaining life in regions where rainfall was scarce. This natural phenomenon is frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing divine blessing, favor, and the sustenance provided by God.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Divine Blessing and Favor: Dew is often associated with God's blessing and favor. In Genesis 27:28, Isaac blesses Jacob, saying, "May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine." Here, dew symbolizes the prosperity and abundance that come from God's hand.

2. Sustenance and Provision: Dew is depicted as a source of sustenance, reflecting God's provision for His people. In Deuteronomy 33:28, Moses blesses the tribes of Israel, stating, "So Israel dwells securely, the fountain of Jacob alone, in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew." This imagery underscores the idea of dew as a life-giving force, ensuring the fertility of the land.

3. Renewal and Refreshment: Dew is also a symbol of renewal and refreshment. In Hosea 14:5, God promises, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon." This metaphor highlights the rejuvenating power of God's presence, bringing new life and growth to His people.

4. Gentle and Subtle Influence: The gentle and subtle nature of dew is used to illustrate the quiet yet profound influence of God's word and wisdom. Proverbs 19:12 states, "A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." This contrast emphasizes the calming and beneficial effect of divine favor, akin to the refreshing presence of dew.

5. Judgment and Withholding of Blessing: Conversely, the absence of dew can signify judgment or the withholding of God's blessing. In Haggai 1:10-11, the prophet declares, "Therefore, because of you, the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have summoned a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, and whatever the ground yields, on man and beast, and on all the labor of your hands." This passage serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and neglect of God's commands.

Cultural and Agricultural Context

In the agricultural context of ancient Israel, dew was crucial for the survival of crops, especially during the dry season. The reliance on dew for moisture highlights the dependence of the people on God's provision. The regular appearance of dew each morning was a reminder of God's faithfulness and care for His creation.

Theological Implications

The concept of dew as the "Dew of Heaven" carries deep theological implications, reflecting the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a metaphor for the grace and mercy that God bestows upon His followers, sustaining them spiritually and physically. Dew's presence in the biblical text invites believers to recognize and appreciate the subtle yet profound ways in which God nurtures and blesses His creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 4:15
Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. The Formation and ...
... and being opened receives into itself the dew of heaven; when it ... but if at any time
it receives dew darkened, or ... so as to form what are called "physemata." And ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/7 the parable of the.htm

Of the Double Heaven, --The visible, and the Heaven of Heavens.
... earth; yea, each of these great bodies is not absurdly called earth, as ... the earth,
as when we say, "the birds of heaven" (Jeremiah 4:25), "the dew of heaven ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii of the double heaventhe.htm

The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The
... and their daughters shall prophesy." [817] This is that typical dew from heaven,
this is ... concupiscence, which has the nature of sin, and is called sin by ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the choice of gideon was.htm

The Master of the Magicians.
... and let it be wet with the dew of heaven ... Daniel, named by the king Belteshazzar,
was called to interpret ... greatness is grown and reacheth unto heaven, and thy ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxii the master of.htm

Psalm CXXXIII.
... but not many hearts; can rightly be called Monos, that is ... buried; He rose again,
and ascended into heaven; and the ... 7. "As the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxiii.htm

The Story of Jacob
... son, your dwelling shall be of the riches of the earth and of the dew of heaven. ...
The people who came from Esau lived in a land called Edom, on the south of ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

The Handwriting on the Wall
... Now let Daniel be called, and he will tell what it means ... wild asses; he was fed with
grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the handwriting on the wall.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... of God's countenance is removed, then the dew of tears ... In desertion God rains hell
out of heaven (to use ... of thy face?' God is in the Scripture called a light ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... among My people; if My people, which are called by My ... wicked ways; then will I hear
from heaven, and will ... God continued to withhold from them the dew and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

Babylon.
... nearer one, four miles round, with wonderful grounds, containing what were called
the hanging ... a stump to be left, to be wet with the dew of Heaven until it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm