Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, dew is often mentioned as a symbol of divine blessing, favor, and sustenance. The phenomenon of dew, particularly when it is copious, holds significant theological and practical implications within the Scriptures.Dew as a Symbol of Blessing Dew is frequently used in the Bible to represent God's blessing and provision. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, dew was a crucial source of moisture for crops, especially during the dry seasons when rain was scarce. This natural occurrence is seen as a manifestation of God's care for His creation. 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 prosperity and divine favor. Dew in Covenant and Promise The presence of dew is also associated with God's covenant promises. 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 security and abundance promised to Israel as part of their covenant relationship with God. Dew as a Metaphor for Renewal and Life Dew is used metaphorically to describe spiritual renewal and life. In Hosea 14:5, God declares, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon." Here, dew represents the life-giving and restorative power of God, bringing spiritual vitality and growth to His people. Dew in Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Bible also reflects on the significance of dew. 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 comparison highlights the gentle and refreshing nature of dew, contrasting it with the fierceness of a king's wrath. Dew in the Context of Judgment and Mercy While dew is predominantly a symbol of blessing, its absence can signify judgment. In Haggai 1:10-11, God withholds dew as a consequence of the people's disobedience: "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 illustrates how the withholding of dew serves as a divine response to human actions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of obedience and divine provision. Dew in the New Testament While the New Testament does not frequently mention dew, the concept of divine provision and blessing continues. The imagery of dew can be seen as a precursor to the spiritual blessings found in Christ, who provides for the spiritual needs of believers in abundance. In summary, the phenomenon of copious dew in the Bible is rich with meaning, symbolizing God's blessing, covenant faithfulness, spiritual renewal, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the Creator's intimate involvement with His creation and His desire to bless and sustain His people. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 133:3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for ever more. Nave's Topical Index Resources Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about astronomy? | GotQuestions.org Heavens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: General Scriptures Concerning Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Darkness at the Crucifixion Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Dew on Gideon's Fleece Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Dew, Copious Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Elijah's Prayer Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Fire from Heaven at Elijah's Command Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Fire from Heaven Upon the Cities of the Plain Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Rain Confuses the Philistine Army Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Rain in Answer to Samuel's Prayer Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Rain, the Formation of Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Stars in Their Courses Fought Against Sisera Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Stones from Heaven Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Sun Stood Still Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of That Brought the Quails Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The Autumnal Weather on the Mediterranean Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The Deluge Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The East Wind Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The East Wind That Divided the Red Sea Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The Plague of Darkness Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The Whirlwind Which Carried Elijah to Heaven Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of The Wind Under God's Control Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Phenomena of Wind Destroyed Job's Children Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: Symbolical used in the Revelation of John Related Terms |