Topical Encyclopedia Rain, a fundamental element of the Earth's hydrological cycle, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as both a blessing and a tool of divine judgment. The most significant biblical event involving rain is the Great Flood, as recorded in Genesis. This cataclysmic event was a divine response to the pervasive wickedness of humanity, resulting in the destruction of all life on Earth, save for Noah, his family, and the animals preserved in the ark.The Great Flood and God's Covenant The account of the Great Flood is found in Genesis 6-9. God observed the corruption and violence on Earth and decided to cleanse it through a flood. Genesis 7:11-12 states, "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights." After the floodwaters receded, God established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the Earth by flood again. Genesis 9:11 records God's promise: "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, as stated in Genesis 9:13 : "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." Rain as a Blessing In addition to its role in the Great Flood, rain is often depicted in the Bible as a blessing from God, essential for agricultural prosperity and sustenance. In Deuteronomy 11:14 , God promises the Israelites, "I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." Rain is seen as a direct provision from God, reflecting His care and faithfulness to His people. Rain as a Tool of Judgment Conversely, the withholding of rain is depicted as a form of divine judgment. In 1 Kings 17:1 , the prophet Elijah declares to King Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." This drought was a direct consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, demonstrating God's control over nature and His willingness to use it to call His people back to righteousness. Theological Implications The promise that the Earth will never again be destroyed by flood is a testament to God's mercy and faithfulness. It reassures believers of the stability of the natural order and God's ongoing commitment to His creation. This covenant underscores the belief in a God who is both just and compassionate, providing for His creation while also holding it accountable. The rainbow serves as a perpetual reminder of this promise, symbolizing hope and divine grace amidst judgment. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 9:8-17And God spoke to Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, Nave's Topical Index Library The Story of Noah and the Ark The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn The Sermon of the Seasons The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ... Noah's Justice Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice Consider the Lilies of the Field The First Ministry of the Baptist. Resources What is Joel's Army? | GotQuestions.orgHad it ever rained before the Flood in Noah's day? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Rain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rain of Christ in the Communication of his Graces Rain of the Doctrine of Faithful Ministers Rain: (Destructive) of a Poor Man Oppressing the Poor Rain: (Destructive) of God's Judgments Rain: Answer to Prayer For, Promised Rain: Canaan Abundantly Supplied With Rain: Contingent Upon Obedience Rain: Designed For: Making Fruitful the Earth Rain: Designed For: Refreshing the Earth Rain: Designed For: Replenishing the Springs and Fountains of the Earth Rain: Divided Into: Overflowing Rain: Extraordinary: After Long Drought in Ahab's Reign Rain: Extraordinary: After the Captivity Rain: Extraordinary: During Wheat Harvest in the Days of Samuel Rain: Extraordinary: Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: Extraordinary: Time of the Flood Rain: Forty Days of, at the Time of the Great Flood of Noah Rain: Frequently Withheld on Account of Iniquity Rain: God Causes, to Come Down Rain: God Exhibits Goodness in Giving Rain: God Exhibits Greatness in Giving Rain: God Sends Upon the Evil and Good Rain: God should be Feared on Account of Rain: God should be Praised For Rain: Impotence of Idols Exhibited in not Being Able to Give Rain: Miraculously Caused by Elijah Rain: Miraculously Caused by Samuel Rain: North Wind Unfavorable To Rain: Not Sent Upon the Earth Immediately After Creation Rain: Occasioned by the Condensing of the Clouds Rain: Often Impeded Travelling in the East Rain: Often Succeeded by Heat and Sunshine Rain: Promised in Due Season to the Obedient Rain: Rainy Season in Palestine is in the Ninth Month, Corresponding to December Rain: Storm and Tempest often With Rain: The Appearance of a Cloud from the West Indicated Rain: The Earth Will Never Again be Destroyed By Rain: The Former, After Harvest, to Prepare for Sowing Rain: The Lack of Causes the Earth to Open Rain: The Lack of Dries up Springs and Fountains Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine Rain: The Lack of Removed by Prayer Rain: The Latter, Before Harvest Rain: The North Wind Drives Away Rain: The Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: The Rainbow often Appears During Rain: Thunder and Lightning often With Rain: Withheld for Three Years and Six Months in the Days of Elijah Rain: Withheld, in Answer to Prayer Related Terms Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences) |
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