Rainfall in Jerusalem holds significant importance both historically and theologically within the biblical narrative. The city, central to many biblical events, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This climate pattern is crucial for understanding various biblical references to rain, drought, and agricultural cycles.

Biblical Context

In the Bible, rain is often depicted as a blessing from God, essential for the fertility of the land and the sustenance of life. The dependence on seasonal rains is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 11:14 , where God promises, "I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." This promise underscores the reliance on timely rainfall for agricultural prosperity.

Conversely, the absence of rain is frequently portrayed as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. In 1 Kings 17:1 , the prophet Elijah declares, "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 serves as a divine instrument to call the people back to faithfulness.

Historical and Geographical Considerations

Jerusalem's average annual rainfall is approximately 22 inches, with the majority occurring between November and March. This seasonal distribution aligns with the biblical calendar, where the early (autumn) and latter (spring) rains are critical for the agricultural cycle. The early rains soften the ground for plowing and planting, while the latter rains are essential for the maturation of crops.

The geographical setting of Jerusalem, situated on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, influences its rainfall patterns. The city's elevation and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea contribute to its precipitation levels, which are higher than those of the surrounding desert regions.

Theological Implications

Rainfall in Jerusalem is not merely a meteorological phenomenon but carries deep theological significance. It is a tangible expression of God's provision and faithfulness. In Joel 2:23 , the prophet encourages the people, "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before."

The dependence on rain for survival and prosperity serves as a metaphor for spiritual reliance on God. Just as the land requires rain to flourish, so do the people of God need His presence and blessing to thrive spiritually. This connection is poignantly illustrated in Hosea 6:3 : "Let us know, let us strive to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth."

Conclusion

Rainfall in Jerusalem, therefore, is more than a climatic detail; it is woven into the fabric of biblical teaching, symbolizing God's ongoing relationship with His people. The patterns of rain and drought serve as reminders of divine sovereignty, blessing, and the call to faithfulness.Rainfall in Jerusalem in Inches

RAINFALL IN JERUSALEM IN INCHES

Year Amount

1861 27.30"

1862 21.86"

1863 26.54"

1864 15.51"

1865 18.19"

1866 18.55"

1867 29.42"

1868 29.10"

1869 18.61"

1870 13.19"

1871 23.17"

1872 22.26"

1873 22.72"

1874 29.75"

1875 27.01"

1876 14.41"

1877 26.00"

1878 32.21"

1879 18.04"

1880 32.11"

1881 16.50"

1882 26.72"

1883 31.92" 1884 23.16"

1885 29.47"

1886 31.69"

1887 29.81"

1888 37.79"

1889 13.16"

1890 35.51"

1891 34.72"

1892 31.23"

1893 30.54"

1894 35.38"

1895 23.15"

1896 32.90"

1897 41.62"

1898 28.66"

1899 22.43"

1900 21.20"

1901 17.42"

1902 25.51"

1903 18.04"

1904 34.48"

1905 34.22"

1906 28.14"

1907 27.22"

1908 31.87"

1909 21.13"

1910 24.64"

The amount of rainfall in ancient times was probably about the same as in present times, though it may have been distributed somewhat differently through the year, as suggested by Huntington. Conder maintains that the present amount would have been sufficient to support the ancient cities (Tent-Work in Palestine). Trees are without doubt fewer now, but meteorologists agree that trees do not produce rain.

4. Dry and Rainy Seasons;

The rainfall is largely on the western slopes of the mountains facing the sea, while on the eastern slopes there is very little. The moisture-laden air comes up from the sea with the west and southwest wind. When these currents strike the hills they are thrown higher up into the cooler strata, and the moisture condenses to form clouds and rain which increases on the higher levels. Having passed the ridge of the hills, the currents descend on the other side to warmer levels, where the moisture is easily held in the form of vapor so that no rain falls and few clouds are seen, except in the cold mid-winter months.

The summer months are practically rainless, with very few clouds appearing in the sky. From May 1 to the middle of October one can be sure of no rain; "The winter is past; the rain is over" (Songs 2:11), so many sleep on the roofs of the houses or in tents of leaves and branches in the fields and vineyards throughout the summer. The continuous hot droughts make the people appreciate the springs and fountains of fresh running water and the cool shade of rock and tree.

The rainy season from October to May may be divided into three parts, the former, the winter, and the latter rains, and they are often referred to under these names in the Old Testament.

The "former rains" are the showers of October and the first part of November. They soften the parched ground so that the winter grain may be sown before the heavy continuous rains set in. The main bulk of the rain falls in the months of December, January and February. Although in these months the rains are frequent and heavy, a dark, foggy day is seldom seen. The "latter rains" of April are the most highly appreciated, because they ripen the fruit and stay the drought of summer. They were considered a special blessing: Yahweh "will come.... as the latter rain that watereth the earth" (Hosea 6:3); "They opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain" (Job 29:23); and as a reason for worshipping Yahweh who sent them, "Let us now fear Yahweh our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in its season" (Jeremiah 5:24).

The rain storms always come from the sea with a west or southwest wind. The east wind is a hot wind and the "north wind driveth away rain" (Proverbs 25:23, the King James Version). "Fair weather cometh out of the north" (Job 37:22, the King James Version).

5. Biblical Uses:

The Psalmist recognizes that the "showers that water the earth" (Psalm 72:6) are among the choicest blessings from the hand of Yahweh: "The early rain covereth it with blessings" (Psalm 84:6). The severest punishment of Yahweh was to withhold the rain, as in the time of Ahab and Elijah, when the usual rain did not fall for three years (1 Kings 17); "the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and he shut up the heavens, so that there shall be no rain, and the land shall not yield its fruit; and ye perish quickly" (Deuteronomy 11:17). Too much rain is also a punishment, as witness the flood (Genesis 7:4) and the plague of rain and hail (Ezra 10:9). Sending of rain was a reward for worship and obedience: "Yahweh will open unto thee his good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain of thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thy hand" (Deuteronomy 28:12). Yahweh controls the elements and commands the rain: "He made a decree for the rain" (Job 28:26); "For he saith to the snow, Fall thou on the earth; likewise to the shower of rain" (Job 37:6). LITERATURE

Palestine Exploration Fund Quarterly; meteorological observations from the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Jaffa and Tiberias; various observers; Zeitschrift des deutschen Paldstina-Vereins; H. Hilderscheid, Die Niederschlagsverhdltnisse Paldstinas in alter and neuer Zeit; C. R. Conder, Tent-Work in Palestine; Edward Hull, Mount Seir, Sinai and Western Palestine; Ellsworth Huntington, Palestine and Its Transformation; bulletin of the Syrian Protestant College Observatory, Meteorological Observations in Beirut and Syria.

Alfred H. Joy

In Judaea
... [27] The average rainfall in Jerusalem for eight years amounts to fourteen inches
in December, thirteen in January, and sixteen in February (Barclay, City of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... is, in the month of February, when in Palestine the average rainfall is nearly ... 954]
The mean of 22 seasons in Jerusalem amounted to 4. 718 inches in December ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the nativity of.htm

Choked Channels.
... Mary, and the villagers, and a crowd from Jerusalem. ... year round without being dependent
upon the doubtful rainfall. ... out of the pipe about eight inches from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/choked channels.htm

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