Clouds: Uses of To Supply Dew
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In the biblical context, clouds are often depicted as instruments of God's provision and presence. One of the significant roles of clouds is their function in supplying dew, a vital source of moisture in the arid regions of the Near East. Dew is a symbol of divine blessing and sustenance, often mentioned alongside rain as a means of nurturing the earth and supporting life.

Dew as a Divine Provision

Dew is frequently referenced in the Bible as a manifestation of God's care for His creation. In the absence of rain, dew serves as a crucial source of moisture for plants and crops. The reliance on dew underscores the dependence of humanity on God's provision. In Deuteronomy 33:28, the land of Israel is described as a place where "the heavens shall drop down dew," indicating a divine promise of sustenance and fertility.

Symbolism of Dew

Dew is also symbolic of spiritual blessings and renewal. 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 God's refreshing presence and the spiritual revival of His people. The imagery of dew conveys a sense of gentle, life-giving nourishment that sustains and revitalizes.

Clouds as Instruments of Dew

Clouds play a crucial role in the formation of dew. As the sun sets and temperatures drop, moisture in the air condenses on surfaces, forming dew. This process is facilitated by the presence of clouds, which help regulate temperature and humidity levels. In the biblical narrative, clouds are often seen as carriers of God's blessings, including the provision of dew.

Biblical References to Dew and Clouds

Several passages in the Bible highlight the connection between clouds and dew. In Job 38:28, God poses the rhetorical question, "Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew?" This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over the natural world, including the processes that produce dew. Similarly, in Proverbs 3:20, it is stated, "By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds drip with dew," illustrating the divine orchestration of nature's cycles.

Dew in the Life of Israel

For the Israelites, dew was an essential part of daily life, especially in the dry seasons when rain was scarce. The provision of dew was seen as a sign of God's favor and a reminder of His covenant promises. In the account of Gideon, dew serves as a divine sign. Judges 6:37-40 recounts how Gideon asked God for a sign involving dew on a fleece, which God granted, demonstrating His willingness to guide and reassure His people.

In summary, clouds, as instruments of dew, are a testament to God's providential care and the intricate design of His creation. Dew, facilitated by clouds, serves as a symbol of both physical and spiritual sustenance, reflecting the ongoing relationship between the Creator and His creation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 18:4
For so the LORD said to me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat on herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ...
... all sorts of herbs, and their uses; [1444] their ... his weakness (overrule as for example,
clouds, and walls ... need of nothing, and of Himself to supply all things ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily x commendation of those.htm

The Waterer Watered
... themselves upon the earth, and yet the clouds cease not ... a friendly hand has given
us a supply," and the ... his tank or reservoir by slow degrees, and uses it with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... was, "Peace, peace," though the storm-clouds of retribution ... for him who is willing
to supply them in ... false prophets are remarkably striking, uses about them a ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... 4), did he not at pleasure drive the clouds and winds ... if God did not with paternal
hand supply us with ... When he uses the term permission, the meaning which he ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet ... The one by the bondmaid he
uses to represent the ... and no longer fear; for 'my God shall supply all your ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

A New Year's Benediction
... The fair colors give way to the fleecy clouds, and the sky is no longer brilliant ...
When he uses his sword it falls with feeble force ... I can supply it very readily ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a new years benediction.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... On this account the Evil One uses all kinds of ... any outrageous lust, or anxious
concerning the supply of the ... by night, or by a gathering of clouds: bodies there ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... He depended for the supply of his modest wants on the ... Like the sun, he moved serenely
above the clouds as they ... himself with the Son of God, and uses this term ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... a type, is said to be fitly framed, and that there is a fit supply of every ... to signify
their aptness to receive, and largeness to contain of the dew of heaven ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... The learned discourses our tinker had heard at church had casually passed over his
mind like evanescent clouds, and left little or no lasting impression. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Resources
What does it mean that Jesus will come in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)? | GotQuestions.org

What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the rainbow? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Clouds

Clouds are Garment of the Sea

Clouds of Hostile Armies

Clouds of Judgments of God

Clouds of Multitudes of Persons

Clouds of Sins of Men

Clouds of Unsearchableness of God

Clouds: (A Morning Without) of Wise Rulers

Clouds: (Carried Away by a Tempest) of False Teachers

Clouds: (Passing Away) the Goodness and Prosperity of

Clouds: (Riding Upon) the Power and Greatness of God

Clouds: (When Seasonable) the Favour of Good Rulers

Clouds: (Without Rain) the Fraudulent

Clouds: (Without Water) False Teachers

Clouds: Called The: Bottles of Heaven

Clouds: Called The: Chambers of God

Clouds: Called The: Clouds of Heaven

Clouds: Called The: Dust of God's Feet

Clouds: Called The: Waters Above the Firmament

Clouds: Called The: Windows of Heaven

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Black

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Bright

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Great

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Small

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Swift

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Thick

Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: White

Clouds: Formed from the Sea

Clouds: Frequently the Instrument of God's Judgments

Clouds: from the West, Bring Rain

Clouds: God: Balanced in the Air

Clouds: God: Binds Up

Clouds: God: Brings Over the Earth

Clouds: God: Disposed in Order

Clouds: God: Established

Clouds: God: Scatters

Clouds: God: Spreads Out

Clouds: Made for the Glory of God

Clouds: Man: Cannot Cause to Rain

Clouds: Man: Cannot Number

Clouds: Man: Cannot Stay

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Balancing of

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Disposing of

Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Spreading of

Clouds: Often Cover the Heavens

Clouds: Often Dispersed by the Wind

Clouds: Often Obscure the Sun

Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Condensing

Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Forming

Clouds: The Rainbow Appears In

Clouds: Though Small, often Bring Much Rain

Clouds: Thunder and Lightning Come From

Clouds: Uses of To Give Rain

Clouds: Uses of To Moderate Heat

Clouds: Uses of To Supply Dew

Related Terms

Cloud (119 Occurrences)

Clout

David (1052 Occurrences)

Leddest (5 Occurrences)

Foul (41 Occurrences)

Tent-door (6 Occurrences)

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)

Dull (16 Occurrences)

Muddy (3 Occurrences)

Cloud's (1 Occurrence)

Sunrising (15 Occurrences)

Talked (79 Occurrences)

Worshipped (81 Occurrences)

Seeks (48 Occurrences)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Judaeus

Philo

Rescue (92 Occurrences)

Ordinance (89 Occurrences)

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)

Revelation (52 Occurrences)

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)

Clouds: Uses of To Moderate Heat
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