Topical Encyclopedia Rain is a fundamental element in the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's provision and blessing upon the earth. It is depicted as a divine tool for nurturing the land, ensuring its fertility, and sustaining life. The Bible frequently references rain as a manifestation of God's care and faithfulness to His creation.Biblical References and Symbolism In the creation account, God establishes a world that is dependent on His provision, including the necessity of rain. Genesis 2:5-6 notes, "Now no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, nor had any plant of the field sprouted, for the LORD God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. But springs welled up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground." This passage highlights the essential role of water in the form of rain for the growth and sustenance of plant life. Rain is often portrayed as a blessing from God, a sign of His favor and a means of ensuring the earth's productivity. 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." This promise underscores the connection between rain and agricultural abundance, emphasizing that rain is a divine gift that enables the harvest. The Psalms frequently celebrate rain as a testament to God's goodness and provision. Psalm 65:9-10 declares, "You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth." Here, rain is depicted as a nurturing force that prepares the earth for growth and abundance. Rain as a Covenant Blessing Rain is also associated with the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Leviticus 26:3-4 , God promises, "If you follow My statutes and carefully keep My commandments, I will give you rains in their season, and the land will yield its produce, and the trees of the field will bear their fruit." This conditional promise links obedience to God's commandments with the blessing of rain, reinforcing the idea that rain is a sign of divine favor and covenant faithfulness. Conversely, the absence of rain is often depicted as a consequence of disobedience and a sign of divine displeasure. 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 these years except at my word." This drought serves as a judgment upon the land, illustrating the dependence of the earth's fertility on God's will. Rain in the Prophetic Literature The prophets frequently use rain as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and divine blessing. Joel 2:23 encourages, "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." This passage not only speaks to physical restoration but also symbolizes spiritual revival and God's restorative power. In the New Testament, rain continues to symbolize God's provision and care. In Acts 14:17 , Paul and Barnabas remind the people of Lystra, "Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness." This affirmation highlights rain as a testament to God's ongoing goodness and sustenance. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, rain is consistently portrayed as a divine instrument for making the earth fruitful. It serves as a tangible expression of God's provision, a covenant blessing, and a symbol of spiritual renewal. The biblical narrative underscores the dependence of creation on God's gracious gift of rain, reflecting His sovereignty and care over all the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:7For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft on it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter viii The Second vision "On Earth" Hosanna! Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. The Sibylline Oracles. Dedication. The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. Chapter i Resources What is the Latter Rain Movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.org What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | 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) |
    |