Topical Encyclopedia Rain is a fundamental element within the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's provision, blessing, and sustenance for His creation. Throughout Scripture, rain is depicted as a divine gift, essential for the fertility of the land and the sustenance of life. It is a manifestation of God's ongoing care and involvement in the world He created.Biblical Significance of Rain Rain is first mentioned in the context of creation, where it is implied as part of the natural order established by God. In Genesis 2:5-6 , it is noted that "no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, and no plant of the field had yet 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 necessity of rain for the growth and flourishing of vegetation. Rain as a Blessing In the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, rain is often portrayed as a blessing contingent upon obedience. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 states, "So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will provide rain for your land in its season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." Here, rain is directly linked to the prosperity and productivity of the land, serving as a tangible sign of God's favor. Rain in the Prophetic Literature The prophets frequently use rain as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and divine favor. In Joel 2:23 , the prophet declares, "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 imagery underscores the restorative power of rain, paralleling the spiritual restoration God promises 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 , Elijah proclaims to Ahab, "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." The ensuing drought serves as a direct consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, illustrating the dependence of the land's fertility on God's provision. Rain in the New Testament In the New Testament, rain continues to symbolize God's impartial goodness. Matthew 5:45 states, "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." This passage emphasizes God's grace and generosity, extending His blessings to all humanity regardless of their moral standing. Theological Implications Rain, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a mere meteorological phenomenon; it is a profound expression of God's providence and care. It serves as a reminder of humanity's reliance on the Creator for sustenance and the importance of living in accordance with His will to receive His blessings. Through rain, God refreshes the earth, ensuring the continuity of life and the flourishing of His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:9You, O God, did send a plentiful rain, whereby you did confirm your inheritance, when it was weary. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 72:6 Library 2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds. At Jacob's Well Christ Teaching Liberality At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257) Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm. The Nuns of the Primitive Church The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21 Christ. Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace The Acceptable Sacrifice; Resources What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | 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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