Topical Bible: Rain: Divided Into: Sweeping

◄ Rain: Divided Into: Sweeping ►

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In the biblical context, rain is often seen as a blessing from God, a vital component of the natural order that sustains life on earth. It is a symbol of God's provision and care for His creation. However, rain can also be depicted as a tool of divine judgment or a means of demonstrating God's power and sovereignty. The concept of "sweeping rain" can be understood as a powerful, overwhelming downpour that has significant impact, both physically and spiritually.

Biblical References to Sweeping Rain

The Bible contains several references to rain that can be interpreted as "sweeping" due to their intensity and the effects they produce. One of the most notable instances is the account of the Great Flood in Genesis, where rain is used as an instrument of divine judgment:

· Genesis 7:11-12 : "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—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."

This passage describes a deluge that is both literal and symbolic, representing God's judgment on a sinful world. The rain is not just a gentle shower but a sweeping, all-encompassing force that reshapes the earth and human history.

Symbolism and Spiritual Implications

Sweeping rain in the Bible often symbolizes God's overwhelming power and the transformative effects of His will. It can serve as a reminder of the need for repentance and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. In the prophetic literature, rain is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the outpouring of God's Spirit or blessings:

· Isaiah 55:10-11 : "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it."

Here, the rain is depicted as a life-giving force, illustrating the effectiveness and purposefulness of God's word. The imagery of rain ensures that the message of divine provision and fulfillment is clear.

Judgment and Restoration

In the context of judgment, sweeping rain can also be seen in the prophetic warnings against nations and peoples who have turned away from God. The prophets often used the imagery of rain to convey both impending judgment and the hope of restoration:

· Ezekiel 13:11 : "Tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be a deluge of rain, and I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth."

This passage uses the metaphor of a deluge to describe the certainty and severity of God's judgment against false prophets and their deceptive teachings. The sweeping rain signifies the thoroughness with which God will address sin and falsehood.

Conclusion

While rain is generally a symbol of blessing and life, sweeping rain in the Bible often carries a dual message of judgment and renewal. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of aligning with His will. Through the imagery of sweeping rain, the Scriptures communicate the profound impact of divine intervention in the world, whether through judgment or the outpouring of grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:3
A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Passing and the Permanent
... But the thought that lies below them, sweeping as it ... For as the rain cometh down,
and the snow ... They may be roughly divided into two sections"the invitation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the passing and the permanent.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... So sweeping and thorough was the change wrought, that ... till the Almighty had granted
rain, and that ... Temple, and the Jewish territory, divided into five districts ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Chaff Driven Away
... readily perceive that my text may be divided into three parts ... sweeps over it, and
distils the scanty drops of rain. ... I cannot tell you into what state that soul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the chaff driven away.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... towns or where the ground rises, and divided into irregular compartments ... to bring
the curve of the chest into prominence ... from the sun or from the rain, from the ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... worship; but the hand of the Lord shall be heavy upon them, and shall rain destruction
upon ... It may be divided into two sections, vers.1-35, and vers.36-96. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... that the people of each city were divided into clans, all ... it would appear to be a
sweeping renunciation of ... battle, or fugitives who had fallen into the hands ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... The first three chapters are introductory. The rest may be divided into three
parts: 1((ch.4-13). An exposition, in Jerome's sense, of St. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... the interior were a few huts and one or two reservoirs for catching rain or storing ...
This basin is divided into two parts, one of which runs in a south-easterly ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Conclusion
... is really, Truth perverted, Truth wrongfully divided, Truth disproportionately ... of
those with whom we come into contact? ... of Jehovah: "For as the rain cometh down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/conclusion.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the ... two masters." We cannot serve God
with a divided heart ... whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the color ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm