Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, rain is often depicted as a sign of God's blessing or judgment. After the Babylonian captivity, the return of the Israelites to their homeland marked a significant period of restoration and renewal. During this time, extraordinary rain is mentioned as a divine provision and a symbol of God's favor upon His people.Context of the Return The return from exile, as chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, was a pivotal moment for the Israelites. They were tasked with rebuilding the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, re-establishing their covenant relationship with God, and restoring their community. The land, having been desolate during the years of captivity, required divine intervention to become fruitful once again. Biblical References One of the key references to extraordinary rain after the captivity is found in the book of Zechariah. The prophet Zechariah, who ministered during the post-exilic period, conveyed messages of hope and encouragement to the returning exiles. In Zechariah 10:1 , it is written: "Ask the LORD for rain in the season of spring rain. The LORD makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain and crops of the field for everyone." This passage highlights the importance of seeking God's provision and acknowledges His sovereignty over nature. The promise of rain is not merely a physical necessity but also a spiritual assurance of God's continued presence and blessing upon His people. Significance of Rain Rain, in the biblical context, is often associated with fertility, abundance, and divine favor. After the captivity, the extraordinary rain symbolized the restoration of the land and the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. It served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to bring life and prosperity to a once barren and desolate land. The extraordinary rain also underscored the importance of obedience and reliance on God. As the Israelites returned to their homeland, they were reminded that their prosperity was contingent upon their faithfulness to God's commandments and their trust in His provision. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the extraordinary rain after the captivity can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration and renewal that God promises to His people. It points to the eschatological hope of a new creation, where God's blessings will be poured out abundantly upon His faithful followers. In summary, the extraordinary rain after the captivity is a powerful symbol of God's grace and provision. It reflects His desire to bless and restore His people, encouraging them to remain faithful and reliant on His divine providence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 10:9,13Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Apostasy in Two Days. The Prophet Joel. The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ... A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) A Revival Sermon Ancestors of the Blessed virgin God's Sovereignty and Prayer 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) |
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