Topical Encyclopedia Rain is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's provision, blessing, and faithfulness. It is often depicted as a tangible expression of God's goodness and care for His creation. Throughout Scripture, rain is portrayed as a vital element for sustaining life, nourishing the earth, and demonstrating God's benevolent character.Divine Provision and Blessing Rain is frequently associated with God's provision and blessing. In the Old Testament, rain is seen as a direct gift from God, essential for agricultural prosperity and the sustenance of life. 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 verse highlights the dependence of the people on God's timing and generosity for their livelihood. The provision of rain is also linked to obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments. In Leviticus 26:3-4 , God declares, "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." Here, rain is a reward for covenantal faithfulness, underscoring the relationship between divine blessing and human obedience. Symbol of God's Faithfulness Rain serves as a symbol of God's faithfulness to His promises. In Isaiah 55:10-11 , the prophet compares the efficacy of God's word to the rain: "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." This imagery emphasizes the certainty and reliability of God's word, much like the natural cycle of rain. A Sign of God's Sovereignty Rain is also a testament to God's sovereignty over creation. In Job 5:10 , it is stated, "He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields." This verse acknowledges God's control over the natural world, affirming His authority and power in orchestrating the elements to fulfill His purposes. Furthermore, in the New Testament, Jesus refers to God's impartial goodness in providing rain for all people. In Matthew 5:45 , He teaches, "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." This passage highlights God's universal grace and kindness, extending His provision to all humanity regardless of their moral standing. Judgment and Mercy While rain is predominantly a symbol of blessing, it can also represent judgment when withheld. 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." The subsequent drought serves as a divine judgment on Israel for their idolatry, demonstrating that rain, or the lack thereof, can be a tool for both blessing and correction. Conversely, the return of rain often signifies God's mercy and the restoration of His favor. In 1 Kings 18:41-45 , after a period of drought, Elijah prays, and God sends rain, symbolizing the end of judgment and the renewal of His blessings upon the land. In summary, rain in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's goodness, provision, faithfulness, and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of the Creator's intimate involvement in the world and His unwavering commitment to sustaining and nurturing His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Mason -- Messiah's Throne From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. Matt. v. 17 The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr Augustin's Part in the Controversy. A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse On the Soul and the Resurrection. Resources What is Joel's Army? | GotQuestions.orgHad it ever rained before the Flood in Noah's day? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elijah in the Bible? | 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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