Topical Encyclopedia Rain, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound symbol of God's provision, blessing, and sovereignty over creation. Throughout Scripture, rain is often portrayed as a divine gift, essential for life and a testament to God's greatness and care for His creation.Divine Provision and Blessing Rain is frequently associated with God's provision and blessing. 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 underscores the dependence of humanity on God's timing and generosity for sustenance and prosperity. Rain is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct expression of God's nurturing hand. Sovereignty and Control The Bible emphasizes God's control over the elements, including rain. In Job 5:10 , it is stated, "He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields." This passage highlights God's sovereignty, as He alone commands the rain to fall, demonstrating His authority over nature. Similarly, in Amos 4:7 , God declares, "I withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town but withheld it from another." This selective distribution of rain serves as a reminder of God's power and discretion in His creation. Judgment and Mercy Rain also serves as a tool for both judgment and mercy. In the account of Noah's flood (Genesis 7:4), rain is used as an instrument of divine judgment: "For seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living thing I have made." Conversely, in 1 Kings 18:41-45 , after a prolonged drought, God mercifully sends rain in response to Elijah's prayer, signifying the end of judgment and the beginning of restoration. Spiritual Symbolism Rain carries spiritual symbolism, representing the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessings. In Joel 2:23 , the prophet 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 abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before." This imagery of rain is often interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the abundant life that comes from God's presence. Dependence and Faith The reliance on rain for agricultural success in biblical times fostered a deep sense of dependence on God. James 5:7 advises believers, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and late rains." This patience and trust in God's provision through rain serve as a model for faith and reliance on God's timing in all aspects of life. In summary, rain in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's greatness, illustrating His provision, sovereignty, judgment, mercy, and the spiritual nourishment He offers to His people. Through rain, God reveals His character and invites humanity to trust in His unfailing care and perfect timing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 36:26,27Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts vii. 6, 7 Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). Three Homilies. On Our Lord. From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. Augustin's Part in the Controversy. A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse On the Soul and the Resurrection. Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest 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) |
    |