Topical Encyclopedia Rain, as depicted in the Bible, is a significant element of God's creation and a vital component of His provision for the earth. It is often portrayed as a symbol of God's blessing, sustenance, and sometimes His judgment. The Bible frequently emphasizes that God is the ultimate source and controller of rain, underscoring His sovereignty over nature and His 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—so that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." This verse highlights the dependence of agricultural prosperity on God's provision of rain, which is essential for the growth of crops and the sustenance of life. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of rain as a metaphor for God's word and its life-giving power: "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" (Isaiah 55:10-11). Here, rain symbolizes the effectiveness and purposefulness of God's word, nourishing and fulfilling His divine will. Judgment and Withholding of Rain Conversely, the withholding of rain is often depicted as a form of divine judgment. In 1 Kings 17:1, the prophet Elijah declares to King 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." This drought was a direct consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, demonstrating how God uses the elements of nature to execute His judgment and call His people to repentance. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 28:23-24, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed." This imagery of a barren and unyielding land serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. God's Sovereignty and Control Throughout Scripture, rain is a testament to God's sovereignty and control over the natural world. In Job 5:10, it is stated, "He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields." This verse, along with others like it, affirms that rain is not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of God, who governs the cycles of nature according to His will. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 147:8, "He covers the sky with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills." This passage highlights God's active role in preparing and providing rain, ensuring the flourishing of His creation. Prayer and Dependence on God The Bible also encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God for rain and to seek Him in prayer for this essential provision. In James 5:17-18, the apostle James recounts the account of Elijah, who "prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops." This narrative underscores the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's intervention in times of need. In summary, rain in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, blessing, judgment, and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on the Creator and the importance of living in accordance with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 147:8Who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sovereignty of God in Administration Putting God to Work The Water-Springs Apprehending God The Wisdom of God 'The Bridal of the Earth and Sky' God. They Shall be Called the Children of God The Great Revival Hymn Before Meat 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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