Topical Encyclopedia Rain is a significant element in the Bible, symbolizing God's provision, blessing, and sometimes judgment. It is a manifestation of God's sovereignty over creation, demonstrating His care and sustenance for all of humanity, regardless of their moral standing.Biblical References One of the most direct references to God's impartial provision of rain is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, teaches about loving one's enemies and highlights God's indiscriminate goodness: "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). This passage underscores the idea that God's grace and provision extend to all people, irrespective of their righteousness or wickedness. In the Old Testament, rain is often depicted as a blessing from God, essential for agricultural prosperity and survival. 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" . Here, rain is a sign of God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to bless His people with abundance. Conversely, the withholding of rain is sometimes used 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 the next few years except at my word" . This drought serves as a consequence of Israel's idolatry and a call to repentance. Theological Significance Theologically, rain represents God's common grace, a concept that refers to the blessings God bestows on all humanity, regardless of their spiritual state. This common grace is evident in the natural order, where God provides for the needs of all His creation. The impartial distribution of rain serves as a reminder of God's mercy and patience, allowing time for repentance and the opportunity for all to seek Him. Rain also symbolizes spiritual refreshment and renewal. In Isaiah 55:10-11, the prophet compares God's word to rain, emphasizing its life-giving and transformative 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" . Practical Implications For believers, the understanding that God sends rain on both the evil and the good encourages a posture of humility and gratitude. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings are not earned by human merit but are gifts of His grace. This perspective fosters a spirit of generosity and love towards others, reflecting God's character in everyday interactions. Furthermore, the biblical teaching on rain challenges believers to trust in God's provision, even in times of drought or hardship. It calls for faith in God's timing and purposes, recognizing that He is ultimately in control and works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). In summary, rain in the Bible is a profound symbol of God's provision, grace, and sovereignty. It illustrates His care for all creation and serves as a powerful reminder of His desire for all people to experience His goodness and turn to Him in faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:45That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. ) Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ... The Habitation of the Soul Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety. Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon Sovereignty of God in Administration Jesus is all Good Things; Hence the Gospel is Manifold. The Great Commandment The Solar Eclipse Resources What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | 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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