Topical Encyclopedia Rain, as depicted in the Bible, is a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and provision, as well as His ability to execute judgment. Throughout the Scriptures, rain is portrayed as a direct manifestation of God's will, serving as both a blessing and a tool for discipline. The fear of God in relation to rain is rooted in the recognition of His ultimate authority over creation and His capacity to control the natural elements.Divine Provision and Blessing Rain is often associated with God's provision and blessing, essential for sustaining life and ensuring agricultural productivity. 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 favor for the sustenance of life. The regularity and abundance of rain are seen as signs of God's benevolence and faithfulness to His covenant people. Instrument of Judgment Conversely, the withholding of rain is frequently depicted as a form of divine judgment. 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." This pronouncement of drought serves as a direct consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, illustrating how God uses rain, or the lack thereof, to call His people to repentance. A Call to Fear and Reverence The fear of God in relation to rain is further emphasized in the wisdom literature. Job 37:13 states, "Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion." This passage highlights the multifaceted purpose of rain, whether as a corrective measure or as a means of nurturing the earth. The unpredictability and power of rain serve as reminders of God's omnipotence and the need for reverence. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty The Psalms frequently acknowledge God's control over the weather as a testament to His sovereignty. Psalm 147:8 declares, "He covers the sky with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills." Such verses invite believers to recognize God's hand in the natural order and to respond with awe and worship. Prophetic Imagery and Eschatological Significance In the prophetic books, rain is often used symbolically to convey future hope and restoration. Joel 2:23 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." This imagery not only reflects God's immediate provision but also points to eschatological promises of renewal and blessing. In summary, rain in the Bible is a profound testament to God's power and authority. It serves as a reminder of His ability to provide and to discipline, calling believers to a posture of fear and reverence. Through rain, God reveals His character as both a loving provider and a righteous judge, deserving of worship and awe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 5:24Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that gives rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. ) What is Man? Psalm XCIX. Philemon i. 17-19 Psalm XLVI. Chapter xxv. Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus. The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. Psalm XLII. 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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