Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical account of creation, as detailed in the Book of Genesis, rain is notably absent from the initial conditions of the earth. Genesis 2:5-6 states, "Now no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, nor had any plant of the field sprouted, for the LORD God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. But springs welled up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground." This passage indicates that the earth's early hydration system relied on a mist or springs that emerged from the ground, rather than precipitation from the sky.The absence of rain in the early creation narrative underscores the unique and divinely orchestrated environment that God established. The earth was sustained by a self-contained watering system, which highlights God's provision and the perfect conditions He created for the flourishing of life. This pre-rain condition also emphasizes the direct involvement of God in the maintenance of the earth, as He provided the necessary resources for growth and sustenance without the need for rain. The introduction of rain as a natural phenomenon is not recorded until later in the Genesis narrative, specifically in the context of the Great Flood. Genesis 7:4 marks the first mention of rain as a tool 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." This event signifies a shift in the way God interacts with the earth, using rain as both a means of judgment and a mechanism for renewal. Theologically, the initial absence of rain can be seen as a reflection of the perfect harmony and order of God's creation before the fall of man. It suggests a world where God's presence and provision were directly experienced, without the intermediary processes that characterize the post-fall world. The later introduction of rain, therefore, not only serves practical purposes but also carries symbolic weight, representing both God's continued provision and His sovereign control over creation. In summary, the initial lack of rain in the creation account highlights the unique and divinely sustained environment of the early earth. It underscores God's direct provision and the perfect conditions He established, while the later introduction of rain marks a significant development in the biblical narrative, serving as a tool for both judgment and renewal. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 2:5And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sovereignty of God in Administration The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua. Psalm LXXII. Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost History and Doctrines of Heresies. Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. The Lord's Prayer Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ... Of the Three Woe Trumpets. On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... 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) |
    |