Topical Bible: Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine

◄ Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine ►

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In the biblical narrative, rain is often depicted as a vital blessing from God, essential for sustaining life and ensuring agricultural productivity. The absence of rain, conversely, is frequently portrayed as a divine judgment or a call to repentance, leading to famine and hardship. This theme is recurrent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the dependence of humanity on God's provision and the consequences of turning away from His commandments.

Divine Control Over Rain

The Bible consistently affirms that God exercises sovereign control over the weather, including the giving and withholding of rain. In Deuteronomy 11:13-17, God promises the Israelites that if they love Him and serve Him with all their heart and soul, He will provide rain for their land in its season. Conversely, if they turn to other gods, He will "shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no produce" (Deuteronomy 11:17).

Rain Withheld as Judgment

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 that there will be neither dew nor rain in the coming years except at his word, as a consequence of Israel's idolatry. This drought leads to a severe famine, underscoring the connection between spiritual infidelity and physical deprivation.

Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, God speaks to Solomon, saying, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send a plague among My people, if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" . This passage highlights the conditional nature of God's blessings and the call to repentance as a means of restoring divine favor.

Famine as a Consequence of Drought

The lack of rain leading to famine is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. This famine, affecting Egypt and the surrounding regions, prompts Joseph's brothers to seek grain in Egypt, setting the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family.

In the book of Ruth, the narrative begins with a famine in the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his family to relocate to Moab. This famine serves as a backdrop for the unfolding account of redemption and divine providence.

Prophetic Warnings and Calls to Repentance

The prophets frequently warned of drought and famine as consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 14:1-6, the prophet laments the drought in Judah, describing the parched land and the suffering of both people and animals. The lack of rain serves as a tangible sign of God's displeasure and a call to return to Him.

In Amos 4:7-8, God recounts how He withheld rain from one city while giving it to another, yet the people did not return to Him. This selective withholding of rain serves as a demonstration of God's power and a call to repentance.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of rain and its absence underscores the theological principle that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. The dependence on rain for survival serves as a metaphor for humanity's dependence on God. The lack of rain, leading to famine, is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and obedience to God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:1,2
And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Special Practices of Uniformity.
... In times of great heat, cold or rain; in times of famine, epidemics and similar
occasions we should ... What of the whiner who complains of lack of attention ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/5 special practices of uniformity.htm

A Portrait Gallery
... Do the crops seem to fail for lack of rain, and the ... cares for them; and I come to
the conclusion that to us is granted on rare occasions the privilege of ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter vii a portrait gallery.htm

Chapter xxvi
... Isaac may well have recalled on how many occasions he had mistaken the one for ... For
the heavy Palestinian dews almost make up for the lack of rain during the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... In all probability there was a lack in the consecration ... up the heavens until it did
not rain for more ... On occasions where great faith was required, fastings were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... from every emergency, except that of treason or famine. ... some temple or festival,
and on such occasions they were ... There was no lack of children in these houses ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... of a country where there is no lack of trees ... wearer from the sun or from the rain,
from the ... feet were not always covered; on certain occasions, however, sandals ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Lydia having been laid waste by a famine, the oracle ... with its accompanying developments,
but lack of space ... too complaisant a nature to seek occasions of quarrel ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... of Augarit, Ugarit, is mentioned on several occasions in the ... were exhausted, but
owing to the lack of water ... one or two reservoirs for catching rain or storing ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Frost is of rare occurrence in winter, and rain is infrequent at any season; the
sun soon burns up the scanty herbage which the spring showers have encouraged ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... between Elijah and the prophets of Baal for the obtaining of rain is described ... list,
in which case Joseph was reckoned as one;* while on other occasions Levi or ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm