Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, rain is often depicted as a vital blessing from God, essential for the sustenance of life and the fertility of the land. The absence of rain, conversely, is frequently portrayed as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. However, the Scriptures also provide numerous accounts where the lack of rain is remedied through earnest prayer, demonstrating the power of intercession and the mercy of God.One of the most prominent examples of rain being withheld and subsequently restored through prayer is found in the account of Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:1, 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 pronouncement initiates a severe drought in Israel, a direct consequence of the nation's idolatry and turning away from God. The narrative continues in 1 Kings 18, where Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. After God demonstrates His power by consuming Elijah's sacrifice with fire, Elijah prays for rain. In 1 Kings 18:42-45, Elijah climbs to the top of Mount Carmel, bows down to the ground, and prays earnestly. He sends his servant seven times to look toward the sea, and on the seventh time, the servant reports a small cloud rising. Soon after, the sky grows dark with clouds, the wind rises, and a heavy rain falls, ending the drought. This account highlights the efficacy of fervent prayer and God's readiness to restore blessings when His people turn back to Him. Another significant instance is found in the book of James, which references Elijah's prayer as an example of effective intercession. James 5:17-18 states, "Elijah was a man just like us. He 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 passage underscores the power of righteous prayer and encourages believers to seek God's intervention in times of need. The theme of rain being withheld and restored through prayer is also evident in the dedication of Solomon's Temple. In 2 Chronicles 6:26-27, Solomon prays, "When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and when they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and turn from their sin because You have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land You gave Your people for an inheritance." God's response to Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 reaffirms His willingness to forgive and restore: "If I shut the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the locust to consume the land, or if I send a plague among My people, and 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." These biblical accounts illustrate a consistent pattern: the withholding of rain serves as a call to repentance, and its restoration is granted in response to sincere prayer and a return to righteousness. The lack of rain, therefore, is not merely a natural phenomenon but a spiritual signal, inviting God's people to seek His face and rely on His provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 8:35,36When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you afflict them: Torrey's Topical Textbook James 5:18 Library The Prayer of Faith. Intercessory Prayer Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers Spiritual Culture. The Flood-Tide of Power. Chapter viii A New Year's Benediction Lives of Faith and Trust November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ... 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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