Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the agricultural cycle in the ancient Near East was heavily dependent on the timely arrival of rain. The "latter rain" refers to the rains that occur in the spring, just before the harvest. This period of rain is crucial for the maturation of crops, particularly grains such as wheat and barley, which were staple foods in ancient Israel.Biblical References: The concept of the latter rain is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its importance for agricultural success and as a symbol of divine blessing. In the book of Joel, the prophet speaks of the restoration of Israel and the abundance that follows the latter rain: "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before" (Joel 2:23). Here, the latter rain is depicted as a sign of God's favor and provision. In the book of Jeremiah, the latter rain is used metaphorically to describe the faithfulness of God in providing for His people: "They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest’" (Jeremiah 5:24). This passage underscores the expectation of the latter rain as part of the natural order established by God. Agricultural Significance: The latter rain was essential for the successful growth and ripening of crops. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the timing and amount of rain could mean the difference between abundance and famine. The latter rain typically fell in the months of March and April, softening the ground and providing the necessary moisture for crops to reach full maturity before the harvest. Spiritual Symbolism: Beyond its agricultural importance, the latter rain holds spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. It is often seen as a symbol of spiritual renewal and blessing. The latter rain represents the outpouring of God's Spirit and the fulfillment of His promises. In the book of Hosea, the prophet calls the people to repentance and assures them of God's readiness to bless them: "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to know Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rains that water the earth" (Hosea 6:3). Prophetic Implications: In the prophetic literature, the latter rain is sometimes associated with eschatological themes, symbolizing the final outpouring of God's Spirit in the last days. This interpretation is particularly emphasized in the context of the New Testament, where the early and latter rains are seen as metaphors for the initial and final phases of the Church's mission on earth. The latter rain, therefore, serves as a powerful image of God's provision, faithfulness, and the hope of spiritual renewal. It reminds believers of the importance of relying on God's timing and trusting in His promises for both physical sustenance and spiritual growth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:23Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 10:1 Library A visit to the Harvest Field 'Clear Shining after Rain' The Gift of the Spirit True Harvest Joy. The Final Warning. The Final Warning Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague When a Man Sows, He Expects to Reap. The Coming Revival The Intercourse of God and his Friend 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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