Topical Encyclopedia In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the timing of rain was crucial for successful farming. The Bible often references rain as a blessing from God, essential for the growth of crops. However, rain during the harvest time was considered unusual and often unwelcome, as it could damage the crops ready for gathering.Biblical References: 1. 1 Samuel 12:17-18 : In this passage, the prophet Samuel calls upon the Lord to send thunder and rain during the wheat harvest as a sign to the Israelites of their wrongdoing in asking for a king. The text states, "Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD, and He will send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king." This event was significant because rain during the wheat harvest was unexpected and served as a divine sign of disapproval. 2. Proverbs 26:1 : This proverb highlights the inappropriateness of rain during harvest, likening it to the incongruity of honor for a fool: "Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool." The comparison underscores the disruption that rain can cause during a time when dry weather is needed for the successful gathering of crops. Cultural and Agricultural Context: In the climate of the ancient Near East, the agricultural calendar was divided into distinct seasons. The early rains typically began in the autumn, softening the ground for plowing and sowing, while the latter rains in the spring helped to mature the crops. The harvest season, particularly for wheat and barley, occurred in the dry months, when rain was not expected. Thus, rain during this period was seen as an anomaly and could be interpreted as a sign of divine intervention or displeasure. Theological Implications: Rain during the harvest time, as seen in the biblical narrative, often carried theological significance. It was a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use natural phenomena to communicate with His people. The unexpected rain during the harvest in 1 Samuel 12 served as a tangible demonstration of God's power and a call to repentance for the Israelites. Symbolism and Lessons: The occurrence of rain during the harvest can also be seen as a symbol of God's control over the natural order and His ability to disrupt human plans to achieve His purposes. It serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God and the importance of aligning human actions with divine will. The biblical accounts encourage believers to recognize God's hand in all circumstances, even those that seem untimely or inconvenient. In summary, rain during the harvest time in biblical literature is portrayed as an unusual and often unwelcome event, laden with spiritual significance. It serves as a reminder of God's authority and the importance of obedience and trust in His providence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 26:1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne A Revival Sermon True Revivals. Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus. The Temple and Its Dedication Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908) The Blossoming Desert. Chapter viii A Strain of Sodom. A Leap Year Sermon * 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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