Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "The Harvest" in biblical terms often symbolizes the gathering of souls or the culmination of God's work among His people. It is a time of reaping what has been sown, both in the physical and spiritual realms. The imagery of harvest is prevalent throughout Scripture, representing both judgment and blessing.One of the most intriguing instances of a miraculous event associated with the harvest is found in the account of Samuel and the Israelites in 1 Samuel 12. After Saul was confirmed as king, Samuel addressed the people of Israel, reminding them of their history and their demand for a king. To underscore the seriousness of their actions and to affirm his prophetic authority, Samuel called upon the Lord to send a sign. In 1 Samuel 12:16-18 , it is recorded: "Now, therefore, stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the LORD, and He will send thunder and rain. Then you will know and see what a great evil you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel." This event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the timing of the thunder and rain during the wheat harvest was unusual and detrimental, as the harvest season in Israel is typically dry. The sudden storm was a divine intervention that disrupted the natural order, serving as a powerful sign of God's displeasure with Israel's request for a monarchy. Secondly, the miraculous thunder and rain were a direct response to Samuel's prayer, highlighting the prophet's close relationship with God and his role as an intermediary between God and the people. This event reinforced Samuel's authority and the seriousness of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Theologically, the miraculous thunder during the harvest serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use creation to communicate His will. It underscores the principle that God is not bound by natural laws and can intervene in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. Moreover, this event illustrates the theme of divine judgment and mercy. While the thunder and rain were a sign of judgment, they also prompted the people to repent and seek God's forgiveness. In 1 Samuel 12:19 , the people said to Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king." In summary, the miraculous thunder during the harvest in 1 Samuel 12 serves as a powerful testament to God's authority, the importance of obedience to His commands, and the potential for repentance and restoration. It is a vivid example of how God uses natural phenomena to convey spiritual truths and guide His people back to Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 12:17,18Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call to the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Days of the Week The Choice of the Twelve Plagiarism by the Greeks of the Miracles Related in the Sacred ... The Cedars of Lebanon. The Obscure Apostles The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. ) His Name --Wonderful! Interpretation of Prophecy. John. Resources What does the Bible say about work ethic? What is a Christian work ethic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.org How does God restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)? | GotQuestions.org Harvest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Harvest of Barley, Before Wheat Harvest of Wheat at Pentecost, in Palestine Harvest: And of Wheat Before Harvest Time Harvest: Promises of Plentiful Harvest: Sabbath Desecrated In Harvest: Sabbath to be Observed In The Harvest of a Time of Judgment The Harvest of a Time when Many are Ready to Receive the Gospel The Harvest of Barley at the Passover The Harvest of Ripeness for Wrath The Harvest of Seasons of Grace The Harvest of the End of the World The Harvest of Wheat at Pentecost The Harvest: (Cold In) of a Refreshing Message The Harvest: (Dew In) of God's Protection The Harvest: (Rain In) Honor Given to Fools The Harvest: A Time of Great Joy The Harvest: Called The: Appointed Weeks of Harvest The Harvest: Called The: Harvest Time The Harvest: Failure of a Cause of Great Grief The Harvest: Failure of a Punishment for Sin The Harvest: Failure of Occasioned by Drought The Harvest: Failure of Occasioned by Locusts The Harvest: Failure of Sometimes Continued for Years The Harvest: Fields Appeared White Before The Harvest: Former and Latter Rain Necessary to Abundance of The Harvest: Ingathering of Fruits of the Fields The Harvest: Legal Provision for the Poor During The Harvest: Men and Women Engaged In The Harvest: Miraculous Thunder In The Harvest: Not to be Commenced Until the First Fruits had been offered The Harvest: Omitted in the Sabbatical Year The Harvest: Omitted in Year of Jubilee The Harvest: Patience Required in Waiting For The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Binders The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Called Harvest-Men The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Called Labourers The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Fed by the Husbandman During The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Often Defrauded of Their Wages The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Reapers The Harvest: Persons Engaged in Received Wages The Harvest: Slothfulness During, Ruinous The Harvest: The Sabbath to Observed During The Harvest: To Continue Without Intermission Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |