Topical Encyclopedia
Precipitation, in the context of the Bible, refers to the various forms of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that fall from the sky to the earth. This natural phenomenon is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing God's provision, judgment, and the natural order He established.
Rain as a Blessing and ProvisionRain is often depicted as a blessing from God, essential for sustaining life and agriculture. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, rain was crucial for the growth of crops and the survival of livestock. The Bible frequently associates rain with God's favor and provision. In
Deuteronomy 11:14, God promises the Israelites, "I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." This verse highlights the dependence of the people on God's timing and generosity for their sustenance.
Rain as a Sign of JudgmentConversely, the withholding of rain is often portrayed as a sign of divine judgment. In the Old Testament, droughts are depicted as consequences of the people's disobedience and idolatry. For instance, in
1 Kings 17:1, the prophet Elijah declares, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years, except at my word." This drought served as a direct response to the apostasy of King Ahab and the nation of Israel.
Snow and Hail as Symbols of God's PowerSnow and hail are less frequently mentioned but are used to demonstrate God's power and majesty. In
Job 37:6, it is written, "For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the torrential rains, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’" This verse illustrates God's command over the elements, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation. Similarly, hail is often associated with God's judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (
Exodus 9:18-26), where hail was sent as a punishment upon Pharaoh and his people.
Spiritual Symbolism of PrecipitationPrecipitation also carries spiritual symbolism in the Bible. Rain is often used metaphorically to describe the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessings. In
Isaiah 55:10-11, the prophet compares God's word to rain and snow, saying, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth." This passage underscores the life-giving and transformative power of God's word, much like the nourishing effect of rain on the earth.
ConclusionPrecipitation in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, judgment, and sovereignty. It reflects the dependence of humanity on divine grace for physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Through the imagery of rain, snow, and hail, the Scriptures convey profound truths about God's relationship with His creation and His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of precipitating, or the state of being precipitated, or thrown headlong.
2. (n.) A falling, flowing, or rushing downward with violence and rapidity.
3. (n.) Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; impetuosity.
4. (n.) The act or process of precipitating from a solution.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRECIPITATIONpre-sip-i-ta'-shun.
SeePUNISHMENTS, III, (5).
Library
WhetherPrecipitation is a Sin Included in Imprudence?
... OF IMPRUDENCE (SIX ARTICLES) Whetherprecipitation is a sin included in
imprudence? Objection 1: It would seem thatprecipitation...
Whether Thoughtlessness is a Special Sin Included in Prudence?
... Nowprecipitation is due to a defect of counsel and therefore to a defect
of thought. Thereforeprecipitation is contained under...
Whether Imprudence is a Special Sin?
... Thus, by defect of "counsel" to which {euboulia} (deliberating well) corresponds,
"precipitation" or "temerity" is a species of imprudence; by defect of...
Rejoicings of the victors.
... "Eusebius represents the victors at theprecipitation of Maxentius and his attendants
into the Tiber, as saying, like Moses at the overthrow of the Egyptians...
Dragged on his Way
... began on July 4, 404, and its hardships nearly produced the effect so ardently desired
by the Empress and her priestly abettors"theprecipitation of the...
Epistle xiv. To the Presbyters and Deacons Assembled at Rome.
... deacons also was not wanting the vigour of the priesthood; [2242] so that some,
too little mindful of discipline, and hasty, with a rashprecipitation, who had...
Epistle ix. To the Clergy, Concerning Certain Presbyters who had...
... Deacons," He Says, "Was Not Wanting the Vigour of the Priesthood, So that Some,
Too Little Mindful of Discipline, and Hasty with a RashPrecipitation, Who Had...
The Impending Judgment
... Place, and yet left one last brief opportunity for hasty flight, the persecutions
by which that catastrophe would be heralded, and theprecipitation of the...
Of the Worship of the True God, and of Innocency, and of The
... extinguish the force and vigour of the mind; and when they especially think that
they are alive, they are hastening with the greatestprecipitation to death....
Letter i. To the Bishop of Aquileia.
... of any rank who have been re-admitted from their alliance with the Pelagians and
the C??lestians into catholic communion with suchprecipitation that they were...
Thesaurus
Precipitation... 4. (n.) The act or process of precipitating from a solution. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
PRECIPITATION. pre-sip-i-ta'-shun. See PUNISHMENTS, III, (5).
...Nazareth (29 Occurrences)
... The `brow of the hill', site of the attemptedprecipitation, is probably the northern
cliff: the traditional site has been shown since the middle ages at some...
Arabah (32 Occurrences)
... semi-glacial conditions extended beyond the glacial limits a considerable distance
into the lower latitudes, securing the increasedprecipitation and the...
Lake (45 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A pigment formed by combining some coloring matter,
usually byprecipitation, with a metallic oxide or earth, esp....
Tree (245 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Wood; timber. 6. (n.) A mass of crystals, aggregated in arborescent
forms, obtained byprecipitation of a metal from solution....
Rashly (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a rash manner; withprecipitation.
Multi-Version Concordance Rashly (6 Occurrences). Acts 19:36...
Precise (1 Occurrence)
Precipice (3 Occurrences)
Siddim (3 Occurrences)
... In consequence of these encroachments, the equilibrium betweenprecipitation and
evaporation could be maintained only by a rise in the water causing it to...
Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... 18:6 parallel); (3) sawing asunder or crushing (2 Samuel 12:31 Hebrews 11:37);
(4) torturing (1 Chronicles 20:3 Hebrews 11:35); (5)precipitation (2 Chronicles...
Resources
What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the ice age? | GotQuestions.orgPrecipitation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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