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Former Rain and Latter Rain: Difference between revisions
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==Natural Environment of Israel== | ==Natural Environment of Israel== | ||
The importance of the former rain and the latter rain can be seen in the natural environment of Israel. Since ancient times, water has been scarce in Israel. In biblical history, [[Abraham]] and other patriarchs faced conflict over wells or had to dig a new well whenever they moved their dwellings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | The importance of the former rain and the latter rain can be seen in the natural environment of Israel. Since ancient times, water has been scarce in Israel. In biblical history, [[Abraham]] and other patriarchs faced conflict over wells or had to dig a new well whenever they moved their dwellings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+26%3A15-22&version=NIV |title=Genesis 26:15–22 |publisher= }}</ref> | ||
*'''Terrain and Farming''' | *'''Terrain and Farming''' | ||
:More than 60% of Israel is a desert. It is difficult to obtain groundwater because the soil is made of limestone, sandstone, etc. The fertile land is spread throughout the northern region where rainfall is abundant, but it accounts for only 20% of the country as of 2013, and it is only 29.87% as of 2020.<ref>[https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Israel/Percent_agricultural_land/ Israel: Percent agricultural land], ''The Global Economy''</ref> | :More than 60% of Israel is a desert. It is difficult to obtain groundwater because the soil is made of limestone, sandstone, etc. The fertile land is spread throughout the northern region where rainfall is abundant, but it accounts for only 20% of the country as of 2013, and it is only 29.87% as of 2020.<ref>[https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/Israel/Percent_agricultural_land/ Israel: Percent agricultural land], ''The Global Economy''</ref> | ||
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==The Roles of the Former Rain and the Latter Rain== | ==The Roles of the Former Rain and the Latter Rain== | ||
Since water is scarce in Israel, people’s lives are directly impacted by rain. In the past, in agricultural societies, rain influenced the result of farming of the year. The former rain and the latter rain, which were poured in due time, were the “[https://vdict.pro/en-en/timely+rain timely rain]” and a symbol of blessing.<ref>Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, pg. 456, ''B&H Publishing Group'', November 2015</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Since water is scarce in Israel, people’s lives are directly impacted by rain. In the past, in agricultural societies, rain influenced the result of farming of the year. The former rain and the latter rain, which were poured in due time, were the “[https://vdict.pro/en-en/timely+rain timely rain]” and a symbol of blessing.<ref>Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, pg. 456, ''B&H Publishing Group'', November 2015</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+11%3A14&version=NIV |title=Deuteronomy 11:14 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A7&version=NIV |title=James 5:7 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+84%3A5-6&version=NIV |title=Psalms 84:5–6|publisher= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16%3A15&version=NIV |title=Proverbs 16:15 |publisher= }}</ref> On the contrary, lack of the former rain and the latter rain was like a curse.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+4%3A7-8&version=NIV |title=Amos 4:7–8 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+3%3A2-3&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 3:2–3 |publisher= }}</ref> | ||
*'''Former Rain''': It falls in early autumn when the dry season ends and the rainy season begins. Since grains are sown at this time, early rains are essential to soften the ground and create conditions for stable grain growth.<ref>[https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/rain.html Rain], Eastons Bible Dictionary, ''Bible Study Tools''</ref> | *'''Former Rain''': It falls in early autumn when the dry season ends and the rainy season begins. Since grains are sown at this time, early rains are essential to soften the ground and create conditions for stable grain growth.<ref>[https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/rain.html Rain], Eastons Bible Dictionary, ''Bible Study Tools''</ref> | ||
*'''Latter Rain''': It falls around March and April when the rainy season ends. It falls just before the crops are harvested, and it is also called the “spring rain” or the “rain of blessing.” The latter rain influences the increase in agricultural production. This is because it is difficult for grains to grow well if nutrients are not properly supplied during the harvest season. Therefore, the timely latter rain is God’s blessing itself.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www. | *'''Latter Rain''': It falls around March and April when the rainy season ends. It falls just before the crops are harvested, and it is also called the “spring rain” or the “rain of blessing.” The latter rain influences the increase in agricultural production. This is because it is difficult for grains to grow well if nutrients are not properly supplied during the harvest season. Therefore, the timely latter rain is God’s blessing itself.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+29%3A23&version=NIV |title=Job 29:23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+5%3A24&version=NIV |title=Jeremiah 5:24}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> | ||
==Biblical Meaning of the Former Rain and the Latter Rain== | ==Biblical Meaning of the Former Rain and the Latter Rain== | ||
In the Bible, Israel’s grain farming is compared to God’s [[gospel]] work. Jesus likened the process of preaching the truth and reaping spiritual fruit to “sowing good seeds in a field and harvesting them.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | In the Bible, Israel’s grain farming is compared to God’s [[gospel]] work. Jesus likened the process of preaching the truth and reaping spiritual fruit to “sowing good seeds in a field and harvesting them.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A24-30%2C+37-39&OLWordSearchRange=beg&version=NIV |title=Matthew 13:24–30, 37–39 }}</ref> The special rain that falls during the farming season—the former rain and the latter rain—stands for the Holy Spirit poured out from God. Just as the former rain and latter rain are essential for Israel’s crop farming, the Holy Spirit of the former rain and the latter rain are crucial for the gospel work to be completed. Around the eighth century [[B.C. and A.D.|B.C.]], the prophet Joel prophesied that in the future, God would pour out the former rain and the latter rain. | ||
{{quote5 |내용= Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains . . . both '''autumn''' and '''spring rains''', as before. |출처= [https://www. | {{quote5 |내용= Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains . . . both '''autumn''' and '''spring rains''', as before. |출처= [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2%3A23&OLWordSearchRange=beg&version=NIV Joel 2:23]}} | ||
===Holy Spirit of the Former Rain=== | ===Holy Spirit of the Former Rain=== | ||
The prophecy about the former rain was fulfilled by the Holy Spirit given to the disciples on the day of [[Pentecost]], who gathered in [[Jerusalem]] for ten days after Jesus’ [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] and [[Ascension of Jesus|ascension]], 2,000 years ago when the seed of the gospel was being sown. The number of disciples increased by as many as 3,000 in a day after the descent of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of the former rain became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel of the early Church throughout the world. | The prophecy about the former rain was fulfilled by the Holy Spirit given to the disciples on the day of [[Pentecost]], who gathered in [[Jerusalem]] for ten days after Jesus’ [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] and [[Ascension of Jesus|ascension]], 2,000 years ago when the seed of the gospel was being sown. The number of disciples increased by as many as 3,000 in a day after the descent of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of the former rain became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel of the early Church throughout the world. | ||
{{quote5 |내용= When the day of Pentecost came, . . . All of them were filled with the '''Holy Spirit''' and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. . . . about three thousand were added to their number that day. . . . And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. |출처= [https://www. | {{quote5 |내용= When the day of Pentecost came, . . . All of them were filled with the '''Holy Spirit''' and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. . . . about three thousand were added to their number that day. . . . And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. |출처= [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A1-47&OLWordSearchRange=beg&version=NIV Acts 2:1–47]}} | ||
===Holy Spirit of the Latter Rain=== | ===Holy Spirit of the Latter Rain=== | ||
The prophecy of the [[book of Joel]] was partially fulfilled by the Holy Spirit of the former rain that came on the day of Pentecost in the Apostolic Age, and it is to be entirely fulfilled by the Holy Spirit of the latter rain that comes in the last days, the time of the spiritual harvest. | The prophecy of the [[book of Joel]] was partially fulfilled by the Holy Spirit of the former rain that came on the day of Pentecost in the Apostolic Age, and it is to be entirely fulfilled by the Holy Spirit of the latter rain that comes in the last days, the time of the spiritual harvest. | ||
{{quote5 |내용=Blow the trumpet in '''Zion'''; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. . . . “Be glad, O people of '''Zion''', rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains . . . both '''autumn and spring rains''', as before. And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . .” . . . The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the '''great and dreadful day of the LORD'''. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on '''Mount Zion and in Jerusalem''' there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said . . . |출처=[https://www. | {{quote5 |내용=Blow the trumpet in '''Zion'''; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. . . . “Be glad, O people of '''Zion''', rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains . . . both '''autumn and spring rains''', as before. And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . .” . . . The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the '''great and dreadful day of the LORD'''. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on '''Mount Zion and in Jerusalem''' there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said . . . |출처=[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2%3A1-31&OLWordSearchRange=beg&version=NIV Joel 2:1–31]}} | ||
God said that the sun would be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the [[Jehovah|LORD]]. “The great and dreadful day of the LORD” in the book of Joel refers to the end of the world. As signs for His second coming and for the end of the age, Jesus told His disciples that “the sun would be darkened, and the moon would not give its light.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | God said that the sun would be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the [[Jehovah|LORD]]. “The great and dreadful day of the LORD” in the book of Joel refers to the end of the world. As signs for His second coming and for the end of the age, Jesus told His disciples that “the sun would be darkened, and the moon would not give its light.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A3%2C+29-31&OLWordSearchRange=beg&version=NIV |title=Matthew 24:3, 29–31 }}</ref> [[John (Apostle)|Apostle John]], too, wrote that the sun would turn black and that the whole moon would turn blood red before God’s work of putting the [[Seal of God|seal]] begins.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+6%3A12-13&version=NIV |title=Revelation 6:12–13 |publisher= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7%3A1-3&version=NIV |title=Revelation 7:1–3 |publisher= }}</ref> The work of the Holy Spirit of the latter rain appears at the end of the age, which is likened to the spiritual harvest season. | ||
Just as crops ripen with the latter rain and are brought into the barn, God’s chosen people, who are likened to the wheat, are gathered and the [[Gospel of the Kingdom|gospel work of the kingdom]] is completed through the work of the Holy Spirit of the latter rain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | Just as crops ripen with the latter rain and are brought into the barn, God’s chosen people, who are likened to the wheat, are gathered and the [[Gospel of the Kingdom|gospel work of the kingdom]] is completed through the work of the Holy Spirit of the latter rain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A36-43&version=NIV |title=Matthew 13:36–43 |publisher= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A30-31&version=NIV |title=Matthew 24:30–31 |publisher= }}</ref> | ||
===How to Receive the Holy Spirit of the Latter Rain=== | ===How to Receive the Holy Spirit of the Latter Rain=== | ||
*'''We Must Keep the Feasts of God''' | *'''We Must Keep the Feasts of God''' | ||
:The bodies of the saints are the “temple of the [[The Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]]” where the Holy Spirit dwells.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | :The bodies of the saints are the “temple of the [[The Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]]” where the Holy Spirit dwells.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A16-17&version=NIV |title=1 Corinthians 3:16–17 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A19&version=NIV |title=1 Corinthians 6:19 }}</ref> The Holy Spirit of God cannot dwell in a place defiled by [[Idol|idols]] or a detestable place. Since a man cannot be a pure temple of the Holy Spirit to receive the Holy Spirit through his righteousness,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A9-10&version=NIV |title=Romans 3:9–10 }}</ref> we must keep the [[New Covenant Passover|Passover of the new covenant]] to be purified by the blood of [[Christ]]. Therefore, Jesus taught that the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, would come upon those who eat His flesh and drink His blood.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A56&version=NIV |title=John 6:56 |publisher= }}</ref> God also said that He would not send the rain (Holy Spirit) on those who do not keep the [[Feast of Tabernacles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+13%3A1&version=NIV |title=Zechariah 13:1 }}</ref><ref name="슥 14">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+14%3A16-19&version=NIV |title=Zechariah 14:16–19 }}</ref> When the saints cleanse themselves, who are the [[temple]] of God, by keeping the [[The Feasts of God|feasts of God]], God gives them the Holy Spirit of the latter rain. | ||
*'''We Must Know God''' | *'''We Must Know God''' | ||
:To press on to know God is the prerequisite to receive the Holy Spirit of the latter rain.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www. | :To press on to know God is the prerequisite to receive the Holy Spirit of the latter rain.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+6%3A3&version=NIV |title=Hosea 6:3|publisher= }}</ref> On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, [[Jesus Christ]] stood in the temple and shouted, “Come and receive the [[The Water of Life|water of life]],” by which He meant, “Come and receive the Holy Spirit.”<ref name="요 7">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A37-39&version=NIV |title=John 7:37–39 |publisher= }}</ref> In order to go to Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, we must press on to know Christ.<ref name="요 3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A10&version=NIV |title=John 3:10 |publisher= }}</ref> | ||
*'''We Must Seek to Receive the Holy Spirit''' | *'''We Must Seek to Receive the Holy Spirit''' | ||
:The prophet [[Zechariah]] taught that we should ask God to grant the spring rain, the latter rain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www. | :The prophet [[Zechariah]] taught that we should ask God to grant the spring rain, the latter rain.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+10%3A1&version=NIV |title=Zechariah 10:1 }}</ref> Jesus promised to give living water, the Holy Spirit, to those who ask for it.<ref name="요 3" /><ref name="요 7" /> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||