Lucas

Precipitation understood as a gift from God and a sign of his blessing. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 promises rain in its season for covenant obedience. God 'sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous' (Matthew 5:45), demonstrating common grace. Elijah's prayer brought drought and then rain (1 Kings 17-18, James 5:17-18). Joel 2:23 prophesied the outpouring of the 'early and latter rains,' a phrase also applied to the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 55:10-11 compares God's word to rain that waters the earth and makes it fruitful. Psalm 72:6 envisions the messianic king as rain falling on mown fields. The absence of rain symbolized divine judgment (Amos 4:7).