Topical Bible: Herbs: Require Rain Dew

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In the biblical context, herbs are often mentioned as part of the natural provision God has made for humanity and the animal kingdom. They are depicted as essential components of the diet and as symbols of God's providence and care. The requirement of rain and dew for the growth of herbs is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the dependence of creation on God's sustaining power.

Creation and Provision

From the very beginning, herbs are highlighted in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:11-12 states, "Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.' And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Here, herbs are part of the initial creation, designed to sustain life on earth.

Dependence on Rain and Dew

The growth of herbs is intricately linked to the provision of rain and dew, which are seen as blessings from God. In Deuteronomy 32:2 , Moses declares, "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants." This verse metaphorically connects the nourishing effect of rain and dew on herbs to the life-giving power of God's word.

The necessity of rain for the growth of herbs is further underscored in passages like Isaiah 55:10 : "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat." This illustrates the cycle of provision where rain is essential for the earth to yield its produce, including herbs.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Herbs, requiring rain and dew, serve as symbols of spiritual truths. In Hosea 14:5 , God promises, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon." Here, dew represents God's refreshing presence and blessing, which causes His people to flourish.

The dependence of herbs on rain and dew also serves as a reminder of human reliance on God. In a spiritual sense, just as herbs cannot thrive without water, believers cannot grow without the spiritual nourishment that comes from God. This is echoed in Psalm 72:6 , "May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth."

Practical and Dietary Uses

In biblical times, herbs were not only valued for their symbolic meanings but also for their practical uses. They were part of the diet, as seen in Genesis 9:3 , where God tells Noah, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. As I gave you the green plants, I have given you everything." Herbs were used for flavoring, medicine, and even in religious rituals.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of herbs as requiring rain and dew highlights the interconnectedness of creation and the divine provision that sustains it. Through the imagery of herbs, rain, and dew, Scripture teaches profound lessons about dependence on God, the sustenance of life, and the spiritual nourishment necessary for growth and flourishing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain on the tender herb, and as the showers on the grass:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 38:26,27
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxvi
... these earlier promises is too obvious to require to be ... with a reminiscence of the
odoriferous herbs whose smell ... almost make up for the lack of rain during the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Reader, it will require the utmost effort of your powers of ... pleasant notes, and all
the flowers and herbs of his ... for lo, the winter is past the rain is over ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm