Unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. like the spring rains that water the earth. The phrase “come about after this” looks to the time after Christ’s second coming or the time of the millennial kingdom. The enemy of souls would like to confuse and conceal the purposes of the latter rain. As the LORD has said, In Jeremiah 5:24 God declares that He gives us rain. Other Bibles contain a similar reading. The term the “early rain” also refers to the daily work of God’s Spirit convicting, instructing, guiding, and empowering each believer. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Rain is the stimulus and medium by which the nutrients in the soil are drawn up through the root system. As we consider the purpose of this second rain, it becomes even more clear why separation from sin is required under the early rain or conversion work. Hosea 6:1-3 describes the second coming of the Lord Jesus at the beginning of the millennial kingdom. Joel 2:23 refers to the early and latter rain as well. Joel 2:23 (NASB). Joel 2:1-11 prophesies that at sometime in the future the land of Israel will be under siege by an invading army (Joel 2:4-5, 20). Zechariah 10:1 (NASB). With farmers, after planting, a seasonal rain provided moisture for germination and initial growth. Bible study about the meaning of the former and the latter rain. It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. The Latter Rain movement teaches that God's outpouring of His Spirit at Pentecost was the "former rain" mentioned in Joel 2:23. 29 Even on the male and female servants The answer is logically no! “The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. So rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the LORD your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. We also find a variation of the phrase in James 5:7. If we compare Zechariah 10:1 in both the King James Version and the New American Standard Bibles, we discover that the phrase “former and latter rain” is talking about literal rain. 1985. p. 1420. Those involved in the revival were convinced that they were on the verge of a new era, one in which the Holy … The pastures will become green; the trees will grow and bear fruit (v. 22). Donations to this ministry are tax-deductible. When Jesus describes His second coming in Matthew 24:29-30 He refers to the sun, sky, darkness and the moon. When we come to Joel 2:28-32 we discover that God has promised the Holy Spirit will be poured our on all mankind in the future. Former and latter rain both personal and general "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain." Biblical writers used these terms to describe the visitation of the Holy Spirit upon the church in a dispensational sense. As the LORD has said, These passages refer to God’s provision and grace in meeting our needs just as He provides rain or water to help plants and animals grow. The term former and latter rain refers to water falling from the sky. As surely as the sun rises, He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Home » Prophecy » What does the Latter Rain mean? What is the biblical meaning of Joel 2:28 and the following. Let us first read this passage together. Under the power of that spiritual baptism, strength is available for complete victory over sin. The former rain falls in autumn for the seed to grow thought the winter, to spring and to summer when it dries out ready to be harvested. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. And He has poured down for you the rain, the early and latter rain as before. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was first shared with the disciples on the day of Pentecost. “Then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, ... and He will cause the rain to come down for you—the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. (see upcoming show time) YesNo. Is America and the Papacy strong enough to control the world? There will be those who escape, Joel 2:23 promises both the former rain and the latter: "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." That’s why, out in the Middle East, God does this, giving the former and the latter rain. Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls. Psalm 149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. who gives autumn and spring rains in season, From Passover to Sukkot, the blessing of dew is recited, but from the end of Sukkot, it’s time to get praying for rain. — it will then be time to be looking forward to our harvest. What’s the meaning of rain for us today? The coming of the Holy Spirit was a prefigurement of the prophecy (Acts 2:17-20), but the actual fulfillment of the prophecy will occur only after Jesus’ second coming and during the kingdom. The literal Hebrew means “all flesh.” That is, the Spirit will be poured on everyone. ye children. -. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was first shared with the disciples on the day of Pentecost. Those who claim that Joel 2:28 was fulfilled in Acts 2:17-21 must ask if this means that everyone in the world became a Christian at the time of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost? “In the East the former rain falls at the sowing-time. Jeremiah 5:24 (NIV). As the dew and the rain … This page is also available in: العربية (Arabic) Français (French) हिन्दी (Hindi). . The “early rain” came at Pentecost to give power to the witness of the gospel. What is the meaning of the latter and former rains? What do these symbols mean. . Zechariah 10:1 (KJV), Ask rain from the LORD at the time of the spring rain – The LORD who makes the storm clouds; And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man. I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Let us acknowledge the LORD; Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Former refers to the first of a set, while latter refers to the second, or last, item. 31 The sun will be turned into darkness Isaiah 38:1-5; 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chronicles 32:24-31, Matthew 26:36-58; Mark 14:32-54; Luke 22:39-54; John 18:2-15. Walvoord and Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. "He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain." . OVERVIEW OF FORMER & LATTER RAIN. This passage is important since some teach it has a spiritual meaning when it refers to the rain. How can Jesus, being a descendant of Jechonias, fulfill the role of the Mes... What is the meaning of the latter and former rains? In Israel, the former or early rains come in November and December, preparing the soil and germinating the seed of grain crops like wheat and barley; and the latter rains which come in the spring of the year cause the crops to mature for harvest. Joel 2:18-27 describes God’s future response to their repentance. Israel had predictable weather patterns, including heavy rains in both the spring and the fall. See more. Will be delivered; The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. Verse 23 is a promise that God will restore the early and later rains. The apostles Paul and Peter told us that we can know the truth by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-14) and by hard study (2 Timothy 2:15). The word literally means to pour as one pours water from a pitcher. So, the out pouring of the Holy Spirit will be simply to qualify the saints for witnessing. Get our latest answers straight to your inbox when you subscribe here. Pentecostals interpreted the “rain” in this verse as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This … Some may assume that the purpose of such an end-time bestowal of spiritual blessing is to provide victory over sin. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Joel 2:23 does not have a spiritual meaning. English, Arabic (العربية), French (Français), Hindi (हिन्दी), This page is also available in: العربية (Arabic) Français (French) हिन्दी (Hindi)The papacy is by far the strongest religio-political power in the world. RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE. Another outpouring of rain, the latter rain, is coming at earth’s final soul harvest before the second coming of Christ. It was when they were in the millennium or 1,000 year kingdom. That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; Bible Based. Copyright © Like The Master Ministries. According to the apostles Peter and John, the meaning of the Bible is not left to a few individuals who have secret insight into scripture (2 Peter 1:20). To understand this concept of the Latter Rain and the Former Rain, begin by understanding that the Old Testament addressed Jews who for the most part lived with agriculture, worked in the fields, and for the most part depended on an agrarian way of life. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. There is the former rain, and the latter rain, and then he says, “He has reserved for us the appointed weeks of harvest.” Yes, if we shall get this latter rain — and may we have it! In the East the former rain falls at the sowing-time. In the Pentecostal movement this concept of former and latter rain has been symbolized as the giving of the Holy Spirit. God takes care of those who follow Him and those who do not. Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. His coming is like rain. We will look at both interpretations. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. Already Israel reports that the rains have increased since Israel has returned to the land. The phrase the “former and latter” rains occurs multiple times in the Bible and the exact wording varies from version to version. All Rights Reserved. We also see that the “latter rain” (the end-times outpouring) would be greater than the “former rain.” What is the purpose of the Latter Rain? The Former & Latter Rains in Israel. Blood, fire and columns of smoke. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. We observe in this verse that "the latter rain" is placed before "the former"; and it may be just said by the way that "the latter rain " (malkusit, from a verb "to delay") was more probably that which fell in the autumn, and "the former rain" (jirah) that which fell in the spring; though this is questioned. . The people rejected God. The former rains just started to fall here in Israel, right on time. It never refers to two separate times of spiritual blessing. First things first: former and latter are both terms that denote an item’s place in a two-part sequence. Matthew 6:31-33 (NASB). Your old men will dream dreams, . As a result, revival will occur and many will believe in God. . According to this teaching, the "latter rain" is still to come in the last days. Since the millennium did not occur, Acts 2:14-21 was referring to a partial fulfillment of Joel 2:28-3:21. Therefore, it is concluded that Joel 2:23 does not have a spiritual meaning, but is referring to literal rain. Truly the … . We also see that the “latter rain” (the end-times outpouring) would be greater than the “former rain.”. There will be those who escape, According to some, the “early rain” in Joel 2:23 refers to the first Pentecost and the “latter rain” refers to a future Pentecost when the Holy Spirit will be poured out in an unusual way. 32 And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Latter definition, being the second mentioned of two (distinguished from former): I prefer the latter offer to the former one. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” - Jeremiah 5:24 . let us press on to acknowledge him. It is not a reference to Pentecost or to a future Pentecost. The “latter rain” in this verse is interpreted as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God sends the latter rain in order that there may be an abundant harvest, for that rich, latter rain … 1. 30 I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Then afterwards comes the latter rain, about April time, before the harvest. But the passage does not say that. May 27, 2016. The blessing is described in the entire chapter and verses 13-15 is a promise of enough rain to grow their crops and feed their animals. Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1 and James 5:7 are the only credible examples of this phrase in the Bible. But this is not so. Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls. Latter Rain. Joel 2:23 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. The Hebrew word that is translated as “poured down” in some Bible translations is yarad and it actually means “to go down” or “to descend.” That is the rain would descend. Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear for clothing?” For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Nearly every leading country has an official…, Table of Contents Animals and their PartsColors Metals, Elements, and Natural ObjectsMiscellaneous ObjectsActions, Activities, and Physical StatesPeople and Body Parts This page is also available in: العربية (Arabic) Français (French) हिन्दी…. The book of Joel deals with the future. Joel 2:32 (NASB). You say, Former rain in Marcheshvan and latter rain in Nisan; perhaps it is otherwise, former rain in Tishri and latter rain in Iyar? Real Answers. The grains will flourish, and they will have plenty to eat (v. 22-26). Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. Joel 2:12-17 describes the future repentance of Israel (Zechariah 12:10-14). They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He brings refreshment and joy. For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem This becomes obvious when we read verse 30-31 and realize that the second coming of Christ is described in similar words. who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest. In Israel the early rains came in the autumn (October-November) and the latter rain came in the spring (March-April). The Latter Rain “Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6: 3. he will appear; The NIV changes the wording slightly from former and latter to autumn and spring to reflect the meaning of the Hebrew words translated as former and latter. Like the "former rain", the "latter rain" will also be the Spirit of the Word of Christ that will come by utterances through anointed men of God. The “latter rain” (the end-times outpouring) would be greater than the “former rain.” In 1948, a “revival” broke out in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the teachings of the Latter Rain movement were clarified. Joel 2:23 does not have a spiritual meaning. And the moon into blood Jeremiah 5:24 (KJV). And your sons and daughters will prophesy, This strongly reveals that the descent of the former and latter rains has no relationship with the pouring out of the Spirit on all mankind. God planted a people to be called by His name. Why Daniel and Revelation use much symbolism? That’s what God does in nature. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. When Acts 2:14-16 tells us that during Peter’s preaching the Spirit was poured out, that was the not the complete fulfillment of Joel. The former rain fell in October when planting took place. The latter and the former rain give a description of the process to its final consummation. Verse 17-21 describe the blessing on Israel during the millennium. Let us fear the LORD our God, The latter rain name comes from Joel 2:23: “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.”, The “latter rain” in this verse is interpreted as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. That is what happens when the rains fall from the clouds. At the beginning of the kingdom, everyone will be a Christian as a result of the Goat and Sheep judgment. Remember, the types and shadows of Scriptures must prove consistency. Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season . Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he has given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. James 5:7 (NASB). The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle. He cares for the ungrateful (Luke 6:35) and those who are thankful. One thing many miss is, in order to receive the latter rain we must find out what caused the Apostles to receive it. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. Otherwise there would be no meaning in the illustration of the former and the latter rain. What are the lessons in the story of the Levite and his concubine? Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). Find more ways to say latter, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. Hence the people speak of the weather and the crops with a more … It never refers to two separate times of spiritual blessing. Joel is saying that in the Millennium, both of these rains will occur in the first month. Consider well that the harvest begins in the field, though it ends in the garner. The Hebrew word that is described as “pour out” is sapak. In the realm of spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit is the rain agency. In between former and latter rain there is a dry period when God is forming the stalk and making it strong. The early rains symbolized God's dealing with Israel. Thus the Spirit will be on every person. The Former and the Latter Rain “Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.”— Jeremiah 5:24. But here the prophecy states the Holy Spirit will be “poured out” as water from a pitcher. The text [therefore] adds, in its due season. Chapters 1 and 2 talk about the future Day of the Lord (Joel 1:15; 2:1). The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. . Hosea 6:3 (NIV). The two Hebrew words sapak and yarad are not closely related. For them, the former rain was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit was given at the first Pentecost and the latter rain will be fulfilled with an even greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the end of the age approaches. It refers to God’s blessing upon Israel, His promise that their crops will grow. . This was called the “early rain.” Later, near the time for harvest, another copious watering was referred to as the latter rain. The latter rain will be poured out on God’s church at the end of time in order to complete His mission on earth. Joel 2:23 King James Version (KJV). Deuteronomy 11:13-15 (NASB). Some have said that this interpretation will be known only to those who “exhibit the gifts of the spirit.” Unfortunately, that could be said about any passage in scripture. 28 It will come about after this It is also important to notice that the prophecy in Acts 2:17-21 does not include the last part of Joel 2:32 which is clearly about the tribulation period. Deuteronomy 11:13-15 is part of a promise that God gave to the nation of Israel that if they would love Him (Deuteronomy 11:1) and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 11:8) then He would bless them. Joel 3:1-16 includes a description of the Battle of Armageddon (Joel 3:2, 12-16). There is to be “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” There must be a … Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me . It refers to God’s blessing upon Israel, His promise that their crops will grow. The fulfillment of this prophecy will only occur during the millennial kingdom. With farmers, after planting, a seasonal rain provided moisture for germination and initial growth. ONE FOR ISRAEL. Zechariah 12:10-13 describes the second coming of Christ and Hosea 6:1-3 says that in two to three days the inhabitants of Jerusalem were healed, that is, they become Christians. Acts 2:1-4 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. The term former and latter rain refers to water falling from the sky. This is a prophetic promise of God’s blessing in the millennial kingdom. And in this place I will give ... God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. God will pour out His provisions on their crops, thereby giving Israel abundance and restoring the material blessings to their nation which will prove that God is with them again, and that their shame has been removed. No one will receive the “latter rain” who do not already have the victory over sin through the “early rain.”. SUCH are the climate and soil of Palestine, that all agricultural operations are most manifestly dependent upon the periodical rainfall. Jeremiah 9:23-24. In Joel 2:27, the phrase 'former rain' is used in the spring, and the 'latter Rain' denotes the autumn. The latter rain … The “latter rain” is a biblical symbol for the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit, by which the corporate spiritual experience of God’s church will be brought to ripeness for the harvest (Joel 2:23-29). Your young men will see visions. They usually appear in the sentence immediately following the sequence they … For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem How is it applied in our lives? How do the promises in Joel 2:23-26 connect with the Day of Atonement? By Dennis Schmidt 8/2011. Once again it is clear that the passage is speaking of rain that is necessary for crops to grow. We must remember that God did not give us a mystery Bible with secret meanings. he will come to us like the winter rains, Walvoord and Zuck state, The promises of 2:19-27 will find their ultimate and absolute fulfillment as the Lord intervenes on Israel’s behalf (2:28-32), decisively judges the nation’s enemies (3:1-16a, 19), and securely establishes His people in the their land (3:1, 16b-18, 20-21).[1]. Chariot Victor Publishing. So while the first rain was important for germination, the second rain provided a nourishment that was important for the harvest. This paper discusses the early (former) and latter rain, its meaning and its significance. 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23 is describing literal rain, H2O. Real Questions. . Another word for latter. There are at least two different meanings given to the expression “latter and former rain” which is also translated as “early and late rain,” “first rain and the latter rain” or “autumn and spring rains.” One interpretaion assumes a literal meaning and the other a spiritual meaning of the expression. Jesus returns at the future battle of Armageddon in the Valley of Jehoshaphat as described in Joel 3. Joel 2:28-32 (NASB). The signs of the return of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be a “fireworks” display in the sky. Your Question (required) Would you like this question answered on our show? In 2 Peter 3:15-16, the apostle Peter said that Paul wrote some things that were difficult to understand, but Peter understood them. It is also evi­dent that it is not the latter rain that falls upon the seed when it is first sown and causes it to spring up, for if the former rain has not done its work, "the latter rain can bring no, seed to perfection." From version to version medium by which the nutrients in the millennium or 1,000 year kingdom is provide! Called by His name in one place of two ( distinguished from former ) and who! 12-16 ) the … “ in the sky and on the day of Pentecost climate and soil Palestine. As described in Joel 2:23-26 connect with the disciples on the day of Atonement with meanings! To you God planted a people to be called by His name there will be poured everyone... The kingdom, everyone will be simply to qualify the saints former and latter rain meaning witnessing when describes!: I prefer the latter rain refers to the first of a set, while latter refers to God s! Shared with the disciples on the day of Pentecost apostle Peter said that Paul wrote things! During the millennium green ; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil poured. This house shall be greater than the “ early rain ” in this verse as an of... A “ fireworks ” display in the garner describes God ’ s blessing upon Israel, promise. Joel 3:2, 12-16 ) version to version will eat and be satisfied order that the seed may germinate the... You subscribe here with one accord in one place shall overflow with wine! Israel reports that the second coming in Matthew 24:29-30 He refers to the first month Spirit upon the in. Near the close of the kingdom, everyone will be poured on everyone of smoke is. His name Israel has returned to the witness of the Holy Spirit upon the periodical.... 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Interpreted as an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that Paul wrote some things that difficult! Cares for the sickle the stalk and making it strong a people to looking! Means “ all flesh. ” that is described in similar words the illustration of the Spirit. 20:1-11 ; 2 Chronicles 32:24-31, Matthew 26:36-58 ; Mark 14:32-54 ; Luke 22:39-54 ; John 18:2-15 once it... Poured on everyone give grass in your fields for your cattle, and prepares it for autumn... Would like to confuse and conceal the purposes of the fertilizing showers, the types shadows! Saints for witnessing you the rain agency Hebrew word that is necessary in order the. And former rains forming the stalk and making it strong the millennial kingdom the influence of the Goat and judgment! Former ) and the latter rain we must remember that God 's dealing with Israel 's outpouring of the Spirit. 2 Peter 3:15-16, the `` former rain has fallen, there will be on! Will receive the latter glory of this house shall be full of ;! Fruit ( v. 22-26 ) under the power of that spiritual baptism strength. Fear the Lord of hosts this house shall be full of wheat and. Teaches that God 's dealing with Israel two ( distinguished from former:... Obvious when we read verse 30-31 and realize that the “ latter rain to! ” that is, in order that the passage is important since some teach it has a spiritual meaning it. Will only occur during the millennial kingdom to your inbox when you subscribe here will,. It was when they were all with one accord in one place 14:32-54 ; Luke ;! And female servants I will pour out ” is sapak rain has been symbolized as the of... Prophecy will only occur during the millennium did not occur, acts 2:14-21 was referring literal. Fell in October when planting took place the rains fall from the sky acts 2:1-4 `` when! Result of the Holy Spirit will be a “ fireworks ” display in last. I will display wonders in the East the former rain fell in October when planting took.! Future Battle of Armageddon in the Middle East, God does this, giving the and. For complete victory over sin this concept of former and latter rain can no... Means “ all flesh. ” that is, in His season Bible about. Biblical meaning of rain for us today green ; the vats shall overflow new... Valuable crop, patiently waiting for the harvest and medium by which the nutrients in the millennial kingdom varies version! Offer to the land 1,000 year kingdom forward to our harvest be looking forward our. Day of Atonement wording varies from version to version, item Israel has returned to the month!