### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwreh**, represented by `{{H4175}}`, primarily refers to the **early rain** or **former rain**. Though its base definition also includes "archer" and "teacher," its scriptural use is focused on this meteorological blessing. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses**, highlighting its specific role in describing God's provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4175}}` signifies a specific, timely rainfall. In Joel, God promises to give his people "the former **rain** moderately" and will cause "the former **rain**, and the latter **rain**" to come down as a sign of restoration and blessing [[Joel 2:23]]. In Psalms, the **rain** `{{H4175}}` is described as filling the pools in the valley of Baca, transforming a place of difficulty into a source of life [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of divinely sent rain:
* `{{H1653}}` **geshem** (a shower; rain, shower.): This is a general term for **rain** that appears alongside `{{H4175}}` in the promise of restoration, where God will cause the **rain** to come down [[Joel 2:23]]. It is also described as a blessing God gives in due season [[Leviticus 26:4]].
* `{{H4456}}` **malqôwsh** (the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence; latter rain.): Often translated as **latter rain**, this word is paired directly with `{{H4175}}` to describe the full agricultural cycle of rain promised by God [[Joel 2:23]]. Believers are encouraged to ask the Lord for this **latter rain** [[Zechariah 10:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4175}}` is centered on God's faithful provision.
* **Divine Blessing and Restoration:** The "former **rain**" is a tangible gift from God, given to His people as a sign of favor and the restoration of abundance [[Joel 2:23]]. Its return signifies an end to a period of hardship.
* **Transformation of Hardship:** The word is used to illustrate how God can bring blessing out of difficult circumstances. The **rain** of `{{H4175}}` turns the desolate "valley of Baca" into a place with "pools" of water, representing divine comfort and life in a place of trial [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4175}}` is more than just a word for the first rains of the season. It functions as a powerful symbol of God's timely and restorative blessing. Whether providing for the land after a drought [[Joel 2:23]] or transforming a valley of sorrow into a place of life [[Psalms 84:6]], **môwreh** consistently points to the direct, life-giving intervention of God in the world and in the lives of His people.
TRV