### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâṭar**, represented by `{{H4306}}`, is a term for **rain**. It appears **38 times** across **36 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is fundamental to understanding the relationship between God, the land, and the people of Israel, often serving as a direct indicator of divine blessing or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4306}}` is used in several key ways, primarily demonstrating God's sovereignty over nature. It is presented as a blessing from God's "good treasure" to ensure the land's fertility [[Deuteronomy 28:12]] and provide for the harvest [[Deuteronomy 11:14]]. Conversely, the absence of **rain** signifies divine judgment, where God "shut up the heaven" as a consequence of sin ([[1 Kings 8:35]], [[Deuteronomy 11:17]]). The word is also used metaphorically, as when Moses' doctrine is said to "drop as the **rain**" [[Deuteronomy 32:2]], or when an oppressive ruler is compared to a "sweeping **rain** which leaveth no food" [[Proverbs 28:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of precipitation and atmospheric phenomena:
* `{{H4305}}` **mâṭar**: This is the primitive root verb meaning **to rain**. It describes the act of raining, such as when God had not "caused it **to rain** upon the earth" [[Genesis 2:5]] or when He commands the clouds that they **rain** no rain upon a vineyard [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* `{{H1653}}` **geshem** (a shower): This term often appears with `{{H4306}}` to describe different intensities of rain, as in "showers of **rain**" [[Zechariah 10:1]] or "the great **rain** of his strength" [[Job 37:6]].
* `{{H2919}}` **ṭal** (dew): This form of moisture is frequently mentioned alongside rain. In a time of drought, Elijah declares there will be neither **dew** nor rain [[1 Kings 17:1]], while Moses’ speech is said to distill like both the dew and the rain [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
* `{{H1259}}` **bârâd** (hail): Often appearing with rain in accounts of divine judgment, **hail** is a destructive form of precipitation. During the plague in Egypt, the **rain** and the **hail** and the thunders ceased at Moses' command [[Exodus 9:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4306}}` is primarily tied to God's covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Covenant Blessing:** The giving of **rain** in its proper season is a sign of God's favor and faithfulness to His people, leading to agricultural prosperity ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Isaiah 30:23]]). It is something to be requested from the Lord [[Zechariah 10:1]].
* **Covenant Curse:** The withholding of **rain** is a direct consequence of disobedience and sin, leading to famine and hardship ([[2 Chronicles 7:13]], [[Deuteronomy 11:17]]). God can also transform the rain into a curse of "powder and dust" [[Deuteronomy 28:24]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over the **rain** is a recurring theme that displays His ultimate power. He makes "a decree for the **rain**" [[Job 28:26]], creates lightning for the **rain** [[Psalms 135:7]], and is identified as its sole originator in the rhetorical question, "Hath the **rain** a father?" [[Job 38:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4306}}` signifies far more than simple weather. It functions as a powerful theological symbol for divine providence, a tangible measure of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Its presence or absence directly reflects states of blessing or judgment, illustrating God’s intimate and sovereign control over the natural world to accomplish His purposes.
TRV