from לָקַשׁ; (compare לֶקֶשׁ); the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence; latter rain.
Transliteration:malqôwsh
Pronunciation:mal-koshe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqôwsh, Strong's `{{H4456}}`) primarily denotes the "latter rain" or "spring rain." This term is derived from the root לָקַשׁ (lāqaš), which relates to "gathering" or "being late," specifically referring to the late-growing vegetation or the final harvest. In the agricultural cycle of ancient Israel, the "latter rain" was crucial. It falls in the months of March and April (Nisan and Iyar), just before the barley and wheat harvests. This rain is distinct from the "early rain" (יוֹרֶה, *yôreh*, Strong's `{{H3384}}`), which falls in autumn and prepares the ground for planting. The malqôwsh is vital for the maturation and full development of the crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Without it, the grain would shrivel, leading to famine.
Beyond its literal agricultural meaning, מַלְקוֹשׁ takes on a figurative sense in one instance, where it is understood by some as "eloquence" or "the refreshing favor" of a king, likened to the life-giving nature of the rain itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqôwsh) appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently carrying significant theological weight:
* **[[Deuteronomy 11:14]]:** This verse is part of a foundational covenant passage, outlining the blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience. God promises to give the land "the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil." Here, the malqôwsh is presented as a direct sign of divine blessing and faithful provision, essential for the sustenance of the people.
* **[[Proverbs 16:15]]:** "In the light of a king's face is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the latter rain." In this wisdom text, the life-giving and refreshing quality of the latter rain is used metaphorically to describe the benevolent favor of a righteous king. While some interpretations, drawing on the idea of late-gathered wisdom, have suggested "eloquence," the primary understanding aligns with the life-sustaining and prosperity-bringing nature of the rain itself, reflecting a king's benevolent rule.
* **[[Jeremiah 3:3]]:** "Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain; yet you have the forehead of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed." In stark contrast to Deuteronomy, the withholding of the malqôwsh here is a clear sign of divine judgment due to Israel's unfaithfulness and spiritual prostitution. It signifies a broken covenant and the withdrawal of God's blessing.
* **[[Hosea 6:3]]:** "Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the latter rain to the earth." This prophetic passage uses the malqôwsh as a metaphor for God's certain and life-giving presence and intervention. It speaks of God's refreshing and restorative power, bringing spiritual renewal to His people, much like the rain revives the parched earth.
* **[[Joel 2:23]]:** "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before." This verse is part of a prophecy of restoration after judgment. The promise of the malqôwsh, alongside the early rain, signifies God's renewed favor, physical abundance, and spiritual outpouring, often interpreted eschatologically as a precursor to the Spirit's anointing.
* **[[Zechariah 10:1]]:** "Ask of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain, of the LORD who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone grass in the field." This exhortation encourages the people to actively seek God's provision. It underscores that while the malqôwsh is a natural phenomenon, its timely arrival is ultimately dependent on God's sovereign will and His response to the prayers of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqôwsh) is enriched by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and concepts:
* **Early Rain (יוֹרֶה, *yôreh*, `{{H3384}}`):** Often paired with malqôwsh (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Joel 2:23]]), the *yôreh* refers to the autumn rains that soften the ground for planting. The consistent pairing highlights the complete cycle of divine provision for the agricultural year.
* **Rain (מָטָר, *matar*, `{{H4306}}`; גֶּשֶׁם, *geshem*, `{{H1653}}`):** These are more general terms for rain. Malqôwsh specifies a particular, agriculturally critical season of rain, emphasizing its unique function within the broader concept of precipitation.
* **Agricultural Cycle:** The concept of malqôwsh is deeply embedded in the agrarian life of ancient Israel. It speaks to the rhythms of nature, the dependence on God for sustenance, and the direct link between human obedience and natural prosperity.
* **Covenant and Blessing/Curse:** The presence or absence of the malqôwsh serves as a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness or His judgment upon His people, as seen in Deuteronomy and Jeremiah.
* **Spiritual Refreshment and Revival:** In prophetic contexts (Hosea, Joel), the malqôwsh becomes a powerful metaphor for the outpouring of God's Spirit, spiritual renewal, and the restoration of His people.
* **Wisdom and Kingship:** In Proverbs, the figurative use connects the life-giving nature of the rain to the beneficial influence of wise and benevolent leadership.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqôwsh) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Faithfulness and Provision:** At its core, the malqôwsh testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness as the provider and sustainer of life. Its timely arrival is a demonstration of His benevolent care for His creation and His people, ensuring their physical well-being and prosperity.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** The presence or absence of the latter rain is presented as a direct consequence of Israel's fidelity or infidelity to the Mosaic covenant. It serves as a tangible barometer of their relationship with Yahweh, a blessing for obedience and a curse for rebellion.
* **Spiritual Renewal and Eschatological Hope:** In the prophetic books, the malqôwsh transcends its literal meaning to symbolize spiritual blessings. It represents the outpouring of God's Spirit, bringing refreshment, restoration, and new life to a spiritually parched people. In Joel, it is explicitly linked to the eschatological outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh, signifying a time of ultimate divine blessing and restoration.
* **Sovereignty of God:** Zechariah 10:1 highlights God's absolute sovereignty over natural phenomena. While human effort is required for agriculture, the ultimate success of the harvest depends entirely on God's gracious provision of the necessary rains. This encourages dependence and prayer.
* **Metaphor for Blessing and Wisdom:** The use in Proverbs extends the concept to human governance, illustrating how righteous leadership, like the life-giving rain, brings prosperity and well-being to a nation.
### Summary
מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqôwsh, Strong's `{{H4456}}`) denotes the "latter rain" or "spring rain," a critical agricultural phenomenon in ancient Israel occurring in March and April, essential for the maturation of grain crops before harvest. Its etymology suggests a connection to "late" or "gathering." Biblically, the malqôwsh is a powerful symbol of God's faithful provision and covenant blessings, often paired with the "early rain" (יוֹרֶה, `{{H3384}}`) to represent the complete cycle of divine sustenance. Its presence signifies divine favor and prosperity, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 11:14]] and [[Joel 2:23]], while its withholding, as in [[Jeremiah 3:3]], indicates divine judgment for sin. Prophetically, especially in [[Hosea 6:3]] and [[Joel 2:23]], it serves as a rich metaphor for spiritual refreshment, the outpouring of God's Spirit, and eschatological restoration. In [[Proverbs 16:15]], it figuratively describes the life-giving favor of a wise king. The study of malqôwsh thus reveals a deep theological connection between the physical provision of God in creation and His spiritual blessings in the lives of His people, underscoring His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the profound implications of human obedience and dependence.
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