### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רִי (rîy), transliterated as *rîy*, is derived from the root רָוָה (rawah), which conveys the sense of "to be saturated," "to drink deeply," or "to be abundantly watered." Consequently, רִי (rîy) inherently signifies a thorough and complete application of water. Its base definition encompasses "irrigation," "a shower," or "watering," pointing to an act or process that provides water in a life-sustaining or refreshing manner. The term implies a sufficient supply of water to achieve saturation, refreshment, or growth, drawing directly from the concept of being fully quenched or inundated by water.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רִי (rîy) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Job.
* **[[Job 38:26]]**: "to cause it to rain on a land where no man is, on the wilderness in which there is no man." In this profound passage, God is speaking to Job from the whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of the cosmos and God's sovereign control over creation. The word רִי (rîy) is translated here as "rain" or "watering." The context is crucial: God is demonstrating His omnipotence by describing His provision of water even to uninhabited wilderness, places where no human benefits directly. This highlights God's meticulous governance of the natural world, His care extending beyond human observation or utility, and His ability to sustain creation according to His own inscrutable purposes. It serves as a powerful testament to divine wisdom and sovereignty over the elements.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which רִי (rîy) is derived:
* **רָוָה (rawah)**: `{{H7301}}` This verb means "to be saturated," "to drink deeply," or "to be abundantly watered." It often appears in contexts of spiritual or physical refreshment and abundance (e.g., [[Psalm 23:5]], "my cup overflows"; [[Proverbs 11:25]], "he who waters will himself be watered"). The noun רִי (rîy) thus represents the *effect* or *product* of this saturation.
Other related concepts include:
* **מָטָר (matar)**: `{{H4306}}` A general term for rain (e.g., [[Genesis 7:12]]).
* **גֶּשֶׁם (geshem)**: `{{H1653}}` Refers to a heavy rain or downpour (e.g., [[1 Kings 18:41]]).
* **יּוֹרֶה (yoreh)** and **מַלְקוֹשׁ (malqosh)**: `{{H3138}}` and `{{H4456}}` The early and latter rains, respectively, vital for agricultural cycles in ancient Israel (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 11:14]]).
The concept of "watering" (רִי, rîy) also connects to broader themes of divine provision, sustenance, life-giving power, and God's sovereign control over the forces of nature, particularly in desolate or barren environments.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of רִי (rîy) in [[Job 38:26]] carries profound theological weight. It is embedded within God's magnificent discourse to Job, a divine revelation of the Creator's incomprehensible wisdom and power. The act of providing "watering" to a land "where no man is" underscores several critical theological truths:
1. **God's Universal Sovereignty**: It demonstrates that God's governance extends over all creation, not merely those parts that directly benefit humanity. His care is cosmic in scope.
2. **God's Immanence and Transcendence**: God is intimately involved in the details of the natural world (immanence), yet His ways and reasons for acting are beyond human comprehension or control (transcendence). He acts according to His own counsel.
3. **Grace and Self-Sufficiency**: The provision of water to the uninhabited wilderness is an act of pure, unmerited grace, not contingent on human need, petition, or presence. It reveals God's inherent benevolence and self-sufficient nature, acting out of His own character rather than being compelled by external factors.
4. **Reflection of Glory**: The very existence and sustenance of such desolate places, watered by divine command, serve as a testament to God's glory and wisdom, reminding humanity of His unsearchable ways and the vastness of His creative power.
In essence, רִי (rîy) in this context speaks to a God who sustains all things, even the seemingly insignificant or unseen, solely by His will and for His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רִי (rîy), derived from the root רָוָה (rawah) meaning "to be saturated" or "abundantly watered," denotes "irrigation," "a shower," or "watering." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 38:26]] is highly significant, occurring within God's majestic address to Job. Here, God speaks of providing "watering" to the uninhabited wilderness, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and wisdom over creation. This unique usage underscores that God's providential care extends to all parts of His creation, independent of human observation or utility. The word thus encapsulates a profound theological concept: God as the ultimate, self-sufficient provider whose gracious and powerful actions sustain the cosmos, revealing His glory and unsearchable ways even in the most desolate and unseen realms.
TRV