Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4800 Natural and supernatural phenomena  »  4815 drought  »  4816 drought, physical

Drought arises through the absence of rain, leading to severe hardship for those who are affected by it.

Drought may be a sign of God's displeasure

Deuteronomy 11:17 See also Deuteronomy 28:22-24; 2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Kings 17:1; Psalm 107:33-34; Isaiah 5:6,13; Jeremiah 2:2-3; Jeremiah 14:1-6; Jeremiah 50:38; Ezekiel 22:23-24; Amos 4:7; Haggai 1:11; James 5:17

The response of believers to drought

It tests their faith

1 Kings 17:7; Habakkuk 3:17-18 See also Deuteronomy 8:15; Isaiah 41:17; Isaiah 48:20-21; Jeremiah 2:5-6; Hosea 13:5

It gives opportunity to help others

Acts 11:28-29 See also Genesis 41:56-57; 1 Kings 17:9; Kings 18:1-4

Rain is a sign of God's general favour or of his forgiveness

His general favour

Acts 14:17 See also Genesis 27:28; Job 5:10; Job 38:25-28; Psalm 65:9-10; Psalm 147:8; Jeremiah 5:24; Jeremiah 14:22; Matthew 5:45

His response to repentance

Joel 2:12,23 See also Malachi 3:10

His response to obedience

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 See also Leviticus 26:3-4

His response to prayer

James 5:18 See also 1 Kings 8:35-36; Kings 18:36-46; Zechariah 10:1

See also

1330  God, the provider
4293  water
4819  dryness
4822  famine
4844  rain
5569  hardship
8358  weakness, physical
9210  judgment, God's