John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And also I have withholden the rain from you , etc.] As he did for the space of three years successively in the days of Ahab, as predicted by Elijah, ( 1 Kings 17:1 <111801> 18:1); the consequences of which are very bad to men and beast, and bring on a scarcity of food for both, and a famine if long withheld: when [there were] yet three months to the harvest ; that is, three months before the harvest, as Jarchi; when, as Kimchi observes, there was need of rain: this was the latter rain which was usually given and expected about this time, and on which the goodness of the crop, and so of the harvest, greatly depended; these three months before barley harvest were December, January, and February, that being in March; and before the wheat harvest, February, March, and April, that being in May usually: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city ; so that it might appear to be not by the course of nature, or through the influence of the planets, or by chance; but was according to the direction of divine Providence, the hand of God was manifestly in it: yea, one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered ; one piece of ground or field had a plentiful shower on it, whereby it became fruitful; and another field or close on the other side of the hedge or partition had none, whereby what did spring up withered away and came to nothing: or “one inheritance” f116 , or farm, as some render it; one man’s estate was well watered with rain from heaven, and brought forth much fruit; and another man’s estate, for want of it, was barren, and brought forth nothing: thus God was pleased to do in his providence, to show his sovereignty, and to chastise men for their sins; and in such a manner as that they might, if not blind easily perceive his hand in it.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-13 - See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and labour for that whic satisfies not; yet, after all, they will not incline their ear to Hi in whom they might find all they can want. Preaching the gospel is a rain, and every thing withers where this rain is wanting. It were wel if people were as wise for their souls as they are for their bodies and, when they have not this rain near, would go and seek it where it is to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and idolatry the Lord was coming against them as an adversary. Ere long, we mus meet our God in judgment; but we shall not be able to stand before him if he tries us according to our doings. If we would prepare to meet ou God with comfort, at the awful period of his coming, we must now mee him in Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father, who came to sav lost sinners. We must seek him while he is to be found _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew וגם1571 אנכי595 מנעתי4513 מכם4480 את853 הגשׁם1653 בעוד5750 שׁלשׁה7969 חדשׁים2320 לקציר7105 והמטרתי4305 על5921 עיר5892 אחת259 ועל5921 עיר5892 אחת259 לא3808 אמטיר4305 חלקה2513 אחת259 תמטר4305 וחלקה2513 אשׁר834 לא3808 תמטיר4305 עליה5921 תיבשׁ׃3001
