Send the Rain

November 29, 2017

by: Janet Aslin

Friday, 01 December 2017 | Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses spoke to them about many things. One of them was specifically related to water—they would have to depend upon rainfall for their agricultural needs. “For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven…” (Deut 11:10–11).

Israel is indeed a land with few natural sources of water. The two main sources, the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and several large underground aquifers, are at a point of crisis. And, although the nation is a world leader in water conservation practices, use of desalination and reclamation of waste water, Israeli farmers are anxiously awaiting “the rain of heaven.”

A recent report showed that “more than half the water used by Israeli households, agriculture and industry is artificially produced” (www.cjnews.com). Israel leads the world in reclaiming its “gray water” with an astounding 87% purified so that it can be reused for agricultural purposes. But it is not enough to meet the needs of Israel’s farmers. After four years of drought conditions and the reduction of water they receive, the agricultural sector is facing the need to make serious decisions. Reuters recently reported that one farmer had made the difficult decision to dry out a large portion of his acreage.  

When faced with a crisis, it is natural to cry out in prayer. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, “prayers for rain are among the earliest liturgical texts…and during periods of drought, special prayers and supplications combined with fasting.” This is the season for rain in Israel. Abba, send your rain on this dry and thirsty land!

Posted on November 29, 2017

Source: (Bridges for Peace, 01 December, 2017)

Photo Credit: Myriams-Fotos/pixabay