Hosea 6:3

The rain.

The climate of Palestine differs from our own. There are "early" rains at sowing-time. Rain continues from autumn until spring. That which swells the corn and prepares for harvest is the "latter" rain. Deficiency of rain is fatal to the hopes of the husbandman; regular and abundant rains ensure his crops. Accordingly these rains serve as figures of the spiritual influences of God in producing and perfecting spiritual life and fruitfulness. The appropriateness is evident of the application of this figurative language to the spiritual economy beneath which we are privileged to live. The Holy Spirit's influences resemble the latter and the former rain, inasmuch as they are—

I. HEAVENLY IN ORIGIN .

II. SEASONABLE IN BESTOWMENT .

III. COPIOUS IN MEASURE .

IV. UNFAILING IN SUPPLY .

V. REFRESHING IN EFFECTS .

VI. QUICKENING TO THE LIFELESS .

VII. FERTILIZING IN ULTIMATE RESULTS .

APPLICATION .

1. Recognize an historical fact in the Divine outpouring.

2. Believe a faithful promise of mercy and blessing.

3. Act upon an encouragement to earnest prayer.—T.