Dew
DEW
The dews in Palestine and some other oriental countries are very copious, and serve very greatly to sustain and promote vegetation in seasons when little or no rain falls. Maundrell tells us that the tents of his company, when pitched on Tabor and Hermon, “were as wet with dew as if it had rained on them all night,” Jdg 6:38 Son 5:2 . Dew was especially heavy near the mountains, and just before and after the rainy season. It was prized as a precious boon of Providence, Gen 27:28 Deu 33:28 1Ki 17:1 Job 29:19 Hag 1:10 Zec 8:12 . The dew furnishes the sacred penmen with many beautiful allusions, Deu 32:2 2Sa 17:12 Psa 110:3 Pro 19:12 Hos 14:5 Mic 5:7 .
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Dew
(, tal, gentle moisture; Gr. ) is mentioned as falling in the East (Maundrell, p. 77; Robinson, 3, 479), e.g. in Babylon (Dan 4:12; Dan 4:22), likewise in Palestine during the summer nights (Bar 2:25), so heavy as to wet like a mode ate rain (Son 5:2; Jdg 6:38), the absence of which it somewhat supplies (Sir 18:16; Sir 43:22), greatly cooling the earth heated by day (comp. Curt. 7:5, 5), and refreshing vegetation (Hasselquist, p. 264; Volney, 1:51; Rosenmuller, Mlorgenl. 1:122). Thus it is coupled in the divine blessing with rain, or mentioned as a prime source of fertility (Gen 27:28; Deu 33:13; Zec 8:12), and its withdrawal is attributed to a curse (2Sa 1:21; 1Ki 17:1; Hag 1:10). SEE IRRIGATION.
The value of this blessing cannot be adequately appreciated by the Western reader; but in Palestine, and indeed throughout Western Asia, rain rarely if ever falls from April to September, and the heat of the sun being at the same time very strong, all vegetation would be parched and dried up were it not for the copious dews which fall during the night and completely moisten the ground, keeping in a fertile condition lands which would otherwise be sterile and desolate. But all this moisture evaporates with astonishing rapidity as soon as the sun has risen. It seems that the advantage of these abundant dews is not generally enjoyed except in regions more or less hilly or elevated, or in confined valleys. In extensive open plains and deserts, it does not seem that any copious dews fall in summer. But in such tracts no men can inhabit except the wandering tribes, and towns and villages are only found on the banks of natural or artificial streams; nor, unless in the same situations, is any cultivation attempted where there are no night dews in summer to compensate for the want of rain (Kitto, Pict. Bible, note on Gen 27:28). SEE FLEECE.
The various passages of Scripture in which dew is mentioned, as well as the statements of travelers, might, however, unless carefully considered, convey the impression that in Palestine the dews fall copiously at night during the height of summer, and supply in some degree the lack of rain. But we find that those who mention dews traveled in spring and autumn, while those who traveled in summer make no mention of them. In fact, scarcely any dew does fall during the summer months from the middle of May to the middle of August; but as it continues to fall for some time after the rains of spring have ceased, and begins to fall before the rains of autumn commence, we may from this gather the sense in which the scriptural references to dew are to be understood. Without the dews continuing to fall after the rains have ceased, and commencing before the rains return, the season of actual drought, and the parched appearance of the country, would be of much longer duration than they really are. See DROUGHT. The partial refreshment thus afforded to the ground at the end of a summer without dews or rains, is of great value in Western Asia, and would alone explain all the Oriental references to the effects of dew. This explanation is of further interest as indicating the times of the year to which the scriptural notices of dew refer; for as it does not, in any perceptible degree, fall in summer, and as few would think of mentioning it in the season of rain, we may take all such notices to refer to the months of April, May, part of August, and September (Kitto, Phys. Hist. of Palest. p. 301). SEE SEASONS.
Dew, as consisting of innumerable drops, is put as the symbol of multitude (2Sa 17:12); thus, in Psa 110:3, from the womb of the morning shall be to thee the dew of thy youths, i.e. the youth of thy people, numerous and fresh as the drops of the morning dew, shall go forth to fight thy battles (comp. Mic 5:6). It becomes a leading object in prophetic imagery by reason of its penetrating moisture without the apparent effort of rain (Deu 32:2; Job 29:19; Psa 133:3; Pro 19:12; Isa 26:19; Hos 14:5; Mic 5:7). It is mentioned as a token of exposure in the night (Son 5:2; Dan 4:15; Dan 4:23; Dan 4:25-33; Dan 5:21). Also the morning dew is the symbol of something evanescent (Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3). From its noiseless descent and refreshing influence, dew is sometimes made an emblem of brotherly love and harmony (Psa 133:3). SEE RAIN.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Dew
“There is no dew properly so called in Palestine, for there is no moisture in the hot summer air to be chilled into dew-drops by the coldness of the night. From May till October rain is unknown, the sun shining with unclouded brightness day after day. The heat becomes intense, the ground hard, and vegetation would perish but for the moist west winds that come each night from the sea. The bright skies cause the heat of the day to radiate very quickly into space, so that the nights are as cold as the day is the reverse, a peculiarity of climate from which poor Jacob suffered thousands of years ago (Gen. 31:40). To this coldness of the night air the indispensable watering of all plant-life is due. The winds, loaded with moisture, are robbed of it as they pass over the land, the cold air condensing it into drops of water, which fall in a gracious rain of mist on every thirsty blade. In the morning the fog thus created rests like a sea over the plains, and far up the sides of the hills, which raise their heads above it like so many islands. At sunrise, however, the scene speedily changes. By the kindling light the mist is transformed into vast snow-white clouds, which presently break into separate masses and rise up the mountain-sides, to disappear in the blue above, dissipated by the increasing heat. These are ‘the morning clouds and the early dew that go away’ of which Hosea (6:4; 13:3) speaks so touchingly” (Geikie’s The Holy Land, etc., i., p. 72). Dew is a source of great fertility (Gen. 27:28; Deut. 33:13; Zech. 8:12), and its withdrawal is regarded as a curse from God (2 Sam. 1:21; 1 Kings 17:1). It is the symbol of a multitude (2 Sam. 17:12; Ps. 110:3); and from its refreshing influence it is an emblem of brotherly love and harmony (Ps. 133:3), and of rich spiritual blessings (Hos. 14:5).
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Dew
In Palestine failing in early summer, again in autumn, and supplying the absence of rain. So copious as to saturate Gideon’s fleece, so that a bowl full of water was wrung out, and to wet the ground in one night (Jdg 6:37-40). A leading source of fertility (Gen 27:28; Deu 33:13; Job 29:19; Hos 14:5; Isa 18:4; Zec 8:12). Its being withheld brought barrenness (1Ki 17:1; Hag 1:10). Its speedy drying up symbolizes the formalist’s goodness (Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3).
On the other hand its gentle, silent, benignant influence, diffusing itself over the parched ground, represents the blessed effect of God’s word and God’s grace (Deu 32:2); also brotherly love (Psa 133:3), the “dew of Hermon (i.e. copious and refreshing dew) that descended upon Zion”; or else, believers from various parts are joined by brotherly love on the one spiritual Zion, like the countless dewdrops wafted together, if it were physically possible, from various mountains, as Hermon, to the one natural Zion. The effect on the world of brotherly love among various believers would be like that of dew, all simultaneously saturating the dry soil and making it fruitful (Joh 17:21-23).
The dew springing “from the womb of the morning,” not by visible irrigation, is the emblem of youthful, fresh, living, beautiful, infinite rigor, namely, that of Christ and of Christ’s people in union with Him (Psa 110:3). Israel shall hereafter be “in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord” (Mic 5:7); overwhelming their enemies “as the dew falleth on the ground” (2Sa 17:12), and as “life from the dead” to the millennial earth, as “the dew of herbs” causes them to revive after the deadness of winter (Isa 26:19).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Dew
DEW.The process whereby dew is formed is enhanced in Eastern countries like Palestine, where the surface of the ground and the air in contact therewith are highly heated during the daytime, but where at night, and particularly under a cloudless sky, the heat of the ground is radiated into space and the air becomes rapidly cooled down. The excess of moisture in the air then gently falls as dew on the tender herb, and sometimes so copiously as to sustain the life of many plants which would otherwise perish during the rainless season; or even, as in the case of Gideon, to saturate a fleece of wool (Jdg 6:38). Deprivation of dew, as well as of rain, becomes a terrible calamity in the East. On this account dew and rain are associated in the imprecation called down by David on the mountains of Gilboa (2Sa 1:21); and in the curse pronounced on Ahab and his kingdom by Elijah (1Ki 17:1), as also by the prophet Haggai on the Jews after the Restoration (Hag 1:10) owing to their unwillingness to rebuild the Temple. In the Book of Job the formation of dew is pointed to as one of the mysteries of nature insoluble by man (Job 38:28); but in Pr. it is ascribed to the omniscience and power of the Lord (Pro 3:20). Dew is a favourite emblem in Scripture: (a) richness and fertility (Gen 27:28, Deu 33:13); (b) refreshing and vivifying effects (Deu 32:2, Isa 18:4); (c) stealth (2Sa 17:12); (d) inconstancy (Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3); (e) the young warriors of the Messianic king (Psa 110:3).
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Dew
The dew is a merciful provision the Lord hath ordained for moistening the plants and other productions of the earth in dry seasons, when there is no rain. And it is supposed, that the dew of the night is exactly in proportion to the heat of the day. But what I more particularly desire to notice respecting the dew is, the gracious condescension of the Lord, in resembling his blessings on his people to the figure of the dew. Hence, we read, by his servant the prophet Hosea, how the Lord saith, “I will be as the dew unto Israel.” (Hos 14:5) And how is that? The Lord answereth in another Scripture. “It tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.” (Mic 5:7) No predisposing cause in men, no, not even the wants or miseries of men, prompting the infinite mind of God to bestow his blessings. His love is before our misery, and his mercy makes no pause for our merit. Hence, we find numberless Scriptures speaking of the Lord’s mercies under this figure. Jesus saith to the church, in a time when visiting her, “My head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” (Son 5:2) Hence, the resurrection of his people by grace, as hereafter to glory, is said to be “as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out her dead.” (Isa 26:19) meaning that as from the rich dews which fall upon the earth, the dry, withered, and apparently dead plants of the winter shall again bud, and break forth in the spring, so the dead and dying state of Christ’s redeemed shall, from the dew of his birth, “revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hence, the doctrines of grace are said to be of the same refreshing quality as the dew. “My doctrine” (said Moses,) “shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.” (Deu 32:2 and Deu 33:13)
See Rain
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Dew
du (, tal; , drosos).
1. Formation of Dew
Two things are necessary for the formation of dew, moisture and cold. In moist countries there is less dew because the change in temperature between day and night is too small. In the deserts where the change in temperature between day and night is sometimes as much as 40 degrees F., there is seldom dew because of lack of moisture in the atmosphere. Palestine is fortunate in being near the sea, so that there is always a large percentage of water vapor in the air. The skies are clear, and hence, there is rapid radiation beginning immediately after sunset, which cools the land and the air until the moisture is condensed and settles on cool objects. Air at a low temperature is not capable of holding as much water vapor in suspension as warm air. The ice pitcher furnishes an example of the formation of dew. Just as the drops of water form on the cool pitcher, so dew forms on rocks, grass and trees.
2. Value of Dew in Palestine
In Palestine it does not rain from April to October, and were it not for the dew in summer all vegetation would perish. Dew and rain are equally important. If there is no rain the winter grass and harvests fail; if no dew, the late crops dry up and there is no fruit. Failure of either of these gifts of Nature would cause great want and hardship, but the failure of both would cause famine and death. Even on the edge of the great Syrian desert in Anti-Lebanon, beyond Jordan and in Sinai, a considerable vegetation of a certain kind flourishes in the summer, although there is not a drop of rain for six months. The dews are so heavy that the plants and trees are literally soaked with water at night, and they absorb sufficient moisture to more than supply the loss due to evaporation in the day. It is more surprising to one who has not seen it before to find a flourishing vineyard practically in the desert itself. Some of the small animals of the desert, such as the jerboa, seem to have no water supply except the dew. The dew forms most heavily on good conductors of heat, such as metals and stones, because they radiate their heat faster and cool the air around them. The wetting of Gideon’s fleece (Jdg 6:38) is an indication of the amount of dew formed, and the same phenomenon might be observed any clear night in summer in Palestine
3. Importance to Israel
Dew was a present necessity to the people of Israel as it is today to the people of the same lands, so Yahweh says, I will be as the dew unto Israel (Hos 14:5). Dew and rain are of equal importance and are spoken of together in 1Ki 17:1. It was especially valued by the children of Israel in the desert, for it supplied the manna for their sustenance (Exo 16:13; Num 11:9).
4. Symbol of Blessing
Isaac in blessing Jacob asked that the dew of heaven (Gen 27:28) may be granted to him; that these things which make for fertility and prosperity may be his portion. The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples as dew from Yahweh (Mic 5:7), as a means of blessing to the nations. Blessed of Yahweh for … dew (Deu 33:13).
5. Symbol of Refreshment
Dew is the means of refreshing and reinvigorating all vegetation. Many Scripture references carry out this idea. The song of Moses says, My speech shall distill as the dew (Deu 32:2). A cloud of dew (Isa 18:4) refreshes the harvesters. My head is filled with dew (Son 5:2). Like the dew of Hermon (Psa 133:3). Thou hast the dew of thy youth (Psa 110:3). Thy dew is as the dew of herbs (Isa 26:19). Job said of the time of his prosperity, The dew lieth all night upon my branch (Job 29:19).
Other figures use dew as the symbol of stealth, of that which comes up unawares (2Sa 17:12), and of inconstancy (Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3). God’s knowledge covers the whole realm of the phenomena of Nature which are mysteries to man (Job 38:28; Pro 3:20).
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Dew
The various passages of Scripture in which dew is mentioned, as well as the statements of travelers, might, unless carefully considered, convey the impression that in Palestine the dews fall copiously at night during the height of summer, and supply in some degree the lack of rain. But we find that those who mention dews traveled in spring and autumn, while those who traveled in summer make no mention of them. In fact, scarcely any dew does fall during the summer monthsfrom the middle of May to the middle of August; but as it continues to fall for some time after the rains of spring have ceased, and begins to fall before the rains of autumn commence, we may from this gather the sense in which the Scriptural references to dew are to be understood. Without the dews continuing to fall after the rains have ceased, and commencing before the rains return, the season of actual drought, and the parched appearance of the country, would be of much longer duration than they really are. The partial refreshment thus afforded to the ground at the end of a summer without dews or rains, is of great value in Western Asia, and would alone explain all the Oriental references to the effects of dew. This explanation is of further interest as indicating the times of the year to which the Scriptural notices of dew refer; for as it does not, in any perceptible degree, fall in summer, and as few would think of mentioning it in the season of rain, we may take all such notices to refer to the months of April, May, part of August, and September.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Dew
Whatever may be said as to the source and cause of the dew, scripture shows that
1. It descends: it is called the dew ‘of heaven;’ Gen 27:28; Gen 27:39; Dan 4:15-33; ‘the clouds drop down the dew.’ Pro 3:20.
2. It falls in the night. Num 11:9; Job 29:19, and disappears when the sun arises in its strength. Exo 16:14; Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3.
3. It is a blessing, a refreshment sent by God, and withheld for a punishment, or in discipline. Psa 133:3; Isa 26:19; Hag 1:10; 1Ki 17:1. In the summer the dew is very copious in Palestine, and aids greatly in the cultivation of the land. It is typical of the refreshment and strengthening which God sends down upon His people during the night of the absence of their Lord. It will not be needed when the day breaks, and the Sun of righteousness arises with healing in His wings. Mal 4:2.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Dew
A merciful providence
Deu 33:13
Forms imperceptibly
2Sa 17:12
Forms in the night
Job 29:19
From the clouds
Pro 3:20
Called the dew of heaven
Dan 4:15
Absence of
1Ki 17:1
Miraculous profusion and absence of
Jdg 6:36-40 Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena
Figurative
Psa 110:3; Isa 26:19; Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3; Hos 14:5
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Dew
Dew. This, in the summer, is so copious in Palestine that it supplies, to some extent, the absence of rain and becomes important to the agriculturist. Thus, it is coupled, in the divine blessing, with rain, or mentioned as a prime source of fertility, Gen 27:28; Gen 33:13; Zec 8:12, and its withdrawal is attributed to a curse. 2Sa 1:21; 1Ki 17:1; Hag 1:10. It becomes a leading object in prophetic imagery, by reason of its penetrating moisture, without the apparent effort of rain, Deu 32:2; Job 29:19; Psa 133:3; Hos 14:5, while its speedy evanescence typifies the transient goodness of the hypocrite. Hos 6:4; Hos 13:3.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Dew
Dews in Palestine are very plentiful, like a small shower of rain every morning. Gideon filled a basin with the dew which fell on a fleece of wool, Jdg 6:38. Isaac, blessing Jacob, wished him the dew of heaven, which fattens the fields, Gen 27:28. In those warm countries where it seldom rains, the night dews supply the want of showers. Isaiah speaks of rain as if it were a dew, Isa 18:4. Some of the most beautiful and illustrative of the images of the Hebrew poets are taken from the dews of their country. The reviving influence of the Gospel, the copiousness of its blessings, and the multitude of its converts, are thus set forth.
Fuente: Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Dew
Job 29:19 (b) A symbol of the gracious, refreshing blessing of GOD that was upon Job’s life and efforts at one time.
Psa 110:3 (b) This is a beautiful type of the freshness, vivacity and glow of youthful vigor in our Lord JESUS when He was on earth.
Pro 19:12 (b) This describes the gracious acts of a kind and thoughtful king.
Hos 6:4 (b) This is descriptive of the transient character of the prosperity of the nation of Israel. They quickly lost their place of favor and blessing.
Hos 14:5 (a) Here GOD compares Himself and His ministration of grace to the “dew of the morning.”