"Droptrine"

In Deuteronomy 32:2, the word 'doctrine' is used for the first time:

2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rainupon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:  Deuteronomy 32:2

This verse paints a refreshing picture of the effect of the word of God on us. As one focuses on each of the phrases the simile dances beautifully and melodically in the mind.

When rain is used to describe 'doctrine' or 'good teaching', several thoughts come to my mind. Rain falls out of heaven to earth as 'doctrine' falls on man from God. It falls on the 'just and unjust alike' (Matt 5:45) and usually spreads out evenly over a large area. It falls where it is sent and more so. It cools, refreshes moistens, softens, revives and produces fruit.

Dew is moisture that condenses from the atmosphere when the temperature drops below the dew point. In the region where Israel is located, there isn't much rain during April through July. Dew is, therefore, very important for their crops. As dew condenses on certain plants with trough-shaped leaves, the water trickles down to the base of the plant. The shade of the leaf will slow down immediate evaporation from sunrise and water will seep into the soil to a shallow root system to be utilized by the plant. Israel considered dew as a reminder of God's constant and unfailing care.

5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. Hosea 14:5

Sometimes it amazes me how refreshing the Word of God is at the right time and moment; especially when things seem weird and chaotic. It is like jumping into a long cool shower at the end of a hot summer day or, like dew, it seems to come out of nowhere to shower the brain cells with a cool, softening mist. God is so good to us as He blesses us with His infinite wisdom and grace. I am always blessed  and revived when I think of James 3:17-18:

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17-18