13. First Mention of Dew in Scripture

First Mention of Dew in Scripture

Isaac in blessing his sons promised both of them that God would give them of the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth (Genesis 27:28; Genesis 27:39). But both were not given the same blessing. For Jacob, the dew of heaven came before the fatness of the earth, but the blessings were reversed for Esau. What difference would this make?

Jacob was to be the father of God’s earthly people. They were to have a special relationship with their God. God would provide for them in special ways. The dew of heaven would be one of these special blessings. These blessings would come from God Himself, so it was called "the dew of heaven." While they were obedient and followed their God, the dew would be in plentiful supply. The fatness of the earth would follow with their earthly blessings.

Poor Esau was promised these blessings in reverse order. Earthly things would be first for him. Look at his descendents and relatives today. The fatness of the earth has generally been their lot. Where are all the oil wells being fought over today? Esau’s descendents have been blessed with the fatness of the earth, but how miserable has been their lot with all their wars and fighting. The dew of heaven has also fallen upon them, but they have hardly noticed.

Unfortunately, Israel has little appreciated the dew of heaven. In spite of God’s many blessings to them, there seems to be little appreciation shown to Him. They seem to keep trying to enter into their blessings on their own. They will keep trying, but will not succeed on their own. The time is coming when they shall be in utter defeat. But that is not the end of the story for them. When all seems most hopeless and they in their despair turn to the Lord with all their hearts, He will put a new heart in them. He will then bring them into the blessings He has been holding in store for them. Only then will they come into and appreciate the blessings of the dew of heaven.