So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today–to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul–then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
Deuteronomy 11:13-15
Often when I read the Bible, I ignore what time of year events take place. Sometimes this is because the passage doesn’t mention it. Often, however, it’s because I’m just not thinking about it. But what difference does it make? Does the time of year have any bearing? I’m sure there are times that it doesn’t matter (and as such isn’t mentioned). But there are times when it does.
Probably what’s most important is how passages align to the Biblical calendar. What festivals are taking place near the story? For instance, the book of Esther mentions the decree of the Jews’ destruction went out on the 13th day of the first month. Why does that matter? Passover was only a day away. Imagine sitting down to celebrate Passover after just hearing the news you would be destroyed in a few months! As they read about how God saved them from Egypt, the question must have been burning in their minds: would God save them again?
There’s another aspect of the time of year: weather. In Michigan, where I live, January and July are very, very different months. While January is cold and snowy, July is hot and humid. It’s hard to believe it’s the same location. While Israel’s climate doesn’t change as dramatically through the seasons, there are differences. This is why I like going back there at different times of year. The seasons are different.
For this, I have one example from my recent trip. Compare the below pictures from the ancient city of Beersheba in the Negev. The city is past of the edge of arable land in the south. However, despite how dry it gets in the summer, grasses spring to life during the winter rains. We know Abraham and Isaac frequently visited this area. Coming at both times of year, it’s obvious why they didn’t stay there permanently. Their nomadic ways kept them looking for green pastures.
