Let’s break down Deuteronomy 11:13–14 prophetically, drawing from the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), and the Shepherd’s Rod literature (SRod).
This passage is much deeper than a simple agricultural promise — it points to God’s final work for His people before the harvest.
Literal Meaning (Historical Context)
In Moses’ time, rain meant life. Without it, no crops could grow. The early rain came shortly after planting (softening the soil and germinating seeds) and the latter rain ripened the harvest.
Israel’s prosperity depended on obedience to God’s commandments.
Prophetic Meaning (Spiritual Application)
Rain symbolizes the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:23–29; Hosea 6:3; Zechariah 10:1).
Early Rain → the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) that germinated the gospel seed.
Latter Rain → the final outpouring of the Spirit before the harvest (Second Advent & Kingdom gathering), empowering God’s people to give the Loud Cry (Revelation 18:1–4).
Key Bible cross-references:
Joel 2:23–24 – God promises the former rain moderately and the latter rain to bring fullness before the harvest.
James 5:7–8 – Farmers patiently wait for both rains; likewise, believers must prepare their hearts.
Hosea 10:12 – "It is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you."
Ellen White frequently connects early and latter rain with the work of the Holy Spirit in two phases.
Purpose of the Early Rain
It is true that in the time of the end, when God's work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God's church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church. {AA 54.2}
But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest "in the time of the latter rain." In response, "the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain." "He will cause to come down . . . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain," Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23. {AA 55.1} (AA 54–55)
Purpose of the Latter Rain
The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ. {TM 506.1} The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. {TM 506.2} There is to be "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. {TM 506.3}
Condition to Receive the Rain
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it.--Review and Herald, March 19, 1895. {Ev 701.2}
The Latter Rain.--Let Christians . . . ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.--Signs of the Times, Feb. 17, 1914. {Ev 701.3}
Danger of Delay
Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. -(TM 507)
EGW’s prophetic tie-in:
The early rain prepares the seed (conversion, spiritual growth).
The latter rain gives power to the Loud Cry, calling God’s people out of Babylon before the close of probation.
Obedience (“if ye shall hearken…”) is a condition for receiving it.
In inspired teaching, Deut. 11:13–14 is also symbolic of God’s twofold outpouring of truth and Spirit — first for sowing, then for the final harvest of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude.
Early Rain
"The early rain was poured out at the Pentecost, to germinate the gospel seed. The early rain for the church today is the revelation of Present Truth which develops the spiritual life of the first fruits — the 144,000."
(Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 17)
Latter Rain
"The latter rain will cause the great harvest — the ingathering of the second fruits, the Great Multitude of Rev. 7:9."
(SRod, Vol. 2, p. 256)
Corn, Wine, and Oil (v. 14) – These are not random agricultural products; they are symbols:
Corn (grain) → the Word of God, spiritual nourishment (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4).
Wine → joy and doctrine of truth (Joel 3:18; Isa. 55:1).
Oil → the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:1–6; Matt. 25:1–10).
Prophetic Timeline Application
Early Rain now: The sealing of the 144,000 through Present Truth and purification of the church (Ezek. 9).
Latter Rain after sealing: The Loud Cry, bringing in the Great Multitude from all nations.
The "due season" (v. 14) means God will not send the latter rain until His people are spiritually ready.
Deut. 11:13–14 is a conditional prophetic covenant that points to:
Obedience → Loving God fully is the prerequisite for receiving the Spirit’s rain.
Dual Outpouring → Early rain (truth + Spirit for growth), latter rain (truth + Spirit for harvest).
End-Time Sequence →
Present Truth revival and reformation among God’s people (early rain).
Purification of the church.
Empowered Loud Cry to gather the final harvest (latter rain).
Symbols of Spiritual Supply → Corn (truth for nourishment), wine (joy of salvation and new covenant doctrine), oil (Holy Spirit’s power).
✅ Final Prophetic Insight
Deuteronomy 11:13–14 is not only an agricultural promise to ancient Israel but a blueprint for the final work of God.
Before the latter rain falls, the church must fully hearken to God’s commandments — including His present, unfolding truth. The "due season" will be after the purification of His people, so that the Spirit’s power will not be wasted on unconverted hearts. Then the "harvest" — both first fruits (144,000) and second fruits (Great Multitude) — will be gathered before Christ’s visible return.