In the land of Israel, it was very rare for rain to fall during the dry season, which is from May to June. This is typically when the wheat harvest would take place. If it should rain in this time, then a crop which has been carefully nursed and cultivated over many months risks being destroyed.1 Indeed, rain in the harvest season would be understood as a covenant curse,2 a sign of divine displeasure (see Exodus 9:22–33; Leviticus 26:19–20; Deuteronomy 28:22–24, Deuteronomy 28:38–42; Proverbs 26:1; Proverbs 28:3).3
17 Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the LORD, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking for yourselves a king.”