Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].
Ver. 22. Are there among the vanities of the Gentiles,] i.e., The heathen idols wickedly worshipped by the Jews.
That can cause rain?] Pluit, ningit: supple Deus. These impersonals imply that the ancient Romans looked upon rain, snow, &c., as God's work. Sure it is that they come by a divine decree. Job 28:26 Not Jupiter, ομβριος - whatever the poets fable - nor the heavens themselves, without the divine concurrence, can give rain; but it is God Almighty who both prepareth it Psa 147:8 and withholdeth it at his pleasure. Amo 4:7 The second causes do but serve the divine providence in these common occurrences.
Therefore we will wait upon thee.] For seasonable showers in this our great necessity. We will wait, or, if thou see fit, want of our will, so that thy will may be done; for that is best.
For thou hast made all these things.] Both the constellations, and rain or drought caused thereby.