For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
The earth - rather (no article), 'land.'
Which drinketh in - not merely receiving it on the surface: those who enjoy, objectively, Christian experiences, in some sense renewed by the Holy Spirit; true of those who persevere, and those who "fall away."
The rain that cometh oft upon it - not merely falling over, or toward it, but falling and resting upon, so as to cover it [the genitive, ep' (G1909) autees (G846): not the accusative]. The "oft" implies, on God's part, the riches of abounding grace ('coming' spontaneously and frequently); on the apostate's part, the perversity whereby he does continual despite to the Spirit's oft-repeated motions. Compare "how often," Matthew 23:37. The heavenly rain falls both on the elect and the apostates.
Bringeth forth - the natural result of 'having drunk in the rain.'
Meet - such as the master of the soil wishes. The opposite of "rejected" (Hebrews 6:8).
By whom, х di' (G1223) hous (G3739)] - rather, 'for (i:e., on account of) whom;' namely, the lords of the soil; not the labourers, as the English version-namely, God and Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9). The heart is the earth; man, the dresser; herbs are brought forth meet, not for the dresser, by whom, but for God, the owner, for whom, it is dressed. The plural is, the owners, whoever they may be; here. God.
Receiveth, х metalambanei (G3335)] - 'partaketh of.'
Blessing - fruitfulness. Contrast God's curse causing unfruitfulness, Genesis 3:17-18; spiritually, Jeremiah 17:5-8.
From God. Man's use of means are vain unless God bless (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).