Rabbi Yitzḥak said: It [rain] indicates [divine] favor [meratze] comparable to [that which is facilitated by] offerings, as it is stated [regarding rain]: “Lord, You showed favor to [ratzita] Your land” (Psalms 85:2), and elsewhere it is written: “They will be offered up with acceptance [ratzon] upon My altar” (Isaiah 56:7, 60:7). Rabbi Simon said: It is even [compared to] ingathering of the exiles,14In terms of the salvation that it brings to the world. as it is stated [there]: “You returned Jacob from captivity” (Psalms 85:2).
Rabbi Yoḥanan bar Marya says: It is a [sign of] quelling fury, as it is stated [there]: “You quelled all Your fury” (Psalms 85:4). Rabbi Tanḥum bar Ḥanilai said: It is even [a sign of] atonement for sins, as it is stated [there]: “You bore the iniquity of Your people” (Psalms 85:3).