Another matter, “I will give your rains at their time,” at night. In the days of Herod, the rains would fall at night. In the morning, the wind would blow, the clouds would disperse, the sun would shine, the land would dry, and the laborers would go out and engage in their labor knowing that their actions were pleasing to their Father in Heaven. Another matter, “I will give your rains at their time,” on Shabbat nights.15Friday nights.
Since it is Shabbat, people are at home, and the rain does not inconvenience anyone. There was an incident in the days of Shimon ben Shataḥ and in the days of Queen Shlamtza,16Also known as Shelomtziyon; she was the sister of Shimon ben Shataḥ. that the rains would fall on Shabbat nights until the wheat became like kidneys, barley like olive pits, and lentils like gold dinars. The Sages collected from them and left them for future generations, to inform them the extent of the effect of sin,17To inform the generations that if not for their sins, their produce would also be just as impressive. to realize what is stated: “Your iniquities have diverted these, and your sins have withheld good from you” (Jeremiah 5:25).