Hoarfrost, often simply referred to as frost, is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when water vapor in the air comes into contact with a surface that is below freezing, causing the vapor to deposit as ice crystals. In the Bible, hoarfrost is mentioned as a symbol of God's creative power and provision.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 16:14 · In the account of the Israelites in the wilderness, hoarfrost is used to describe the appearance of manna, the miraculous food provided by God. The verse states, "When the layer of dew evaporated, there were thin flakes like frost on the ground, appearing on the desert floor." This imagery highlights the delicate and divine nature of God's provision for His people.

2. Job 38:29 · In God's discourse with Job, hoarfrost is mentioned as part of the wonders of creation that are beyond human understanding. The verse reads, "From whose womb does the ice emerge? Who gives birth to the frost from heaven?" Here, hoarfrost is depicted as a creation of God, emphasizing His sovereignty over the natural world.

3. Psalm 147:16 · The psalmist uses hoarfrost to illustrate God's control over the elements. The verse declares, "He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes." This metaphor portrays hoarfrost as part of God's majestic and orderly design, demonstrating His power and care in the natural order.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Divine Provision: In the context of manna, hoarfrost symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. Just as the frost appears with the morning dew, so does God's sustenance come to those who rely on Him.

· God's Sovereignty: The references to hoarfrost in Job and Psalms underscore God's authority over creation. Hoarfrost, like other natural phenomena, is a testament to His creative power and the intricate design of the world.

· Purity and Transience: Hoarfrost, with its delicate and fleeting nature, can also symbolize purity and the transient beauty of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly things and the eternal nature of God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, where the climate is predominantly arid, the occurrence of hoarfrost would have been a rare and notable event. Its mention in the Bible would have evoked a sense of wonder and reverence for God's ability to bring forth such phenomena. The imagery of frost would resonate with the audience's understanding of the natural world and God's interaction with it.

Theological Implications:

The biblical references to hoarfrost invite believers to reflect on God's provision, power, and the beauty of His creation. They encourage a posture of humility and awe before the Creator, who orchestrates the natural world with precision and care. Hoarfrost serves as a reminder of God's intimate involvement in the world and His ability to provide for His people in unexpected ways.(n.) The white particles formed by the congelation of dew; white frost.HOAR-FROST; HOARY

hor'-frost.

See FROST.

3713b. kephor -- hoarfrost
... kephor. 3714 . hoarfrost. Transliteration: kephor Short Definition: frost. Word
Origin from the same as kephor Definition hoarfrost NASB Word Usage frost (3). ...
/hebrew/3713b.htm - 5k

On Heavenly Objects
... The hoarfrost is abstinence because through it, the passion of the body freezes;
in the psalm: I am made like a bottle in the frost. [Ps.118(119):83]. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/ii on heavenly objects.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... are in Exodus and are not here, to wit, lice, boils, darkness; other three are
commemorated, which are not there, that is to say, mildew, hoarfrost, and fire ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

Hoarfrost (3 Occurrences)
... See FROST. Multi-Version Concordance Hoarfrost (3 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Psalms
147:16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. ...
/h/hoarfrost.htm - 7k

Frost (9 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) Frozen dew; -- called also hoarfrost or white frost. ... 4. Figurative
Uses: The manna in the wilderness is compared to hoarfrost. ...
/f/frost.htm - 14k

Scattereth (18 Occurrences)
... honour. (DBY). Psalms 147:16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the
hoarfrost like ashes. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs ...
/s/scattereth.htm - 11k

Hoar (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 147:16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the
hoarfrost like ashes. (Root in KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/h/hoar.htm - 8k

Hoards (2 Occurrences)

/h/hoards.htm - 6k

Hoar-frost (3 Occurrences)
Hoar-frost. Hoarfrost, Hoar-frost. Hoary . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV JPS WBS YLT). Hoarfrost, Hoar-frost. Hoary . Reference Bible.
/h/hoar-frost.htm - 7k

Hoarfrost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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