Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "blasting" refers to a destructive force often associated with divine judgment or natural calamities. The term is frequently used to describe the impact of harsh winds that cause devastation to crops and landscapes, serving as a metaphor for God's power and judgment.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 28:22 · In this passage, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. The verse states, "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish." Here, "scorching heat" and "blight" can be understood as the effects of blasting winds that destroy agricultural produce, symbolizing divine retribution. 2. 1 Kings 19:11-12 · The account of Elijah on Mount Horeb provides a vivid depiction of the power of wind. "Then He said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake." Although the wind here is not explicitly described as "blasting," its destructive power is evident, illustrating the might of God's creation. 3. Isaiah 37:27 · This verse speaks to the vulnerability of nations before God's judgment: "Therefore their inhabitants were powerless; they were dismayed and ashamed. They were like plants of the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the housetops, scorched before it is grown." The imagery of plants being scorched before maturity suggests the impact of blasting winds, emphasizing the futility of human strength against divine will. 4. Haggai 2:17 · The prophet Haggai recounts God's disciplinary actions: "I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands, yet you did not turn to Me, declares the LORD." The mention of "blight" aligns with the destructive nature of blasting winds, serving as a call to repentance and recognition of God's sovereignty. Theological Significance: Blasting winds in the Bible often symbolize God's judgment and the consequences of sin. They serve as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessings and disobedience results in curses. The destructive power of wind underscores the might of God and the importance of aligning with His will. Symbolism and Imagery: In biblical literature, wind is a multifaceted symbol. While it can represent the Holy Spirit and divine presence, as seen in the gentle whisper to Elijah, it also embodies judgment and destruction when described as blasting. This duality highlights the complexity of God's interaction with the world, where He is both a nurturing presence and a righteous judge. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, agriculture was central to life and survival. Blasting winds, therefore, posed a significant threat to livelihoods, making them a potent symbol of divine displeasure. The biblical authors used this imagery to communicate the seriousness of turning away from God and the tangible consequences of such actions. By understanding the biblical concept of blasting winds, readers gain insight into the broader themes of judgment, repentance, and the power of God throughout Scripture. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 19:7,35Behold, I will send a blast on him, and he shall hear a rumor, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 7711b. shiddaphon -- blight (of crops)... Word Origin from shadaph Definition blight (of crops) NASB Word Usage blasting wind (1), blight (3), scorching (1). 7711a, 7711b. shiddaphon. 7712 . ... /hebrew/7711b.htm - 5k Library "A Hiding-Place from the Wind," &C. Psalm 1:1. Common Metre, Our Frail Bodies, and God Our Preserver. Psalm 1 the Way and End of the Righteous and the Wicked Our Frail Bodies, and God Our Preserver. "We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. " Sovereignty of God in Administration Smitten in Vain Trust in God --True Wisdom The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Resources What is the day of Pentecost? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Hebrew word ruach? | GotQuestions.org Why are there times when God seems silent / absent in a believer's life? | GotQuestions.org Wind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Wind of Iniquity Which Leads to Destruction The Wind of Terrors Which Pursue the Soul The Wind of the Operations of the Holy Spirit The Wind of the Speeches of the Desperate The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations The Wind: (Chaff or Stubble Before) of the Wicked The Wind: (Feeding Upon) of Vain Hopes The Wind: (Sowing) a Course of Sin The Wind: (When Destructive) the Judgments of God The Wind: (Without Rain) One Who Boasts of a False Gift The Wind: Accomplishes the Purposes of God The Wind: Frequently Brings Rain The Wind: from the North Drives Away Rain The Wind: God: Brings Forth, out of his Treasuries The Wind: God: Gathers, in his Hand The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Casting out Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Christ The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Removed By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Quails Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Raises on Account of Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Red Sea Divided By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Rocks and Mountains Rent By The Wind: Movement of the Leaves of Trees By, Noticed The Wind: Tempestuous: Destroys Houses The Wind: Tempestuous: Drives About the Largest Ships The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves The Wind: The Simoom or Pestilential Wind The Wind: Theory of, Above Man's Comprehension The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Great and Strong Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Mighty Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Rough Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm The Wind: when Violent Called: Stormy Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest The Wind: when Violent Called: Windy Storm Wind: East in the Valley of the Euphrates River Wind: East: At the City of Nineveh Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt Wind: East: Tempestuous in the Land of Uz Wind: North: Free from Humidity in Canaan Wind: West: Took Away the Plague of Locusts from the Land of Egypt Related Terms |