Topical Bible: Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt

◄ Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt ►

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In the biblical context, the east wind is often associated with harsh and destructive forces, particularly in the region of Egypt. This wind, known for its scorching heat and desiccating power, is frequently mentioned in Scripture as an instrument of divine judgment and a symbol of adversity.

The east wind's impact is vividly illustrated in the account of the plagues of Egypt. In Exodus 10:13, the Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the land of Egypt to bring forth the plague of locusts: "So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD sent an east wind across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts." . Here, the east wind serves as a vehicle for delivering one of the ten plagues, demonstrating its role as an agent of divine retribution.

The east wind's destructive nature is further emphasized in the narrative of Joseph, where it appears in Pharaoh's dream. In Genesis 41:6, Pharaoh dreams of seven thin and scorched ears of grain, "blighted by the east wind." . This imagery underscores the wind's capacity to devastate crops and bring about famine, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical portrayal of the east wind as a harbinger of desolation.

In the prophetic literature, the east wind is often invoked as a metaphor for God's judgment. Hosea 13:15 states, "Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come—a wind from the LORD rising up from the wilderness. His spring will fail, and his well will dry up. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article." . This passage highlights the east wind's role in executing divine justice, stripping away prosperity and security.

The east wind's association with Egypt is particularly significant, as it reflects the historical and geographical realities of the region. The hot, dry winds from the east, known as the "khamsin" in modern terminology, are a natural phenomenon in Egypt, capable of causing severe agricultural and environmental damage. This climatic feature provides a tangible backdrop for the biblical narratives, reinforcing the east wind's symbolic representation of divine power and judgment.

Throughout Scripture, the east wind serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the potential for natural forces to act as instruments of His will. Its presence in the biblical text underscores the themes of judgment, adversity, and the ultimate authority of the Creator over creation.

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Genesis 41:6
And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
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Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... 4. From the east also came the most blasting winds, winds ... I say, the east wind, or
that which comes from thence ... to this court several gates, an east, a south ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... it not utterly wither, when the east-wind toucheth it ... may be he toucheth it with
a hot iron, because ... an immediate hand, smiting his roots, blasting his branches ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... When Shishak, king of Egypt, with a great host, came up against Judah, and having
taken ... hence it is said they feed on ashes, they feed on the wind (Isaiah 44:20 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... The sky, the sun, the wind, the ocean, represent ... sun"now illumining, now fructifying,
now blasting"were his ... Ancient Egypt had, at least for the initiate, a ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... They come warm from the Spirit and grace of God in us; but as hot water running
through cold pipes, or as clear water running through dirty conveyances, so our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm