Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the south wind is often associated with warmth and calmness, but it can also be tempestuous, bringing storms and upheaval. The south wind, when tempestuous, serves as a powerful symbol of God's might and the unpredictability of nature, often used to demonstrate divine intervention or judgment.Biblical References: 1. Job 37:9 · "The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving north winds." While this verse primarily mentions the north wind, it sets the stage for understanding the contrast with the south wind, which can also emerge with great force and intensity, bringing about significant change. 2. Psalm 78:26 · "He stirred the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by His power." This passage highlights God's control over the winds, including the south wind, which can be summoned to fulfill His purposes. The south wind, when tempestuous, is a tool in the hands of the Almighty, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation. 3. Luke 12:55 · "And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it happens." Here, Jesus refers to the south wind as a harbinger of heat, but the implication is that the wind's effects are well-known and can be intense. The south wind's potential for tempestuousness is understood within the broader context of its power to change weather conditions dramatically. 4. Acts 27:13-14 · "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. But before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island." In this narrative, the initial gentle south wind deceives the sailors into a false sense of security before a violent storm arises. This passage illustrates the unpredictability and potential danger of winds, including those from the south, which can quickly turn tempestuous. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical context, the south wind, particularly when tempestuous, symbolizes the dual nature of God's creation—capable of providing warmth and comfort, yet also capable of unleashing powerful and destructive forces. This duality serves as a reminder of the need for humility and reverence before God's creation and His ultimate authority over the natural world. The tempestuous south wind can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual trials and tribulations. Just as the wind can shift from calm to stormy, so can the circumstances of life change unexpectedly, testing the faith and resilience of believers. In these moments, the tempestuous south wind serves as a call to trust in God's providence and to seek His guidance through life's storms. Overall, the tempestuous south wind in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the physical realities of weather and the spiritual truths of God's power and presence in the world. Nave's Topical Index Job 37:9Out of the south comes the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. Nave's Topical Index Library Tempest and Trust Acts XXVII The Voyage and Shipwreck Paul's Shipwreck Acts xxvi. 30-32 Greek and Jew The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. An Account of the General Conference of 1796 The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Ancient Chaldaea Resources What is the meaning of “chasing the wind” in Ecclesiastes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | 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 |