In biblical literature, the concept of "swirls" is not directly mentioned; however, the imagery and symbolism associated with swirling movements can be found throughout the Scriptures. Swirls often evoke notions of chaos, divine intervention, and the movement of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the dynamic and sometimes tumultuous nature of God's interaction with the world.

Symbolism of Swirling Winds and Storms

Swirling winds and storms are frequently used in the Bible to symbolize God's power and judgment. In the book of Job, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind, demonstrating His supreme authority and the mystery of His ways: "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said" (Job 38:1). The whirlwind here represents both the might and the inscrutability of God, who controls the forces of nature.

Similarly, in the prophetic literature, swirling storms often signify impending judgment. The prophet Jeremiah warns of a coming tempest as a metaphor for God's wrath against the nations: "Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out in fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked" (Jeremiah 23:19). This imagery underscores the destructive power of divine judgment and the certainty of its fulfillment.

The Holy Spirit and Swirling Imagery

The movement of the Holy Spirit is sometimes depicted with swirling or dynamic imagery, emphasizing the Spirit's active and transformative presence. In the New Testament, the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is described with a sound "like a mighty rushing wind" (Acts 2:2), suggesting a powerful and life-changing force. While not explicitly described as swirling, the imagery of wind conveys a similar sense of movement and energy.

Swirling Waters and Creation

In the creation narrative, the primordial waters are depicted as chaotic and formless, over which the Spirit of God hovers: "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). The swirling nature of these waters can be seen as a symbol of chaos that is brought into order by God's creative word. This act of creation demonstrates God's sovereignty over chaos and His ability to bring forth life and order.

Swirling Imagery in Apocalyptic Literature

In apocalyptic visions, swirling imagery often accompanies divine revelation and the unfolding of God's ultimate plan. The book of Ezekiel describes a vision of a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually, and a brightness around it (Ezekiel 1:4). This vision, filled with swirling elements, serves as a prelude to the revelation of God's glory and the commissioning of the prophet.

Conclusion

While the term "swirls" is not explicitly found in the biblical text, the imagery associated with swirling movements is rich with theological significance. It conveys themes of divine power, judgment, the active presence of the Holy Spirit, and the transformation of chaos into order. Through these images, the Bible communicates profound truths about God's nature and His interaction with creation.

Way-Marks in John's Narrative.
... The action of the story swirls largely, too, about the great national feasts, the
Passovers, the Tabernacles or harvest-home feast of the autumn, and one ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/way-marks in johns narrative.htm

Old and New: a Parable
... OLD AND NEW: A PARABLE. See how the autumn leaves float by decaying, Down
the wild swirls of the rain-swollen stream. So fleet the ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/old and new a parable.htm

Passing Onward. November 3.
... See how the autumn leaves float by decaying, Down the wild swirls of the dark-brimming
stream; So fleet the works of men back to their earth again" Ancient ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /passing onward november 3.htm

The Inhabitant of the Rock
... As the cliffs tower above the river that swirls at their base, and takes centuries
to eat the faintest line upon their shining surface, so the changeless God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the inhabitant of the rock.htm

Swirls (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swirls (1 Occurrence). Hosea 13:3 Therefore they
will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that passes ...
/s/swirls.htm - 6k

Swollen (7 Occurrences)

/s/swollen.htm - 9k

Swirling (5 Occurrences)

/s/swirling.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus