Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, armies are often depicted with vivid imagery to convey their power, speed, and destructive potential. One such metaphor is the comparison of armies to whirlwinds. This imagery is used to emphasize the overwhelming force and suddenness with which armies can strike, as well as the chaos and devastation they leave in their wake.
The prophet Isaiah provides a striking example of this comparison. In
Isaiah 5:28, the prophet describes the advancing Assyrian army: "Their arrows are sharp, all their bows are strung; their horses’ hooves are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind." . Here, the whirlwind imagery underscores the rapid and unstoppable advance of the Assyrian forces, highlighting their ability to sweep through the land with destructive power.
Similarly, in
Jeremiah 4:13, the prophet warns of an impending invasion: "Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!" . This passage uses the whirlwind metaphor to convey the speed and inevitability of the approaching army, leaving the people of Judah in a state of fear and helplessness.
The comparison of armies to whirlwinds is not limited to foreign invaders. In
Nahum 1:3, the Lord's power is described in terms of a whirlwind: "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet." . Here, the whirlwind symbolizes divine judgment, suggesting that God's righteous army can also come with the force and swiftness of a whirlwind to execute justice.
This metaphorical language serves to remind the reader of the formidable nature of both human and divine armies. The whirlwind, with its connotations of speed, unpredictability, and overwhelming force, provides a fitting image for the might and impact of armies throughout the biblical text. The use of such imagery reflects the ancient understanding of military power and divine intervention, illustrating the awe and fear that such forces could inspire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 25:32Thus said the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the resounding crash of thunder, whirlwinds of dust ... the regular adversaries of the
Ninevite armies, and even ... The name Kushtashpi has been compared with that ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
Resources
Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.orgDoes China have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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