Topical Bible: Rain: The North Wind Drives Away

◄ Rain: The North Wind Drives Away ►

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In biblical literature, rain is often depicted as a symbol of God's provision and blessing, as well as His judgment and power. The phenomenon of rain is intricately connected to the agricultural life of the Israelites, serving as a critical component for the sustenance of crops and livestock. The Bible frequently references rain in both literal and metaphorical contexts, illustrating its significance in the divine order.

The phrase "The north wind drives away rain" is derived from Proverbs 25:23 in the Berean Standard Bible : "As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks." This proverb highlights the natural phenomenon where the north wind, in the geographical context of Israel, is associated with bringing rain. The north wind, coming from the Mediterranean Sea, often carries moisture-laden air that results in precipitation when it reaches the land.

In the biblical narrative, rain is often seen as a direct blessing from God. For instance, in Deuteronomy 11:14 , God promises the Israelites, "I will provide rain for your land in season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." This promise underscores the dependence of the Israelites on God's provision for their agricultural success and survival.

Conversely, the withholding of rain is depicted as a form of divine judgment. In 1 Kings 17:1 , the prophet Elijah declares to King Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." This pronouncement of drought serves as a consequence of Israel's idolatry and disobedience, demonstrating God's control over the natural elements as a means of calling His people back to repentance.

The metaphorical use of rain in Scripture also extends to spiritual blessings and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In Joel 2:23 , the prophet encourages the people, "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before." This passage not only speaks to physical restoration but also points to a future spiritual renewal through the coming of the Holy Spirit, as further elaborated in Acts 2.

The north wind's role in driving away rain can also be understood in the context of divine intervention and the natural order established by God. The interplay between wind and rain in the biblical text serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation. In Job 37:6 , it is written, "For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'" This verse emphasizes God's command over the weather, reinforcing the belief that all natural occurrences are under His divine authority.

In summary, rain in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol representing God's provision, judgment, and spiritual blessing. The north wind's association with rain in Proverbs 25:23 serves as a reminder of the natural processes ordained by God and the moral lessons that can be drawn from observing His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 25:23
The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... dislike. "As the north wind drives away rain," so that entertainment would
drive away a "backbiting tongue," Proverbs 25:23. If ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

Book ii Then for a While She Held Her Peace. ...
... will you not move forward whither the wind drives you, not ... burning faggots, but was
saved by rain sent down ... waves, but as often does the north wind stir them up ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book ii then for a.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... of drought, or of the rising of the wind, partial or ... reddish it threatens us either
with heavy rain or with a ... solstice, in the direction of the North, gives us ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

God.
... the passing chaff strew them on the wind of the ... punishment and equally clear that
the boiling North held the ... who rules the stormy sea and can alone bring rain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

Book ii.
... cradle and just grown up, or lest the wind should scatter ... to all, the sun warms all,
the rain fertilises the ... the east and from the west, and the north and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... sun, washed into deep crevasses by the rain, and bearing ... which rules it: he resides
in the north towards the ... stormy wind; they are the south wind which drives ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... So away goes she, first to her chamber, and there strips ... drops her tears upon his
feet like rain, and washes ... and from the west, and from the north, and from ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... So away goes she, first to her chamber, and there strips herself of her wanton ... behind
him, and weeps, and drops her tears upon his feet like rain, and washes ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... often concealed under the sand which the wind brought up ... There were on the littoral,
to the north of Gaza ... oxen were harnessed.* The scarcity of rain, except in ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Daily Bread
... up as if to catch the sunshine and the rain its fairy ... to the chorus of voices from
bird, insect, and wind. ... is sweeping up to cover the whole north country; the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm