Topical Bible: The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind

◄ The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind ►

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Introduction

In the Bible, wind is often used symbolically and literally to represent various aspects of God's power, presence, and judgment. When the wind is described as violent or fierce, it often signifies divine intervention, natural phenomena, or the tumultuous nature of life. The fierce wind serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes.

Biblical References

1. Divine Judgment and Power

The fierce wind is frequently associated with God's judgment and power. In the book of Job, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind, demonstrating His supreme authority and wisdom. Job 38:1 states, "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said." This whirlwind, or fierce wind, underscores the majesty and might of God as He addresses Job's questions and doubts.

2. Natural Phenomena

The Bible records several instances where fierce winds are part of natural events that reveal God's control over creation. In the account of Jonah, a violent storm arises as Jonah attempts to flee from God's command. Jonah 1:4 says, "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break apart." This fierce wind serves as a tool for God to redirect Jonah's path and fulfill His divine plan.

3. Symbol of the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the wind is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. On the day of Pentecost, a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house where the disciples were gathered. Acts 2:2 describes this event: "Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." This fierce wind signifies the arrival of the Holy Spirit, empowering the disciples for their mission.

4. Testing and Trials

Fierce winds are sometimes used metaphorically to describe the trials and challenges faced by believers. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus speaks of the storms that test the foundation of one's faith. Matthew 7:25 states, "The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." Here, the fierce wind represents the trials that test the strength and resilience of one's faith in Christ.

5. God's Deliverance

Despite the destructive potential of fierce winds, the Bible also highlights God's ability to deliver His people from such forces. In the account of Jesus calming the storm, the disciples witness His authority over the natural elements. Mark 4:39 recounts, "Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." This miracle demonstrates Jesus' divine power and His capacity to bring peace amidst chaos.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the fierce wind serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's power, judgment, and presence. Whether as a literal force of nature or a metaphor for spiritual realities, the fierce wind reminds believers of God's sovereignty and His ability to use all things for His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 3:4
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, wherever the governor wants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The General Spread of the Gospel
... Are they "holy as He that hath called them is holy ... Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
in particular, " a violent and impetuous ... Like mighty wind or torrent fierce,. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 63 the general spread.htm

The Traitors
... was kindled against the plotters, and he called an assembly ... the assembly swayed back
as if blown by a wind. ... him, ended the audience in a voice violent with fury ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

Unity and Peace.
... in prison, daily and hourly expecting a violent death. ... bidding back the waves of
what is called aggression ... an unity, when the "rushing mighty wind" of Pentecost ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xi unity and peace.htm

Jacob and Esau
... Dukes of Edom they were called for several generations; but ... what one would
expect"wild, unruly, violent people. ... fruit; how those who sow the wind will reap ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

Imprisonment and Death of John
... "A reed shaken with the wind?". ... witness to Christ every disciple of the Master is
called upon to ... in his favor, led to the belief that no violent measures would ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

The Narrative of Zosimus Concerning the Life of the Blessed.
... for our body, and thus he that is called by God ... And raising its voice the wind said
to me, Blessed ... And lamenting with great and violent lamentation he swore to ...
/.../unknown/the narrative of zosimus/the narrative of zosimus concerning.htm

Hell on Earth
... Christ did not answer him as our so-called wise men ... between this man's conduct and
that of many violent mad people ... and ruin, that he may sow the wind and reap ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon ix hell on earth.htm

The Gentle Boy
... the year 1656, several of the people called Quakers, led ... was made hot and mischievous
by violent and hasty ... The autumn wind wandered among the branches, whirling ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Strong Christians.
... ballast, are blown about by every wind, it is ... and theories in words of the most violent
and intemperate ... The faithful servant had called her master, and then ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lvi strong christians.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... God the Son is called the Prince of peace' (Isaiah 9:6 ... a heathenish thing to be so
fierce and violent, as if ... When this wind of pride gets into a man's heart, it ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm