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

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, wind is often used symbolically and literally to convey various aspects of God's power, presence, and judgment. The term "rough wind" specifically refers to a violent or tempestuous wind, often associated with divine intervention or judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 27:8 : "By warfare and exile You contended with her, and by His fierce wind He expelled her on the day of the east wind." In this passage, the "fierce wind" is indicative of God's judgment and corrective measures against Israel. The east wind, often dry and harsh, symbolizes the severity of God's discipline.

2. Job 27:21 : "The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place." Here, the east wind is portrayed as a force of destruction and removal, emphasizing the powerlessness of man against the divine will.

3. Jeremiah 18:17 : "Like a wind from the east, I will scatter them before the enemy; I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity." The east wind is again used as a metaphor for God's judgment, illustrating the dispersion and calamity that will befall those who turn away from Him.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the Bible, wind often symbolizes the breath of God, His Spirit, or His judgment. The "rough wind" is particularly associated with God's judgment and the execution of His will. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the "rough wind" underscores the themes of divine justice and the omnipotence of God. It reflects the idea that God uses natural elements to fulfill His purposes and to bring about His divine plan. The imagery of a violent wind serves to remind believers of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine retribution.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, winds, especially those from the east, were often seen as destructive forces. The east wind, known for its scorching heat and desiccating effect, was feared for its potential to bring disaster. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical usage of "rough wind" as a metaphor for divine judgment.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of the "rough wind" serves as a call to repentance and obedience. It is a reminder of the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and the consequences of straying from His path. The imagery of the "rough wind" encourages a reverent fear of God and a recognition of His ultimate authority over creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 27:8
In measure, when it shoots forth, you will debate with it: he stays his rough wind in the day of the east wind.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Rough Voyage
... were we out at sea when the wind turned quite ... hatches were closed which, together
with the violent motion, made ... I called our brethren to prayers, and we found ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a rough voyage 2.htm

How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up.
... is not naturally a haven, for it ends in a rough shore, where ... about in this sea,
in the morning there fell a violent wind upon them; it is called by those ...
/.../chapter 9 how joppa was.htm

Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ...
... for though indeed the Holy Ghost is violent, yet his ... He comes as a mighty wind,
[393] and as a ... or pacific Solomon, so is his spouse called Sulamitess, calm and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the union.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

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... there was a piece of money called a stater. ... We may call it: "The Widow's Tree," Some
years ago a violent storm, with wind and thunder, swept through the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

Of the Origin of the World, and the Nature of Affairs, and the ...
... of the greatest hardness are struck together with a violent blow, fire ... Or in the
wind? ... and power to govern and control, why should it be called Nature rather ...
/.../a treatise on the anger of god addressed to donatus/chap x of the origin of.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... and in the act of being hauled down, when a violent gust of wind whirled it ... Scripture
he probably meant the vile papistical book called 'Christian Doctrine ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 17.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... scorn, rage, and language as coarse and violent as their ... that he laughs at astrology,
properly so called; that is ... enough, "are not like snow and wind, they must ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... declared he could not get to Corinth, and must put into a small port on the opposite
side of the gulf, called Galaxidi, and ... Violent gusts of wind shook our ...
/.../chapter xii the third continental.htm

The Record of a Quaker Conscience
... on his guard, and, being first called upon, declared ... Idle life blends with violent
death-struggles till the ... countless tiny waves dance in the wind that comes ...
/.../the record of a quaker.htm