Swirling
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Definition and Context
The term "swirling" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, it can be associated with various biblical themes and imagery that involve movement, chaos, or divine activity. Swirling often conveys a sense of dynamic motion, which can be seen in natural phenomena, spiritual experiences, or divine interventions.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism
Swirling imagery is often used to describe the movement of wind, water, or other natural elements, symbolizing the power and presence of God. In the Bible, wind is frequently associated with the Spirit of God. For instance, in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is described as hovering over the waters, suggesting a dynamic and creative force at work in the formation of the world.

Wind and Spirit
The Hebrew word "ruach," often translated as "wind" or "spirit," can imply a swirling motion. In Ezekiel 37:9, the prophet is commanded to prophesy to the breath: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live." This passage highlights the life-giving power of God's Spirit, which can be imagined as swirling winds bringing renewal and resurrection.

Divine Presence and Judgment
Swirling can also be associated with divine presence and judgment. In Job 38:1, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind: "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said." The whirlwind here represents God's overwhelming power and majesty, a force beyond human comprehension. Similarly, in Nahum 1:3, the Lord is described as having His way in the whirlwind and the storm, indicating His sovereign control over creation and His ability to execute judgment.

Waters and Chaos
Swirling waters can symbolize chaos and the unknown, often used to depict the challenges and trials faced by God's people. In Psalm 46:3, the psalmist speaks of the waters roaring and foaming, a metaphor for tumultuous times: "though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge." Despite the chaos, the psalm affirms God's presence as a refuge and strength.

Prophetic Visions
Prophetic visions sometimes include swirling elements to convey the intensity and mystery of divine revelation. In Ezekiel 1:4, the prophet describes a vision of a stormy wind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually: "I looked, and I saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it." This vision signifies the glory and majesty of God, as well as the profound impact of His revelation.

Conclusion
While the term "swirling" itself is not explicitly found in the biblical text, the concept is richly embedded in the imagery and symbolism of Scripture. It serves as a powerful representation of God's dynamic presence, His creative and life-giving Spirit, and His sovereign control over the forces of nature and history.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Swirl.
Strong's Hebrew
5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround
... 1), removed (2), returned (1), set (3), set* (1), sit (1), surround (7), surrounded
(18), surrounding (2), surrounds (2), swinging (1), swirling (1), taken ...
/hebrew/5437.htm - 7k
Library

Outward Bound
... too (for it was calm at night), the water from the sponson behind the paddle-boxes;
as the live flame-beads leaped and ran amid the swirling snow, while some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

A New Years Message
... But bright or dark, hopes or dreads, they reveal nothing. Sometimes we think
we see a little way ahead, and then swirling mists hide all. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a new years message.htm

'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
... No doubt many a question and doubt had been muttered by the watch- fires, as the
people looked at the muddy, turbid stream, swirling in flood. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the waters saw thee they.htm

The Incense of Prayer
... professors the great bulk of their lives creeps along the low levels like the mists
in winter, that hug the marshes instead of rising, swirling up like an ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the incense of prayer.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... Does our courage never flag, nor our faith falter, nor swirling clouds of doubt
hide the inheritance from our weary and tear-filled eyes? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

The Northern Mountains
... Yorkshire, Ireland or Scotland; crystal-clear, bedded with gray pebbles, broken
into rapids by rock-ledges or great white quartz boulders, swirling under steep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The City and River of God
... and human polities and earthly institutions, acting on them all either by slow
corrosive action at the base, or by the tossing floods swirling against them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm

The Two Houses
... From above, the rain comes down to beat on the roof, the wind rages round the walls,
the flood comes swirling round the eaves from beneath, and if the house ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the two houses.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... When the people of Epidaurus saw this, I mean the roaring waves and heaving waters
and the swirling billows mountain-high dashing on the shore, fearing that ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

Thesaurus
Swirling (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swirling (5 Occurrences). Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goes
to the south, turning back again to the north; circling round for ever. ...
/s/swirling.htm - 7k

Swirls (1 Occurrence)

/s/swirls.htm - 6k

Swirled (2 Occurrences)

/s/swirled.htm - 7k

Resources
What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is a threshing floor? | GotQuestions.org

Swirling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Swirling (5 Occurrences)

Ecclesiastes 1:6
The wind goes to the south, turning back again to the north; circling round for ever.
(See NAS)

Isaiah 8:8
And it will come on into Judah; rushing on and overflowing, till the waters are up to the neck; *** and his outstretched wings will be covering the land from side to side: for God is with us.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 23:19
Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is gone forth, yes, a whirling storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 30:23
Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even his wrath, is gone forth, a sweeping storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked.
(See NIV)

Hosea 13:3
Therefore they will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that passes away early, like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor, and like the smoke out of the chimney.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Swirling

Related Terms

Swollen (7 Occurrences)

Swirling (5 Occurrences)

Swirled
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