Topical Bible: The Wind: God: Gathers, in his Hand

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In the biblical narrative, the wind is often depicted as a powerful and mysterious force, under the sovereign control of God. The imagery of God gathering the wind in His hand is a profound expression of His omnipotence and authority over creation. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both the physical and spiritual dimensions of God's interaction with the world.

Biblical References

The idea of God gathering the wind is vividly portrayed in Proverbs 30:4, which asks, "Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know?" . This rhetorical question emphasizes the uniqueness and incomprehensibility of God's power, suggesting that only He can control such elemental forces.

In Job 38:24, God challenges Job with questions about the natural world, including the wind: "In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth?" . Here, the wind is part of the divine arsenal, a tool used by God to demonstrate His wisdom and might.

Theological Significance

The wind, as gathered by God, symbolizes His control over chaos and His ability to bring order to the universe. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the wind was often associated with divine presence and action. By gathering the wind, God demonstrates His mastery over nature, reinforcing His role as Creator and Sustainer.

This imagery also serves as a metaphor for God's providence and protection. Just as He gathers the wind, He gathers His people, guiding and sheltering them. The wind, unpredictable and uncontrollable by human standards, is firmly within God's grasp, illustrating His reliability and faithfulness.

Spiritual Implications

For believers, the concept of God gathering the wind in His hand is a reminder of His intimate involvement in the world. It reassures them of His ability to manage the complexities of life and the universe. This understanding encourages trust in God's plans and purposes, even when circumstances seem turbulent or uncertain.

Moreover, the wind is often associated with the Holy Spirit in Scripture, as seen in Acts 2:2, where the Spirit's arrival is described as "a sound like a mighty rushing wind" . This connection underscores the transformative power of God, who not only controls the physical elements but also renews and empowers His people through His Spirit.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of God gathering the wind in His hand is a powerful testament to His sovereignty and care. It invites believers to reflect on the majesty of God and to find comfort in His unchanging nature. Through this imagery, Scripture communicates the profound truth that the Creator of the universe is both mighty and merciful, holding all things together by His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:4
Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? who has gathered the wind in his fists? who has bound the waters in a garment? who has established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 to Pray is as it were to be on Speaking Terms with Me...
... use of wild animals, lightning, the wind, and light ... in the honeycomb, so the man
of God gathers sweet thoughts ... desires by prayer to obtain from God the blessing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section iii 1 to pray.htm

The Sleeper.
... of Heaven, "JESUS standing at the right hand of God." The vision ... His rough wind in
the day of His east wind. ... the faint, the weak, the weary) "He gathers in His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vi the sleeper.htm

Fear and Faith
... is when we are 'afraid' that we trust in God; not in ... shines, but when the tempest
blows and the wind howls about his ears, a man gathers his cloak round ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

God's Gentle Power
... God by the still small voice whom no wind, though it ... noble in it, anything that will
be glorifying to God? ... marrow is frozen, and the strong man gathers up his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ...
... and dented in by some outward power, a gust of wind, a sudden ... But, blessed be God! ...
so my text comes with its great triumphant hopefulness, and gathers into one ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/christ the arrester of incipient.htm

Christ's Summary of his Work
... of that mighty voice came rolling down the wind.' But in ... is a God, and what sort
of a God He is. ... writing the last sentence, as it were, which gathers up the ...
/.../christs summary of his work.htm

Why Christ Speaks
... her chickens under her wings' so He gathers them to ... is to come to us, that the road
should wind, and that we ... Thank God for the loving reticence, and for the as ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/why christ speaks.htm

An Instructive Truth
... at a certain day or hour, but the wind may shift ... but recollect that, although "a
rolling stone gathers no moss ... not move, but wait for guidance from God as to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/an instructive truth.htm

Meditation on God
... as much, but who takes the grapes of Eschol that he gathers, and squeezes ... a reed
shaken with the wind? ... one word to you, all of you who know not God, and ye ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/meditation on god.htm

Repentance
... engage in God's service; as when the wind leaves the ... and bitter, yet of this thorn
a Christian gathers grapes ... If ever God restores comfort, it is to his mourners ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm