Topical Bible: The Wind: Theory of, Above Man's Comprehension

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The concept of the wind in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the mysterious and sovereign workings of God, illustrating the limits of human understanding. The wind, an invisible yet powerful force, is frequently used to depict the divine presence and activity that surpass human comprehension.

Biblical References:

1. Ecclesiastes 11:5 : "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." This verse highlights the inscrutability of God's creation and actions, likening the mystery of the wind's path to the divine processes that are beyond human grasp.

2. John 3:8 : "The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." Here, Jesus uses the wind as an analogy for the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration. Just as the wind's origin and destination are unknown, so too is the Spirit's transformative work in the hearts of believers, emphasizing the divine initiative and mystery in spiritual rebirth.

3. Job 37:9-13 : "The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving north winds. By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them. They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth. Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion." This passage from Job underscores the power and purpose of the wind as directed by God, serving His divine will, whether for judgment or blessing.

Theological Implications:

The wind, as depicted in Scripture, serves as a profound symbol of God's omnipotence and the limitations of human understanding. It reminds believers of the Creator's sovereignty over the natural world and His ability to work beyond human perception and control. The unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of the wind reflect the divine attributes of God, who operates according to His perfect wisdom and purpose.

Symbolism and Metaphor:

In biblical literature, the wind is often employed as a metaphor for various aspects of God's interaction with the world:

· Divine Judgment and Power: The wind is sometimes associated with God's judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:13) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21). It demonstrates God's ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes.

· Holy Spirit: The wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Pentecost event (Acts 2:2), where the Spirit's arrival is marked by a "sound like a mighty rushing wind." This association underscores the Spirit's dynamic and life-giving presence.

· Human Limitation: The inability to predict or control the wind serves as a reminder of human limitations in understanding God's ways. It calls for humility and trust in God's sovereign plan.

Conclusion:

The biblical portrayal of the wind as a force beyond human comprehension serves to elevate the majesty and mystery of God. It invites believers to acknowledge their own limitations and to trust in the divine wisdom that governs all creation. Through the imagery of the wind, Scripture communicates profound truths about God's nature and His interaction with the world, encouraging a posture of reverence and faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 3:8
The wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell from where it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Interview of Christ with Nicodcmus.
... "As none can set bounds or limits to the wind, as one ... 279] Or "from above;" but I ...
But this theory is contradicted by the fact that baptism is only incidentally ...
/.../section 119 interview of christ.htm

"The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. "
... been remarked, the special name, the name above all others ... With its theory of two
principles it spread widely ... rachaph, "brood," is not used of wind, and itself ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ii the earth was.htm

Introduction
... Its negations "wind up the hill all the way to the ... But the theory itself is a false
theory of life ... and omnipotent God, and work down from above, the necessarian ...
/.../jones/spiritual reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries/introduction.htm

The Doctrine of God
... the case, we know then that we have the right theory. ... a compound unity, as seen in
the above quoted scriptures ... Psa.107:25-29""He raiseth the stormy wind ... ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... In the first of the above examples: "It is hard ... as true historic events, the whole
mythical theory vanishes at ... not utterly wither when the east wind toucheth it ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... Of stronger wing, of aquiline ascent. In theory sublime. ... and for ever new! And newest
to the man that views it most; ... Orb above orb ascending without end! ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

Enthusiasm.
... To wind ourselves too high For sinful man beneath the sky,. ... of its creeds, institutions,
and usages; or the duty of man to receive things above, but not ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... they should, except upon the Calvinistic theory of conversion. ... with the mental
constitution of man, upon an ... priests' robe who have no true unction from above. ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... that the gods sent a mighty wind and overthrew ... that dwell therein, with much oppression,
above all those ... the world." In accordance with this theory the Sibyls ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... and serpents: "the sixth was a tempestuous wind which obeyed ... the peculiar
characteristics of all the gods above whom he ... and the sun, which in theory was its ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm