Topical Bible: The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm

◄ The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm ►

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Introduction

In the Bible, the wind is often depicted as a powerful force of nature, symbolizing both the might and the mystery of God's creation. When the wind becomes violent, it is referred to as a storm, a phenomenon that serves as a backdrop for several significant biblical events. These storms are not only physical occurrences but also carry deep spiritual and theological meanings, illustrating God's sovereignty, judgment, and protection.

Biblical References

1. The Great Flood: One of the earliest and most significant mentions of a storm is the Great Flood during the time of Noah. Genesis 7:11-12 describes the onset of the flood: "On that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights." This cataclysmic event, driven by torrential rains and violent winds, was an act of divine judgment and a means of purifying the earth.

2. The Plagues of Egypt: In Exodus, the seventh plague brought upon Egypt was a storm of hail. Exodus 9:23-24 states, "So Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. The hail fell and lightning continued flashing through it. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation." This storm was a demonstration of God's power over nature and His ability to protect His people while executing judgment on their oppressors.

3. Jonah and the Storm: The account of Jonah provides another example of a storm used by God to fulfill His purposes. Jonah 1:4 recounts, "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break apart." This storm was a divine intervention to redirect Jonah's path and bring him back to obedience.

4. Jesus Calms the Storm: In the New Testament, Jesus' authority over nature is vividly illustrated when He calms a storm. Mark 4:37-39 describes, "Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' 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 authority and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos.

Theological Significance

In Scripture, storms often symbolize God's power and presence. They serve as reminders of His control over creation and His ability to use natural events to accomplish His divine purposes. Storms can be instruments of judgment, as seen in the flood and the plagues, or they can be opportunities for God to reveal His glory and authority, as in the calming of the storm by Jesus.

Moreover, storms in the Bible often lead to a deeper understanding of faith and reliance on God. They challenge believers to trust in God's protection and provision, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The calming of the storm by Jesus reassures believers of His constant presence and His power to bring peace in the midst of life's tempests.

Conclusion

While storms are natural phenomena, their occurrence in the biblical narrative is rich with spiritual lessons. They remind us of God's omnipotence, His righteous judgment, and His unwavering care for His people. Through the storms, both literal and metaphorical, believers are called to recognize God's hand at work and to trust in His sovereign will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carries away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 83:15
So persecute them with your tempest, and make them afraid with your storm.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ...
... there blew a sudden strong gust of wind, when he was reading or doing any other
thing, he forthwith called upon the ... But, if a violent storm of wind or rain ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the above-mentioned.htm

Waiting for the Ferry
... ferry is two miles further." So we might have called long enough ... I scarcely ever
remember so violent a storm as blew all ... The wind continued contrary the next day ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/waiting for the ferry.htm

Wesley Encounters Severe Weather
... Meantime the wind rose higher and higher till it was ... the middle of an open field
with so violent a storm ... weary, yet well, to a little town called Brig-casterton ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley encounters severe weather.htm

A Boiling Sea
... Sunday, 8."We were called early by the pilot ... a large number of passengers: but the
wind turning, most ... Tuesday, 10."We had another violent storm; it made Mr ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a boiling sea.htm

Essay iv. The Generous Spirit, Who, when Brought among the Tasks ...
... off Minorca and near Port Mahon, a violent storm nearly disabled ... trumpet, which the
fury of the wind and waves ... the least disturbance of temper, called out in ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay iv the generous spirit.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... been an enemy, subtle or open, cunning or violent, of God ... being outlined; and then
gives the final wind-up after ... And so it was called the "watching" or "watcher ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

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

The Life Story of Pastor Wang
... He called his little boy and girl to kneel with him ... of rushing wind was heard and
a violent thunderstorm burst ... Hail, wind, and rain were followed by a terrific ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiii the life story.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... of rain, of drought, or of the rising of the wind, partial or general, violent or
moderate! ... moisture, or when the sun is encircled with what is called a halo ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

"This is no Mazed Man"
... After I had done, the storm arose and the rain poured ... on the hill near the church;
but the violent wind made it ... About noon, Friday, 5, I called on W. Row, in ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/this is no mazed man.htm