Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of a "whistle" is not frequently mentioned, but it carries significant symbolic meaning when it does appear. The act of whistling, or the sound produced by it, is often associated with summoning, signaling, or calling attention to something important. In the context of the Bible, it can be seen as a metaphor for divine intervention or the gathering of people.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 5:26 : "He lifts a banner for the distant nations; He whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come!" In this passage, the whistle is used as a divine signal to summon nations from afar. It illustrates God's sovereign power to call and gather people according to His purpose. The imagery of God whistling to nations underscores His authority and the immediacy of His command. 2. Isaiah 7:18 : "On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria." Here, the whistle is a metaphor for God's control over creation, using it to bring about His judgment or fulfill His plans. The flies and bees represent foreign nations or forces that God will summon to execute His will, demonstrating His dominion over all the earth. Symbolic Meaning: In these contexts, the whistle serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to command and orchestrate events on a global scale. It reflects His omnipotence and the ease with which He can mobilize nations and peoples to achieve His divine purposes. The whistle is not merely a sound but a representation of God's voice and authority, calling His creation to respond to His will. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the use of the whistle in Scripture highlights the themes of divine sovereignty and providence. It reassures believers of God's active involvement in the world and His capacity to bring about His plans, regardless of human resistance or circumstances. The whistle signifies that God is not distant or passive but is actively guiding history towards His intended outcome. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, whistling or similar sounds were often used as signals in various contexts, such as herding animals or gathering people. The biblical use of the whistle would have resonated with contemporary audiences, who understood the practical implications of such a sound as a call to attention or action. Overall, while the literal act of whistling is not a central theme in the Bible, its metaphorical use in passages like Isaiah 5:26 and 7:18 provides insight into God's nature and His relationship with the world. It serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and the certainty of His plans coming to fruition. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To make a kind of musical sound, or series of sounds, by forcing the breath through a small orifice formed by contracting the lips; also, to emit a similar sound, or series of notes, from the mouth or beak, as birds.2. (v. i.) To make a shrill sound with a wind or steam instrument, somewhat like that made with the lips; to blow a sharp, shrill tone. 3. (v. i.) To sound shrill, or like a pipe; to make a sharp, shrill sound; as, a bullet whistles through the air. 4. (v. t.) To form, utter, or modulate by whistling; as, to whistle a tune or an air. 5. (v. t.) To send, signal, or call by a whistle. 6. (n.) A sharp, shrill, more or less musical sound, made by forcing the breath through a small orifice of the lips, or through or instrument which gives a similar sound; the sound used by a sportsman in calling his dogs; the shrill note of a bird; as, the sharp whistle of a boy, or of a boatswain's pipe; the blackbird's mellow whistle. 7. (n.) The shrill sound made by wind passing among trees or through crevices, or that made by bullet, or the like, passing rapidly through the air; the shrill noise (much used as a signal, etc.) made by steam or gas escaping through a small orifice, or impinging against the edge of a metallic bell or cup. 8. (n.) An instrument in which gas or steam forced into a cavity, or against a thin edge, produces a sound more or less like that made by one who whistles through the compressed lips; as, a child's whistle; a boatswain's whistle; a steam whistle (see Steam whistle, under Steam). 9. (n.) The mouth and throat; -- so called as being the organs of whistling. Strong's Hebrew 8319. sharaq -- to hiss, whistle, pipe... 8318, 8319. sharaq. 8320 . to hiss, whistle, pipe. Transliteration: sharaq Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-rak') Short Definition: hiss. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/8319.htm - 6k Library Cups Running Over When Diamond Went Home to Breakfast, He Found his Father and ... Striking Similes A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. Measures to Promote Revivals. Chapter five Three Decisive Steps Fearlessness. Closed Gates Sun and Wind Thesaurus Whistle (3 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To form, utter, or modulate by whistling; as, to whistle a tune or an air. 5. (vt) To send, signal, or call by a whistle. ... /w/whistle.htm - 9k Pipe (13 Occurrences) Whistles (1 Occurrence) Whisperings (1 Occurrence) Winding (4 Occurrences) Whistling (4 Occurrences) Flute (16 Occurrences) Blow (124 Occurrences) Bee (1 Occurrence) Charm (5 Occurrences) Resources What is heavy shepherding? | GotQuestions.orgWhistle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Whistle (3 Occurrences)Isaiah 5:26 Isaiah 7:18 Zechariah 10:8 Subtopics Related Terms |