Topical Encyclopedia The east wind in Canaan holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. In the ancient Near East, the east wind, often referred to as the "sirocco," is a hot, dry, and sometimes destructive force that originates from the desert regions to the east of Canaan. This wind is frequently mentioned in the Bible, where it is associated with both divine judgment and natural phenomena.Symbolism and Divine Judgment The east wind is often depicted as an instrument of God's judgment and power. In the book of Exodus, the east wind plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. It is the east wind that brings the plague of locusts upon Egypt, as described in Exodus 10:13: "So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD sent an east wind across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts." Furthermore, the east wind is instrumental in the parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. Exodus 14:21 states, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided." In the prophetic literature, the east wind is often a metaphor for destruction and judgment. For instance, in the book of Hosea, the east wind is used to symbolize the impending judgment on Ephraim: "An east wind will come—the wind of the LORD rising from the desert. His spring will fail, and his well will dry up. His storehouse will be plundered of all its treasures" (Hosea 13:15). Natural Phenomena and Agricultural Impact The east wind's impact on the land of Canaan is not only symbolic but also practical. As a hot and dry wind, it can have devastating effects on agriculture, drying up crops and water sources. This natural phenomenon is reflected in the narrative of Joseph in Egypt, where Pharaoh's dream of the seven thin and scorched ears of grain is interpreted by Joseph as a sign of an impending famine caused by the east wind (Genesis 41:6, 23, 27). The east wind's ability to dry up water sources is also mentioned in the book of Ezekiel, where it is said to wither the fruit of a vine: "But it was uprooted in fury, cast down to the ground; the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were torn off and consumed by fire" (Ezekiel 19:12). Cultural and Theological Context In the cultural and theological context of the Bible, the east wind serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and history. It is a force that can bring both destruction and deliverance, depending on the divine will. The east wind's dual role as a harbinger of judgment and a facilitator of salvation underscores the complexity of God's interactions with His creation. The east wind's presence in the biblical narrative highlights the interconnectedness of natural events and divine purposes. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to use the forces of nature to accomplish His will, whether in judgment or in the deliverance of His people. Nave's Topical Index Hosea 13:15Though he be fruitful among his brothers, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. Nave's Topical Index Luke 12:55 Library Following the Cloud. The Israelites Joseph and his Brethren Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Of the Building of this Temple "And These Things Write we unto You, that Your Joy May be Full. " From Egypt to Sinai. A Revival Sermon Exodus The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Resources What is the meaning of “chasing the wind” in Ecclesiastes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to sow the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Wind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Wind of Iniquity Which Leads to Destruction The Wind of Terrors Which Pursue the Soul The Wind of the Operations of the Holy Spirit The Wind of the Speeches of the Desperate The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations The Wind: (Chaff or Stubble Before) of the Wicked The Wind: (Feeding Upon) of Vain Hopes The Wind: (Sowing) a Course of Sin The Wind: (When Destructive) the Judgments of God The Wind: (Without Rain) One Who Boasts of a False Gift The Wind: Accomplishes the Purposes of God The Wind: Frequently Brings Rain The Wind: from the North Drives Away Rain The Wind: God: Brings Forth, out of his Treasuries The Wind: God: Gathers, in his Hand The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Casting out Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Christ The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Removed By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Quails Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Raises on Account of Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Red Sea Divided By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Rocks and Mountains Rent By The Wind: Movement of the Leaves of Trees By, Noticed The Wind: Tempestuous: Destroys Houses The Wind: Tempestuous: Drives About the Largest Ships The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves The Wind: The Simoom or Pestilential Wind The Wind: Theory of, Above Man's Comprehension The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Great and Strong Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Mighty Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Rough Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm The Wind: when Violent Called: Stormy Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest The Wind: when Violent Called: Windy Storm Wind: East in the Valley of the Euphrates River Wind: East: At the City of Nineveh Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt Wind: East: Tempestuous in the Land of Uz Wind: North: Free from Humidity in Canaan Wind: West: Took Away the Plague of Locusts from the Land of Egypt Related Terms |
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