Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind
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In the biblical narrative, rocks often symbolize strength, stability, and the enduring nature of God's promises. However, there are instances where rocks are involved in miraculous events, demonstrating God's power over nature and His ability to use creation to fulfill His divine purposes. One such miracle involves rocks being broken in pieces by the wind, showcasing the might of God in a dramatic and awe-inspiring manner.

The account of rocks being shattered by the wind is found in the account of Elijah the prophet. After Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he fled to Mount Horeb, seeking refuge and guidance from the Lord. It is here that God revealed Himself to Elijah in a unique and powerful way. The narrative is recorded in 1 Kings 19:11-12 :

"And the LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice."

In this passage, the breaking of rocks by the wind serves as a prelude to God's gentle and intimate communication with Elijah. The event underscores the omnipotence of God, who can command the elements to perform His will. The wind, a natural force, is used by God to demonstrate His presence and power, yet it is the "still, small voice" that ultimately conveys His message to Elijah.

This miracle highlights several key themes in the biblical understanding of God's interaction with the world:

1. Divine Power and Sovereignty: The breaking of rocks by the wind illustrates God's control over nature. It serves as a reminder that all creation is subject to His command, and He can use it to accomplish His purposes.

2. God's Revelation: While the dramatic display of power through the wind, earthquake, and fire captures attention, it is the quiet voice of God that reveals His true nature and intentions. This teaches that God's communication is not always through grandiose displays but often through subtle, personal encounters.

3. The Role of Nature in God's Plan: Throughout Scripture, natural phenomena are frequently employed by God to communicate with His people, execute judgment, or provide deliverance. The breaking of rocks by the wind is one such instance where nature is used to facilitate a deeper understanding of God's presence and message.

4. Elijah's Prophetic Journey: For Elijah, this experience was a pivotal moment in his prophetic ministry. It reassured him of God's presence and guidance, even in times of fear and uncertainty. The miracle of the rocks being broken by the wind served as a turning point, renewing Elijah's strength and resolve to continue his mission.

In summary, the miracle of rocks being broken in pieces by the wind is a testament to God's unparalleled power and His ability to use the natural world to reveal His divine will. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which God can manifest His presence and communicate with His people, often in unexpected and profound ways.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Kings 19:11
And he said, Go forth, and stand on the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Providence
... OF GOD IS IN SOME MYSTERIOUS WAY connected WITH ANGELS ... In times of miracles and wondrous
things, there was an ... the bark, dashing it against the rocks, or saving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

Acts XXVII
... concerned, and only interferes, by miracles, where such ... she was steered clear of
the rocks, and stranded ... [558] For the nautical information connected with this ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... but when the great earthquake shakes the rocks, and the ... Here are miracles so many,
that I must describe ... manifestation in regeneration to be connected with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

La Brea
... and all those hourly and momentary miracles which were ... pitch reefs, which here take
the place of rocks. ... of one of the many rash speculations connected with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... They work miracles, as does the false prophet (xiii.13 ... There are many other absurdities
connected with the current ... The cry to the rocks "Fall on us" will be ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... come to judgment;" and with that the rocks rent, the ... by all the sects which had been
connected with the ... to the apostles, who had the power to work miracles. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith
(the Lord of the Covenant), wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... to that faith to say, the age of miracles is past ... a request for service of a peculiar
sort, connected with some ... my mother remarked that she had broken the last ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Human coercion, in anything connected with religion, whether it ... and it dwells in
the laws, legends and miracles of Antichrist ... is rolled down from the rocks as a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Iranian Conquest
... by supernatural circumstances, and the miracles which accompanied ... that they are more
probably connected with those ... are evidently copied from pieces of wooden ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Resources
What is shamanism? | GotQuestions.org

Does God have free will? | GotQuestions.org

What is animism? | GotQuestions.org

Rocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Rocks

Rocks used as Altars

Rocks used as Places for Idolatrous Worship

Rocks used as Places for Shelter by the Poor in Their Distress

Rocks used as Places of Observation

Rocks used as Places of Safety in Danger

Rocks were a Defence to a Country

Rocks: A Place of Safety

Rocks: Adullam

Rocks: Barren

Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst

Rocks: Bozez

Rocks: Casting Down From, a Punishment

Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked

Rocks: Christ As Foundation of his Church

Rocks: Christ As Refuge of his People

Rocks: Christ As Source of Spiritual Gifts

Rocks: Dreaded by Mariners

Rocks: Durable

Rocks: Engedi

Rocks: Etam

Rocks: God As Creator of his People

Rocks: God As Defence of his People

Rocks: God As Refuge of his People

Rocks: God As Salvation of his People

Rocks: God As the Strength of his People

Rocks: God's Power Exhibited in Removing

Rocks: Hammers Used for Breaking

Rocks: Hard

Rocks: Horeb in Rephidim

Rocks: Houses often Built On

Rocks: Important Events often Engraved Upon

Rocks: Inhabited by Conies

Rocks: Inhabited by Doves

Rocks: Inhabited by Eagles

Rocks: Inhabited by Wild Goats

Rocks: Man's Industry in Cutting Through

Rocks: Meribah in Kadesh

Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind

Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Fire Ascended out of

Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Rent at the Death of Christ

Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought From

Rocks: Often Composed of Flint

Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts

Rocks: Often Sharp-Pointed and Craggy

Rocks: Oreb

Rocks: Rimmon

Rocks: Selah in the Valley of Salt

Rocks: Selahammahlekoth in the Wilderness of Maon

Rocks: Seneh

Rocks: The Ancestor of a Nation

Rocks: The Olive Tree Flourished Amongst

Rocks: The Shadow of, Grateful to Travellers During the Heat of The

Rocks: Tombs often Hewn out of

Rocks: Whatever we Trust In

Related Terms

Geology

Crags (10 Occurrences)

Clefts (10 Occurrences)

Cliffs (10 Occurrences)

Holes (36 Occurrences)

Trachonitis (1 Occurrence)

Crevices (3 Occurrences)

Caves (17 Occurrences)

Cracks (9 Occurrences)

Rocky (14 Occurrences)

Valleys (38 Occurrences)

Wreck (1 Occurrence)

Terribly (9 Occurrences)

Ragged (1 Occurrence)

Caverns (3 Occurrences)

Cleft (15 Occurrences)

Crag (5 Occurrences)

Arises (21 Occurrences)

Ariseth (20 Occurrences)

Honey (62 Occurrences)

Sponge (3 Occurrences)

Hollows (5 Occurrences)

Joppa (14 Occurrences)

Mightily (36 Occurrences)

Rises (56 Occurrences)

Shake (68 Occurrences)

Majesty (67 Occurrences)

Overhanging (6 Occurrences)

Frost (9 Occurrences)

Flint (12 Occurrences)

Thickets (14 Occurrences)

Trap (35 Occurrences)

Terrify (27 Occurrences)

Ravines (17 Occurrences)

Earth-shock (11 Occurrences)

Marble (5 Occurrences)

Bowmen (13 Occurrences)

Conies (2 Occurrences)

Craggy (1 Occurrence)

Clift

Cliff (11 Occurrences)

Coney (2 Occurrences)

Sand (40 Occurrences)

Shephelah (2 Occurrences)

Shephanim (2 Occurrences)

Shipwreck (3 Occurrences)

Mountains (221 Occurrences)

Tops (37 Occurrences)

Cleaved (36 Occurrences)

Excellency (53 Occurrences)

Arabah (32 Occurrences)

Syria (73 Occurrences)

Cave (40 Occurrences)

Earthquake (17 Occurrences)

Rock (176 Occurrences)

Tremble (92 Occurrences)

Split (36 Occurrences)

Terror (137 Occurrences)

Shaking (162 Occurrences)

Dwells (64 Occurrences)

Parted (67 Occurrences)

Palestine (1 Occurrence)

Shattered (42 Occurrences)

Splendor (87 Occurrences)

Powerful (93 Occurrences)

Botany

Dread (69 Occurrences)

Rent (76 Occurrences)

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)

Hide (135 Occurrences)

Hid (145 Occurrences)

Quake (23 Occurrences)

Quaked (13 Occurrences)

Vail (44 Occurrences)

Vulture (16 Occurrences)

Variety (1 Occurrence)

Vein (1 Occurrence)

Knotted (3 Occurrences)

Rocks: Meribah in Kadesh
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