Topical Bible: The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Reviving

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In the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is often symbolized by wind, a powerful and dynamic emblem that signifies His reviving and life-giving presence. This imagery is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where the movement of the Spirit is likened to the wind's invisible yet transformative force.

Old Testament Foundations

The Hebrew word for spirit, "ruach," also means wind or breath, underscoring the intrinsic connection between the Spirit and the concept of life-giving force. In Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into Adam, illustrating the Spirit's role in creation and the impartation of life. This act of breathing is a divine wind that revives and animates.

The prophet Ezekiel provides a vivid depiction of the Spirit as a reviving wind in the vision of the valley of dry bones. In Ezekiel 37:9-10 , God commands the prophet, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live.'" The breath, or wind, represents the Spirit's power to restore life to what was once dead, symbolizing spiritual renewal and revival.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the emblem of wind continues to illustrate the Holy Spirit's reviving work. On the day of Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit is marked by "a sound like a mighty rushing wind" (Acts 2:2). This event signifies the birth of the Church and the Spirit's role in empowering and revitalizing the believers for their mission.

Jesus Himself uses the metaphor of wind to describe the mysterious and sovereign work of the Spirit in the process of spiritual rebirth. In John 3:8 , He tells Nicodemus, "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, the wind symbolizes the Spirit's unpredictable yet undeniable influence in bringing about new life and transformation.

Theological Implications

The emblem of wind as a reviving force highlights several key theological themes regarding the Holy Spirit's work. First, it emphasizes the Spirit's sovereignty and freedom. Just as the wind cannot be controlled or fully understood, the Spirit operates according to divine will, bringing life and renewal where He chooses.

Second, the wind signifies the Spirit's power to bring about spiritual awakening and revival. Whether in the individual heart or within the broader community of believers, the Spirit's presence breathes new life, invigorating faith and prompting a return to spiritual vitality.

Finally, the wind as an emblem of the Holy Spirit underscores the necessity of the Spirit's work for true spiritual life. Just as physical life is impossible without breath, spiritual life is unattainable without the reviving presence of the Holy Spirit. This imagery calls believers to seek and rely on the Spirit's renewing power for personal growth and communal revival.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 37:9,10,14
Then said he to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus said the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Power Hindered.
... I would further call attention to the emblems of the ... in its effects, and reviving;
how the Spirit of God ... read of the wrath of the Holy Spirit"gentle, innocent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... Luke, or the chronology of the Holy Week, or ... always interpreted, according to the
English spirit, in the ... exclude opinions which few think of reviving in their ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... Since emblems' is distinctly out of harmony with the thought of the hymn it would
probably be ... Come, Holy Ghost, for moved by Thee. ... The Spirit of Thy word impart. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/some hymns and hymn-books.htm

The War of Truth
... children of Israel furnish us with many emblems of the ... would still endeavour to carry
out the holy maxim, "Love ... and there are few who have the spirit to speak ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... The fixed stars are emblems of the church, whose members ... Godhead: Distinct, I say,
as Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit. ... Who hath gathered the wind in his fists ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple' (Jonah ... but I cannot tell how, for
my spirit now struggled ... They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... but the righteousness of Christ and the graces of the Spirit, without which ... fashioning
yourselves according to your former conversation; but be ye holy in all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... gloomy solitary cells, planned by the spirit of aristocracy ... moral beauty of a virtuous
and holy life. ... mouldering fragments lie, All dreadful emblems of mortality ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of "Royal brothers," and from among whom Anion of the Holy Mountain was ... been looked
upon as triumphal pillars, designed to support statues or divine emblems. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm