Topical Bible: The Sea: Raised by the Wind

◄ The Sea: Raised by the Wind ►

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The sea, a vast and powerful element of God's creation, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of both chaos and divine control. The imagery of the sea being raised by the wind is a vivid depiction of the natural world's subjection to God's sovereign will. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both the might of the Creator and the vulnerability of human beings in the face of nature's forces.

Biblical References

One of the most striking accounts of the sea being raised by the wind is found in the Gospels, where Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature. In Matthew 8:24-27 , we read: "Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' 'You of little faith,' Jesus replied, 'why are you so afraid?' Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!'"

This passage not only highlights the power of the sea when stirred by the wind but also underscores Christ's divine authority to command the elements. The disciples' awe at Jesus' ability to calm the storm reflects a recognition of His divine nature and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's dominion over creation.

Old Testament Imagery

The Old Testament also contains numerous references to the sea being raised by the wind, often as a metaphor for God's judgment or as a demonstration of His power. In Psalm 107:25-29 , the psalmist describes God's control over the sea: "For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. They mounted up to the heavens, they sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

This passage illustrates the dual nature of the sea as both a source of peril and a testament to God's deliverance. The imagery of the sea rising and falling at God's command serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority over creation and His ability to rescue those who call upon Him.

Symbolism and Theology

The sea, when raised by the wind, often symbolizes chaos and the unknown, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern view of the sea as a place of danger and unpredictability. In biblical theology, however, the sea is also a canvas upon which God's sovereignty is displayed. The ability of God to still the sea and calm the winds is a recurring theme that reassures believers of His control over all aspects of life, both seen and unseen.

In the book of Job, the sea is depicted as a creature subdued by God. Job 26:12 states, "By His power He stilled the sea, and by His understanding He shattered Rahab." Here, the sea is personified as a chaotic force that is tamed by God's wisdom and might, reinforcing the concept of divine order triumphing over disorder.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus' miracles on the Sea of Galilee serving as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and a testament to His divine nature. The calming of the storm not only demonstrates Jesus' mastery over the physical world but also serves as a metaphor for His ability to bring peace to the tumultuous human heart.

In Revelation, the sea is depicted as a place of judgment and transformation. Revelation 21:1 declares, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This eschatological vision signifies the ultimate victory of God's order over chaos, as the sea, a symbol of the old world's turmoil, is replaced by the peace of the new creation.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the sea raised by the wind is a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the assurance that He is in control, even amidst life's storms. Through both Old and New Testament narratives, the sea serves as a testament to God's ability to bring order out of chaos and to provide refuge and salvation to those who trust in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 107:25,26
For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jonah 1:4
But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Path in the Sea
... His bare word raised the dead or stilled the ocean. Wind or no wind, Moses' rod
or no rod, the true explanation of that broad path cleared through the sea is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

How the Sea was Divided Asunder for the Hebrews, when they were ...
... As soon, therefore, as ever the whole Egyptian army was within it, the sea flowed
to its own place, and came down with a torrent raised by storms of wind, [30 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how the sea.htm

Attack on Wesley's Hat
... evenings. Indeed I was afraid on Saturday that the roaring of the sea, raised
by the north wind, would have prevented their hearing. But ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/attack on wesleys hat.htm

The Way to the Sea
... A spinning cone of wind caught a great expanse of sand, and ... Taking courage, he raised
his eyes for an instant. ... There was not a glimmer of radiance on the sea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

He Falsely Imagines that we Can have an Unalterable Series of ...
... if a man builds a house, or seeks an office, or puts to sea with a ... a satisfactory
answer by pointing to a heap of sand or chaff raised by the wind, or to ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 28 he falsely imagines.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... that threatened them; which wind, if it blew but a little fresh, such vast waves
are raised, and dash upon the rocks, that upon their retreat the sea is in a ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

Of the Life and Miracles of Jesus, and Testimonies Concerning Them ...
... the sick and languishing, unless He also raised the dead ... on, began to be distressed
[675] through a contrary wind. ... were now in the midst of the sea, [676] then ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xv of the life and.htm

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
... frenzy of the hostile power.' And the sea He commanded ... Be silenced!' And immediately
the wind was bound, the ... the enmity of the Pharisees had raised, and which ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv christ stills the.htm

Stillness in Storm
... and comes by degrees to mean to be raised in one ... helm, she has got broadside to the
run of the sea. ... the wave may fall, and drifting wherever the wind may take ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/stillness in storm.htm

The Advance of Xerxes into Greece.
... Others raised their anchors altogether, and attempted to row their ... The rising and
roughening sea made the oars useless, and the wind howled frightfully ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter viii the advance of.htm