Topical Bible: The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations

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In biblical literature, the wind often symbolizes the unseen and uncontrollable forces of nature, as well as the transient and fleeting aspects of human life. The metaphor of the wind bringing forth disappointed expectations is a poignant theme that underscores the futility of relying on worldly pursuits and the ephemeral nature of human endeavors apart from God.

The book of Hosea provides a vivid illustration of this concept. Hosea 8:7 states, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; it shall yield no grain. Should it produce, foreigners would swallow it up." This passage highlights the futility and inevitable disappointment that result from Israel's idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances instead of trusting in the Lord. The imagery of sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind conveys the idea that actions rooted in vanity and disobedience lead to chaos and destruction, rather than the hoped-for prosperity.

Similarly, in Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the vanity of human endeavors. Ecclesiastes 1:14 states, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." This verse captures the essence of human efforts that are disconnected from divine purpose, emphasizing that such pursuits ultimately lead to emptiness and unfulfilled expectations.

The theme of disappointed expectations is also evident in the New Testament. In James 4:14, the brevity and uncertainty of life are likened to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will, rather than placing hope in the transient and unpredictable nature of worldly achievements.

Throughout Scripture, the wind serves as a metaphor for the elusive and often disappointing nature of human expectations when they are not grounded in faith and obedience to God. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers to place their trust in the Lord, who alone can fulfill the deepest desires of the heart and provide lasting satisfaction.

In conclusion, the wind as a symbol of disappointed expectations serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of relying on human wisdom and strength. It calls believers to seek fulfillment and purpose in a relationship with God, who is the source of true hope and enduring joy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 26:18
We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Nothing but Leaves
... When we are disappointed what shall come upon such ... Their love lies just in the wind
which comes ... might well be cursed, because its bringing forth nothing but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

Christian Behavior
... of a false gift, is like clouds and wind without rain ... so the flesh will be putting
forth continually that ... Instead of bringing according to the commandment, they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Isaiah
... as shake the forest trees before the wind," vii.2 ... received from Him the call to go
forth and deliver ... passage is post-exilic, some scholars even bringing it down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/isaiah.htm

Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
... their existence is a narrow revolving disc, bringing around the ... comes the roar Of
sea and wind, and through ... degraded, master, slave, we go forth together, and ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse viii the help of.htm

The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ...
... before, only one boat had come over, bringing Jesus and ... But the wind which had been
contrary to the ... might have seemed general or mysterious plainly set forth. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxii the great crisis.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... a reality,"and will be enabled, bringing forth and educating ... desire set on externals,
and so disappointed, that brings ... The sky, the sun, the wind, the ocean ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning.
... Not a reed shaken by the wind,' but unbendingly ... we have already seen, such inward
forth-bursting of ... read in Rabbinic writings, as bringing heaven's testimony ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the baptism of.htm

The Blossoming Desert.
... but their severe afflictions should call forth much sympathy ... and persecuted Mr. Burns
for bringing his craft ... or scudding away before a favorable wind to some ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vii the blossoming desert.htm

Moody's Stories
... Let the wind blow her hat into the river, and she does ... If a boy should come down
the aisle, bringing a good ... Nature alone never brings forth anything but weeds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... out to make a Sabbath-day's journey: the wind extremely high ... with gratitude to his
Saviour for bringing him to ... part of the chapter, which sets forth that state ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm