Topical Bible: The Wind: (Feeding Upon) of Vain Hopes

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In biblical literature, the wind often symbolizes the transient and insubstantial nature of certain human endeavors and desires. The metaphor of "feeding upon the wind" is particularly evocative, illustrating the futility of pursuing empty or vain hopes that ultimately lead to spiritual and moral emptiness.

The prophet Hosea uses this imagery to describe the actions of the Israelites, who were engaged in idolatry and alliances with foreign nations, rather than trusting in the Lord. Hosea 12:1 states, "Ephraim feeds on the wind and chases the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence. He makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt." Here, "feeding on the wind" conveys the idea of pursuing worthless and deceptive goals that cannot satisfy or sustain.

This metaphor serves as a caution against placing hope in anything other than God. The wind, by its very nature, is elusive and uncontrollable, much like the false promises and fleeting pleasures that can distract believers from their true purpose. The pursuit of such empty hopes is akin to chasing the wind—an endeavor that yields no lasting fulfillment or security.

The theme of vain hopes is further explored in Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher reflects on the meaninglessness of worldly pursuits. Ecclesiastes 1:14 declares, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." This reinforces the idea that human efforts, when detached from divine purpose, are ultimately futile.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against being "tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching" (Ephesians 4:14). This admonition highlights the danger of being swayed by false doctrines and the importance of grounding one's faith in the truth of the Gospel.

The concept of "feeding upon the wind" serves as a powerful reminder for believers to examine the foundations of their hopes and aspirations. It calls for a reliance on God's promises, which are steadfast and true, rather than on the fleeting and unreliable promises of the world. In doing so, Christians are encouraged to seek fulfillment and purpose in their relationship with God, who alone can provide lasting peace and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the biblical metaphor of "feeding upon the wind" underscores the futility of pursuing vain hopes and the importance of anchoring one's life in the eternal truths of Scripture. It is a call to discernment and faithfulness, urging believers to seek the enduring substance found in a life devoted to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 12:1
Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he daily increases lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... can "fill his belly with the east wind." True, he ... short season, but to the end; still
feeding our enemy ... heaping coals of fire," of melting love, "upon his head ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 22 upon our lords.htm

Altogether Lovely
... solitude, and make your hearts vigorous by feeding upon the person ... Awake, O north
wind, with all thy cutting force ... I leave this for your hearts to enlarge upon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... But pleasure, lark-like, nests upon the ground.20. ... And put good works on board;
and wait the wind. ... Fruit, on which mortals feeding, turn to gods: ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the right honourable the.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... of God, nor against the rain, wind, and floods ... their doctrine begat such blindness,
such vain confidence, and ... matter to build my confidence for heaven upon. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be"
... one, "The oxen were ploughing, and the asses feeding beside them ... last comes the back
stroke: "A great wind came from ... I believe if I were lying upon a dying couch ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/as thy days so shall.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... seducer who calls himself the Paraclete, that he may impose upon thee by a ... still
to continue uttering such folly, still feeding on the wind, still embracing ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

The Awakened Sinner Urged to Immediate Consideration and Cautioned ...
... on what vile husks hast thou been feeding, while thy ... fluttering about religion, and
have never fixed upon it. ... or dispersed like a cloudy vapor before the wind. ...
/.../chapter iii the awakened sinner.htm

The Fainting Soul Revived
... spent your substance; though you have been feeding swine: though ... The whole weight
of it rests upon you, and under it ... There is a driving wind and a heavy tempest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the fainting soul revived.htm

Index of First Lines.
... a cry was heard, 118 From every stormy wind that blows ... high and holy lays, 116 It
came upon the midnight ... soul, 187 While in sweet communion feeding, 479 While ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/index of first lines.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... A man will go against wind and tide in his determination ... I think I see tokens of
electing love upon you in ... His hungry belly and his pig-feeding fetched him home ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm