Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the north wind holds significant symbolic and practical importance. The north wind is often associated with cold and harsh conditions, as well as divine intervention and judgment. It is one of the four cardinal winds mentioned in the Bible, each with its own distinct characteristics and implications.Symbolism and Imagery The north wind is frequently depicted as a powerful and sometimes destructive force. In Proverbs 25:23, the north wind is associated with bringing rain: "As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks." This verse highlights the inevitability and impact of the north wind, drawing a parallel to the consequences of gossip and slander. In the Song of Solomon 4:16, the north wind is invoked in a poetic and romantic context: "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits." Here, the north wind is called upon to stir the garden, symbolizing the awakening of love and desire. The interplay between the north and south winds suggests a balance between harshness and gentleness, reflecting the complexities of love. Divine Judgment and Intervention The north wind is sometimes associated with divine judgment and the execution of God's will. In Jeremiah 1:14, the Lord speaks to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "Out of the north, disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land." This prophecy foretells the impending invasion by Babylon, which would come from the north, serving as an instrument of God's judgment against Judah for their disobedience and idolatry. Similarly, in Ezekiel 1:4, the prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of God's glory coming from the north: "I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal." This vision underscores the majesty and power of God, with the north wind serving as a vehicle for His divine presence and revelation. Practical Implications In the ancient Near East, the north wind was known for its cooling effect, particularly in the hot and arid climate of the region. It was often welcomed for its ability to bring relief from the heat. However, it could also bring cold and harsh weather, making it a double-edged sword in terms of its impact on daily life. The north wind's role in weather patterns and agriculture is implicit in various biblical texts, where it is seen as part of God's sovereign control over creation. The wind's ability to bring rain or cold serves as a reminder of God's provision and the natural order He established. Conclusion The north wind in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing both the harshness of judgment and the refreshing power of divine intervention. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the intricate balance of His creation. Through the imagery of the north wind, the Bible communicates themes of love, judgment, and the divine orchestration of the natural world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 25:23The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 4:16 Greek 5566. choros -- the northwest wind ... northwest wind. Of Latin origin; the north-west wind -- north west. (choron) -- 1 Occurrence. 5565, 5566. choros. 5567 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5566.htm - 6k 1005. borras -- north 2148. Eurokludon -- Euroklydon, northeast wind 2146b. Eurakulon -- the Euraquilo, a northeast wind Strong's Hebrew 4215. mezareh -- north... north Apparently from zarah; properly, a scatterer, ie The north wind (as dispersing clouds; only in plural) -- north. see HEBREW zarah. 4214, 4215. ... /hebrew/4215.htm - 5k 6828. tsaphon -- north Library At the Back of the North Wind Ode to the North-East Wind Preaching in a North Wind Arise, O North Wind, and Come Thou South; Blow through My Garden ... When one at the Back of the North Wind Wanted to Know How Things ... I have Been Asked to Tell You About the Back of the North Wind. .. ... At the Back of the North Wind I have Now Come to the Most Difficult Part of My Story. ... The Delights of North Wales The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep... Resources What is the day of Pentecost? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Hebrew word ruach? | GotQuestions.org Why are there times when God seems silent / absent in a believer's life? | GotQuestions.org Wind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Wind of Iniquity Which Leads to Destruction The Wind of Terrors Which Pursue the Soul The Wind of the Operations of the Holy Spirit The Wind of the Speeches of the Desperate The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations The Wind: (Chaff or Stubble Before) of the Wicked The Wind: (Feeding Upon) of Vain Hopes The Wind: (Sowing) a Course of Sin The Wind: (When Destructive) the Judgments of God The Wind: (Without Rain) One Who Boasts of a False Gift The Wind: Accomplishes the Purposes of God The Wind: Frequently Brings Rain The Wind: from the North Drives Away Rain The Wind: God: Brings Forth, out of his Treasuries The Wind: God: Gathers, in his Hand The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Casting out Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Christ The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Removed By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Quails Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Raises on Account of Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Red Sea Divided By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Rocks and Mountains Rent By The Wind: Movement of the Leaves of Trees By, Noticed The Wind: Tempestuous: Destroys Houses The Wind: Tempestuous: Drives About the Largest Ships The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves The Wind: The Simoom or Pestilential Wind The Wind: Theory of, Above Man's Comprehension The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Great and Strong Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Mighty Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Rough Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm The Wind: when Violent Called: Stormy Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest The Wind: when Violent Called: Windy Storm Wind: East in the Valley of the Euphrates River Wind: East: At the City of Nineveh Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt Wind: East: Tempestuous in the Land of Uz Wind: North: Free from Humidity in Canaan Wind: West: Took Away the Plague of Locusts from the Land of Egypt Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |