Topical Bible: The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves

◄ The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves ►

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In the biblical narrative, the wind is often depicted as a powerful force of nature, under the sovereign control of God. The tempestuous wind, in particular, is frequently associated with the raising of the sea in waves, symbolizing both the might of God's creation and His ability to command and calm the natural world.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 107:25 : "For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea." This verse highlights the direct involvement of God in commanding the wind to stir the sea, demonstrating His authority over the elements. The tempestuous wind serves as an instrument of His will, capable of transforming the calm sea into a tumultuous expanse.

2. Jonah 1:4 : "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart." In the account of Jonah, the tempestuous wind is a divine response to Jonah's disobedience. The wind raises the sea in waves, creating a perilous situation that ultimately leads to Jonah's repentance and the fulfillment of God's plan.

3. Mark 4:37-39 : "Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." This New Testament account underscores the authority of Jesus over the natural world. The tempestuous wind and the resulting waves serve as a backdrop for the revelation of Christ's divine power, as He calms the storm with a word.

4. Job 38:8-11 : "Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’?" In God's discourse with Job, the imagery of the sea and its waves is used to illustrate His omnipotence. The tempestuous wind, which raises the sea, is subject to the limits set by God, emphasizing His control over creation.

Theological Significance:

The tempestuous wind that raises the sea in waves is a recurring motif in Scripture, symbolizing both the chaos of the natural world and the order imposed by divine command. It serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to use the forces of nature to accomplish His purposes. The biblical accounts of the wind and waves often highlight themes of judgment, deliverance, and the revelation of divine authority.

In the context of biblical theology, the tempestuous wind is not merely a natural phenomenon but a manifestation of God's active presence in the world. It calls believers to recognize the power and majesty of the Creator, who alone can still the storm and bring peace to the tumultuous seas of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

John 6:18
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ancient Chaldaea
... the blood to be carried by the north wind to the ... this monster Oannes plunged back
into the sea, and remained all night beneath the waves, for he was ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm