Topical Bible: The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest

◄ The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest ►

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In the biblical context, the wind is often depicted as a powerful force of nature, sometimes serving as an instrument of God's will. When the wind becomes violent, it is referred to as a "tempest." This term is used to describe severe storms characterized by strong winds and often accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning. The tempest is a recurring motif in Scripture, symbolizing both divine judgment and protection.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently mentions tempests as manifestations of God's power and judgment. In the Book of Job, the tempest is depicted as a tool through which God communicates His majesty and authority. Job 9:17 states, "For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause." Here, the tempest symbolizes the overwhelming and sometimes incomprehensible nature of God's actions.

The Psalms also reference tempests as expressions of divine might. Psalm 107:25 describes God's command over the natural world: "For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea." This passage highlights God's sovereignty over creation, using the tempest to demonstrate His control over the elements.

In the prophetic literature, tempests often signify impending judgment. Isaiah 29:6 warns, "You will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire." The tempest here serves as a harbinger of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the theme of the tempest as a symbol of divine intervention and protection. In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His authority over the natural world by calming a tempest. Mark 4:37-39 recounts, "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 miracle underscores Jesus' divine authority and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos.

The Apostle Paul also encounters a tempest during his journey to Rome, as described in Acts 27. Despite the severity of the storm, Paul reassures his companions of God's protection. Acts 27:22-24 records Paul's words: "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not a single one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'" The tempest, while a trial, becomes an opportunity for God's providence to be revealed.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Throughout Scripture, the tempest serves as a multifaceted symbol. It represents the uncontrollable and often fearsome aspects of the natural world, reminding believers of their dependence on God. At the same time, the tempest is a vehicle for divine action, whether as a means of judgment or as a demonstration of God's protective care.

Theologically, the tempest underscores the themes of God's sovereignty and the assurance of His presence in times of trouble. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power to calm the storms of life, both literal and metaphorical, and to find peace in His promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 9:17
For he breaks me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 27:20
Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest steals him away in the night.
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

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... that ye should restrain those who are violent and insolent ... buried his talent in the
earth, was called to account ... as the light dust, when the wind rushes down ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

A Discourse On
... ungodly men by their hands and their words called death unto ... her pinions, and rent
asunder with the violent rush of ... man is as chaff carried by the wind, and as ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

A Night on the Lake
... A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were unprepared for it. ... The
wind is boisterous ... He says; "for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 40 a night on.htm

Peter on the Waves
... Not because the gale was any more violent, not because the ... heard above the roar of
the boisterous wind, 'Lord, save me ... he was caught as soon as he called on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/peter on the waves.htm

That Forgetfulness of Reason Makes Men Ignorant of the True God,
... have denied nourishment to the crops, if a violent tempest or hail ... is tossed about
on the sea, the wind being furious ... But to God, whom they called upon in their ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap i that forgetfulness of reason.htm

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... there was a piece of money called a stater. ... We may call it: "The Widow's Tree," Some
years ago a violent storm, with wind and thunder, swept through the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

The Sack of Rome
... A halt was called on the banks of the Clitumnus ... son of Theodosius was just then fond
of violent exercise, of ... on a long piece of cloth which flapped in the wind. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

On Drinking.
... But when intoxicated, he becomes violent instead. ... a life as this (if life it must
be called, which is ... it agitate them, as the north or south wind agitates the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii on drinking.htm

God's People Delivered.
... shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged ... Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent
opposers of ... How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged ... Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent
opposers of ... How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm