Topical Bible: Whirlwind: Arose up from the Earth

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "whirlwind" is often used to describe a powerful, swirling wind that can be both a literal meteorological phenomenon and a symbolic representation of divine presence or judgment. The whirlwind is frequently associated with God's power and majesty, serving as a vehicle for divine communication or action.

Biblical References:

1. Elijah's Ascension: One of the most notable instances of a whirlwind in the Bible is the account of the prophet Elijah's ascension into heaven. In 2 Kings 2:11 , it is written, "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." This passage highlights the whirlwind as a divine instrument, signifying God's direct intervention and the prophet's extraordinary departure from the earth.

2. Job's Encounter: The whirlwind is also significant in the Book of Job, where it serves as the medium through which God speaks to Job. In Job 38:1 , it states, "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said." Here, the whirlwind symbolizes God's overwhelming power and the mystery of His ways, as He addresses Job's questions and challenges.

3. Symbol of Judgment: The whirlwind is often depicted as a symbol of divine judgment and retribution. In Isaiah 66:15 , the prophet declares, "For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire." This imagery conveys the swift and unstoppable nature of God's judgment upon the wicked.

4. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets frequently use the whirlwind as a metaphor for the tumultuous and transformative nature of God's actions in the world. In Jeremiah 23:19 , it is written, "Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone out in fury, a whirlwind swirling down upon the heads of the wicked." This passage emphasizes the whirlwind as an expression of divine wrath and the certainty of God's justice.

Theological Significance:

The whirlwind, as depicted in the Bible, serves multiple theological purposes. It is a manifestation of God's omnipotence, a means of divine communication, and a symbol of His righteous judgment. The whirlwind's unpredictable and formidable nature reflects the transcendence and sovereignty of God, reminding believers of His ultimate authority over creation.

In the context of Elijah's ascension, the whirlwind signifies the transition from earthly life to divine presence, underscoring the theme of God's control over life and death. In Job's narrative, the whirlwind represents the mystery of God's wisdom, challenging human understanding and inviting trust in His divine plan.

Overall, the whirlwind in biblical texts is a powerful symbol that conveys the dynamic and awe-inspiring nature of God's interaction with the world, serving as a reminder of His presence, power, and purpose throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 25:32
Thus said the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Elijah --Passionate in Prayer
... to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a ... He was a mountain of a man,
with a whirlwind for a heart. ... "At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/vi elijahpassionate in prayer.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... of Him who answered Job out of the whirlwind and cloud ... grave, but was shaken out
and thrown up by the ... Then another king [3368] arose, [3369] not shameless in ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Call of Elisha
... Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." 1 Kings ... of fire,
and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... When God arose to judgment ... at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the
whirlwind and in ... He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... been sowing the wind; now they were reaping the whirlwind. ... iniquity, flattering
themselves that when occasion arose, they would ... day He will raise us up, and we ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

From Jezreel to Horeb
... "The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind" (Job 38 ... He started up in terror, as
if to flee, fearing that ... journey is too great for thee." "And he arose, and did ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 12 from jezreel to.htm

God's Restraining Power.
... as the prophet did not find Him in the whirlwind and in ... What strife and
misunderstandings arose! ... Build her up more and more, through the operation of Thy ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm

At the Well
... command and relieved their souls, the four arose and went ... departed as they came,
like the whirlwind, over the ... He looked up the straight highway toward Pa-Ramesu ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... of vivifying dew, but it was swift as a whirlwind. ... with chains; thick clouds of
sulphureous black smoke arose from its ... the souls of Adam and Eve came up to him ...
/.../chapter lix a detached account.htm

The Power of Sorrow.
... remorse was fatal; the sorrow which worked death arose from that ... he did not so much
as lift up his eyes ... They have reaped the whirlwind, but they will again sow ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/viii the power of sorrow.htm