Topical Bible: Whirlwind: Generally Came from the South

◄ Whirlwind: Generally Came from the South ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "whirlwind" is often used to describe a powerful and sudden storm, characterized by strong, swirling winds. This natural phenomenon is frequently associated with divine intervention or the presence of God, serving as a symbol of His power and majesty. The whirlwind is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often conveying themes of judgment, revelation, and the awe-inspiring nature of God's actions.

Biblical References:

1. Job 37:9 : "The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds." While this verse mentions the north wind, the broader context of Job's discourse on God's control over the natural world includes the whirlwind as a manifestation of His power. The whirlwind is often depicted as coming from the south, contrasting with the cold north winds, and symbolizing a warm, fierce, and dynamic force.

2. Job 38:1 : "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:" Here, the whirlwind serves as the medium through which God speaks to Job, emphasizing the divine authority and overwhelming presence of the Almighty. The whirlwind's origin from the south is implied in its association with God's voice and the dramatic entrance of His revelation.

3. Isaiah 21:1 : "This is an oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the Negev, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror." The Negev, located in the southern part of Israel, is noted for its harsh, desert conditions. The imagery of whirlwinds sweeping through this region underscores the destructive and unstoppable nature of the impending invasion, drawing a parallel to the divine judgment often associated with whirlwinds.

4. Zechariah 9:14 : "Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south." This passage explicitly mentions the whirlwinds of the south, linking them to the Lord's triumphant and powerful advance. The south wind, known for its heat and intensity, serves as a fitting metaphor for the Lord's might and the swift execution of His will.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Divine Presence and Revelation: The whirlwind is frequently depicted as a vehicle for divine communication, as seen in God's response to Job. It represents the overwhelming and incomprehensible nature of God's presence, serving as a reminder of His sovereignty and the mystery of His ways.

· Judgment and Power: In prophetic literature, whirlwinds often symbolize God's judgment and the execution of His divine will. The destructive force of a whirlwind mirrors the unstoppable nature of God's plans and the certainty of His justice.

· Contrast with Other Winds: The whirlwind's association with the south contrasts with the cold, often harsh north winds. This distinction highlights the whirlwind's role as a warm, dynamic force, capable of bringing both destruction and revelation.

In summary, the whirlwind in biblical texts is a multifaceted symbol, representing God's power, judgment, and presence. Its frequent depiction as coming from the south underscores its role as a warm, intense, and divine force, integral to the unfolding of God's purposes in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 37:9
Out of the south comes the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 21:1
The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it comes from the desert, from a terrible land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 9:14
And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the LORD God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Glance at Jerusalem.
... windows looking on the street, and, generally speaking, their ... remained, forming together
a perfect whirlwind of fire. ... They started if they came in contact with ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter v a glance at.htm

'A Time to Plant'
... Speaking generally, and admitting the existence of many exceptions ... of increase comes
in and they reap the whirlwind. ... if you went wrong first, and then came right ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a time to plant.htm

Providence
... have everything left to the wild whirlwind of chance ... it that he came, and when he
came the streets ... Now, thoughts are things which generally escape our attention ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/providence.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... religion has been demonstrated and is generally seen and ... How came the Christian public
throughout the slave ... was accomplished by the transient whirlwind of the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... at that instant the avenging roof came down, on ... Indeed, it will generally be found
that the failures of ... the foot spurns, and which the whirlwind scatters to ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

The Transfiguration.
... the face of Moses shone when he came down from ... no notice of His departure, such as
in generally made by ... passage being Nahum 1:3, the whirlwind' there referring ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the transfiguration.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... no decisive results, until the day came when some ... the Sumero-accadian, and authorities
now generally agree in ... the enemies in pieces,"the whirlwind of battle ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young.
... Young, in fact, was not generally appreciated during his ... his poetry rushed upon him
like a whirlwind, and caught ... and when he came down he seemed weak, panting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/on the life and poetic.htm

Away in Paris, a Vast Concourse of People were Assembled Round an ...
... were right in her suspicions"and she generally is right ... away his audience in a perfect
whirlwind of enthusiasm ... married"and two dear little ones came- -so it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxxii away in paris a.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... and the place from whence it came, and if ... The rulers of Egypt generally succeeded
without much difficulty in ... could let loose upon them a whirlwind of chariots ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm