Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WIND

The horizontal movement of air (Heb. rûaḥ; Gk. ánemos). Certain winds were known by reputation, such as the powerful and blighting east wind (Gen. 41:6, 23, 27; Ezek. 19:12). The west wind, generally the prevailing wind in Palestine, moderated the summer heat and brought needed rain (1 Kgs. 18:45). Likewise, the north wind supplied rain (Prov. 25:23), and the south wind conveyed scorching heat (Job 37:17; Luke 12:55).

It was believed that God controlled the wind (Gen. 8:1; Ps. 78:26). The parting of the Red Sea occurred by the wind of God’s nostrils (Exod. 15:8-10). Likewise, Jesus demonstrated his power over the wind in the stilling of the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37-41).

Wind was a welcome partner in the threshing process, carrying away the chaff; nevertheless, both were used as a figure for the wicked, scattered by the Lord (Job 21:18; Isa. 41:16). Wind represents the emptiness of vain speech (Eccl. 1:14, 21) and the transitory nature of human existence (Ps. 78:39; 103:15-16).

Heb. rûaḥ is also often translated “breath,” understood as the animating force of life, the breath of life, and thus “spirit.” This interconnection is clear in Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezek. 37:1-14). Similarly, Gk. pneúma, from the verb “to blow,” is mostly translated “spirit.” Jesus claims that all who are born of the spirit are like the wind, which blows wherever it wishes (John 3:8). Similarly, the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2) is described as a violent wind (pnoḗ).

Mark R. Fairchild

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WIND

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)