Meaning of WIND

The Hebrews spoke, without great precision, of winds blowing from the four cardinal points (Jer. 49:36; Ez. 37:9; Rev. 7:1).

God is the creator of the winds, and he has them at his disposal (Jb. 28:24; Ps. 78:26; 107:25; 135:7; 148:8; Mt. 8:26).

In Israel, the winds come from the west, southwest, and northwest, bringing rain and storms (1 Kings 18:43-45; Ps. 147:18; Pr. 25:23; Ezek. 13:13).

Winds were a frequent danger to houses and ships (Jb. 1:19; Ps. 48:7; Mt. 7:27). Hot winds dried up the water courses and withered the plants (Gen. 41:6; Is. 11:15; Ez. 19:12; Jon. 4:8). (See SOLAN WIND below.)

The south and southeast winds, coming from the Arabian Desert, caused drought and heat (Jb. 37:17; Luke 12:55). The cooler north wind (Sir. 43:20) was beneficial to the vegetation (Song. 4:16).

The fan used the power of the wind, which carried away the chaff and chaff (Jb. 21:18; Ps. 1:4). Navigators also used the winds (Acts 27:40).

The ancients had already realized the regularity with which the winds blow, following the same circuits (Eccl. 1:6).