Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Whirlwind
Subjects in this Topic:
WHIRLWIND represents two Heb. words—sûphâh (Job_37:9, Pro_1:27 etc., also tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘storm’ in Job_21:13, Psa_83:15, Isa_29:6 etc.), and sa‘ar or sĕ‘ârâh (2Ki_2:1, Job_38:1, Jer_23:19 etc., also tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘tempest,’ and ‘stormy wind,’ Psa_55:8; Psa_83:15; Psa_107:25, Eze_13:13 etc.) The words do not necessarily mean ‘whirlwind,’ and are applied to any furious storm. From the context, however, in certain passages, we gather that whirlwind is intended—a violent wind moving in a circle round its axis (2Ki_2:1; 2Ki_2:11, Job_38:1 etc.). It often works great havoc in its path, as it sweeps across the country. Drawing up sand, dust, straw, and other light articles as it gyrates, it presents the appearance of a great pillar—an object of fear to travellers and dwellers in the desert. Passing over the sea, it draws up the water, and the bursting of the column causes the water-spout. God spake to Job from the whirlwind (Job_40:6); the modern Arabian regards it with superstitious dread, as the residence of demons.
W. Ewing.