Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:
Howling, in the biblical context, often refers to a loud, mournful cry or wail, typically associated with grief, distress, or desolation. It is a vivid expression of deep emotional turmoil and is frequently used in the Scriptures to depict the response of individuals or nations to impending judgment or calamity.
Old Testament References:
The concept of howling is prominently featured in the prophetic books of the Old Testament, where it is used to describe the reaction of people to divine judgment. In
Isaiah 13:6, the prophet declares, "Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty." Here, the term "wail" is synonymous with howling, indicating a response to the fearsome day of the Lord's judgment.
Similarly, in
Jeremiah 25:34, the prophet calls upon the shepherds to "Wail and cry out; roll in the dust, O leaders of the flock, for the days of your slaughter have come." This passage underscores the impending doom and the resultant lamentation that will befall those who have led the people astray.
In
Joel 1:5, the prophet urges, "Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the new wine, for it has been snatched from your lips." The howling here is a response to the loss and devastation brought about by a locust plague, symbolizing divine judgment.
New Testament References:
While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "howling," the concept of weeping and gnashing of teeth, as seen in
Matthew 8:12, conveys a similar sense of anguish and despair: "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This expression reflects the ultimate sorrow and regret of those who are excluded from the kingdom of God.
Symbolism and Theological Significance:
Howling in the Bible often symbolizes the profound sorrow and regret that accompany divine judgment. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The imagery of howling is used to evoke a sense of urgency and repentance, urging the people to turn back to God before it is too late.
The prophetic calls to howl are not merely expressions of despair but are intended to lead to introspection and transformation. They highlight the seriousness of God's judgment while simultaneously offering a path to redemption through repentance and faithfulness.
Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, howling was a common expression of mourning and lamentation. It was often accompanied by other acts of mourning, such as tearing one's garments, wearing sackcloth, and covering oneself with ashes. These practices were outward manifestations of inner grief and were deeply ingrained in the cultural expressions of sorrow and penitence.
Conclusion:
The biblical use of howling serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional and spiritual response to God's righteous judgment. It calls believers to a sober reflection on their lives and a heartfelt return to the ways of the Lord, emphasizing the hope and restoration that come through genuine repentance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Howl.
Greek
2905. kraugazo -- to cry out... shouting out.". [Plato uses 2905 () for the
howling of a dog: 'The yelping
hound, (2905 ) at her lord' (, 607)" (, 501).]. Word Origin
...Strong's Hebrew
3214. yelel -- ahowling... 3213, 3214. yelel. 3215 . a
howling. Transliteration: yelel Phonetic
Spelling: (yel-ale') Short Definition:
howling. Word Origin
...3215. yelalah -- ahowling
... ahowling. Transliteration: yelalah Phonetic Spelling: (yel-aw-law') Short Definition:
wail.... of yelel Definition ahowling NASB Word Usage wail (3), wailing (1)....
3213. yalal -- to howl, make ahowling
... yalal. 3214 . to howl, make ahowling. Transliteration: yalal Phonetic Spelling:
(yaw-lal') Short Definition: wail. Word Origin a prim.... make to howl, behowling...
Library
Mr. Beecher in England
... of the press had so inflamed the public mind that when Mr. Beecher entered the great
halls in Liverpool, Manchester and London, he had to face ahowling mob....
The Temptation of Christ
... Into a lonesome, wide,howling wilderness; probably, says Mr. Henry, into the great
wilderness of Sinai; a wilderness, not only lonesome, but inhabited by wild...
CHAPTER III.
... is concerned. Who would speak ofhowling over foundations, instead ofhowling
over ruins? 3. The context is quite decisive. If we...
Christ's Encouragements
... our Lord alone on the mountain in prayer, the darkness coming down upon the little
boat, the storm rising as the darkness fell, the windhowling down the...
Mr. Fearing Comforted
... to wonder within his spirit what manner of man he must be who has enabled him thus
to tread the treacherous deep; but just then, there comeshowling across the...
The Second Season
... fulfilment of God's designs; and therefore, like Israel in the wilderness, are often
murmuring, because Providence leads us about in ahowling desert, where we...
Jesus Sentenced
... were innocent as compared with the polished gentleman on the judgment-seat who
prostituted justice, and the learned Pharisees outside who werehowling for blood...
Particular Election
... You know our friends say this is ahowling wilderness, and you know my reply to
it is, that they make all thehowling themselves: there would not be much...
The Sin of Unbelief
... they had toiled and labored. Let me take you where Moses and Aaron
dwelt"to the vast andhowling wilderness. We will walk about...
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9
... [Illustration: Spines]. [Illustration: Cover]. [Illustration: 001.jpg Frontispiece]
Howling Dervish. [Illustration: Titlepage]. [Illustration: 001.jpg PAGE IMAGE...
Thesaurus
Jackal (3 Occurrences)... They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion,
and are noted for their piercing and dismal
howling.
...Isle (15 Occurrences)
... King James Version "wild beasts of the islands," the Revised Version (British and
American) "wolves," the Revised Version margin "howling creatures" (Isaiah 13...
Island (16 Occurrences)
... King James Version "wild beasts of the islands," the Revised Version (British and
American) "wolves," the Revised Version margin "howling creatures" (Isaiah 13...
Egla'im (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; thehowling thereof
unto Eglaim, and thehowling thereof unto Beer-elim. (See RSV)....
Doleful (2 Occurrences)
... Hebrews ochim, ie, "shrieks;" hence "howling animals"), a general name for screech
owls (howlets), which occupy the desolate palaces of Babylon....
Beerelim (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; thehowling thereof
unto Eglaim, and thehowling thereof unto Beerelim. (KJV)....
Beer-e'lim (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; thehowling thereof
unto Eglaim, and thehowling thereof unto Beer-elim. (See RSV)....
Belch (1 Occurrence)
... But the previous verse shows that the Psalmist also had in mind thehowling
and barking of the dogs about the city. The imprecations...
Howling (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceHowling (11 Occurrences). James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich,
weep,howling over your miseries that are coming upon you. (DBY YLT)....
Spoiled (69 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 25:36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and anhowling of the principal
of the flock, shall be heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture....
Resources
What does it mean to be the apple of God's eye? | GotQuestions.orgHowling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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