Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextThe term "swirling" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, it can be associated with various biblical themes and imagery that involve movement, chaos, or divine activity. Swirling often conveys a sense of dynamic motion, which can be seen in natural phenomena, spiritual experiences, or divine interventions.
Biblical Imagery and SymbolismSwirling imagery is often used to describe the movement of wind, water, or other natural elements, symbolizing the power and presence of God. In the Bible, wind is frequently associated with the Spirit of God. For instance, in
Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is described as hovering over the waters, suggesting a dynamic and creative force at work in the formation of the world.
Wind and SpiritThe Hebrew word "ruach," often translated as "wind" or "spirit," can imply a swirling motion. In
Ezekiel 37:9, the prophet is commanded to prophesy to the breath: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live." This passage highlights the life-giving power of God's Spirit, which can be imagined as swirling winds bringing renewal and resurrection.
Divine Presence and JudgmentSwirling can also be associated with divine presence and judgment. In
Job 38:1, God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind: "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said." The whirlwind here represents God's overwhelming power and majesty, a force beyond human comprehension. Similarly, in
Nahum 1:3, the Lord is described as having His way in the whirlwind and the storm, indicating His sovereign control over creation and His ability to execute judgment.
Waters and ChaosSwirling waters can symbolize chaos and the unknown, often used to depict the challenges and trials faced by God's people. In
Psalm 46:3, the psalmist speaks of the waters roaring and foaming, a metaphor for tumultuous times: "though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge." Despite the chaos, the psalm affirms God's presence as a refuge and strength.
Prophetic VisionsProphetic visions sometimes include swirling elements to convey the intensity and mystery of divine revelation. In
Ezekiel 1:4, the prophet describes a vision of a stormy wind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually: "I looked, and I saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it." This vision signifies the glory and majesty of God, as well as the profound impact of His revelation.
ConclusionWhile the term "swirling" itself is not explicitly found in the biblical text, the concept is richly embedded in the imagery and symbolism of Scripture. It serves as a powerful representation of God's dynamic presence, His creative and life-giving Spirit, and His sovereign control over the forces of nature and history.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Swirl.
Strong's Hebrew
5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround... 1), removed (2), returned (1), set (3), set* (1), sit (1), surround (7), surrounded
(18), surrounding (2), surrounds (2), swinging (1),
swirling (1), taken
...Library
Outward Bound
... too (for it was calm at night), the water from the sponson behind the paddle-boxes;
as the live flame-beads leaped and ran amid theswirling snow, while some...
A New Years Message
... But bright or dark, hopes or dreads, they reveal nothing. Sometimes we think
we see a little way ahead, and thenswirling mists hide all....
'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
... No doubt many a question and doubt had been muttered by the watch- fires, as the
people looked at the muddy, turbid stream,swirling in flood....
The Incense of Prayer
... professors the great bulk of their lives creeps along the low levels like the mists
in winter, that hug the marshes instead of rising,swirling up like an...
The Waters of Meribah
... Does our courage never flag, nor our faith falter, norswirling clouds of doubt
hide the inheritance from our weary and tear-filled eyes?...
The Northern Mountains
... Yorkshire, Ireland or Scotland; crystal-clear, bedded with gray pebbles, broken
into rapids by rock-ledges or great white quartz boulders,swirling under steep...
The City and River of God
... and human polities and earthly institutions, acting on them all either by slow
corrosive action at the base, or by the tossing floodsswirling against them...
The Two Houses
... From above, the rain comes down to beat on the roof, the wind rages round the walls,
the flood comesswirling round the eaves from beneath, and if the house...
The Life of S. Hilarion.
... When the people of Epidaurus saw this, I mean the roaring waves and heaving waters
and theswirling billows mountain-high dashing on the shore, fearing that...
Thesaurus
Swirling (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Swirling (5 Occurrences). Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goes
to the south, turning back again to the north; circling round for ever.
...Swirls (1 Occurrence)
Swirled (2 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the meaning of chaff in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a threshing floor? | GotQuestions.orgSwirling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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