Bible Questions Answered

Come let us reason together
Author Dr. Ayodeji Awe

QUESTION 22-

PASTOR, I FOUND THE EAST WIND MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE A NUMBER OF TIMES AND I WONDER WHAT GOD IS DOING WITH THE EAST WIND AND WHY OTHER WINDS WERE NOT FULLY ACCOMMODATED IN THE SCHEME OF GOD’S USAGE.

ANSWER –

    That you even paid attention to the East Wind in scripture suggests that you are someone with a curious mind. For once, this expression or entity (if I can refer to it as such) is one of a limited many, mentioned somewhere in the Bible for which to many are easily glanced over; but the curious mind understands that no word in scripture is carelessly put in and that every word or utterance is worth exploring.

    What is the East Wind? It is the wind that originates from the east and blows west. Like every atmospheric phenomenon, the EW is sometimes associated with seasons. This point is important especially by the time we look at spiritual implications of its occurrences. It is interesting to know however that in Greek mythology, it is the only major wind that is not associated with its three seasons, and also not mentioned in Hesiod’sTheogony or in the Orphic Hymns (cf. Wikipedia). We also have to bear in mind that the Greek culture has some impact on scripture.

     Let’s contrast with the West Wind (not directly mentioned in scripture), the one that originates from the west blowing towards the east (a Geography subject). Western tradition is kind (may be because of the proximity of origination in favor of) to see it as the mildest and most propitious of the directional winds. Even Greek mythology personifies the West Wind as Zephyrus- the attendant of Cupid (the goddess of love) who is reputed for bringing psyche to his master’s place. With all these accolades thrown on the WW which is on the opposite end of the EW, you probably would be guessing that the reputation that the East Wind would garner with observers and tradition is not likely to be much to applaud.

    No wonder most literary allusions see (like most other things dealing with the east) the EW as a thing of evil. For instance in George Mc Donald’s  ‘At the Back of the North Wind’ the East Wind is described as more mischievous than strictly evil.

    In Scripture the East Wind is referenced about sixteen times. Reading them all, ninety percent reveal the EW as a fierce, no nonsense wind that brings evil, havoc, scare and destruction whenever and wherever it strikes (Gen.41:6; Exo.10:13; Job15:2; Job27:21; Psa.48:7; Isa.27:8; Jer.18:17; Eze.17:10 etc.).

    In lieu of the a foregoing, one of my biggest observation is that is spite of the deadly connotation and outlook of the East Wind that God has always find it handy to be used is profound. It drives home the first point: that all things are of God and can be used of him and by him for his purpose and pleasure. It would seem like the side we take determines how we see what we see and the qualifying of it thereof. We are reminded that all things work together for good to them that love God and to them who are the called according to his purposes (Rom.8:28).

    For instance in one of the mention of the EW that happens to be my favorite(Exo.14:21) at the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites following their release out of slavery, the Lord caused the EW to push the body of the water northward. It was an amazing working of God- that he commandeered the EW to in addition to its easterly power; acquire the southern momentum that the water might be dammed northward in order that his children might cross from the west to the east bank. What an awesome God we have! The same tool that delivered his children safely was also the same that buried the enemies of God in the bed of the Red Sea.

         This pattern of God is encouraging to us that anything can be harnessed to our benefit. Remember when Satan targeted Job?  Even though God allowed the whole scheme, however he overly protected him until it worked out eventually for his promotion- he ended being twice blessed(Job 42:10).

          A lying spirit volunteered to entice Ahab through one of his favorite prophets- Zedekiah. He was permitted and Ahab met his doom. God was not only avenged but a change of scene in monarchy became a reality for God’s people (1Kg22:5-40).

           Judas volitionally offered himself to betray his master- a horrendous act but in the end the redemption plan of God for mankind became implemented (Luke22:47-53).

          Therefore we must conclude: all things living and inanimate are tools in hand of God the creator of all. The same tool of revenge against his enemies can be simultaneously used to bless, liberate and advance or elevate his children. The East Wind is a prime example. What an awesome God we have!