### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chărîyshîy**, represented by `{{H2759}}`, describes something that is **vehement** or sultry. It is derived from a root word suggesting silence or quiet, which develops into the idea of a sultry, hot east wind. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its sole appearance highly significant within its specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2759}}` is found in the account of the prophet Jonah. After God relents from destroying Nineveh, Jonah becomes angry. In response, God prepared a **vehement** east wind. The scripture states, "when the sun did arise, that God prepared a **vehement** east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die" [[Jonah 4:8]]. This intense, sultry wind, sent by God `{{H430}}`, was a direct tool used to challenge Jonah's perspective and bring him to a point of physical and emotional crisis.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the scene in which `{{H2759}}` appears:
* `{{H4487}}` **mânâh** (prepare): This word, meaning to appoint or constitute officially, is used to show that God **prepared** the wind [[Jonah 4:8]]. It is the same word used when God **prepared** a great fish to swallow Jonah, emphasizing divine orchestration in these events [[Jonah 1:17]].
* `{{H6921}}` **qâdîym** (east): The wind is specifically an **east** wind. This term is often associated with powerful and consequential winds in scripture, such as the one used to part the sea during the Exodus [[Exodus 14:21]].
* `{{H5968}}` **ʻâlaph** (fainted): This describes Jonah's reaction to the vehement wind and sun, showing he became languid and **fainted**. The same word is used to describe the sons of Zion who have **fainted** and lie at the head of the streets, full of the fury of the LORD [[Isaiah 51:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2759}}` is tied directly to its role in the story of Jonah.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** The "vehement" wind is not a random natural event but an instrument **prepared** `{{H4487}}` by God `{{H430}}`. This demonstrates God's absolute control over the forces of nature to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
* **A Tool of Instruction:** The wind works in tandem with the sun `{{H8121}}` to beat `{{H5221}}` upon Jonah's head `{{H7218}}`, causing him to faint `{{H5968}}` and wish for death `{{H4191}}`. This extreme discomfort serves as a physical lesson intended to expose the prophet's lack of compassion and self-centeredness.
* **Intensity of God's Methods:** The choice of the word **chărîyshîy** highlights the severity of the experience. It underscores that God will sometimes use intense, even harsh, circumstances to confront the flawed perspectives of His people and teach them about His own character.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2759}}` is a rare but impactful word. Its solitary appearance in [[Jonah 4:8]] paints a vivid picture of a God-sent, vehement wind used as a pedagogical tool. It illustrates that God's sovereignty extends to the most powerful elements of creation, which He can employ with precision to instruct, discipline, and reveal the depths of both His own mercy and the human heart.
TRV