### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çaʻar**, represented by `{{H5591}}`, describes a **hurricane, storm, tempest, or whirlwind**. It appears 24 times across 22 unique verses in the Bible. This term is consistently used to depict powerful and often violent atmospheric events, serving as a manifestation of both natural force and divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5591}}` is used to illustrate God's direct interaction with the world. The LORD speaks to Job directly out of the **whirlwind** ([[Job 38:1]], [[Job 40:6]]), establishing His supreme authority. It is also the vehicle for supernatural events, as when Elijah is taken up into heaven by a **whirlwind** [[2 Kings 2:11]]. In the story of Jonah, the LORD sends a mighty **tempest** `{{H5591}}` upon the sea [[Jonah 1:4]]. Conversely, God's power is also shown in His ability to make the **storm** a calm [[Psalms 107:29]], demonstrating His complete sovereignty over creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to illustrate the full scope of a divine storm:
* `{{H5492}}` **çûwphâh** (a hurricane): This word for a storm or whirlwind is often used in parallel with `{{H5591}}` to emphasize the intensity of God's judgment ([[Isaiah 29:6]], [[Psalms 83:15]]).
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation): This term is frequently paired with `{{H5591}}` to describe a **stormy** wind [[Ezekiel 13:11]] or a **whirlwind** that is itself a powerful **wind** [[Ezekiel 1:4]].
* `{{H7482}}` **raʻam** (a peal of thunder): Thunder often accompanies the **tempest** `{{H5591}}` as part of a larger display of divine power, as when the LORD of hosts visits with **thunder** and storm [[Isaiah 29:6]].
* `{{H7494}}` **raʻash** (vibration, bounding, uproar): This word, often translated as earthquake, is another element of the powerful visitations that include the **tempest** `{{H5591}}`, signifying a shaking of creation [[Isaiah 29:6]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): Divine judgment often involves fire, and it is listed alongside the **tempest** `{{H5591}}` as part of the Lord's visitation [[Isaiah 29:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5591}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and actions.
* **A Vehicle for Divine Presence:** The **whirlwind** serves as a medium for God's direct revelation and intervention, whether speaking to Job [[Job 38:1]] or transporting Elijah to heaven [[2 Kings 2:11]].
* **An Instrument of Judgment:** The **whirlwind** of the LORD is an expression of His **fury** `{{H2534}}` that falls upon the head of the wicked ([[Jeremiah 23:19]], [[Jeremiah 30:23]]). It is used to **scatter** `{{H6327}}` His enemies [[Isaiah 41:16]] and to make them **wither** `{{H3001}}` like stubble [[Isaiah 40:24]].
* **Demonstration of Sovereignty:** God's ability to both raise up a **stormy** `{{H5591}}` wind [[Psalms 107:25]] and command it to be calm demonstrates His absolute authority over nature. The **stormy** wind itself is described as fulfilling His word [[Psalms 148:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5591}}` is a term that conveys far more than a simple weather event. It is a powerful biblical symbol representing the awesome and often terrifying power of God. Whether as a literal storm on the sea, a vehicle for divine communication, or a metaphor for judgment against evil, the **tempest** or **whirlwind** consistently points to God's sovereign control over both the natural and spiritual realms.
TRV