Dust From Heaven: Reading rṿḥa tsaḥ in Jeremiah 4:11–12 through the Lens of Geography
Then ר֣וּחַ צַ֤ח in Jer 4: 11-12 is often acknowledged as a hot wind that comes from the deserts in the east. However, this is typically where the analysis of the wind ends. I argue that a richer understanding of the metaphor is possible by exploring the meteorological phenomenon of dust storms know...
| Published in: | Australian biblical review |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
[publisher not identified]
2022
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| In: |
Australian biblical review
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| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Bible. Jeremia 4
/ Metaphor
/ Wind
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| RelBib Classification: | AF Geography of religion HB Old Testament |
| Summary: | Then ר֣וּחַ צַ֤ח in Jer 4: 11-12 is often acknowledged as a hot wind that comes from the deserts in the east. However, this is typically where the analysis of the wind ends. I argue that a richer understanding of the metaphor is possible by exploring the meteorological phenomenon of dust storms known in the southern Levant (Israel, Palestine, Jordan) and Egypt as khamsin. These winds provide an apt metaphor for the impending invasion from the north, since they are uncontrollable, inescapable and undesirable, and for God's divine judgment. A khamsin impacts agriculture, physical health, mental wellbeing and visibility, and create a sense of impending doom. Finally, I apply the characteristics of a khamsin to the vision of uncreation in 4:23-26, where the appearance of a desert during the dust storm contrasts with the flourishing land God intended for his people. A richer interpretation of the term ר֣וּחַ צַ֤ח in these texts is possible by examining the lived experience of a khamsin. |
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| ISSN: | 0045-0308 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Australian biblical review
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