Replies

I am so enjoying this thread. Reading man's poetry and, best of all, God's poetry in the morning with my cafe con leche. Searching God's poetry for whirlwind: whirlwind search and whirlwind is Strong's #5492 from Strong's 5486 which is from TWOT #1478. I think it was a poor choice for an inaugural speech. Possibly the speechwriters and the President consulted some Biblically ignorant clergy when they wrote the speech?

Also, why do you say angels don't have wings?

Excellent lexicographical search link.

Obviously, from the etymology, "whirlwind" is an allegory for judgment. Addison used the phrase to describe a providential rout of the Gaul, whereas Page appears to have intended it to suggest a providential direction of the storm of revolution.

I thought its incongruent appearance in the Inaugural Address was ominous; perhaps God has now turned his attention to the pruning of the wild grape?

My comment about angels not having wings is based on their dscriptions in the Bible -- when physically described, they are always human-like in appearance. I believe the depiction of angels with wings is an artists' folly, similar to the depictions of Christ with then-unlawful long hair and Teuton Aryan features.