SNOW
Did you know that the Bible references
the word “snow” at least twenty-one times (24 in the KJV)? The
considerable majority of these occurrences are in the Old Testament.
Several interesting attributes, both literal and figurative, about it are used
by the Holy Spirit to teach spiritual lessons.
The Bible takes note of the COLOR of snow. It is difficult to
imagine snow without thinking of its color. Often implied and occasionally
stated outright, the brightness and whiteness of snow is used to depict leprosy
(cf. Exod. 4:6) and also the whited, clean appearance of the soul brought on by
forgiveness (Psa. 51:7; cf. Isa. 1:18; Dan. 7:9; Mat. 28:3; Mk. 9:3; Rev. 1:14).
The Bible takes note of the CHALLENGE of snow (2 Sam. 23:20). Try
walking, much less running, in deep snow. Having been nearly stranded in a
recent winter storm, I regained appreciation for how difficult it is to travel
in the white stuff. It was in a snowy pit that Benaiah, one of David’s
mighty men, was able to kill a lion. How often has this short story been used,
rightly, to illustrate how the faithful can rise to the challenge of personal
adversity and be victorious?
The Bible takes note of the CLEANNESS of snow (Job 9:30; Lam. 4:7),. Acid
rain and environmental pollutions of today not withstanding, in the days of
ancient Job the snow fell unfiltered by smoke stacks and industrial waste
cleanly to the ground. Modern versions’ translation of “soap”
notwithstanding, Clarke, Harris, Archer, and Waltke, the B-D-B-G Hebrew lexicon,
among others, hold to the traditional translation of “snow” suggested
elsewhere in the Old Testament by the Hebrew word. Snow was thought to be
a purifying agent purer than ordinary water. “Mr. Good supposes that
there is an allusion here to the ancient rite of washing the hands in token of
innocence (cf. Ps. 26:6)” (Adam Clarke).
The Bible takes note of the CREATOR of snow (Job 37:6). Elihu
points to the snow as proof of intelligent design. The orchestrated turn
of events that causes snow to fall in season (see below) enhances awe for the
Divine. Isaiah notes the “snow from heaven” (55:10).
The Bible takes note of the COLLECTION of snow (Job 37:6; 38:22ff). One
of the key words for which we listen in forecasts is “snowfall
accumulations.” We want to know how much is it going to snow? You
have missed work or school due to snow (especially this year and especially here
in the south where even snow flurries brings everything to a standstill).
It is a mystery of God’s power how snow collects as it does.
The Bible takes note of the COLD of snow (Prov. 25:13). The time it
takes to realize how cold the snow is varies — it takes adults no time and
children forever! Solomon speaks of kindness being as refreshing as a cold snow
in the ordinarily warm or even hot climate of harvest time.
The Bible takes note of the CLIMATE of snow (Prov. 26:1) Snow
should not fall in the Summer. I remember being on a mountain in Colorado
in September and one in Vermont in May and seeing snow, but not July.
While snow has fallen in the coldest climates of earth twelve months out of the
year that is a global anomaly. Untimely snow is used figuratively to speak
of things that make no sense.
The Bible takes note of the CONCERN of snow (Prov. 31:21). That is,
snow creates concern. The virtuous woman is not afraid of its potential
damage, but the unprepared have been devastated by it. In every major
snowstorm, including those of this winter, we expect to hear of a certain number
of fatalities. Like many of God’s natural wonders, there are dangers
attached.
God teaches lessons to us through the simplest, most ordinary things. As snow
falls today and you growl and grit your teeth, stop and praise God for this
marvel. Just don’t let anybody hear you sing, “Let it snow, let it
snow, let it snow...”
—Neal Pollard