According to Richmond’s local newspaper, we have had twelve days in which measurable snow has fallen on our ground this winter. For the uninformed, that is well above average. We have seen many snowfalls since moving to the Old Dominion, including two meteorologists dubbed “blizzards,” and to this point I have refrained from even writing on the subject. Today, that changes.
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. Exodus 4:6) and also the white, clean appearance of the soul brought on by forgiveness (Psalm 51:7; cf. Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3; Mark 9:3; Revelation 1:14).
The Bible takes note of the CHALLENGE of snow (2 Samuel 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; Lamentations 4:7). Acid rain and environmental pollutions of today notwithstanding, 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 (Proverbs 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 (Proverbs 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 (Proverbs 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 the 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…”
