What is the meaning of the expression “the east wind”?

Question

Gramps,

From the Old Testament there is reference to “the east wind” (Gen.41:23, Jer. 18:17, etc). I also came upon it in the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah. What is meant by the “east wind”. Where does this expression come from?

Barb

Answer

Dear Barb,

The East Wind is a symbolic euphemism signifying destruction or a destructive force emanating from or being generated at the command of Deity. Joseph Fielding McConkie and Donald W. Parry, in their A Guide to Scriptural Symbols, explained it as follows—

“The east wind is a destructive wind which originates in the east, the symbolic direction of Deity’s presence. Also called ‘the wind of the Lord’ (Hosea 13:15), it is ‘prepared’ by God (Jonah 4:8) for the purpose of destroying the ungodly and unrighteous. The Lord has stated, ‘If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction’ (Mosiah 7:31). Hence they are ‘smitten with the east wind’ ” (Mosiah 12:6; see also Job 27:21).

Gramps