THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.

(neshamah, ruach):

(1) The blowing of the breath of Yahweh, expressive of the manifestation of God's power in Nature and Providence. "With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were piled up" (Ex 15:8), referring to the east wind (Ex 14:21; compare 2Sa 22:16 and Ps 18:15). "I will send a blast upon him" (2Ki 19:7 the King James Version; the Revised Version (British and American) "put a spirit in him," i.e. "an impulse of fear" (Dummelow in the place cited.); compare Isa 37:7). "By the blast of his anger are they consumed" (Job 4:9; compare Isa 37:36).

(2) The word ruach is used with reference to the tyranny and violence of the wicked (Isa 25:4).

(3) The blowing of a wind instrument: "When they make a long blast with the ram's horn" (Jos 6:5).

M. O. Evans