Floods, Waves, Storms, and Cataracts in Edwards and the Emblem Writers
No. 368
The waves and billows of the sea in a storm and the dire cataracts there are of rivers have a representation of the terrible wrath of God, and amazing misery of [them] that endure it. Misery is often compared to waters in the Scripture— a being overwhelmed in waters. God’s wrath is compared to waves and billows (Psalms 88:7, Psalms 42:7). Job 27:20 “Terrors take hold as waters.” Hosea 5:10, “I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.” In Psalms 42:7, God’s wrath is expressly compared to cataracts of water: “Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts.” And the same is represented in hail and stormy winds, black clouds and thunder, etc. - “Images,” no. 27