EAST WIND. A scorching wind, the sirocco, which in Pal. and Egypt blows in from the desert most often in May and October. It withers vegetation (Gen 41:6; Ezek 17:10) and dries up fountains and springs (Hos 13:15). Sometimes it destroys houses (Job 1:19) and ships (Ps 48:7; Ezek 27:26). By an E wind God drove back the waters so that the Israelites could cross the sea on dry land (Exod 14:21). God used an E wind to bring judgment (Isa 27:8; Jer 4:11, 12; 18:17). “God appointed a sultry east wind” to afflict Jonah (Jonah 4:8). An ENE wind drove Paul’s ship off course (Acts 27:14, KJV “Euroclydon”; ASV “Euraquilo”; RSV “northeaster”). The “scorching heat” (James 1:11 RSV) may be the sirocco (Gr. καύσων, G3014).