(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; compare2Sa 22:16andPs 18:15). "I will send a blast upon him" (2Ki 19:7the 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.); compareIsa 37:7). "By the blast of his anger are they consumed" (Job 4:9; compareIsa 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