Snow and Redemption: A Powerful Hebrew Word Study on Yeshua’s Birth
Did you know it snows in Israel? If you follow Jerusalem Seminary, you probably do. But you also probably heard of tourists coming to visit Israel in the winter, hoping to get a break from the cold and enjoy the warmth of the sun, only to find shorts and t-shirts will not be enough.
Snow may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Israel or the story of Yeshua’s birth, but it’s an element woven into the fabric of the Bible and even into the landscape of Israel itself.
Yes, it does snow in Israel! Not much, mind you, and not everywhere, but nearly every year, the hills of Jerusalem or the peaks of Mount Hermon get a fresh blanket of white.This natural wonder offers us an opportunity to reflect on the themes of purity, sacrifice, and redemption—all beautifully tied to the birth of the Messiah.
While we picture Israel as a land of deserts and olive trees, snow has its place in the climate and geography. Jerusalem occasionally wakes up to snow-covered streets, much to the delight of its residents. The sight of snow in the land of the Bible reminds us of God’s control over all creation, from the lush valleys to the icy heights. Snow’s rarity in Israel makes it feel special—almost miraculous—much like the events surrounding the birth of Yeshua.
In the Bible, שֶׁלֶג sheleg (snow) symbolizes purity and spiritual renewal. Isaiah 1:18 proclaims: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” This image contrasts the deep stain of sin with the spotless purity that God’s forgiveness provides. King David, in Psalm 51:7, pleads for this very cleansing: “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” There’s something universally calming and beautiful about freshly fallen snow, unmarked and pristine, that echoes the promise of a clean slate.
This symbolic purity of snow provides a stark contrast to the bloody rituals of the sacrificial system described in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Sin’s gravity required atonement, and atonement was anything but tidy. Altars ran red with the blood of sacrifices—a visceral reminder of sin’s cost. And yet, out of this chaos, God promised a greater hope: a Messiah who would be the ultimate, spotless Lamb.
Enter Yeshua (Jesus). Born not in a royal palace but in a humble manger, His arrival was far from “picture-perfect” by human standards. And yet, in that simplicity lay profound purity. The baby born in Bethlehem would grow to fulfill every requirement of the law, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. His purity—untainted by sin—was the key to transforming the messy, bloody reality of sin into the spotless, snow-white promise of redemption.
As the birth of Yeshua is celebrated in this season around the world, we often picture scenes of snow-draped landscapes, even if Yeshua might have been born on another date and Bethlehem’s winter nights were more likely chilly than snowy. Perhaps this imagery isn’t so far off, though. Snow reminds us of the purity and peace that Yeshua brings into our lives. It also points us to the incredible transformation that He offers—from the scarlet stain of sin to the brilliant white of His righteousness.
So, the next time you see snow (or even pictures of it!), let it remind you of God’s power to create beauty from ashes, His promise to cleanse us, and His love in sending His Son. And if you happen to be in Israel and it snows? Don’t just stand there—make a snowman, take a selfie, and thank God for His wonders!
May this season fill you with joy, hope, and the pure peace that only Yeshua, our Messiah, can bring. Merry Christmas and blessings from the land where snow occasionally falls and salvation was born!
Thank you for this. Now each time I see a new blanket of snow, I’ll be reminded of spiritual renewal through Messiah’s love.