Tafsir of Al-Anbiya' 21:81

It is recited as al-rīḥ (the wind) and al-riyāḥ (the winds) in both the nominative (rafʿ) and accusative (naṣb) cases. The nominative is based on it being an initial subject (ibtidāʾ), while the accusative is based on it being a conjunction to [the word] "the mountains."

If you ask: "These winds are described as 'fierce' (ʿāṣifah) at one time and 'gentle' (rakhāʾ) at another; how can these be reconciled?"

I say: In their essence, they were gentle and pleasant like a breeze. However, when they passed by his throne, they would carry it [a great distance] in a short time, as He said: "Its morning journey was a month, and its evening journey was a month" (Sabaʾ: 12). Thus, the combination of the two states is that they were gentle in their nature but fierce in their effect, while being obedient to Solomon, blowing according to his will and command—a sign upon a sign, and a miracle upon a miracle.

It is also said: They were gentle at one time and fierce at another, blowing according to his will. And Our knowledge has encompassed all things, so We cause all things to proceed according to what Our knowledge and wisdom require.

"And of the devils were some who dived for him..." Meaning: They would dive into the seas for him to extract jewels. They would go beyond that to [perform] tasks, crafts, the building of cities and palaces, and the invention of wondrous industries, as He said: "They made for him what he willed of elevated chambers and statues" (Sabaʾ: 13). And Allah was their Guardian, ensuring they would not deviate from his command, nor alter or change it, nor cause any corruption in the matters for which they were subjugated.

"And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, 'Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.' So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them, as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers."