Psalm 114:7

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

Study Bible

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob
Tremble, O earth
The word "tremble" in Hebrew is "חול" (chul), which conveys a sense of shaking or quaking. This term is often used in the context of fear or awe in the presence of something overwhelmingly powerful. The earth itself is called to respond to the divine presence, indicating that God's power is so immense that even the inanimate creation cannot remain unmoved. This imagery evokes the idea of God's sovereignty over all creation, reminding us of the times in biblical history when the earth literally shook at God's presence, such as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18).

at the presence of the Lord
The "presence of the Lord" refers to the manifest glory and holiness of God. In Hebrew, the word for "presence" is "פני" (panim), which can also mean "face." This suggests a direct encounter with God, emphasizing His immanence and accessibility. The Lord's presence is not just a distant or abstract concept but a tangible reality that demands reverence and awe. Historically, God's presence was associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where His glory dwelt among His people.

at the presence of the God of Jacob
The phrase "God of Jacob" highlights the covenantal relationship between God and the patriarchs, specifically Jacob, who was later named Israel. This title underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His ongoing relationship with the descendants of Jacob, the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the historical acts of deliverance and guidance that God performed for His people, such as the Exodus from Egypt. The mention of Jacob also connects the reader to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, which began with the patriarchs and culminates in the coming of Christ. This phrase reassures believers of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant people throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Earth
Represents all of creation, which is called to respond to the presence of God. The earth is often personified in Scripture to emphasize the power and majesty of God over creation.

2. The Lord
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is sovereign over all the earth and whose presence commands reverence and awe.

3. The God of Jacob
Highlights the personal and covenantal relationship God has with His people, Israel. Jacob, later named Israel, is a patriarch whose descendants became the nation of Israel.

4. Exodus Event
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Psalm 114 as a whole reflects on the miraculous events of the Exodus, where God's presence led to the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River.

5. Mount Sinai
The trembling of the earth can also be connected to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where the mountain trembled at God's presence.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Presence
Recognize the holiness and majesty of God, which demands a response of reverence and awe from all creation, including us.

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
Understand that God, as the Creator, has authority over all the earth, and His presence can alter the natural order.

Covenantal Relationship
Reflect on the personal relationship God has with His people, as seen in His title "the God of Jacob," and how this relationship calls us to live in obedience and trust.

Response to God's Power
Consider how we should respond to the power and presence of God in our lives, not with fear, but with worship and submission.

Historical Reflection and Faith
Use the historical events of the Exodus and Sinai as reminders of God's faithfulness and power, encouraging us to trust Him in our present circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the earth trembling at God's presence in Psalm 114:7 enhance our understanding of His power and majesty?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God in our daily lives, similar to the earth's response in this verse?

3. How does the title "the God of Jacob" in Psalm 114:7 remind us of God's covenantal faithfulness, and how can this assurance impact our faith today?

4. Reflect on a time when you have experienced or witnessed God's power in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions?

5. How can the historical events of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai serve as encouragements for us to trust in God's presence and power in our current challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19
The trembling of Mount Sinai when God descended upon it in fire, illustrating the earth's response to God's presence.

Isaiah 64
The prophet Isaiah's plea for God to rend the heavens and come down, causing the mountains to quake at His presence, echoing the theme of creation responding to God.

Habakkuk 3
The prophet's vision of God's power causing the earth to tremble, reinforcing the idea of God's overwhelming presence.

Revelation 6
The depiction of the earth and heavens reacting to the presence of the Lamb, showing the continuity of this theme into the New Testament.