In the context of the Bible, "commotions" refer to disturbances, upheavals, or tumultuous events that disrupt the normal order of society or nature. These events are often seen as signs of divine intervention or as part of prophetic fulfillments. The term is used to describe both literal and metaphorical disturbances, encompassing social, political, and natural phenomena.

Biblical References:

1. Luke 21:9 : "When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be afraid. These things must happen first, but the end will not come immediately." In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times. The mention of "commotions" alongside wars suggests a period of instability and unrest that precedes the culmination of history. This serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast and not be alarmed by the chaos around them, as these events are part of God's sovereign plan.

2. Jeremiah 10:22 : "Listen! The report is coming—a great commotion from the land of the north. It will make the cities of Judah desolate, a haunt of jackals." Here, the prophet Jeremiah warns of impending judgment upon Judah. The "commotion" from the north refers to the advancing Babylonian army, which would bring destruction and desolation. This serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

3. Isaiah 17:12-13 : "Ah, the raging of many nations—they rage like the raging sea. Ah, the uproar of the peoples—they roar like the roaring of mighty waters. Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when He rebukes them, they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale." This passage uses the imagery of natural commotions to describe the tumult of nations. Despite their apparent power and noise, they are ultimately subject to God's authority and can be subdued by His command.

Theological Significance:

Commotions in the Bible often serve as indicators of divine activity, whether as judgments, warnings, or signs of the times. They remind believers of the transient nature of earthly powers and the ultimate sovereignty of God. In times of commotion, the faithful are called to trust in God's providence and to remain vigilant in their spiritual walk.

Historical Context:

Throughout biblical history, commotions have been associated with significant events such as invasions, natural disasters, and social upheavals. These events often prompted the prophets to call the people back to faithfulness and to warn of the consequences of disobedience. In the New Testament, commotions are linked to the eschatological teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the need for readiness and perseverance.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of commotions can be applied to the various challenges and crises faced in the world today. Whether political unrest, natural disasters, or personal trials, these events can be seen as opportunities to deepen one's faith and reliance on God. The biblical exhortation is to remain calm and trust in God's ultimate plan, knowing that He is in control even amidst the chaos.

How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ...
... CHAPTER 8. How Vespasian Upon Hearing Of Some Commotions In Gall, Made
Haste To Finish The Jewish War. A Description Of. Jericho ...
/.../chapter 8 how vespasian upon.htm

Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ...
... 2.--- Afterwards, when the thousand years are finished, and Satan, having been loosed
from his prison for a short time, had excited new commotions, the rabble ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism iv of the thousand.htm

To the Reader.
... THE greatest commotions in Kingdomes have for the most part beene raised and maintained
for and about Power, and Liberties, of the Rulers, and the Ruled ...
/.../cotton/the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/to the reader.htm

Letters of St. Bernard
... 938] by the Lord, look out beforehand and prepare beforehand a place for them,[939]
like the places which you have seen here, apart from the commotions of the ...
/.../st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/letters of st bernard.htm

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ...
... knew well that he would be the victim of his boldness; but the kingdom of God could
not be conquered without violence; it was by crises and commotions that it ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xv commencement of the.htm

The Acts of the Apostles and the Acknowledged Epistles.
... in the epistles, an account of the unfolding of these great truths by the apostles
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and of the commotions and contentions ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/chapter v the acts of.htm

An Abstract of a Speech Delivered by Lord Warriston, Before the ...
... kingdoms, but especially in regard of the divine dispensation, which hath been so
special and sensible in the rise and continuance of these commotions, as I ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/an abstract of a speech.htm

Varus Composes the Tumults in Judea and Crucifies About Two ...
... But the citizens received him, and cleared themselves of having any hand in this
revolt, and said that they had raised no commotions, but had only been forced ...
/.../chapter 5 varus composes the.htm

And what am I to Say with Respect to Men...
... But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things
must first come to pass; but the end is not yet by and by." [1906] Let us ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece viii and what am.htm

Chap. xx iii. Of the Present State of the English Nation, or of ...
... to Coenred who had reigned before him, his successor; the beginning and progress
of whose reign have been so filled with many and great commotions and conflicts ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xx iii of the.htm

Commotions (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Commotions (1 Occurrence). Luke 21:9 But when
ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for ...
/c/commotions.htm - 6k

Commotion (15 Occurrences)

/c/commotion.htm - 10k

Commune (7 Occurrences)

/c/commune.htm - 10k

Eschatology
... less close accord with Jewish teaching are: (1) wars, earthquakes and famines,
"the beginning of travail"; (2) the great tribulation; (3) commotions among the ...
/e/eschatology.htm - 70k

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... less close accord with Jewish teaching are: (1) wars, earthquakes and famines,
"the beginning of travail"; (2) the great tribulation; (3) commotions among the ...
/t/tabeel.htm - 101k

Mouth (534 Occurrences)
... less close accord with Jewish teaching are: (1) wars, earthquakes and famines,
"the beginning of travail"; (2) the great tribulation; (3) commotions among the ...
/m/mouth.htm - 91k

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)
... At that time there were upheavals and commotions in different parts of the Persian
empire, especially in the Northeast Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the ...
/z/zechariah.htm - 70k

Premillennial
... In that discourse He foretells wars, commotions among the nations, Jerusalem's capture
and the destruction of the temple, Israel's exile, Christians persecuted ...
/p/premillennial.htm - 23k

Millennium
... In that discourse He foretells wars, commotions among the nations, Jerusalem's capture
and the destruction of the temple, Israel's exile, Christians persecuted ...
/m/millennium.htm - 24k

Anaharath (1 Occurrence)
... At that time there were upheavals and commotions in different parts of the Persian
empire, especially in the Northeast Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the ...
/a/anaharath.htm - 87k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus