Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, thunder is often depicted as a manifestation of God's power and presence. It serves as a divine tool to communicate His will, execute judgment, or demonstrate His sovereignty over creation. The following is a catalogue of instances where thunder is prominently featured in the Scriptures, illustrating its role in the miraculous and theophanic events.1. Theophany at Mount Sinai One of the most significant occurrences of thunder in the Bible is during the theophany at Mount Sinai. As God prepares to deliver the Ten Commandments to Moses, the mountain is enveloped in a dramatic display of divine power. Exodus 19:16 states, "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled." Here, thunder serves as an auditory sign of God's holy presence and the seriousness of the covenant being established. 2. Samuel's Intercession and Victory Over the Philistines In 1 Samuel 7, the prophet Samuel calls upon the Lord to deliver Israel from the Philistines. In response, God intervenes with a miraculous display of thunder. 1 Samuel 7:10 records, "As Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel." The thunder here acts as a divine weapon, ensuring victory for God's people. 3. The Request of King Saul During the reign of King Saul, the Israelites demand a king, which displeases the Lord. Samuel warns the people of the consequences of their request and calls upon God to confirm his words. 1 Samuel 12:17-18 recounts, "Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD, and He will send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have done in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king." So Samuel called to the LORD, and that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel." The thunder serves as a sign of divine displeasure and a call to repentance. 4. The Voice of the Lord in the Psalms The Psalms frequently use thunder as a metaphor for the voice of the Lord, emphasizing His majesty and power. Psalm 29:3-4 declares, "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty." This poetic imagery underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's voice, likening it to the resounding and commanding presence of thunder. 5. The Seventh Plague in Egypt In the account of the plagues of Egypt, thunder is a component of the seventh plague, which brings devastating hail upon the land. Exodus 9:23 states, "So Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt." This event demonstrates God's power over nature and His ability to use it as an instrument of judgment against those who oppose His will. 6. The Revelation to John In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, thunder is frequently associated with the unfolding of divine mysteries and judgments. Revelation 4:5 describes, "From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven lamps of fire. These are the seven Spirits of God." Thunder here signifies the awe and majesty of God's throne and the impending revelation of His plans for the world. Throughout the biblical text, thunder is consistently portrayed as a powerful and awe-inspiring element, often accompanying significant divine actions and revelations. It serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 12:16-18Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Nave's Topical Index Library Perishing or Being Saved The Twelve and the Seventy. Faith and Life The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... The Greater Prophets. Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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