Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the earth trembling before God is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing the awe-inspiring power and majesty of the Creator. This trembling is often depicted as a physical manifestation of God's presence, judgment, or intervention in the world. The imagery of the earth shaking serves to remind humanity of God's supreme authority over creation and His ability to alter the natural order.Biblical Instances of Earth Trembling 1. Mount Sinai: One of the most vivid depictions of the earth trembling before God occurs during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:18 states, "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." This event underscores the holiness and power of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel. 2. The Psalms: The psalmists frequently use the imagery of the earth trembling to express God's might. Psalm 77:18 declares, "Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked." Similarly, Psalm 114:7 calls, "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." These passages highlight the natural world's response to God's overwhelming presence. 3. Prophetic Literature: The prophets also speak of the earth trembling as a sign of divine judgment or intervention. In Isaiah 13:13 , the prophet warns, "Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts, in the day of His burning anger." This serves as a powerful reminder of God's control over cosmic events and His ability to execute judgment. 4. The Crucifixion: The New Testament records the earth trembling at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51 notes, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This seismic event signifies the profound spiritual significance of Christ's sacrifice and the breaking of barriers between God and humanity. Theological Significance The trembling of the earth before God is not merely a physical phenomenon but carries deep theological implications. It serves as a metaphor for the fear and reverence that God commands from His creation. The earth's response to God's presence is a call for humanity to recognize His sovereignty and submit to His will. Moreover, the trembling of the earth is often associated with moments of divine revelation or judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of God's interactions with the world. It is a reminder that God's power is unmatched and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Conclusion The biblical theme of the earth trembling before God is a powerful testament to His majesty and authority. It calls believers to a posture of humility and reverence, acknowledging that the Creator of the universe is actively involved in the affairs of the world. Through these vivid depictions, Scripture invites us to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of God and our response to His presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:8The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 10:10 Library The Fear of God. Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ... Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth God's Offspring Free Grace (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, March 12, 1865. ... Of the Erythr??an Sibyl, who Pointed in a Prophetic Acrostic at ... Absolute Surrender Elijah Standing Before the Lord Resources What is the age of the earth? How old is the earth? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.org What is young earth creationism? | GotQuestions.org Earth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Earth: Ancient Notions Concerning Earth: Created by God by Christ The Earth: Burning at God Presence The Earth: Created to be Inhabited The Earth: Diversified by Hills and Mountains The Earth: Full of God's Glory The Earth: Full of God's Goodness The Earth: Full of God's Mercy The Earth: Full of God's Riches The Earth: God: Governs Supremely The Earth: God: Laid the Foundation of The Earth: God: Makes Fruitful The Earth: God: Shall be Exalted In The Earth: God: Suspended in Space The Earth: Ideas of the Ancients Respecting the Form of The Earth: Made to Mourn and Languish by Sin The Earth: Man by Nature is of The Earth: Man by Nature Minds the Thing of The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On The Earth: Man: Given Dominion Over The Earth: Man: Shall Return To The Earth: Melting at God's Voice The Earth: Not to be Again Inundated The Earth: Saints Shall Inherit The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In The Earth: Shall be Filled With the Knowledge of God The Earth: Shining With God's Glory The Earth: Subject to God's Judgments The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters The Earth: The World in General The Earth: To be Dissolved by Fire The Earth: Trembling Before God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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