Topical Bible: The Power of God: Expressed by the Thunder of his Power

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, often depicted through natural phenomena that evoke awe and reverence. One of the most vivid expressions of God's power is through thunder, a symbol of His majestic and overwhelming presence. The thunder of God's power serves as a reminder of His sovereignty, authority, and the awe-inspiring nature of His divine will.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently uses thunder as a metaphor for God's voice and power. In the book of Job, a profound exploration of God's majesty and wisdom is presented. Job 26:14 states, "Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" This verse highlights the incomprehensible nature of God's power, suggesting that what humanity perceives is merely a whisper compared to the full magnitude of His might.

In Psalm 29, the psalmist vividly describes the voice of the Lord as thunderous and powerful. 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." Here, the imagery of thunder over the waters emphasizes God's dominion over creation and His ability to command the natural world.

Theological Significance

The thunder of God's power is not merely a display of might but also a revelation of His character and purposes. It serves as a reminder of His holiness and the reverence due to Him. In Exodus 19:16 , as the Israelites prepare to receive the Ten Commandments, "On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." This event underscores the seriousness and sanctity of God's covenant with His people, as well as the fear and respect He commands.

Furthermore, the thunder of God's power is often associated with His judgment and justice. In 1 Samuel 7:10 , during a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, "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." Here, God's intervention through thunder signifies His active role in delivering His people and executing judgment upon their enemies.

Symbolism and Reflection

Thunder, as an expression of God's power, invites believers to reflect on the majesty and mystery of the Creator. It serves as a metaphor for the divine voice that commands attention and demands a response. The thunderous power of God calls for humility and submission, recognizing that human understanding is limited in the face of His infinite wisdom and strength.

In the New Testament, the theme of God's power continues to resonate, though often in the context of Christ's redemptive work. While the physical manifestation of thunder is less prominent, the spiritual implications of God's power remain. The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 1:19-20 , speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. He displayed this power in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the ultimate expression of God's power through the resurrection of Jesus, a victory over sin and death that echoes the thunderous might of the Creator.

In summary, the thunder of God's power is a profound biblical motif that encapsulates His authority, holiness, and active presence in the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Creator's majesty and the reverence due to Him by all creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 26:14
See, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Discoveries of Faith
... a servant, "feareth God and escheweth evil;" or, as it is expressed by St. ... will then
be "born of God," inwardly changed by the mighty power of God, from "an ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm

The City and River of God
... the mighty forces which came against them, symbolised and expressed by the ... of the
voice that is still and small, wherein God dwells ... The extremest power is silent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm

Testimonies to the Unity of God.
... in expounding the arrangement of his work, [2598] expressed himself also ... "Should
one in boldness say, Lo, I am God! ... Put forth his power and form another globe,. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter ii testimonies to the unity.htm

Elijah Standing Before the Lord
... of our wills to the will of God expressed by external ... I did eat it.' When we thus
take God's command into ... of that meat many days.' The secret of power and of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijah standing before the lord.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... blessed God should, by his providence and his power, plunge his ... between the secret
and revealed will of God, or, more properly expressed, the distinction ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm

The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ...
... principle, which is so well expressed in the ... unto Christ's glorified body, clothed
with power and immortality. ... you believe that an omnipotent God reigns, says M ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter vi the existence of.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... his presence and from the glory of his power." It is ... observe the manner, (but it
cannot be expressed in words ... Not as Moses, the servant of God; not as Abraham ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 21 upon our lords.htm

Continued.
... To him the thunder was not a power to tremble before ... few hopes at all, unless they
be rooted in God. The spirit expressed in the psalm is so thoroughly David's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

The King in his Beauty
... The abundance of that bestowment is expressed by that word ... your heart, bow in submission
to His power, take for ... and adore Him as the enthroned God-man, Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm

Almost a Disciple
... the young man's whole theory, as expressed in his ... became lowering,' like a summer
sky when thunder-clouds gather ... He must have God's power flowing into him if he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/almost a disciple.htm