Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextIn biblical literature, "rumblings" often refer to sounds associated with divine activity, natural phenomena, or expressions of God's power and presence. These sounds can be literal, such as thunder, or metaphorical, symbolizing impending judgment or significant events. The term is used to convey awe, fear, and the majesty of God.
Old Testament ReferencesRumblings are frequently associated with theophanies, where God reveals Himself to humanity. In
Exodus 19:16, during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the presence of God is accompanied by thunder and lightning: "On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled." Here, the rumblings signify God's holiness and the seriousness of His covenant with Israel.
In
1 Samuel 14:15, rumblings are part of a divine intervention: "Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God." The rumblings here are indicative of God's direct involvement in the affairs of Israel, leading to victory over their enemies.
Prophetic LiteratureThe prophets often use imagery of rumblings to describe the coming judgment of God. In
Isaiah 29:6, the prophet declares, "You will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest and flames of consuming fire." The rumblings here are part of a larger picture of divine retribution and purification.
Similarly, in
Ezekiel 3:12-13, the prophet hears a great rumbling as the glory of the LORD departs from the temple: "Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: 'Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!' It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a great rumbling sound." This passage emphasizes the majesty and transcendence of God, as well as the seriousness of His departure from the temple.
New Testament ReferencesWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "rumblings," the concept is present in apocalyptic literature. In
Revelation 4:5, the throne of God is described: "From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God." The rumblings here are part of the heavenly vision given to John, symbolizing God's power and the impending judgment upon the earth.
Theological SignificanceRumblings in the Bible often serve as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His active role in the world. They are a call to reverence and awe, urging believers to recognize the divine authority and the seriousness of God's commands and promises. The imagery of rumblings underscores the reality of God's presence and the certainty of His plans, both in judgment and in salvation.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not always explicitly use the term "rumblings," the concept is woven throughout the narrative as a powerful symbol of God's interaction with His creation. Whether through natural phenomena or prophetic visions, rumblings serve as a testament to the divine majesty and the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
Library
Gods of the Egyptians.
... taught the worship of an ox called Apis, some that of a he-goat, some of a cat,
some of a serpent; yea, even of a fish, and of onions, andrumblings in the...
Answer to the Egyptians.
... For those of you who suppose the onion to be the divinity, and those who worship
rumblings in the stomach, contend with one another; and thus all in like...
On Sleep.
... of those who are loaded with wine, and the snortings of those who are stuffed with
food, and the snoring rolled in the bed-clothes, and therumblings of pained...
The Earthquake
... For about the time that they retired to rest they heard from the Hebdomon the first
moaningrumblings of an earthquake, and felt that first, indescribable...
The Meek and Lowly One
... There were somerumblings of time tempest, it is true, when he spoke so sternly
to the Sadducees, and Scribes, and Pharisees; those woes were like murmurings...
Characteristics of the Twelve
... The temperament of John revealed throughout, was that of August, brooding and warm
and hushed and fruitful, with lowrumblings of tempest in the night....
Miscellaneous Phrases
... Conducive to well-being and efficiency. Confusedrumblings presaging a different
epoch. Constrained by the sober exercise of judgment....
"Nunc Dimittis"
... the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him." Around the
sinner's death-bed the tempest thickens, and he hears therumblings of the...
The Papacy
... were determined to secure. Alreadyrumblings of the storm had been heard
before the death of Benedict XIV. His successor, who had...
Thesaurus
Rumblings (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rumblings (4 Occurrences). Revelation 4:5 Out of
the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There
...Rumor (10 Occurrences)
Rumbling (7 Occurrences)
Resources
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