Psalms 18:7
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּרְעַ֨שׁ׀
and trembled
H7493
וַתִּרְעַ֨שׁ׀
and trembled
Strong's:
H7493
Word #:
2 of 10
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
הָרִ֣ים
also of the hills
H2022
הָרִ֣ים
also of the hills
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יִרְגָּ֑זוּ
moved
H7264
יִרְגָּ֑זוּ
moved
Strong's:
H7264
Word #:
6 of 10
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.Jeremiah 4:24I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.Matthew 28:2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.Deuteronomy 32:22For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.Judges 5:4LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
Historical Context
Draws on Mount Sinai's earthquake when God descended to give the Law, establishing a pattern of trembling creation at divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's response to God inform your reverence for Him?
- What does God's anger against injustice teach about His character?
Analysis & Commentary
God's response to David's prayer: earth shook and trembled, mountains' foundations quaked because God was angry. The Hebrew 'ra'ash' (quake) and 'ga'ash' (shake) describe cosmic upheaval. This theophany imagery recalls Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and anticipates Revelation's earthquake judgments. Reformed theology sees creation responsive to Creator's movements—nature itself reacts to God's intervention in human affairs.