Thunder

Easton, 1897

Often referred to in Scripture (Job 40:9; Psalms 77:18; Psalms 104:7). James and John were called by our Lord "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17). In Job 39:19, instead of "thunder," as in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version translates (ra'amah) by "quivering main" (marg., "shaking"). Thunder accompanied the giving of the law at Sinai (Exodus 19:16). It was regarded as the voice of God (Job 37:2; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 81:7; comp. John 12:29). In answer to Samuel's prayer (1 Samuel 12:17, 1 Samuel 12:18), God sent thunder, and "all the people greatly feared," for at such a season (the wheat-harvest) thunder and rain were almost unknown in Palestine.