Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

PSALMS 114:7KJV
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Psalms 114:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 114:7 mean?

Psalms 114:7 calls on the earth itself to tremble in awe before the presence of the Lord, specifically naming Him as the God of Jacob. The verse pictures all creation responding with fear and respect to God’s powerful and holy presence.

The psalmist is speaking poetically, addressing the earth as if it could hear and react. This comes in the context of recalling how God led Israel out of Egypt and performed mighty acts. By invoking the "God of Jacob," the verse connects God’s presence to His faithfulness to the people of Israel, highlighting His authority over all creation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 114:7

  • "Tremble" (חוּל, chul): This word often means to shake, quake, or writhe, suggesting not just fear but a deep, physical response. The use here emphasizes the overwhelming power of God's presence.
  • "Presence" (פָּנִים, panim): Used twice in this verse, this word literally means "face," but in Hebrew it often refers to someone's immediate presence. The repetition underscores that it is God’s direct presence, not just His reputation or works, that causes such awe.
  • "Lord" (אָדוֹן, adon): This title means "master" or "sovereign," highlighting God’s authority and rule.
  • "God" (אֱלוֹהַּ, eloah): This word for God points to His divinity and power, reinforcing why the earth should tremble.

Why Psalms 114:7 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that God is distant or uninvolved; it stresses that His presence is real and active in the world.
  • By calling God "the God of Jacob," the verse ties God’s power to His relationship with Israel, reminding the reader of His faithfulness and the history of deliverance.
  • The verse fits into the larger psalm, which celebrates God’s mighty acts during the Exodus, showing that creation itself recognizes and responds to God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

“Tremble” Hebrew H2342 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
  • Psalms 29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
  • Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.