Psalms 18:7

KJV

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the earth {H776} shook {H1607} and trembled {H7493}; the foundations {H4146} also of the hills {H2022} moved {H7264} and were shaken {H1607}, because he was wroth {H2734}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then the earth quaked and shook, the foundations of the mountains trembled. They were shaken because he was angry.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.

American Standard Version

Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations also of the mountains quaked And were shaken, because he was wroth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:7 offers a profoundly dramatic and vivid portrayal of God's majestic power and righteous indignation. As an integral part of David's expansive psalm of thanksgiving for divine deliverance, this verse depicts the very earth and the seemingly unshakeable foundations of the mountains convulsing and trembling in direct response to God's presence and holy wrath. It powerfully underscores the Lord's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His active, cataclysmic intervention on behalf of His anointed, demonstrating with cosmic force that nothing in the natural world can stand unmoved or unimpacted before His overwhelming might and perfect justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18 is a monumental psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, celebrating God's powerful deliverance from all his enemies, especially from King Saul. This psalm is unique in its dual appearance, also found with minor variations in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). Psalms 18:7 is situated within a profound section (verses 7-15) that describes a spectacular theophany—a visible, awe-inspiring manifestation of God. Following David's desperate cry for help in [Psalms 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalms 18:6 - David's Cry and God's Response"), the narrative shifts dramatically to an awe-inspiring depiction of God's descent from heaven to intervene. The imagery escalates from the earth shaking to smoke, fire, and lightning, painting a picture of cosmic upheaval at the Lord's arrival, signifying His overwhelming power and unwavering determination to rescue His servant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 18 is David's tumultuous life, marked by relentless persecution from King Saul and numerous battles against foreign adversaries. David, as God's anointed king, frequently faced existential threats, making divine intervention a recurring and vital theme in his life and psalms. The imagery of the earth shaking and mountains trembling is a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature and biblical accounts of divine appearances (theophanies). This imagery would have resonated deeply with an Israelite audience familiar with the foundational account of God's descent on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai"), where the mountain "trembled greatly" ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles")). Such phenomena were understood not merely as natural disasters but as direct, tangible manifestations of divine presence, power, and often, judgment or deliverance, reinforcing God's active involvement in human history.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 18:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Omnipotent Power and Sovereignty over Creation**. The shaking of the earth and the moving of the hills underscore that God's power is absolute, capable of manipulating the very fabric of the cosmos. This serves to magnify His ability to deliver His people from any foe, no matter how formidable. Secondly, the phrase "because he was wroth" highlights **Divine Wrath and Justice**. This is not arbitrary anger but a holy, righteous indignation against injustice and those who oppose God's purposes and His chosen ones. It assures the righteous that God will indeed act against evil, as seen in passages like [Nahum 1:6](/nahum/1-6 "Nahum 1:6 - God's Fierce Indignation"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates **Active Divine Intervention and Deliverance**. It portrays God not as a distant, disengaged deity but as one who actively and dramatically steps into human history to protect His servants and execute His will, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness to His people, a theme echoed throughout the psalms, such as in [Psalms 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalms 34:17 - The Righteous Cry Out").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This term refers to the physical ground, land, or the entire planet. In Psalms 18:7, it signifies the entirety of the created world, emphasizing the universal and cosmic scale of God's power and the profound impact of His presence. It underscores that no part of creation is outside His dominion.
* **foundations (Hebrew, _môwçâdâh'_):** This word denotes a base, support, or the established groundwork upon which something is built. Here, it refers to the deep, underlying structures that give stability to the mountains. Their disturbance signifies that even the most seemingly stable and permanent elements of creation are utterly subject to God's power and can be dislodged by His will.
* **hills (Hebrew, _har'_):** Referring to mountains or ranges of hills, this word often symbolizes strength, permanence, and ancient stability in biblical literature. For the "foundations of the hills" to move highlights the extraordinary and supernatural nature of God's intervention, demonstrating that nothing, however mighty or ancient, can withstand His power.
* **wroth (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to glow or grow warm," figuratively blazing up with anger, zeal, or jealousy. When applied to God, it describes a holy, righteous indignation and a consuming zeal for justice. It is not a capricious human emotion but a perfect, just, and purposeful divine attribute, indicating God's active opposition to sin and His determination to act on behalf of His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the earth shook and trembled;":** This opening clause immediately establishes a scene of cataclysmic natural upheaval. The temporal conjunction "Then" links this cosmic response directly to David's desperate cry for help and God's subsequent decision to intervene. The dual verbs "shook" (H1607, _gâʻash_) and "trembled" (H7493, _râʻash_) emphasize the intensity and totality of the earth's reaction, suggesting a violent, widespread seismic event that affects the entire globe. This is not merely a localized tremor but a profound, convulsive disturbance of the very ground beneath, indicating God's overwhelming presence.
* **"the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken,":** This phrase escalates the imagery, moving from the general "earth" to the specific and seemingly immovable "foundations of the hills." Hills and mountains are typically symbols of permanence and strength. For their very "foundations" (H4146, _môwçâdâh_) to "moved" (H7264, _râgaz_) and "were shaken" (H1607, _gâʻash_) signifies an even more profound and impossible disturbance. This highlights that nothing, not even the most deeply rooted and seemingly unshakeable elements of creation, can withstand the force of God's presence and power, underscoring the absolute supremacy of the divine will over all natural laws.
* **"because he was wroth.":** This concluding clause provides the divine motivation for the cosmic upheaval. The earth's dramatic reaction is not random but a direct consequence of God's "wroth" (H2734, _chârâh_)—His righteous indignation. This wrath is not capricious but is directed against the injustice and opposition faced by His anointed servant, David, and by extension, against all evil. It underscores that God's power is not abstract but purposeful, driven by His holy character and His unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of His people, making the cosmic disturbance a manifestation of His active judgment and deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:7 is rich in **Theophany**, depicting a dramatic, awe-inspiring manifestation of God's presence, often accompanied by cataclysmic natural phenomena like earthquakes and storms. The verse employs powerful **Hyperbole**, using exaggerated language to convey the immense scale of God's power; the earth and mountains literally shaking is a poetic exaggeration designed to illustrate the overwhelming, irresistible force of divine intervention. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the attribution of "wrath" to God, describing a divine emotion in human terms to make it comprehensible, though God's wrath is holy and just, utterly distinct from sinful human anger. The use of **Parallelism** in "shook and trembled" and "moved and were shaken" enhances the poetic rhythm and emphasizes the intensity and totality of the cosmic reaction. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid **Imagery** that appeals to the senses, allowing the reader to visualize the violent shaking and feel the tremor, creating a visceral experience of God's terrifying majesty and sovereign control over creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:7 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign ruler over all creation, whose presence and righteous indignation can cause the very cosmos to respond. This verse connects to the broader theological theme of divine judgment and the cosmic response to God's holiness. When God acts, especially in judgment or deliverance, the natural world often bears witness to His power, serving as a tangible sign of His intervention. This demonstrates that God's justice is not merely a legal concept but a dynamic, active force that impacts the physical realm, assuring His people that He will indeed shake the foundations of the world to defend the righteous and confront evil, thereby upholding His moral order and demonstrating His absolute authority.

* [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles at God's Presence")
* [Judges 5:4](/judges/5-4 "Judges 5:4 - The Earth Trembles Before the Lord")
* [Nahum 1:5](/nahum/1-5 "Nahum 1:5 - Mountains Quake Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:7 offers both profound comfort and a sobering warning, inviting deep reflection on the nature of God. For those who trust in God, it is a powerful reassurance that the Lord is an active, omnipotent defender who will intervene on their behalf, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and enemies insurmountable. His power is beyond human comprehension, capable of shaking the very foundations of the world to deliver His people. This should inspire unwavering faith and courage, knowing that our God is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of His children, ready to move heaven and earth for their rescue. For those who oppose God or His purposes, the verse serves as a potent reminder of His righteous wrath and the certainty of His judgment. It encourages believers to place their complete trust in God's sovereign power and to live righteously, knowing that He is a God of both immense love and formidable justice, and that His ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom are assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the earth shaking and mountains trembling shape your understanding of God's power and majesty, especially in contrast to human weakness?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the concept of God's righteous wrath offer you in your personal life or in the face of global injustice and suffering?**
* **How should our awareness of God's active intervention and cosmic power influence our prayers, our trust in Him during times of distress, and our willingness to obey His commands?**

### FAQ
**Is God's wrath in Psalms 18:7 a sinful human anger?**

Answer: No, God's wrath, as depicted in Psalms 18:7 and throughout Scripture, is fundamentally different from sinful human anger. The Hebrew word _chârâh_ (H2734), translated as "wroth," signifies an intense, burning indignation. However, when applied to God, it is always understood as a holy, righteous, and just attribute of His character. It is not an uncontrolled outburst of emotion or a reaction to personal affront, but a perfect and appropriate response to sin, injustice, and rebellion against His holy nature and perfect will. God's wrath is a manifestation of His unwavering commitment to justice and His opposition to all that is evil, serving to uphold His moral order and ultimately to bring about His redemptive purposes. It is an expression of His profound holiness, which cannot tolerate sin, as seen in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness").

**Does this verse describe a literal earthquake, or is it poetic language?**

Answer: While God certainly has the power to cause literal earthquakes, as demonstrated in various biblical accounts (e.g., [Acts 16:26](/acts/16-26 "Acts 16:26 - The Philippian Jailer's Earthquake")), the language in Psalms 18:7 is primarily poetic and hyperbolic. It uses vivid, exaggerated imagery to convey the overwhelming power and majesty of God's intervention. The shaking of the earth and the moving of the foundations of the hills serve as powerful metaphors for the cosmic disturbance and awe-inspiring force that accompany God's appearance and action. This dramatic imagery is common in biblical theophanies, designed to impress upon the reader the unfathomable might of the Creator and His ability to utterly dismantle any opposition to His will, as also seen in [Isaiah 64:1-2](/isaiah/64-1 "Isaiah 64:1-2 - Oh, That You Would Rend the Heavens!"). It emphasizes that God's power is so immense that even the most stable elements of creation are affected by His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:7, with its depiction of God's earth-shaking power and righteous wrath, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament theophanies often revealed God's power through natural phenomena, the New Testament reveals the incarnate God, Jesus, as the one through whom all things were created and by whom they are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The very power that caused the earth to shake in Psalms 18 is the same power that Jesus demonstrated when He calmed the raging storm with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), walked on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew Walks on Water")), and ultimately, conquered death itself in His resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Furthermore, the "wrath" of God mentioned in Psalms 18:7, which is directed against injustice and opposition, was fully poured out on Jesus Christ at the cross. He, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the full weight of divine wrath against humanity's sin, becoming the propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). This means that for those who are in Christ, God's righteous wrath has been satisfied, replaced by His boundless grace and mercy. Ultimately, the imagery of the shaking earth also foreshadows Christ's glorious return, when He will come in power and glory, and the very heavens and earth will be shaken, not just metaphorically, but literally, as He establishes His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Heaven and Earth")). Thus, Psalms 18:7 powerfully points to the cosmic authority and redemptive work of our Lord Jesus, who is both the supreme manifestation of God's power and the perfect bearer of His righteous wrath for our salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 4:31

And 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.

Psalms 68:7

¶ O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Judges 5:4

LORD, 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.

Deuteronomy 32:22

For 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.

Matthew 28:2

And, 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.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.