### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **raʻam**, represented by `{{H7482}}`, is defined as **a peal of thunder** or simply **thunder**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is primarily used to convey the awesome and powerful presence of God, often as an audible manifestation of His authority and voice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7482}}` is closely tied to divine power and communication. It is described as "the **thunder** of his power" that is beyond full human understanding [[Job 26:14]]. It is also referred to as the "voice of thy **thunder**" which makes the earth tremble and shake [[Psalms 77:18]] and causes waters to flee [[Psalms 104:7]]. God uses this phenomenon to visit His people with judgment, alongside earthquake and fire [[Isaiah 29:6]], but also as the "secret place" from which He answers a call for help [[Psalms 81:7]]. In a single instance, it is used metaphorically for the powerful shouting of military leaders in battle [[Job 39:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the context of divine power in which **raʻam** appears:
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This word is directly tied to **raʻam**, often appearing in the phrase "the voice of thy thunder" [[Psalms 77:18]]. It can also mean thunder on its own, as when "thunders and lightnings" appeared at Mount Sinai [[Exodus 19:16]].
* `{{H7494}}` **raʻash** (commotion, earthquake, quaking): This term describes the physical shaking and uproar that often accompanies a divine appearance. It is used in conjunction with **thunder** when the LORD of hosts visits His people [[Isaiah 29:6]].
* `{{H1300}}` **bârâq** (lightning): As the visual component to thunder's sound, **bârâq** often appears in the same context. When the voice of God's thunder was in the heaven, "the lightnings lightened the world" [[Psalms 77:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7482}}` emphasizes God's majesty and sovereign interaction with His creation.
* **Divine Power:** The primary theme is God's immense power, which is so great that the "thunder of his power" is something mortals cannot fully grasp [[Job 26:14]].
* **The Voice of God:** Thunder is frequently depicted as the very voice of God, a sound that commands creation and causes the earth itself to react in fear and obedience ([[Psalms 104:7]], [[Psalms 77:18]]).
* **Instrument of Judgment and Rebuke:** The LORD is described as visiting people with **thunder**, earthquake, and devouring fire as an act of judgment or visitation [[Isaiah 29:6]].
* **A Sign of God's Response:** God answers His people from "the secret place of **thunder**" when they call out to Him in trouble, showing it to be a sign of His deliverance and presence [[Psalms 81:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7482}}` is not merely a weather phenomenon but a profound symbol of divine power, authority, and communication. It represents God's mighty voice that shakes creation, an instrument of His judgment, and a sign of His attentive response to His people. From the incomprehensible "thunder of his power" [[Job 26:14]] to the answering "voice of thy thunder" [[Psalms 104:7]], the word **raʻam** encapsulates the awe-inspiring majesty of God.
TRV