2 Samuel 22 8

2 Samuel 22:8 kjv

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

2 Samuel 22:8 nkjv

"Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry.

2 Samuel 22:8 niv

The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; they trembled because he was angry.

2 Samuel 22:8 esv

"Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.

2 Samuel 22:8 nlt

"Then the earth quaked and trembled.
The foundations of the heavens shook;
they quaked because of his anger.

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 8 Meaning

This verse describes a dramatic, cataclysmic display of divine power and presence, a "theophany," characterized by the very foundations of the cosmos being violently disturbed. It portrays God's intense anger as the direct cause, signaling His powerful intervention on behalf of His anointed servant, David. This is not a literal geological event but poetic imagery emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, terrifying majesty, and righteous fury against those who oppose His chosen one.

2 Samuel 22 8 Context

2 Samuel 22 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, mirroring Psalm 18. It marks a significant moment near the end of his life, reflecting on God's unwavering faithfulness through years of persecution by Saul and numerous battles. The chapter begins with David declaring the LORD as his "rock," "fortress," and "deliverer." The preceding verses (v.5-7) describe David's dire distress and his fervent cry for help, leading to God's immediate and dramatic response. Verse 8, therefore, introduces the powerful manifestation of God as a divine warrior, coming to the aid of His anointed king, responding with such intense presence and power that even the established order of the cosmos is disturbed, reflecting the magnitude of His anger against David's enemies and His zeal to save David. This entire chapter serves as a profound testimony to God's protective love for His servant and His justice against evildoers.

2 Samuel 22 8 Word analysis

• Then (וַיִּגְעַשׁ - vayyig'ash): The Hebrew "waw consecutive" (וַיִּ-) indicates a sequence, presenting this as an immediate consequence of David's prayer in the preceding verse. The root גער (gaʿar) means to rebuke, but here in a specific form (Nifal of a root meaning to swell or boil), it suggests agitation, a violent heaving or surging, much like a churning sea or a disturbed stomach. It implies a deep internal tremor.
• the earth (הָאָרֶץ - ha'aretz): Refers to the physical land, the solid ground beneath our feet, signifying the visible and tangible world.
• shook (וַתִּגְעַשׁ - vatigʿash): As above, denotes a deep, internal, and violent disturbance or upheaval.
• and trembled (וַתִּרְעַשׁ - vatir'ash): From the root רעשׁ (raʿash), specifically meaning to quake, totter, or tremble violently, as in an earthquake. This strengthens the image of an intense seismic event, emphasizing instability and a fundamental disturbance. The repetition (shook and trembled) uses parallel terms to heighten the poetic effect and intensify the meaning.
• the foundations (מוֹסְדוֹת - mos'doth): Literally "bases" or "supports." In ancient cosmology, the earth was often conceived as having foundations (Job 38:4-6, Ps 104:5). Here, it extends to "heaven," indicating that even the unseen, celestial structure supporting the very sky or the cosmic order is affected. This signifies an upheaval far beyond a local event.
• of heaven (שָׁמַיִם - shamayim): Can mean "sky" or "heavens," often signifying the abode of God or the realm above the earthly. Mentioning its "foundations" emphasizes that even the seemingly stable cosmic architecture of the universe, under God's control, is subject to His power.
• moved (יִרְגְּזוּ - yir'gezu): From the root רגז (ragaz), to be agitated, tremble, be angry. It implies violent emotional agitation, but when applied to inanimate objects, suggests violent shaking or quivering, denoting fear or wrath's impact.
• and quaked (וַיִּתְרָעֲשׁוּ - vayyitrā'ashu): Another intensive form of רעשׁ (raʿash), reinforcing the idea of a powerful, uncontrollable shaking or rattling. The verb implies continuous and pervasive movement.
• because (כִּי - ki): A conjunction indicating the reason or cause. It directly attributes the cosmic upheaval to God's state.
• He was angry (חָרָה לּוֹ - ḥārâ lô): "Ḥārâ" (חָרָה) literally means "to burn" or "be kindled," often referring to the flaring of the nostrils or heat of anger. It is an anthropomorphism (attributing human qualities to God) depicting God's righteous indignation and fierce displeasure. His anger is not capricious but a holy response to the evil that afflicts His faithful.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Then the earth shook and trembled;": This opening phrase sets the scene for a massive, universal disturbance, indicating a divine response that affects the core stability of the world. It evokes a primal sense of terror and awe at God's power.
• "the foundations of heaven moved and quaked": This elevates the scope beyond just the terrestrial, signifying that the disturbance is not merely on earth but permeates the cosmic order. It implies God's anger has such magnitude that it can disrupt even the highest and most stable structures of existence, indicating His total sovereignty over creation.
• "because He was angry.": This concludes the verse by directly stating the theological cause of the cosmic disturbance. It shifts focus from the effect to the divine agent, identifying God's righteous wrath as the motivating force behind this powerful theophany. His anger is not a weakness but an expression of His justice and commitment to His covenant with David.

2 Samuel 22 8 Bonus Section

• The striking similarity to Psalm 18:7 suggests a shared tradition or Davidic authorship where this intense imagery was central to depicting God's deliverance. Both passages use these strong verbs to highlight the theophanic elements of God's saving intervention.
• In ancient Near Eastern cultures, other deities were often associated with specific natural phenomena (e.g., storm gods). This verse, however, depicts YHWH's universal control, demonstrating His unparalleled power over all creation, a subtle but potent polemic against such localized pagan beliefs. He is not merely a god of storms, but His anger shakes the very underpinnings of reality.
• The anthropomorphic language ("He was angry") serves not to humanize God in weakness, but to emphasize His personal engagement, deep concern, and passionate commitment to justice and His covenant. It reveals that God is not a distant, indifferent deity, but one whose emotions directly result in consequential actions in the world.

2 Samuel 22 8 Commentary

2 Samuel 22:8 paints a vivid picture of a "cosmic earthquake," a profound display of God's presence and power in response to David's cry. It is a highly poetic and metaphorical description, illustrating a theophany, where God reveals Himself through cataclysmic natural phenomena. This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming might of YHWH, whose very anger—His righteous indignation against the oppressors and His zealous protection of His anointed—causes the most stable elements of creation, both earthly and celestial, to shudder. The "foundations of heaven" indicate a disturbance so profound it affects not just the earth but the very order of the cosmos itself, underscoring that nothing can withstand God's wrath or impede His salvific acts. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God as the divine warrior who personally intervenes for His faithful, demonstrating that when His chosen one is distressed, God's response is an earth-shattering event for His enemies.

Example: Just as a powerful ruler's intense fury can cause chaos and fear among all, God's perfect anger, directed at evil, impacts all creation, showing His absolute control and righteous judgment.