The "cry of panic" is a term that can be associated with moments of intense fear, distress, or desperation as depicted in various biblical narratives. This expression captures the human response to overwhelming situations where divine intervention is sought or where the absence of God's presence is keenly felt. Throughout the Bible, cries of panic often lead to significant spiritual revelations or divine actions.

Old Testament Instances

1. Israelites at the Red Sea: One of the most vivid examples of a cry of panic occurs when the Israelites, having fled Egypt, find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the Red Sea. In Exodus 14:10, the Israelites cry out to the Lord in fear. This moment of panic precedes one of the most miraculous events in the Bible, where God parts the sea to deliver His people: "As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD" (Exodus 14:10).

2. Gideon's Army: In Judges 7, Gideon is instructed by God to reduce his army to a mere 300 men to face the Midianites. The cry of panic is not directly mentioned, but the context suggests a natural human fear in facing such overwhelming odds. God reassures Gideon, and the subsequent victory demonstrates His power and faithfulness.

3. The Siege of Jerusalem: In 2 Kings 19, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, King Hezekiah and the people of Judah experience a cry of panic. Hezekiah turns to the Lord in prayer, seeking deliverance from the Assyrian threat. The Lord responds through the prophet Isaiah, promising deliverance, which is miraculously fulfilled.

New Testament Instances

1. The Disciples in the Storm: In Mark 4:37-38, the disciples experience a cry of panic during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. They wake Jesus, who is asleep in the boat, with a desperate plea for help: "The waves were breaking over the boat so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?'" (Mark 4:37-38). Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His authority over nature and His care for His followers.

2. Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:30, Peter, initially walking on water towards Jesus, becomes frightened by the wind and begins to sink. His cry of panic, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30), is met with Jesus' immediate response, highlighting the importance of faith and reliance on Christ in times of fear.

Theological Implications

The cry of panic in the Bible often serves as a catalyst for divine intervention, revealing God's power, mercy, and faithfulness. It underscores the human condition of vulnerability and the need for reliance on God. These moments of panic are not condemned but are met with compassion and deliverance, illustrating God's readiness to respond to His people's cries.

In a broader theological context, the cry of panic can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual state of humanity, which, in its fallen condition, is in desperate need of salvation. The Bible consistently points to God as the ultimate source of peace and deliverance, encouraging believers to turn to Him in times of distress.