Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: The concept of God's wonders is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His divine power, majesty, and authority over creation. These wonders serve as signs of His presence and acts of intervention in the world, often intended to inspire faith, awe, and reverence among His people.
Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, God's wonders are frequently associated with miraculous events that demonstrate His sovereignty. One of the most notable examples is the parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
Exodus 14:21-22 states, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left."
The plagues of Egypt, as described in
Exodus 7-12, are also considered wonders, showcasing God's power over nature and the false gods of Egypt. These acts were intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites and to demonstrate God's supremacy.
In the Psalms, God's wonders are celebrated as evidence of His creative power and ongoing involvement in the world.
Psalm 77:14 declares, "You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples."
New Testament References: In the New Testament, the wonders of God are often manifested through the miracles of Jesus Christ. These acts serve to confirm His divine nature and authority. For instance, the feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in
Matthew 14:19-21 , illustrates Jesus' power to provide abundantly: "And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate wonder, signifying victory over sin and death.
Acts 2:24 proclaims, "But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches."
Purpose and Significance: God's wonders serve multiple purposes. They are a testament to His omnipotence and a means of revealing His character and will to humanity. Wonders often accompany divine revelation, as seen in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where the mountain trembled, and smoke ascended as God spoke to Moses (
Exodus 19:18).
Moreover, wonders are intended to strengthen the faith of believers and to draw non-believers to God. In
John 20:30-31 , the apostle John writes, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."
Conclusion: While the Bible is replete with accounts of God's wonders, they are not merely historical events but continue to be relevant for believers today. They remind us of God's active presence in the world and His ability to intervene in human affairs, offering hope and assurance of His ultimate plan for creation.