Raving

In the context of the Bible, "raving" can be understood as a state of intense, often irrational, emotional expression. This term is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept can be seen in various narratives where individuals exhibit extreme emotional states, often in response to divine encounters or spiritual experiences.

One notable example is found in the account of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11 , it is recorded that "the next day a spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he began to prophesy inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." Here, Saul's behavior can be described as raving, as he is overtaken by a spirit that leads him to act irrationally and violently.

The prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 also exhibit raving behavior. In their desperate attempt to invoke their god, they "shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed" (1 Kings 18:28). This frenzied activity contrasts sharply with the calm and confident faith of Elijah, who calls upon the Lord with a simple prayer.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is accused of being out of his mind, or raving, due to his fervent preaching. In Acts 26:24 , as Paul is making his defense before Festus, the governor interrupts him, saying, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane." Here, the term "insane" reflects the perception of raving, as Paul's passionate testimony about Christ is misunderstood by those who do not share his faith.

Laughing

Laughter in the Bible is often associated with joy, disbelief, or scorn. It can be a response to the miraculous or the unexpected, as well as a reaction to perceived absurdity or folly.

One of the earliest mentions of laughter in the Bible is found in the account of Sarah. In Genesis 18:12 , when Sarah hears the promise of a son in her old age, she laughs to herself, saying, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Her laughter is one of disbelief, yet it foreshadows the joy that will come with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "he laughs."

In the Psalms, laughter is often depicted as a response to God's deliverance and blessings. Psalm 126:2 states, "Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.'" Here, laughter is an expression of the overwhelming joy and gratitude of God's people.

Conversely, laughter can also be used to mock or scorn. In the account of Jesus raising Jairus's daughter, the mourners laugh at Him when He declares that the girl is not dead but asleep. Mark 5:40 records, "And they laughed at Him. After He had put them all outside, He took the child's father and mother and those with Him, and went in where the child was." This laughter is one of derision, reflecting their disbelief in Jesus' power.

In Ecclesiastes, laughter is examined from a philosophical perspective. Ecclesiastes 2:2 states, "I said of laughter, 'It is folly,' and of pleasure, 'What does it accomplish?'" Here, laughter is seen as ultimately meaningless in the pursuit of true wisdom and fulfillment apart from God.

Overall, both raving and laughing in the Bible serve as expressions of the human condition, reflecting a range of emotions from joy and disbelief to scorn and folly. These expressions are often set against the backdrop of divine action and revelation, highlighting the complex interplay between human response and God's sovereign purposes.