Terror

In the biblical context, "terror" often refers to a profound fear or dread that can be both a divine instrument of judgment and a human response to overwhelming circumstances. The Bible frequently depicts God as using terror to accomplish His purposes, particularly in the context of judgment against nations or individuals who oppose His will.

In the Old Testament, terror is often associated with God's judgment. For instance, in Deuteronomy 2:25 , God declares, "This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the peoples under heaven, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you." Here, God uses terror to instill fear in the nations surrounding Israel, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

The prophets also speak of terror as a tool of divine retribution. In Isaiah 2:19 , it is written, "Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth." This passage highlights the overwhelming fear that accompanies the presence and judgment of God.

In the New Testament, terror is less frequently mentioned but is still present in apocalyptic contexts. In Revelation 6:15-17 , the terror of God's final judgment is vividly described: "Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?'"

Confusion

Confusion in the Bible often signifies a state of disorder, chaos, or lack of understanding, frequently resulting from divine intervention or human sinfulness. It can be a consequence of God's judgment or a natural outcome of turning away from divine wisdom.

In the Old Testament, confusion is sometimes used as a divine strategy to defeat enemies. In Exodus 23:27 , God promises the Israelites, "I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run." Here, confusion is a tool that God uses to ensure victory for His people.

The theme of confusion is also evident in the account of the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:7-9 , God confounds the language of the people to disrupt their plans: "Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech." This act of divine intervention results in the scattering of people across the earth, illustrating how confusion can serve as a means to fulfill God's purposes.

In the New Testament, confusion is often associated with spiritual blindness or misunderstanding. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 , Paul writes, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints." This verse underscores the idea that confusion and disorder are contrary to God's nature and His desire for His people.

Throughout Scripture, both terror and confusion serve as reminders of God's power and the consequences of straying from His will. They highlight the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, who is sovereign over all creation.