The concept of "The Reaction of Nature" in the Bible refers to the instances where the natural world responds to the divine presence, actions, or commands of God. Throughout Scripture, nature is depicted as an active participant in God's plan, often reacting in ways that reveal His power, judgment, and glory.

Creation and the Sovereignty of God

From the very beginning, the Bible establishes God's sovereignty over nature. In Genesis 1, God speaks the world into existence, and nature responds to His commands. "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This foundational act sets the stage for understanding nature as subject to God's will.

The Flood

One of the most dramatic reactions of nature is seen in the account of the Flood. In Genesis 7, God commands the waters to rise and cover the earth as a judgment against human wickedness. "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened" (Genesis 7:11). Here, nature acts as an instrument of divine judgment.

The Plagues of Egypt

In the book of Exodus, the plagues that God sends upon Egypt demonstrate nature's responsiveness to His commands. Each plague, from the turning of the Nile into blood to the plague of locusts, showcases God's control over the natural world. "So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts" (Exodus 10:13).

The Parting of the Red Sea

The parting of the Red Sea is another significant event where nature reacts to God's command. As the Israelites flee from the Egyptians, God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. "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" (Exodus 14:21). This miraculous event underscores God's authority over the elements.

The Earthquake at Mount Sinai

At Mount Sinai, the reaction of nature is evident as God descends upon the mountain. "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled" (Exodus 19:16). The natural phenomena accompanying God's presence highlight His majesty and holiness.

The Sun Stands Still

In the book of Joshua, nature responds to Joshua's prayer during the battle against the Amorites. "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). This extraordinary event demonstrates God's willingness to intervene in the natural order for the sake of His people.

Elijah and the Drought

The prophet Elijah's declaration of a drought in Israel is another instance of nature reacting to God's word. "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word'" (1 Kings 17:1). The subsequent drought serves as a judgment against Israel's idolatry.

The Calming of the Storm

In the New Testament, Jesus' authority over nature is vividly displayed when He calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee. "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (Matthew 8:26). This miracle affirms Jesus' divine nature and His command over creation.

The Earthquake at the Crucifixion

At the crucifixion of Jesus, nature reacts powerfully. "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split" (Matthew 27:51). The earthquake signifies the cosmic significance of Christ's sacrificial death.

The New Creation

The Bible concludes with the promise of a new creation, where nature will be fully restored and aligned with God's purposes. In Revelation, John describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). This ultimate reaction of nature reflects the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Throughout Scripture, the reaction of nature serves as a testament to God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement with His creation. Nature's responses, whether in judgment, deliverance, or revelation, consistently point to the glory and majesty of the Creator.