Trembling

In the biblical context, trembling often signifies a profound emotional or spiritual response to the presence or actions of God, as well as to fear or awe-inspiring events. It is a physical manifestation of reverence, fear, or anxiety, and is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, trembling is often associated with the fear of God and His mighty works. For instance, in Exodus 19:16 , when God descended upon Mount Sinai, "On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." This trembling was a response to the overwhelming presence of God and His holiness.

The Psalms also reflect this theme, as seen in Psalm 2:11 : "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." Here, trembling is coupled with rejoicing, indicating a deep respect and reverence for God that acknowledges His power and majesty.

In the prophetic books, trembling is often a reaction to the impending judgment or the revelation of God's plans. Isaiah 66:2 states, "Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the LORD. This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." This verse highlights the importance of a humble and reverent attitude towards God's word and commands.

In the New Testament, trembling continues to be a response to divine encounters and the realization of God's power. In Acts 9:6 , when Saul (later Paul) encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, he is described as "trembling and astonished," illustrating his fear and awe in the presence of the Lord.

Appallment

Appallment, though less frequently mentioned than trembling, conveys a sense of shock, dismay, or horror, often in response to sin, judgment, or the consequences of disobedience. It reflects a deep emotional disturbance caused by witnessing or contemplating something profoundly unsettling.

In the Old Testament, appallment is often linked to the reaction of the people to God's judgment or the desolation brought about by sin. In Jeremiah 2:12 , God calls the heavens to witness the appalling actions of His people: "Be appalled at this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly desolate, declares the LORD." This verse underscores the gravity of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting divine dismay.

Ezekiel also uses the concept of appallment to describe the reaction to God's judgment. In Ezekiel 27:35 , the prophet speaks of the nations' response to the fall of Tyre: "All the inhabitants of the coastlands are appalled at you; their kings shudder with horror, their faces are contorted." This illustrates the widespread shock and horror at the downfall of a once-great city.

In the New Testament, while the term "appallment" itself may not be explicitly used, the concept is present in the reactions to the crucifixion and the events surrounding the end times. The Gospels describe the darkness and the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' death, which left many witnesses in a state of shock and awe (Matthew 27:51-54).

Overall, trembling and appallment in the Bible serve as powerful expressions of human response to the divine, highlighting the awe-inspiring and sometimes terrifying nature of God's presence, actions, and judgments. These reactions call believers to a posture of reverence, humility, and awareness of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.