Thunder

Often referred to in Scripture (Job 40:9; Ps. 77:18; 104:7). James and John were called by our Lord “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). In Job 39:19, instead of “thunder,” as in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version translates (ra’amah) by “quivering main” (marg., “shaking”). Thunder accompanied the giving of the law at Sinai (Ex. 19:16). It was regarded as the voice of God (Job 37:2; Ps. 18:13; 81:7; comp. John 12:29). In answer to Samuel’s prayer (1 Sam. 12:17, 18), God sent thunder, and “all the people greatly feared,” for at such a season (the wheat-harvest) thunder and rain were almost unknown in Palestine.

is hardly ever heard in Palestine form the middle of April to the middle of September; hence it was selected by Samuel as a striking expression of the divine displeasure toward the Israelites. (1 Samuel 12:17) Rain in harvest was deemed as extraordinary as snow in summer, (Proverbs 26:1) and Jerome states that he had never witnessed it in the latter part of June or in July. Comm. on (Amos 4:7) In the imaginative philosophy of the Hebrews, thunder was regarded as the voice of Jehovah, (Job 37:2,4,5; 40:9; Psalms 18:13; 29:3-9; Isaiah 30:30,31) who dwelt behind the thunder-cloud. (Psalms 81:7) Thunder was, to the mind of the Jew, the symbol of divine power (Psalms 29:3) etc., and vengeance. (1 Samuel 2:10; 2 Samuel 22:14)

THUN'DER is very rare in Palestine from the middle of April to the middle of September. Hence it was a striking miracle when, in answer to Samuel's prayer, God sent thunder and rain in wheat-harvest (May 18 to June 15). 1 Sam 12:17. Thunder was regarded as Jehovah's voice. Job 37:2; Ps 18:13; Ps 81:7; Isa 30:30-31. When the people heard God's voice, they said that it thundered. John 12:29. Thunder accompanied the giving of the Law. Ex 19:16. It was a symbol of divine power, implying possible vengeance upon wrong-doers. 1 Sam 2:10; 2 Sam 22:14; Isa 29:6; Rev 8:5.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The sound which follows a flash of lightning; the report of a discharge of atmospheric electricity.

2. The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt. [Obs.] The revenging gods 'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend. Shak.

3. Any loud noise; as, the thunder of cannon.

4. An alarming or statrling threat or denunciation. The thunders of the Vatican could no longer strike into the heart of princes. Prescott. Thunder pumper. (Zoöl.) (a) The croaker (Haploidontus grunniens). (b) The American bittern or stake-driver. -- Thunder rod, a lightning rod. [R.] -- Thunder snake. (Zoöl.) (a) The chicken, or milk, snake. (b) A small reddish ground snake (Carphophis, or Celuta, amoena) native to the Eastern United States; -- called also worm snake. -- Thunder tube, a fulgurite. See Fulgurite.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity; -- often used impersonally; as, it thundered continuously. Canst thou thunder with a voice like him Job xl. 9.

2. Fig.: To make a loud noise; esp. a heavy sound, of some continuance. His dreadful voice no more Would thunder in my ears. Milton.

3. To utter violent denunciation.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To emit with noise and terror; to utter vehemently; to publish, as a threat or denunciation. Oracles severe Were daily thundered in our general's ear. Dryden. An archdeacon, as being a prelate, may thunder out an ecclesiastical censure. Ayliffe.