Sirach 16:19 - The mountains and the foundations of the earth together Are shaken with trembling, when he looks upon them.

Generated Verse: Sirach 16:19

What does "Sirach 16:19" mean?


Sirach 16:19, "The mountains and the foundations of the earth together Are shaken with trembling, when he looks upon them," is a powerful image of God's immense power and authority. Let's break down what it likely signifies:

"The mountains and the foundations of the earth together...": Mountains are symbols of strength, permanence, and majesty. The foundations of the earth represent the deepest and most stable parts of creation. These are things that seem unmovable and everlasting.

"...Are shaken with trembling...": Shaking and trembling convey fear, instability, and a loss of control.

"...when he looks upon them.": This is the key. God's mere gaze is enough to cause such monumental forces to quiver. This emphasizes the immensity of God's power and the insignificance of even the most impressive creations in His presence.

Therefore, the verse means:

God's Power and Authority: The verse highlights God's absolute and overwhelming power. He is not just a powerful being, but His very presence and attention can cause the most massive and stable elements of creation to tremble.
God's Majesty and Reverence: This verse evokes a sense of awe and reverence for God. The image of mountains trembling reminds us of the need to approach God with humility and respect.
God's Sovereignty Over Creation: Everything in creation, no matter how strong or deep-rooted, is ultimately subject to God's will and control. He is the ultimate authority.

In summary, Sirach 16:19 is a poetic and evocative description of God's unrivaled power, authority, and the respect due to Him as the creator and sustainer of all things. It underscores the vast difference between the created and the Creator.

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