You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it. Heal its breaches, for it is shaking. (Psalm 60:2)
Rabbinical commentators recommend that, with these words, David is referring to much more than just events that occurred in his day. They believe that David was speaking prophetically, and especially of a time when the land of Israel would be trampled underfoot by great and mighty empires — first the Babylonians and then the Romans. According to this interpretation, David foresaw the day when the land would tremble under the weight of innumerable armies, be broken into pieces as it were, and the people become a shattered nation. Therefore, being the shepherd he was, he prayed for the future of his people — that God would heal them and heal their land.
In this vein of thought, let us consider another prophecy that speaks to the same notion — that God will allow a great shaking of the earth to occur. The writer of Hebrews, referencing the great and awesome events that occurred at Mount Sinai, likens that demonstration of God’s power to a future time in which He would not only shake the earth but the heavens as well. In so doing, God intends to reveal and then remove anything and everything that is unworthy to stand, and at the same time, reveal those things that are worthy of remaining (Hebrews 12:26-27). And so, in anticipation of this event, the writer says to God’s people, “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven” (Hebrews 12:25).
The Bible has made it clear that, in the last days, the earth will tremble and will be broken under the weight of God’s justice. As Messiah said, “On the earth there will be distress of nations, with the sea and the waves roaring … for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26). I believe this description of the end matches the same scenario described in Hebrews 12 — this world is destined to tremble and to shake, causing men’s hearts to fail. However, for those whose faith is established in the Lord — for those who are heeding His Voice — we are not to be downcast and hopeless. Rather we are to look up toward Heaven with hope because the time of our redemption is at hand. Things on earth might get rather interesting for a while, but it is only the precursor to a Day when all things broken are healed. Even so, come Lord Yeshua!
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Amen Bill!