A Preliminary Look at “Suddenly” in the Hebrew Bible

“‘Suddenly’ keeps sounding off in my spirit… I DECLARE YOUR SUDDENLY IS ARRIVING! In the name of Jesus” – Paula White-Cain, X social network, 05.01.25

It’s commonplace to have some people who influence you. There are always people whose voices seem to rise above the crowd.

I have no idea why, because I don’t normally listen to preachers like her, but I track with Paula White-Cain CLICK

So I did a preliminary look at the word suddenly as it occurs in the Hebrew Bible. It occurs a lot, but these are times it is specifically tied to the activity of God.

Those who recognize these passages will know that whole sermons or articles could come from each verse that I’m sharing.

suddenly in the Hebrew Bible (NRSV)

1 Kings 19.5

Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Get up and eat.’

2 Chronicles 29.36

And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because of what God had done for the people; for the thing had come about suddenly.

Isaiah 48.3

The former things I declared long ago, they went out from my mouth and I made them known; then suddenly I did them and they came to pass.

Jeremiah 50.44

Like a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly chase them away from her; and I will appoint over her whomsoever I choose. For who is like me? Who can summon me? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me?

Ezekiel 37.37

So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.

Malachi 3.1

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

afterword

I have had two critiques recently.

One faithful friend at church said that I was listing a bunch of scriptures lately. Why don’t I take those scriptures and apply them to my life instead of trying to just help someone else out?

This is an attempt to do just that. I can take a rhema word that resonates deeply with me, and explore the word in the holy scripture.

The second critique comes from a family member. It had to do with the nature of my writing recently online. It was said that it was more like my journal than anything.

That one was a little tough to receive because I have given my best to Patheos since 2018. Many of my best academic writings are represented here.

I can remember a man sharing devotions in a seminary class before we got started for the day. I was surprised at how simple his devotional thought was. But I remember him saying that we are studying so deeply in the word of God in seminary, that the simple truths become more profound.

That’s how it’s been for me recently. I have been leading a group on a deep dive into the book of John at church. It is a heavy study. Therefore, I’m giving myself permission to write more simple posts here.

I think of another example, and God forbid that I would be anywhere in the same camp. The late Henri Nouwen is someone who wrote amazing academic theological works. But he also wrote very personal works, some from his own journal.

Just today, a stranger messaged me on a social network where I post my writings. The person was grateful that I shared and told me how much my writings had an impact.

Whether I’m writing academically surrounded by my library or all by myself in the coffee shop; whether I’m listing scriptures or taking a deep dive into the Word; may my words serve a greater purpose.