Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

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" (Mk. 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. Jn. 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.