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What the Bible Says About Panic

Overview

The Bible addresses panic across 19 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel, Exodus and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Philistines, War, Music and Psalms. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, Jacob and Jonathan.

Key Bible verses about panic

Old Testament

1 Samuel

1 Samuel 14:15

And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. a very: Heb. a trembling of God

1 Samuel 14:16

And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

1 Samuel 14:17

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.

1 Samuel 14:18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 14:19

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand. noise: or, tumult

1 Samuel 14:20

And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. assembled: Heb. were cried together

People in the Bible and panic

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying panic for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 35:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 1 Samuel, Exodus and 2 Kings each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Saul, Jacob and Jonathan and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Philistines, War, Music and Psalms.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about panic?

The Bible addresses panic across 19 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel, Exodus and 2 Kings. Closely related themes include Philistines, War, Music and Psalms. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, Jacob and Jonathan.

How many Bible verses are about panic?

The Bible references panic in 19 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention panic?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 35:5: “And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with panic?

Saul, Jacob and Jonathan.

Preach & teach

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