The word ‘suddenly’ appears often in the Bible. The number of times it appears varies, depending on the version of the Bible you are reading. The Cambridge Dictionary describes ‘suddenly’ as meaning; in a sudden way, very quickly or unexpectedly. Here are 5 examples of ‘suddenly’ in the CSB Bible.
Numbers 12:4 (CSB)
Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “You three come out to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them went out.
Job 1:19 (CSB)
“Suddenly a powerful wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people so that they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Genesis 15:12 (CSB)
As the sun was setting, a deep sleep came over Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.
Mark 13:36-37 (CSB)
“Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
Luke 2:13-14 (CSB)
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”
When the word ‘suddenly’ is used in the Bible, there is always something that happens that makes people sit up and take notice! The examples in the 5 scriptures above tell of; 1) great surprise, 2) tragedy, 3) terror, 4) being left out when Jesus returns because of not being alert and being too complacent, 5) Joyous occasion of angels praising God and delivering a message to people on earth.
So, you see, ‘suddenly’ is used when something is going to happen quite unexpectedly, quickly and without warning. There are end times and last days events still to take place, that will happen quickly, unexpectedly and suddenly.
The Fall of Babylon (Revelation, chapter 18) Babylon was an ancient city but in end times Babylon is a spiritual symbol of the fallen world and materialism and people’s pride, arrogance and greed, who turn away from God, which causes rebellion and defiance against God.
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew, chapter 24) No one knows the day or hour when Jesus will return to earth, only God knows, but we must remain alert and faithful at all times to Him.
Stay faithful to God, stay alert, read the Bible and be prepared for what is to come. The Bible is the living word of God and God’s word never changes. It is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow: past, present and future.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (CSB)
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
There is a hymn by author and composer C H M Foster, published in 1941, with the title ‘Coming Suddenly!’
Coming suddenly! Coming soon!
Coming certainly! night or noon
Jesus, I humbly pray,
Wash all my sins away,
And keep me till that day
When Thou shalt come.
Onward Christian Soldiers 