Hebrews 12:26 – “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse points back to the day when God spoke at Mount Sinai. When His voice thundered from the mountain, the entire earth trembled. But that shaking was only a small preview of what is to come. Now, God has made a new promise: one day, He will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. This future “shaking” refers to a time when God will once again intervene powerfully in human history—this time to remove everything that is temporary, unstable, or impure, so that only what is eternal and unshakable will remain. It’s a picture of God’s judgment, but also of His final plan to restore and establish His eternal kingdom.
Historical Context
The first “shaking” happened when God descended on Mount Sinai in Exodus 19. The ground literally trembled as God’s presence came down with fire, smoke, and thunder. The people were terrified, and even Moses trembled with fear. But here in Hebrews, the writer is quoting Haggai 2:6, where God speaks of a future time when He will “shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.” That prophecy pointed forward to the coming of God’s kingdom through the Messiah. In the early church, this was understood to mean not only future judgment but also the arrival of a new, unshakable reality through Jesus Christ.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that God is not done with the world. He will once again shake creation—not out of chaos, but to fulfill His purpose. The shaking is about removing what’s temporary and preparing the way for what is eternal. It reminds us that everything man-made, earthly, and passing will eventually fall away. What God builds—His kingdom, His truth, His promises—those are the things that will last forever. It’s also a sobering reminder that God’s voice still carries power, and His plans will not be stopped.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses contrast between “at that time” and “but now.” This shows a shift from the past shaking of Sinai to a future, greater shaking. The phrase “His voice shook the earth” refers to God’s authority. The quote “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens” comes from Haggai and adds an even broader scope. The use of “shake” is symbolic—it means judgment, transformation, and the removal of what doesn’t belong. It builds anticipation for the next verse, which will explain what cannot be shaken.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 19:18 – “The whole mountain trembled violently” when God descended on Sinai.
- Haggai 2:6-7 – God promises to shake the heavens and the earth and fill His house with glory.
- Isaiah 13:13 – God says, “I will make the heavens tremble.”
- Hebrews 12:27 – The next verse explains that this shaking will remove created things so only the unshakable remains.
- Revelation 21:1 – God creates a new heaven and a new earth—what remains after the final shaking.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a call to hold tightly to what matters most. Our world is full of change, uncertainty, and instability. But God’s kingdom is solid. His truth doesn’t move. When life feels like it’s shaking, this verse reminds us that not everything will last—but the things of God will. It encourages us to build our lives on the foundation that can’t be shaken: Christ, His Word, and His promises. It also reminds us not to put too much hope in things that won’t last—earthly possessions, human systems, or temporary comforts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love isn’t just gentle—it’s strong. He doesn’t let us settle for what’s unstable or fake. His shaking isn’t random—it’s redemptive. He shakes what needs to fall so that what’s eternal can remain. That’s mercy. He speaks not to terrify, but to purify. The shaking is a way He prepares the world—and our hearts—for something better. His goal isn’t destruction; it’s restoration. He wants us to be anchored in something real, something eternal, something that reflects His heart and His kingdom.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the foundation that cannot be shaken. When everything else is falling apart, He remains steady. He is the fulfillment of Haggai’s prophecy—the One who came to establish God’s kingdom, not with violence, but through His death and resurrection. In Matthew 7:24–25, Jesus says that those who hear His words and obey them are like people who build their house on the rock. When storms come—and they will—that house stands. Jesus is the rock. Through Him, we are part of a kingdom that will never fall.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some “shakable” things in your life that you may be putting too much trust in?
- How does it comfort you to know that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken?
- Are you listening to God’s voice in this season of your life, or tuning it out?
- How can you respond in faith when the world around you feels uncertain or unstable?
- What does it look like to build your life on Christ, the unshakable foundation?