The angel Gabriel spoke this to Zacharias, (John the Baptist’s father), because Zacharias thought his wife was to old to have a child, “…behold, you shall be SILENT (siōpaō : involuntary stillness) and UNABLE TO SPEAK until the day when these things take place, because you DID NOT BELIEVE my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” (Luke 1:20)
Another time this word is used when the disciples (seasoned fishermen familiar with the storms) took Jesus in the boat and began to cross the sea of Galilee. “a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “PEACE, (siōpaō : involuntary stillness) BE STILL!” And the wind ceased and there was a GREAT CALM. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea OBEY HIM!” (Mark 4:37-41)
Involuntary stillness means the command was given for silence or stillness and there was NO CHOICE but to obey the command. I personally experienced this Involuntary stillness when I was teaching in Cleveland’s alternative High School. As teachers, we were informed that this was the last chance for these students, they may get rowdy, use bad language etc. It was my first full day of teaching and the student’s did indeed do as I was told they would do and I was not ready for it! I found myself very frustrated and in my mind I cried out this prayer, “LORD PLEASE HELP ME DEAL WITH THESE HEATHENS” and the Lord spoke this to me, “BE STILL, and KNOW THAT I AM GOD: I WILL BE EXALTED among the heathen…” (Psa. 46:10KJV) The Lord instructed me to do the following, come in each morning and anoint and pray over the door posts, the desks and the chairs. Put “God Things” on the walls and diligently pray over each student. I did just that and what a difference, God put favor in the hearts of the students toward me and every thing changed, there was a GREAT CALM!!!
-Bill Stockham