Aaron Earls
While Americans went to the ballot box on Election Day, many also went to Google to search for Bible verses.
An analysis of Google Trends data found that searches for a number of Bible verses and phrases spiked on Nov. 9. 2 Chronicles 7:14 and its familiar opening phrase “if my people” were among the most popular.
Christianity Today found visitors to Bible Gateway were searching for “if my people,” the opening phrase of 2 Chronicles 7:14 in both the KJV and NIV translations, more than any other verse on Election Day.
The HCSB version reads: “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
The verse, which was part of God’s response to Solomon finishing the temple, is frequently used by modern-day Christians as an encouragement to pray for their nation.
Online searchers were also increasingly looking for Psalm 146:3 and the phrase “trust not princes.” That psalm calls on God’s people to trust in the Lord, not human leaders.
Another passage and topic that saw increased interest was 1 Timothy 2, which begins with a command to pray for “kings and all those who are in authority.” The phrases “pray for those in authority” and “pray for leaders” also spiked on Election Day.
One of the more unusual passages that jumped in online searches was Isaiah 45, a prophecy about Cyrus, the biblical king of Persia who ended the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people.
Before the election some Christian writers and pastors made a connection between the chapter number and Donald Trump becoming the 45th president of the United States.
After Hillary Clinton referenced Galatians 6:9 in her concession speech, the Scripture reference and the phrase “do not grow weary” saw a jump in Google searches.
Beyond specific verses, many Web users searched for biblical topics or ideas.
Google searches for things like “God on throne” and “God control” spiked on Election Day.
Other’s thought the end of the election season might also usher in the “end times” and bring about the “antichrist.”
For some, the election brought to mind a different idea. “Gnashing of teeth” also spiked on Election Day.
AARON EARLS (Aaron.Earls@Lifeway.com) is online editor of Facts & Trends.
