And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. And in that hour there was a great earthquake,God’s judgment follows immediately upon the vindication of the two witnesses. Earthquakes repeatedly accompany decisive displays of divine power in Scripture, including at Sinai, at Christ’s death, and in the judgments of Revelation. The event confirms that God rules over the earthly city that rejected His messengers and will bring history to its appointed end. Rev 16:18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings,… and a tenth of the city collapsed. Jerusalem, identified earlier as the place where the Lord was crucified, bears a measured but devastating judgment. The destruction of one tenth demonstrates both God’s severity and His restraint. Much of the city remains, leaving survivors to reckon with the warning God has given. Amo 5:3 This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out… Seven thousand were killed in the quake, The precise number shows that the judgment is neither accidental nor uncontrolled. God knows those who fall under His wrath and those who remain. The number also recalls the seven thousand faithful Israelites preserved in Elijah’s day, though here seven thousand perish amid a generation that has opposed God’s prophetic witness. 1Ki 19:18 Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel…… and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. The survivors recognize that the earthquake comes from the God who reigns above all earthly powers. Their fear stands in contrast to the hardened rebellion described elsewhere in Revelation. Giving glory to God marks an open acknowledgment of His authority, though the lasting reality of their repentance is left to the unfolding events of God’s judgment. Rev 14:7 And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Great EarthquakeA significant seismic event symbolizing divine intervention and judgment. 2. The City Likely Jerusalem, representing a center of religious and political significance. 3. The Tenth of the City A portion of the city that collapses, indicating partial but significant destruction. 4. Seven Thousand Killed A specific number of people who perish, symbolizing completeness in judgment. 5. The Rest Who Gave Glory Survivors who respond with fear and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty. Teaching Points Divine Judgment and MercyGod's judgments are both just and merciful, leading some to repentance and acknowledgment of His glory. The Power of God Earthquakes symbolize God's immense power and control over creation, reminding us of His sovereignty. Response to God's Acts The appropriate response to witnessing God's power is reverence and giving glory to Him. Partial Judgment as a Warning The partial destruction serves as a warning and a call to repentance for those who survive. The Role of Fear in Faith Healthy fear of God can lead to a deeper faith and recognition of His authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the great earthquake in Revelation 11:13 reflect God's power and sovereignty, and how should this influence our view of natural disasters today?2. In what ways does the partial destruction of the city serve as a warning to us about the consequences of sin and the need for repentance? 3. How can we apply the response of the survivors, who gave glory to God, in our own lives when we witness or experience God's power? 4. What other biblical events involving earthquakes can you think of, and what do they teach us about God's intervention in human history? 5. How does the concept of divine judgment in Revelation 11:13 relate to the broader biblical account of redemption and restoration? Connections to Other Scriptures Zechariah 14:5This passage also speaks of an earthquake in Jerusalem, connecting the theme of divine judgment and intervention. Isaiah 29:6 Describes God's judgment through natural disasters, including earthquakes, reinforcing the idea of divine power and control. Acts 16:26 The earthquake that freed Paul and Silas, illustrating how God uses such events for His purposes and glory. Hebrews 12:26-27 Speaks of God shaking the earth, emphasizing the removal of what can be shaken to reveal what is unshakable.
People JohnPlaces Egypt, Patmos, SodomTopics Affrighted, Collapsed, Destruction, Earthquake, Earth-shock, Fall, Fear, Fell, Filled, Glory, Heaven, Hour, Killed, Names, Overthrown, Persons, Remnant, Rest, Seven, Severe, Slain, Survivors, Tenth, Terrified, Thousand, Thousands, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 11:13 1045 God, glory of Library WorshipEversley, September 4, 1870. Revelation xi. 16, 17. "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." My dear friends,--I wish to speak a few plain words to you this morning, on a matter which has been on my mind ever since I returned from Chester, namely,--The duty of the congregation … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in Washington, D. C. , Nov. 13, 1888. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Time of the Evening. The Second vision "On Earth" The Interest of his Biography. "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are The Almighty The Third vision "In Heaven" The Fourth A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Water of Life; Conclusion. Opposition to Messiah in Vain Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Links Revelation 11:13 NIVRevelation 11:13 NLT Revelation 11:13 ESV Revelation 11:13 NASB Revelation 11:13 KJV Revelation 11:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |