Topical Encyclopedia The term "earth-shaking" in the biblical context often refers to literal seismic events as well as metaphorical expressions of divine intervention and significant spiritual occurrences. Throughout Scripture, earth-shaking events are depicted as manifestations of God's power and presence, serving as both a physical and symbolic demonstration of His sovereignty and authority over creation.Old Testament References 1. Mount Sinai: One of the most notable earth-shaking events in the Old Testament occurs at Mount Sinai. When God descended upon the mountain to give the Law to Moses, the earth trembled. Exodus 19:18 states, "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." This event underscores the holiness and majesty of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel. 2. The Earthquake in the Days of Uzziah: The prophet Amos references a significant earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. Amos 1:1 mentions, "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel." This earthquake is also alluded to in Zechariah 14:5, indicating its lasting impact on the collective memory of the people. 3. The Psalms: Earthquakes are frequently used in the Psalms to describe God's might and the response of creation to His presence. Psalm 18:7 declares, "Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger." Such imagery conveys the awe-inspiring power of God and His ability to alter the natural world. New Testament References 1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A profound earth-shaking event occurs at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51 records, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This seismic event signifies the momentous nature of Christ's sacrificial death, symbolizing the opening of a new covenant and the direct access to God through Jesus. 2. The Resurrection: Another significant earthquake is described at the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:2 states, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." This event marks the triumph of Christ over death and the grave, heralding the dawn of a new era of salvation. 3. The Apostles' Prayer: In Acts 4:31 , after the apostles prayed for boldness in proclaiming the gospel, "the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." This shaking signifies the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit and the divine endorsement of the apostles' mission. Symbolic and Prophetic Usage In addition to literal earthquakes, the Bible uses earth-shaking imagery to describe future eschatological events. The prophetic literature, particularly in books like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation, often employs such language to depict the coming Day of the Lord and the final judgment. For instance, Revelation 6:12 describes a great earthquake as part of the apocalyptic vision: "And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red." Theological Implications Earth-shaking events in the Bible serve as reminders of God's omnipotence and His active involvement in the world. They often accompany pivotal moments in redemptive history, highlighting the transition from old to new covenants, the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. These events call believers to recognize the majesty of God, to live in reverence of His power, and to anticipate the culmination of His divine plan. Library The Burden-Bearing God Patriotic Hymns. Thesaurus Earth-shaking (1 Occurrence)Earth-shaking. Earth's, Earth-shaking. Earth-shock . Multi-Version Concordance Earth-shaking (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ... /e/earth-shaking.htm - 6k Earth-shock (11 Occurrences) Earth's (9 Occurrences) Consuming (26 Occurrences) Skirts (23 Occurrences) Grip (32 Occurrences) Needlework (23 Occurrences) Minute (19 Occurrences) Punished (47 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about suffering? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Alpha Course? | GotQuestions.org Who is the desired of all nations (Haggai 2:7)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Earth-shaking (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 29:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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