Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Earthquakes are natural phenomena characterized by the shaking of the ground, often resulting from movements within the earth's crust. In biblical times, earthquakes were understood as powerful acts of God, often associated with His divine presence, judgment, or intervention in human affairs. Biblical Occurrences and Significance: Earthquakes are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing God's power and the dramatic unfolding of His plans. They serve as both literal and metaphorical events, illustrating God's might and the upheaval of human and spiritual realms. 1. Mount Sinai: One of the earliest mentions of an earthquake in the Bible occurs during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. 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 awe-inspiring presence of God and the seriousness of His covenant with Israel. 2. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A significant earthquake is recorded at the moment of Jesus' death. Matthew 27:51-54 describes, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split. The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised." This earthquake signifies the profound spiritual shift brought about by Christ's sacrificial death, symbolizing the breaking of barriers between God and humanity. 3. The Resurrection: Another earthquake is noted 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 highlights the divine power involved in the resurrection and the victory over death. 4. Paul and Silas in Prison: In Acts 16:26 , an earthquake serves as a divine intervention: "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone's chains came loose." This miraculous event leads to the conversion of the jailer and his household, demonstrating God's ability to use natural phenomena for His redemptive purposes. 5. Prophetic and Apocalyptic Contexts: Earthquakes are frequently mentioned in prophetic and apocalyptic literature as signs of the end times and divine judgment. In Revelation 6:12 , during the opening of the sixth seal, "there was a great earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth made of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red." Such imagery conveys the cosmic scale of God's final judgment and the transformation of creation. Theological Implications: In the biblical narrative, earthquakes are more than mere natural disasters; they are manifestations of God's sovereign power and His active involvement in the world. They serve as reminders of His authority over creation and His ability to disrupt the status quo to fulfill His divine purposes. Earthquakes in Scripture often accompany pivotal moments in salvation history, emphasizing the gravity and significance of God's actions and revelations to humanity. Greek 4578. seismos -- a commotion, shaking ... Word Origin from seio Definition a commotion, shaking NASB Word Usage earthquake (10), earthquakes (3), storm (1). earthquake, tempest. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4578.htm - 6k Library The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Hail of Extraordinary Size; and Earthquakes in Bithynia and the ... The Earthquake (Preached October 11, 1863. ) The Epistle of Antoninus to the Common Assembly of Asia in Regard ... The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. ) God is Our Refuge The Great Assize The Pearl. Noah's Flood Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. Thesaurus Earthquakes (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Earthquakes (3 Occurrences). ... There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. ... /e/earthquakes.htm - 7k Earthquake (17 Occurrences) Various (52 Occurrences) Famines (3 Occurrences) Divers (36 Occurrences) Places (610 Occurrences) Nation (192 Occurrences) Pestilences (2 Occurrences) Earth's (9 Occurrences) Graecia Resources Why does God allow natural disasters, i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org Questions about God (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Earthquakes (3 Occurrences)Matthew 24:7 Mark 13:8 Luke 21:11 Subtopics Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Anger Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Power Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Presence Earthquakes in Canaan, in the Days of Uzziah, King of Judah Earthquakes in Strongholds of Philistines Earthquakes: At Christ's Second Coming, Predicted Earthquakes: At Our Lord's Death Earthquakes: At out Lord's Resurrection Earthquakes: At the Crucifixion of Jesus Earthquakes: At the Resurrection of Jesus Earthquakes: Before Destruction of Jerusalem, Predicted Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Convulsion and Receding of the Sea Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Opening of the Earth Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Overturning of Mountains Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Tearing of Rocks Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Volcanic Eruptions Earthquakes: General Scriptures Concerning Earthquakes: Islands and Mountainous Districts Liable To Earthquakes: Men Always Terrified By Earthquakes: The Judgments of God Earthquakes: The Overthrow of Kingdoms Earthquakes: when Elijah Fled from Jezebel Earthquakes: when Jonathan and his Armor-Bearer Attacked the Garrison at Gibeah Earthquakes: when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Were Swallowed Up Earthquakes: when Paul and Silas Were in Prison at Philippi Earthquakes: when the Lord Revealed Himself to Elijah in the Still Small Voice Related Terms |
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