Topical Encyclopedia Earthquakes are significant natural phenomena mentioned throughout the Bible, often symbolizing divine intervention, judgment, or the power of God. They serve as both literal and metaphorical events within the biblical narrative, illustrating God's might and the transformative nature of His presence.Old Testament References 1. Mount Sinai: One of the earliest mentions of an earthquake occurs during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The mountain trembled violently as God descended upon it in fire. This event underscores the holiness and power of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel. Exodus 19:18 : "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." 2. The Earthquake in the Days of Uzziah: The prophet Amos references a significant earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah, which serves as a historical marker and a symbol of impending judgment. Amos 1:1 : "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel." 3. The Earthquake in the Valley of Gibeon: In the book of Joshua, an earthquake is implied during the battle in the Valley of Gibeon, where God intervenes to aid Israel against their enemies. Joshua 10:10-11 : "And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them along the road to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled before Israel on the descent from Beth-horon, the LORD cast down large hailstones on them from the sky, more than the Israelites killed with the sword." New Testament References 1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A profound earthquake occurs at the moment of Jesus' death, symbolizing the cosmic significance of His sacrifice and the tearing of the temple veil, which represents the new access to God through Christ. Matthew 27:51-54 : "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. After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God.'" 2. The Resurrection of Jesus: Another earthquake occurs at the resurrection of Jesus, signifying the power of God in raising Christ from the dead and the beginning of a new creation. Matthew 28:2 : "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." 3. Paul and Silas in Prison: An earthquake is used by God to free Paul and Silas from prison, demonstrating His sovereignty and the power of prayer and worship. Acts 16:25-26 : "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose." Prophetic and Apocalyptic References 1. The End Times: Earthquakes are frequently mentioned in eschatological contexts, symbolizing the upheaval and divine judgment associated with the end times. Revelation 6:12 : "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." 2. The Return of Christ: Earthquakes accompany the return of Christ, marking the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 16:18 : "And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and a great earthquake—the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake." Throughout Scripture, earthquakes are depicted as manifestations of God's presence and power, serving as both literal events and symbolic representations of divine action and judgment. Nave's Topical Index Job 9:6Which shakes the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 18:7 Psalm 46:2,3 Psalm 104:32 Jeremiah 4:24 Library General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... God is Our Refuge The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom Sovereignty of God in Administration The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Melito and the Circumstances which He Records. The Doctrine of the Last Things. The Counsel of Gamaliel. 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 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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