The Great Earthquake and Hailstorm are significant eschatological events described in the Book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament. These events are part of the apocalyptic visions revealed to the Apostle John while he was on the island of Patmos. They symbolize divine judgment and the culmination of God's plan for the end times.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 6:12-14 : The opening of the sixth seal reveals a great earthquake, which is accompanied by cosmic disturbances. "I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place."

2. Revelation 8:5-7 : The seventh seal introduces the seven trumpets, and the first trumpet brings hail and fire mixed with blood. "Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. And the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass."

3. Revelation 11:19 : The seventh trumpet sounds, and the temple of God in heaven is opened, revealing the ark of His covenant. This is followed by another earthquake and a great hailstorm. "Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm."

4. Revelation 16:17-21 : The seventh bowl of God's wrath is poured out, resulting in the most severe earthquake and hailstorm. "Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, 'It is done!' 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. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found. And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous."

Theological Significance:

The Great Earthquake and Hailstorm are emblematic of God's ultimate authority and power over creation. They serve as a divine response to human sinfulness and rebellion, emphasizing the seriousness of God's judgment. These events are not merely natural disasters but are imbued with spiritual significance, marking the transition from the current age to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

The imagery of the earthquake and hailstorm is consistent with Old Testament depictions of God's presence and judgment, such as in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:23-24) and the theophany at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). In Revelation, these phenomena underscore the severity and inevitability of God's final judgment, calling believers to remain steadfast in faith and urging repentance among the unrepentant.

Interpretative Views:

From a conservative Christian perspective, these events are understood as literal occurrences that will take place during the end times. They are seen as part of the series of judgments that lead to the return of Christ and the establishment of His millennial reign. The Great Earthquake and Hailstorm are viewed as both a warning and a promise—warning of the impending judgment for those who reject God and a promise of deliverance and vindication for those who remain faithful.