Earthquake

Mentioned among the extraordinary phenomena of Palestine (Ps. 18:7; comp. Hab. 3:6; Nah. 1:5; Isa. 5:25). The first earthquake in Palestine of which we have any record happened in the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 19:11, 12). Another took place in the days of Uzziah, King of Judah (Zech. 14:5). The most memorable earthquake taking place in New Testament times happened at the crucifixion of our Lord (Matt. 27:54). An earthquake at Philippi shook the prison in which Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Act 16:26). It is used figuratively as a token of the presence of the Lord (Judg. 5:4; 2 Sam. 22:8; Ps. 77:18; 97:4; 104:32).

Earthquakes, more or less violent, are of frequent occurrence in Palestine. The most remarkable occurred in the reign of Uzziah. (Zechariah 14:5) From (Zechariah 14:4) we are led to infer that a great convulsion took place at this time in the Mount of Olives, the mountain being split so as to leave a valley between its summit. An earthquake occurred at the time of our Saviour’s crucifixion. (Matthew 27:51-54) Earthquakes are not unfrequently accompanied by fissures of the earth’s surface; instances of this are recorded in connection with the destruction of Korah and his company, (Numbers 16:32) and at the time of our Lord’s death, (Matthew 27:51) the former may be paralleled by a similar occurrence at Oppido in Calabria A.D. 1783, where the earth opened to the extent of five hundred and a depth of more than two hundred feet.

EARTHQUAKE. Korah and his companions were destroyed by the rending asunder of the ground where they stood, thus engulfing them in the cavity, Num 16:32; in other words, by an earthquake. The earthquake mentioned in Am 1:1; Zech 14:5 is also mentioned by Josephus, who adds that it divided a mountain near Jerusalem, and was so violent as to separate one part some distance from the other. The earthquake was among the fearful signs which attended the crucifixion of our Saviour. Matt 27:51-54. Earthquakes are mentioned among the calamities which should, and did, precede the destruction of Jerusalem. Matt 24:7. Earthquakes, in prophetical language, denote revolutions and commotions in states and empires. An earthquake, "conveying the idea of some universal and unlimited danger," as Humboldt says, was an appropriate illustration of the awe which strikes the soul when God seems to draw nigh. It is therefore a fitting token of his presence, IKgs 19:11, and is used in Scripture, poetry, and prophecy in descriptions of the coming of Jehovah. Jud 5:4; 2 Sam 22:8; Ps 77:18; Ps 97:4; Ps 104:32; Am 8:8; Hab 3:10.

EARTHQUAKE. Korah and his companions were destroyed by the rending asunder of the ground where
they stood, thus engulfing them in the cavity, Num 16:32; in other words, by an earthquake. The earthquake mentioned in Am 1:1; Zech 14:5 is also mentioned by Josephus, who adds that it divided a mountain near Jerusalem, and was so violent as to separate one part some distance from the other. The earthquake was among the fearful signs which attended the crucifixion of our Saviour. Matt 27:51-54. Earthquakes are mentioned among the calamities which should, and did, precede the destruction of Jerusalem. Matt 24:7. Earthquakes, in prophetical language, denote revolutions and commotions in states and empires. An earthquake, "conveying the idea of some universal and unlimited danger," as Humboldt says, was an appropriate illustration of the awe which strikes the soul when God seems to draw nigh. It is therefore a fitting token of his presence, IKgs 19:11, and is used in Scripture, poetry, and prophecy in descriptions of the coming of Jehovah. Jud 5:4; 2 Sam 22:8; Ps 77:18; Ps 97:4; Ps 104:32; Am 8:8; Hab 3:10.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A shaking, trembling, or concussion of the earth, due to subterranean causes, often accompanied by a rumbling noise. The wave of shock sometimes traverses half a hemisphere, destroying cities and many thousand lives; -- called also earthdin, earthquave, and earthshock. Earthquake alarm, a bell signal constructed to operate on the theory that a few seconds before the occurrence of an earthquake the magnet temporarily loses its power.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Like, or characteristic of, an earthquake; loud; starling. The earthquake voice of victory. Byron.