Earthquakes are among the most formidable natural disasters, capable of swallowing landscapes, destroying infrastructure, and claiming countless lives. Despite their destructive nature, the Bible does not shy away from addressing them. Earthquakes are presented as significant events, serving divine purposes that align with God’s wisdom and justice. In this article, we will explore the biblical purpose of earthquakes, especially when considering the massive quakes described in Scripture.
Earthquake Biblical Meaning
At first glance, certain aspects of creation—such as the earth’s wobble, straying meteors, hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes—might seem to challenge our understanding of God’s goodness and wisdom. Yet, these natural phenomena deserve a biblical explanation that aligns with God’s sovereign design. Two Scriptures, in particular, help us grasp the divine perspective during times of calamity.
First, Revelation 4:11 proclaims: “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” [NLT] This verse reminds us that everything in creation exists because God willed it so.
Similarly, Colossians 1:16 declares, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” [NIV] This passage emphasizes that everything, including earthquakes, was created through and for God, serving his divine purposes.
The God who is infinitely wise could have fashioned the earth in a way that it would never tremble—not even in the slightest. But he chose to create the earth’s tectonic plates precisely as they are, with all their potential for movement. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:16, everything exists because God created it as he pleased. Therefore, we can trust that the Lord uses earthquakes in mysterious ways that ultimately glorify him.
Four Biblical Observations About Earthquakes
With this understanding as our foundation, let’s explore four key observations about earthquakes as revealed in the Bible.
- The Bible Records Seventeen Earthquakes, Including Seven Major Ones
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible mentions seventeen earthquakes, with seven major quakes highlighted. These seismic events are not random occurrences; rather, they are significant moments that reveal God’s intervention in human history.
- Earthquakes Occur to Satisfy God’s Justice
One of the recurring themes in the book of Revelation is God’s justice during the Apocalypse. John repeatedly emphasizes that God’s judgments are “just and right”—all of them! Revelation 11:16–18 describes how the 24 Elders around God’s throne in Heaven worship him for his righteous judgments:
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry, and your wrath had come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets, and your people who revere your name, both great and small—and for destroying those who destroy the earth.’”
Theologians have noted that earthquakes are one of the most direct manifestations of God’s judgment. Unlike other natural disasters that often come with warnings, earthquakes strike suddenly and without notice, symbolizing the swift and unavoidable nature of divine judgment.
- God Identifies with Earthquakes
Despite their destructive power, Scripture does not suggest that Satan is responsible for causing earthquakes. On the contrary, several passages show how God himself visits the earth in earthquakes:
- Isaiah 29:6 (LSV) declares, “You are inspected by YHWH of Hosts, with thunder, and with an earthquake, and great noise, windstorm, and whirlwind, and the flame of devouring fire.”
- Psalm 114:7 (NIV) says, “Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.”
- Nahum 1:5 (NIV) states, “The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.”
These Scriptures make it clear that God is intimately connected to the earth’s trembling. But why did God create the earth to be susceptible to earthquakes? This question brings us to the fourth observation.
- Earthquakes Fulfill God’s Eternal Purposes
In everything God does, he acts following his nature—always with perfect wisdom and forethought. Isaiah 25:1 (NET) affirms this truth: “O LORD, you are my God! I will exalt you in praise, I will extol your fame. For you have done extraordinary things, and executed plans made long ago exactly as you decreed.”
Similarly, Proverbs 8:23 (NASB) reveals that God’s wisdom has been established “from eternity, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.” This means that nothing God does is arbitrary or without purpose. Even in the face of disasters, we can trust that God is working for his glory and the ultimate good of mankind.
Ephesians 1:11 (NIV) assures us that God “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” In this, we see that God’s actions, including the shaking of the earth, are always aligned with his eternal purposes—whether for judgment, redemption, or the fulfillment of his divine plan.
Isaiah 26:9–10 (NIV) provides further insight into God’s intentions:
“When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.”
Even in judgment, God desires that people would turn to him, learn righteousness, and be saved. The Bible overflows with testimony of God’s love, goodness, mercy, and justice. Earthquakes, then, are not random acts of destruction but are purposeful actions that call humanity to recognize God’s majesty and turn to him in repentance.
Biblical Occasions of Earthquakes and Their Significance
Some of the most notable events in Scripture are marked by earthquakes. Let’s examine a few key examples and the divine purposes they reveal.
- The Earthquake at Mount Sinai
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, the earth quaked violently, and the people trembled with fear. Exodus 19:16–19 describes the scene:
“On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.”
Meaning of the Earthquake: This earthquake underscored the importance of God’s Word. It served as a powerful reminder to the Israelites that God is one with his Word, and they were to heed it with reverence and obedience.
- The Earthquake at Christ’s Crucifixion
At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the earth shook, rocks split, and tombs broke open. Matthew 27:51–54 recounts the event:
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’”
Meaning of the Earthquake: This earthquake testified to the divine identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It marked the moment when the barrier between God and humanity was torn down, signifying that salvation was now accessible to all.
- The Earthquake at Christ’s Resurrection
On the morning of Christ’s resurrection, there was another violent earthquake. Matthew 28:1–4 describes the scene:
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”
Meaning of the Earthquake: This earthquake affirmed the resurrection of Jesus Christ, declaring that he is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. It was a divine exclamation point on God’s plan of salvation.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is the time to turn to him in repentance. He is ready to forgive your sins and welcome you into his family.
- The Earthquake During the Battle of Gog and Magog
Ezekiel 38:18–20 describes a future earthquake that will occur during the Battle of Gog and Magog:
“This is what will happen on that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath, I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground.”
Meaning of the Earthquake: This future earthquake will demonstrate God’s wrath against those who oppose his people and his purposes. It will serve as a final warning to the nations to repent and turn to the Lord before the end of days.
- The Earthquake at the Seventh Trumpet
Revelation 11:13 describes a devastating earthquake that will occur when the seventh trumpet is blown:
“At that very hour there was a severe earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”
Meaning of the Earthquake: This earthquake will be a manifestation of God’s judgment, causing the people of the earth to recognize his sovereignty and power. It will be a final opportunity for them to give glory to God before the end of time.
The Eschaton and the Surge of Mega-Quakes
When Jesus characterized the “beginning of birth pains,” He was not merely providing a checklist of events but was giving us insight into the nature of the end times. The increase in frequency and intensity of earthquakes, along with other signs, indicates that the world is moving closer to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
As we witness these events, we are reminded of the urgency to remain steadfast in faith and to share the gospel with others. Earthquakes, in this sense, are both a warning and a call to action for the Church to rise and fulfill its mission.
Conclusion
In light of the biblical significance of earthquakes, let us approach these events with a heart of humility and reverence. Let us pray for those affected by natural disasters, asking God to reveal His purposes and to bring healing and restoration. And let us also reflect on our own lives, considering how we can align ourselves more fully with God’s will.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty over all creation, including the earth and its movements. We recognize that earthquakes are part of Your divine plan, used to fulfill Your purposes and reveal Your glory. We pray for those who have been impacted by these natural disasters, asking for Your comfort, provision, and peace in their lives. Help us to trust in Your wisdom, even amid calamity, and to seek Your will above all else. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to live in alignment with Your eternal purposes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Declaration:
I declare that God is sovereign over all the earth and that His purposes are being fulfilled, even in natural disasters. I choose to trust in His wisdom and to seek His will in every situation. I believe that God is working all things together for good, and I commit to living a life that honors Him in all that I do. In the mighty name of Jesus, I make this declaration. Amen.