Earthquake

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

Earthquake —Palestine abounds in traces of seismic and volcanic action. From the region of the Dead Sea northward along the Jordan valley and as far as Damascus the whole country must have been visited by tremendous earthquakes in prehistoric ages. Mention of several is made in the OT, sometimes coupled with significant reference to serious disaster and widespread alarm caused by them ( 1 Samuel 14:15,  Amos 1:1,  Zechariah 14:5 etc.). Regarded as supernatural visitations, signs of the times, they produced a deep impression.

Five times in the Gospels the noun σεισμός (fr. σείω, ‘to shake’) is used of an earthquake ( Matthew 24:7;  Matthew 27:54;  Matthew 28:2,  Mark 13:8,  Luke 21:11), and once ( Matthew 27:51) the idea is expressed by the phrase ἡ γῆ ἐσεισθη (Authorized and Revised Versions ‘the earth did quake’). In LXX Septuagint σεισμός (or συνσεισμος) is employed to render רִעִשׁ of the original. Though specifically applied to an earthquake, σεισμός properly has a wider connotation: thus in  Matthew 8:24 it is used of a tempest (σεισμὸς μέγας ἑγένετο ἑν τῆ θαλασσκ). Hence Alford thinks that in  Matthew 28:2 it denotes not an earthquake, but the ‘shock’ produced by the rolling away of the stone from the sepulchre.

1 . Recorded earthquakes .—Of these there are two, namely, the earthquakes at the Crucifixion and the Resurrection ( Matthew 27:51;  Matthew 27:54;  Matthew 28:2). The historicity of these earthquakes is disputed. St. Matthew alone mentions them; St. Mark ( Mark 15:33;  Mark 15:38) and St. Luke ( Luke 23:44 f.), in agreement with St. Matthew in regard to the darkness and the rending of the veil, apparently know nothing of an earthquake at the Crucifixion [the Fourth Gospel has no allusion to any of the portents], and they are equally silent in the case of the Resurrection. Plummer (‘St. Luke’ in Internat. Crit. Com .) quotes a statement in the Gemara that some forty years before the destruction of Jerusalem the heavy gates of the temple were mysteriously flung open about midnight at the Passover; but it would seem that sufficient evidence of earthquake shocks being felt in or near Jerusalem at the date in question is wanting. Probably a legendary element must be recognized in the passages under consideration. At the same time it should be borne in mind that the circumstance narrated is ‘not in itself incredible’ (Cary, Synop. Gospels ). Earthquakes are frequently accompanied by a ‘strange, bewildering darkness’ (Plumptre, Bibl. Studies ), and if shocks did then take place they would naturally be interpreted of the ‘sympathy of nature.’ (Cf. Corn. a Lap.: ‘The earth, which trembled with horror at the death of Christ, as it were leaped with joy at the Resurrection’).

2 . Predicted earthquakes .— Matthew 24:7,  Mark 13:8,  Luke 21:11. The question arises, Do the Synoptists here preserve ipsissima verba of our Lord? It must be remembered that ‘a generation and a half … bad passed between the events and the telling of the tale’ (F. C. Burkitt); hence a possibility that the eschatological discourses as reported are coloured by events which had already taken place when the narratives were compiled. On the assumption that the predictions were uttered by Jesus, account should be taken of the fact that they are clothed in the language of current Messianic expectation. The setting up of the Kingdom was at hand; it would be consequent on that national disaster which, looming in the near future, would be presaged by phenomena in which men saw the dread precursors of catastrophe. And this actually came about: between the Crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem the earthquake was frequent; the earth was a prey to the most violent convulsions (Godet, St. Mat . p. 149; Renan, L’Antichrist , ch. xiv.).

Literature.—Gilbert, Student’s Life of Jesus  ; Schürer, HJ P [Note: JP History of the Jewish People.] , see Index; Gould, ‘St. Mark’ in Internat. Crit. Com.  ; Cary, ‘The Synoptic Gospels’ in Internat. Handbooks to NT .

H. L. Jackson.

Holman Bible Dictionary

 Ezekiel 3:12-13 Numbers 16:32 Revelation 8:5

Seven major quakes have been reported in Palestine since the time of Christ. A particularly strong quake occurred in about 1365 B.C. which covered the whole region and created extensive damage. Josephus records a severe shock during the reign of Herod, sings of which can still be seen in the ruins of Qumran.

The Bible mentions an earthquake during the reign of Uzziah ( Amos 1:1;  Zechariah 14:5 ). The oracles of Amos are dated two years before this earthquake. The precise year of this quake has not been settled to everyone's satisfaction. Most would view the period between 767,742 B.C. as the likely dates for the earthquake.  Amos 1:1 draws attention to the fact that Amos spoke his oracles two years before the earthquake of Uzziah's time. Two passages in Amos are sometimes interpreted to be referring to God's judgment coming in the form of an earthquake (  Amos 2:13-16;  Amos 9:1-4 ). If Amos did have an earthquake in mind in these two passages, then the dating of Amos' ministry two years before the earthquake would emphasize for the reader the fact that Amos was a true prophet. In fact, it may have even been the earthquake two years after Amos' preaching that caused his words to be remembered and written down.

Earthquakes are used symbolically in the Bible. Many times God's judgment or visitation is described using the imagery of an earthquake ( Psalm 18:7;  Isaiah 29:6;  Nahum 1:5;  Revelation 6:12;  Revelation 8:5;  Revelation 11:13;  Revelation 16:18 ) and is often seen as a sign of the end of time ( Matthew 24:7 ,Matthew 24:7, 24:29 ). Many times an earthquake is a sign of God's presence or of God's revelation of Himself ( 1 Kings 19:11-12;  Psalm 29:8;  Ezekiel 38:19-20;  Joel 2:10;  Joel 3:16;  Acts 4:31;  Revelation 11:19 ). At times the whole universe is described as being shaken by God ( Isaiah 13:13;  Isaiah 24:17-20;  Joel 3:16;  Haggai 2:6-7;  Matthew 24:29;  Hebrews 12:26-27;  Revelation 6:12;  Revelation 8:5 ).

Even though earthquakes were usually seen in the Bible as things to escape ( Isaiah 2:19 ,Isaiah 2:19, 2:21; possibly  Amos 2:13-16;  Amos 9:1-4 ), they could be used by God for good purposes ( Acts 16:26 ). The earth quaked in revulsion at the death of Jesus ( Matthew 27:51-54 ) and the earth quaked to move the stone from Jesus' tomb ( Matthew 28:2 ). Those who love God and are faithful to Him have no need to fear the trembling of the earth ( Psalm 46:2-3 ).

Phil Logan

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Traces of volcanic agency abound in Palestine. Yet the only recorded earthquake is that in Uzziah's reign ( Amos 1:1). It must have been a terrible one, since two and a half centuries later it was still being made an epoch in  Zechariah 14:5; his sin in the spiritual world was connected with the convulsion in the natural world. Such physical signs and premonitory upheavals shall accompany the closing conflict between the powers of light and darkness ( Isaiah 24:20;  Zechariah 14:4;  Matthew 24:7). Also that in  1 Kings 19:11. The awe it inspires made it an accompaniment attributed to Jehovah's presence ( Judges 5:4;  2 Samuel 22:8;  Psalms 77:18;  Psalms 104:32;  Amos 8:8;  Habakkuk 3:10). The valley of Siddim, S. of the Dead Sea, probably subsided owing to an earthquake. Bela is so-called ("swallowed up") from having been engulfed by an earthquake, as Dathan and Abiram were ( Numbers 16:30-32;  Genesis 14:2).

The miraculous darkness and earthquake at our Lord's death ( Matthew 27:51-54) agree with the natural fact of darkness often accompanying earthquakes. The Jordan Valley, with a lower and a lower valley, the sulphurous and bituminous neighborhood of the Dead Sea, the lava, pumice stones, and hot springs, the crater like depression of the Dead Sea, 1,300 ft. below the Mediterranean level, and 3,500 ft. below Jerusalem, only 20 miles away (the deepest depression on the earth), its basaltic columns, disturbed strata, and numerous crevices, all betoken action of volcanoes and earthquakes. The line of earthquakes extends from Hebron and Jerusalem to Baalbek and Aleppo, from S.W. to N.E., following the central chain of Syria, parallel to the Jordan Valley, and terminating in the volcanic slope of Taurus on the N. and in the mountains of Arabia Petrea on the S.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

EARTHQUAKE . The whole formation of the country running in a straight line from the Taurus range to the gulf of Akabah, which therefore includes Central Judæa, reveals a volcanic character of a striking kind. That this large tract was, in days gone by, the scene of frequent and terrible earthquakes, admits of no doubt. Apart from the actual occurrences of earthquakes recorded in the Bible and elsewhere ( e.g. at the time of the battle of Actium, in the seventh year of the reign of Herod the Great, Jos. [Note: Josephus.] Ant . XV. v. 2), the often-used imagery of the earthquake bears eloquent testimony to a fearful experience.

It is necessary to distinguish between actual earthquakes and those which belong to the descriptive accounts of theophanies or Divine manifestations of wrath, etc. Of the former only one is mentioned in the OT, that which occurred in the reign of Uzziah ( Amos 1:1 ,   Zechariah 14:5 ); among the latter must be included such references as   Exodus 19:18 ,   1 Kings 19:11 ,   Numbers 16:31 ,   Psalms 18:7;   Psalms 68:8;   Psalms 77:18;   Psalms 104:4 ,   Isaiah 29:6 etc. In the NT it is recorded that an earthquake occurred at the Crucifixion (  Matthew 27:51;   Matthew 27:54 ), at the Resurrection (  Matthew 28:2 ), and on the night of St. Paul’s imprisonment in Philippi (  Acts 16:26 ); further, it is foretold that there shall be earthquakes at Christ’s second coming (  Matthew 24:7 ,   Mark 13:8 ,   Luke 21:11 ); their mention in Rev. Is characteristic of apocalyptic literature.

W. O. E. Oesterley.

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

Earthquakes were well known events in the world of the Bible story ( Exodus 19:18;  1 Samuel 14:15;  1 Kings 19:11;  Amos 1:1;  Zechariah 14:5;  Matthew 27:54;  Matthew 28:2;  Acts 16:26). The Bible writers often refer to earthquakes as evidence of God’s mighty power ( Judges 5:4;  Psalms 18:7;  Isaiah 29:6;  Joel 2:10;  Joel 3:16;  Nahum 1:5;  Habakkuk 3:6;  Matthew 24:7;  Revelation 6:12;  Revelation 8:5;  Revelation 11:13;  Revelation 16:18).

God may have used earthquakes, along with other forces of nature, to bring about his judgments, even in cases where the Bible does not specifically mention an earthquake. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the stopping of the Jordan River at the time of Israel’s entrance into Canaan, and the collapse of the walls of Jericho may all have involved earthquake activity. These events occurred in the place and at the time God had earlier announced, showing that they had resulted from his direct intervention ( Genesis 19:12-14;  Genesis 19:24-28;  Joshua 3:7-8;  Joshua 3:13-17;  Joshua 6:5;  Joshua 6:20).

Morrish Bible Dictionary

The first earthquake mentioned is when Elijah was told to stand before the Lord. There passed by a strong wind that rent the rocks, then an earthquake, and fire; but the Lord was not in the earthquake, nor in the fire; but in a still small voice: a lesson for Elijah when he was thinking much of himself.  1 Kings 19:11,12 . In the days of Uzziah there was a great earthquake, from which the people fled.  Amos 1:1;  Zechariah 14:5 . Josephus (Ant. ix. 10,4) states that this happened when the king went into the temple and was struck with leprosy.  2 Chronicles 26:16-21 .

There was an earthquake at the death of the Lord, and the rocks were rent, which drew from the centurion the saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."  Matthew 27:51,54 . There was also a great earthquake at the resurrection of the Lord.  Matthew 28:2 . When Paul and Barnabas were in the prison at Philippi there was a great earthquake that shook the prison, which led to the conversion of the jailer.  Acts 16:26 . Josephus (Ant. xv. 5,2) relates the particulars of a dreadful earthquake in Palestine about B.C. 31, when as many as 10,000 of the inhabitants lost their lives.

In the future judgements on the earth, earthquakes are often mentioned.  Isaiah 29:6;  Matthew 24:7;  Mark 13:8;  Luke 21:11;  Revelation 6:12;  Revelation 8:5;  Revelation 11:13,19;  Revelation 16:18 . Symbolically they point to the upheaval of the lower masses of society, overthrowing the social system either partially or entirely.

Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary

The Scripture speaks of several earthquakes. One happened in the twenty-seventh year of Uzziah, king of Judah, in the year of the world 3221. This is mentioned in  Amos 1:1 , and in  Zechariah 14:5 . Josephus says that its violence divided a mountain, which lay west of Jerusalem, and drove one part of it four furlongs. A very memorable earthquake is that which happened at our Saviour's death,  Matthew 27:51 . Many have thought that this was perceived throughout the world. Others are of opinion that it was felt only in Judea, or even in the temple at Jerusalem. St. Cyril of Jerusalem says, that the rocks upon mount Calvary were shown in his time, which had been rent asunder by this earthquake. Maundrell and Sandys testify the same, and say that they examined the breaches in the rock, and were convinced that they were the effects of an earthquake. It must have been terrible, since the centurion and those with him were so affected by it, as to acknowledge the innocence of our Saviour,  Luke 23:47 . Phlegon, Adrian's freedman, relates that, together with the eclipse, which happened at noon day, in the fourth year of the two hundred and second Olympiad, or A.D. 33, a very great earthquake was also felt, principally in Bithynia. The effects of God's power, wrath, and vengeance are compared to earthquakes,  Psalms 18:7;  Psalms 46:2;  Psalms 114:4 . An earthquake signifies also, in prophetic language, the dissolution of governments and the overthrow of states.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A convulsion of the earth common in volcanic regions, and well known in all parts of the world; probably occasioned by the action of internal heat or fire. Scripture speaks of several earthquakes,  Numbers 16:1-50   1 Kings 19:11,12 . One occurred in the twenty-seventh year of Uzziah king of Judah, and is mentioned in  Amos 1:1   Zechariah 14:5 . A very memorable earthquake was that at our Savior's death,  Matthew 27:51 , which some suppose extended throughout the world. Palestine has been often visited by earthquakes. So late as 1837 one occurred in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee, by which about a third part of Tiberias was destroyed, and thousands of people perished there and in the towns near by. Earthquakes were among the calamities foretold as connected with the destruction of Jerusalem,  Matthew 24:7; and history proves the truth of the prediction.

The word earthquake is also used figuratively to denote God's power and wrath, as in  Psalm 18:7   46:2   104:32 , etc.; and as an emblem of a great civil or national catastrophe,  Matthew 24:7,29   Revelation 16:18,19 .

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

1: Σεισμός (Strong'S #4578 — Noun Masculine — seismos — sice-mos' )

"a shaking, a shock," from seio, "to move to and fro, to shake," chiefly with the idea of concussion (Eng., "seismic," "seismology," "seismometry"), is used (a) of a "tempest" in the sea,  Matthew 8:24; (b) of "earthquakes,"  Matthew 24:7;  27:54;  28:2;  Mark 13:8;  Luke 21:11;  Acts 16:26;  Revelation 6:12;  8:5;  11:13 (twice) ,19; 16:18 (twice). See Tempest.

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary

The first account we have of an earthquake is in the book of Numbers, ( Numbers 16:28-34) in the instance of God's judgments upon the rebellion of Korah, and his company. And it should seem from hence, but a manner of just conclusion, that earthquakes, notwithstanding that modem philosophers pretend to account for them by physical causes, are not so, but special indications of the Lord's displeasure. It is somewhat remarkable, that in the ten plagues of Egypt, this was not one. For of all alarming events, no doubt, the earthquake is the greatest. The Scripture relates another earthquake in the days Uzziah, king of Judah. (See  Amos 1:1;  Zechariah 14:5) And a third took place at the death of Christ. ( Matthew 27:51) The Father in the church, St. Cyril, relates, that the rocks which were split on Mount Calvary on this occasion were visible in his days. Matthew tells us, that when the centurion saw this earthquake, it convinced him of the Godhead of Christ. ( Matthew 27:54.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 Psalm 18:7 Habakkuk 3:6 Nahum 1:5 Isaiah 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 ( Zechariah 14:5 ). The most memorable earthquake taking place in New Testament times happened at the crucifixion of our Lord ( Matthew 27:54 ). An earthquake at Philippi shook the prison in which Paul and Silas were imprisoned ( Acts 16:26 ).

It is used figuratively as a token of the presence of the Lord ( Judges 5:4;  2 Samuel 22:8;  Psalm 77:18;  97:4;  104:32 ).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Earth-quake. 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 feet and to a depth of more than two hundred feet.

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types

 1 Kings 19:11 (c) Probably this is telling us that great calamities and sudden tragedies do not always bring a message from GOD to the heart. It is the Holy Spirit who imparts divine impressions to the soul.

 Matthew 28:2 (c) It is symbolical of the fact that things which the world calls "real" are not very stable. The One who made the world is able to shake it. The foundations of this earth will come under the judgment of GOD to be destroyed and the inhabitants will be punished. (See also  Matthew 27:51;  Acts 16:26).

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( a.) Like, or characteristic of, an earthquake; loud; starling.

(2): ( 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.

King James Dictionary

EARTH'QUAKE, n. A shaking, trembling or concussion of the earth sometimes a slight tremor at other times a violent shaking or convulsion at other times a rocking or heaving of the earth. Earthquakes are usually preceded by a rattling sound in the air, or by a subterraneous rumbling noise. Hence the name, earthdin, formerly given to an earthquake.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

( רִעִשׁ , Ra'Ash, A Shaking, Σεισμός ). The proximate cause of earthquakes, though by no means accurately defined, seems referable to the action of internal heat or fire. That the earth was once subject to the action of a vast internal power springing probably from the development of subterranean or central heat, the elevations and depressions, and the generally scarred and torn character of its exterior make sufficiently evident. A power similar in kind, but more restricted in degree, is still at work in the bowels of the earth, and occasionally breaks down all barriers and devastates certain parts of the world. There is good reason for holding that earthquakes are closely connected with volcanic agency. Both probably spring from the same cause, and may be regarded as one mighty influence operating to somewhat dissimilar results. Volcanic agency, therefore, is an indication of earthquakes, and traces of the first may be taken as indications of the existence (either present or past, actual or possible) of the latter. (See Hitchcock's Geology, p. 234 sq.) The manifestation of these awful phenomena. is restricted in its range. Accordingly, geologists have laid down certain volcanic regions or bands within which this manifestation takes place. Over these regions various traces of volcanic agency are found, such as either gaseous vapors, or hot springs, or bituminous substances, and in some instances (occasionally) active volcanoes. Several sources of bitumen are found on the Tigris, in the Persian mountains, near the Kharun, and at Bushire, as well as along the Euphrates. At Hit, especially on the last-mentioned river, it exists on a very large scale, and, having been much used from the earliest times, seems inexhaustible. Abundant traces of it are also to be seen amid the ruins and over the entire vicinity of Hillah, the ancient Babylon. Syria and Palestine abound in volcanic appearances. Between the river Jordan and Damascus lies a volcanic tract. The entire country about the Dead Sea presents indubitable tokens of volcanic agency. Accordingly, these places come within one of the volcanic regions. The chief of these are,

(1) that which extends from the Caspian Sea to the Azores; (2) from the Aleutian Isles to the Moluccas; (3) that of the Andes; (4) the African; (5) the Icelandic.

Syria and Palestine are embraced within the first band, and these countries have not unfrequently been subject to earthquakes. (See Stanley, Palest. pages 279, 283, 285, 363; Volney, Trav. 1:281; Rusegger, Reisess, page 205). (See Palestine).

That earthquakes were among the extraordinary phenomena of Palestine in ancient times is shown in their being an element in the poetical imagery of the Hebrews, and a source of religious admonition and devout emotion. An earthquake, when great, overturns and changes the surface of the earth, subverting mountains, hills, and rocks, sinking some parts, elevating others, altering the course of rivers, making ponds and lakes on dry lands, and drying up those that already existed; and is therefore a proper symbol of great evolutions or changes in the government or political world ( Hebrews 12:26). See Wemyss, Symbolical Dict. s.v. In  Psalms 18:7, we read, "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the chills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth" (comp.  Habakkuk 3:6;  Nahum 1:5;  Isaiah 5:25). It was not an unnatural transition that any signal display of the will, sovereignty, or goodness of Providence should be foretold in connection with, and accompanied as by other signs in the heavens above or on the earth below, so by earthquakes and their fearful concomitants (see  Joel 2:28;  Matthew 24:7;  Matthew 24:29). Earthquakes are not unfrequently attended with fissures of the earth's surface; instances of this are recorded in connection with the destruction of Korah and his company ( Numbers 16:32; compare Josephus, Ant. 4:3, 3), 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 500 and a depth of more than 200 feet, and again by the sinking of the bed of the Tagus at Lisbon, in which the quay was swallowed up (Pfaff, Schopfungsgesch. p. 115). These depressions are sometimes on a very large scale; the subsidence of the valley of Siddim, at the southern extremity of the Dead Sea, may be attributed to an earthquake. Similar depressions have occurred in many districts, the most remarkable being the submersion and subsequent re- elevation of the temple of Serapis at Puteoli. The frequency of earthquakes about the Dead Sea is testified in the name Bela ( Genesis 14:2; compare Jerome ad  Isaiah 15:1-9). (See Sodom). The awe which an earthquake never fails to inspire, "conveying the idea of some universal and unlimited danger" (Humboldt's Kosmos, 2:212), rendered it a fitting token of the presence of Jehovah ( 1 Kings 19:11); hence it is frequently noticed in connection with his appearance ( Judges 5:4;  2 Samuel 22:8;  Psalms 77:18;  Psalms 97:4;  Psalms 104:32;  Amos 8:8;  Habakkuk 3:10). Earthquakes, together with thunder, lightning, and other fearful phenomena of nature, form no small portion of the stock of materials which the interpreters of the German rationalistic school employ with no less liberality than confidence in order to explain after their manner events recorded in the Scriptures which have been commonly referred to the immediate agency of God. Hezel, Paulus, as other miracle exploders would, but for this resource, find their "occupation gone." But, if there is reason for 'the statement that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, it may with equal propriety be observed that their " natural" causes are most unnatural, unlikely, and insufficient. (See Miracles).

The first visitation of the kind recorded as having happened to Palestine was in the reign of Ahab (about B.C. 905), when Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:11-12) was directed to go forth and stand upon the mountain before Jehovah: "And behold Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." A terrible earthquake took place "in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah" (B.C. 781), which Josephus (Ant. 9, 10, 4) says " shook the ground, and a rent was made in the Temple, so that the rays of the sun shone through it, which, falling upon 'the king's face, struck him with the leprosy," a punishment which the historian ascribes to the wrath of God consequent on Uzziah's usurpation of the priest's office. That this earthquake was of an awful character may be learned from the fact that Zechariah ( Zechariah 14:5) thus speaks respecting it: "Ye shall flee as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah:" and it likewise appears from Amos ( Amos 1:1) that the event was so striking, and left such deep impressions on men's minds, as to become a sort of epoch from which to date and reckon; the prophet's words are, "two years before the earthquake." (See Uzziah). 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 summits. Josephus records something of the sort, but his account is by no means clear, for his words ( Τοῦ Ὄρους Ἀποῥῥαγῆναι Τὸ Ἣμισν Τοῦ Κατὰ Τὴν Δύσιν ) can hardly mean the Western Half Of The Mountain, as Whiston seems to think, but the Half Of The Western Mountain, i.e., of the Mount of Evil Counsel, though it is not clear why this height particularly should be termed the Western mountain. We cannot but think that the two accounts have the same foundation, and that the Mount of Olives was really affected by the earthquake. Hitzig (Comm. In Zechariah) suggests that the name מִשְׁחַית "corruption," may have originated at this time, the rolling down of the side of the hill, as described by Josephus, entitling it to be described as the Destroying Mountain, in the sense in which the term occurs in  Jeremiah 2:25. (See Azal).

The only important or clear earthquake mentioned in the New Testament (except the doubtful one of  Matthew 28:2) is that which happened at the crucifixion of the Savior of mankind ( Matthew 27:50-51; compare  Luke 23:44-45;  Mark 15:33). The concomitant darkness is most naturally held to have been an attendant on the earthquake. Earthquakes are not seldom attended by accompaniments which obscure the light of day during (as in this case from the sixth to the ninth hour, that is, from 12 o'clock at noon to 8 o'clock P.M.) several hours. If this is the fact, then the record is consistent with natural phenomena, and the darkness which skeptics have pleaded against speaks actually in favor of the credibility of the Gospel. Now it is well known to naturalists that such obscurations are by no means uncommon. It may be enough to give the following instances. A very remarkable volcanic eruption took place on the 19th of January, 1835, in the volcano of Coseguina, situated in the Bay of Fonseca (usually called the coast of Conchagua), in Central America. The eruption was preceded by a rumbling noise, accompanied by a column of smoke which issued from the mountain, increasing until it assumed the form and appearance of a large dense cloud, which, when viewed at the distance of thirty miles, appeared like an immense plume of feathers, rising with considerable velocity, and expanding in every direction. In the course of the two following days several shocks of earthquakes were felt; the morning of the 22d rose fine and clear, but a dense cloud of a pyramidal form was observed in the direction of the volcano. This gradually ascended, and by 11 o'clock A.M. it had spread over the whole firmament, entirely obscuring the light of day, the darkness equaling in intensity that of the most clouded night: this darkness continued with little intermission for three days; during the whole time a fine black powder continued to fall. This darkness extended over half of Central America. The convulsion was such as to change the outline of the coast, turn the course of a river, and form two new islands. Precisely analogous phenomena were exhibited on occasions of earthquakes that took place at Cartago, in Central America, when there prevailed a dense black fog, which lasted for three days (Recreations in Physical Geography, page 382). In the case of the volcanic eruption which overwhelmed Herculaneum and Pompeii (A.D. 79), we learn from the younger Pliny that a dense column of vapor was first seen rising vertically from Vesuvius, and then spreading itself out laterally, so that its upper portion resembled the head, and its lower the trunk of a pine. This black cloud was pierced occasionally by flashes of fire as vivid as lightning, succeeded by darkness more profound than night, and ashes fell even at Misenum. These appearances agree perfectly with those witnessed in more recent eruptions, especially those of Monte Nuovo in 1538, and Vesuvius in 1822. Indeed earthquakes appear to exert a very marked influence on our atmosphere: among other effects, Lyell (Principles of Geology, 1:400) enumerates sudden gusts of wind, interrupted by dead calms; evolution of electric matter or of inflammable gas from the soil, with sulphurous and mephitic vapors; a reddening of the sun's disk, and a haziness in the air often continued for months ( Joel 2:30-31). Other interpreters, however, understand the earthquake in  Matthew 27:54 to have been merely some special and supernatural operation of God, in attestation of the marvelous work that was in progress, producing a tremulous motion in the immediate locality, and in connection therewith a sensible consternation in the minds of the immediate actors; hence there is no other historical allusion to it. This view is confirmed by its being in the second case connected with the angel's descent ( Matthew 28:2; compare  1 Samuel 14:15). Like the one that occurred at Philippi ( Acts 16:16), it is perhaps to be regarded as a somewhat exceptional phenomenon, wrought for a specific purpose, and consequently very limited as to its sphere of action. Nor does it appear from any notices of Scripture that the phenomena of earthquakes in the ordinary and extensive sense of the term, played more than a very occasional and subordinate part in the scenes and transactions of sacred history. Treatises in Latin on the earthquake at our Savior's passion have been written by Berger (Viteb. 1710), Posner (Jen. 1672), Schmerbauch (Lubbeai. 1756), Schmid (Jen. 1683). (See Darkness).

An earthquake devastated Judaea some years (31) before the birth of our Lord, at the time of the battle of Actium, which Josephus (Ant. 15:52) reports was such "as had not happened at any other time, which brought great destruction upon the cattle in that country. About ten thousand men also perished by the fall of houses." Jerome writes of an earthquake which, in the time of his childhood (about A.D. 315), destroyed Rabbath Moab (Jerome on  Isaiah 15:1-9). The writers of the Middle Ages also speak of earthquakes in Palestine, stating that they were not only formidable, but frequent. In 1834 an earthquake shook Jerusalem, and injured the chapel of the nativity at Bethlehem. In 1837 (January 1) Jerusalem and its vicinity were visited by severe shocks of earthquake, yet the city remains without serious injury from these subterranean causes. This last earthquake totally overthrew the village of Safed, in Galilee (Thomson, Land and Book, 1:428 sq.). For a full account of these and others, affecting various parts of Syria, see Kitto, Phys. Hist. of Palest. volume 2, chapter 4, Comp. Bulenger, in Graevii Thesaur. 5:515 sq.; Forbiger, Handb. d. alt. Geogr. 1:636 sq.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ûrth´kwāk ( רעשׁ , ra'ash  ; σεισμός , seismós ):

1. Earthquakes in Palestine

The last earthquake which worked any damage in Palestine and Syria occurred in 1837, and destroyed the village of Safed , near Mt. Hermon, and was felt even all the way to Hebron. Since that time a few feeble shocks have been felt but no damage was done. The region is just on the edge of the great earthquake circle whose center is in Armenia, and is liable to earthquakes. The large number of references in the Bible to earthquakes, and the evident fear in the minds of the people of those times, would seem to indicate that they were more frequent in Bible times than recently.

2. Causes of Earthquakes

There are three main causes of earthquakes:

(1) Earthslips

In the slow process of cooling, the crust of the earth tends to wrinkle and fold as it contracts. This causes a stress to be set up in the strata composing the crust. If the strata are too rigid to bend there must come after a time a break or fault. The shock caused by the break, which is usually several miles below the surface of the earth, is an earthquake, and it spreads in the form of earth waves from the break as center. Seismographs in all parts of the world are now adjusted to receive the waves even though the origin is on the opposite side of the earth.

(2) Explosion of Steam or Gases Under the Surface

Some earthquakes, especially those underneath the sea, are thought to be caused by water seeping through the soil and rocks and finding its way to the heated masses below. Steam is formed and if there is no escape for it, an explosion takes place whose force is felt on the surface.

(3) Volcanic

As earthquakes are of common occurrence in volcanic regions it seems likely that there is some connection between the two, but the relation has not been fully traced. It may be that the second cause is the origin of both the volcano and earthquake. See further, Deluge Of Noah .

3. Earthquakes in Jerusalem

Many destructive earthquakes have been recorded in the history of Syria, but they have been mostly in the north, in the region of Aleppo. Jerusalem itself has seldom been affected by earthquakes. The Hauran beyond the Jordan is covered with volcanic remains and signs of violent shocks, and the cities on the coast have suffered much, but Jerusalem on the higher ground between has usually escaped with little destruction.

4. Earthquakes in Scripture

A number of earthquakes are mentioned in the Scriptures: (1) At Mount Sinai ( Exodus 19:18 ); (2) Korah and companions destroyed in fissure and sinking ground ( Numbers 16:31; Ant , IV, iii, 3); (3) in the Philistine camp in the days of Saul ( 1 Samuel 14:15 ); (4) after Elijah's flight ( 1 Kings 19:11 ); (5) in the reign of Uzziah, between 790 and 740 bc ( Amos 1:1 );  Zechariah 14:5 probably refers to the same ( Ant. , IX, x, 4); (6) at Christ's death ( Matthew 27:51-54 ); (7) at Christ's resurrection ( Matthew 28:2 ); (8) at Philippi when Paul and Silas were freed from prison ( Acts 16:26 ). Most of these shocks seem to have been slight and caused little loss of life. Josephus mentions one in the reign of Herod, "such as had not happened at any other time, which was very destructive to men and cattle" ( Ant. , XV, v, 2). Professor G. A. Smith in his recent work on Jerusalem is of the opinion that earthquakes were sufficiently frequent and strong to account for the appearance and disappearance of Nehemiah's Fountain (Jerus, I, 74). The Hebrew ra‛ash is commonly used to mean a great noise. Large earthquakes are sometimes accompanied by a rumbling noise, but as a rule they come silently and without warning.

5. Symbolic Use

In the Scriptures earthquakes are mentioned as tokens of God's power ( Job 9:6 ) and of His presence and anger ( Psalm 68:8;  Psalm 18:7;  Isaiah 13:13 ): "She shall be visited of Yahweh of hosts ... with earthquake, and great noise" ( Isaiah 29:6 ); also as a sign of Christ's "coming, and of the end of the world" ( Matthew 24:3-7 ). See also  Revelation 11:13 ,  Revelation 11:19;  Revelation 16:18 .

Literature

Milne, Earthquakes (Inter. Scient. series); Plumptre, Biblical Studies , 136; Dutton, Earthquakes .

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature

The proximate cause of earthquakes, though by no means accurately defined, seems referable to the action of internal heat or fire. That the earth was once subject to the action of a vast internal power springing probably from the development of subterranean or central heat, the elevations and depressions, and the generally scarred and torn character of its exterior, make sufficiently evident. A power similar in kind, but more restricted in degree, is still at work in the bowels of the earth, and occasionally breaks down all barriers and devastates certain parts of the world.

The manifestation of these awful phenomena is restricted in its range. Accordingly geologists have laid down certain volcanic regions or bands within which this manifestation takes place. Over these regions various traces of volcanic agency are found, such as either gaseous vapors or hot springs, or bituminous substances, and in some instances (occasionally) active volcanoes. Several sources of bitumen are found on the Tigris, in the Persian mountains, near the Kharoon, and at Bushire, as well as along the Euphrates. At Hit, especially, on the last-mentioned river, it exists on a very large scale, and, having been much used from the earliest times, seems inexhaustible. Abundant traces of it are also to be seen amid the ruins and over the entire vicinity of Hillah—the ancient Babylon. Syria and Palestine abound in volcanic appearances. Between the river Jordan and Damascus lies a volcanic tract. The entire country about the Dead Sea presents indubitable tokens of volcanic agency.

Accordingly these places come within one of the volcanic regions. The chief of these are—1. that which extends from the Caspian Sea to the Azores; 2. from the Aleutian Isles to the Moluccas; 3. that of the Andes; 4. the African; 5. the Icelandic. Syria and Palestine are embraced within the first band; and these countries have not infrequently been subject to earthquakes. The first visitation of the kind, recorded to have happened to Palestine, was in the reign of Ahab (B.C. 918-897; ). A terrible earthquake took place 'in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah' (B.C. 811-759). Its awful character may be learned from the fact that Zechariah thus speaks respecting it—'Ye shall flee as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah:' and also that it appears from Amos that the event was so striking, and left such deep impressions on men's minds, that it became a sort of epoch from which to date and reckon; the prophet's words are, 'two years before the earthquake.'

That earthquakes were among the extraordinary phenomena of Palestine in ancient times is shown in their being an element in the poetical imagery of the Hebrews, and a source of religious admonition and devout emotion (see;;; ). The only earthquake mentioned in the New Testament is that which happened at the crucifixion of the Savior of mankind (;; ). This darkness has been misunderstood, and then turned to the prejudice of Christianity [DARKNESS]. The obscuration was obviously an attendant on the earthquake. Earthquakes are not seldom attended by accompaniments which obscure the light of day during (as in this case, from the sixth to the ninth hour, that is, from 12 o'clock at noon to 3 o'clock p.m.) several hours. If this is the fact, then the record is consistent with natural phenomena, and the darkness which skeptics have pleaded against speaks actually in favor of the credibility of the Gospel. Now it is well known to naturalists that such obscurations are by no means uncommon.

An earthquake devastated Judea some years (31) before the birth of our Lord, at the time of the battle of Actium, which Josephus reports was such 'as had not happened at any other time, which brought great destruction upon the cattle in that country. About ten thousand men also perished by the fall of houses.' Jerome writes of an earthquake which, in the time of his childhood (about A.D. 315), destroyed Rabbath Moab. The writers of the middle ages also speak of earthquakes in Palestine, stating that they were not only formidable, but frequent. In 1834 an earthquake shook Jerusalem, and injured the chapel of the nativity at Bethlehem. As late as the year 1836 (Jan. 1) Jerusalem and its vicinity were visited by severe shocks of earthquake, yet the city remains without serious injury from these subterranean causes.