The term "The Great Earthquake" in biblical literature often refers to significant seismic events that are depicted in both the Old and New Testaments. These earthquakes are not only physical phenomena but also carry deep theological significance, symbolizing divine intervention, judgment, and the ushering in of new eras in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament References

1. Mount Sinai: One of the earliest mentions of a significant earthquake is associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:18 states, "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." This event underscores the majesty and power of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel.

2. The Earthquake in the Days of Uzziah: The prophet Amos references an earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. Amos 1:1 notes, "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel." This earthquake is also mentioned in Zechariah 14:5, indicating its historical and prophetic significance.

New Testament References

1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A profound earthquake occurred at the moment of Jesus' death. Matthew 27:51-54 records, "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 exclaimed, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'" This earthquake signifies the breaking of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant through Christ's sacrificial death.

2. The Resurrection of Jesus: Another earthquake is described at the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:2 states, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." This event marks the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave, affirming His divine authority and the hope of resurrection for believers.

3. The Earthquake in Philippi: In Acts 16:26 , an earthquake occurs while Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi: "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose." This miraculous event leads to the conversion of the jailer and his household, demonstrating God's power to deliver and transform lives.

Eschatological Significance

The Book of Revelation contains several references to future earthquakes as part of the eschatological events leading to the end times. Revelation 6:12 describes, "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." These apocalyptic earthquakes symbolize the shaking of the heavens and the earth as God executes His final judgment and establishes His eternal kingdom.

In summary, the biblical accounts of great earthquakes serve as powerful reminders of God's sovereignty, His ability to intervene in human history, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. These seismic events are not merely natural occurrences but are imbued with spiritual significance, pointing to the mighty acts of God throughout the biblical narrative.