EARTHQUAKE. The Scripture speaks of several natural Earthquakes. One of the most remarkable, is that which happened in the twenty-seventh year of Uzziah King of Judah, in the year of the World 3221, before Jesus Christ 779, before Joseph. Antiq. l. 9. c. 11.the Vulgar Æra 783. There is mention of this Earthquake in Amos iv. 1. and in Zechary xiv. 5. and in Josephus, who adds, that it was so violent, as to divide a mountain in halves, which lay to the west of Jerusalem, and moved one part of it from its place four furlongs, or five hundred paces; insomuch that it was stop’d only by the wall which it met with on the east side of the City, the earth having closed up the highway, and covered the King’s gardens.
Another very memorable Earthquake, Matth. xxvii. 51.was that which happened at our Saviour’s death. Many have been of opinion, that this motion was perceived by all the World. Others maintain, that it was sensible only in Judæa, or even in the Temple, the Gates whereof were shaken, and the Veil rent Cyrill. Jerosol. Cathech. comac. 13.asunder. St. Cyril of Jerusalem says, that the Rocks upon Mount Calvary were still shewn in his time, which had been split by the force of this Earthquake. It must have been attended with very terrible circumstances, since the Centurion and they who were with him, were so affected with it, and were induced by it to acknowledge the injustice of our Saviour’s condemnation. Luke xviii. 47.Phlegon, Adrian’s freed-man, related, that together with the Eclipse, which happened at noon-day in the fourth year of the two hundred and second Olympiad, which falls in with the thirty-third year of the Vulgar Æra; there was likewise a very great Earthquake, which was felt principally in Bithynia.
The Scripture under the word Earthquake very often expresses agitations of Mountains, shocks of the foundations of the Universe, the effects of God’s Power, Wrath, and Vengeance. But these expressions are not always to be understood in a literal manner, as if the Earth had really trembled, or the Mountains had been shaken. These are exaggerations, which represent the greatness, strength, and sovereign Power of God. See Psalm civ. 32. The Earth shall tremble at the look of him. Psalm xviii. 7. The Earth trembled and quaked, the very foundations also of the hills shook. And Psalm xlvi. 2. Therefore will we not fear though the Earth be moved, and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea … though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. And Psalm cxiv. 4. The mountains skipped like rams, &c. Tremble thou Earth at the presence of the Lord.