Topical Encyclopedia The term "quaked" in the Bible often refers to a physical shaking or trembling of the earth, typically associated with the presence or actions of God. This phenomenon is frequently depicted as a manifestation of divine power and majesty, serving as a sign of God's intervention in the world or as a response to significant spiritual events.Old Testament References 1. Mount Sinai: One of the most notable instances of quaking occurs at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law. In Exodus 19:18, the mountain is described as quaking violently: "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 quaking signifies the awe-inspiring presence of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel. 2. Theophany and Divine Judgment: Earthquakes often accompany theophanies or divine judgments. In Psalm 18:7, the earth quakes as a response to God's anger: "Then the earth quaked and trembled, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they were shaken because He burned with anger." This imagery underscores the power and holiness of God, who is capable of shaking the very foundations of the earth. 3. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets also use the imagery of quaking to describe future divine interventions. In Joel 2:10, the earth quakes as part of the apocalyptic vision: "Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness." Such descriptions emphasize the cosmic scale of God's actions and the transformative impact of His judgment. New Testament References 1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A significant quaking occurs at the moment of Jesus' death. In Matthew 27:51, the earth quakes as the veil of the temple is torn: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This event symbolizes the profound spiritual shift brought about by Christ's sacrificial death, marking the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new way to approach God. 2. The Resurrection: Another earthquake is recorded at the resurrection of Jesus. In Matthew 28:2, an angel descends, and the earth quakes: "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." This quaking signifies the victory over death and the power of the resurrection. 3. Apostolic Events: In Acts 16:26, an earthquake occurs in Philippi, leading to the miraculous release of Paul and Silas from prison: "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose." This event highlights God's direct intervention in the lives of His servants, demonstrating His sovereignty and the unstoppable nature of the Gospel. Theological Significance The quaking of the earth in biblical narratives serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence, authority, and the dramatic changes He brings about in the world. It is a reminder of the Creator's control over creation and His ability to intervene in human history in profound and transformative ways. The imagery of quaking underscores the seriousness of divine encounters and the reality of God's active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Quake.Strong's Hebrew 2342a. chul -- to whirl, dance, writhe... brought forth (4), burst (1), calve (1), calving (1), danced (1), fall (1), gave you birth (1), gave birth (2), giving birth (1), labor (1), quaked (1), shakes ... /hebrew/2342a.htm - 6k 7493. raash -- to quake, shake 7264. ragaz -- to be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited ... 2151a. zalal -- to shake 5140. nazal -- to flow, trickle, drop, distill 2729. charad -- to tremble, be terrified Library This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Irrational Creatures? The Gospel According to Peter. The Death of Christ A Free Grace Promise The Addition in the Codex, with a Various Reading. Conditions of Being Saved The Ten Commandments. The First-Born The Resurrection of Our Lord. Thesaurus Quaked (13 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Quake. Multi-Version Concordance Quaked (13 Occurrences). ... The earth quaked and the rocks were split. (WEB WEY). ... /q/quaked.htm - 10k Quake (23 Occurrences) Trembled (43 Occurrences) Shook (33 Occurrences) Reeled (3 Occurrences) Rocked (2 Occurrences) Foundations (49 Occurrences) Shake (68 Occurrences) Tremble (92 Occurrences) Shaken (62 Occurrences) Resources If God is omnipresent, then what is special about being in the presence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWas Yahweh originally a Edomite or Canaanite god? | GotQuestions.org When did the church begin/start? | GotQuestions.org Quaked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Quaked (13 Occurrences)Matthew 27:51 Exodus 19:18 Judges 5:4 Judges 5:5 1 Samuel 14:15 2 Samuel 22:8 Psalms 18:7 Psalms 68:8 Psalms 77:18 Isaiah 64:3 Jeremiah 49:21 Jeremiah 50:46 Habakkuk 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |