Source: Richard Bauckham, The Climax of Prophecy: Studies on the Book of Revelation (London; New York: T&T Clark: A Continuum Imprint, 1993), 199–209.
7. Eschatological Earthquake.mp4
The Eschatological Earthquake.wav
This podcast explores the significance of earthquakes in the book of Revelation, arguing they are far more than just conventional apocalyptic imagery. The study traces the use of earthquakes in the Old Testament and Jewish texts, highlighting their frequent connection to theophanies, or divine appearances, and to judgment and the destruction of the old world. Revelation intentionally utilizes this rich background, particularly echoing the Sinai theophany with its thunder, lightning, voices, and earthquake, to depict God's coming for both judgment and the vindication of his people. Ultimately, the earthquake in Revelation is a multifaceted symbol, not a simple prediction, contributing to the book's overall picture of the eschatological climax of history.
When we think of the Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse, the image of a great earthquake often comes to mind. It's easy to see it as a generic symbol of end-times chaos—a standard feature in any depiction of cosmic destruction, serving as biblical special effects for the final judgment. This view, however, misses the mark. It treats a carefully chosen symbol as a cliché, overlooking its deep and intentional theological purpose.
The earthquake in Revelation is not just a random disaster. According to scholar Richard Bauckham's analysis, it is a rich and multifaceted symbol, meticulously constructed by the author, John, to communicate profound ideas about God's character and actions. This post will explore four surprising takeaways that reveal the earthquake as a key literary and theological device, moving beyond the simple idea of destruction to uncover a symbol of divine presence, literary craftsmanship, and historical resonance.
In the world of the Old Testament, an earthquake is not merely a natural disaster; it is a classic sign accompanying a "theophany"—the powerful, awe-inspiring appearance of God. The primary model for this is the event at Mount Sinai, where the entire mountain quaked violently as God descended to meet His people (Exodus 19). The shaking ground was the physical world's reaction to the immediate presence of its creator. Old Testament writers consistently used this imagery to signal God's arrival in one of three distinct roles: as a warrior leading his hosts to battle, as a king coming to reign, and as a judge of the wicked.
Therefore, when an earthquake appears in the Book of Revelation, its primary meaning is not chaos but arrival. It is a signal that God is present and is coming to act specifically as King and Judge, to set the world right. This crucial Old Testament context, which frames the earthquake as a sign meant to evoke awe before the manifestation of divine justice, is too often overlooked.
The earthquake is one of the major images of the End in the Apocalypse, far too often passed over as a conventional apocalyptic image of no great interest. A study of its background and use will show that, like other symbols in the Apocalypse, it is intended to exploit a range of conceptual associations and to play a distinctive role in the structure of the book.
John, the author of Revelation, is a masterful writer who uses recurring patterns to build theological tension and guide his reader toward a climax. The earthquake is a prime example of this "deliberate stylistic device." He introduces the elements of the Sinai theophany progressively, expanding the formula with each major series of judgments. This creates an ever-intensifying sense of God's impending final act.