An earthquake is a symbol used of political
revolutions
and the consequent convulsions in its institutions
and fall of governing powers. E.B. Elliot (Horae Vol I)
Jeremiah uses this of the destruction and
desolation
of the Jewish kingdom by the Babylonians. Here we
find reference to the heavens being darkened also
to signify the fall of the ruling powers of the nation.
I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form,
and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light.
I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they
trembled, and
all the hills moved lightly. Jer 4:23,24
Isaiah uses the earthquake to prefigure the
overthrow
of Babylon by the Medes. First he refers to the
figurative heavens and then sees a figurative
earthquake.
The day of the LORD cometh. For the stars of heaven
and shall not give their light: the sun shall be
darkened and the moon shall not cause her light to
shine. I will shake the heavens, and the earth
shall
remove out of her place. Isa 13: 9,10,17
John saw another earthquake that has been
fullfilled in history. The French Revolution at the
beginning of the vial judgements was a little
version of the great earthquake at the end of
the vial judgments.
And the same hour was there a great
earthquake,
and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the
earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and
the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the
God of heaven. Rev 11:13