This Article: (3 Pages)
- 1. Earthquakes as Political Events.
- 2. Earthquakes at Significant Events
- 3. Tsunami
1) Earthquakes as Political Events.
The book of Revelation, for most people, is an impenetrable mystery. What is the meaning of passages that speak of seemingly impossible events, such as the sun becoming black and the moon like blood, as for example in the verse following?
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; (Rev 6:12 KJV)
This symbolic and poetic language closely resembles an accurate description of the most remarkable and cataclysmic volcanic explosion in modern history. This event happened on a Sunday in 1883 when the Island of Krakatoa exploded. The sound of the great explosion was heard as far away as Perth Australia, and was felt by 12th of the face of the globe. So much earth (some 11 billion cubic metres) was sent into the atmosphere, there was a half a degree drop in global temperature. When the Krakatoa volcano was erupting the sun was turned to a darkness as suffocating as sackcloth and the earth quaked, and there was lightning and thunder. So much sulfur was sent up that there were red sunsets turning the moon red and water to look like blood for five years afterwards.
It appears that this eruption in 1883 may be similar to an earlier eruption that occurred in 535AD, for there is record of the sun being darkened in the Mediterranean, that corresponded to a loud 'bang' noted in China in the same year coming from the South. Researchers have confirmed it was darker from the mid 530's to 540 as tree rings in Europe showed minimal growth. Also high sulphur levels in the bands laid down in about 535AD in both polar ice caps indicate a massive volcanic eruption. Research has found there was a larva flow at Krakatoa that dates from that era. Does the passage above in Revelation predict a natural event like either of these volcanic eruptions?
Before we go to Revelation we could consider the more intelligible previous prophecy given by Yahshua. Yahshua said at the time of the end there would be signs of our redemption.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:25-28 KJV).
This passage does not describe the conditions generated by Krakatoa, or indeed any other natural disaster, for it speaks of conditions of the distress of nations, or in other words their political state. The 'waves roaring' is the distress of the people of nations. The sound of crowds protesting is like that of a sea. It is the powers that rule, or that are in 'heaven', that are shaken. Therefore when Yahshua in his revelation to John speaks of 'sun' and 'moon', he is most likely speaking of political power and its 'reflection' as the religious power.
In revelation there are only five earthquakes (Rev 6:12, 8:5, 11:13,19, 16:18). The first has been quoted above. They speak of massive political changes.
We know that revelation does not speak of natural events but rather political events. It describes those political events specifically related to the servants of Yahweh and the descendants of Israel. This natural cataclysmic event that occurred at Krakatoa twice does not correspond to a specific passage in Revelation. However, as we are told Yahweh laid, and therefore controls the foundations of the earth (Isaiah 42:5, 45:18,48:13 Jer 32:17), is there any significance to this world shaking eruption?
Show All
