The first earthquake in Palestine of which we have any record happened in the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 19:11,12 ). Another took place in the days of Uzziah, King of Judah (Zechariah 14:5 ). The most memorable earthquake taking place in New Testament times happened at the crucifixion of our Lord (Matthew 27:54 ). An earthquake at Philippi shook the prison in which Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Acts 16:26 ).
It is used figuratively as a token of the presence of the Lord (Judges 5:4; 2 Samuel 22:8; Psalm 77:18; 97:4; 104:32 ).