“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.”
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Revelation 11:13 (KJV) states:
“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.”
Context: The book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible, and it contains visions and prophecies given to the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It unveils the future events leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
Symbolic language: The book of Revelation uses symbolic language, and this verse is no exception. The events described are not meant to be taken literally, but rather symbolically, representing spiritual truths and future events.
The great earthquake: The verse starts by mentioning a great earthquake. Throughout the Bible, earthquakes are often associated with divine judgment or significant events. In this context, the earthquake symbolizes a significant shaking or upheaval, both spiritually and physically.
The tenth part of the city fell: The verse further states that a tenth part of the city fell. The identity of the city is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, leaving room for interpretation. Some scholars believe that the city refers to Jerusalem, as it holds great significance in biblical prophecy. The fall of a tenth part of the city represents a partial destruction or judgment upon it.
Slain of men seven thousand: The verse mentions that in the earthquake, seven thousand men were slain. Again, this number should be understood symbolically rather than literally. Seven is a significant number in the Bible, often representing completeness or perfection. The idea here is that a significant number of people will experience judgment or perish during the events described.
The remnant’s response: The verse concludes by saying that the remnant, those who survive the earthquake, were affrighted (or terrified) and gave glory to the God of heaven. This response indicates a recognition of God’s power and sovereignty, leading to repentance and worship.
Overall meaning: Revelation 11:13 portrays a time of great upheaval and divine judgment. The events described serve as a reminder of God’s ultimate authority and power over creation. The response of the remnant, giving glory to God, highlights the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty in the midst of challenging circumstances and turning to Him in repentance.
It’s important to note that the book of Revelation is highly symbolic and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Different theologians and scholars may have slightly different interpretations of specific details, but the central message remains consistent – that God is in control and will bring about His purposes in the end.
As you continue to study the book of Revelation, it is helpful to consider other passages of Scripture, consult trusted commentaries, and seek guidance from your local church community to gain a deeper understanding of its message.
