Op dieselfde tyd was daar 'n groot aardbewing, en dit het een tiende van die stad verwoes. Daar het 7 000 mense gesterf in die aardbewing. Die ander mense het baie bang geword en hulle het die God van die hemel geprys.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a powerful earthquake that happens right after an event in Revelation. The earthquake causes part of the city to collapse, killing seven thousand people and frightening the rest, who then give glory to God.
Explained for Children
Imagine if when you were playing with your toys, suddenly there was a big shake like when you knock over a tower of blocks. Some parts fall down, and everyone is scared but realizes it's because something powerful is happening.
Historical Background
The Book of Revelation was written by John, one of Jesus' disciples, around the end of the first century AD. It was addressed to early Christian communities facing persecution under Roman rule, conveying messages of hope and warning through symbolic imagery.
Living It Out Today
This verse can be applied to situations where natural disasters occur. When such events happen, it often makes people reflect on their lives and seek God's guidance, much like the survivors in this passage who recognized God’s power after the earthquake.
Why did seven thousand people die in the earthquake?
In biblical prophecy, numbers often symbolize a concept rather than literal counts. The number might represent completeness or a significant loss to emphasize divine judgment.
What does it mean that 'the remnant were affrighted and gave glory to God'?
This indicates that those who survived the disaster recognized God's power and sovereignty, leading them to give honor and praise to Him for His might.
How is this earthquake different from others mentioned in the Bible?
The earthquake described here is symbolic of divine judgment. Unlike natural explanations for earthquakes elsewhere, this one serves a prophetic purpose, signaling God's intervention.
Can Revelation 11:13 be applied to contemporary natural disasters?
Yes, it can remind us that in the face of disaster, we should turn to God for strength and guidance, as those who survived the earthquake did in this passage.