hen when "all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates" (Ezekiel 38:11), this is not for the early 21st century. This occurs sometime after Jesus returns. More details on that can be found in the article Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day?.
Notice the following report about God and earthquakes:
Natural Disasters—A Sign from God? In the wake of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami, Tokyo’s governor referred to the events as tembatsu—or “divine judgment.” Mr. Ishihara subsequently apologized for his religious-sounding comments. However, many around the globe agree with Mr. Ishihara’s initial assessment. A recent poll of Americans revealed that about 40% view natural disasters as “a sign from God.” That number approaches 60% among Evangelicals, and drops significantly among Catholics and non-Evangelical “Christians” (Foxnews.com, March 24, 2011). As we approach the “end of the age”—as the Bible refers to it—students of the Bible understand that natural disasters, on land and at sea, will increase in intensity and frequency (Matthew 24:6-8; Revelation 6:5-8). The Caribbean hurricane season is predicted to be intense again this year and to start earlier in the southern Caribbean and western Gulf of Mexico. AccuWeather predicts “15 named storms from June 1 to November 30, eight of which will become hurricanes, with three major ones (category three or higher)” (www.nationnews.com, March 31, 2011). Although natural disasters will come, God also prophesies that a future time of peace will come when tears and sorrow will no longer exist (Revelation 21:4). God controls the weather and He will use it to punish nations that turn away from His laws. In the long-term, God will use the weather to bring blessings to nations that follow His laws. (World Ahead Weekly Update. April 7, 2011)
Earthquakes were something that Jesus warned about. And while not all earthquakes are a sign of God's punishment, a great one is coming that may shake many into realizing that God is sovereign and to fear His wrath (Revelation 16:18-19). More on weather can be found in the article Weather Blessings and Sorrows.
Does the Bible predict the big one, an earthquake bigger than most geologists think possible?
Well, living in California, we often hear the idea that the "big one" an enormous earthquake will some day take place. In March 2011, when I saw "experts" discussing this, they indicated that it was not possible to have an earthquake along the San Andreas fault greater than about an 7.5-8.5 magnitude because of how the fault is laid out.
And while some in California might find that a little reassuring, the Bible speaks of a bigger earthquake ultimately coming. And California may have one or more "big ones" before this happens.
According to the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, the Lydia earthquake of 17 A.D. was the "greatest earthquake in human memory" (Keitel, E. "Tacitus and the Disaster Narrative". In Kraus C.S., Marincola J. & Pelling C. Ancient Historiography and Its Contexts: Studies in Honour of A. J. Woodman. Oxford University Press, 2010, p. 335. ISBN 9780191614095). But a bigger one is coming.
The real big earthquake in biblical prophecy is the following one:
18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:18-20)
Notice that the above earthquake is so big that the cities of the nations will fall. Mountains will be leveled and islands "fled away" (more on this can be found in the article Islands and Bible Prophecy). This seems to be the biggest earthquake that will ever hit the planet with humans on it. Despite the view of 'preterists' that this already happened (see The Dangerous Rise of Preterists), that is nonsense