Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
Mentioned among the extraordinary phenomena of Palestine (Ps. 18:7; comp. Hab. 3:6; Nah. 1:5; Isa. 5:25).
The first earthquake in Palestine of which we have any record happened in the reign of Ahab (1 Ki. 19:11, 12). Another took place in the days of Uzziah, King of Judah (Zech. 14:5). The most memorable earthquake taking place in New Testament times happened at the crucifixion of our Lord (Mt. 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 (Judg. 5:4; 2 Sam. 22:8; Ps. 77:18, 97:4, 104:32).