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.
Ver. 13. A great earthquake] Since the Reformation, what stirs and broils have there been all over Christendom! God's sword hath ridden circuit, Ezekiel 14:17, and is not yet sheathed, nor can it, Jeremiah 47:6,7, as being still in commission.
And the tenth part, &c.] Ruit alto a culmine Roma. Louis XII, king of France, threatened that he would destroy Rome, and coined money with an inscription to that purpose, Se perditurum Babylonem cui cum hac inscriptione monetae, minatus est. George Fransperg (a general under Charles Bourbon) that sacked the city of Rome, caused a halter to be carried near his colours, saying that with that he would hang the pope; encouraging his soldiers (who were most of them Lutherans) with the great opportunity they had to get spoils. (Hist. of the Council of Trent.) But the sins of that city are not yet full.
Gave glory to the God of heaven] Confessed their sins, as Achan, and changed their minds, as thoseMalachi 3:18. It is said of the Burgundians, that being afflicted and oppressed by the Huns, they applied themselves to Christ the God of the Christians, whom, after a long debate, they concluded to be the Almighty God. (Alsted. Chron.)