Revelation 11:13

Same hour. That is, almost immediately after the ascension of the witnesses.

A great earthquake. The symbol of an earthquake is used repeatedly in Scripture to portray the turmoil and upheaval that characterize the world immediately preceding the second advent (see Mark 13:8; Rev. 16:18). Applying the prophecy to France, commentators see in the earthquake a picture of the upheaval that shook the nation toward the close of the 18th century.

Tenth part. This is not the final earthquake, for only a fraction of the city (see on vs. 2, 8) falls at this time (cf. ch. 16:18). This earthquake signifies a temporary judgment that frightens into submission some of those who have gloried in the death of the witnesses. Some apply the expression “tenth part of the city” to the entire nation of France on the basis that France was one of the “ten kings” to arise from the fallen Roman Empire (Dan. 7:24). Others identify the city as papal Rome and France as one of its ten divisions.

Of men. Gr. onomata anthrōpōn, literally, “names of men.” Some take the word onomata, “names,” here in the sense of “persons” (see on Acts 3:16). Others apply onomata to titles, offices, or orders that were suppressed during the French Revolution.

Seven thousand. Comparatively a small number of persons are meant, but enough to bring survivors to recognize the sovereignty of God, whose witnesses they had despised.

The God of heaven. This title occurs frequently in Daniel (see Dan. 2:18, 19, 37, 44, cf. Ezra 5:11, 12; 6:9; 7:12).