Earthquakes often occur during important events in biblical history (see Exodus 19:18; 1 Kings 19:11–12; Matthew 27:51).
Seven thousand: This number of deaths shows God's role in judgment (contrast 1 Kings 19:18).
the rest … gave glory to the God of heaven: Those who survived the earthquake had to recognize God's power and control over the world (see Philippians 2:9–11).