Researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are warning that the likelihood of a large earthquake in Israel is increasing, as the region nears the 100th year since the last major event. The three most destructive earthquakes to strike the region occurred in 1759, 1837 and 1927. Working on those statistics, researchers believe the next one could occur around the year 2011. Through analysing earthquake statistics in Europe, they also believe that around 17% of the houses in Jerusalem that were built around the time of the founding of the nation could be significantly damaged. 

Quote: ""The 80-year birthday of the last earthquake brings us into a new period called 'the range of statistical error,'" he said in an interview with the Jerusalem Post. "[From] what we know regarding the previous destructive earthquake, the time that another destructive earthquake will return, like what occurred in 1927, is about 100 years."

A panel of geologists also warned last year that the state of Israel is not prepared in that event that a killer earthquake should strike the region. Many of the recent earthquakes in Israel have had a seeming spiritual or prophetic significance. In October 2005, an earthquake struck the Jordan valley on the eve of the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah. This event followed a lunar eclipse just the day before. Two moderate earthquakes also struck Israel the day following the announcement in Mecca that Fatah and Hamas had agreed to form a unity government. Earthquakes mentioned in the Scriptures have often occurred during prophetic events, such as the crucifixion (Matthew 27:54) and resurrection of Christ (Matthew 28:2). Earthquakes will continue to mark significant prophetic events, according to the book of Revelation. The largest earthquake the world has ever witnessed, which will literally shake earth out of its orbit (as was seen during the Asian Tsunami), will occur near the latter end of the tribulation period (Revelation 16:18-19, Isaiah 24:20). At the return of Christ to the Mount of Olives, an earthquake is also prophesied to split the mountain in two, providing a means of escape for the Jewish nation from the onslaught of the Antichrist (Zechariah 14:4-5). 

Concerning today's news, the Scriptures do prophesy that such an earthquake will occur, significantly damaging the city of Jerusalem during the tribulation period. This article predicts one in six houses will be damaged, while the book of Revelation states that one in ten will be destroyed. This is perhaps the only earthquake in the history of the world where the death toll has been recorded in advance of the actual event. Perhaps that is why those remaining alive in the city give glory to God, for they realize that just as the Lord prophesied this would occur, that the rest of the prophesies concerning Christ's return must shortly come to pass.

Revelation 11:13 
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.

Source WorldNetDaily