Revelation 8

Introductory Remarks

These trumpets of judgment indicate a series of events that occur over and over again throughout the final dispensation – not any single event, but the uncertainties of any time in any part of the world. From Hendriksen, pg, 140, “…by means of these judgments, God is constantly calling the ungodly to repentance….The very function of the trumpet is to warn.” (Adapted from Vision of Victory)

Seventh Seal: Prelude to the Seven Trumpets

1-5 After the Lamb opens the seventh seal, heaven is silent for half an hour, creating a sense of expectation. The seven angels are given seven trumpets, Another angel with a golden censer comes to the altar and offers the prayers of the saints, which ascend to God. Then the angel throws it to earth, resulting in noises, thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. Earth refers to the realm of the ungodly, to be distinguished from those who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb.

6 The seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets.

First Trumpet: Vegetation Struck

7 First angel sounds, followed by hail and fire mingled with blood, thrown to the earth, burning up a third of the trees and all green grass. Notice the similarity between these judgments and those upon Egypt (Exodus 9:23-27). “A third” indicates that the destruction will not be complete. From Vision of Victory: “Whenever and wherever any natural calamity comes upon the earth, be it an earthquake, a forest fire, a hailstorm, or a tornado, we can view that as a warning from God concerning the impending final judgment to come.”

Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck

8-9 Second angel sounds, followed by what looks like a mountain on fire, turning the sea to blood, killing a third of the living creatures and destroying a third of the ships. Like the first plague (Exodus 7:20-24). From Vision of Victory: “Not even upon the vastness of earth’s oceans can man escape God’s judgments.”

Third Trumpet: The Waters Struck

10-11 Third angel sounds. A great star named Wormwood, burning like a torch, falls on a third of the rivers and springs, turning the water to wormwood and killing many men who drink the bitter water. Catastrophe has struck the earth and the seas; now it strikes sources of fresh water. Wormwood symbolizes great sorrow (Lamentations 3:19). In the Old Testament it is used in connection with the consequences of idolatry (Deuteronomy 29:18; Jeremiah 9:15; Jeremiah 23:15; Amos 5:7; 6:12).

Fourth Trumpet: The Heavens Struck

12 Fourth angel sounds. A third of sun, moon, and stars are darkened. The sun doesn’t shine for a third of a day. This plague strikes the heavens. Darkness was another of Egypt’s plagues (Exodus 10:21-23), symbolizing the removal of the presence of God, who is the source of light.  The absence of light signifies God’s judgment (Isaiah 13:10; Jeremiah 4:23; Ezekiel 32:7).

13 John looks and hears an eagle flying through heaven, shouting “Woe” to earth’s inhabitants because of the remaining blasts. “Earth’s inhabitants” is used throughout Revelation to describe “the earth-bound, non-believing, unrepentant, rebellious, sinful residents of the earth” (Visions of Victory)