Revelation 8 – Amplified Bible
This final seal introduces another set of actions, this time with trumpets. But before we begin, please remember, with faith in Jesus, we’re most likely already with Him at this point. No, I can’t be certain, but in the last chapter the multitude in front of Christ is something I’m thinking today must be all of us. Which leaves no believers on earth at this point. Well, maybe those marked in Israel. Not certain on that either.
Please read Revelation 8:1-2
The Seventh Seal—the Trumpets
1 When He (the Lamb) broke open the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour [in awe of God’s impending judgment]. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven [a]trumpets were given to them.
This seal introduces the next set of actions. First silence, then trumpets which require someone to blow them so the angels in front of God each take one. Awful things are about to happen again, because like the seals, each blow of a trumpet produces and action, not just a sound.
Please read Revelation 8:3-5
3 Another angel came and stood at the altar. He had a golden [b]censer, and much [c]incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints (God’s people) on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 And the smoke and fragrant aroma of the incense, with the prayers of the saints (God’s people), ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 So the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder and loud rumblings and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Before they blow the trumpets, this angel drops burning incense to earth. There’s something about this that relates to the temple times in Israel. Prayers were offered with incense. So this is somehow related to that for all the prayers that never used incense when praying. Probably those in Israel rather than those of us who belong to Christ.
Please read Revelation 8:6
6 Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them [initiating the judgments].
There is a position where it makes blowing a trumpet easier.
Please read Revelation 8:7
7 The first [angel] sounded [his trumpet], and there was [a storm of] hail and fire, mixed with blood, and it was hurled to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
A third, not necessarily the consecutive land parts that make it up. Because trees, grass and whatever the rest is is included.
Please read Revelation 8:8-9
8 The second angel sounded [his trumpet], and something like a great mountain blazing with fire was hurled into the sea; and a third of the sea was turned to blood; 9 and a third of the living creatures that were in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
A third of the sea, animals and ships. Because water itself can’t be turned to blood, but animals and the people on ships can be, anything living can. And a third of them on water will be involved in this. But not on lakes, in the sea. I’m guessing on that based on the word sea, but we’ll see.
Please read Revelation 8:10-11
10 The third angel sounded [his trumpet], and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch [flashing across the sky], and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of [fresh] waters. 11 The name of the star is [d]Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters, because they had become bitter (toxic).
This one takes a third of the fresh water. And kills many due to the toxic water. The footnote says wormwood is particularly toxic to the nervous system. Meaning anything living in the rivers or drinking their water is at risk.
Please read Revelation 8:12-13
12 Then the fourth angel sounded [his trumpet], and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and a third of the daylight would not shine, and the night in the same way [would not shine].
Daytime will be 1/3 darker, night time as well.
13 Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle flying in [e]midheaven [for all to see], saying with a loud voice, “[f]Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpets which the three angels are about to sound [announcing ever greater judgments]!”
As if what has already happened hasn’t been awful, we’re warned by this eagle. It is talking about what is to come in the next three trumpets. Please continue to study with me. This is so important. And a great way to grow our faith.
Footnotes
[a]Revelation 8:2 – and seven [a]trumpets were given to them – In the Old Testament, trumpets announced God’s commands to congregate, move camp, and prepare for war (Num 10:1-9). Trumpets were also used to announce celebrations (Num 10:10; 29:1), royal coronations (1 Kin 1:34, 39; 2 Kin 9:13), and God’s impending wrath (Josh 6:1-8; Zeph 1:14-16). Angels will blow trumpets during the judgment and resurrection (Matt 24:31; 1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thess 4:16).
[b] Revelation 8:3 – He had a golden [b]censer, – I.e. a special container for burning incense.
[c] Revelation 8:3 – and much [c]incense was given to him – I.e. fragrant spices which exude perfume when burned.
[d] Revelation 8:11 – The name of the star is [d]Wormwood; – Gr apsinthos, cf Eng “absinthe.” This is a plant from which a bitter oil is extracted that is highly toxic to the nervous system. The name “wormwood” comes from the fact that the oil was used medicinally to kill intestinal worms.
[e] Revelation 8:13 – a solitary eagle flying in [e]midheaven – The Greek word used here refers to the meridian or zenith, the highest point of the sun in the sky, where the sun is directly overhead.
[f] Revelation 8:13 – “[f]Woe, woe, woe [great wrath is coming] to those who dwell on the earth, – During the first four trumpets, judgment fell on nature, but in the final three trumpet judgments (chs 9-11), unbelieving humanity will be directly punished through torment, death, and at last total destruction.
Menu for this study.