Revelation 8

The seventh seal opened (vs. 1-6)—In principle, this chapter offers nothing new; but then, that will almost be the case for the rest of the book. After making sure that all of God’s people on earth were protected (chapter 7), the Lamb opens the seventh seal (v. 1). There is silence in heaven for “about half an hour”—deep and solemn things are about to happen. Then seven angels appear with seven trumpets—the next judgment of God to be announced (v. 2). Another angel appears and he acts as a priest. He has a golden censer, in which is “much incense” which he will offer to God “upon the golden altar which was before the throne” (v. 3). This incense will be offered “with the prayers of all the saints” (v. 3), who are obviously praying for strength and deliverance. God hears the fervent prayers of his struggling and afflicted people and causes His judgment to go forth against their enemies. That’s the subject of the rest of this chapter and the next.

The first four trumpets (vs. 7-13)—Very similar to the seven seals. These first four trumpets bring woes upon nature, a partial destruction of the world—warning judgments sent upon wicked men. The first trumpet brings woe upon the land—hail and fire (reminiscent of the plague in Egypt) mingled with blood. This burned up a third of the trees and all green grass (v. 7). The second trumpet brought “something like a great mountain burning with fire [which] was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood” (v. 8). This destroyed a third of the living creatures in the sea and a like number of ships (v. 9). The third trumpet’s woe brought a great star which “fell from heaven, burning like a torch”. It descended on a third of fresh waters (v. 10). The star had a name—Wormwood—which was a bitter herb. The waters were thus made bitter and “many men died from the water” (v. 11). The fourth trumpet affected the heavens: a third of the sun, moon, and stars, thus “a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night” (v. 12). The chapter ends with another angel appearing, announcing woes “because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" (v. 13). The fifth and sixth trumpets will blow in chapter 9; the seventh will not sound until chapter 11.

The apocalyptic nature of this language must be remembered. John sees dramatic visions of impossible events, horrendous destructions on the earth. Well, obviously these things can’t be literal; they picture the judgments of God. Again, if one is familiar with Old Testament judgment language, then what John sees here is not in the least surprising. And it would be comforting to the Christians in distress to know that their prayers are being heard and that the Lord will avenge them. Now, these events in chapter 8 are not the final judgment; only a third of the earth, etc. was affected. But the point is made. God sees and God acts. Perhaps much of the rest of the world will see this righteous wrath of God and repent. Chapter 9 hints that such is part of the motive for these judgments.