Rev 8:1-6 Trumpet Judgments: Seventh Seal, Silence, Saints’ Prayers, Seven Angels Prepare to Sound Seven Trumpets

Rev. 8:1   When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

Rev. 8:3   Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.  4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.  5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Rev. 8:6   And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

Prayer and Bible Expo

What is the immediate response in heaven when the Lamb breaks the seventh seal? (8:1)

“. . . there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (8:1).

Who is standing before God? (8:2)

Seven angels (8:2).

What is given to them? (8:2)

Seven trumpets (8:2).

What is given to another angel who came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer? (8:3) 

“. . . much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne” (8:3).

What does the smoke of the incense represent? (8:4)

o   “. . . the prayers of the saints . . .” (8:4).

o   “. . . golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8).

o   “May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering” (Ps 141:2).

Where does the incense go? (8:4)

“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand” (8:4).

After the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, goes up before God, what does the angel take and throw to earth? (8:5)

“Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar and threw it to the earth” (8:5).

     

Following this, what happens on earth? (8:5)

“. . . there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake” (8:5).

What do the seven angels prepare to do? (8:6)

“And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them” (8:6).

What impresses you about Rev 8:1-6?

When the Lamb breaks the seventh seal, which contains the seven trumpets, there will be silence in heaven for about half an hour. The holy hush in heaven discloses the magnitude of the devastation on earth that will accompany the sounding of the terrifying trumpets.

What do you learn about God from Rev. 8:1-6?

God’s judgment on earth is preceded by heavenly worship and regard for the prayers of the saints. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, goes up before God.

How could this transform your life?

Praise and pray through times of trouble on earth.

Adonai,

Transcendent God, Mighty King, clothed in splendor and majesty. Ruler of all the nations. Ancient of Days. Sovereign Potentate. Omniscient. Omnipotent. Omnipresent. Eternal. Powerful. Divine.  Holy, holy, holy, LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of Your glory. Great is Your faithfulness. Terrifying is Your holiness .Glorious is Your grace.  Comforting is Your everlasting lovingkindness. Tender is Your peace, surpassing all understanding. Worthy are You and the Lamb to receive honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving. You shepherd Your people during times of trouble. You make us lie down in green pastures; You lead us beside quiet waters. You restore our souls; You guide us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil, for You are with us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Brief Summary of Revelation 1–9

Revelation 1 The Introduction: ­Scene: Earth.  Time: Past (ca. 95 AD).

John introduces the book of prophecy with an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the Revelation. John was exiled on the island of Patmos when Jesus sent and communicated the vision of things which must soon take place. John is commanded to write and send the book to the seven churches in Asia.

Revelation 2-3  Messages to the Angels of the Seven Churches in Asia: 

Scene: Earth. Time: Present (to original readers in Asia).

Jesus sends a unique message to each of the seven churches in the western part of the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  The cities are listed in the order of the geological circuit that the messenger of the book would naturally travel as he delivered the letters.

Revelation 4–5 Prelude of Praise:

Scene: Heaven. Time: Future (Onset of the Great Seven-Year Tribulation which will complete the present age, conclude with Jesus’ return, and usher in the Millennium).

Revelation 4-22 records events that will take place in the future. Three consecutive periods of judgment lead to the second return of Jesus Christ: 7 Seals; 7 Trumpets; and, 7 Bowls. A prelude of praise in heaven precedes the onset of each three sets of 7 consecutive judgments. Revelation 4-5 records the initial heavenly prelude of praise that will precede the opening of the 7 Seals of judgment in Revelation 6, ushering in “a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will” (Matt 24:21).

Revelation 6 Seal Judgments

Scene: Earth. Time: Future (Chronology moves forward.)

The seven seals contain the judgments of the Great Tribulation, concluding with the return of Jesus. The seventh Seal contains the seven Trumpet judgments, and the seventh Trumpet judgment contains the final seven Bowl judgments. The Trumpet and Bowl judgments are all contained within the seventh Seal, unfolding consecutively through the seven-year Tribulation Period. Through judgment, Jesus becomes King of all the nations.

Revelation 6 records John’s vision of the Lamb breaking the first 6 of 7 Seals:

§  Seal #1:      First Apocalyptic Horseman (White Horse): Conqueror

§  Seal #2:      Second Apocalyptic Horseman (Red Horse): Removes Peace

§  Seal #3:      Third Apocalyptic Horseman (Black Horse): Famine

§  Seal #4:      Fourth Apocalyptic Horseman (Ashen Horse): Death and Hades (over ¼ of earth killed)

§  Seal #5:      Cries of the Martyrs for Judgment and Vengeance

§  Seal #6:      Earthquake, Blackened Sun, Blood-like Moon, Falling Stars, Split Sky, Moving Mountains and Islands, Hiding Men, Great Day of Wrath

The seventh seal remains unbroken at the end of Revelation 6. Before the Lamb breaks the seventh seal (Rev 8), the foreheads of 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel are sealed.

Revelation 7 – ­144,000 Sealed from Israel; Prelude of Praise by Great Multitude

·      Rev 7:1-8 Sealing of 144,000 from 12 Tribes of Israel:
Scene: Earth. Time: Future.

The angels are commanded to refrain from harming the earth, sea, or trees until the bond-servants of God are sealed on their foreheads with the seal of the Living God. The 144,000 include 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

·      Rev 7:9-17 Prelude of Praise by Multitude in Heaven:
Scene: Heaven. Time: Future.

Before the Lamb breaks the 7th Seal, containing the 7 Trumpets and 7 Bowls, there is a prelude of praise in heaven by a great, countless multitude from every nation, tribes, peoples, and tongues. The multitude, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, stands before the throne and before the Lamb as they cry, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (7:10). The heavenly court responds in worship. One of the elders explains to John that the multitude came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, made white in the blood of the Lamb.

Introduction to Revelation 8–9 Trumpet Judgments

Scene: Earth. Time: Future (Chronology moves forward, Second Half of Tribulation)

After the sealing of 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel and a prelude of praise by a great multitude in heaven, the Lamb breaks the seventh seal. In response, heaven is silenced for half an hour. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets, the second of three 7-judgment series that are consecutively released during the  Great Tribulation.

At Christmas, I would often wrap gifts so that they could not be guessed. I would wrap a small box in a larger box, and both of them in an even larger box. This concept can be used to demonstrate the three series of judgment. The seven bowls are wrapped in the seventh trumpet. The seven trumpets are wrapped in the seventh seal.

When the Lamb breaks the seventh seal, He is actually initiating the seven trumpets. Once the seventh seal is broken, the seven trumpet judgments occur consecutively. Revelation 8–9 records the consecutive release of six of the seven trumpet judgments.

o   Trumpet #1: Hail, Fire (upon earth)

o   Trumpet #2: Burning Mountain (upon sea)

o   Trumpet #3: Wormwood (upon waters)

o   Trumpet #4: Sun, Moon, Stars (upon heavens)

o   Trumpet #5: Demonic Locusts (upon people)

o   Trumpet #6: Horsemen (upon people)

o   Trumpet #7: Announces 7 Bowls

Revelation 7:9-17 — The Great Multitude

Rev. 7:9   After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from  every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing  before the throne and  before the Lamb, clothed in  white robes, and  palm branches were in their hands;  10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,

 “ Salvation to our God  who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  11 And all the angels were standing  around the throne and around  the elders and the  four living creatures; and they  fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,  12 saying,

 “ Amen,  blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.”

Rev. 7:13   Then one of the elders  answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the  white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”  14 I  said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the  great tribulation, and they have  washed their robes and made them  white in the  blood of the Lamb.  15 “For this reason, they are  before the throne of God; and they  serve Him day and night in His   temple; and  He who sits on the throne will spread His  tabernacle over them.  16 “ They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun  beat down on them, nor any heat;  17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their  shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the   water of life; and  God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Prayer and Bible Expo

After seeing the 144,000 sealed bond-servants of God,  what does John see? (7:9)

“. . . a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues . . .” (7:9).

Describe the great multitude (7:9-10).  Where are they (heaven or earth)?

The multitude was so great that they could not be counted. The multitude represents all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. They are standing before the throne of God and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes. Palm branches are in their hands as they worship God and the Lamb with loud voices. (Place: Heaven)

What is the multitude saying with a loud voice?  (7:10)

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (7:10).

Describe the worship scene in Rev. 7:11-12.  What is ascribed to God forever?

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fall on their faces before the throne and worship God, saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (7:11-12).

What does one of the elders ask John? How does John respond? (7:14)

“These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come?” John said to him, “My lord, you know” (7:14).

How does the elder identify the great multitude?

“And he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’” (7:14).

For what reason is the multitude before the throne of God (7:15)?

They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them” (7:15).

What is the future of the great multitude of martyrs? (7:16)

They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat (7:16).

Who will shepherd the multitude? Where will He guide them? Who will wipe their tears?

·      “for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd” (7:17).

·      The Lamb “will guide them to springs of the water of life” (7:17).

·      “and God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (7:17).

What impresses you about Rev 7:9-17?

The great multitude, which comes out of the tribulation, having washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb, represents all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. They come out of the tribulation and come into the Presence of God and of the Lamb. The multitude worships in the throne room of God. Jesus will shepherd them and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

What do you learn about God from Rev 7:9-17?

God does not discriminate. He is served and worshipped by people from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. Those who come out of the great tribulation, having washed and whitened their robes in the blood of the Lamb, worship and serve God and the Lamb. God Himself wipes away all their tears, and Jesus will shepherd them.

God’s grace is still available during the great tribulation. During this time of terrible judgment, God will save sinners who repent and wash their robes in the blood of Jesus. The glory of God’s grace and power of Jesus’ blood are magnified during a time of incomparable trouble while God’s wrath is being poured out upon the world.

How could this transform your life?

Heed God’s kingdom plan, embracing people from all nations, tribes, and tongues.

Never underestimate the grace of God towards sinners who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Proclaim the gospel to all people with faith in God’s power and desire to save sinners from judgment and reconcile all to Himself through Jesus.

God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, God of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, glorious is Your grace towards sinners of all nations, color, and circumstance. Salvation is by Your grace through faith alone in Jesus, Your Son, Savior of the world, Lord over all. For You so loved the world, that You gave Your only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

 For You did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus died on the cross. Jesus was raised from the dead. He appeared to the apostles and over 500 people after His resurrection before ascending to heaven where He sat down at Your right hand. The Gospel is Your power of salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. May You send and equip servants to go out into the harvest, empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the gospel in power and truth. May eyes be opened so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance amongst those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus.

Praise to the glory of Your grace, which You freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. May You give a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of You. May the eyes of hearts be enlightened, so that the hope of Your calling is made known, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of Your power toward all who believe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.