Seven trumpets

The chronological sequence of the tribulation judgements is now resumed. But, first, there is an ominous silence in heaven for half an hour, the time usually spent in silent worship in the Jewish temple during the burning of the incense. The incense here is handled by an angel with a golden censer at the golden altar before God’s throne in heaven. It signifies the prayers of believers of all ages for vengeance on their enemies and for the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven. The opening of the seventh seal by Christ, the Lamb, introduces seven judgements upon earth, more severe than the previous six. Administered by angels, they are called ‘seven trumpets’, because in them God is declaring His continuing war against rebellious mankind to secure their repentance or submission.

The trumpet judgements, like the seal judgements, are divided into four and three. The first four affect man’s natural environment, the earth, sea, rivers, and sun, while the last three are different, and worse. Their distinctive feature is the emphasis on ‘the third part’, rather than the whole, indicating that judgement is being tempered with mercy in the hope that men will repent. While the language here is partly symbolical, since this is apocalyptic literature, the judgements should be interpreted as literally as possible, as all other scripture usually is.

The first trumpet sends a terrible storm to destroy a third of all trees and green grass. When the second trumpet sounds, a great burning mountain, or meteorite, crashes into the sea, destroying a third of all ships and marine life, and turning the sea into blood. The third trumpet sends a large comet, called ‘Wormwood’, on to the earth, polluting all watercourses, so that many men die of poison. The fourth trumpet causes further disturbances in the heavenly bodies, reducing their light by a third.

In verse 13, an eagle (RV) flying in mid-heaven announces the three final trumpet judgements as ‘Woes’, because of their greater severity. In Old Testament prophecy this signifies coming judgement by invasion; for now demonic forces are allowed by God to physically attack all unbelievers. May we learn how futile it is to fight against God, and trust and obey Him instead!