Revelation 8: The Seventh Seal and the Trumpet Judgments Begin

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Revelation 8 marks a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy as the seventh seal is opened, ushering in God’s trumpet judgments. The chapter begins with a profound silence in heaven, followed by the prayers of the saints rising before God, triggering divine judgment on earth. The first four trumpet judgments bring catastrophic ecological disasters—burning earth, poisoned waters, and darkened skies—signaling God’s righteous wrath against sin. This chapter reveals both God’s justice and His mercy, warning humanity to repent before final judgment. Revelation 8: The Seventh Seal and the Trumpet Judgments Begin underscores God’s sovereignty and the urgency of spiritual readiness.

Revelation 8 Overview

The Seventh Seal (Revelation 8:1-6)
The First Trumpet: Hail and Fire (Revelation 8:7)
The Second Trumpet: Burning Mountain (Revelation 8:8-9)
The Third Trumpet: Wormwood Star (Revelation 8:10-11)
The Fourth Trumpet: Darkness (Revelation 8:12-13)

The Seventh Seal

1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake followed.

6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

The First Trumpet: Hail and Fire

7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burned up, and one third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

The Second Trumpet: Burning Mountain

8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood, 9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.

The Third Trumpet: Wormwood Star

10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. 11 The name of the star is called “Wormwood.” One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

The Fourth Trumpet: Darkness

12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn’t shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way.

13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!”

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 8:1-6

The seventh seal is opened. There was profound silence in heaven for a space; all was quiet in the church, for whenever the church on earth cries through oppression, that cry reaches up to heaven; or it is a silence of expectation. Trumpets were given to the angels, who were to sound them.

The Lord Jesus is the High Priest of the church, having a golden censer, and much incense, fulness of merit in his own glorious person. Would that men studied to know the fulness that is in Christ, and endeavoured to be acquainted with his excellency.

Would that they were truly persuaded that Christ has such an office as that of Intercessor, which he now performs with deep sympathy. No prayers, thus recommended, was ever denied hearing and acceptance. These prayers, thus accepted in heaven, produced great changes upon earth.

The Christian worship and religion, pure and heavenly in its origin and nature, when sent down to earth and conflicting with the passions and worldly projects of sinful men, produced remarkable tumults, here set forth in prophetical language, as our Lord himself declared, Luk_12:49.

Revelation 8:7-13

The first angel sounded the first trumpet, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood. A storm of heresies, a mixture of dreadful errors falling on the church, or a tempest of destruction. The second angel sounded, and a great mountain, burning with fire, was cast into the sea; and the third part of the sea became blood.

By this mountain some understand leaders of the persecutions; others, Rome sacked by the Goths and Vandals, with great slaughter and cruelty. The third angel sounded, and there fell a star from heaven. Some take this to be an eminent governor; others take it to be some person in power who corrupted the churches of Christ.

The doctrines of the gospel, the springs of spiritual life, comfort, and vigour, to the souls of men, are corrupted and made bitter by the mixture of dangerous errors, so that the souls of men find ruin where they sought refreshment. The fourth angel sounded, and darkness fell upon the great lights of heaven, that give light to the world, the sun, and the moon, and the stars.

The guides and governors are placed higher than the people, and are to dispense light, and kind influences to them. Where the gospel comes to a people, and has not proper effects on their hearts and lives, it is followed with dreadful judgments. God gives alarm by the written word, by ministers, by men’s own consciences, and by the signs of the times; so that if people are surprised, it is their own fault.

The anger of God makes all comforts bitter, and even life itself burdensome. But God, in this world, sets bounds to the most terrible judgments. Corruption of doctrine and worship in the church are great judgments, and also are the usual causes and tokens of other judgments coming on a people. Before the other three trumpets were sounded, there was solemn warning how terrible the calamities would be that should follow.

If lesser judgments do not take effect the church and the world must expect greater; and when God comes to punish the world, the inhabitants shall tremble before him. Let sinners take warning to flee from the wrath to come; let believers learn to value and to be thankful for their privileges; and let them patiently continue in well doing.

Sermon Themes

Revelation 8 reminds us that God hears the prayers of His people and responds with both justice and mercy. How does this chapter challenge you to live with urgency in light of coming judgment? Explore the following themes and topics to shape your sermon on this chapter of Revelation. Let them inspire you to share God’s truth with clarity and impact.

The Significance of Silence in Heaven (Revelation 8:1): This theme highlights a moment of profound anticipation and awe before the unleashing of divine judgment. The silence underscores the gravity of what is about to unfold, suggesting a pause for reflection and the weight of God’s coming actions.
The Power of Prayer Rising Before God – The saints’ prayers mingle with heavenly incense, moving God to action (Revelation 8:3-4).
Divine Response to Prayer and Judgment (Revelation 8:5): This theme connects the prayers of the saints with the subsequent judgments. The angel taking the censer, filling it with fire from the altar, and throwing it on the earth signifies a direct response from God, where prayers may precede and even be intertwined with divine acts of judgment. This highlights the sovereignty of God and His attentiveness to His people.
The Commencement of God’s Judgment through the Trumpets (Revelation 8:6): This theme marks the official beginning of a new phase of divine intervention in earthly affairs. The seven angels preparing to sound their trumpets signifies the orderly and deliberate nature of God’s judgments.
The First Trumpet: Judgment on the Earth’s Ecology (Revelation 8:7): This theme introduces the initial stage of judgment impacting the natural world. This signifies a partial devastation of the terrestrial environment.
The Second Trumpet: Judgment on the Seas (Revelation 8:8-9): This theme focuses on judgment affecting the marine environment. This illustrates a significant disruption and destruction of oceanic life and human endeavors related to the sea.
The Third Trumpet: Judgment on Freshwater Sources (Revelation 8:10-11): This theme highlights the poisoning of vital freshwater resources. This emphasizes the severe consequences of judgment on essential life-sustaining elements.
The Fourth Trumpet: Judgment on Celestial Light (Revelation 8:12): The darkened heavens serve as both a tangible act of God’s judgment and a prophetic warning of spiritual darkness descending on a rebellious world. This suggests a disruption in the natural order and a foreshadowing of greater darkness.
Wormwood – The Bitterness of Sin’s Consequences – Rebellion against God leads to spiritual and physical devastation (Revelation 8:10-11).
Darkened Skies – The Shaking of Creation – The cosmos trembles under God’s sovereign judgment (Revelation 8:12).
Embrace the Power of Prayer in Stillness (Revelation 8:1, 3-4): Find moments of quiet to connect with God through prayer, trusting in His attentiveness.
Recognize God’s Response, Even in Judgment (Revelation 8:5): Be aware that God’s actions, even when they appear as judgment, are part of His overarching plan and response to the state of the world and the prayers of His people.
Understand the Seriousness of Divine Intervention (Revelation 8:6): Reflect on the weight and significance of God’s active involvement in human history and the consequences of rejecting His ways.
Value and Protect Earth’s Resources (Revelation 8:7): Consider the impact of human actions on the environment and the potential for divine judgment on ecological destruction.
Heeding Divine Warnings – Repent Before It’s Too Late – Don’t ignore God’s calls to turn from sin (Revelation 8:6-12).
Bitterness of Disobedience – Sin Always Has Consequences – Rejecting God leads to ruin (Revelation 8:10-11).
Darkened Times – Hold Fast to Faith – When chaos comes, trust God’s sovereignty (Revelation 8:12).
Cherish the Gift of Clean Water (Revelation 8:10-11): Appreciate the vital resource of fresh water and recognize the potential for its scarcity and the consequences thereof.
Live in the Light, Appreciating God’s Creation (Revelation 8:12): Value the natural light provided and reflect on the order and beauty of God’s created world, recognizing its fragility.
Heed Warnings and Prepare Spiritually (Revelation 8:13): Pay attention to the signs of the times and maintain a state of spiritual readiness in light of future events.

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.