Revelation: The Sound of Judgment

Revelation 8:6-13 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ originates from Jesus and is about Jesus. He conveyed his message to an angel, who then delivered it to John while the apostle was exiled on the island of Patmos. The book is set against a historical backdrop with letters to seven existing churches in the Roman province of Asia (Rev. 2-3). 

Revelation 4-5 offers our first glimpse of heaven. God opens the door, and it stays open. John saw that “a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne” (Rev. 4:2). This image is important to keep in mind throughout our study. God is on his throne! He rules with majesty, splendor, and authority. Even in the chaos and destruction of the tribulation, God remains in complete control. For those of you experiencing personal tribulations, never forget that God is sovereign and in control. He is preparing you now for what he has planned for you tomorrow. 

John saw God seated on the throne, holding a scroll whose contents would reveal what was to come. There was only one worthy to open the seals on the scroll. John described the one found worthy as a lamb who appeared to be slain. The Lamb of God, Jesus, still bore the marks of his sacrificial death for sin. He alone can bring about the tribulation that will end life on earth and lead us into eternity with God in heaven. 

We have examined the opening of the seven seals that prompted the tribulation. The first seal revealed the Antichrist, who brought three and a half years of peace. However, this false sense of security didn’t last long. Soon afterward, war, famine, and death swept across the earth. The seventh seal releases additional judgments to come. John describes these as the trumpet and bowl judgments. 

Let’s explore the first four trumpet judgments that bring disasters upon the physical universe. In Scripture, the sound of a trumpet signals a decisive action from God (e.g., Ex. 19:16-19; Num. 10:9). The prophet Joel wrote, “Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near” (Joel 2:1). Joel warns that the events ahead have never happened before and will never happen again (Joel 2:2). In our passage, the trumpets signify an escalation in the turmoil of the tribulation. This increased devastation should prompt people to repent and turn to God. 

The First Trumpet: Hail and Fire (Rev. 8:7)
When the first angel blew his trumpet, “hail and fire, mixed with blood” were “thrown upon the earth” (Rev. 8:7). John appears to describe a massive thunderstorm with hail and lightning strikes. The phrase “mixed with blood” might refer to the storm’s fiery look and clearly indicates the bloodshed that follows.  

This was no ordinary thunderstorm. Due to this storm, “a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up” (Rev. 8:7b). 

Repeated throughout the descriptions of each trumpet’s aftermath is the number “one-third.” Remember when the fourth seal was opened, the pale-colored horse and its rider, Death, destroyed one-fourth of the world’s population. Now, the trumpet judgments will eliminate one-third of the earth itself and one-third of the remaining population (see Rev. 9:18). I take “one-third” literally. Others see it as a symbol representing a significant portion. But whether literal or symbolic, the conclusion remains the same. These judgments will impact a large part of the world and humanity, serving as a grim warning. This gives people time to repent and turn to God. And...yet...many will continue to reject the One who sits on the throne of heaven. 

The Second Trumpet: Mountain into the Sea (Rev. 8:8-9)
When the angel blew the second trumpet, John saw something he could hardly describe. He said, “something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea” (Rev. 8:8a). This might be a giant meteorite or a piece of a star. As a result, “a third of the sea became blood,” killing a third of the creatures living in the sea (Rev. 8:9a). Also, a third of the ships in the sea were destroyed either by a direct hit or the turbulence caused by the massive object hitting the water. The destruction of ships shows that people will still be engaged in commerce during this time. And, of course, some of these vessels could be warships or other ships used in battle. 

The Third Trumpet: Inland Waters (Rev. 8:10-11)
When the third angel blew his trumpet, a great star called Wormwood fell from heaven. Wormwood is a bitter plant, and in the Old Testament, it represents sorrow and harsh judgment. The star was “blazing like a torch” and fell into much of the earth’s fresh water supply. As a result, “a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter” (Rev. 8:11b).[1]

The Fourth Trumpet: Darkness (Rev. 8:12)
When the fourth angel blew his trumpet, a third of the sun, moon, and stars were struck so that “a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night” (Rev. 8:12). Darkness is a symbol of judgment in both the Old Testament[2] and the New Testament. Darkness “came over all the land” when Jesus hung on the cross and took God’s judgment for our sin (Matt. 27:45).

Following the first four trumpets, John heard an eagle flying overhead, crying out loudly, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” (Rev. 8:13) God sent this eagle to warn that the next three trumpets will bring even worse devastation. You might think that such an unusual way to make an announcement would grab everyone’s attention. But those remaining refused to repent. 

We often think of the end times as something only mentioned in the book of Revelation. However, today, let’s conclude with words from Jesus. He frequently spoke about the end times during his days on earth. Let’s listen to what our Savior has to say about the tribulation. 

Mark 13:19-23
For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.  And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.  And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.  But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 8:6-13. Reflect on the warnings and repeated invitations to repent.

Talking to God: What warnings from God’s Word have you ignored or postponed in responding to, and what step of repentance is God inviting you to take today?

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