The Seven Trumpet Judgments--Revelation Part 1

Part 1 Revelation Chapter 8

In the last post we looked at the seven seal judgments. Here I want to examine the seven trumpet Judgments of Revelation. The first four judgments appear in chapter 8. The last trumpet judgments occur in chapters 9; 10; and 11. Remember, the judgments take place so that Jesus can return the title deed of the earth to its original owner, God.

Let's get right into these powerful, Jesus directed, judgments.

Chapter Eight of Revelation. Vv 1  –  13      The Seventh Seal--the Trumpets

V 1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an

            hour.

The severity and contemplation of the next seven judgments causes the silence. Even our judges in the court system of the USA takes time to contemplate the sentence he is about to bring on the malcontent. Once again, judgment on his creation takes place. Therefore, silence so real you can feel it around heaven.

The silence could be in contrast to the noise of battle about to take place. Even nature applauds the decision to continue his judgment of the unbelievers.

Preparation and Prayer

John's location in spiritual format shows him inside heaven. He sees seven angels standing before God. These angels are given seven trumpets. The judgments are about to begin. However, notice that Jesus directs the events. 

These are the judgments mentioned by Enoch, Jude 14. They were expected by the psalmist, 96:12, Let the fields exult and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and     the peoples in his faithfulness.

The events of judgment were confirmed by Paul, Acts 17:31, Because He has fixed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished         proof to all men by raising him from the dead.

The moment has come when the wrath of God is to be revealed from heaven against all             unrighteousness and ungodliness, Romans 1:18. God has promised through out scripture that this day of his wrath would come "like a thief in the night."

An unusual prayer meeting takes place before the judgments begin. An angel stands before the altar in heaven with a golden censer. The angel adds this incense to the golden altar where the prayers of the saints abound.

Isn't it good to know that God doesn't do things haphazardly. There's planning and timing to his methods. In verse 1, there’s silence. Then in verse 5, there’s quite a contrast to the silence with the thundering, lightening and an earthquake. These events happen whenever the smoke of the incense burning in the golden censer rises up before the Lord, and also when the angel takes fire from the altar and throws it to the earth. Now the angels with the trumpets are ready to sound.

If you review the breaking of the seals, you would notice that much space is given in the Bible to each one. However, there is little space given as explanation to the sounding of the trumpets. The judgments come quickly and destroy much. No explanation needed!

First Trumpet Sounds

The blowing or sounding of the first trumpet causes one-third of the earth to burn, one-third of the trees burned and all the green grass was burned. Those who "think green" can't imagine the pollution caused by this trumpet blast.

Second Trumpet Sounds

The second trumpet blast brings destruction to the sea. One-third of the seas become blood, one-third of sea life die and one-third of the ships are destroyed. Devastating!

Most likely this judgment finds a great meteor falling into the sea. Then, too, "mountain" could be symbolic or figurative. Moses and Aaron turned the waters of the Nile to blood in Exodus 7:19, 20. Fish died. 

However, in this judgment think of the destruction. One-third of the ships are destroyed: commercial, navy ships and how about cruise ships. I wouldn't want to be on a cruise when this event takes place. Does the possibility of a nuclear explosion exist as the "mountain falling into the sea." John has never witnessed one. Perhaps his description of a mountain falling into the seas was the only description he could find.

Third Trumpet Sounds

The second trumpet judgment attacks the salt waters, the seas. The third trumpet judgment makes one-third of the rivers and springs of fresh water unfit for drinking. Many people do drink the waters, and many people die from the polluted water.

Therefore, the possibilities of a star from our Galaxy falling on the earth isn't against Biblical principles, is it? Could it be possible that the star called wormwood began its trek toward earth when the seal of 6:13 was broken (See my blog about the Seal Judgments here). Keep in mind, too, the judgments are taking place almost simultaneously.

Fourth Trumpet Sounds.

The blast of the fourth trumpet affects the heavenly lights. One-third of the stars, sun and moon are darkened. Daylight and the light of the moon and stars do not shine as brightly as they once did. Stars are falling and the sun, which is a star, is burning out.

Jesus tells you in Matthew 24:29, "But immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken."

Do you find it amazing that the fourth trumpet has the ability to turn out some of the heavenly lights?
It was on the fourth day of creation that the sun, moon and stars were created, Genesis 1:14. The creation of the heavenly lights took place in the middle of creation. When we look at the Lampstand, we see seven lamps. The center lamp is the Christ candle. How apropos that Jesus is conducting the trumpet blasts. He is in the middle, he created heavenly lights during the middle of creation, and here, he begins extinguishing the lights in the middle of the trumpet blasts. Cool but Ironic!

Summing Up

We're only looking at the first four trumpet sounds which occur in Revelation chapter 8.
1. First trumpet causes destruction to the earth
2. Second trumpet causes destruction to the seas
3. Third Trumpet causes destruction to the fresh waters
4. Fourth trumpet causes destruction to the heavenly lights

All these judgments take place in chapter 8 of Revelation. Only one to two verses cover the scope of the each of the trumpet judgments 1 through 4. Much destruction on earth and loss of life happens but little scripture reference takes place.

If you have questions or comments, please leaven them at the bottom. I'm here to help.

Blessings,


Howard

PS: A complete study on Revelation and the judgments is available at B. C. Ministries, Inc. Email us if you'd like a free copy.

Our first novel has been published. You can get your copy here. Or you can email us for your copy.

Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.