The Seven Trumpets (Revelations 8:6–11:19)

The Seven Trumpets (Revelations 8:6–11:19)

Revelation 8:6–11:19

Revelation 8:6–11:19 The Seven Trumpets

The seven seals were divided between the four horsemen and the remaining three seals, with a narrative break between the sixth and seventh seals to remind the people of God of the Lord’s promise of final protection and their hope of eternal glory. A similar pattern occurs with the seven trumpets (Rev. 8:7–11:19).

The first four trumpets describe partial judgments (“a third,” Rev. 8:7) upon the earth’s vegetation, the oceans, fresh waters, and the heavenly lights. The last three trumpets are grouped together and are also described as three “woes” upon the earth, emphasizing God’s judgment upon humankind. The fifth trumpet (and first woe) releases hellish locusts who will sting those not having the seal of God (Rev. 9:1–12). The sixth trumpet (and second woe) brings forth a mighty army of infernal horsemen who kill a third of humankind (Rev. 9:13–19). But all these judgments have no redemptive effect, for the rest of humankind who are not killed by these plagues refuse to repent of their immoralities (Rev. 9:20–21). The warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

Just as the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals assured the recipients of Revelation that the people of God are safe from the eternally destructive effects of God’s wrath, so also between the sixth and seventh trumpets we are reminded of God’s protective hand on His people (Rev. 10:1–11:14). But in the trumpet interlude we also learn that God’s protection during these days of tribulation does not mean isolation, for the people of God must bear a prophetic witness to the world.

Dockery, David S. et al. Holman Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992. Print.