DRAWING NEAR
A new Christian confides in you: “I’m reading the book of Revelation and, frankly, I don’t understand most of it. But I do understand that the notes in my study Bible clearly say that all these terrible judgments will be poured out on unbelievers—maybe even some of my friends! Do you believe that? I’m having a hard time believing that a loving God could do that to His beloved creatures!” How do you respond?
[Your Response Here]
THE CONTEXT
The first five seals (false peace, war, famine, death, and vengeance) describe the preliminary judgments leading to the full outpouring of divine wrath. As horrifying as those preliminary judgments are, they pale before the terrors of the sixth seal, which marks the beginning of the Day of the Lord. So terrifying are the judgments of the sixth seal that people are finally forced to acknowledge God as the Source of the calamities. At that point they will cry “to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’ ” (6:16–17).
When the Lamb opens the seventh and last seal on the scroll, the judgments of the Day of the Lord will intensify and expand dramatically. This final seal contains the trumpet and bowl judgments. While the exact timetable for these judgments is not revealed, their escalating devastation indicates they all occur during the last half of the Great Tribulation. Therefore, the seventh seal encompasses all God’s final wrath up to the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Seven Trumpets: In Revelation, trumpets primarily announce impending judgment. The trumpets are of greater intensity than the seals but not as destructive as the final bowl judgments will be (see 16:1–21). They occur during the final three and one-half years, but the time of each is indefinite, except the effects of the fifth trumpet judgment, which will last five months (9:10). The first four trumpets announce the divine destruction of earth’s ecology (vv. 6–12), while the final three involve demonic devastation of earth’s inhabitants (9:1–21; 11:15–19).
Day of the Lord: This will be a day of wrath, trouble, distress, devastation, desolation, darkness, gloominess, clouds, thick darkness, trumpet, and alarm (Zeph. 1:15–16, 18). There are nineteen indisputable uses of “the Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament and four uses of it in the New Testament (see Acts 2:20; 2 Thess. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:10). The Old Testament prophets used “Day of the Lord” to describe near (current) historical judgments or far (future) eschatological divine judgments. Six times it is referred to as the “day of doom” and four times as the “day of vengeance.” The New Testament calls it a day of “wrath,” day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14). These are terrifying judgments from God for the overwhelming sinfulness of the world. The future “Day of the Lord” which unleashes God’s wrath falls into two parts: (1) the end of the seven-year Tribulation period (Rev. 19:11–21) and (2) the end of the Millennium. These two events are actually 1,000 years apart, and Peter refers to the end of the 1,000-year period in connection with the final “Day of the Lord” (2 Pet. 3:10).
UNLEASHING THE TEXT
Read 8:1–9:21, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
Revelation 8:1–9:21 (NKJV)
8:1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
the seventh seal (v. 1)—This seal includes not only an earthquake, but the seven trumpet judgments (8:1–9:21; 11:15–19) and the seven bowl judgments (16:1–21), with the bowl judgments flowing out of the seventh trumpet and coming in rapid succession just before Christ’s return.
silence in heaven (v. 1)—the silence of awe and anticipation at the grim reality of the judgments God is about to unleash
2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.
3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
censer (v. 3)—This refers to a golden pan, suspended on a rope or chain, that was used to transport fiery coals from the brazen altar to the altar of incense, in order to ignite the incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people (5:8). This occurred twice daily at the time of the morning and evening sacrifices.
4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.
5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.
an earthquake (v. 5)—surely of equal or greater intensity than one described in the sixth seal (see 6:12)
6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
hail and fire followed, mingled with blood (v. 7)—This may describe volcanic eruptions that could certainly result from the earthquake in verse 5. The steam and water thrown into the sky by such eruptions could easily condense into hail and fall to earth along with the fiery lava. Dust and gases may so contaminate falling water that it appears blood red.
a third of the trees were burned up (v. 7)—The lava storm will create a blazing fire that devastates one-third of the earth’s forests.
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.
like a great mountain (v. 8)—Probably a huge meteor or asteroid surrounded by gases that will ignite as it enters earth’s atmosphere. Its impact will create a tidal wave, destroying one-third of the world’s ships.
sea became blood (v. 8)—This may refer to an event known as red tides, caused by billions of dead micro-organisms poisoning the water—in this case the result of the meteor’s collision. Or it may be actual blood, a clear act of eschatological judgment.
9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.
great star fell (v. 10)—Another celestial body, perhaps a comet in this case since it leaves a fiery trail (see v. 8; 6:13); it will disintegrate as it nears the earth, scattering over the globe.
11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.
Wormwood (v. 11)—a bitter, poisonous substance, derived from a root, which causes drunkenness and eventually death (Prov. 5:4; Jer. 9:15)
12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
a third of the sun was struck (v. 12)—God will supernaturally reduce the intensity of the celestial bodies by one-third. The loss of solar heat will cause a radical drop in temperature, producing severe changes in meteorological, botanical, and biological cycles; but this is temporary (see 16:8–9).
13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”
Woe, woe, woe (v. 13)—one for each remaining trumpet blast; although the first four trumpets are unimaginable, they will be nothing like the three to come (9:1–21; 11:15–19)
9:1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.
a star fallen from heaven (9:1)—Unlike the other stars that will have fallen (6:13; 8:8), this one will be an angelic being (see v. 2)—probably Satan himself (v. 4; 12:7).
bottomless pit (v. 1)—literally “pit of the abyss”; mentioned seven times in Revelation, it always refers to the prison where some of the demonic hordes are incarcerated, the place of severest torment and isolation (vv. 1–2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3)
2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.
3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
locusts (v. 3)—Grasshopper-like insects that descend in swarms so thick they can obscure the sun and strip bare all vegetation. In the 1950s a locust swarm devoured every growing thing for several hundred thousand square miles in the Middle East. These are not normal locusts, however, but specially prepared ones that are merely the outward form of demons, who, like locusts, will bring swarming desolation. “Like” appears nine times in John’s description; he finds it difficult to describe what he sees in a way the reader can understand.
scorpions (v. 3)—This arachnid inhabits warm, dry regions and has an erect tail tipped with a venomous stinger. A scorpion’s victim often rolls on the ground in agony, foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth in pain. The demons in locust form are able to inflict physical—and perhaps, spiritual—pain like the scorpion (v. 5).
4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
men who do not have the seal of God (v. 4)—everyone on earth except the two groups mentioned in chapter seven—the 144,000 Jewish evangelists and their converts (see 7:3)
5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.
five months (v. 5)—The normal life cycle of locusts is five months, usually from May to September.
6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
seek death and will not find it (v. 6)—The tormented will find no relief. Even their unimaginable attempts to end their misery in suicide will be unsuccessful.
7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.
faces of men (v. 7)—probably a reference to these demonic creatures as rational, intelligent beings
8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth.
women’s hair (v. 8)—Jeremiah 51:27 refers to locusts having bristles like hair.
lions’ teeth (v. 8)—They are fierce, powerful, and deadly.
9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.
breastplates of iron (v. 9)—Breastplates were designed to protect the vital organs and sustain the life of the warrior. These creatures are invulnerable.
10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.
11 And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.
Abaddon . . . Apollyon (v. 11)—Although locusts normally have no king (Prov. 30:27), these demonic creatures do. His name in both Hebrew and Greek means “destroyer.” There is a hierarchy of power among the demons, just as among the holy angels. Apparently, “the angel of the bottomless pit” is one of Satan’s most trusted leaders.
12 One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.
One woe (v. 12)—the first of the final three trumpets (see 8:13)
13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
horns of the golden altar (v. 13)—God’s design for the golden altar of incense included small protrusions (horns) on each corner (see 6:9). Normally a place of mercy, as God responded to His people’s prayers, the altar will resound with a cry for vengeance.
14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
four angels (v. 14)—Scripture never refers to holy angels as being bound. These are fallen angels—another segment of Satan’s force whom God had bound but who He will free to accomplish His judgment through their horsemen (vv. 15–19). God’s control extends even to the demonic forces—they are bound or freed at His command.
Euphrates (v. 14)—This refers to one of the four rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden (see 16:12). Starting with Babel, this region has spawned many of the world’s pagan religions.
15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
the hour and day and month and year (v. 15)—God works according to His predetermined plan.
16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.
the army (v. 16)—Some see this as a reference to forces accompanying the kings of the east (16:12) and identify them with a human army coming from Asia. But that event occurs in connection with the seventh trumpet, not the sixth. The language is better understood as referring to a demon force that makes war with the earth’s inhabitants and kills one-third of humanity (v. 15).
17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.
brimstone (v. 17)—Brimstone is a yellowish, sulfuric rock that often attends fire and smoke in Revelation (14:10; 19:20; 20:10). Common in the Dead Sea region, these deposits melt when ignited and produce burning streams and suffocating gas.
18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.
19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.
tails are like serpents, having heads (v. 19)—John’s language represents the demons’ ability to vent their destructive power in both directions.
20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.
demons (v. 20)—reminiscent of Paul’s comments about idolatry; demons impersonate the stone and wood idols men make
21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
sorceries (v. 21)—This Greek word is the root of the English word “pharmacy.” Drugs in the ancient world were used to dull the senses and induce a state suitable for religious experiences such as seances, witchcraft, incantations, and cavorting with mediums (21:8; 22:15).
1) What events unfold with the breaking of the seventh seal (8:1–5)?
[Your Response Here]
2) What is the meaning of the angel standing at the altar, holding the golden censer?
[Your Response Here]
3) What will happen to the earth as a result of the first four trumpet judgments?
[Your Response Here]
4) Some have described the result of the sounding of the fifth trumpet (9:1–12) as “hell on earth.” Why? What will happen when this event unfolds?
[Your Response Here]
5) How do you explain the response of those who are left after the sixth trumpet’s horrible judgment (9:13–21)?
[Your Response Here]
GOING DEEPER
The Old Testament prophets foresaw a mighty “Day of the Lord.” For more insight, read Isaiah 13:1–13.
1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, raise your voice to them; wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger—those who rejoice in My exaltation.”
4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters the army for battle.
5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven—the LORD and His weapons of indignation, to destroy the whole land.
6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.
7 Therefore all hands will be limp, every man’s heart will melt,
8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; they will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; they will be amazed at one another; their faces will be like flames.
9 Behold, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it.
10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine.
11 “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, a man more than the golden wedge of Ophir.
13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger.
EXPLORING THE MEANING
6) What added insights does this Old Testament passage provide concerning the Day of the Lord?
[Your Response Here]
7) Why will God judge the earth?
[Your Response Here]
8) Read Luke 10:18. How does this verse help you identify the “star fallen from heaven” in Revelation 9:1?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Isa. 14:12–15; Ezek. 28:12–16)
9) Read 2 Peter 2:4. Who are the creatures incarcerated in the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1–2)? Why is Satan’s unlocking of this abyss such a horrible event?
[Your Response Here]
TRUTH FOR TODAY
There is a sense in which the present age is man’s day; he is free to do what he wants within certain limitations. It is also Satan’s day, during which the “god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4) has been granted certain liberties within the parameters of God’s purposeful, sovereign tolerance. But God will not permit the present state of affairs to continue forever. He will end man’s day, overthrow the usurper Satan, destroy the present evil world system, and establish the earthly kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. That future time of judgment is known, appropriately, as the Day of the Lord. That day involves a complete renovation of the universe and the earth by judgment and restoration.
REFLECTING ON THE TEXT
10) How has your view of God been altered or sharpened by this study?
[Your Response Here]
11) How has your view of Satan and his evils been shaped or modified by the truths of this lesson?
[Your Response Here]
12) What does a healthy fear of God look like? In what areas of your life do you fail to revere God and treat Him as holy?
[Your Response Here]
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
[Your Response Here]