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NOTES ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Submitted by Phil Edmonds - November 2000


Chapters 8 & 9
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The next stage of the Book of Revelation, which continues to the end of chapter 11, describes the 7 trumpets and covers the punishment of Israel until� the end of the age. (It is possible that the trumpets combine events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 with those immediately prior to the return of Jesus.) Chapters 8 and 9 v 1 - 13 describe the first five trumpets, chapter 9 v 14 - 11 v 14 the sixth trumpet and chapter 11 v 15 - 19 the seventh trumpet.

Verses 1/5

An angel "gives" incense with the prayers of the saints (v 3). Incense can be representative of prayer, as Psalm 141 v 2 shows, �Let my prayer be set forth before thee, incense�. Additionally, prayer and incense are linked together in Luke 1 v 10, �the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense�. The angel then casts fire into the earth, with the result that there are voices, thunderings, lightnings and earthquakes (v 5 - see the appendix on Exodus chapter 19 in the notes on Revelation chapter 1). Voices, thunderings, lightnings and earthquakes� come at the end of the 7 trumpets (11 v 19), whereas the fire is associated with the first and second trumpets (Revelation 8 v 7,8). As such, verse 5 can be considered to be a summary of the 7 trumpets.

The first 6 trumpets - Major scriptural sources:

a)������ The plagues on Egypt caused by Pharoah being hard hearted.

8 v 7����� hail/fire Exodus� 9 v 24�
8 v 7����� blood/earth ������ "���� 7 v 21
8 v 8����� sea became blood ������ "���� 7 v 19, 20
8 v 9����� creatures in the sea died� ������ "���� 7 v 21
9 v 3����� locusts on the earth� ������ "�� 10 v 12�
9 v 4����� grass of earth, green thing, tree ������ "�� 10 v 15
9 v 20���� plagues ������ "��� 9 v 14
��������������������������������������������������������

(The similarities between the trumpets and plagues could be expanded to produce the following list:

Trumpet Plague
1� Fire from altar cast upon the earth 6� Dust of furnace sprinkled abroad (Exodus 9 v 8)�
2� Hail and fire 7� Hail and fire (Exodus 9 v 18 - 35)�
3� Sea became blood 1� Waters turned to blood (Exodus 7 v 17 - 25)�
4� Darkness� 9� Darkness (Exodus 10 v 21 - 29)
5� Locusts 8� Locusts (Exodus 10 v 4 - 20)�
6� Abaddon the destroyer 10� The destroyer (Exodus 12 v 23)
7� Men destroyed 10� Firstborn slain (Exodus 12 v 29 - 30)

(Note: The plagues were threatened on Israel in Deuteronomy 28 v 59 - 61 if they were disobedient).

b)������ Punishment on Israel for their idolatry.

8 v 11���� wormwood Amos 5 v 7�
8 v 11���� star ����� "�� 5 v 7
8 v 12���� darkened day ����� "�� 5 v 8, 18, 20
8 v 12���� shone not ����� "�� 5 v 20
8 v 12���� night� ����� "�� 5 v 8
8 v 13���� woe, woe, woe ����� "�� 5 v 16, 18, 6 v 1
9 v 12���� woe, woes ����� "����� "������� "����� "�

�(Note also:������� Amos 5 v 2 "the virgin of Israel is fallen" - compare with Revelation 14 v 8; Amos 5 v 5, 6 and the
������������������������� references to Bethel - see the notes on chapter 7.)

c)������ Affliction of Israel, with the emphasis on the coming of the kingdom

8 v 13���� inhabiters of the earth Joel 2 v 1
8 v 13���� trumpet ��� "���� "�
8 v 13���� voice� �� "�� 2 v 11, 3 v 16�
9 v 2����� sun darkened� �� "�� 2 v 10�
9 v 7����� likenesses of locusts and horses �� "�� 2 v 4, 5
9 v 7����� their faces� �� "�� 2 v 6
9 v 8����� teeth like lions� �� "�� 1 v 6
9 v 9����� sound of chariots of many horses running �� "�� 2 v 4, 5

d)������ Destruction of Babylon

8 v 10 & 9 v 1�� fall from heaven�� Isaiah 14 v 12
8 v 12�������� sun, moon, stars darkened� ����� "�� 13 v 10
9 v 1, 2, 11 bottomless pit (abyss)� ����� "�� 14 v 15
�����������������������

e)������ Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

9 v 17���� fire/brimstone Genesis 19 v 24
9 v 17���� smoke ������� "��� 19 v 28
9 v 2������ as the smoke of a furnace ������� "��� 19 v 28
9 v 18���� killed ������� "��� 19 v 29
����������������������

(Genesis chapter 19 shows some similarities to Exodus 19 v 18 - see notes on chapter 1).

f)������ Conditions of the wilderness

9 v 3�������� scorpions/power Deuteronomy� 8 v 15, 18
9 v 5�������� tormented� ���������� "��������� 8 v 16
9 v 5, 10�� scorpions� ���������� "��������� 8 v 15

(The notes on Revelation chapter 12 explain what the wilderness represents. Deuteronomy chapter 8 shows that there was no danger in the wilderness as long as Israel trusted in God.)

g)������ Destruction of Babylon

8 v 8����� Mountain burning������������������� Jeremiah 51 v 25
8 v 8����� burning with fire����������������������������� "���� 51 v 32

8 v 8����� cast into the����������������������������������� "���� 51 v 63

�h)������ Punishment of Judah and Jerusalem

8 v 2���������� trumpets�������������������������������������������������� Jeremiah 4 v 5, 9, 21 ; 6 v 1, 17
8 v 3���������� incense������������������������������������������������������������ "���� 6 v 20

8 v 7���������� trees���������������������������������������������������������������� "���� 6 v 6

8 v 7���������� trees burnt������������������������������������������������������� "���� 7 v 20

8 v 8���������� burn/fire����������������������������������������������������������� "���� 4 v 4

8 v 11�������� bitterness��������������������������������������������������������� "���� 4 v 18 ; 6 v 26

8 v 13�������� woe����������������������������������������������������������������� "��� 4 v 13, 31

8 v 13�������� eagle (AV angel)���������������������������������������������� "��� 4 v 13

9 v 5���������� scorpions/serpents striking/biting����������������������� "��� 8 v 17

9 v 6���������� seeking death��������������������������������������������������� "���� 8 v 3

9 v 7, 17���� horses�������������������������������������������������������������� "��� 4 v 13

9 v 8���������� lion (also Rev 10 v 3)��������������������������������������� "���� 4 v 7

9 v 9���������� sound of horses������������������������������������������������ "���� 8 v 16

9 v 9���������� chariots������������������������������������������������������������ "���� 4 v 13

9 v 14-16��� invading army�������������������������������������������������� "���� 6 v 22

9 v 16�������� riding on horses������������������������������������������������ "���� 6 v 23

9 v 16�������� horsemen���������������������������������������������������������� "���� 4 v 29

9 v 20,21��� lack of repentance to idolatry���������������������������� "���� 6 v 15, 8 v 5

9 v 20,21��� idolatry, murder, adultery/ fornication���������������� "���� 7 v 9

9 v 20�������� idols����������������������������������������������������������������� "���� 8 v 2

(Note also Jeremiah 4 v�� 6 - evil comes from the North - see notes on chapter 13;
���������������������������������� v 30 - Jerusalem clothed with crimson and decked with gold -see description

�������������������������������������������� of Babylon - Revelation 17 v 4;

���������������������������������� v 31 - travails to bring forth her child - see Revelation 12 v 2)

It has been seen that Revelation chapters 8 and 9 contain references to Joel chapter 2 and the early part of Jeremiah. In turn, Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel 2 use similar language, as the following shows:

Joel 2 v 1 blow the trumpet ... land�������������������������������������������������������� Jeremiah 4 v 5
� "��� 2 v 2 cloud�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 13

� "��� 2 v 3 fire / burn�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 4

� "���� 2 v 3 desolate��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 7, 27

� "��� 2 v 4 horses������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 13

� "�� 2 v 10 heavens / dark����� :������ heavens / no light�������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 23

� "��� 2 v 10 tremble���������� :������������ mountains trembled, hills moved��������������� "����� 4 v 24

� "��� 2 v 10 earth / dark���� :������������ earth mourn, heavens black��������������������� "����� 4 v 28

� "��� 2 v 5 chariots����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 13

� "��� 2 v 20 North / Northern������������������������������������������������������������������������� "����� 4 v 6


i)��� Overcoming of evil and punishment of unbelieving Israel

8 v 10 )
9 v 1� )�� fall from heaven������������������������ Luke 10 v 18

9 v 3����� scorpions��������������������������������������� "� 10 v 19

9 v 4����� hurt����������������������������������������������� "� 10 v 19

(The words of Luke 10 v 15, relating to the downfall of Capernaum, have a bearing on what Jesus says in verses 18 , 19. The thrusting down of Capernaum from its exalted state (v 15) can be described as being an example of� Satan, as lightning falling from heaven (v 18). In Revelation 9 v 1, the star falling from heaven to the earth represents the fall of Israel, and uses similar language to that describing the fall of Capernaum. In Luke 10 v 19 the disciples of Christ were told that they would be immune to the effects of scorpions, similarly the wicked are afflicted by scorpions in Revelation 9 v 4 but the righteous are not to be hurt - see statements about the two witnesses in Revelation 11 v 5.)

�In summary, the passages quoted in Revelation chapters 8 and 9 describe the punishment on Sodom, Babylon and Egypt, as well as the affliction on Israel and Judah. Revelation 11 v 8 is of help in linking these passages together when it says of the 2 witnesses:

�their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the GREAT CITY, which spiritually is called SODOM and EGYPT, where also our Lord was crucified�.

The expression GREAT CITY is used of Babylon in the book of Revelation (e.g. 18 v 10), so this verse combines Babylon, Sodom and Egypt, which are major ingredients of the first 6 trumpets. However, this verse identifies what is being spoken about when it says that this place is where "our Lord was crucified" (see also e.g. Matthew 20 v 18, 19). The conclusion is that the first 6 trumpets describe God's punishment being poured upon Jerusalem, which is� trodden down for 1260 days/42 months/3 and a half times - see Revelation chapters 11 and 12. The statements in the seventh trumpet about the kingdom being set up at this time, and possibly the references to Joel, point to this part of Revelation describing the affliction of Jerusalem immediately prior to the judgement of the nations and the setting up of the kingdom (which is described in Joel chapter 3 - note refs to Joel chapter 2 in (c)). However some of the trumpets may find a fulfilment in the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. This possibility arises from similaritities between statements in the trumpets and the words of Jesus (Luke 10 v 15 - 19 ; Matthew 21 v 21) and the statement in Revelation 10 v 6 that there should �be time no longer� (see notes on chapter 10).

In Revelation 8 v 13 it describes an eagle (Angel AV) flying in the midst of heaven announcing the three woes (which equate to the last 3 trumpets). This brings to mind Hosea 8 v 1 (reference to trumpet and eagle) which has the context of the punishment of Israel, confirming earlier conclusions.

Within the trumpets there are many references to the third part of things (8 v 7 - trees ; 8 v 8 - sea ; 8 v 9 - creatures, ships ; 8 v 10 rivers ; 8 v 11 waters ; 8 v 12 - sun, moon, stars ; 9 v 18 - third of men killed). This can be compared with the fourth part in the seals (Revelation 6 v 8) and the vials having an effect on whole categories of things (e.g. Revelation 8 v 12 speaks of the third part of the sun being smitten by the fourth trumpet, whereas the fourth vial is poured out �upon the sun�).

Thirds are spoken of in Ezekiel 5 v 2, 12 when describing the punishment upon Israel (v 4) and Jerusalem (v 5), which may be the source of its use in the trumpets. There seems to be an increasing reach to each phase of judgements in the Book of Revelation (fourth part - seals ; third part - trumpets ; whole - vials), which poses the question of why there is no section dealing with judgements which affect half of things? There is such a prophecy in that Zechariah 14 v 2 - 8 has several references to halves (e.g. Zechariah 14 v 2 says �half of the city shall go forth into captivity�). It is possible that the �half� phase in the Book of Revelation is represented by the 7 thunders (Revelation 10 v 3 - 4). From the notes on Exodus chapter 19 in the section on Revelation chapter 1, it is seen that thunderings are associated with judgements on Israel and Jerusalem, so this would match the context of Zechariah chapter 14. The notes on Revelation chapter 10 suggest that Revelation chapter 14 may contain a description of the 7 thunders, which does seem to deal with the same time as Zechariah chapter 14 (it is suggested that Revelation chapter 14 describes the fall of Jerusalem and judgements on the nations).

Many of the quotations used in the trumpets have been identified already. The following lists the contents of the trumpets and a suggestion of their meaning, based on the context supplied by the passages and other references:

1st trumpet : Revelation 8 v 7

Hail and fire on the earth, a third of trees and all green grass burnt up. The destruction of the land of Israel - Ezekiel 20 v 47, Zechariah 11 v 1, 2.

2nd trumpet : Revelation 8 v 8, 9

A burning mountain cast into sea. A third part of creatures in the sea having life died, and a third of ships destroyed.

The mountain represents Jerusalem (e.g. Matthew 21 v 21). Creatures in the sea having life and ships could be understood in an ekklesial context, and refer to disciples of Christ (who have life) and ekklesias (which are likened to ships, e.g. James 3 v� 1 - 6 and 1 Corinthians 12 v 28, where the word "governments" (gk kubernesis) has as its basis the idea of steering ships).

3rd trumpet : 8 v 10, 11

Wormwood is the product of idolatry (e.g. Deuteronomy 29 v 18, Jeremiah 9 v 15) and rivers/fountains of waters relate to Israel (Joel 1 v 20, Ezekiel 36 v 4, 6). The trumpet describes the destruction on the land of Israel caused by rejection of Yahweh and his ways.

4th trumpet : 8 v 12

The sun, moon, and stars are symbolic of Israel (e.g. Genesis 37 v 9, Joel 2 v 10, Daniel 8 v 10). The trumpet describes oppression of the Israelites. The darkening may be caused by the smoke from the abyss (Revelation 9 v 2).

5th trumpet : 9 v 1 - 12

A bottomless pit (AV verses 1 and 2 = gk abussos or abyss). This can describe a lake or sea (it is translated "deep" in Luke 8 v 31). It is concluded that the things from the abyss originate from the sea. Verse 2 quotes Genesis 19 v 28 ("as the smoke of a ... furnace") and indicates that this trumpet relates to the punishment of spiritual Sodom.

(The link to Isaiah 14 v 15 (see (d)) indicates that the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Babylon) go into the pit or abyss from which her tormentors come, i.e. they are taken into exile.)

The locusts equate to the invading force of Joel chapter 2. However, like all nations, they can only operate if God allows it (see similar principle applied to the Assyrians in Isaiah 10 v 5 - 19). They are controlled by Abaddon or Apollyon, the angel of the abyss (Revelation 9 v 1).

6th trumpet : 9 v 13 - 21, Revelation 10, Revelation 11 v 1 - 14

Revelation 9 v 13 - 21

The size of the army in verse 16 seems to equate to that in Psalm 68 v 17 where it relates to the number of angels of Yahweh. It may indicate that the army prospers because God is fighting alongside it.

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