Next, the Seventh Seal Opens to Reveal the Seven Trumpets
Right before the seven trumpets are blown, there is a thirty-minute interval of silence before the first trumpet sounds forth. Remember that heaven is filled with unending praise! So, this silence is ominous and unprecedented.
Why? What did the angels see? I believe that they see the end of the human race! They see the full extent of what man’s rebellion against God has done. What they see is terrifying; and it takes their breath away.
Then, seven angels stepped forward to blow the seven trumpets; “Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets which were given to them” (Revelation 8:2).
At that moment, John sees the “Altar of Incense,” which represents the answered prayers of the martyred saints. They asked to God to avenge their martyrdom. Jesus is mingling their prayers with His blood before He executes judgment.
And the same God who has been pleading and interceding on behalf of the souls of humankind now turns to judge the world, pouring out His wrath and judgment upon those who would not receive Jesus as Savior (Revelation 8:3).
I’m reminded of Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where he declares; “The Gospel is sweet to those who are saved; but, it is the fragrance of death to those who are perishing.”
The First Trumpet
The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, which fell on the earth; and one-third of the earth was burned up, and one-third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. (Revelation 8:7)
The meaning of this trumpet is quite straightforward. Among other things, the earth’s food supply is destroyed.
But don’t miss God’s mercy. Only one-third of these things are destroyed. There is still hope for the people who are left behind to repent and come to Jesus!
The Second Trumpet
The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea; and one-third of the sea became blood, and one-third of the living creatures in the sea died and one-third of the ships were destroyed. (Revelation 8:8-9)
The second trumpet is a direct attack upon the seas, likely by a falling meteor. Much of humankind’s need for food is furnished by the oceans. One-third of the creatures in the sea are destroyed.
For example, in Korea, next to rice, fish, seaweed and raw oysters are their main staples! There’s nothing like a heaping plate of raw octopus tentacles. I know, I’ve tried it. It is slimy but edible.