And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
WhatsApp
Copy
Revelation 8
Listen to the Word
Initializing audio...
WhatsApp
Copy
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
WhatsApp
Copy
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
WhatsApp
Copy
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
WhatsApp
Copy
WhatsApp
Copy
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
WhatsApp
Copy
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
WhatsApp
Copy
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
WhatsApp
Copy
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
WhatsApp
Copy
And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
WhatsApp
Copy
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
WhatsApp
Copy
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
WhatsApp
Copy
Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
Revelation 8 opens with silence in heaven at the seventh seal, followed by the first four trumpets. These judgments affect the earth’s ecology: the trees, the sea, the rivers, and the celestial bodies, as the prayers of the saints rise before God.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Power of Prayer: The judgments are preceded by the prayers of the saints being offered with incense (v. 3-4). Our prayers are a vital part of the cosmic struggle and God’s righteous response to evil.2. Creation Groans: The judgments on nature remind us that the physical world is affected by spiritual rebellion. We should value and steward God’s creation while recognizing its current fallen state.
3. Warnings of Mercy: Each trumpet is a partial judgment, meant to warn and lead to repentance before the final end comes. God is longsuffering, even in His wrath.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
O Lord, whose throne is surrounded by the prayers of Thy saints: grant that our petitions may rise as sweet incense before Thee. Help us to hear the warnings of Thy judgments and to find refuge in Thy mercy. Amen.