Revelation 8:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
William MacDonald
Willie MullanWillie MullanWilliam MacDonald
Shane Idleman
Mike BickleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The seventh seal - This is ushered in and opened only by the Lamb. Silence in heaven - This must be a mere metaphor, silence being put here for the deep and solemn expectation of the stupendous things about to take place, which the opening of this seal had produced. When any thing prodigious or surprising is expected, all is silence, and even the breath is scarcely heard to be drawn. Half an hour - As heaven may signify the place in which all these representations were made to St. John, the half hour may be considered as the time during which no representation was made to him, the time in which God was preparing the august exhibition which follows. There is here, and in the following verses, a strong allusion to different parts of the temple worship; a presumption that the temple was still standing, and the regular service of God carried on. The silence here refers to this fact - while the priest went in to burn incense in the holy place, all the people continued in silent mental prayer without till the priest returned. See Luk 1:10. The angel mentioned here appears to execute the office of priest, as we shall by and by see.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had opened the seventh seal,.... That is, when the Lamb had opened the seventh and last seal of the scaled book: there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour; not in the third heaven, the seat of the divine Being, of angels and glorified saints, where are hallelujahs without intermission; but in the church, which is oftentimes signified by heaven in this book, and where now the throne of God was placed, in that form as described in Rev 4:4, or rather in the Roman empire: nor is this silence the sum of this seal, or the only thing in it; for it includes the preparation of the seven angels to take their trumpets, though none of them were sounded during this period. This space of time some think refers to the time which elapsed, while the angel, who had incense given him to offer it with the prayers of saints, did so, and took fire off the altar with his censer, and cast it on the earth: and while the seven angels had their trumpets given them, and they were preparing to sound. Others are of opinion that this was only a pause, a breathing time for John between the former visions and seals, and the following; nothing being said or done, or anything exhibited to him during this interval; but he was at leisure to reflect on what he had seen, and to prepare for what was to come. Others understand it of the amazement of the saints at the judgments of God, which were coming upon the Christian empire, and of their quiet and silent preparations for these troubles and combats, both within and without, they were to be exercised with; see Zac 2:13. Others have thought that this refers to the state of the saints after the day of judgment, when there will be an entire cessation from persecution and trouble, and when the souls under the altar will have done crying for vengeance; but this will be not for half an hour only, but to all eternity; nor will angels and saints be then silent. Rather this is to be understood of that peace and rest which the church enjoyed upon Constantine's having defeated all his enemies, when he brought the church into a state of profound tranquillity and ease; and this lasted but for a little while, which is here expressed by about, or almost half an hour, as the Syriac version renders it; for in a short time the Arian heresy broke out, which introduced great troubles in the church, and at last violent persecutions. The allusion is, as in the whole of the following vision of the angel at the altar, to the offering of incense; at which time the people were removed from the temple, from between the porch and altar (l), to some more distant place; and the priest was alone while he offered incense, and then prayed a short prayer, that the people might not be affrighted lest he should be dead (m): and who in the mean while were praying in a silent, manner without; see Luk 1:9; hence the Jews say (n), that the offering of incense atones for an ill tongue, for it is a thing that is introduced "silently", and it atones for what is done silently, such as whisperings, backbitings, &c. and they call (o) silence the best of spices, even of those of which the sweet incense was made. (l) T. Tab. Yoma, fol. 44. 1. Maimon. Hilchot Tamidin, c. 3. sect. 3. (m) Misn. Yoma, c. 5. sect. 1. (n) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 44. 1. & Zebachim, fol. 88. 2. (o) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 18. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses we have the prelude to the sounding of the trumpets in several parts. I. The opening of the last seal. This was to introduce a new set of prophetical iconisms and events; there is a continued chain of providence, one part linked to another (where one ends another begins), and, though they may differ in nature and in time, they all make up one wise, well-connected, uniform design in the hand of God. II. A profound silence in heaven for the space of half an hour, which may be understood either, 1. Of the silence of peace, that for this time no complaints were sent up to the ear of the Lord God of sabaoth; all was quiet and well in the church, and therefore all silent in heaven, for whenever the church on earth cries, through oppression, that cry comes up to heaven and resounds there; or, 2. A silence of expectation; great things were upon the wheel of providence, and the church of God, both in heaven and earth, stood silent, as became them, to see what God was doing, according to that of Zac 2:13, Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord, for he has risen up out of his holy habitation. And elsewhere, Be still, and know that I am God. III. The trumpets were delivered to the angels who were to sound them. Still the angels are employed as the wise and willing instruments of divine Providence, and they are furnished with all their materials and instructions from God our Saviour. As the angels of the churches are to sound the trumpet of the gospel, the angels of heaven are to sound the trumpet of Providence, and every one has his part given him. IV. To prepare for this, another angel must first offer incense, Rev 8:3. It is very probable that this other angel is the Lord Jesus, the high priest of the church, who is here described in his sacerdotal office, having a golden censer and much incense, a fulness of merit in his own glorious person, and this incense he was to offer up, with the prayers of all the saints, upon the golden altar of his divine nature. Observe, 1. All the saints are a praying people; none of the children of God are born dumb, a Spirit of grace is always a Spirit of adoption and supplication, teaching us to cry, Abba, Father. Psa 32:6, For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee. 2. Times of danger should be praying times, and so should times of great expectation; both our fears and our hopes should put us upon prayer, and, where the interest of the church of God is deeply concerned, the hearts of the people of God in prayer should be greatly enlarged. 3. The prayers of the saints themselves stand in need of the incense and intercession of Christ to make them acceptable and effectual, and there is provision made by Christ for that purpose; he has his incense, his censer, and his altar; he is all himself to his people. 4. The prayers of the saints come up before God in a cloud of incense; no prayer, thus recommended, was ever denied audience or acceptance. 5. These prayers that were thus accepted in heaven produced great changes upon earth in return to them; the same angel that in his censer offered up the prayers of the saints in the same censer took of the fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth, and this presently caused strange commotions, voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake; these were the answers God gave to the prayers of the saints, and tokens of his anger against the world and that he would do great things to avenge himself and his people of their enemies; and now, all things being thus prepared, the angels discharge their duty.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:1 The opening of the seventh seal concludes the first act and dramatically initiates silence, which suggests the mystery of God in his dealings with the world (10:4; 1 Kgs 19:11-12). Perhaps the mysterious silence here is analogous to God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:1-3; see also Heb 4:1-11). • half an hour: This brief hush precedes the unfolding of the second act of divine judgment when God will answer the prayers of his people.
Revelation 8:1
The Seventh Seal
1When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.2And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Quiet Talk on Prayer
By William MacDonald6.0K33:41Prayer LifeJAS 4:2JAS 5:16REV 8:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a young person who expressed the difficulty of living a life of faith in the United States. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust God completely and put oneself in a position where failure is only possible if God fails. He believes that by doing so, one will experience a powerful presence in their life and be able to impact others for God. The sermon then transitions to a discussion on prayer, highlighting the confidence believers can have in approaching God and the assurance that He hears and answers their prayers according to His will. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about a situation where God provided food for him and his companion through the kindness of a stranger.
(Revelation) Two Super Witnesses
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:02:02Two WitnessesREV 8:1REV 11:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses various events and prophecies from the book of Revelation. They mention the release of four fallen angels who have a desire to kill men, resulting in the death of a large portion of the earth's population. The speaker also talks about a physical manifestation of the Lord, with one foot on land and one foot on the sea, symbolizing his imminent takeover of the war-stricken world. They emphasize that during this time of great tribulation, a third of everything on earth, in the sea, under the earth, and above the earth will be affected by God's wrath. The sermon concludes with a mention of two witnesses whose dead bodies will be seen by people from all nations for three and a half days.
(Revelation) the Seventh Angel Sounded
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:08:17TrumpetsREV 8:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses a court case where a young man is accused of murdering his wife. The judge emphasizes that regardless of any provocation or wrongdoing by the wife, murder is still a serious crime. The preacher then highlights that there are other ways to deal with conflict and sin, rather than resorting to violence. He warns the audience that God will judge everyone's actions, and those who reject Jesus Christ will face eternal punishment. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in the Bible and to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus.
Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-01 Prayer
By William MacDonald93538:05PrayerREV 8:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Frank who ate poisoned meat and became very sick. Frank prayed desperately for help and a tall man appeared with goat's milk, which miraculously healed his friend. The speaker then transitions to discussing the topic of prayer, emphasizing the privilege and confidence believers have in approaching God with their requests. The sermon concludes with a reading from 1 John 5:14-15, highlighting the assurance that God hears and answers prayers according to His will.
When Heaven Is Silent
By Shane Idleman2457:49Faith in SilenceSpiritual GrowthPSA 28:1PSA 46:10PRO 3:5ISA 64:12REV 8:1Shane Idleman addresses the challenging experience of silence from heaven during prayer, emphasizing that it can be a time of instruction, conviction, and character building. He encourages believers to remain faithful and not turn to other voices when God seems silent, as this silence can lead to deeper dependence on God and a stronger faith. Idleman highlights that God's timing is often different from ours, and that waiting can be a period of spiritual growth and preparation. He also reminds listeners that unrepentant sin can hinder their relationship with God, and that true faith is built through trust in God's sovereignty, even when answers are not immediately visible.
Seventh Seal: Prayer Movement Strengthened by Heavenly Incense
By Mike Bickle1957:33PrayerEnd Times ProphecyREV 8:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the seventh seal in the context of prayer, illustrating how the prayers of the saints on earth are intertwined with the heavenly incense, which enhances their power. He encourages believers to envision themselves participating in the unfolding drama of God's plan, where the release of heavenly incense strengthens the prayer movement and leads to divine intervention against the Antichrist. Bickle highlights that this moment is not merely academic but a personal journey of engaging with Jesus and understanding the profound implications of these prophetic events. The sermon underscores the importance of prayer in the end times, as it connects the earthly and heavenly realms, culminating in a powerful response from God.
The Trumpet Judgments
By Mike Bickle161:00:47End TimesPrayer MovementREV 8:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Revelation chapters 8 and 9, which detail the trumpet judgments that will play a crucial role in the end times. He asserts that these judgments are not merely symbolic but will have real, dramatic effects on the earth, hindering the Antichrist and rallying the saints. Bickle encourages believers to prepare for these events through prayer and understanding, as they will be part of God's action plan against evil. He highlights the importance of the prayer movement in releasing God's judgments and the necessity for the church to grow in faith and unity as they approach the return of Christ.
The Seven Seals
By W.J. Erdman0REV 4:1REV 5:1REV 6:1REV 7:1REV 8:1W.J. Erdman preaches on the powerful vision of Christ in the place of universal power, depicted in Revelation chapters 4 and 5. The vision reveals Christ as the Lamb that was slain, receiving worship and praise from all created beings, leading to His ultimate triumph as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The sermon emphasizes the assurance that despite the trials and judgments on earth, Christ's people are safe in His care and will be rescued from the wrath to come.
Inward Stillness
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 14:141KI 19:12PSA 46:10PSA 62:5ISA 30:7LAM 3:26ZEP 3:17MAT 11:28JAS 4:8REV 8:1Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of inward stillness to truly know God. He shares a personal experience of being in a time of great anxiety and turmoil, where he learned to be still and trust in God's sovereignty, leading to a successful outcome. Cowman emphasizes that true passivity is not laziness but a living stillness rooted in trust, contrasting it with anxious tension. He highlights the transformative power of quietness and listening to God's voice, urging believers to rest in God's control and experience the fullness of His presence.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The seventh seal - This is ushered in and opened only by the Lamb. Silence in heaven - This must be a mere metaphor, silence being put here for the deep and solemn expectation of the stupendous things about to take place, which the opening of this seal had produced. When any thing prodigious or surprising is expected, all is silence, and even the breath is scarcely heard to be drawn. Half an hour - As heaven may signify the place in which all these representations were made to St. John, the half hour may be considered as the time during which no representation was made to him, the time in which God was preparing the august exhibition which follows. There is here, and in the following verses, a strong allusion to different parts of the temple worship; a presumption that the temple was still standing, and the regular service of God carried on. The silence here refers to this fact - while the priest went in to burn incense in the holy place, all the people continued in silent mental prayer without till the priest returned. See Luk 1:10. The angel mentioned here appears to execute the office of priest, as we shall by and by see.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had opened the seventh seal,.... That is, when the Lamb had opened the seventh and last seal of the scaled book: there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour; not in the third heaven, the seat of the divine Being, of angels and glorified saints, where are hallelujahs without intermission; but in the church, which is oftentimes signified by heaven in this book, and where now the throne of God was placed, in that form as described in Rev 4:4, or rather in the Roman empire: nor is this silence the sum of this seal, or the only thing in it; for it includes the preparation of the seven angels to take their trumpets, though none of them were sounded during this period. This space of time some think refers to the time which elapsed, while the angel, who had incense given him to offer it with the prayers of saints, did so, and took fire off the altar with his censer, and cast it on the earth: and while the seven angels had their trumpets given them, and they were preparing to sound. Others are of opinion that this was only a pause, a breathing time for John between the former visions and seals, and the following; nothing being said or done, or anything exhibited to him during this interval; but he was at leisure to reflect on what he had seen, and to prepare for what was to come. Others understand it of the amazement of the saints at the judgments of God, which were coming upon the Christian empire, and of their quiet and silent preparations for these troubles and combats, both within and without, they were to be exercised with; see Zac 2:13. Others have thought that this refers to the state of the saints after the day of judgment, when there will be an entire cessation from persecution and trouble, and when the souls under the altar will have done crying for vengeance; but this will be not for half an hour only, but to all eternity; nor will angels and saints be then silent. Rather this is to be understood of that peace and rest which the church enjoyed upon Constantine's having defeated all his enemies, when he brought the church into a state of profound tranquillity and ease; and this lasted but for a little while, which is here expressed by about, or almost half an hour, as the Syriac version renders it; for in a short time the Arian heresy broke out, which introduced great troubles in the church, and at last violent persecutions. The allusion is, as in the whole of the following vision of the angel at the altar, to the offering of incense; at which time the people were removed from the temple, from between the porch and altar (l), to some more distant place; and the priest was alone while he offered incense, and then prayed a short prayer, that the people might not be affrighted lest he should be dead (m): and who in the mean while were praying in a silent, manner without; see Luk 1:9; hence the Jews say (n), that the offering of incense atones for an ill tongue, for it is a thing that is introduced "silently", and it atones for what is done silently, such as whisperings, backbitings, &c. and they call (o) silence the best of spices, even of those of which the sweet incense was made. (l) T. Tab. Yoma, fol. 44. 1. Maimon. Hilchot Tamidin, c. 3. sect. 3. (m) Misn. Yoma, c. 5. sect. 1. (n) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 44. 1. & Zebachim, fol. 88. 2. (o) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 18. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses we have the prelude to the sounding of the trumpets in several parts. I. The opening of the last seal. This was to introduce a new set of prophetical iconisms and events; there is a continued chain of providence, one part linked to another (where one ends another begins), and, though they may differ in nature and in time, they all make up one wise, well-connected, uniform design in the hand of God. II. A profound silence in heaven for the space of half an hour, which may be understood either, 1. Of the silence of peace, that for this time no complaints were sent up to the ear of the Lord God of sabaoth; all was quiet and well in the church, and therefore all silent in heaven, for whenever the church on earth cries, through oppression, that cry comes up to heaven and resounds there; or, 2. A silence of expectation; great things were upon the wheel of providence, and the church of God, both in heaven and earth, stood silent, as became them, to see what God was doing, according to that of Zac 2:13, Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord, for he has risen up out of his holy habitation. And elsewhere, Be still, and know that I am God. III. The trumpets were delivered to the angels who were to sound them. Still the angels are employed as the wise and willing instruments of divine Providence, and they are furnished with all their materials and instructions from God our Saviour. As the angels of the churches are to sound the trumpet of the gospel, the angels of heaven are to sound the trumpet of Providence, and every one has his part given him. IV. To prepare for this, another angel must first offer incense, Rev 8:3. It is very probable that this other angel is the Lord Jesus, the high priest of the church, who is here described in his sacerdotal office, having a golden censer and much incense, a fulness of merit in his own glorious person, and this incense he was to offer up, with the prayers of all the saints, upon the golden altar of his divine nature. Observe, 1. All the saints are a praying people; none of the children of God are born dumb, a Spirit of grace is always a Spirit of adoption and supplication, teaching us to cry, Abba, Father. Psa 32:6, For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee. 2. Times of danger should be praying times, and so should times of great expectation; both our fears and our hopes should put us upon prayer, and, where the interest of the church of God is deeply concerned, the hearts of the people of God in prayer should be greatly enlarged. 3. The prayers of the saints themselves stand in need of the incense and intercession of Christ to make them acceptable and effectual, and there is provision made by Christ for that purpose; he has his incense, his censer, and his altar; he is all himself to his people. 4. The prayers of the saints come up before God in a cloud of incense; no prayer, thus recommended, was ever denied audience or acceptance. 5. These prayers that were thus accepted in heaven produced great changes upon earth in return to them; the same angel that in his censer offered up the prayers of the saints in the same censer took of the fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth, and this presently caused strange commotions, voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake; these were the answers God gave to the prayers of the saints, and tokens of his anger against the world and that he would do great things to avenge himself and his people of their enemies; and now, all things being thus prepared, the angels discharge their duty.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:1 The opening of the seventh seal concludes the first act and dramatically initiates silence, which suggests the mystery of God in his dealings with the world (10:4; 1 Kgs 19:11-12). Perhaps the mysterious silence here is analogous to God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:1-3; see also Heb 4:1-11). • half an hour: This brief hush precedes the unfolding of the second act of divine judgment when God will answer the prayers of his people.