03.13. Lesson 13
Lesson 13:First, in one sitting read Revelation 6:1-17, Revelation 7:1-17, Revelation 8:1-13, Revelation 9:1-21. Then read Revelation 8:1-13 alone at least two additional times prior to answering the questions, without referring to notes or commentaries.
(1) Read the account of the plagues on Egypt: Exodus 7:14-25; Exodus 8:1-32; Exodus 9:1-35; Exodus 10:1-29; Exodus 11:1-8. What is the purpose of the plagues? Do you see parallels between these plagues and the events that follow the trumpets?
(2) Trumpets are common in Scripture: see this mixed assortment of verses (which is by no means complete; the word "trumpet" appears in 102 verses in the Bible): Numbers 10:1-10, Joshua 6:13-20, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; 2 Chronicles 29:25-28, Ezekiel 33:1-9, Joel 2:1-16, Amos 3:6-8, Matthew 24:29-31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What different purposes do the trumpets serve in these verses? Which of these seem to be relevant to Revelation 8:1-13?
(3) Look again at Revelation 8:3-5. Consider Revelation 6:9-11 and Psalms 141:2. For what are the saints praying in Revelation 6:1-17? What is the relationship between those prayers in Revelation 6:1-17 and the events of Revelation 8:1-13? Look also at Ezekiel 10:1-7 and Luke 12:49.
(4) Look again at Revelation 8:7-12. What are the common elements in the destruction that follows the blowing of each of the four trumpets? For similar elements, see these passages in addition to the Exodus chapters noted above: Jeremiah 23:15, Isaiah 13:6-19 (especially Isaiah 13:10).
(5) In John’s vision, these events take place after those of Revelation 6:1-17. But we have seen that Revelation 7:1-17 takes place prior to the end of Revelation 6:1-17, so sequence in John’s vision does not necessarily imply sequence in time for the fulfillment of these prophecies. Are the events of Revelation 6:1-17 prior to, simultaneous with, or subsequent to those of Revelation 8:1-13? Look especially at Revelation 6:12-17 and Revelation 8:12.
(6) Why does God judge? Do you long for God’s judgment? Should you long for God’s judgment? What impact does the prospect of judgment (for you and for others) have on your life. Consider Matthew 6:10.
Now read Stedman chapter 14 as well as Wilcock pages 85-96. Be sure to read this section of Wilcock carefully, as it includes a key argument that he depends on for much of the rest of his interpretation of Revelation. Stedman’s sermon is particularly good at the end, when he discusses the impact that judgment has on us. Revise your answers, if necessary, in light of the insights of these two commentators.