Revelation 8

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicfsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptNextStyleNo Unicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 1 3 8 0 0 8. The Seventh Seal and the First Four Trumpets) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 (8:1 13)) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 10 3 8 0 0 Outline (continued) ) 8. The Seventh Seal: The Judgment of Unbelievers (8:1) ) IV. Vision 3: Seven Trumpets (8:2 11:19) ) A. Introduction (8:2 5) ) B. Seven Trumpeting Angels (8:6 11:19) ) 1. The First Trumpet (8:6 7) ) 2. The Second Trumpet (8:8 9) ) 3. The Third Trumpet (8:10 11) ) 4. The Fourth Trumpet (8:12) ) 5. The Three Woes (8:13) ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8. The Seventh Seal: The Judgment of Unbelievers) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 And when he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. ) 7 7 3 8 0 0 2 And I saw seven angels who stood before God, and they were given seven trumpets. ) 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar. He had a golden censer and was given much incense, to offer it with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints went up out of the hand of the angel before God. 5 And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and cast it on the earth. And there were claps of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. ) 6 And the seven angels who held the seven trumpets prepared themselves to blow them. 7 And the first angel blew the trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood and it was cast upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned, and a third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned. ) 8 And the second angel blew the trumpet. And as it were a huge mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. ) 10 And the third angel blew the trumpet. And a great star fell from the sky, burning as a torch, and it fell upon a third part of the rivers and upon the springs of water. 11 And the name of the star was Wormwood, and a third part of the water became wormwood, and many people died because of the water that had become bitter. ) 12 And the fourth angel blew the trumpet. And a third part of the sun and a third part of the moon and a third part of the stars were struck, so that a third part of them became dark and a third part of the day did not shine and likewise a third part of the night. ) 13 And I saw, and I heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven saying in a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth because of the trumpet sounds about to be blown by the other three angels. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

1. And when he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The seventh seal follows the sixth one and is separated by the interlude of chapter 7. The two seals have a common purpose, namely, the portrayal of God judging the unbelievers. Notice that the sequence of the first four seals pictures horses and their riders. The fifth seal reveals the souls under the altar asking God to avenge their spilled blood. And the sixth seal depicts the wicked calling on the mountains and the rocks to cover them from the wrath of God and the Lamb. The seventh seal is a continuation of the sixth seal, but now there is a period of silence either preceding or following ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 final judgment. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Throughout the Apocalypse, John contrasts the bliss of the saints in heaven and the horror of the wicked when the wrath of God strikes them. This contrast is evident in the second half of the preceding chapter that describes the lot of the redeemed (7:9 17) and in the verses that reveal the lot of God s enemies on the Judgment Day (6:12 17). ) The opening of the seventh seal, however, cannot follow the sixth in chronological sequence, because the content of that seal portrayed the final day of wrath (6:12 17). ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The message of both seals relates to the same event, namely, the judgment of the wicked. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The structure of Revelation shows an ever-increasing, spiraling emphasis on the coming judgment. John pictures the wicked meeting their end when they face the wrath of God (6:17). Then in the interlude of chapter 7, he portrays the sealing of the 144,000 who, triumphing over their tribulation, enter the presence of God. Chapter 8 begins with a period of silence in heaven that is awe-inspiring with reference to God judging his enemies. God hears the ascending prayers of the saints and punishes the wicked. This theme occurring again and again imparts a telescopic structure to the Apocalypse.

The recurring theme of the Judgment Day appears at the end of every cycle of the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven plagues. ) The unity of John s book, then, is neither choronological nor arithmetical, but artistic, like that of a musical theme with variations, each variation adding something new to the significance of the whole composition. This is the only view which does adequate justice to the double fact that each new series of visions both recapitulates and develops the themes already stated in what has gone before. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.20|AUTODETECT|” And last, the background to the silence in heaven in the presence of God comes from the Old Testament prophets 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 2:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 2:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That silence expressed in human terms of cosmic time, half an hour, is not an empty period but is a time of the outpouring of God s wrath. The time references that John mentions have little relevance in Revelation, because not chronological time but the abiding principle of time is significant. The silence observed in heaven is an awed hush while God executes justice. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 IV. Vision 3: Seven Trumpets ) 8:2 11:19 ) The seven trumpets are divided over three chapters: chapter 8 features four trumpets, chapter 9 two, and the seventh trumpet is not introduced until 11:15. As the seventh seal comes after an interlude (7:1 17), so the seventh trumpet is separated from the preceding trumpets by an intermission that reveals the topics of the angel with the little scroll and the two witnesses (10:1 11:13). ) The opening of the seventh seal introduces a series of plagues that again conclude with a message of judgment. The adversaries who wanted to destroy God s creation now face their own destruction, for the time of their judgment has come (11:18).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� With every cycle of disasters in the Apocalypse, John provides more information and greater understanding of the final drama that unfolds in the consummation. ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 In the sequence of the seven angels who blow their trumpets, chapters 8 and 9 form a unit, while chapter 10 and the first half of 11 are an interlude. Yet the interlude shows a certain parallelism with chapters 8 and 9. The sound of the seven thunders corresponds to that of the seven angels blowing their trumpets (8:6 and 10:3 4); fire spews forth to devour the enemies of God (9:17 18 and 11:5); water turns into blood (8:8 and 11:6); and the first and second woes are followed by a third (8:13; 9:12; 11:14). ) The recurring picture in 8:2 through 11:14 is that of impending judgment on unbelievers. This becomes evident in the trumpet sounds of the angels and the repeated call of the woes (8:13; 9:12; and 11:14). When plagues strike the world and its evil inhabitants, we see divine execution in response to the prayers of the saints (8:4 5). Because of the unbelievers refusal to repent, God strikes them for committing theft and manslaughter, engaging in magic arts, and indulging in sexual immorality (9:21; 11:7 10).

Incidentally, as the Apocalypse calls people to repentance, the saints obey while sinners harden their hearts and refuse to repent (9:21; 16:9, 11). ) There is a parallel in the opening of the seals in 6:1 16 and the plagues described in 8:6 9:21: both the opening of the seals and the blowing of the trumpets reveal catastrophes. But the calamities connected to the seven seals pave the way for the rider on the white horse, which I have interpreted as the unstoppable advance of the Word of God on the face of the earth (see the commentary on 6:2).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When the trumpets are sounded, God s wrath is poured out on the wicked who have demonstrated their hatred toward him, his Word, and his people. The seven trumpet calls are divided into the first four, which affect the natural world, followed by the next two (the fifth and sixth trumpets), which harm and kill the inhabitants of the earth. The seventh trumpet ushers in the consummation of God s wrath. Indeed, the judgments of the trumpets increase in intensity as they progress. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Chapter 6 lists the seals that introduce the persecution of the saints, chapter 7 depicts the saints protected from all harm because they have been sealed, and chapters 8 and 9 recount the sounding of the judgment trumpets that augur destruction for the wicked. Notice that the sounding of the trumpets constitutes warning signs to those people who oppose God. When they refuse to listen, then the bowls of wrath are poured out upon them. The very function of the trumpets is to warn. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The warnings are preliminary to their impending doom. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Introduction) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:2 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.14|AUTODETECT|” The Lamb opened the seven seals, but angels blow the trumpets. The emphasis, therefore, is on the task of the angels, who, though not mentioned by name, are given specific responsibilities. They do not serve as mediators between God and humans; their task is to serve 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and stand in God s presence. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The subtle contrast of verse 2 and verses 3 5 should not be overlooked. Seven angels are given seven trumpets with which they announce imminent destruction, while another angel mixes incense at the altar with the prayers of the saints and presents them to God. This section of chapter 8, then, is both explanatory and introductory to the rest of this chapter and the next. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 2. And I saw seven angels who stood before God, and they were given seven trumpets. 3. And another angel came and stood at the altar. He had a golden censer and was given much incense, to offer it with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. 4. And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints went up out of the hand of the angel before God.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.13|AUTODETECT|” a. And I saw seven angels who stood before God, and they were given seven trumpets. Scripture records only two names of archangels: Michael 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.13|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 10:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.10.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 12:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Jude 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.19|AUTODETECT|” ) and Gabriel 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Other traditional names are Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Sariel, and Remiel. Note that all seven names of these archangels end in -) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 el) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which relates them to God, who is Elohim. Also, the concept of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One comes from Tobit 12:15 -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” RSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), which lists Raphael as one of them.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.31|AUTODETECT|” �� These seven angels are given trumpets 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.31|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and blow them to usher in God s initial judgment on his adversaries. Their final judgment comes when they stand before the great white throne (20:11 15). The expression seven angels reappears in the context of the seven plagues. Even though we could assume that they are the same group of seven, we have no certainty because countless angels surround God s throne. This is evident from other passages (v. 3; 7:2; 10:1; 18:1; 20:1). Also, the number seven conveys the meaning of completeness and need not be taken literally. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. And another angel came and stood at the altar. John wishes to show the reader another development that is taking place at the altar. Hence, the scene shifts not to indicate a delay in the sounding of the trumpets, but to reveal in the intervening paragraph the effect that the prayers of the saints have on the course of history. The focus is on an angel and the altar. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” We are not told anything about the identity of this angel. If the text itself is not explicit, we ought not to read into it the identity of the Lord Jesus Christ. The context does not indicate that John is speaking of the Lord, though some may see the incense as a symbolic reference to Jesus Christ, who serves the saints as their intercessor in heaven 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.24|AUTODETECT|” 9:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The multitude of angels is so large that this angel is only one of them. For instance, the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 another angel) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs elsewhere (10:1; 18:1); and the adjective ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 another) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is meant to alert the reader to the mighty angel who sounded the call to break the seals of the scroll and open it (5:2). The angel, however, is only a servant who functions at the altar of incense; he is not a mediator and does not presume to take the place of Jesus. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The altar of incense in the tabernacle was a copy of the one in heaven.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.10|AUTODETECT|” �� This altar was most holy to the Lord God, because on its horns once a year the high priest made atonement with the blood of the sin offering 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.28|AUTODETECT|” ). With his sacrifice on the cross Jesus has fulfilled the need for atonement once for all. By it he removed the sins of his people 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.28|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ); and he perfected his people and their prayers. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. [The angel] had a golden censer and was given much incense, to offer it with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. A censer is a container with incense, which was often made from the aromatic gum of a frankincense tree. This incense was burned so that the smoke permeated the area with its fragrant aroma. Presumably God gave the angel a bountiful supply of incense. The multitude of prayers uttered by all the saints on earth had to be mixed with this sweet-smelling fragrance (compare 5:8). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.141.2|AUTODETECT|” Because of our sinful human nature, human prayers are incomplete and faulty. For this reason they must be presented with the fragrance of incense to make them acceptable to God. All our prayers show deficiency, with selfishness, formalism, and haste their major detractors. All our applications and utterances of thanksgiving need to be sanctified and perfected to enter into God s presence. In one of his psalms David prays, May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.141.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 141:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ). The presentation of all the prayers of the saints demonstrates unity, harmony, and strength. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” James 5:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These united prayers rise up before the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 throne) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , a symbolic reference to God. This text twice mentions the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 golden) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.42-11.18.45|AUTODETECT|” to describe the censer and the altar. Gold alludes to heaven s perfection (see, e.g., 21:18, 21). In this context, the prayers of the saints are perfected and the response to the saints is at times astounding. For instance, Elijah s prayer influenced the weather so that the drought ended 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.42-11.18.45|AUTODETECT|” 1 Kings 18:42 45) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” d. And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints went up out of the hand of the angel before God. The imperfections that were cleaving to the prayers of the saints were removed, symbolically, by the fragrant smoke, to make their intercessions, petitions, and praises ascend to God s throne. Whenever we pray, the exercise itself appears to be simple. Yet everyone who is seriously engaged in prayer knows that praying demands concentration and hard work. When our prayers ascend, they are placed on an altar.

Then an angel takes our supplications, places them on a censer, and presents them to God. Again, the angel is not a mediator but only a servant in this process. Jesus Christ, as intercessor, perfects our prayers and petitions 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 5. And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and cast it on the earth. And there were claps of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 At a first reading of this verse, we are perplexed and do not comprehend the flow of thought. When the angel presents our prayers to God, we are able to grasp the significance of this action because we realize the imperfections of human praises and petitions. But when that same angel takes fire from the altar of incense, puts it in the censer, and hurls it to the earth, we may fail to see the connection. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.49|AUTODETECT|” We have to discern the sequence of cause and effect. What we read in this verse is a consequence of the preceding verse. That is, God has heard the prayers of the saints and in response is sending judgment in the form of punishment upon the inhabitants of the world, all in his predetermined time. God has taken to heart the cry of the saints at the foot of the altar (6:9 10). He instructs the angel to take fire from that altar, to fill the censer, and to throw fire to the earth, where it causes death and destruction. Here is the fulfillment of Jesus word of judgment, I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:49) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The saying of Jesus & seems, in the context where it is now found, to refer to the fire of discord (s[ee] vss. 51 3). ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The consequence of this action should serve as a warning to the wicked that the torments following the sounding of the trumpets are only the beginning of what is in store for them if they fail to repent. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.16|AUTODETECT|” The angel is only a servant sent forth by God to do his bidding. This becomes plain from the signs in nature that accompany the destructive fire: peals of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. In the thunder and lightning God reveals himself as he did at Mount Sinai 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 19:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.6|AUTODETECT|” ; compare ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 29:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also in the Apocalypse, three aspects of nature thunder, rumbling, and lightning are mentioned elsewhere (4:5; 11:19; 16:18), though the sequence differs. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Not an angel but the Almighty causes an earthquake, which in Revelation is mentioned seven times (6:12; 8:5; 11:13 [twice], 19; 16:18 [twice]) and is generally qualified by the adjective ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Through a great earthquake seven thousand people were killed (11:13).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.7-40.24.8|AUTODETECT|” �� Earthquakes are among all the other signs that usher in the end times. As Jesus said, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.7-40.24.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 8:4 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���� ���������� the dative can be construed as a temporal or associative usage.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.4|AUTODETECT|” �� The temporal and associative rendering have a similar sense, such as together with prayers, which appears to be the meaning in this verse; confer ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.10.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 where prayers are offered with the giving of alms. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �4����� this is the perfect active of the verb ������� (I receive, take) and is classified as a dramatic historical perfect translated as a past tense, the angel took. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Seven Trumpeting Angels) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:6 11:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 After the angel at the altar presents the supplications of the saints to God and after God instructs the angel to cast fire in the form of punishments on the earth, the seven angels with the seven trumpets commence blowing their warning sounds. The sound of the trumpets ushers in God s judgments in the form of punishments that affect the earth, the sea, the rivers and springs of water, the heavenly bodies, and the Abyss. The adversaries of God receive their due rewards. But notice the order of these seven trumpets. The first four trumpets harm the wicked in their ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 physical) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 being; the last three bring ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual anguish:) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 hell itself is let loose! ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Chapters 8 has the first four, chapter 9 the next two, and chapter 11 the last one. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The parallel with the seven plagues in chapter 16 is unique in the Apocalypse. Apart from a few minor differences in wording, for example, the Abyss (9:1 2) and the throne of the beast (16:10), the headings are identical. Here are the parallel columns:��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidth3c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Seven Trumpets) TDc.BestWidth=c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 3/-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Seven Bowls) TDc.BestWidth3c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data qm-8 1 3 2 7 7 3 8 0 0 1 earth (8:7) ) 2 sea (8:8 9) ) 3 rivers, springs (8:10 11) ) 4 sun, moon, stars (8:12) ) 5 pit of the Abyss (9:1) ) 6 river Euphrates (9:13 14) ) 7 lightning, hail (11:15, 19)) TDc.BestWidth=c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data [W-8 1 3 2 7 7 3 8 0 0 1 earth (16:2) ) 2 sea (16:3) ) 3 rivers, springs (16:4 5) ) 4 sun (16:8) ) 5 throne of the beast (16:10) ) 6 river Euphrates (16:12) ) 7 lightning, hail (16:17, 21)) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.8-2.13.16|AUTODETECT|” Further, the plagues, whether announced by the blowing of the trumpets or the pouring of the bowls, resemble the ten plagues endured by the Egyptians when God set Israel free 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.8-2.13.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 7:8 13:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The sequence and the details of the first four judgments differ remarkably from the plagues of Egypt, so that we can speak only of similarities. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

1. The First Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
2. And the seven angels who held the seven trumpets prepared themselves to blow them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 As a result of God s hearing and answering the petitions of the saints, the seven angels are given the task of sounding their individual trumpets. Now the seven plagues on the wicked can be executed. The prayers of the saints, therefore, prove to be a significant part in the history of mankind. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of, Alfred Tennyson said in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Idylls of the King) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.16-1.18.33|AUTODETECT|” in the section on the death of Arthur. God does not impose and execute judgment unless and until the supplications of his people have been heard. Think, for instance, of Abraham s repeated pleas on behalf of Sodom 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.16-1.18.33|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:16 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But after these prayers have entered God s presence, the Almighty acts, sometimes swiftly, on other occasions in his own appointed time. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 When each of the trumpets sounds, destruction comes to an area of God s creation that in this chapter is expressed as a third part. In chapter 8, the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs twelve times, and once John refers to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the third angel) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.5.2|AUTODETECT|” (v. 10). This is a common ordinal for division in both Jewish and Greek cultures; see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Ezekiel 5:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.5.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.5.12|AUTODETECT|”

12. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
13. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

7. And the first angel blew the trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood and it was cast upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned, and a third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.24-2.9.26|AUTODETECT|” The first angel sounds the trumpet that results in the calamity of hail and fire mixed with blood cast upon the earth. The calamity is reminiscent of the seventh plague God brought upon Egypt, with two variations: in Exodus there is no reference to blood being mixed with the hail and fire, and the fire is described as lightning 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.24-2.9.26|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:24 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.38.22|AUTODETECT|” ; compare also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.38.22|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 38:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We have no basis for interpreting the nouns ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hail, fire) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 blood) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 symbolically; hail and lightning are natural occurrences. They can maim and kill living beings, so that blood indeed mingles with the hailstones covering the landscape.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”

19. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� A frightful storm occasionally rages across the countryside and with hail and lightning destroys everything in its path. Human beings and animals often fall victim to the violence of a storm. The effect is divine judgment, since the passive construction ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 it was cast) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.3-19.29.10|AUTODETECT|” intimates that God is the agent 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.3-19.29.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 29:3 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Not only human beings and animals experience the brunt of nature s forces, but also a third of the earth was burned, and a third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned. The effect is truly devastating: three times in succession the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to burn) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears to indicate the severity of destruction. And twice the ordinal ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears with reference to the earth and the trees. We include the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all the green grass) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the third part that was burned. A total devastation of all grass including all the grain products in the world would mean an end to life for human beings and animals. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Even though God expresses his wrath in the ruin of his creation, he shows his mercy by destroying only a third part while keeping the rest of his creation intact. One commentator sees a contradiction, stating that the burning of the trees and all the grass is absolutely in variance with ix.4. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
20. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In 9:4 the locusts are told not to harm the grass of the earth, nor any plant, nor any tree, except people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. But we know that when a firestorm burns away trees and vegetation, the rejuvenating force in nature sprouts fresh grass and even germinates seeds of trees. In brief, the wording of 9:4 does not contradict this passage at all.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”
21. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 8:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��������� having been mingled. The perfect passive participle in the accusative neuter plural is to be preferred to the singular. Some witnesses have the neuter singular to agree with the noun ��� (fire), but the plural is the harder reading. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

2. The Second Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
3. And the second angel blew the trumpet. And as it were a huge mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And as it were a huge mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea. The preceding verses described devastation on the land, while these verses picture scenes on the seas. John has a vision and as he tries to verbalize what he sees he uses the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as it were;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”

22. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� thus he approximates reality in symbolical terms. He mentions a huge mountain burning with fire that did not fall into the sea but was thrown into it. We ought not to make much of the mountain itself but rather of the vision s impact. The stress should fall on the horror that God s judgment has on his creation, which here is the sea. This is a calamity that defies description: an enormous mountain set ablaze and hurled into the sea. It may be compared to a meteorite of extraordinary proportions that upon entering earth s atmosphere is like a blazing fire; when it plunges into the sea, it causes a tremendous tidal wave that sweeps away coastal cities with untold loss of life.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”
23. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� John may also have memories of Mount Vesuvius s eruption on August 24, a.d. 70. But this tragedy was a local event, while this plague is an announcement of a coming cosmic catastrophe that will affect the whole surface of the earth. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”
24. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� John portrays the reality of divine judgment on the wicked in symbols that convey spiritual validity. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.25|AUTODETECT|” The text of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.25|AUTODETECT|” Jeremiah 51:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 only tangentially fits this situation. God says, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who destroy the whole earth, declares the Lord. I will stretch out my hand against you, roll you off the cliffs, and make you a burned-out mountain. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
25. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� We conclude, therefore, that John reveals an incident that can only be explained symbolically as something extraordinary that God performs in the sight of his people. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 God shows the apostle and the readers of the Apocalypse that this vision signifies divine judgment on his adversaries and serves as a call to repentance. People experience the effect of this colossal mountain that is flung into the sea, which douses the flames and fire. This is a picture of frightful punishment striking those who are on these waters. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.19-2.7.21|AUTODETECT|” b. And a third of the sea became blood. That a third of the sea became blood is an implied reference to the first of the Egyptian plagues 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.19-2.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 7:19 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.43-19.78.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.43-19.78.44|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 78:43 44) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.105.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.105.29|AUTODETECT|” 105:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.22-2.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ). The difference is telling, however, because here a third of the sea turns into blood, but in Egypt it was the Nile, the streams, canals, ponds, and reservoirs that took on the color of blood. Yet there is resemblance that points to God striking Egypt with supernatural power because of Pharaoh hardening his heart 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.22-2.7.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 7:22 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ); in the Apocalypse God causes the death of human beings whose blood stains a third part of the sea (compare 16:3). The enormous loss of life, by whatever disaster God ordains, is a frightening judgment indeed. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. All along, God s mercy is evident in the repetitious use of the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not all the seas turned to blood, not all the living creatures died, and not all the ships perished. Only a third of each were affected by God s wrath; the fish not affected by divine punishment continued to multiply and the traffic on the sea unhindered by maritime disaster continued to proceed normally. The catastrophes that God caused to fall on the sea are signs of the end times by which God tells the people to repent and live. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

3. The Third Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:10 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
4. And the third angel blew the trumpet. And a great star fell from the sky, burning as a torch, and it fell upon a third part of the rivers and upon the springs of water. 11. And the name of the star was Wormwood, and a third part of the water became wormwood, and many people died because of the water that had become bitter.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And a great star fell from the sky, burning as a torch, and it fell upon a third part of the rivers and upon the springs of water. Subsequent to the judgment on the earth came the disasters on the sea. Now John reveals the third category to be divinely afflicted: the rivers and the inland bodies of water. God castigates his foes by causing a huge star to fall from heaven; it is a ball of fire that upon its descent pollutes the inland waters, bringing death to anyone drinking from them. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.12|AUTODETECT|” Outside of Revelation, Scripture does not provide any exact parallels to the phenomenon of a flaming meteorite falling from the sky (6:13; 9:1). The passage in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.12|AUTODETECT|” Isaiah 14:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 speaks of a falling star: How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn. You have been cast down to the earth. But the passage in Revelation differs from this text in respect to the size of the star, its fiery appearance, the inland waters that are polluted by it, and its name. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 God makes a star to fall from heaven and people can watch it approaching the earth. This is an awesome sight that can be explained only as a divinely ordained occurrence that is designed to call the wicked to repent from their evil ways and turn to God. There is nothing comparable in human experience. This burning star that falls on rivers, lakes, and ponds contaminates drinking water and consequently kills those who drink it. Once more we read of God s judgment on his adversaries expressed in symbolic language and conveying spiritual reality. ) b. And the name of the star was Wormwood. This expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 wormwood) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 8 1 -1 9 0 0 apsinthos) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in this verse. Some scholars translate its second appearance as bitter. In the Old Testament it occurs seven times and is rendered in many translations as gall or bitterness. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”

26. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Wormwood was grown in Israel and because of the camphor smell was used to deter moths from eating garments. This herb with its roots is very bitter. In the Old Testament it points to illicit sexual Acts 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 5:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ), punishment for sin 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ), and corrupt justice 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Amos 5:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This means that sin usually leads to bitterness of the soul. Wormwood, therefore, exemplified in adversity and grief symbolizes damnation and justice. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Water mixed with wormwood tastes bitter but is not inherently poisonous. We expect that John has combined the concepts of wormwood and real poison 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.23|AUTODETECT|” ), and in this manner he is able to declare that this combined substance has a fatal effect on the body 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
27. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.23|AUTODETECT|” c. And a third part of the water became wormwood, and many people died because of the water that had become bitter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Again God s mercy is evident in the last part of this passage. The repetitive a third shows divine patience with the unbelievers. Not everyone suffers because of the water, for only a third part is affected by the plague and the rest of it is drinkable. Those people who died were a warning to the survivors to fear God and turn to him, for he will have mercy and freely pardon 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 55:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 8:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 � ��� Q����� this prepositional phrase conveys a causal notion, because of the waters. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”
28. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

4. The Fourth Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
5. And the fourth angel blew the trumpet. And a third part of the sun and a third part of the moon and a third part of the stars were struck, so that a third part of them became dark and a third part of the day did not shine and likewise a third part of the night.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears six times in this verse in which the entire heavens are involved: the sun, moon, stars, and the division of day and night (see 6:12 13). The repetition emphasizes the severity of this celestial phenomenon. Its occurrence defies a natural explanation because an eclipse does not fit the description (compare 16:10). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.21-2.10.23|AUTODETECT|” The ninth plague striking Egypt turned it into darkness. Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky and the darkness that came on the land was so real that it could be felt. It covered Egypt for three days, while all the Israelites had light 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.21-2.10.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 10:21 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God could have used a sandstorm to block out the rays of the sun on the Egyptians but not on the Israelites in the land of Goshen. In Revelation a third part of the sun, a third part of the moon, and a third part of the stars turned into darkness; this is a supernatural intervention into the natural courses of these heavenly bodies. Geoffrey B. Wilson aptly remarks, It should be obvious that John is painting a picture and not writing a treatise on astronomy. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”

29. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When light is turned into darkness, there is a disruption of the cosmic order and dissolution of creation. The Old Testament frequently speaks about the disappearance of light when celestial bearers cease their normal functions.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
30. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John writes that a third part of them became dark and a third part of the day did not shine and likewise a third part of the night. He is not talking about eclipses that block the light of the sun or moon for less than an hour. These heavenly bodies fail to emit and reflect light for a third part of the day and a third part of the night. It is better to say that here we have an enigma that can only be interpreted and understood as a sign of divine judgment on a world that is reveling in sin. The symbolism of periods of darkness is meant to bring people to repentance and to declare their faith in God. These signs in nature, therefore, are expressions of God s grace and mercy by which he shows the coming of the Day of the Lord.

Both believers and unbelievers hear the sound of the trumpets. Believers, guided by their knowledge of the Scriptures, recognize these signs, take refuge in God, and are safe. If God s adversaries ignore these signs in nature, they will face eternal darkness by being forever cut off from the source of light, namely, God. They may feel free to ignore the admonitions and scoff at the warnings concerning the Day of the Lord, but they will suffer the consequences. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 8:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� when the particle 5�� with its result clause is followed by the negative particle �� with its clause, the sense remains the same. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5. The Three Woes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 After the first four trumpets usher in calamities in nature which everyone is able to observe, we would have expected the continuation of the remaining three trumpets. But here is an interruption in the sequence of the signs interruptions happen often in the Apocalypse. Now nature itself coming in the form of an eagle warns God s opponents to pay attention to these signs that should be unavoidably clear in communicating divine judgment. The three trumpets that follow announce judgments that are even harsher than the four preceding ones. Demonic powers arise to attack human beings not merely physically but mentally and spiritually: people want to die but are unable to do so. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” Hence, an eagle in the sky sounds the alarm in uttering a threefold woe to those inhabitants of the earth who have willfully ignored the first four trumpets. Again we have to interpret the loud call of the eagle in terms of God s compassion and mercy. He does not desire the death of the wicked but rather that the wicked live 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus, the unbeliever will never be able to accuse God of having given insufficient warnings. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13. And I saw, and I heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven saying in a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth because of the trumpet sounds about to be blown by the other three angels. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.49|AUTODETECT|” a. And I saw, and I heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven saying in a loud voice. John s senses are fully engaged, because he both sees and hears what is happening. He notices an eagle flying in mid-heaven, as an emblem of coming judgment and destruction 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.49|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 28:49) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.8.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 8:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 1:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32” 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” �� As a bird of prey an eagle with its keen eyesight is looking for carrion and game, its source of food 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.18-20.30.19|AUTODETECT|” ). Looking from its lofty height, the bird cries out a threefold woe, implying that there will be plenty of food available. Flying in midair, the bird is right overhead and able to see far and wide 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.18-20.30.19|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 30:18 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1-1.3.5|AUTODETECT|” We need not argue about whether an eagle can speak, for the scene that John depicts is apocalyptic and symbolic. Note the beast that comes out of the sea is given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words (13:5). Similarly, the serpent spoke to Eve in Paradise 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.1-1.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.22.28-4.22.30|AUTODETECT|” ) and Balaam s donkey addressed her master 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.22.28-4.22.30|AUTODETECT|” Num. 22:28 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The eagle speaks in a loud voice so that everyone is able to here its call of the threefold woe. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 b. Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth because of the trumpet sounds about to be blown by the other three angels. The triple woe is unique in Revelation (see the double use in 18:10, 16, 19), for in both Old and New Testaments the single woe occurs. The woes are explained as the two trumpet blasts of the two angels in the next chapter. But two passages force the interpreter to enlarge the scope of the woes: The first woe has come. Look, still two more come after these things (9:12) and The second woe is past.

Look, the third woe is coming soon (11:14). John fails to mention the third woe, for the reference in 12:12 lacks enumeration, Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you. However, John seems to indicate that the blowing of the seventh trumpet is the introductory signal for the coming of the third woe (11:14 15a). ) c. The inhabitants of the earth. The Apocalypse features this term numerous times. In every case the term refers not to believers, who are sojourners, but to unbelievers, who try to make the earth their permanent dwelling.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33” 32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The eagle warns the antagonists to pay attention to the warnings, for they will encounter God s punishments in the form of the forthcoming woes. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 8:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��� the number one in this clause is equivalent to the indefinite pronoun: an eagle. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34” 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It should not be translated as a solitary eagle -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35” Phillips) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Two translations following weaker witnesses have the reading an angel -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36” KJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37” NKJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ������������� translated as mid-heaven, the word refers to celestial bodies crossing the meridian. ) �P�� the particle is followed by the accusative (although a variant reading has the dative), which may be classified as an adverbial accusative. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gregory K. Beale, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), p. 448 (his emphasis). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Geoffrey B. Wilson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Welwyn, England: Evangelical Press, 1985), p. 77; see also R. C. H. Lenski 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Interpretation of St. John s Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [Columbus: Wartburg, 1943], p. 267), who writes, What the seventh seal uncovers cannot chronologically follow what the sixth seal reveals. See also Gerhard A. Krodel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ACNT (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989), pp. 189 90. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 G. B. Caird, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John the Divine) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (London: Black, 1966), p. 106. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Martin Kiddle, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1943), pp. 144 45. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to S. Greijdanus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 De Openbaring des Heeren aan Johannes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , KNT (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1925), p. 179. See also E. Cuvillier, Jugement et destruction du monde dans l Apocalypse de Jean: Notes ex�g�tiques sur Ap 8 9 et Ap 15 16, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 FoiVie) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 91 (1992): 53 67. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jon Paulien, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.7-66.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Decoding Revelation s Trumpets: Literary Allusions and the Interpretation of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.7-66.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 8:7 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , AUSDDS 11 (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1987), p. 325. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 William Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), p. 116. Compare also William Barclay 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. [Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960], 2:52), who notes that a trumpet blast denotes (1) alarm, (2) arrival of royalty, and (3) summons to battle. Clearly the sound of the trumpet here is a warning of impending danger. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. H. Charles 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ICC [Edinburgh: Clark, 1920], 1:218; 2:407 9) rearranges the text by placing verse 2 after verse 5 and verse 13 after verse 6. Consequently, when the rearrangement does not fit, he labels the text hopelessly corrupt. Also Barclay 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:48) follows Charles in placing verse 2 after verse 6 and calls the present sequence a copyist s mistake. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” RSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 9 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 20.2 8; 90.21, 22 mention seven names and call them archangels. Consult Henry Barclay Swete, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1911; reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), p. 107. See also Charles, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:225; David E. Aune, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WBC 52B (Nashville: Nelson, 1998), p. 509; and Kendell H. Easley, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , HNTC (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1998), p. 142. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of the Revelation: A Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990), p. 104. However, Beale 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|” , p. 454) identifies the angel as the angel of the presence 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 63:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jubilees) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.2|AUTODETECT|” 1.29) or even Christ himself. But Christ who created the universe, created also the angels who worship him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the New Testament he does not appear as an angel. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.1-2.30.10|AUTODETECT|” 11 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.1-2.30.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:1 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.13|AUTODETECT|” ; and compare ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 9:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.1|AUTODETECT|” 11:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.18|AUTODETECT|” 14:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.7|AUTODETECT|” 16:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 730. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Richard Bauckham, The Eschatological Earthquake in the Apocalypse of John, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NovT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 19 (1977): 224 33; and see his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Climax of Prophecy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Edinburgh: Clark, 1993), pp. 202 4. He avers that these phenomena in nature (8:5; 11:19; 16:18) are a clear allusion to the Sinai theophany. But this may be mere conventional language that does not necessarily refer to Sinai. See Aune, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 518; G�nther Bornkamm, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 7:198 99; Reinhard Kratz, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:237. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 529; C. F. D. Moule, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 43; Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Greek Grammar of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. and rev. Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), �188.1. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert Hanna, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 448. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 116. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For more extensive columns see Aune, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 500 501. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Colin J. Hemer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:687; Wolfgang Feneberg, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:370; SB, 3:808. Babylonian Talmud, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Baba Metzia) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 59b: Then was the world smitten a third of its olives, and a third of its wheat, and a third of its barley & the fire burned. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.14-2.7.24|AUTODETECT|” M. Robert Mulholland Jr. refers to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.7.14-2.7.24|AUTODETECT|” Exodus 7:14 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , the changing of the waters of Egypt into blood. See his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation: Holy Living in an Unholy World) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Frances Asbury Press, 1990), p. 191 n. 1. Swete 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 110) suggests that the blood was red sand from the Sahara. Both interpretations lack cogency in the context of the passage. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Charles, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:233. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Robert L. Thomas, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22: An Exegetical Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1995), p. 18. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The repeated use in chapters 8 and 9 of the expressions ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as it were, as) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 like) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 suggests symbolism (see 8:8, 10; 9:2, 3, 5, 7 10, 17, 19). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Gerhard A. Krodel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ACNT (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989), p. 198. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 J�rgen Roloff, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. J. E. Alsup (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993), p. 110. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Similar readings appear in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 18.13, I saw there sevens stars like great burning mountains ; and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 21.3, Then shall come a great star from heaven into the divine sea. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.18|AUTODETECT|” 26 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.18|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 5:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.15|AUTODETECT|” 23:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 3:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Amos 5:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult W. E. Shewell-Cooper, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ZPEB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 5:969; Leon Morris, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:29; and see his commentary ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , rev. ed., TNTC (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987), p. 121. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 598. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Geoffrey B. Wilson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Welwyn, England: Evangelical Press, 1985), p. 81. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Refer to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 13:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.24.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.24.23|AUTODETECT|” 24:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” 34:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.3|AUTODETECT|” 50:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 4:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.32.7-26.32.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.32.7-26.32.8|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 32:7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.8.9|AUTODETECT|” Amos 8:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 3:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The term, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 eagle) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears in two other passages in the Apocalypse: 4:7 and 12:14. These passages stress the aspect of flying. See James L. Resseguie, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to John s Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , BIS 32 (Leiden: Brill, 1998), p. 89. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 32 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 6:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 8:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 11:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (twice); 13:8, 12, 14 (twice); 17:2, 8. See also the variant readings in 12:12 and 14:6 listed in Nes-Al27. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Blass and Debrunner, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , �247.2. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” Phillips ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 J. B. Phillips, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The New Testament in Modern English) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” KJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King James Version (Authorized Version) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” NKJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New King James Version )