Chapters 8-9 have the seven angels with seven trumpets, who unleash plagues of magnificent destruction when they blow their horns. Some equate each of these events to things that after during and after the destruction of Jerusalem. naturally, all sorts of disasters through the centuries have been attributed to  the “prophecies” of these trumpet-initiated events. However you interpret them, it is highly unlikely that the 1st century Christians would have benefited from being warned of some disaster or catastrophic war in the 15th century – or in the 21st, for that matter.

One thing seems quite significant, as pointed out by the late Burton Coffman. Chapter 7 seems to clearly point to the the time when the God’s faithful reach heaven. Then in the verse of chapter eight, the seventh seal is opened and there is silence in heaven for a half hour. No other explanation from the opening of this seal is given, but rather the narrative moves to the seven angels. The significance is clear. There will be no disclosure of what happens next in heaven. And all that follows in this great book is simply more about the events that lead up to that final judgment. Understanding this, Coffman says, is essential to understanding the chapters that follow.

/Bob’s boy

Bible Reading Schedule for this month
Click links below to read or listen to audio of one of this week’s chapters in Colossians and Luke

Rev 8, Rev 9, Rev 10, Rev 11, Rev 12

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.