Questions or comments?
Revelation 8:2 – Who are the seven angels?
As is usual, we don’t know who they are other than seven angels.
It’s very likely that they were literally seven heavenly spirits.
Revelation 8:2 – What are the seven trumpets?
Again, there’s not necessarily any symbolism here, though there could be.
These could literally be seven trumpets blown by the seven angels.
Revelation 8:3 – Who is the other angel?
We don’t have any details other than that he was “another” angel.
This could be a special angel, but there’s no mention. This angel is not called a “mighty” angel as some others are.
Similarities between the trumpets and the Egyptian plagues
These first four trumpets go rather quickly, then we have more time devoted to the fifth and the sixth.
There are some similarities between the chaos that comes with these trumpets and the plagues of the Exodus:
The first trumpet mentions hail and fire mixed with blood. Exodus 9 mentions hail and fire.
The second trumpet mentions the sea turning to blood. Exodus 7 mentions the Nile River turning to blood.
The third trumpet mentions the water becoming undrinkable (or bitter). Exodus 7 and 8 mention problems with the water because of blood and frogs.
The fourth trumpet mentions darkness on the land. Exodus 10 mentions a plague of darkness.
The fifth trumpet mentions locusts. Exodus 10 mentions a plague of locusts.
The sixth trumpet mentions the death of many people. Exodus 11 mentions the death of many with the death of the firstborn.
Revelation 8:13 – What/Who is the eagle?
Some translations say “angel.” The Greek word could mean vulture or eagle.
Could be a flying animal that God used to send a message in a way that could be heard and seen by many.
Could be a messenger angel.
Revelation 9:1 – What/What is the fallen star?
Faithlife – Stars are sometimes associated with angels. This figure may be the angel in verse 11 who is given charge over the abyss. The concept of a fallen star may suggest that the figure is Satan or one of his fallen angels.
The “star” is likely not merely a star, but an evil angelic force, possibly Satan himself.
Revelation 9:1 – What is the abyss?
The abyss is like a temporary prison for demonic forces.
What did the star require to open the abyss? (a key)
Luke 8:31 – “And they begged him not to banish them to the abyss.”
The abyss is mentioned a few more times in Revelation, but always seems to refer to a temporary prison or dwelling place for demonic forces.
Revelation 9:4 – What is God’s seal?
This seal likely refers to the seal given in chapter 7 to the 144,000.
It is a mark of distinction given to God’s people to spare them from (some) of the chaos in Revelation.
Revelation 9:11 – Who is Apollyon?
Also destroyer. Also referred to as Abaddon, which means destruction.
Of note, Abaddon is a place in the Old Testament that is similar to Sheol.
He is likely a demonic force who serves as king over the locusts.
Likely a high-ranking demonic angel.
Only place he is mentioned in Revelation.
Could these locusts and mounted troops be something other than locusts and mounted troops?
Certainly, though we’re not sure what they are.
They could be as they are literally described, or they could be something that John could not make sense of and described as best as he could.
They could represent movements or ideas, such as war and plagues. John’s descriptions seem too specific for this to be the case.
Could refer to soldiers and war.
Revelation 9:13 – Explain the four horns of the altar
Some of the altars in the Old Testament had four horns, so this fits that pattern.
Horns represent power and authority.
Revelation 9:14 – Who are the four angels?
Could these be the same angels from Revelation 7? Certainly. Is it? We’re not sure.
They could be demonic angels (remember, Apollyon is referred to as an angel).
Their role is to kill a third of the human race.
Revelation 9:14 – What is the significance of the Euphrates River?
The Euphrates River was very important to the history of Israel.
It’s still around today and runs through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.
In the Old Testament, it would often serve as a boundary to the east.
It could potentially symbolize a boundary, since it was a boundary in the Old Testament.
Historically, there have been wars near the Euphrates, which could symbolize war.
It will come up again in Revelation 16 when it dries up. We’ll talk about that later.
Revelation 9:18 – Where else (in the Bible) are people destroyed by fire and sulfur?
Of course, this happens in Genesis 19 with Sodom and Gomorrah.
Questions/Comments?
