Revelation 10:4

When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down."

Study Bible

And when the seven thunders had spoken
The phrase "seven thunders" is intriguing and mysterious, often interpreted as a symbol of God's perfect and complete voice of judgment or revelation. The number seven in biblical terms signifies completeness or perfection, often associated with divine actions. Thunders, in the scriptural context, are frequently linked to God's voice (Psalm 29:3-9). The Greek word for thunder, "brontē," suggests a powerful, awe-inspiring sound, indicating the authority and majesty of God's communication. Historically, thunder has been seen as a divine manifestation, a direct communication from God to humanity, emphasizing the gravity and significance of the message being conveyed.

I was about to write
John's intention to write signifies the importance of the revelation he received. Writing was a means to preserve divine messages for the church's edification and instruction. The act of writing in the ancient world was a deliberate process, often reserved for significant and authoritative communications. John's readiness to document the message underscores his role as a faithful witness and recorder of divine revelation, tasked with conveying God's messages to the early Christian communities.

but I heard a voice from heaven say
The "voice from heaven" represents divine authority and instruction, often seen throughout Scripture as God's direct intervention or command (Matthew 3:17, Acts 9:4). This heavenly voice interrupts John's action, indicating a higher purpose or divine reasoning that transcends human understanding. The interruption serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the selective nature of divine revelation, where not all mysteries are meant to be disclosed to humanity.

Seal up what the seven thunders have said
The command to "seal up" suggests the intentional concealment of certain divine truths. The Greek word "sphragizō" implies securing or keeping something hidden. This act of sealing is reminiscent of Daniel 12:4, where Daniel is instructed to seal the words of his prophecy until the end times. It highlights the theme of divine mystery and the notion that some aspects of God's plan are not yet meant for human understanding, reserved for a future time of revelation.

and do not write it down
The instruction "do not write it down" emphasizes the selective nature of revelation. While much of Revelation is meant to be shared with the church, this particular message is withheld, suggesting that not all divine knowledge is intended for immediate disclosure. This directive underscores the theme of trust in God's wisdom and timing, encouraging believers to rely on faith rather than complete understanding. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human knowledge and the importance of humility in the face of divine mystery.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives visions while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. Seven Thunders
A mysterious and powerful voice or series of voices that John hears, which are not to be recorded.

3. Voice from Heaven
A divine command that instructs John not to write down the message of the seven thunders.

4. Patmos
The island where John receives the Revelation, a place of exile and divine encounter.

5. Heaven
The realm from which the authoritative voice speaks, indicating divine origin and authority.

Teaching Points

Divine Mystery and Human Limitation
God's wisdom and plans often include mysteries beyond human comprehension. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty, even when not all is revealed.

Obedience to Divine Instruction
John’s obedience in not writing down the message of the seven thunders serves as a model for believers to follow God's instructions, even when they do not fully understand them.

The Role of Revelation in Faith
Revelation is given according to God's purpose and timing. Believers should focus on what has been revealed and live according to that knowledge, while trusting God with the unknown.

The Importance of Patience and Trust
Just as John had to wait and trust in God's timing, believers are encouraged to be patient and trust in God's ultimate plan for their lives and the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to "seal up" the message of the seven thunders teach us about the nature of divine revelation?

2. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in John's response to our own lives when we encounter unclear or challenging instructions from God?

3. In what ways does the concept of divine mystery challenge or strengthen your faith?

4. How do the experiences of John in Revelation 10:4 and Daniel in Daniel 12:4 inform our understanding of God's timing in revealing His plans?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God without having all the answers. How did that experience shape your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 12:4
Similar to John's experience, Daniel is instructed to seal up a vision until the end times, highlighting the theme of divine timing and revelation.

2 Corinthians 12:4
Paul speaks of hearing inexpressible things in paradise, which he is not permitted to tell, paralleling the idea of withheld divine mysteries.

Deuteronomy 29:29
Emphasizes that the secret things belong to God, reinforcing the concept of divine mysteries that are not for human understanding at present.