Topical Encyclopedia
The Seven Trumpets are a series of apocalyptic events described in the Book of Revelation, chapters 8 through 11. These trumpets are part of the divine judgments that unfold during the end times, as revealed to the Apostle John in his vision on the island of Patmos. The sounding of each trumpet heralds a specific judgment or event that affects the earth and its inhabitants, serving as a call to repentance and a demonstration of God's sovereign power over creation.
First Trumpet: Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood (Revelation 8:7) The first trumpet brings a devastating plague of hail and fire mixed with blood, which is cast upon the earth. This results in the burning of a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all green grass. This judgment echoes the seventh plague of Egypt (
Exodus 9:23-25) and signifies a partial but severe destruction of the natural world, emphasizing the fragility of human reliance on the earth's resources.
Second Trumpet: A Mountain Thrown into the Sea (Revelation 8:8-9) With the second trumpet, something like a great mountain burning with fire is thrown into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood. A third of the sea creatures die, and a third of the ships are destroyed. This event recalls the first plague of Egypt (
Exodus 7:20-21) and symbolizes the disruption of commerce and the natural order, affecting both the environment and human economy.
Third Trumpet: The Star Wormwood (Revelation 8:10-11) The third trumpet introduces a great star named Wormwood, which falls from heaven, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs of water. Many people die from the bitter waters. Wormwood, a plant known for its bitterness, represents the infusion of bitterness and sorrow into the lives of those who reject God, highlighting the spiritual consequences of sin.
Fourth Trumpet: A Third of the Sun, Moon, and Stars Struck (Revelation 8:12) The fourth trumpet results in a third of the sun, moon, and stars being darkened, causing a third of the day and night to be without light. This celestial disturbance signifies a withdrawal of divine illumination and guidance, reminiscent of the ninth plague of Egypt (
Exodus 10:21-23), and serves as a warning of the spiritual darkness that envelops those who turn away from God.
Fifth Trumpet: The Plague of Locusts (Revelation 9:1-11) The fifth trumpet, also known as the first woe, releases a swarm of locusts from the abyss, led by a king named Abaddon (Apollyon in Greek). These locusts are given power to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads for five months. Unlike natural locusts, these creatures inflict spiritual and psychological torment, symbolizing the destructive power of demonic forces unleashed upon the unrepentant.
Sixth Trumpet: Release of the Four Angels (Revelation 9:13-21) The sixth trumpet, or second woe, involves the release of four angels bound at the great river Euphrates. These angels lead an army of 200 million horsemen, resulting in the death of a third of mankind. Despite the severity of this judgment, the survivors do not repent of their sins, illustrating the hardness of human hearts and the persistence of idolatry and immorality.
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed (Revelation 11:15-19) The seventh trumpet, also known as the third woe, marks the culmination of God's plan and the proclamation of His eternal kingdom. Loud voices in heaven declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" (
Revelation 11:15). This trumpet signals the final victory of God over evil, the establishment of His righteous rule, and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.
The Seven Trumpets serve as both a warning and a call to repentance, demonstrating God's justice and mercy. They remind believers of the urgency of the gospel message and the need to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations, as they anticipate the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.