The Sixth Trumpet, also known as the Second Woe, is a significant event in the eschatological narrative of the Book of Revelation. It is found in Revelation 9:13-21 and is part of a series of seven trumpet judgments that unfold during the end times. These judgments are divine interventions that serve as both warnings and punishments for the unrepentant world.

Biblical Account

The account of the Sixth Trumpet begins in Revelation 9:13-14 : "Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.'"

The release of these four angels, who had been prepared for this specific moment, leads to a catastrophic event. Revelation 9:15 states, "So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind." This indicates a precise divine timing and purpose behind their release.

The Army of Horsemen

Following the release of the four angels, a massive army is unleashed. Revelation 9:16 describes this army: "The number of mounted troops was two hundred million; I heard their number." This immense force is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of overwhelming destruction and judgment.

The description of the horsemen and their horses is vivid and terrifying. Revelation 9:17-19 provides details: "And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: The riders had breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur. A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths. For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes having heads with which to inflict harm."

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Sixth Trumpet is rich in symbolism, often interpreted as a representation of divine judgment against sin and rebellion. The Euphrates River, historically a boundary of ancient empires, symbolizes a release of chaos and destruction from the east. The four angels, bound until this moment, signify a restrained judgment now unleashed upon the earth.

The army of two hundred million is frequently debated among scholars. Some view it as a literal military force, while others see it as a symbolic representation of spiritual or demonic forces. The vivid imagery of fire, smoke, and sulfur echoes the plagues of Egypt and Sodom and Gomorrah, underscoring the severity of God's judgment.

Human Response

Despite the catastrophic events, Revelation 9:20-21 reveals the hardened hearts of humanity: "The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, and thefts."

This passage highlights the persistent rebellion and idolatry of humanity, even in the face of divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the human tendency to resist repentance and cling to sin.

Theological Implications

The Sixth Trumpet emphasizes the sovereignty and justice of God in executing judgment upon a sinful world. It serves as a warning to humanity of the consequences of unrepentant sin and the reality of divine retribution. The passage also underscores the importance of repentance and turning to God in faith, as the only means of escaping the impending judgment.

In the broader context of Revelation, the Sixth Trumpet is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the final trumpet and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is a call to vigilance, faithfulness, and readiness for the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.