The Sixth Trumpet, also known as the Second Woe, is a significant event in the eschatological narrative of the Book of Revelation. It is described in Revelation 9:13-21 and is part of the 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 inhabitants of the earth.

Biblical Account

The account of the Sixth Trumpet begins in Revelation 9:13: "Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God." This altar is reminiscent of the altar of incense in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God. The voice from the altar commands the release of four angels bound at the great river Euphrates.

Revelation 9:14-15 continues: "It said to the sixth angel with the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' 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." These angels, unlike the holy angels who serve God, are bound, indicating they are likely fallen angels or demonic beings restrained until this appointed time.

The Role of the Euphrates

The Euphrates River holds historical and theological significance. It is one of the four rivers mentioned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:14) and serves as a boundary for the land promised to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:18). In the context of Revelation, the Euphrates represents a boundary between the East and the West, and its mention may symbolize the unleashing of forces that were previously restrained.

The Army of Horsemen

Following the release of the four angels, a vast army is unleashed. Revelation 9:16-17 describes this army: "The number of mounted troops was two hundred million; I heard their number. And this is how I saw the horses 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."

This formidable force is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a massive, destructive power, possibly demonic in nature, given the supernatural description of the horses and their riders. The fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceed from their mouths are reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt and are instruments of divine judgment.

The Impact on Humanity

The devastating impact of the Sixth Trumpet is further detailed in Revelation 9:18: "A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths." This catastrophic loss of life underscores the severity of God's judgment and the urgency for repentance.

Despite the overwhelming destruction, Revelation 9:20-21 reveals the hardened state 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 those who survive, emphasizing the depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine intervention.

Theological Implications

The Sixth Trumpet serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the spiritual warfare that underlies human history. It illustrates the consequences of sin and the justice of God, who is both patient and righteous. The release of the four angels and the subsequent destruction challenge believers to remain vigilant, faithful, and committed to proclaiming the gospel, urging repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation.