The Third Woe is a significant eschatological event described in the Book of Revelation, marking the culmination of divine judgments upon the earth. It is part of a series of three woes that are pronounced by an eagle flying in mid-heaven, as recorded in Revelation 8:13: "Then I looked and heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice: 'Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'"

Context and Sequence

The Third Woe is directly associated with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which is the final trumpet in a series of seven that heralds the completion of God's wrath and the establishment of His kingdom. The first two woes are linked to the fifth and sixth trumpets, respectively, and involve severe judgments and plagues upon the earth.

Revelation 11:14-15 provides the transition from the second to the third woe: "The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly. Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.'"

The Seventh Trumpet

The sounding of the seventh trumpet signifies the Third Woe and introduces a series of events that lead to the final consummation of God's plan. This trumpet blast is accompanied by loud voices in heaven proclaiming the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The declaration that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ" indicates a pivotal moment in redemptive history, where divine sovereignty is fully realized on earth.

Judgment and Reward

Revelation 11:18 further elaborates on the implications of the Third Woe: "The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

This passage highlights the dual nature of the Third Woe: it is a time of judgment for the wicked and a time of reward for the righteous. The wrath of God is poured out upon those who have opposed Him, while His faithful servants receive their promised inheritance.

The Temple in Heaven

The Third Woe also includes a vision of the heavenly temple, as described in Revelation 11:19 : "Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm."

The opening of the heavenly temple and the appearance of the ark of the covenant symbolize God's faithfulness to His promises and His covenant with His people. The accompanying cosmic disturbances underscore the gravity and majesty of this divine revelation.

Theological Significance

The Third Woe represents the final phase of God's judgment and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It underscores the themes of divine justice, sovereignty, and the fulfillment of prophetic promises. The events associated with the Third Woe serve as a reminder of the certainty of God's plan and the hope of eternal reign with Christ for believers.