Daniel and Revelation
Revelation chapter 8 & 9
Seven Trumpets
Introduction
The very meaning of the word prophecy is to forecast future events. Bible prophecy is the inspired declaration of God’s divine will and purpose. Events foretold may have to do with various phases of human history. The prophecy of the seven churches predicted the history of the church for the entire Christian era. The seven seals foretell the religious history from the time of Christ in the first century and extend to the return of Christ at the end of the world. This prophecy of the seven trumpets unveils the political events and the many wars to be fought throughout the age of Christendom. We soon discover that part of secular history coming into full view which was to play a significant part in the breakup of the
What are the seven trumpets? What is their true meaning? In ancient
Trumpets were blown on different occasions.
We will see that the judgments of God follow the sounding of each of the trumpets. This is one of God’s methods whereby He calls His people to follow Him. It is a call to come, to hear and to obey.
Commentary
Rev. 1. And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Rev. 2. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
Rev. 3. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Rev. 4. and the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
Rev. 5. And the angel took the censor, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
The first verse of this chapter has to do with the seventh seal. As has already been pointed out in connection with our study of the seals this opening of the seventh seal has to do with the return of Jesus. Before Christ can come the sealing message of Revelation 7 must be proclaimed. When God’s last message has done its work and God’s people are sealed then there will be silence in heaven as Christ comes for His people.
Beginning with verse 3 there is a tremendous and important picture given to the prophet concerning Christ’s mediatorial work for man in heaven. What comfort there is when we understand that while God’s judgments are being poured out on nations Christ is constantly on duty before the throne of grace. There He ministers the incense of His own righteousness for repentant sinners and praying saints. What is God’s purpose in permitting His judgments to fall? They are designed to cause people to repent and accept Christ’s righteousness. Read Revelation 9:20,21; Isaiah 26:9,10.
Look now at the Redeemer’s work before the sounding of the trumpets. God is desirous of helping us to remember His mediatorial work. It is a picture of grace for sinners. The angel John mentions as standing before the altar could be none other than Jesus Christ. This is certain since the Bible nowhere teaches the mediatorial role of the angels.
It does however state, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5. God is on His throne, Christ stands in behalf of His people before God’s throne,. What is Christ doing? He pleads His own righteousness for those who take Him as Lord and Redeemer. It is evident that the work mentioned is taking place before the altar of incense. The lesson here is that prayer is important. Prayer is the golden chain which unites heaven and earth. Through prayer our needs and requests can be placed before the throne of God and because of the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ they are acceptable. They are heard and answered in our best interests in harmony with God’s will for us.
The scene in verse 5 presents an entirely different picture. Now while the sealing of God’s servants is taking place Christ pleads for sinners. 1 John 2:1.
But when the sealing is completed Christ will cast His censer into the earth. The result of this action is spoken of as “thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” The work of marking (sealing) His people will then be complete. The Lord will know them that are His and they will have departed from sin. 2 Timothy 2:19. The lives of God’s people will be in harmony with the principles of His Holy and divine law, Isaiah
However, it is the imputed righteousness which is our only means of salvation. In God’s plan for man’s redemption there is no room for self-righteousness. In the present controversy between Christ and Satan the devil is attempting to lead men from faith in Christ’s righteousness to confidence in their own works. In God’s plan there is a balance between His righteousness and the requirements of His righteousness of His righteous law.
His admonition is, “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness.” Who are these people? He does not leave us in doubt. He goes on to say that those who “know righteousness” are “the people in whose heart is my law.” Isaiah 51:7. There must be no attempt on our part, in our strength, to be righteous by shaping our lives in harmony with God’s law. Every such attempt will be futile. The Jews did this ( Isaiah 51:1) but they were destitute of Christ’s righteousness. Why had they not attained righteousness? “Because they sought it not by faith.” Romans 9:32. Let us therefore avail ourselves of the righteousness made possible through faith alone in our Redeemer.
Rev. 6. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Rev. 7. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
Daniel had prophetically spoken of the disintegration of the
The sounding of the first trumpet reveals the first successful invasion of
The hail indicates they came from the
There were situations which had been slowly developing in the
Gibbon also mentions that this Gothic nation was on the move “at the first sound of the trumpet.” Ibid., chapter 30, page 334. he points out how “the North was agitated by a furious tempest” (Ibid., chapter 24, page 222.) describing the results of their conquests in almost the same terms used by John. Whenever the expression “ a third part” is used this seems to refer to the actual part of the empire being attacked.
Rev. 8. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood.
Rev. 9. And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
The sounding of the second trumpet brings into view a great sea power and is represented by a burning mountain thrown into the sea. Originally this was a German tribe that had gone to
Of all the barbarians who attacked
Genseric was a progressive leader. He knew when to attack and also how to stall for the opportune moment. The Romans decided they would end this invasion. When Genseric confronted them outside the city of
In
Rev. 10. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
Rev. 11. And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
This prophecy concerning the sounding of the third trumpet predicted that in the area where rivers and fountains of waters were in abundance the
Finally the Huns took over the control of the
The term “wormwood” is a reference to Attila’s character. He often boasted that the grass never grew again where his horse had trod. He crated misery wherever he went. Whole communities were literally wiped out. He said of himself, “ I am the hammer of the world.” Attila and his Huns, like a flashing meteor, suddenly appeared and as quickly disappeared as if the light of a blazing star had been put out by falling into the water.
Rev. 12. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
Rev. 13. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
The sounding of the fourth trumpet announced the final destruction of
What did the prophet have in mind as he referred to the smiting of the sun, moon, and stars? In the political atmosphere of the
It is significant that while
When in 476 Odoacer became king he suggested to the Roman senate that the emperorship of the west should be abolished. The senate agreed and sent word to the emperor in the east at
Justinian abolished the Roman consulship in 541. Gibbon the historian says, “The succession of consuls finally ceased in the thirteenth year of Justinian [ 521 A.D. ], whose despotic temper might be gratified by the silent extinction of a title which admonished the Romans of their ancient freedom.” Edward Gibbon, Esq., The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 2, page 181.
Gibbon goes on to tell also of the extinction of the Roman senate as had been predicted under this fourth trumpet. He says, “After a period of thirteen centuries the institution of
During the years from 476 to 538 the Papacy was opposed by only three of the ten divisions of
When this was finally completed in 538 what had taken place was that this religious-political power, the Papacy, had built her empire out of the ruins of the
What God had declared concerning the breakup of the
Just before the sounding of the last three trumpets, because of their desolating character, an angel announced the nature of these trumpets and referred to them as woe trumpets. The next event to affect the empire was the rise of the Mohammedan power which brought to an end the
Chapter 9 In this chapter you will read of the Ottoman Empire. The prophecy stated here was about them.
Rev. 1. And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth; and to him was given the key to the bottomless pit.
Rev. 2. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out to the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Rev. 3. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
The language used here is highly figurative the star seems to suggest the appearance of a false religious teacher. The term “bottomless pit” refers to a place of emptiness such as a desert. That which proceeded from the pit appeared to have a darkening effect such as would be expected from large clouds of smoke. And the locusts were given enough power so that their appearance brought about much devastation.
The invasion pictured here came from 
On one occasion, as he returned from a month of seclusion, he announced his belief in One God and he further revealed that he was a prophet. Islamism is a religion of works. Mohammed asked his followers to do three things: pray, fast and give alms. They had one rule of action in spreading this new religion. They said, “Confess there is only one God and that Mohammed is His prophet. Pay tribute or choose death.” They rejected with contempt the atoning blood of Christ. The believe Jesus to be a prophet like Moses, but inferior to Mohammed. In the West the Papacy was developing and exalting its system of works, while in the East this new religion was doing the same thing. The religion of Mohammed became the motivating force that unlocked these dwellers of the desert and sent them forth on their mission of devastation.
This prophecy of the conquests of the Saracens and their new religion indicated that they were only to torment the empire in the East. God who knows and who is in control of the future announced before it ever came into existence the length of time this power would carry on its invasions.
Rev. 4. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
Rev. 5. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months; and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
Rev. 6. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Rev. 7. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared into battle; and on their heads were as it were a crown like gold and there faces were as the faces of men.
Rev. 8. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
Rev. 9. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
(Arab men in that time period custom was that they wore long hair which they wrapped up into a bun and wore turbins to cover the hair. They had course beards that were fierce looking, they wore breast plates and their horses even wore breastplates and armor.)
Rev. 10. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.Rev. 11. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Those things which literal locusts hurt and devour these symbolic locusts were commanded not to hurt. God is always concerned with the safety of His faithful and loyal servants. “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. Theirs was a mission against idolaters and image worshipers but they were to spare those who remained true to God.
( Catholic Monks were the only ones who shaved the crowns of their heads. Now doesn’t what the Saracens demanded of the infidel sound like what the
Papacy demanded of the non-believers in the Dark Ages, and will demand of us in the future?)
Additional identifying features of the Saracens and their invasions, which fulfilled the sounding of this woe trumpet, are enumerated in verses 7-10. There is a close resemblance of the locusts to horses ready for battle. The crowns like gold were typical of the turbans worn by these people of the desert ( Read Ezekiel
Twice in verses 5 and 10 mention is made of the length of time allotted to the Saracens during which they were to do their tormenting. In symbolic prophecy each day represents one literal year. Using thirty days to the month this five month period would equal 150 days and this would mean that the Saracens were to torment the
From the death of Mohammed in 632 until the close of the thirteenth century the Saracens were a divided people with no central government. But in harmony with verse 11 the time was to come when they would unite with a king over them.
The unification of the Saracens was accomplished by Othman who founded the
He invaded
For the next 150 years battles were being fought almost constantly between the Ottomans and the Greeks. God had said that this period of hurting and tormenting would continue for 150 years. This prophecy came to an end in 1499. Thus ends the first woe trumpet. With the beginning of the sixth trumpet or the second woe the restraint of destruction is lifted preparatory to the complete break up of the
Rather significantly the name of the leader of the bottomless pit is mentioned as being Abaddon (Hebrew) or Apollyon (Greek). This means he is a great destroyer. Primarily this name describes what Satan does and to be sure it was Satan’s mastermind which led in the development of this false religion. This is just another evidence of the continuance of the great controversy between Christ and Satan as he worked through the Saracens to offer a counterfeit religion to the inhabitants of the
Rev. 12. One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
Rev. 13. And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Rev. 14. Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river
Rev. 15. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
It was under the sounding of the fifth trumpet that the Saracens made their way from the desert and went out over the empire to torment and hurt the
The voice John heard coming from the golden altar is an indication that God is in control. Christ ministers at the golden altar before the throne of the Father. This is the only one of the seven trumpet angels given specific instruction by Christ. It is evident that His priestly ministry was still in process. Therefore the sounding of the trumpets cannot be identified with the seven last plagues. This reference to Christ at the golden altar is also an indication of the importance of His priestly ministry. Christ had not then entered upon the last priestly duties in the most holy place.
Who was represented by the four angels? These were the Turks. They were the Sultans of
One of the great marvels of inspired prophecy is that without hesitation God had the prophet John write down what the outcome of this invasion would be. It would bring about the end of the
It was early in the year 1449 that
Mohammed II was his successor known as the conqueror. He began to make plans to overthrow
The Turks, known as the
“I have appointed thee each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34. In applying this rule keep in mind that each month is reckoned as being 30 days making the year 360 days. On this basis we must determine the length of an hour, a day, a month and a year.
One hour = 1/24 of 360 days = 15 days
One day = 1 year
One month = 30 days = 30 years
One year = 360 days = 360 years
391 years and 15 days
So at the end of 391 years and 15 days
Here is what was taking place as
There were also theologians, laymen, and preachers in all denominations in all parts of the world in the early 1800’s who were proclaiming the coming of Christ in 1844 as the fulfillment of Daniel 8:14.
In 1838, a preacher in
The situation in the political field was such that all eyes were directed toward
Rev. 16. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Rev. 17. And thus I saw the horses, in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their moths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
Rev. 18. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
Rev. 19. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
Rev. 20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Rev. 21. Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor of their thefts.
The prophet was shown a number of additional details concerning the Turks who had played the leading role in the downfall of the
The prophet describes accurately the Turkish uniforms of the soldiers, the prominent colors being red, blue and yellow. It is a fact of history that the Turks were the first to use gunpowder in war. These soldiers brought about the desolation as they fought and it appeared that fire, smoke and brimstone came forth from their mouths. This was God’s way of telling about the firearms they used in battle. Also it is stated that they had power in their “tails” described as “serpents” with “heads” Wherever the Turks went they left behind a poisonous and false religion which almost completely destroyed the Greek church and Christianity.
One of the thrilling things when studying Bible prophecy is the exactness with which God foretells the future. Have you ever considered why God foretells the future?
Hear His answer: “That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:19-21.
God had permitted the Turks to devastate the
God’s Word can be relied on. We ought to respect the Bible. “ But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:31.
Now in order to explain the sounding of the seventh trumpet referred to also as the third woe we must go to the eleventh chapter of Revelation. In the next chapter of this book we will consider Revelation 10 and resume our verse by verse study.
Rev. 14. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
The second woe ended in 1840 when the Turks lost their independence. Evidently there is a short period of time between the ending of the sixth trumpet and the sounding of the seventh. During that short period of time the events of Revelation 10 were accomplished.
Rev. 15. and the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Rev. 16. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God.
Rev. 17. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Rev. 18. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Rev. 19. And the
When the seventh trumpet began to sound there were heard “great voices in heaven.” The point of real interest here , so far as the events of this trumpet are concerned, is the temple in heaven.
The reason for these “voices” is the fact that when this trumpet begins to sound Christ enters upon the last phase of His priestly ministry. Daniel had foretold that the cleansing of the sanctuary would begin at the end of the 2300 prophetic days. Daniel 8:14. This cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary was typified by the service conducted in the earthly sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16. The service that day was a day of judgment. The sins confessed and forgiven, were removed from the record. If a person did not enter into the service of that day then he was cut off from God’s people. But the person who did enter into the service of the Day of Atonement, even though he had sinned and forsaken God, yet as he sought for pardon through the blood he was accepted and forgiven and was counted as belonging to God.
After Christ’s death and resurrection. He ascended to heaven where He began His ministry as man’s priest in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 8:12. Revelation 1: 12,13. So He ministered His blood for sinners in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. And as soon as Christ began to do this the apostles proclaimed that the priesthood had been transferred to heaven. Acts
Since 1844 Christ has been in the most holy place looking over the records of those who have made a profession of serving God.
In this investigative judgment the heavenly sanctuary is being cleansed of the record of sin. In some cases, when the record reveals that a person, even though at one time he may have served God faithfully, if later he chose sin rather than Christ, then his name is removed from the book of life.
The cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary involves the complete final judgment which includes not only the investigation of the records but also the executive phase when sin will be completely eradicated from the universe forever. This climatic event of the judgment will be the vindication of God’s righteous character. “ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10,11.
According to Revelation 10:7 the gospel work for the world will be completed during the time designated for the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The work of judgment begins with looking over the records of the dead and then passes to the living. After the judgment will come the rewards. The next great event will be the coming of the Lord as King of kings to take possession of His kingdom.
When Christ completes His work of mediation there will be rejoicing in heaven. He becomes King. The ruler ship of the world becomes His. The 24 elders fall down and worship Him as they thank and praise Him. As He stands up to reign (Daniel 12:1) man’s probation is ended. The wrath of the nations and the wrath of God come at the same time. However at the present time both the wrath of nations and the wrath of God are being restrained until the gospel has been proclaimed everywhere. During the outpouring of God’s wrath all of God’s people will be “delivered.” The plagues will fall only on the wicked. Psalm 91:4-10.
Summary
The prophecy of the seven trumpets shows us where we are today. These trumpets have revealed minute details in the history and politics of the nations. All that God says is trustworthy. There is no question concerning God’s knowledge of future events. We can rely upon His knowledge with perfect safety.
Throughout many centuries this prophecy has revealed the great struggle between Christ and Satan. The safe and sensible thing to do is to ally ourselves on the side of God and His eternal truth.
God’s wonderful message of the sanctuary and its central truth concerning God’s plan of salvation is being proclaimed world-wide. God’s final message will be made so plain that the earth is said to be “lightened with his glory.” Revelation 18:1. The line of demarcation between truth and error will be clear. No one will be able to say, “ I cannot see, I cannot understand.”
When Christ was on earth He told the religious leaders of His day that if they had had no opportunity for enlightenment they could not be accused of sin. “ Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see: therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:41. The last generation will be enlightened with God’s truth.
What can we expect in the future? Will there be peace? What about the wars of the twentieth century? These have all been preludes of earth’s final war of Armageddon. These wars have been stopped because of the plea of the angel with the sealing message. Revelation 7:1-3.
This prophecy trumpets in our ears the call to be ready. “Watch ye therefore . . . less coming suddenly he find you sleeping.” Mark
REVELATION CHAPTER 10
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE ADVENT
Rev 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: Rev 10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
In this scripture we have another instance in which the consecutive line of thought is for a time interrupted; and this chapter comes in as--
A Parenthetical Prophecy--Chapter 9 closed with the event of the sixth trumpet. The sounding of the seventh trumpet is not introduced until we reach the 15th verse of chapter 11. The whole of chapter 10, and a portion of chapter 11, therefore, come in parentetically between the sixth and seventh trumpets. That which is particularly connected with the sounding of the sixth trumpet is recorded in chapter 9. The prophet has other events to introduce before the opening of another trumpet, and takes occasion to do it in the scripture which intervenes to the 15th verse of chapter 11. Among these is the prophecy of chapter 10. Let us first look at the chronology of the message of this angel.
The Little Book-- "He had in his hand a little book open." There is a necessary inference to be drawn from this language, which is that this book was at some time closed up. We read in Daniel of a book which was closed up and sealed to a certain time: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4. Since this book was closed up only till the time of the end, it follows that at the time of the end the book would be opened; and as its closing was mentioned in prophecy, it would be but reasonable to expect that in the predictions of events to take place at the time of the end, the opening of this book would also be mentioned. There is no book spoken of as closed up and sealed except the book of Daniel's prophecy; and there is no account of the opening of that book, unless it be here in the tenth chapter of Revelation. We see, furthermore, that in both places the contents ascribed to the book are the same. The book which Daniel had directions to close up and seal had reference to time: "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" And when the angel of this chapter comes down with the little book open, on which he bases his proclamation, he gives a message in relation to time: "Time shall be no longer." Nothing more could be required to show that both expressions refer to one book, and to prove that the little book which the angel had in his hand open, was the book of the prophecy of Daniel.
An important point is now determined toward settling the chronology of this angel; for we have seen that the prophecy, more particularly the prophetic periods of Daniel, were not to be opened till the time of the end; and if this is the book which the angel had in his hand open, it follows that he proclaimes his message this side of the time when the book should be opened, or somewhere this side of the commencement of the time of the end. All that now remains on this point is to ascertain when the time of the end commenced; and the book of Daniel itself furnishes data from which this can be done. In Daniel 11, from verse 30, the papal power is brought to view. In verse 35 we read,"And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and make them white, even to the time of the end." Here is brought to view the period of the supremacy of the little horn, during which time the saints, times, and laws were to be given into his hand, and from him suffer fearful persecution. This is delcared to reach to the time of the end. It ended A.D. 1798, where the 1260 years od papal rule expired. There the time of the end commenced, and the book was opened. And since that time, many have run to and fro, and knowledge on these prophetic subjects has marvelously increased.
The chronology of the events of Revelation 10 is further ascertained from the fact that this angel is identical with the first angel of Revelation 14. The points of identity between them are easily seen:
(1). They both have a special message to proclaim;
(2). They both utter their proclamation with a loud voice;
(3). They both use similar language, referring to the great Creator as the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and the things that are therein; and
(4). They both proclaim time, one swearing that time should be no more, and the other proclaiming that the hour of God's Judgment has come.
But the message of Revelation 14:6 is located this side of the commencement of the time of the end. It is a proclamation of the hour of God's Judgment come, and hence must have its application ot the last generation. Paul did not preach the hour of Judgment come. Luther and his coadjutors did not preach it. Paul reasoned of a Judgment to come, indefinitely furture; and Luther placed it at least three hundred years off from his day. Moreover, Paul warns the church against any such preaching as that the hour of God's Judgment has come, until a certain time.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, he says: 2Th 2:1
Here Paul introduces to our view the man of sin, the little horn, the papacy, and covers with a caution the whole period of his supremacy, which as already noticed, continued 1260 years, ending in 1798. In 1798, therefore, the restriction against proclaiming the day of Christ at hand ceased; in 1798, the time of the end commenced, and the seal was taken from the little book. Since that period, therefore, the angel of Revelation 14 has gone forth proclaiming the hour of God's Judgment come; and it is since that time ,too, that the angel of chapter 10 has taken his stand on sea and land, and sworn that time shall be no more. Of their identity there can now be no question; and all the arguments which go to locate the one, are equally effective in the case of the other. We need not enter into any argument here to show that the presend generation has witnessed the fulfillment of thest two prophecies. In the preaching of the advent, more expecially from 1840 to 1844, they met a full and circumstantial accomplishment. The position of this angel, one foot upon the sea and the other on the land, denotes the wide extent of his proclaimation by sea and land. Had this message been designed for only one country, it would have been suffecient for the angel to take his position on the land only. But he has one foot upon the sea, from which we may infer that his message would cross the ocean, and extend to the various nations and divisions of the globe; and this inference is strengthened by the fact that the Advent proclaimation, above referred to, did go to every missionary station in the world.
Verse 3. And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. Verse 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
The Seven Thunders-- It would be vain to speculate to any great length upon the seven thunders, in hope of gaining a definite knowledge of what they uttered. We must acquiesce in the directions given to John concerning them, and leave them where he left them, sealed up, unwritten, and consequently to us unknown. There is, however, a conjecture extant in relation to them, which may not inappropriately be mentioned here. It is that what the seven thunders uttered is the experience of the Adventists engaged in that movement embracing there sore disappointment and trial. Something, evidently, was uttered which it would not be well for the church to know; and for God to have given an inspired record of the Advent movement in advance, would have been simply to defeat that movement, which we verily believe was in all its particulars an accomplishment of his purposes, and according to his will. Why, then, any mention of the seven thunders at all? Following out the above-noticed conjecutre, the conclusion would be that we, having met in our history with sudden, mysterious, and unexpected events, as startling and strange as thunder4s from an unclouded sky, might not give up in utter perplexity, inferring, as we may, that all is in the order and providence of God, since something of this nature was sealed up, and hidden from the church.
Verse 5. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, Verse 6. And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
Time shall be No More-- What is the meaning of this solmn declaration? It cannot mean that with the message of this angel, time, as computed in this world, in comparison with eternity, should end; for the next verse speaks of the days of the voice of the seventh angel; and chapter 11:15-19 gives us some of the events to take place under this trumpet, which transpire in the present state. And it cannot mean probationary time; for that does not cease till Christ closes his work as priest, which is not till after the seventh angel has commenced to sound. Revelation 11:19. It must therefore mean prophetic time; for there is not other to which it can refer. Prophetic time shall be no more--not that time should never be used in a prophetic sense; for the "days of the voice of the seventh angel," spoken of immediately after, doubtless mean the years of the seventh angel; but no prophetic period should extend beyond this message; those that reach to the latest point should all close there. Arguments on the prophetic periods, showing that the longest ones did not extend beyond the autumn of 1844, will be found in remarks on Daniel 8:14.
Verse 7. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
The Days of the Voice of the Seventh Angel--This seventh trumpet is not that which is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:52 as the last trump, which wakes the sleeping dead; but it is the seventh of the series of the seven trumpets, and like the others of the series, occupies days (years) in sounding. In the days when he hsall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be finished. Not in the day when he shall begin to sound, not in the very commencment of his sounding, but in the early years of his sounding, the mystery of God shall be finished.
Commencement of the Seventh Trumpet--From the events to take place under the sounding of the seventh trumpet, its commencement may be located with sufficient definiteness at the close of the prophetic periods in 1844. Not many years from that date, then, the mystery of God is to be finished. The great event, whatever it is, is right upon us. Some closing and decisive work, with whatever of importance and solemnity it bears in its train, is near at hand. There is an importance connected with the finishing of any of the works of God. Such an act marks a solemn and important era. Our Saviour, when expiring upon the cross, cried, " It is finished." (John 19:30); and when the great work of mercy for fallen man is completed, it will be announced by a voice from the throne of God, proclaiming, in tones which roll like thunder through all the earth, the solemn sentence, "It is done!" Revelation 16:17. It is therefore no uncalled-for solicitude which prompts us to inquire what bearing such events have upon our eternal hopes and interests; and, when we read of the finishing of the mystery of God, to ask what that mystery is, and in what its finishing consists.
The Mystery of God-- A vew direct testimonies from that book which has been given as a lamp to our feet, will show what this mystery is. Ephesians 1:9, 10: Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Here God's purpose to gather together all in Christ is called the "mystery" of his will. This is accomplished through the gospel. Ephesians 6:19: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Here the gospel is delcared plainly to be a mystery. It is called in Colosians 4:3, the Mystery of Christ. Ephesians 3:3, 6: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Paul here declares that the mystery was made known to him by revelation, as he had before written. In this he refers to his Epistle to the Galatians, where he had recorded what had been given "by revelation," in these words: Galatians 1:11,12: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Here Paul tells us plainly that what he received through revelation was the gospel. In Ephesians 3:3, he calls it the mystery made known to him by revelation, as he had written before. the Epistle to the Galatians was written in A.D. 58, and that to the Ephesians in A.D. 64.
In view of these testimonies, few will be disposed to deny that the mystery of God is the gospel. It is the same, then, as if the angel had declared , in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, whenhe shall begin to sound, the gospel shall be finished. But what is the finishing of the gospel? Let us first inquire for what it was given. It was given to take out from the nations a people for God's name. Acts 15:14. Its finishing must, as a matter of course, be the close of this work. it will be finished, when the mumber of God's people is made up, mercy ceases to be offered, and probation closes.
The subject is now before us in all its magnitude. Such is the momentous work to be accomplished in the early days of the voice of the seventh angel, whose trumpet notes have been reverberating through the world since the memorable epoch of 1844. God is not slack; his work is not uncertain; are we ready for the issue?
Verse 8.And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.Verse 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. Verse 10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
In verse 8, John himself is brought in to act a part as a representative of the church, probably on account of the succeeding peculiar experience of the church, which the Lord of the prophecy would cause to put on record, but which could not well be presented under the symbol of an angel. When only a straightforward proclamation is brought to view, without including thepeculiar experience which the church is to pass through in connection therewith, angels may be used a symbols to represent the religious teachers who proclaim that message, as in Revelation 14; but when some particular experience of the church is to be presented, the case is manifestly different. This could most appropriately be set forth in the person of some member of the human family; hence John is himself called upon to act a part in this symbolic representation. And this being the case, the angel who here appeared to John may present that divine messenger, who in the order which is observed in all the work of God, has charge of this message; or he may be introduced for the purpose of representing the nature of the message, and the source from which it comes.
there are not a few not living who have in their own experience met a striking fulfillment of thse verses, in the joy with which they received the message of Christ's immediate second coming, the honey-like sweetmess of the precious truths then brought out, and the bitterness and sorrow that followed, when at the appointed time in 1844 the disapointment came, and not the Lord. A mistake had been made which apparently involved the integrity of the little book they had been eating. What had been so like honey to their taste, suddenly became like wormwood and gall. But those who had patience to endure the digesting process, soon learned that the mistake was only in the event, not in the time, and that what the angel had given them was not unto death, but to their nourishment and support. See the same facts brought to view under a similar figure in Jeremiah 15:16-18.
Verse 11.And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
John, standing as the representative of the church, here receives from the angel another commission. Another message is to go forth after the time when the first and second messages as leading proclaimations ceased. In other words, we have here a prophecy of the third angel's message, now, as we believe, in process of fulfillment. Neither will this work be done in a corner; for it is to go before "many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."