“strange work” of the seven trumpets

Chapter 22

 

Blessings and Curses at

the Seventh

  

“The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly” (Revelation 11:14).

This is a verse of passage. Revelation 10:1–11:13 was a stunning interlude. It contributed details to end-time activity like no other prophecy. It reached right back to the very time of the first Seal. In 8:13 Gabriel announced that the last three Trumpets would be called “woes.” Something most awful would accompany them. The fifth Trumpet sounded (9:1) and then the sixth (9:13).

There were no summation statements at the end of the sixth woe – as there was in the fifth (9:12). The reader was abruptly taken into the interlude messages.

This new verse (11:14) is the passage between that sixth Trumpet and the last. Many scholars say it would have been more logically placed at the end of the second woe (sixth Trumpet). But it wasn’t.

John is using this transitional verse to announce that the third woe is about to begin. It “cometh quickly.”

It is so interesting that the expression used here, “cometh quickly” or “comes soon” (erchetai tachy), is the same that Jesus used in several places in this Book for His return (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20). Why? The seventh Trumpet will begin and extend to the “last trump” (I Corinthians 15:52) to sound. Its events encompass the second coming of Jesus.

Each of the first two woes were event markers for God’s people. They were hope-filled messages of Jesus’ imminent return.

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; [nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling” (Psalm 91:5-10).

These verses apply in a special way to the woes of destruction that come from the sixth Trumpet, sixth Seal and the first four Vial judgments (Revelation 15–16). It will be a time of terror to all. But God will protect His people.

The message is striking and firm. The third woe comes soon. That represents the great earthquake associated with the last of the Vials, plus the lethal brightness of Jesus’ coming (6:16-17). To the wicked, it is the “great day of His wrath!”

“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” (Revelation 11:15).

Jesus had told the disciples that His Father had appointed a kingdom for Him. Then in a loving declaration, He promised His disciples that they would sit at His dining table in that kingdom. They would even sit on thrones as rulers (Luke 22:29-30; cf. Matthew 19:28). How those beings, who were once sinners, will one day rule with The Divine is unfathomable. It is simply inconceivable!

When does that all occur? When will the kingdoms of this world merge into the kingdom of Christ?

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: ... And before him shall be gathered all nations: ... Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31, 32a, 34b).

At the time of Christ’s second coming, He is on the throne as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). This ties directly to the sixth Seal when the wicked cry for the rocks and mountains to hide them from “the face of him that sitteth on the throne” (Revelation 6:16).

It is important to note that the Trumpets are in sequence (they are numbered). The kingdom declaration does not come until the seventh Trumpet begins to blow. The aorist verb “has become” is proleptic, which looks forward to this great event after the Trumpet sounds.

There is much scholarly geographical debate as to where this kingdom is located. These are key points regarding this time.

 

1.  Christ descends (I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 19:11-16)

2.  The dead in Christ rise (I Thessalonians 4:16, I Corinthians 15:52)

3.  Those who had been alive are given immortality (I Corinthians 15:53-54)

4.  All the saints rise to meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17)

5.  That begins our physical eternal association (I Thessalonians 4:17) with Jesus (I Thessalonians 4:17b).

6.  Saints reign with Christ one thousand years (Revelation 20) in heaven

 

Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world but of another place (John 18:36). No wonder “we meet” Him in the air. He comes to take us on a journey away from planet earth.

The heavenly kingdom has replaced the earthly kingdom. The reality of God’s great “mystery” is in heaven. Heaven is where the divine throne resides – the great “throne of sharing” promised to overcomers (Revelation 3:21). Out of this divine “oneness” comes the announcement that “he will reign for ever and ever” (cf. 22:3-4). The “One” who laid aside the crown and throne has returned to His oneness with God. That will now never change!

“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14 – NIV).

“The coming of Christ to usher in the reign of righteousness has inspired the most sublime ... utterances of the sacred writers.... The psalmist sang of the power and majesty of Israel’s King: ... ‘Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad ... before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.’ Psalm 96:11-13.

“About His coming cluster the glories of that ‘restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.’ Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; ‘the kingdoms of this world’ will become ‘the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.’ Revelation 11:15.”[1]

Does this kingdom come at the second coming or shortly before? The answer fills our imagination with fresh truths of wonder.

The seventh Trumpet introduces restoration language. This begins the culmination of covenant promises started in the Garden of Eden right after Adam and Eve’s fall (Genesis 3:15). This unfolds the “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). The glory of the Lord is now being revealed to all humanity (Isaiah 40:5).

Lest there be any doubt regarding the exact time of this whole series of events, Jesus himself said, “When the son of man shall come in his glory [His kingdom at the second coming] and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31-32).

This brings into view an amazing transition in redemptive history. In beautiful typology this was anticipated in a liturgical celebration by ancient Israel.

On the great Day of Atonement the sins of all Israel, that had been carried into the sanctuary for mercy and forgiveness, were blotted out. They were in symbol taken and placed on the head of a goat called a “scapegoat” (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 20-22). There was something missing during their sojourn in the wilderness – the restoration of their land. The “promised land” – Canaan – was still in the future.

When they did enter the “promised land,” they were told to begin a new series of celebrations. That land of Canaan was a type of heaven, the promised land where Jesus said He was going to go to: “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2b).

One of those “new times” of celebration was outlined in Leviticus 25:8-10: “Count off seven sabbaths of years – seven times seven years – so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan” (NIV).

There would be seven (God’s sacred number) sets of seven (there it is again) years before a most special time would come – a Jubilee year. Forty-nine Days of Atonement would pass by. Then the next year, the fiftieth, came the Jubilee. That celebrated the restoration of land. Canaan, the promised land, was returned to its rightful owners. That became a symbol of heaven, where Jesus takes the saints, His bride, back to that wonderful place where God’s throne is.

The Jubilee came after a final seven-year cycle. There would be a final six annual “Day of Atonements,” but on the seventh a new event occurred. When all liturgical activities had ceased and the “camp” of Israel was pure and sin free, a trumpet was blown to mark the beginning of the Year of Jubilee.

That was a holy year, a Sabbath year of rest. When ancient Israel rebelled and dishonored that year, God laid Jerusalem and Palestine to waste so the “land would rest.”

They waited in captivity 70 years (one year for each seventh year they didn’t have a Sabbath land rest) (II Chronicles 36:21).

When Jesus comes again, the earth will be desolate. He even said, when talking about end-time signs, that the abomination would lead to earth’s desolation (Matthew 24:15). Where are the details? Jesus said, Look at the book of Daniel. What is the abomination? Dishonoring the Sabbath!

While the saints are in heaven for one thousand years (we’ll get into that more in verse 18!), this old wicked earth will be desolate in a “millennial rest.” In fact, that will be the seventh millennium since the fall of Adam and Eve!

Keep this in mind – it is one of the most important timing prophetic issues in all the Scripture! It relates to when everlasting righteousness comes in. But, what “final seven-year cycle” was completed to begin this Jubilee? Stay tuned. Something has been waiting to be completed. A tarrying time is clearly over, and something most wonderful has come. Could it be the completion of a period of time when Jesus noted that “time would no longer be delayed” (Revelation 10:6)? Could it be the completion of something in Daniel 9, where a 490-year probation was put on God’s people to “finish everlasting righteousness?”

That 490-year period covered ten (a complete number in prophecy) Jubilee cycles. A Jubilee year was to follow the last cycle of seven. Interesting!

“Then commenced the jubilee, when the land should rest. I saw the pious slave rise in triumph and victory and shake off the chains that bound him, while his wicked master was in confusion and knew not what to do; for the wicked could not understand the words of the voice of God. Soon appeared the great white cloud. It looked more lovely than ever before. On it sat the Son of man. At first we did not see Jesus on the cloud, but as it drew near the earth we could behold His lovely person. This cloud, when it first appeared, was the sign of the Son of man in heaven.”[2]

What inside information did E. G. White have that we need to understand? The weight of evidence is unequivocal – she was precise. When the seventh trumpet begins to sound, the mystery of God is finished (10:7). The Day of Atonement is completed. It was on that afternoon that the Jubilee Trumpets sounded. God’s people were delivered. The sins of the sanctuary record were now on Satan. Daniel states that at this time God’s people are not only delivered but that a special resurrection occurs (before His coming) (Daniel 12:1-2)! When Jesus comes with His Trumpet, He heralds the last trumpet blast of this final “trump.” E. G. White saw this so clearly!

What follows? The Feast of Tabernacles (seven days); and on the eighth day, the great banquet, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Incredible! When the Trumpet begins to sound, Christ’s kingdom is made up and the “wedding or marriage” occurs.

In both I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 it is noted that Jesus comes with the “trump of God” at the “last trump.” If there is a “last,” there must be a previous trumpet sound(s). The saints are “changed,” and when the “trump sounds,” the dead in Christ are raised. The imagery of the Trumpets moves from heaven at Christ’s coronation to a blast from the cloud of glory when He arrives here at earth. Is there more than simply a sound from this seventh Trumpet? That is an interesting question! Jesus said that when the seventh Trumpet “begins” to sound, the mystery of God will be finished. The picture is distinct. It will be heard either continuously or more than once over a period of time. The latter is our understanding by the various references noted. Christ sounds the “last trump.”

 “Every case was then decided for life or death. Jesus had blotted out the sins of his people. He had received his kingdom, and the atonement had been made for the subjects of his kingdom. While Jesus had been ministering in the Sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was finished. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus, and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.”[3]

The word for “Lord” (kyriou) is a title used for God the Father. Christ (Christou) refers to Jesus. The Father’s anointed (Luke 2:26, 9:20; Acts 4:26) make up that kingdom. It is no longer “of this world” but of “our Lord and His Christ” – for ever and ever. This declares their inseparable unity! This announces their eternal oneness! (cf. 5:6, 7:10, 14:4, 20:6, 21:22, 22:1). The kingdom belongs to both equally (cf. Psalm 2:2).

When the angel sounds the seventh Trumpet, “great voices” from heaven make the kingdom announcement. It is not revealed who makes that proclamation. The word “voices” (phonai) is plural. One might easily surmise that it is the whole host of heaven. This would parallel a crescendoing choir of praise in Revelation 5:11-13. Note there the words that “every creature” is singing to the Lamb on the throne, wishing Him blessings, and honor and glory and power for ever and ever.

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:11-13).

That is coronation language. This was preceded by an anthem of praise that the Lamb was worthy to open the book. That occurred three and a half years before. In this anthem the Lamb is on the throne with glory and power. The mystery of God is now finished (10:7).

Some have questioned why this is called a “woe” when its content is praise. The associated ties to other verses reveal that it is when the wicked will cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them (6:16). It is the time of God’s wrath (6:16). It is when the wicked are slain (19:21). This is the final woe that settles on this earth. Messages revealing this finality will soon come in verses 18 and 19.

One can only imagine the horror, the terror that the wicked experience. They will know at this time that they are lost. They will realize that a doom of indescribable proportions has come.

“Then I saw Jesus lay off his priestly attire, and clothe himself with his most kingly robes–upon his head were many crowns, a crown within a crown–and surrounded by the angelic host, he left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God, and cursing him. Others rushed to the people of God, and begged to be taught how they should escape the judgments of God. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden had been borne. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. The last note of warning had been given. When the saints, and all heaven were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life; but did not make any effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the sinner. No compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, Spare, spare the sinner a little longer. All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, It is done, It is finished. The plan of salvation had been accomplished. But few had chosen to accept the plan. And as mercy’s sweet voice died away, a fearfulness and horror seized them. With terrible distinctness they hear, Too late! too late!”[4]

“And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God” (Revelation 11:16).

God introduced the 24 elders to John in chapter 4. There they:

•    Were clothed in white raiment (their characters were pure just like Jesus’)

•    Were on thrones that surrounded God’s throne

•    Wore crowns of victory (stephanos)

•    Are the first beings redeemed from the earth described in heaven in this Book

•    Their first “activity” described was falling in worship:

     “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:10-11).

 

They would do obeisance again in 5:8, 14 and 19:4. The 24 elders appear to occupy a position closer to the throne than even the angels (7:11). In the hymn they sing in 4:10-11 the elders celebrate the God who created and sustained the work. Here we are about to be treated to a new song – praise to God for bringing an end to this world and inaugurating eternity.

The “group” picture of these elders is breathtaking. Once sinful human beings, now in such a privileged state, they are working with the very God of the universe! John is given an incredible honor. In 5:5-6 one of those elders talks personally to him and says: “Weep not.” The answer to your sorrow is “the Lion” and then “the Lamb.” Amazing! Jesus is always the answer, isn’t He? Another time one of the elders engaged him regarding the great multitude (7:13). Do you think they might have talked about other things? Is it possible that since God permitted this personal contact, the elder may have even told who he had been on the earth? I think that is very likely. The disciples saw Elijah and Moses in the transfiguration. Could John have met, maybe, even Enoch?

In ancient tradition royal attendants usually stood before the king or queen (I Samuel 16:21-22; Jeremiah 36:21; Daniel 1:19, 2:2). Solomon even had “elders” who stood before him (I Kings 12:6). Heavenly beings are standing before God (I Kings 22:19, Isaiah 56:2, Daniel 7:10). But here, it is so different – very different.

Because they occupy thrones that surround God’s throne, they are kings engaged in a high and lifted office with Him. This fulfills the promise that was made to John early in these apocalyptic visions: “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father” (1:6). This is further embellished with the millennial reign of the saints (20:4).

The worship imagery is dramatized by these elders “falling on their faces.” These selected saints now realize that all the redeemed of the ages will be presently joining them. This moment of wonderment continues a great transition of time for the universe. The climax of the heavenly plan to rid the universe of sin has begun. The commencement exercises of the saved has been initiated. We are about to hear the music that begins the entrance to earth of the Grand Marshal.

“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. 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” (Revelation 11:17-18).

The 24 elders make a summary statement in this anthem of the meaning of this crucial time in history. Lest there be any misunderstanding of the events that have just been described in this chapter through a praise song, the elders list what brings the deepest gratitude to their hearts.

Our imagination is provoked. They are on their faces in a position of utmost respect and honor to God. Yet they sing! When we enter heaven, we will undoubtedly learn how that all happens. That respect is heightened by how their words begin.

First, they say “why” the song: to give Him thanks. But it is done like no other place in Revelation. Eucharistou – men – “we” give thanks. Isn’t that beautiful? Together, as one body, thinking alike with a heart going out to the throne, “we” are so grateful for what you have done!

What is striking the chords of their hearts? God is completing the plan of salvation. The end of evil from “thy work” has come. Eternity has been introduced. Then they address God in elevated language – “Lord God Almighty.” “Lord” acknowledges his rule over the universe. “God Almighty” testifies of their wonder at His omnipotence and power over all.

The elders identify a special perspective of God that Jesus Himself introduced early in this Book and often repeated. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (1:8), “I am the first and the last” (1:17), “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (22:13; cf. Isaiah 41:4). The song notes “which art [present], and wast [past]. The “art to come” is not in the original. But the God of eternity has now come! That’s who He is! The God who is even above time.

This declaration is awesome. It asks the universe and mockingly the wicked who are about to be judged, “How could anyone ever honor a God other than the Almighty of Eternity?” It is a metaphor of loyalty, a statement of sovereign honor and a possessive message for the redeemed – This is our God, we give Thee thanks.

The elders add an explanation as to why they just shared this solemn praise: “Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” Why would they say this? Because they have been waiting. The world and even the universe has been waiting for this moment. It is a giant “thank you” on behalf of every intelligent being in the cosmos. At least for 6000 years the wait has gone on. We don’t know how long that rebellion was in heaven before the devil and his angels were cast out (12:7-9). The wait, however long, is over.

We don’t know when these elders arrived in heaven or took their “seats” around the throne. They were introduced in this Book at a time that judgment was about to begin. It appears that it was fairly recent and perhaps at the moment Daniel said, “I beheld [when] the Ancient of days did sit.... the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” It isn’t long after Daniel sees the “Son of man” receive his kingdom (7:14) – exactly what we just saw in verse 15! Isn’t that interesting. There is a wonderful tie between Daniel and Revelation. The play and interplay of event-driven themes hold hands in a bond of amazing beauty.

Well, that incredible time has come, because the moment of the eschaton has arrived. To emphasize the passion of victory, God’s power was used when the nations were angry – His wrath came. Then He prepared to reward His servants, “the prophets.” In Revelation 10 and 11 they are those who spread the gospel. The saints receive their reward (all those who accepted the invitation to be loyal to heaven). This is even expounded upon: “Them that
fear (honor) thy name, small and great.” That is marvelous. God is the great equalizer as judge and as a friend. Everyone has the same chance!

The details of this event are unfolded more in chapters 18–22. They occur at the seventh Trumpet period. Their God overcomes all opposition. Finally, in what appears to be a statement of great relief, the song ends with “and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”

What does that mean? Under the sixth Trumpet the terrible battle of Armageddon engaged the wicked. For the first time in history, God permitted Satan to have nearly full control of his people. The result? Destruction of each other. God has finally demonstrated that sin ultimately is self-destruction. Through special divine acts of plagues, supernatural celestial signs and, finally, a “great earthquake,” the wicked come to their end.

This is prophecy fulfilled that was first penned by Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7). And later in Zechariah: “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one” (Zechariah 14:9).

Within this song is a unique statement: “The time has come.” Contextually, it means that a point of prophetic significance has arrived. It means even more. For six thousand years God has been preparing for this time. God’s character was to be revealed in such a way that the lessons from sin would become its eternal deterrent.

The millennial Sabbath that is described in Revelation 20, when the earth rests (the final shemita), is when the redeemed saints on thrones judge. Judge who? The wicked who are dead. Daniel saw thrones cast down, nations subdued (as noted in these verses – Daniel 7:9). In Revelation 20 John sees thrones occupied in final judgment.

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent. ‘Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.’ 1 Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the Ancient of Days came, ‘judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: ‘I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.’ ‘They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’ Revelation 20:4, 6. It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians 6:2. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.”[5]

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened” (Revelation 20:12).

There is an interesting literary sequence that unfolds within the celestial hymn.

 

•    Nations are angry, wars with end-time calamities (Matthew 24:7-8 – beginning of sorrows) – sixth Trumpet, Armageddon (Revelation 9:14-19)

•    God’s wrath comes – first four Trumpets (Revelation 8:7-12). Predicted by Daniel, it would be at the end of time during the appointed time – Daniel 8:17, 19. It encompasses the Seven Last Plagues (Revelation 15:1)[6] and goes through His second coming (Revelation 6:16). It contemplates the vision of Daniel that the kingdom of God “will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end” (Daniel 2:44-45).

•    Judgment of the dead (wicked) noted in the saints’ millennial reign on thrones with Christ (Revelation 20:4, 12-13). This fulfills Daniel’s prophecy that when Jesus comes judgment is given to the saints – Daniel 7:22.[7]

•    God’s people – servants, the prophets, and saints, defined as all those that fear His name, are rewarded by being with Jesus in heaven.

•    Final destruction of the wicked – this is described as destructive fire (Revelation 20:10, 14-15).

 

Who are destroyed? This is noted as “death” and “hell” (Revelation 20:14) but summarizes all the evil agencies that have previously been introduced – Babylon, the beast, the false prophet and Satan. The universe will then be finally pure – without sin. Not even a residual, save for nail prints in Jesus’ hands.

The elders scan the great end-time themes that Jesus opened to a few of the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). It is a reminder to all students of prophecy as to how the end-time scenes occur. From the exodus or deliverance of God’s people from “Egypt” to the New Heavens and Earth in Revelation, God presents metaphors, specific prophecies, stories and timing periods that consistently portray a precise sequence of event-driven issues, couched in a framework of time that make explicitly clear how everything comes to an end. This little song joins that amazing chorus. The harmony is perfect.

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail” (Revelation 11:19).

The summation thoughts in this chapter are majestic and sublime. Notice the forward-moving events and what rich information God has given to us:

There is one theme to be shared with the saints regarding this Trumpet. In transcendent vision God opens the sanctuary or temple in heaven at specific times to reveal what stage redemptive activity is in.

The last time we were in the temple Jesus was at the Altar of Incense. God gave to Him extra incense because of increasing prayer activity of the saints. It was at the time of increasing persecution. But there was something very special about Jesus’ activity. He was holding a Golden Censer. This portrayed final preparation for the Day of Atonement when all the sins will be purged from the records of repentant saints. But Jesus did something most unusual. He filled the censer with coals from the Altar and threw those coals to the earth. That sealed the saints and also began judgment with mercy against the wicked. Those incidents occur the same time chapter 11 begins. That goes back to when the first Seal is introduced.

John was told to measure “the temple of God,” its “altar” and its “worshipers” at the beginning of chapter 11. It was a specific message to John, typifying the onset of the judgment of God’s living church. We know that is Most Holy Place activity, but God didn’t permit us to see that. Perhaps the reason is that it was already given to us in Daniel 7.

Well, we have gone through the Seals, two interludes and now the Trumpets. What does God bring into view as the grand finale of these urgent and indispensable messages? An open Most Holy Place! It is now seventh Trumpet timing, which begins immediately preceding Jesus’ coming.

The very first comment reveals that the “Temple of God” is open. Lest we conclude that this is one of the many earthly temples, God told John it was “in heaven.” God’s intercessory activity had been going on. Judgment and sealing were proceeding. But, lo, something dramatic has changed!

The ark of the testament was God’s central symbol of His presence. It was also called the ark of the covenant. The covenant is based on the Ten Commandments, housed within the ark. The lid was called the mercy seat. This imagery represents the heart of the Atonement for God’s
people.

“The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament. Revelation 11:19. The ark of God’s testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,’ this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary.”[8]

“When God’s temple in heaven is opened, what a triumphant time that will be for all who have been faithful and true. In the temple will be seen the ark of the testament in which were placed the two tables of stone, on which are written God’s law. These tables of stone will be brought forth from their hiding place, and on them will be seen the ten commandments engraved by the finger of God. These tables of stone now lying in the ark of the testament will be a convincing testimony to the truth and binding claims of God’s law.”[9]

We last saw Jesus prepared to enter the Holy of Holies, ready for the Atonement. But now there is here only the ark! There is no description of glory, a rainbow or even of the angels that cover the ark – just the ark. The Atonement rituals are completed! Sins have been cleansed from the sanctuary. In unmistakable imagery, the scene makes a statement: “The law of God was the basis for all rewards and judgment. It is finished!”

How do we know? There were reports of a storm theophany in 4:5 and 8:5. But now great hail is added. This is another storm theophany fitting the exact description of the seventh Plague (16:21). That parallels the events described in the sixth Seal (6:12-17). All these events occur immediately before Jesus returns. Storm theophanies draw to a close dramatic event-driven messages.

What a vast amount of beautiful information God has given to us. As we experience the terrible ravages of persecution and see the most devastating calamities earth has ever experienced, we will know the timing and sequences of things that must transpire and know that as soon as they are complete, Jesus comes. What mercy, what grace, to give His saints so much to keep their hopes high and courage strong!

Most scholars do see in the seventh Trumpet that eschaton. Thus the ark without any other depiction of beings or heavenly assets means that the redemptive work is completed. It is, as the 24 elders sang, time to reward the saints and prophets.

It is fascinating to review the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). There were seven priests with “trumpets” of rams horns. The ark followed the trumpet-bearers. The vision of the ark in Trumpet seven is the last scene. Israel was on their way into the promised land. Rahab symbolized those who come out of Babylon. She hid God’s messengers like they will hide the precious truth in their hearts and respond to the Loud Cry. That is depicted by the people shouting after the trumpet call.

There is another Trumpet that will sound. It is the last part of the seventh Trumpet. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, calls it the “last trump” (I Corinthians 15:52).

“Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man. His hair was white and curly and lay on His shoulders; and upon His head were many crowns. His feet had the appearance of fire; in His right hand was a sharp sickle; in His left, a silver trumpet. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which searched His children through and through. Then all faces gathered paleness, and those that God had rejected gathered blackness. Then we all cried out, ‘Who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless?’ Then the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of awful silence, when Jesus spoke: ‘Those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall be able to stand; My grace is sufficient for you.’ At this our faces lighted up, and joy filled every heart. And the angels struck a note higher and sang again, while the cloud drew still nearer the earth.”[10]

“At his second coming all will be changed. Not as a prisoner surrounded by a rabble will men see him, but as heaven’s King. Christ will come in his own glory, in the glory of his Father, and in the glory of the holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels, the beautiful, triumphant sons of God, possessing surpassing loveliness and glory, will escort him on his way. In the place of a crown of thorns, he will wear a crown of glory – a crown within a crown. In the place of that old purple robe, he will be clothed in a garment of whitest white, ‘so as no fuller on earth can white’ it. And on his vesture and on his thigh a name will be written, ‘King of kings, and Lord of lords.’

“Then the last trump will sound, the voice of God will speak, and the whole earth, from the summits of the loftiest mountains to the lowest recesses of the deepest mines, will hear that voice. It will be heard in the dungeons of men, in the caverns of the deep, in the rocks and caves of the earth, and it will be obeyed. It is the same voice that said, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest,’ – the same voice that said, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee.’ And those who obeyed that voice when it said, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,’ will now hear the words, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ To them that voice will mean rest, peace, and everlasting life. They will recognize it as the voice of the One who has been touched with the feeling of their infirmities.”[11]

References: