Revelation 8:7 - 9:21 / The Seven Trumpets
Read Revelation 8:7 - 9:21 about the Seven Trumpets
The Plagues and the Trumpets
In the early days of Christianity, the first generations of believers were predominantly Jewish, deeply familiar with the stories of their ancestors. The Exodus from Egypt was the most celebrated among these stories, defining them as a people. The Exodus narrative in Exodus 7-12 showcases God's power by undermining both Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. YHWH called the Israelites to follow Him into the wilderness, a place of uncertainty and danger. However, the Israelites were initially hesitant, fearing the unknown and doubting that following God's commands would lead to a better life.
God's response was to send ten plagues, each challenging an Egyptian deity, ultimately proving their powerlessness and convincing both Pharaoh to let the Israelites go and the people to follow God. This story became a cornerstone of hope and identity, retold in times of distress to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and power.
Fast forward to the Book of Revelation, where John draws parallels between their current struggles and the Exodus story, using imagery from the plagues to offer hope and encouragement. The trumpets in Revelation 8:7-12 mirror the plagues in Egypt, symbolizing God’s ongoing battle against oppressive powers.
For instance:
First Trumpet (Revelation 8:7): Hail and fire mixed with blood, reminiscent of the plagues that devastated Egyptian crops.
Second Trumpet (Revelation 8:8-9): A blazing mountain thrown into the sea, turning it to blood, echoing the Nile turning to blood.
Third Trumpet (Revelation 8:10-11): A star called Wormwood falls, making waters bitter, similar to the bitter waters of Marah.
Fourth Trumpet (Revelation 8:12): Darkness over a third of the earth, reflecting the plague of darkness in Egypt.
Hope and Faith in Times of Oppression
Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He will deliver His people from Roman oppression. This symbolic retelling reminds believers that God's power and faithfulness are constant. John's hinting at the Exodus story is meant to inspire hope and steadfastness.
In Revelation 9:1-6, John further expands on the imagery of Israel’s past with the vision of the Morning Star and the Abyss, drawing on Isaiah's reference to the king of Babylon as a fallen star (Isa 14:12-15). This symbolizes the downfall of oppressive powers and the unleashing of chaos. John’s audience would understand this as a dissident message against Rome, likening it to Babylon's tyranny.
Despite the destruction coming out of Babylon, John conveys a sad truth in Revelation 9:20-21: humanity’s reluctance to repent and turn away from idolatry. This echoes Pharaoh's hardened heart after each plague in Exodus, highlighting a recurring theme of human stubbornness.
John’s use of these ancient stories is a call to his audience to remain faithful and hopeful. The power of Rome may be tempting and terrifying, but God's ultimate victory through Christ is assured. The church is called to follow Jesus into the unknown, trusting that His kingdom will prevail.
Discussion Questions
What stories do you tell people in need of comfort and encouragement?
In what ways can the reluctance of Pharaoh to repent after each plague inform our understanding of human nature?
Do you have any examples of people returning to destructive ways after first being freed from them?
What examples have you seen of “morning star” figures who rise to incredible heights of pride only to fall?
What came of those who followed them?