A Purposeful Pause

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." (Revelation 7:1-3 - King James Version)

This is one of the most misinterpreted passages in all of Revelation. It has been grossly abused by cults. It has been symbolized away by those who reject Israel's future place in God's plan. In understanding this passage, we should follow one of the basic rules of interpretation: when the simple sense makes sense seek no other sense.

John tells us that this event occurs after the events of chapter six. So this occurs after the opening of the six seals, around the middle of the Tribulation.

After the great events of chapter six, which included the greatest earthquake ever, the angels of God cause a pause to occur before any more natural disasters happen. We have an indication here that the angels are involved with the happenings of nature. We understand very little of the ministry of angels. Most of us will be greatly surprised when we learn how much they have done for us.

John sees another angel approach who seems to be of a higher rank than the original four. We know from various passages that there are different groups among the angels of God. This fifth angel tells the first four and us why God wants a pause in the events that are unfolding. These angels are to seal certain people who are to be servants of God.