The Seventh Seal
"When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:1-5 - New American Standard)
Revelation chapter eight marks the beginning of the second half of the seven year period; this is often called the Great Tribulation. The natural disasters that began after the opening of the sixth seal will increase in frequency and intensity. Chapter eight describes this. Later chapters focus upon the activity of the Antichrist during this period.
The vast destruction which is described in this chapter is horrible. It is frightening, because when taken literally, what is described is possible.
We would expect something dramatic to happen with the opening of the seventh seal. What does happen is dramatic but not what we would expect. There is complete silence in the throne room of God. This silence lasts for thirty minutes. This is the calm before the storm. The angels and saints in heaven silently wait for the Lord's plan to unfold.
Seven angels are each given a trumpet by God. Trumpets were used in ancient times for several purposes: to warn of danger, to call people to a certain place, and to give instructions to troops. These trumpets warn of danger.
Incense in the Bible is symbolic of prayer. “Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayers be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:1,2 – King James Version)
The eight angel that appears offers up incense along with the prayers of the saints upon the golden altar. The prayers referred to are prayers for Christ to return. At this point, his return will be only about three years away.
Verse five is a picture of judgment. Although, God is not yet ready to pour out his wrath, he is involved in judging the wickedness of man. All natural disasters are a result of the curse of sin which man brought into this world. It is part of God's judgment upon sin.
Voices, thunderings and lightnings are symbolic of judgment. This may also indicate unusually violent weather patterns upon the earth at this time, including tremendous thunderstorms and the tornadoes they produce.
Another earthquake is mentioned. Beginning with the earthquake that occurs with the opening of the sixth seal, there will be frequent violent world-wide earthquake activity.
Revelation chapter eight marks the beginning of the second half of the seven year period; this is often called the Great Tribulation. The natural disasters that began after the opening of the sixth seal will increase in frequency and intensity. Chapter eight describes this. Later chapters focus upon the activity of the Antichrist during this period.
The vast destruction which is described in this chapter is horrible. It is frightening, because when taken literally, what is described is possible.
We would expect something dramatic to happen with the opening of the seventh seal. What does happen is dramatic but not what we would expect. There is complete silence in the throne room of God. This silence lasts for thirty minutes. This is the calm before the storm. The angels and saints in heaven silently wait for the Lord's plan to unfold.
Seven angels are each given a trumpet by God. Trumpets were used in ancient times for several purposes: to warn of danger, to call people to a certain place, and to give instructions to troops. These trumpets warn of danger.
Incense in the Bible is symbolic of prayer. “Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayers be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:1,2 – King James Version)
The eight angel that appears offers up incense along with the prayers of the saints upon the golden altar. The prayers referred to are prayers for Christ to return. At this point, his return will be only about three years away.
Verse five is a picture of judgment. Although, God is not yet ready to pour out his wrath, he is involved in judging the wickedness of man. All natural disasters are a result of the curse of sin which man brought into this world. It is part of God's judgment upon sin.
Voices, thunderings and lightnings are symbolic of judgment. This may also indicate unusually violent weather patterns upon the earth at this time, including tremendous thunderstorms and the tornadoes they produce.
Another earthquake is mentioned. Beginning with the earthquake that occurs with the opening of the sixth seal, there will be frequent violent world-wide earthquake activity.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 6:47 AM
2 Comments:
Good fill someone in on and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you on your information.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Post a Comment
<< Home