The Seven Trumpets: Judgments and Hope in Revelation
The seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation represent a series of judgments unleashed by God during the Great Tribulation. These judgments are initiated by the sounding of seven trumpets by seven angels, signifying a progression of increasingly severe consequences on Earth. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God’s judgment on sin and His efforts, through two mighty witnesses, to warn humanity. These witnesses will announce plagues upon the Earth alongside the angels sounding the trumpets.
In the Old Testament, trumpets often served as a call to repentance or as a warning, emphasizing God’s authority, power, and the gravity of His message. When the two witnesses arrive, they will proclaim their power to withhold rain for 3.5 years. Significantly, the first trumpet aligns with this proclamation by bringing a severe drought that devastates all green grass and a third of the trees on Earth.
The First Trumpet
“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.” (Revelation 8:7)
This initial trumpet heralds the beginning of global sorrows. The absence of rain triggers immediate crises, causing crop failures, food shortages, and devastating famine worldwide. Food prices will escalate, leading to widespread starvation and death among people and animals.
The Second Trumpet
“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; 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.” (Revelation 8:8-9)
The “burning mountain” described here reflects a large volcanic eruption falling into the sea. This event creates a massive tsunami, destroying marine life and ships. The tsunami’s impact is further echoed in Luke’s prophecy: “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” (Luke 21:25)
The Third Trumpet
“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; 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.” (Revelation 8:10-11)
Wormwood symbolizes poison. The ongoing volcanic eruption contaminates rivers and lakes, making water sources toxic and leading to mass deaths from poisoned drinking water. Ash from the eruption will smother aquatic ecosystems, spreading waterborne diseases.
The Fourth Trumpet
“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.” (Revelation 8:12)
Volcanic eruptions like Krakatoa (1883) caused prolonged darkness by filling the atmosphere with ash. Such events darkened the sun and moon and resulted in “blood-red” sunsets. In a future scenario, the lack of sunlight would worsen human desperation amid widespread famine and water scarcity.
Historical Parallels
Mount Tambora (1815)
The eruption of Mount Tambora on Sumbawa Island, Indonesia, caused the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816. This global climate disruption led to extreme cold, failed harvests, and famine. Regions experienced frost and snow even during summer months. Europe, China, and India were particularly affected, with widespread famine, flooding, and disease outbreaks.
Krakatoa (1883)
The Krakatoa eruption in 1883 remains one of the most studied eruptions in history. Its ash cloud caused prolonged atmospheric effects, leading to global temperature drops and vivid red sunsets for years. Such devastation illustrates the impact of natural disasters in biblical prophecy.
The Fifth Trumpet
“And I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit…” (Revelation 9:1-12)
The fifth trumpet brings locusts with the power of scorpions, tormenting people who lack God’s seal for five months. These symbolic locusts, described with humanlike faces and lion-like teeth, convey the severity of their torment.
The Sixth Trumpet
“…Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates…to slay the third part of men.” (Revelation 9:13-10:1)
This trumpet releases a massive army, leading to widespread destruction. A third of humanity perishes through fire, smoke, and brimstone from these symbolic “horses.”
The Seventh Trumpet
“The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.” (Revelation 11:14-19)
The seventh trumpet announces the ultimate reign of Christ and the final judgment on sin. God rewards His servants while pouring out final judgments through seven vials, culminating in Earth’s renewal and Satan’s defeat.
The Resurrection and Final Judgment
Following the Great Tribulation, believers are resurrected and gathered by Christ. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump…” (1 Corinthians 15:52). God’s final wrath upon the Earth paves the way for a new era, with the saints reigning alongside Christ for a millennium.
Ultimately, God’s victory over sin and evil is assured, as depicted in the Feast of Tabernacles—a symbol of God’s final restoration.