The seven trumpets of Revelation 8-11
The seven trumpets are mentioned in the book of Revelation. The apostle John wrote, “And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets” (Revelation 8:2). In this vision, the seven trumpets are blown by angels to announce the forthcoming divine judgments (Revelation 8:5, 6). The seven trumpets express God’s wrath against the persecutors of His faithful who are praying for His justice (Revelation 8: 3,4).
In the messages to the seven churches, Jesus unfolds the religious history of the Christian era. The seven seals unfold the social history of the Christian era and trace especially the great apostasy. And the seven trumpets depict the military history of the Christian era as it affects The church.
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Trumpets (Revelation 8) portray the breakup of the original Roman Empire (east and west). In symbolic language, we see the Barbaric tribes which carved up the Pagan Roman Empire and prepared the way for the Papal Roman Empire.
The 5th and 6th trumpets (Revelation 9) picture the onslaughts of the Isalmic tribes, under various leaders, which gave rise to another religious power that warred against Christianity.
The 7th trumpet presents the final period of time, when God’s last day church gives the everlasting gospel and the three angles’ messages of Revelation 14:6-10 to the entire world.
The outline of the seven Trumpets
1st Trumpet – “The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up” (Revelation 8:7)
Alaric & Goths vs. Western Rome 395-419 A.D.
2nd Trumpet – “Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Revelation 8:8,9)
Genseric & Vandals vs. Western Rome 419-456 A.D.
3rd Trumpet – “Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter” (Revelation 8:10, 11)
Attila & Huns vs. Western Rome 456-476 A.D.
4th Trumpet – “Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night” (Revelation 8:12)
Odoacer & Heruli vs. Western Rome 476 -?
(Fall of Western Rome in 476 A.D.)
5th Trumpet – “Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit…” (Revelation 9:1-12)
Saracens & Islam vs. Eastern Rome 1299-1449 A.D. (150 years)
(Rise of Ottoman Empire 1299 A.D.)
6th Trumpet – “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates” (Revelation 9:14).
Turks & Islam vs. Eastern Rome 1449-1840 A.D. (391 yrs. & 15 days)
(Fall of Eastern Rome in 1453) (Ottoman Empire collapse in 1840).
Islam brought another false Sabbath (Friday), a false prophet (Mohammad), and a counterfeit Bible (the Koran). Islam rejected Jesus as the Messiah and taught righteousness by works.
Revelation 9:15 states that Ottoman Empire would continue, “an hour, a day, a month, and a year.” This prophetic time period equals 391 years and 15 days. The empire was established as of July 27, 1449. Adding the 391 years and 15 days would reach to August 11, 1840.
Based on this calculation Josiah Litch, An American clergyman, predicted in 1838 that the Ottoman Empire would lose power on August 11, 1840! Egypt was threatening Turkey and was well able to conquer her, hopeless and helpless, Turkey appealed to the European nations which agreed to protect her. The ultimatum they sent to Egypt arrived on the dot, on August 11, 1840! The Ottoman Empire was finished.
7th Trumpet – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15)
Jesus vs. the wicked 1844-New Earth
(Pre-Advent Judgement in heaven begins in 1844, 7 last plagues & Armageddon, second coming of Christ, Holy City descends, destruction of the wicked, and the New Earth).
The seven trumpets show God’s answer to the prayers of His persecuted saints in all ages. The Lord reassures His faithful that in spite of the wars, plagues, famines, and death through which they may go, He is in control of world affairs. And He will give justice and punish all the wicked (Revelation 8:5)
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
