The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, is rich with symbolic imagery and prophetic visions. Among its many dramatic scenes is the blowing of the seven trumpets, an event that has fascinated and puzzled scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. To understand who will blow the seven trumpets, we must delve into the text of Revelation, particularly chapters 8 through 11, and consider the broader context of biblical prophecy.
The seven trumpets are introduced in Revelation 8:2: "And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them." This verse clearly identifies the agents who will blow the trumpets: seven angels. These angels are depicted as standing before God, indicating their readiness to execute His divine will. The imagery of standing before God suggests a position of honor and readiness, implying that these angels are specially appointed for this significant task.
The first angel sounds his trumpet in Revelation 8:7, initiating a series of judgments upon the earth. Each subsequent trumpet blast brings forth a different calamity or event, escalating in intensity and consequence. The sequence of the trumpets is as follows:
- First Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood are hurled to the earth, burning a third of the trees and all green grass (Revelation 8:7).
- Second Trumpet: Something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, is thrown into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood, killing a third of the sea creatures, and destroying a third of the ships (Revelation 8:8-9).
- Third Trumpet: A great star, named Wormwood, falls from the sky, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs of water (Revelation 8:10-11).
- Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, resulting in a third of the day and night being without light (Revelation 8:12).
- Fifth Trumpet: The abyss is opened, releasing locusts that torment people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (Revelation 9:1-11).
- Sixth Trumpet: Four angels bound at the Euphrates River are released to kill a third of mankind with an army of horsemen (Revelation 9:13-19).
- Seventh Trumpet: Loud voices in heaven proclaim the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15).
The role of these seven angels is crucial. In the biblical narrative, angels are often depicted as messengers or agents of God's will. The Greek word for angel, "angelos," literally means "messenger." Throughout Scripture, angels are seen delivering messages, executing judgment, and providing protection. In the context of Revelation, these seven angels serve as heralds of God's impending judgments, each trumpet blast signaling a new phase in the divine plan for the end times.
The use of trumpets in biblical literature is significant. In the Old Testament, trumpets were used for various purposes, including calling people to worship, signaling the start of festivals, and warning of impending danger. For example, in Numbers 10:9, trumpets were used to signal the Israelites to prepare for battle. In the context of Revelation, the trumpets serve as both a warning and an announcement of divine judgment. They are not merely instruments of destruction but also calls to repentance, urging humanity to recognize the sovereignty of God and turn from their ways.
The imagery of the seven trumpets also echoes the fall of Jericho in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 6, the Israelites, led by Joshua, march around the city of Jericho for seven days, with seven priests blowing seven trumpets made of ram's horns. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the city is taken. This parallel reinforces the idea of divine intervention and judgment, as well as the ultimate victory of God's people.
The blowing of the seven trumpets in Revelation can also be understood within the broader framework of apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic writings, which include parts of the Book of Daniel and other intertestamental texts, often use symbolic language and imagery to convey messages about the end times, divine judgment, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The trumpets in Revelation serve as a dramatic and powerful reminder of God's control over history and His plan for the culmination of all things.
It is important to note that the interpretation of the seven trumpets, like much of the Book of Revelation, is subject to various theological perspectives. Some scholars and theologians view the trumpets as symbolic representations of historical events, while others see them as future occurrences that will unfold during the end times. Still, others interpret the trumpets in a more allegorical or spiritual sense, emphasizing their theological and moral implications rather than their literal fulfillment.
Regardless of the specific interpretive approach, the central message of the seven trumpets remains clear: they are a call to repentance and a reminder of God's impending judgment. The angels who blow the trumpets are divine messengers, executing God's will and announcing His sovereign plan for the world.
In conclusion, the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation are blown by seven angels who stand before God. These angels, as divine messengers, herald a series of judgments upon the earth, each trumpet blast signaling a new phase in the unfolding of God's plan for the end times. The imagery of the trumpets serves as both a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the urgency of turning to Him in faith. As we reflect on the significance of the seven trumpets, we are reminded of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom and the hope of redemption for all who believe in Him.
