Rev 8:1 | TNotes | STEP | 8:1 The opening of the seventh seal concludes the first act and dramatically initiates silence , which suggests the mystery of God in his dealings with the world (10:4 ; 1 Kgs 19:11-12 ). Perhaps the mysterious silence here is analogous to God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:1-3 ; see also Heb 4:1-11 ). • half an hour: This brief hush precedes the unfolding of the second act of divine judgment when God will answer the prayers of his people.

c1 Kgs 19:11-12►

dGen 2:1-3►

eHeb 4:1-11►

‏ Revelation of John 8:1

8:1 ^a The opening of the seventh seal concludes the first act and dramatically initiates silence, which suggests the mystery of God in his dealings with the world (10:4 ^b; 1 Kgs 19:11-12 ^c). Perhaps the mysterious silence here is analogous to God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:1-3 ^d; see also Heb 4:1-11 ^e).

• half an hour: This brief hush precedes the unfolding of the second act of divine judgment when God will answer the prayers of his people.