Rev 8:2-5 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 8:6-9:21: 8:2–11:19 The second cycle of judgments is structured around seven trumpets . Like the first cycle (6:1–8:1 ), this one contains an interlude (10:1–11:14 ; cp. 7:1-17 ) and ends with a glimpse of God’s eternal Kingdom (11:15-19 ; see 7:9–8:1 ). • The trumpet judgments are reminiscent of the ten plagues of Egypt (Exod 7:14–11:10 ) and have the same purpose—to show the powerlessness of earthly gods (or satanic powers) and to demonstrate beyond doubt the power and sovereignty of God. Summary for Rev 8:2-6: 8:2-6 This scene of preparation in heaven introduces the seven trumpets of judgment and continues the theme of God’s receiving and answering prayer (5:8 ; 6:9-11 ). 8:2 The dramatic sounding of trumpets by angels heralds an approaching end (see Isa 27:13 ; Zech 9:14 ; Matt 24:31 ; 1 Cor 15:52 ; 1 Thes 4:16 ).

Summary for Rev 8:6-9:21: 8:2–11:19 ^a The second cycle of judgments is structured around seven trumpets. Like the first cycle (6:1–8:1 ^b), this one contains an interlude (10:1–11:14 ^c; cp. 7:1-17 ^d) and ends with a glimpse of God’s eternal Kingdom (11:15-19 ^e; see 7:9–8:1 ^f).

• The trumpet judgments are reminiscent of the ten plagues of Egypt (Exod 7:14–11:10 ^g) and have the same purpose—to show the powerlessness of earthly gods (or satanic powers) and to demonstrate beyond doubt the power and sovereignty of God.
Summary for Rev 8:2-6: 8:2-6 ^h This scene of preparation in heaven introduces the seven trumpets of judgment and continues the theme of God’s receiving and answering prayer (5:8 ⁱ; 6:9-11 ^j). 8:2 ^k The dramatic sounding of trumpets by angels heralds an approaching end (see Isa 27:13 ^l; Zech 9:14 ^m; Matt 24:31 ⁿ; 1 Cor 15:52 ^o; 1 Thes 4:16 ^p).
Summary for Rev 8:3-4: 8:3-4 ^q The prayers of God’s people ask for God’s ultimate justice and judgment (6:10-11 ^r; see also 5:8 ^s; Ezra 9:5-6 ^t; Ps 141:2 ^u; Dan 9:21 ^v). The mixture of incense and prayers that reaches God’s presence shows that God hears their prayers (see Rev 6:9-11 ^w) and is prepared to act.
8:5 ^x The action of the angel, as he throws fire ... down upon the earth, signals the dramatic beginning of God’s judgment (see Gen 19:24 ^y; Exod 9:23 ^z; Lev 10:2 ^aa; Deut 9:3 ^ab; 2 Kgs 1:10 ^ac).

• thunder ... lightning ... earthquake: These earthly portents remind us of God’s power, presence, and judgment (also Rev 11:19 ^ad; 16:18 ^ae; see Exod 19:18-19 ^af; 1 Kgs 19:11-12 ^ag; Isa 29:6 ^ah).