Rev 8:3-5 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 8:3-4: 8:3-4 The prayers of God’s people ask for God’s ultimate justice and judgment (6:10-11 ; see also 5:8 ; Ezra 9:5-6 ; Ps 141:2 ; Dan 9:21 ). The mixture of incense and prayers that reaches God’s presence shows that God hears their prayers (see Rev 6:9-11 ) and is prepared to act.

Summary for Rev 8:3-4: 8:3-4 ^a The prayers of God’s people ask for God’s ultimate justice and judgment (6:10-11 ^b; see also 5:8 ^c; Ezra 9:5-6 ^d; Ps 141:2 ^e; Dan 9:21 ^f). The mixture of incense and prayers that reaches God’s presence shows that God hears their prayers (see Rev 6:9-11 ^g) and is prepared to act.
8:5 ^h 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 ⁱ; Exod 9:23 ^j; Lev 10:2 ^k; Deut 9:3 ^l; 2 Kgs 1:10 ^m).

• thunder ... lightning ... earthquake: These earthly portents remind us of God’s power, presence, and judgment (also Rev 11:19 ⁿ; 16:18 ^o; see Exod 19:18-19 ^p; 1 Kgs 19:11-12 ^q; Isa 29:6 ^r).