Revelation of John 8:3-8
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).
Summary for Rev 8:7-12: 8:7-12 s Each of the first four trumpets affects one-third of its target (see Ezek 5:1-4 t, 12 u; Zech 13:8 v). The point is not to convey an exact measurement; instead, it indicates that God’s judgment on the earth is beginning but has not reached its zenith. Together, the first four trumpets form a unified message of judgment on the whole physical world (as with Rev 6:1-8 w). 8:7 x Hail and fire mixed with blood signal the destruction of plant life, as did the seventh plague on Egypt (see Exod 9:13-35 y; Joel 2:31 z; Acts 2:19 aa).
• all the green grass was burned: Nothing escapes God’s judgment.
• This vision need not be harmonized with Rev 9:4 ab because each scene is self-contained and communicates its own message.
Summary for Rev 8:8-9: 8:8-9 ac water ... became blood: This judgment is similar to the first plague on Egypt (see Exod 7:14-25 ad; Ps 78:44 ae).
• The mountain of fire suggests something similar to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that brought bloody destruction to ships and sea life (see Pliny the Younger, Letters 6.16.1-22).
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