Silence in Heaven In the prequel to this paper (CB95), we learned that the seventh seal opened with a silence in heaven. We don’t exactly know what this silence is caused by or how long it will last according to how we calculate time. We can speculate that the length of the silence could be from an actual half hour to a prophetic time frame that could last up to 20 years. We can also speculate that the silence is caused by the four winds being held back by the four angels. Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind should blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. (American Standard Version) It is after this silence that the seven trumpets were given to each of the seven angels. Revelation 8:1-2 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. (RSV) If we think back to the Seals, it was the Lamb or the Messiah, who opened each of the Seven Seals. However, with the trumpets, each one is sounded by a different angel. Christ, at this point, is involved in sealing the elect (made up of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude) and preparing for his Advent. As the seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets, another angel causes thunder, lightning and an earthquake to take place (Rev. 8:3-5). This angel has a golden censer and offers up incense at the altar, just like the High Priest of the temple did (see paper The Tabernacle in the Wilderness (No. CB42)). This angel might be assumed to represent the High Priest. As we examine each trumpet, let’s keep in mind that the trumpets generally deal with thirds. That means that one third of most things are torn down and destroyed while two thirds are spared. This is because God is teaching us that physical things represent spiritual things (Heb. 8:5). In the case of the trumpets dealing in thirds, we are reminded that one third of the angels rebelled against God (Rev. 12:4).
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:45:01 +0000
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