The apocalypse and the sound of trumpets.

In the next few posts we are going to discuss the book of Revelation, chapters 8 and 9. Most scholars know this text as: “the cycle of the seven trumpets”. We know this text is about the final judgment of God. Does it tell us something about the end of time? Is it about the apocalypse? If so, how much time?

Core verse:

I noticed that the seven angels who stood before God were each given a trumpet. (Revelation 8:2 CEV)

The core verse describes a scene in front of the throne of God. In this verse we find a description about the beings and items that are going to play a vital role in the next few scenes as the “other angel” comes into play.

We read that there is going to be SEVEN angels and SEVEN trumpets. Some people regard the number seven as a lucky number; perhaps you have even seen the number seven in the slot machines of casinos. “777” is usually a winning number. But the number seven is also one of the holy numbers of God and in this case it indicates that the angels and trumpets are from God and that seven things are going to happen (discussed in later posts).

The angels in this case are referring to messengers in heaven. Their purpose is to serve God and, in this case, to blow on the trumpets as the trumpets are given to them. Some Christians have even given names to these seven angels. I, for one, don’t think that they should be named as there are many angels! (Perhaps one of them was Michael.)

But why trumpets? Throughout the Bible trumpets have been used for many reasons. A few texts come to mind:

·         Then at the sound of the trumpets, you will come together to worship and to offer sacrifices on the altar. (Leviticus 23:24 CEV)

·         Give a signal on a trumpet when it is time to break camp. (Numbers 10:5 CEV)

·         A loud trumpet will be heard. Then the people of Israel who were dragged away to Assyria and Egypt will return to worship the LORD on his holy mountain in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 27:13 CEV)

·         At the sound of a loud trumpet, he will send his angels to bring his chosen ones together from all over the earth. (Matthew 24:31 CEV)

So we know it’s something to do with a signal, perhaps sacrifices and definitely that the people of God will be brought together. This might very well be describing the end of times!

Which signal do you think God is going to use at the end of times?

Till next time!