Interpretive Study of Revelation 7-8

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Chapter links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, God.

Revelation Chapter 7

links to sentences in this chapter:

C7-S1 (Verse 1), C7-S2 (Verse 2-3), C7-S3 (Verse 4), C7-S4 (Verse 5-10), (Verse 5-10) (Verse 7), C7-S12 (Verse 5-10), C7-S13 (Verse 5-10), C7-S4 (Verse 5-10), (Verse 5-10) (Verse 5-10), C7-S16 (Verse 9-10), C7-S17 (Verse 11-12), C7-S18 (Verse 12), C7-S19 (Verse 13), C7-S20 (Verse 13), C7-S21 (Verse 14), C7-S22 (Verse 14), C7-S23 (Verse 15), C7-S24 (Verse 16), C7-S25 (Verse 17)'.

Chapter Summary: God's special treatment of 'tribulation saints'.

This chapter tells us about the hundred and forty and four thousand who are sealed by God. Please carefully consider the detailed notes as there are religious lies taught about these men. However, in addition to those lies, I was told that the listing of the tribes of Israel do not always have the same names every place in the word of God where they are named. I have not investigated that claim and do not offer any explanation of why that might be true. I only mention it for those people who might wish to investigate that claim.

The prior chapter told us about God bringing judgments which will come on men who have rejected Jesus as their personal Christ and King. These judgments were the result of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His role as God's Lamb, opening the first six seals on the title deed to the Earth. Out next chapter continues telling us about judgments brought by opening the seventh seal and other resulting activities by God. But, in this chapter, God has stopped telling us about the judgments and old us about these 'tribulation saints' who were martyred during the great tribulation because they were faithful to God and to the word of God. As a result, God gives them special promises which are not given to anyone else. In addition to what we read in this chapter, Revelation 14:1-5 tells more about their everlasting reward and their character traits which earned them the reward.

C7-S1 : God stopped the judgment long enough to do the actions of this chapter.
C7-S2 : Why the judgment was stopped for a short time.
C7-S3 : the number of those who were sealed.
C7-S4 through C7-S15 : the identity of the tribes which were sealed..
C7-S16 : the witness of all of the beings in Heaven.
C7-S17 : the angels add their worship to the worship of saved people in Heaven.
C7-S18 : in this sentence we read that John agrees with all that he has witnessed.
C7-S19 : An elder points out something for John to report.
C7-S20 : the elder adds another question to think about.
C7-S21 : John admits that he does not know the answers.
C7-S22 : the elder explains why these saved people are special.
C7-S23 : the results of their sacrifice.
C7-S24 : these 'tribulation saints' will live in 'eternal bliss'.
C7-S25 : Why these 'tribulation saints' will be in 'eternal bliss' starting at this time.

C7-S1 (Verse 1) God stopped the judgment long enough to do the actions of this chapter.

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,
holding the four winds of the earth,
that the wind should not blow on the earth,
nor on the sea,
nor on any tree.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Every sentence in this chapter starts with the word And, except one, which makes this chapter a single unit which must be considered all together. In addition, since the first sentence starts with the word And, thus chapter is a continuation of the prior chapter. Please see the Section on Significant Characters other than God for a summary of all of these judgments.

Several of our sentences, in this chapter, start with the word of. However, they are only adding qualifications to the message of 7:4. While technically separate, in reality they are extending the message of that sentence. Then the least three sentences tell us the rewards given to the men identified in this chapter. And, two sentences in the middle of the chapter tell us that they are honored, by God, in front of all of Heaven. Other than those sentences, every sentence starts with the word And, which makes this entire chapter one message about these hundred and forty and four thousand.

In addition to this chapter, Revelation 14:1-5 also tells us about them. They are all virgin male Jews, they all wear white robes, they all have a special mark from God the Father, they all go everywhere our Lord Jesus Christ goes and much more. They were redeemed from the earth for staying true as witnesses from God during the great tribulation. We see that they receive special rewards because they make special sacrifice for God during terrible circumstances. Once more, we see that God rewards according to our sacrifice and service to Him and His kingdom while we are on this Earth.

I once answered my door and there stood two large women (probably at least 300 pounds each), with their children and they told me that they were Jehovah's Witnesses. And during our discussion, they said that they hoped to be among the hundred forty and four thousand. I showed them that that was impossible for them and showed them where their religion lied to them about several other things which the word of God clearly said something different from what their religion taught. Now, there is more to this account, but i will skip it. The point is that lots of religions claim Christian and have doctrines that are the opposite of 'living a life which displays Christ'. These religions claim to tell people how to get blessings from the God of the Bible while their doctrines go directly against what the word of God literally says. God gave e each of us a brain and expects us to use it. God put His word in writing so that we can read it for ourselves. God gives the saved His indwelling Holy Spirit so that we can have help understanding the spiritual truths from the word of God. And, God gave me a unique ability, a special education and a special training experience for thirty years so that He could use me to prove that there are no errors in the true word of God (KJV-1611). With all of this given by God, people still believe doctrines of devils taught by religions. And, in spite of what people want to believe, God will not overlook their willful ignorance when he judges them. And that is a major message from this Bible book.

Our sentence starts with the phrase: And after these things. This means: 'after John saw what was reported in the prior chapters and attached to those prior events (And)'. We just read about everything that happened as a result of the first six seals being broken. Imagine living through those experiences. Now, imagine trying to be a witness for God while people are cursing God and blaming God for what they are suffering. Their loved ones and friends died because of God. They were scared witless multiple times. They want to get even with God for what He is doing, instead of bowing and submitting to Him. And, then they meet someone who claims to be a messenger and witness from that same God Whom they hate. Realize that all of the hundred and forty and four thousand died as martyrs.

Next, our sentence tells us: I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Most people don't realize how much thewind affects weather and how much out societies depend on the wind. The ocean currents are a direct result of this Earth rotating. So are the 'Trade Winds'. I've flwon from one side of the world to theother side over twenty times and can say, based upon that experience, that air flights dependon those winds. So, this is not just the wind dying where you are at for a short time. No, this will cause a world-wide disaster.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'A key to understanding the chronological order of events here is paying close attention to the wording God uses, so what does this verse begin with? “and after these things”, after what things? the first 6th seals. All of ch6 has happened, the coming of the antichrist with false peace, for instead of peace he institutes war, famine, pestilence, where many upon the earth perish. Also believers in Christ are already being martyred by the antichrist and his minions and then the great earth quake hits. All of this has happens due to the Lord Jesus opening the book, breaking the first 6 seals, and after these things comes the parenthetical passage of ch7.
Remember we had the same phrasing used after the church age in Rev ch4 where we saw the rapture pictured, Re 4:1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And now here in ch7 after the 6th seal and before the 7th, John now averts our attention to 4 angels surrounding the earth, standing upon the four corners of the earth, meaning they stand at the 4 compass points of the world, north, south east and west. these four angels control the winds of the earth, they cause the wind to stand still. Why this is we are not really told but I imagine this keeps a lot of the smoke and ash and dust of the volcanic activity of the 6th seal at bay or keeps it from spreading for a little while. Its keeps all that pollution and destructive volcanic debris at bay, it keeps all that from harming the sea and the trees, vegetation upon the earth for a few moments. What we see here is that after such a shock of a quake, after all the catastrophe that has happened so far, we see a lull in the storm, the storm we saw coming with the thunderings and lightnings coming forth from the throne of God but now the wind stands still, all comes to a stop for a few brief moments. there is a break, a short time period, before the storm reengages and intensifies. And I wonder If this coincides with the event in Re 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. the wind stands still, there is silence in heaven for about half an hour and then the repercussions of opening the 7th seal take place.
But the question is why is this lull in the storm needed? We are given that answer in v2-3.'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events; Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information or do a job for God'. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for Mark 12:10-11 about the word corner. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The angle of a house (Job 1:19) or a street (Pr 7:8). "Corners" in Ne 9:22 denotes the various districts of the promised land allotted to the Israelites. In Nu 24:17, the "corners of Moab" denotes the whole land of Moab. the "corner of a field" (Le 19:9; 23:22) is its extreme part, which was not to be reaped. the Jews were prohibited from cutting the "corners," i.e., the extremities, of the hair and whiskers running round the ears (Le 19:27; 21:5). the "four corners of the earth" in Isa 11:12; Eze 7:2 denotes the whole land. the "corners of the streets" mentioned in Mt 6:5 means the angles where streets meet so as to form a square or place of public resort'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah'. In Ge 9:20 "husbandman" is literally "man of the ground or earth." Altars were to be built of earth (Ex 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules' burden of earth (2Ki 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil. (2). As the rendering of 'erets, it means the whole world (Ge 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (Ge 1:10). Erets also denotes a country (Ge 21:32); a plot of ground (Ge 23:15); the ground on which a man stands (Ge 33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (Ge 6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (2Ch 13:9). In the New Testament "the earth" denotes the land of Judea (Mt 23:35); also things carnal in contrast with things heavenly (Joh 3:31; Col 3:1-2)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'To stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain'. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold.

Please see the note for Luke 7:24 about the word wind. The functional definition for this word is: 'Air in motion with any degree of velocity, indefinitely; a current of air. When the air moves moderately, we call it a light wind, or a breeze; when with more velocity, we call it a fresh breeze, and when with violence, we call it a gale, storm or tempest'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the words blew / blow. The word blew is the past-tense form of the word blow. The functional definition for the word blow is: 'Used with reference to natural and man-made wind for 'to breathe''.

Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word sea. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large bason, cistern or laver which Solomon made in the temple, so large as to contain more than six thousand gallons. this was called the brazen sea, and used to hold water for the priests to wash themselves. 1 Kings 7. 2 Chron. 4 2. A large body of water, nearly inclosed by land, as the Baltic or the Mediterranean; as the sea of Azof. Seas are properly branches of the ocean, and upon the same level. Large bodies of water inland, and situated above the level of the ocean, are lakes. the appellation of sea, given to the Caspian lake, is an exception, and not very correct. So the lake of Galilee is called a sea, from the Greek. 3. the ocean; as, to go to sea. the fleet is at sea, or on the high seas. 4. A wave; a billow; a surge. the vessel shipped a sea. 5. the swell of the ocean in a tempest, or the direction of the waves; as, we head the sea. 6. Proverbially, a large quantity of liquor; as a sea of blood. 7. A rough or agitated place or element. In a troubled sea of passion tost. Milton'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 11:29 about the phrase Red Sea. Please also see the note for John 21:1 about the phrase sea of Tiberias.

Please see the note for Mark 11:13 about the word tree. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the general name of the largest of the vegetable kind, consisting of a firm woody stem springing from woody roots, and spreading above into branches which terminate in leaves. A tree differs from a shrub principally in size, many species of trees growing to the eighth of fifty or sixty feet, and some species to seventy or eighty, and a few, particularly the pine, to a much greater eighth. Trees are of various kinds; as nuciferous, or nut-bearing trees; bacciferous, or berry-bearing; coniferous, or cone-bearing, etc. Some are forest-trees, and useful for timber or fuel; others are fruit trees, and cultivated in gardens and orchards; others are used chiefly for shade and ornament. 2. Something resembling a tree, consisting of a stem or stalk and branches; as a genealogical tree. 3. In ship-building, pieces of timber are called chess-trees, cross-trees, roof-trees, tressel-trees, etc. 4. In Scripture, a cross. --Jesus, whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Act.10'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S28 about the phrase olive / olive tree.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'after. Re 4-6 four angels. Re 4:6; 9:14; Eze 7:2; 37:9; Zec 1:18-20; 6:1; Mt 24:31; Mr 13:27 holding. Isa 27:8; Jer 49:36; Da 7:2; 8:8; Jon 1:4; Mt 8:26-27; 24:31 the wind. Re 6:6; 9:4; Isa 27:3'.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

C7-S2 (Verse 2-3) Why the judgment was stopped for a short time.

Equivalent Section: A fifth angel was involved.

And I saw another angel ascending from the east,
having the seal of the living God :.

Equivalent Section: What he said to the other four angels.

and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels,
to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Saying,
Hurt not the earth,
neither the sea,
nor the trees,
till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. The prior sentence told us what was done and this sentence adds why that was done.

This new angel arrives from the east. I have not personally studied the spiritual significance of the four points of the compass (North, South, East and West). However others have and they definitely have spiritual significance within the word of God. So, research for yourself if that is interesting to you and know that such research is not a waste of time.

Since this angel is ascending, he probably was working in the Earth when the other four angels start to hold the winds and he is simply telling them to wait until he finishes his given job before they continue to do the judgment from God.

The second phrase, of our First Equivalent Section, tells us that he has the seal of the living God. Our next several sentences tell us whom he seals. 2Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; and 2Timothy 2:19 all tell us that all truly saved are sealed. Therefore, this angel is marking these hundred and forty and four thousand as being saved and belonging to God. And if anyone wants to question or argue about this seal, tell them that it is probably like what all currently saved have. It is spiritual in nature andcan not be sensed with physical senses but all spiritual beings can sense it.

Next, notice that our sentence says that the original four angels were given to hurt the earth and the sea. Now, seriously consider what the prior chapter reported that these four do. Next, consider that only four do all of that and that God has uncounted number of angels to do His will. That consideration should make it very obvious that we can do absolutely nothing against God and His will.

The remainder of our Second Equivalent Section tells us how long, and why, they were to pause the judgment of God. This shows us that if someone truly trusts God, and truly gets saved, that act can pause God bringing further judgment upon them. Yes, they'll still receive judgment which was already given and which has not yet caught up with them. And, yes, they can receive furtherjudgment if they return to ongoing sin. However, any further judgment will be given as a son of God and not as a criminal.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we see a 5th angel ascending, traveling upward from the east and he has a seal, the seal of the living God. Some believe this angel is the Lord Jesus himself but I’m not convinced of that fact yet as he is the one opening the book in heaven, not yet having returned to earth in order to be ascending or rising into the eastern sky.
But this angel, whoever it is, has the seal of the living God. Now a seal is placed upon something to signify ownership, that what ever is sealed is owned by whoever owns that distinct seal. A seal also implies protection of said object by that rightful owner. So here is the seal of the living God, and whoever this angel places this seal upon belongs to God and is under His protection. And this 5th angel cries unto the other four angels who have been given the power to hurt the earth and the sea and basically tells them to wait a moment, to wait on hurting the earth and sea, to not let the wind blow and take all the dangerous things in the atmosphere around the planet which will drastically alter all life upon the earth, for remember the sunlight will be blocked out, there is ash and dust and most likely toxic gases released by the massive earthquake and probable eruptions. So these angels have stalled the wind that would take all this around the world for a moment until the 5th angel seals the servants of God in their forehead, because the 5th angel has asked them to wait until this sealing is done. Now what this seal is or what it looks like we really don’t know, but it seems to be some symbol or word or more specifically a name… Re 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. Now we read something similar about the redeemed saints, the overcomers of the Philadelphian church age. Re 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. It seems that there is or will be some seal, some mark upon believers, the church in heaven and the 144,000 on earth alike. Re 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. We also know that the devil mimics such a mark with the mark of the beast. But this seal of the living God will protect those that are sealed from all the destruction that is about to fall, the judgments that will hurt the earth and the sea, it will protect them from natural disasters, from demonic attacks and from the antichrist himself. How it will protect I do not know. But God is able, he protected Noah and his family, the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lion’s den, and many others in miraculous ways, so I have no doubt he can protect those that are sealed here. But this seal upon the forehead is not just for protection, it is for a purpose, that purpose will be to preach Jesus to a world at its end, God in His mercy and grace gives mankind a last chance, one more opportunity to turn to Jesus and be saved before its everlasting too late. How God must love us to not just outright reject us in our sin and our rejection of Him; in such a wicked world where the church has been removed God still has a heart for mankind.
We are given a picture, an example, of a mark that protects one from destruction in the book of Ezekiel ch9 where God sends slaughterers into Jerusalem as punishment for sin. In that chapter the mark placed upon the forehead, is a word, this word is the last letter of the Jewish alphabet and looks like a “t” and actually means a cross. So those that cried out to God for the sin of their people were sealed in the forehead before destruction fell, just like what will transpire for 144,000 before the 7th seal is opened. And now the question comes, who are these servants that are sealed with the'.

Please see the note for John 6:62 about the word ascend. The functional definition for this word is: 'To move upwards; to mount; to go up; to rise, whether in air or water, or upon a material object upon, as to ascend a hill or ladder; or to climb, as to ascend a tree'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:2; 8:4; 11:7; 11:12; 14:11; 17:8.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:1 about the word east. The Morrish Bible Dictionary definition for this word is: 'Several words are used to express the East, which imply 'going forth,' 'rising,' 'that which is before,' having reference to the sun and its rising. Nearly all the references in scripture to the East or to other quarters are of course reckoned from Palestine; so that 'children of the East,' 'men of the East,' point out Assyria, Babylon, etc'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Re 7:2; 16:12; 21:13.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S5 about the word seal. The functional definition for this word is: ' 'n. L. sigillum. 1. A piece of metal or other hard substance, usually round or oval, on which is ingraved some image or device, and sometimes a legend or inscription. this is used by individuals, corporate bodies and states, for making impressions on wax upon instruments of writing, as an evidence of their authenticity. the king of England has his seal and his privy seal. Seals are sometimes worn in rings'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. The word livest means everlasting or eternal life. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The word cried is the past-tense form of the word cry. Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry. The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. vox; voco. the sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. 1. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals. We say, the voice of a man is loud or clear; the voice of a woman is soft or musical; the voice of a dog is loud or harsh; the voice of a bird is sweet or melodious. the voice of human beings is articulate; that of beasts, inarticulate. the voices of men are different, and when uttered together, are often dissonant. 2. Any sound made by the breath; as the trumpet's voice. 3. A vote; suffrage; opinion or choice expressed. Originally voice was the oral utterance of choice, but it now signifies any vote however given. Some laws ordain, and some attend the choice of holy senates, and elect by voice. I have no words; my voice is in my sword. 4. Language; words; expression. Let us call on God in the voice of his church. 5. In Scripture, command; precept. Ye would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8. 6. Sound. After the fire, a still small voice. 1Kings 19. Canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Job. 40. the floods have lifted up their voice. Ps. 93. 7. Language; tone; mode of expression. I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice. Gal. 4. 8. In grammar, a particular mode of inflecting or conjugating verbs; as the active voice; the passive voice.
VOICE, v.t. 1. to rumor; to report. It was voiced that the king purposed to put to death Edward Plantagenet. Little used. 2. to fit for producing the proper sounds; to regulate the tone of; as, to voice the pipes of an organ. 3. to vote'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Mark 16:17-18 about the word hurt. The functional definition for this word is: 'to bruise; to give pain by a contusion, pressure, or any violence to the body. We hurt the body by a severe blow, or by tight clothes, and the feet by fetters. Ps.105. 2. to wound; to injure or impair the sound state of the body, as by incision or fracture. 3. to harm; to damage; to injure by occasioning loss. We hurt a man by destroying his property. 4. to injure by diminution; to impair. A man hurts his estate by extravagance. 5. to injure by reducing in quality; to impair the strength, purity or beauty of. Hurt not the wine and the oil--Rev.6. 6. to harm; to injure; to damage, in general. 7. to wound; to injure; to give pain to; as, to hurt the feelings.
HURT, n. A wound; a bruise; anything that gives pain to the body. the pains of sickness and hurts. 1. Harm; mischief; injury. I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. Gen.4. 2. Injury; loss. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? Ezra.4'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S4 about the word head. The functional definition for this word is: 'The part of the body which holds the brain. It is also used, symbolically, for the main source of control'. Please also see the note for Matthew 14:10 about the word beheaded. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 11:3-LJC about the phrase Christ: the head of.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. The functional definition for this word is: 'lifestyle speaking. A saying that never changes when said by God'. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

We find forms of the word forehead in: Exodus 28:38; Leviticus 13:41-43; 1Samuel 17:49; 2Chronicles 26:19-20; Jeremiah 3:3; Ezekiel 3:8-9; Ezekiel 9:4; Ezekiel 16:12; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 9:4; Revelation 13:16; Revelation 14:1; Revelation 14:9; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:4. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'As the women veiled their faces, not to do so was a mark of shamelessness; "thou hadst a whore's forehead" (Jer 3:3). the forehead is made the seat of boldness of speech and act (Eze 3:7-9): "the house of Israel are stiff of forehead ... against their foreheads as an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead." Votaries of idols branded themselves with the idol's symbol. So Antiochus Epiphanes branded the Jews with the ivy leaf, Bacchus' symbol (2Ma 6:7; 3 Maccabees 2:29). God's seal and name are in the foreheads of His servants, the conspicuous, noblest part of man's body, the seat of the understanding, whereon the helmet, "the hope of salvation," is worn (Eze 9:4).
At the Exodus the mark was on the houses, for then it was families; here it is on the foreheads, for it is individuals whose safety is guaranteed by the Lord's mark. the mark on "the right hand and forehead" of the worshippers of the beast (Re 13:16) implies prostration of body and intellect to him. "In the forehead for possession, in the hand for work and service." God's name shall be "in the saints' foreheads." their sonship shall no longer be a personal secret between them and God (Re 3:17), but shall be openly (Re 22:4) visible to all citizens of New Jerusalem's that the free flow of mutual love among Christ's family will not be checked by suspicion as here.
Upon the harlot's (the apostate church) forehead was written "MYSTERY, BABYLON thE GREAT, thE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF thE EARTH." What a contrast to the inscription on the mitre on the high priest's forehead, "HOLINESS to thE LORD" (Re 17:5; Ex 28:36). In Eze 16:12, "a jewel on thy forehead," rather "a ring in thy nose" (Isa 3:21). However, Persian and Egyptian women often wear jewels and strings of coins across the forehead'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And I. Re 8:3; 10:1; Mal 3:1; 4:2; Ac 7:30-32 having. Re 7:3-8; 5:2; 10:4; Song 8:6; Joh 6:27; 2Co 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30; 2Ti 2:19 living. De 5:26; 1Sa 17:26,36; 2Ki 19:4; Mt 26:63; 1Th 1:9; Heb 12:22 to whom. Re 1:3; 8:7-12
Hurt not. Re 6:6; 9:4; Isa 6:13; 27:8; 65:8; Mt 24:22,31 till. Re 14:1; Ex 12:13,23; Isa 26:20-21; Ex 9:4-6; Zep 2:3 the servants. Re 19:2; Isa 54:17; Da 3:17,26; 6:16; Mal 3:18; Joh 12:26; Ro 6:22 in their. Re 13:16; 14:1; 20:4; 22:4'.

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C7-S3 (Verse 4) the number of those who were sealed.

Equivalent Section: these were sealed.

And I heard the number of them which were sealed:

Equivalent Section: Who and how many were sealed.

and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Where the prior sentence told us that the judgment of God was paused, this sentence starts the explanation of why that will be true. In addition, the next several sentences provide qualifiers to what is written in this sentence.

It has been pointed out that the tribe of Dan is not listed here and that Manasses. We also see the tribe of Joseph listed here, so that makes the two sons of Joseph, with their descendants, included while the tribe of Dan is excluded. It makes sense, to me, that both tribes from the sons of Joseph are included because Joseph is presented as an Old Testament picture of Christ. The only reason that I can think of, for excluding the tribe of Dan, is that, in his prophecy, Israel said about the tribe of Dan, Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward (Genesis 49:17). Of course, this means that this tribe will act like Satan. And, all of this is speculation and not sufficient for any Bible doctrine.

The important part of this sentence is that they are all of the children of Israel. A major reason for the great tribulation is that God is dealing with the Jews and their rejection of Jesus as their Christ and King. And we re told thatall Jews who survive the great tribulation will be saved in a day (Zechariah 9:16; Jeremiah 30:7-9).

Our next several sentences qualify what is said in this sentence.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The first thing we notice is all of these 144,000 sealed servants are Jews, they are all from one of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe. they are not gentiles, they are not the church, they are not Jehovah witnesses or anything like that, they are God's chosen people. But something we notice here is the tribe of Levi is substituted for the tribe of Dan, why is Dan omitted when Levi had no inheritance with the other tribes as we see in the book of numbers?, Nu 18:20 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. 21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Jos 13:14 Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.
Another question is why is the tribe of Joseph named but not the tribe of his son Ephraim, who is usually connected with his brother Manasseh? Why are these two tribes, Dan and Ephraim, omitted and the tribe of Joseph and Levi included? I do not have an answer for you, the Bible seems to be silent on this matter. Although some have speculated that since in the Old Testament both of the tribes of Dan and Ephraim were prominent in their connection with idolatry that they may actually side once more against God during the tribulation. Dan was the first tribe in the book of Judges to turn to idolatry and we read of this tribe in Ge 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. these two tribes also allowed Jeroboam to set up golden calves to be worshipped in Dan and in Bethel. And because of such a connection some have surmised that these tribes may actually side with the Antichrist or even have the antichrist come from their ranks. But again that’s all speculation, only God knows His reasons here.
The key thing to remember though is these are Jews, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, they are saved and are now sealed for protection and for preaching.
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 forhe shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.13 thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. through the ministry of the 144,000 many will come to know the Lord, Jews and Gentiles alike, although those that do accept Jesus as Savior will be martyred. John Phillips writes of the 144,000… “Those sealed will go unscathed through the Great Tribulation. they will be a perpetual thorn in the side of the Beast and a constant reminder to the devil that, while millions may bow to his will, God still has him on a leash and sys to him, “Thus far and no further.” the mobilized armies of the earth will not be able to touch a hair of the heads of these sealed ones. the concentration camps and orture chambers of the Beast’s fearful inquisition will leave them unscathed. the fire will not kindle upon them, nor will the smell of smoke be on heir garments. the floods will not be able to drown them. the secret police will have dossiers as thick as prison walls, but they will be unable to harm them. the seal of God rests upon them, and they are saved and secured, come what may. they will be a living proof to the devil that not only is his secular power strictly limited by divine decree, but in the end he cannot win. If he cannot conquer these, then he cannot possibly win in the end. No matter how many millions he liquidates in his insane rage, he is obviously under the control of God.
So then, the 144,000 are sealed to defy the totality of Satan’s secular dominion. they are a reminder to him that every knee does not bow to him and that God is sovereign and in invincible control.”'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The number given in our sentence is more than one hundred million. Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things. Also used symbolically in the Bible'. The note from the Morrish Bible Dictionary is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols'. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolical meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:17 about the word forty. The functional definition for this word is: 'This number is symbolically associated with the judgment of God'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:4; 11:2; 13:5; 14:1; 14:3; 21:17.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. The functional definition for this word is: 'Someone who has less physical or spiritual maturity than the speaker. This word has considerable latitude of meaning in Scripture. Thus, Joseph is called a child at the time when he was probably about sixteen years of age (Ge 37:3); and Benjamin is so called when he was above thirty years (Ge 44:20)'.. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S9 about the phrase children of Abraham. The functional definition is: 'The Jews claimed to be children of Abraham but Jesus said that the true children of Abraham would have his faith'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C8S14; God in Romans : Romans C4S12 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase children of God. Please also see the note for Galatians 4:19-20 about the phrase my little children. Please also see the note for Mark 2:19 about the phrase children of the bridechamber. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of disobedience. The functional definition is: 'Saved people who live a life of disobedience to God'. Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of wrath. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 2:14; 2:23; 7:4; 12:2; 12:4; 12:5; 12:13; 21:12.

Please see the note for Luke 1:16 about the word Israel. The functional definition for this word is: 'The name for Jacob when he was acting spiritual and the name for his descendants'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:7-8 about the phrase children of Israel. Please also see the note for Romans C11S30 about the phrase all Israel shall be saved.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I heard. Re 9:16 an. Re 14:1,3; Ge 15:5; Ro 9:27; 11:5-6 exp: Re 21:17. all. Eze 47:13; 48:19,31; Zec 9:1; Mt 19:28; Lu 22:30; Ac 26:7; Jas 1:1 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.'.

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C7-S4 through C7-S15 (Verses 5-8) the identity of the tribes which were sealed.
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

These sentences name the particular tribes of the children of Israel who were sealed by God to be His witnesses during the great tribulation.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about these sentences in the note for the prior sentence. My note, above, also explains why the tribes listed here is different from where they are listed elsewhere in the word of God.

Please see the note for Matthew 24:29 about the word tribe. The functional definition for this word is: 'A family, race or series of generations, descending from the same progenitor and kept distinct, as in the case of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob.'.

Juda is one of the tribes of Jews. Please see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This name occurs in Ezr 5:8 for the territory of Judah; in Da 5:13 the same is called JEWRY. In the N.T. the name at times refers to a much larger district, including all south of about 32 5' N with the plain on the west border of the land to mount Carmel as generally shown on N.T. maps. the land was thus divided by Rome, with Samaria in the centre, and Galilee in the north. In Lu 3:1 Judaea embraces the above and Samaria; but in other passages a smaller area than the above is implied. Ac 12:19 speaks of Herod going down from Judaea to Caesarea, whereas Caesarea would be part of the Judaea of the Romans. Paul, in Ga 1:22; 1Th 2:14, speaks of the 'churches of Judaea' which would seem to embrace the whole of Palestine. the context will almost always show the extent of the district intended. It is called JEWRY in Lu 23:5; Joh 7:1.'. the functional definition is: 'The area of land generally associated with the Southern Kingdom and religious control by Jewish rulers but which varies in size from one reference to another'.

Juda is one of the tribes of Jews. Please see the note for Luke 2:36-37 about Asher / Aser. The functional definition for this name is: 'Eighth son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. The signification of the name is happy'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:42 about the word twelve. Morrish Bible Dictionary defines NUMBERS AS SYMBOLS as: 'TWELVE. Completeness administratively, that is, in what is set forth or displayed manward. (The first most divisible of the earlier numbers.) there were twelve patriarchs, ancestors of the twelve tribes, who are commemorated in the twelve loaves on the table, the twelve stones in the breastplate and twelve names on the shoulders of the high priest; the twelve stones taken out of Jordan, and the twelve stones placed in the bed of the river; also in the woman with a crown of twelve stars. Re 12:1. through the twelve apostles the Lord fed the hungry multitudes. the twelve apostles will sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes. Mt 19:28. the new Jerusalem will have twelve foundations for its walls with the names of the twelve apostles; it will have twelve gates, consisting of twelve pearls, with the names of the twelve tribes inscribed, the gates will be attended by twelve angels. Re 21:12-21. there are twelve hours in the day, in which the children of light may walk. Joh 11:9. the flexibility of administrative perfection may be seen in: Six-twos: Two apostles in each of the six companies sent to preach. Two-sixes: Six loaves in each of the two rows of showbread. three-fours: Four rows of three names each on the breastplate. Four- threes: three gates on each of the four sides of the new Jerusalem'. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word Benjamin. The functional definition for this word is: 'A son of Jacob and the father of one of the tribes of Jews. The contrast between the warlike character of the tribe and the peaceful image of its progenitor comes out in many scattered notices'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'tribe of Juda. Ex 1:2-4; Nu 1:4-15; 10:14-27; 13:4-16; 1Co 2:1-2 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.
General references. exp: Ex 1:1
Aser. Lu 2:36 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.
General references. exp: Ex 1:1.
Simeon. Nu 1:22; 25:14; 26:14; Jos 19:1; Jg 1:3 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.
Levi. Ge 29:34; 35:23; 49:5; Ex 6:16 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.
Issachar. Ge 30:18; 35:23; 49:11; Jos 19:17 General references. exp: Ex 1:1.'.

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C7-S16 (Verse 9-10) the witness of all of the beings in Heaven.

First Step: What John noticed next.

After this I beheld,
and,
lo,
a great multitude,
which no man could number,
of all nations,
and kindreds,
and people,
and ongues,
stood before the throne,
and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes,
and palms in their hands;.

Second Step: their praise.

And cried with a loud voice,
saying,
Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb .

Some people believe that these are 'tribulation saints'. I disagree, but neither opinion can be proven from what the word of God says. However, our sentence says that there are: a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and ongues. During the great tribulation, it will be mainly, but not only, Jews who are saved. In addition, while there will be a great many people saved at that time, i personally doubt if it will be a great multitude, which no man could number. In addition, the same source says that another part of this Bible book is speaking about 'tribulation saints' when the context clearly limits that reference to the hundred and forty and four thousand. Finally, we are well past the 'Rapture' and, I believe, also past the judgment seat of Christ. So, I believe that the people in Heaven, who are praising God as expressed in our Second Step, are all of the saved in Heaven. We already read, once, that all beings in Heaven and every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them gave a similar praise to God and the Lamb. Therefore, I do not believe this this praise is limited to the 'tribulation saints'.

Now, Revelation 7:13 asks: and Revelation 7:13 answers with: . . . . . . .

With that general note, we can now look at the structure of our sentence. Our sentence has two Steps with John first noticing who was praising God and the Lamb, and secondly, he notes the specifics of their praise. In their praise, they specifically note that true Biblical salvation comes from our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Too many people try to limit salvation to Jesus. The word of God tells us that God the Father, God the Holy Ghost, God the Son as Lord, God the Son as Jesus, and God the Son as Christ, each have a part in true salvation and that the part of each is different. This sentence recognizes that truth.

As we keep seeing all throughout Revelation, the saved worship God and the Lamb. Here it specifically says that they worshipped God and unto the Lamb because of Salvation. Notice that these people were clothed with white robes. This is a reference to Revelation 3:5 and Revelation 3:18 where Jesus Christ promised white raiment to those who overcometh and that He would not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. So, obviously, there is more to this promise than what a lot of people think.

There are several places where saved people who overcometh are promised white robes, like these people in Heaven are promised. Please see the Section on Promises in the Significant New Testament Events Study about promises made to saved people who overcometh.

Please see 1:14 for references to every place where the word white is used in this book. With the exception of the being on a white horse, who was sent to deceive lost people, every other reference to the word white is used for spiritually pure and associated with spiritually clean.

This sentence appears to picture a Heavenly version of the worship found in Luke 19:28-48. (Note: worship with palms in both cases.) In Luke, the disciples were the ones worshipping while the religious lost crowd complained out of jealousy because they were not part of the worship. In Revelation 7, these saved people are worshipping and there is no indication of others in Heaven participating and there are other places in Revelation where one group worshipped and others were excluded (Revelation 14:3). In addition, this verse follows Revelation 7:1-8 where the servants of our God are sealed so that a distinction can be made between them and other men. Further, these two events (Revelation 7:1-8 and 7:9-15) are linked with the word After that starts Revelation 7:9. That is, the events of Revelation 7:9-15 could not happen until After Revelation 7:1-8 was completed. (This is explained more below.) So, the context gives reason to believe that this is a special worship that only the saved people are allowed to participate in. (Angels and heavenly beasts are excluded because they were not saved.) Also, please note that the next sentence (Revelation 7:11-12) says that the angels joined in, but only in agreement and after the worship by these saved people.

Returning to Luke 19:28-48, we see the disciples worshipping in anticipation of Christ coming as their King and them receiving the reward that they believed God had promised them. Likewise, this verse tells us how these saved people worshipped God and the Lamb for their past salvation but they also worshipped for the promises of future events.

The word beheld is the past-tense form of the word behold. Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the note for Luke 18:28 about the word lo. The functional definition for this word is: 'exclaim. Look; see; behold; observe. this word is used to excite particular attention in a hearer to some object of sight, or subject of discourse. Lo, here is Christ. Matt 24. Lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13'.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Re 7:9; 17:15; 19:6.

Please see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word nation. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government; as the English nation; the French nation. It often happens that many nations are subject to one government; in which case, the word nation usually denotes a body of people speaking the same language, or a body that has formerly been under a distinct government, but has been conquered, or incorporated with a larger nation. thus, the empire of Russia comprehends many nations, as did formerly the Roman and Persian empires. Nation, as its etymology imports, originally denoted a family or race of men descended from a common progenitor, like tribe, but by emigration, conquest and intermixture of men of different families, this distinction is in most countries lost'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:61 about the word kindred. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. from kin, kind. 1. Relation by birth; consanguinity. Like her, of equal kindred to the throne. 2. Relation by marriage; affinity. 3. Relatives by blood or marriage, more properly the former. thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred. Gen.26. 4. Relation; suit; connection in kind.
KIN'DRED, a. Related; congenial; of the like nature or properties; as kindred souls; kindred skies'.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:9 about the word people. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. populus. 1. the body of persons who compose a community, town, city or nation. We say, the people of a town; the people of London or Paris; the English people. in this sense, the word is not used in the plural, but it comprehends all classes of inhabitants, considered as a collective body, or any portion of the inhabitants of a city or country. 2. the vulgar; the mass of illiterate persons. The knowing artist may judge better than the people. 3. the commonalty, as distinct from men of rank. Myself shall mount the rostrum in his favor, And strive to gain his pardon from the people. 4. Persons of a particular class; a part of a nation or community; as country people. 5. Persons in general; any persons indefinitely; like on in French, and man in Saxon. People were tempted to lend by great premiums and large interest. 6. A collection or community of animals. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer. Prov.30. 7. When people signified a separate nation or tribe, it has the plural number. Thou must prophesy again before many peoples. Rev.10. 8. In Scripture, fathers or kindred. Gen.25. 9. the Gentiles. --To him shall the gathering of the people be. Gen.49.
PEOPLE, v.t. to stock with inhabitants. Emigrants from Europe have peopled the United States'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S8; 1Corinthians 14:2 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word tongue. The functional definition for this word is: 'a human language'. Please also see the note in Acts 2:6 about the word language.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word throne. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a royal chair or seat of dignity (De 17:18; 2Sa 7:13; Ps 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1Sa 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Ne 3:7; Ps 122:5. the throne of Solomon is described at length in 1Ki 10:18-20'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:2-3 about the word clothed. The functional definition for this word is: 'Covered with garments; dressed; invested; furnished with clothing'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:36 about the word white. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as 'a symbol of purity (2Ch 5:12; Ps 51:7; Isa 1:18; Re 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment "white as the light" (Mt 17:2, etc.)'.

Please see the note for John 19:2 about the word robe. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. A kind of gown or long loose garment worn over other dress, particularly by persons in elevated stations. the robe is properly a dress of state or dignity, as of princes, judges, priests, etc. See Ex. 29:55. 1Sam. 24:4. Matt. 27:28. 2. A splendid female gown or garment. 2Sam. 13. 3. An elegant dress; splendid attire. 4. In Scripture, the vesture of purity or righteousness, and of happiness. Job 29. Luke 15.
ROBE, v.t. 1. to put on a robe; or to dress with magnificence; to array. 2. to dress; to invest, as with beauty or elegance; as fields robed with green. Such was his power over the expression of his countenance, that he could in an instant shake off the sternness of winter, and robe it in the brightest smiles of spring'.

We need to be careful and distinguish between when the word of God speaks about the palms of hands and palm trees. in this sentence, we are told that they held branches of palm trees in their hands. The phrase; palm trees, occurs 33 times in the word of God but only here, and John 12:13, in the new Testament. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines palm trees as: '(Heb tamar), the date-palm characteristic of Palestine. It is described as "flourishing" (Ps 92:12), tall (Song 7:7), "upright" (Jer 10:5). Its branches are a symbol of victory (Re 7:9). "Rising with slender stem 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen." the whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., "the land of palms." Tadmor in the desert was called by the Greeks and Romans Palmyra, i.e., "the city of palms." the finest specimens of this tree grew at Jericho (De 34:3) and Engedi and along the banks of the Jordan. Branches of the palm tree were carried at the feast of Tabernacles (Le 23:40). At our Lord's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem the crowds took palm branches, and went forth to meet him, crying, "Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Mt 21:8; Joh 12:13)'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 for links to every place in that epistle where we find the word salvation along with definitions from three different dictionaries and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'to exclude. When used spiritually, it means to exclude from the damned by having God's life in you. When used physically, it means to exclude from what is endangering physical life'. As we see in the Bible and in this book, our continuing spiritual growth, and our sanctification is part of true Biblical salvation. Please see the note for Main Menu item for Salvation about the word save. Please also see the notes for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase non-saving belief Please also see verses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of Saviour. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'a great. Ge 49:10; Ps 2:8; 22:27; 72:7-11; 76:4; 77:2; 98:3; 110:2-3; 117; Isa 2:2-3; 49:6-8; 60:1-14; Jer 3:17; 16:19; Zec 2:11; 8:20-23; Ro 15:9-12 no man. Re 5:11; 11:15; Ge 13:16; Ho 1:10; Lu 12:1; Ro 11:25; Heb 11:12; 12:22 of all. Re 5:9; Da 4:1; 6:25 stood. Lu 21:36; Eph 6:13 clothed. Re 7:13-14; 3:4-5,18; 4:4; 6:11 exp: Re 19:14. palms. Le 23:40; Joh 12:13 General references. exp: Ge 13:16; Song 6:8; Isa 42:12; Lu 13:29.
cried. Zec 4:7 Salvation. Re 19:1; Ps 3:8; 37:39; 68:19-20; 115:1; Isa 43:11; 45:15,21; Jer 3:23; Ho 13:4; Jon 2:9; Zec 9:9; Lu 3:6; Joh 4:22; Eph 2:8 exp: Ps 27:1. sitteth. Re 4:2-3,9-11; 5:7,13-14; 21:5 unto. Re 4:6,9; 22:3; Joh 1:29,36 General references. exp: Isa 42:12; 43:11; Lu 13:29.'.

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C7-S17 (Verse 11-12) the angels add their worship to the worship of saved people in Heaven.

Equivalent Section: the angels add their own worship.

And all the angels stood round about the throne,
and about the elders and the four beasts,
and fell before the throne on their faces,
and worshiped God,
Saying,
Amen:.

Equivalent Section: What their worship consists of.

Blessing,
and glory,
and wisdom,
and thanksgiving,
and honour,
and power,
and might,
be unto our God for ever and ever.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. This sentence adds the worship of angels the worship of saved people in Heaven, which our prior sentence told us about. However, while the saved worship God, and the Lamb, for salvation, the angels do not worship for that reason because they never experienced true salvation.

In the prior sentence, we read that the saved in Heaven worshipped God and the Lamb. And, our current sentence adds that the angels followed that that their own worship. As the note for our sentence, in the Word Study on Worship, our worship can lead others to worship in response as they realize what God has done.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us who worshipped and the Second Equivalent Section telling us how they worshipped. And, other than thanksgiving, everything mentioned is the Second Equivalent Section is a recognition of the attributes which God already has. They are not giving anything to God which He does not already have but are recognizing His worth. This is a true part of true worship.

In our First Equivalent Section, we see that the angels are not as close to God as the elders and the four beasts are. This shows relative importance but I can not give a doctrinal statement as why this is true. Simply, there is more than one place in the word of God which tells us this. And, I believe, understanding why this is so will have to wait until we get to Heaven.

Notice that the first word of their worship, which is reported, is: Amen. They can not worship God for personal salvation but they can agree with the worship of saved people because they saw it happen.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The saint’s worship stimulates and inspires worship from all the angels. So moved are these divine beings at such a display of faith and praise and sacrifice that the angels can’t help but worship the magnificent God. Notice they surround all in the throne room, they are around the throne, around the 24 elders, around the 4 beasts, an untold number of thousands upon thousands upon thousands of angels fall down on their faces and give praise to God, for does it not say all the angels? What a sight to see, all of the angels, legions of angels, worshiping and praising God. they were inspired to worship because of the tribulation saint’s worship. How inspired do you think John was to worship when he saw this? Isn’t it something that the martyrs begin to worship, then the angels worship because of them, and my question is does my worship, your worship, inspire others to worship? Does our glorifying of God cause others to glory in Him?'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The true Biblical definition for this word is: 'An older saved person within the church who has Godly wisdom and is accepted as a leader in the church even if he has no formal position within the church'. Please be careful about this definition as there are several wrong religious definitions which are strongly held by people including 'Good, Godly, fundamental, KJV only Baptists'. In addition, many man-written dictionaries have different definitions, and many of those have parts that did not match the Biblical usage.

The four beasts of Revelation are described in Revelation 4:6-8. Please see the notes for those sentences about their descriptions and the symbolism involved in those descriptions. We find the four beasts of Revelation mentioned in: 4:6; 4:8; 5:6; 5:8; 5:14; 6:1; 6:6; 7:11-12; 14:2-3; 15:7 and 19:4.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'To drop from a higher place; to descend by the power of gravity alone. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse; ripe fruits fall from trees; an ox falls into a pit. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10. 2. to drop from an erect posture. I fell at his feet to worship him. Rev. 19'. The word fell is the past-tense form of the word fall.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

This Amen provides the second saying that is needed to let us know that the doctrine of what was just written is something that all saved are to accept. Please also see the note for Revelation 3:14 because we are told that a title for our Lord Jesus Christ is: the Amen. Please also see the Significant Gospel Events for this, and other, Minor Titles of the Son of God.

Please see the notes for Galatians C3-S10 about the word bless. In particular, please see the note for Galatians which explains why the commonly accepted dictionary definition is wrong. The functional definition for this word is: 'receiving, or wishing another to receive, the spiritual good from God which produces spiritual joy even while it might make us less happy in the flesh'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition for this word is: 'bright, shining. Glory, then, is brightness, splendor. the L. floreo, to blossom, to flower, to flourish, is probably of the same family. 1. Brightness; luster; splendor'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S12 about the word wisdom. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. s as z. G. See Wise. 1. the right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. this is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. I differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus. Wisdom gained by experience, is of inestimable value. It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom; that they will yield every thing to reason, and refuse every thing to force. 2. In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences. Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7. 3. Quickness of intellect; readiness of apprehension; dexterity in execution; as the wisdom of Bezaleel and Aholiab. Exodus 31. 4. Natural instinct and sagacity. Job 39. 5. In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. this is the wisdom which is from above. Psalm 90. Job 28. 6. Profitable words or doctrine. Psalm 37. the wisdom of this world, mere human erudition; or the carnal policy of men, their craft and artifices in promoting their temporal interests; called also fleshly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2. 2 Corinthi and 1. the wisdom of words, artificial or affected eloquence; or learning displayed in teaching. 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 '. Please also see the notes for Romans C16S23 and 1Corinthians C1S12 about the word wise. The functional definition for this word is: 'people who exercise true wisdom'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the word thank. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines thank as: 'v.t. 1. to express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed. We are bound to thank God always for you. 2 thess 1. Joab bowed himself and thanked the king. 2 Sam.14. 2. It is used ironically. Weigh the danger with the doubtful bliss, And thank yourself, if aught should fall amiss'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word honour. The functional definition for this word is: 'To revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission, and perform relative duties to'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word dishonour.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'The primary sense of the verb is to strain, to exert force. 1. In a philosophical sense, the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength' Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. . The functional definition for this word is: 'aving great bodily strength or physical power; very strong or vigorous; as a mighty arm'. Please see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

The phrase ever and ever has the same application as the word everlasting except that it seems to never end as opposed to actually never ending. Please see the note for Luke 16:9 about the word everlasting. The functional definition for this word is: 'ever and lasting. Lasting or enduring for ever; eternal; existing or continuing without end; immortal'. Please see the note for 1:6 for links to where this phrase and this word are used in this Bible book.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'all. Re 4:6; 5:11-13; 19:4-6; Ps 103:20-21; 148:1-2 and fell. Re 11:16 and worshipped. Re 4:10; 15:4; 19:4; 22:9; Ps 45:11; 97:7; Mt 4:10; Joh 5:23; Heb 1:6 General references. exp: Nu 14:5; Isa 42:12; 43:11; Re 11:16.
Amen. Re 1:18; 5:13-14; 19:4; Ps 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:48; Mt 6:13; Jude 1:25 Blessing. Re 5:12-13 thanksgiving. Ne 12:8,46; Ps 50:14; 95:2; 100:4; 107:22; 116:17; 147:7; Isa 51:3; Jer 33:9,11; Jon 2:9; 2Co 4:15; 9:11-12; Col 2:7; 3:17 General references. exp: Isa 42:12; 43:11.'.

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C7-S18 (Verse 12) Amen

in this sentence we read that John agrees with all that he has witnessed.

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C7-S19 (Verse 13) An elder points out something for John to report.

And one of the elders answered,
saying unto me,
What are these which are arrayed in white robes?.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Our sentence is telling us that this elder is adding this question after the angels worshiped. He was involved in worship before the angels worshiped, but now he is finished and pointing this thing out to John.

The note for Revelation 7:9-10 explained how that sentence and this sentence could both be talking about the 'tribulation saints' or, that sentence could be talking about all saved in heaven and this sentence speaks about a separated sub-group within the larger group of all saved. I initially believed the one interpretation but switched to the other when I did a more detailed and deeper study. Either opinion is just as valid and not something to get in an argument over.

Our sentence starts with the phrase: And one of the elders answered. This sentence is a response to the worship by the angels. in this sentence, the elder is turning John's attention to something which he should report. And, what he should report actually goes through the4 end of this chapter.

Now, he could have told John to pay attention to the group which he pointed out, but he asked a question instead. And, as we have seen many other places in the word of God, God has people ask a question when he wants us to truly think about the subject before responding to it. People often respond before that think when someone says a statement but people also tend to stop and think before responding to a question. Thus, God wanted John, and us, to think about what the remainder of this chapter says so that it will affect our own personal service to God and God's kingdom while we are in this physical life.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'In v13 we see one of the 24 elders approach John and ask him if he knows who these are that are standing before the throne praising God dressed in white robes, and John answers he does not know, so the elder tells him exactly who they are, these are they that have victory thru the blood of Jesus Christ, those who have believed in the Lamb during great tribulation due to the preaching of the 144,000. these are believers of the post-church age that have washed their blackened sinful robes in the crimson red blood of Jesus Christ and made them white as snow, pure and holy and righteous all because of Jesus. Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person; as, "I have called and ye have not answered'.

Please see the note for Luke 12:27 about the word array. The functional definition for this word is: 'Set in order, or in lines; arranged in order for attack or defense; dressed; adorned by dress; impaneled, as a jury; enveloped'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:13; 17:4; 19:8.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'one. Re 4:4,10; 5:5,11 exp: Da 7:16. arrayed. Re 7:9 General references. exp: Zec 3:3.'.

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C7-S20 (Verse 13) the elder adds another question to think about.
and whence came they?

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. The prior sentence was presented as a question to make John, and us, think before responding. This sentence adds another question for the same reason. Both questions, and their answers, are tied together and need to be answered as a single unit.

This question was added to make John, and us, realize that they came from some different place than the rest of saved people in Heaven. Therefore, they are special because of where they came fRomans they will be treated as special by God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for Luke 13:25-26 about the word whence. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. From what place. Whence and what art thou? 2. From what source. Whence shall we derive hope? Whence comes this honor? Whence hath this man this wisdom? Matthew 13. 3. From which premises, principles or facts. these facts or principles are admitted, whence it follows, that judgment must be entered for the plaintiff. 4. How; by what way or means. Mark 12. 5. In general, from which person, cause, place, principle or circumstance. From whence may be considered as tautological, from being implied in whence; but the use is well authorized, and in some cases the use of it seems to give force or beauty to the phrase. We ascended the mountain, from whence we took a view of the beautiful plains below'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'whence. Ge 16:8; Jg 13:6; Joh 7:28 General references. exp: Zec 3:3.'.

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C7-S21 (Verse 14) John admits that he does not know the answers.

And I said unto him,
Sir,
thou knowest.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. The elder, obviously, realized that John did not know the answer. But, the answer was important to understand. Therefore, He asked John two questions to make him, and us, think about what he was going to say. This is because there is an important doctrinal lesson here that many saved people do not realize and that many more have been taught to deny.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 7:13.

Please see the note for Matthew 21:30 about the word sir. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In Ge 43:20 the word is adon, often translated 'Lord.' In the Acts (except in Ac 16:30) the word is 'man,' and is used as a term of respect. In all other places in the N.T. the word is commonly translated 'Lord': in these cases the context determines how it should be rendered'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; 2Corinthians C1S5; Galatians C3-S9; Colossians C1S3 and know in 1John about the word know. The word knew is the past-tense form of the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans 6:3 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. Please also see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'thou. Ex 37:3 General references. exp: Ge 22:8; Le 15:5,21; Zec 3:3; Mt 5:4.'.

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C7-S22 (Verse 14) the elder explains why these saved people are special.

And he said to me,
These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes,
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb .

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Both sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Here, and in the next two sentences, the elder explains the message that he wanted John, andus, to think about and understand. God uses this elder to explain to John, and us, that there are special rewards for saved people who remain faithful to Gofd and His kingdom, in spite of having to endure great suffering. That is the doctrinal message of these sentences. Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to access the note, in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, which explains the special blessings which these particular saved people received. And, realize that other saved people in Heaven did not receive these special blessings.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood. The functional definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the phrase blood of Christ. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about the phrase Christ and blood.

Please see the notes for Romans C5S2 and Romans C8S37 about the word tribulation. Webster's 1828 dictionary this word as: 'n. L. tribulo, to thrash, to beat. Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution'. The note for Romans C5S2 shows every place in the Bible where We find this word along with a small note for every reference. As noted there, this definition matches what we find in the Bible, but does not come close to showing the other important doctrines of the Bible such as the fact that tribulation is God's will for all saved people.

Please see the note for Titus 3:4-7 about the word washing. The functional definition for this word is: 'Cleansing with water; purifying; overflowing; overspreading.
WASHING, n. 1. the act of cleansing with water; ablution. Hebrews 9. 2. A wash; or the clothes washed'. This verb is often used symbolically for: 'spiritual removal of sin and the influence of sin by Jesus Christ'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'came. Re 2:9; 6:9-11; 15:2; 17:6; Joh 16:33; Ac 14:22; Ro 5:3; 2Th 1:4 exp: Joh 19:34. and have. Re 1:5; Isa 1:18; Zec 3:3-5; 13:1; Joh 13:8-14; 1Co 6:11; Eph 5:26-27; Heb 9:14; 1Jo 1:7 the blood. Re 5:9; 12:11; Heb 13:12; 1Pe 1:19 General references. exp: Ge 22:8; Le 15:5,21; Zec 3:3; Mt 5:4.'.

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C7-S23 (Verse 15) the results of their sacrifice.

Equivalent Section: they are always directly serving God the Father.

Therefore are they before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple:.

Equivalent Section: God the Father lives with them.

and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

These 'tribulation saints' were martyred after the 'Rapture' and after the end of the 'Church Age' and when people were back under the Mosaic Law and directly serving God the Father. Therefore, as our sentence says, they directly serve God the Father. I am not sure what the difference is between their position and those who directly serve the Son of God, because both have the same character. However, they are two different Beings of the same God and while we can not understand everything that the word of God, says, we can accept and believe it.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Like the redeemed of the church age, the tribulation age saints are saved for a purpose, saved to serve the Lord. these saints are rewarded for their faith, bestowed upon them is a position of high honor, they serve before the throne of God, these faithful who gave it all get to be the closest to God on His throne and serve him day and night. the devil gave them his worst while they were on earth but God will give them His best when they are in heaven. What a wonderful picture of God rewarding enduring unfailing faith.
And a most marvelous thing is stated at the end of v15, this verse states that not only will these saints be before the throne but that God shall dwell among them. this word “dwell” actually means that God will spread His tabernacle over them, thus reminding us of when Israel marched out of Egypt and God was with them in the pillar of a cloud and of fire. After Israel was given the instructions to build the tabernacle and institute the Law, God dwelled amongst them, He tabernacled with them. the same idea is given about the Lord Jesus in the 1st chapter of John where we read John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Here Jesus tabernacled or dwelt among us, he was present with us in the temple of his flesh, his glory was seen and manifested, we saw the glory of God and his grace in the form of Christ. And here the tribulation saints get to see the grace of God all about them as He will be with them and they with Him for all eternity. Where on earth they had fear and insecurity, they will now have eternal security, victory and divine protection. We see this fulfilled in the future with the new heaven and the new earth… Re 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.'.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word therefore. The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the therefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the therefore and seen only in that place. In other words, what follows the therefore is a direct result of what precedes the therefore'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Used symbolically for: 1. Death, a time "when no man can work." Joh 9:4. 2. the moral darkness of the world, in which men sleep and are drunken. 1Th 5:7. 3. the period of Christ's rejection, which is far spent, and the 'day' at hand. Ro 13:12. there will be no night of moral or spiritual darkness in the heavenly Jerusalem. Re 21:25; 22:5'. It is used in this sentence to identify the complete period of time. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord. Please also see the note for Mark 15:38 about the phrase veil of the Temple.

Please see the note for Romans C7S24 about the word dwell. The functional definition for this word is: 'ppr. Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention. DWELL'ING, n. Habitation; place of residence; abode. Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons. Jer.49. 1. Continuance; residence; state of life. thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. Dan.4'. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'are. Re 4:4; 14:3-5; Heb 8:1; 12:2 serve. Re 20:10; 22:5; Ps 134:1-2 exp: 2Ch 30:8. dwell. Re 21:3-4; 22:3; Ex 29:45; 1Ki 6:13; 1Ch 23:25; Ps 68:16-18; Isa 4:5-6; Joh 1:14; 1Co 3:16; 2Co 6:16 General references. exp: Mt 5:4.'.

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C7-S24 (Verse 16) these 'tribulation saints' will live in 'eternal bliss'.

First Step: they will have no physical desires.

They shall hunger no more,
neither thirst any more;.

Second Step: they will have no discomfort.

neither shall the sun light on them,
nor any heat.

This sentence is a paraphrase of Isaiah 49:10.

The 'Health and Welfare Gospel' promises these results to anyone who believes that lie. However, these things are only promised to these martyrs. Others have similar promises, but those promises are not given until after the great white throne judgment, which is more than 1,000 years in the future.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'These saints will never face what they had to face on earth during the tribulation ever again. Remember the third seal brought famine and those that refuse the mark of the beast cannot buy or sell. Re 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. these saints will hunger and starve for their faith on earth, many will perish by starvation or thirst, for the waters of the world, as we will see, will be polluted and poisoned... Re 16:4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. these believers will also be hunted down so they must go and hide out under the heat of the sun and be at the mercy of the environment and outdoors, and with the atmosphere in shambles nothing will protect them from the scorching rays and heat of the sun (note they will suffer but they will not be the ones blaspheming God, these saints accept their lot in life and are just grateful to have been given one last chance to be saved), Re 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Belief in the Lord Jesus during this time will be a death sentence in more ways than just being killed outright, these believers will suffer like never seen before, yet their faith will be rewarded, their acceptance of Jesus will be greatly blessed for the Lamb himself will feed these saints, He will care for them, love them, lead them to fountains of waters. Where in hell a drop of pure cold water will be nonexistent, in heaven these saints will have fountains of it, refreshing, renewing, reviving waters of heaven, and the living water Himself, Jesus will be with them, they will serve him, he will reward them. And their tears, tears that were shed in plenty on earth shall be wiped away forever by God, their fear, sorrow, sadness and terror shall disappear and they will know everlasting joy, love, victory and peace.
What a picture of grace. But we as the church and of the church age should not be jealous of such wonderful treatment of these saints. forwe have been given the blessing of receiving grace thru faith and being able to be a living sacrifice, and be part of the bride of Christ. the church will be rewarded as well as these tribulation saints, but it is far easier now to trust Jesus and live our lives than it will be to do so during the tribulation where those that are saved will have their days or even hours or minutes numbered before they die a tragic death for the Lord. We should be ever grateful for the grace of God during this age of grace. But the wonderful and awe inspiring thing we see is that during the tribulation an untold multitude will choose this very path of faith and martyrdom, and they deserve the blessed rewards they get.'.

Please see the note for Romans C12S18 about the word hunger. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. An uneasy sensation occasioned by the want of food; a craving of food by the stomach; craving appetite. Hunger is not merely want of food, for persons when sick, may abstain long from eating without hunger, or an appetite for food. Hunger therefore is the pain or uneasiness of the stomach of a healthy person, when too long destitute of food. 2. Any strong or eager desire. forhunger of my gold I die. HUN'GER, v.i. to feel the pain or uneasiness which is occasioned by long abstinence from food; to crave food. 1. to desire with great eagerness; to long for. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness. Matt.5'.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S18 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word thirst. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines this word as: 'One of the most powerful natural appetites, the craving for water or other drink. Besides its natural significance, thirst is figuratively used of strong spiritual desire. the soul thirsts for God (Psalms 42:2; 63:1). Jesus meets the soul's thirst with water of life (John 4:13 ff; Joh 6:35; 7:37). It is said of the heavenly bliss, they shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more (Revelation 7:16-17; compare Isaiah 49:10)'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word sun. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ge 1:14 translated "let there be luminaries," literally, "light bearers". Genesis only tells what the sun, moon, and stars are in relation to the earth. When the mists were dispelled, and the seas confined within bounds, the heavenly bodies assumed their natural functions, marking days and nights, seasons and years, and God appoints the sun to rule the day and the moon the night. "Let them be for signs," as eclipses, portents of extraordinary events (Mt 2:2; Lu 21:25) and divine judgments (Joe 2:30; Jer 10:2; Mt 24:29), and indicating the four quarters of the heavens (Ps 50:1) and also the changes in the weather; "and for seasons, days, and years." the sun regulated the length of the Israelite year by the recurrence of Pentecost at a fixed agricultural season, namely, when the grain was ripe'. This word is used symbolically for: 'Our Lord Jesus Christ providing: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, guidance and related gifts which are regarded as being intellectual'.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S15; 2Corinthians 4:3-4 and Ephesians C5S6 about the word light. The functional definition for this word is: 'The spiritual gift from God that overcomes spiritual darkness from sin and Satan. Spiritual light allows us to see and understand things from God's view. Spiritual light allows us to see how to walk, work and live in this world in a Godly way'. Please also see the notes for John 1:9; Romans 13:12; John 8:12 and John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light. Please also see the notes for Light and Darkness in 1John; Romans C13S15 and Hebrews 12:18-24 about the phrase light and darkness. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world. Please also see the note for Luke 17:24 about the word lightning. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:4 about the word enlightened. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:16; 18:23; 21:11; 21:23; 21:24; 22:5.

Please see the note for Matthew 20:11-12 about the word heat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Heat, as a sensation, is the effect produced on the sentient org and of animals, by the passage of caloric, disengaged from surrounding bodies, to the organs. When we touch or approach a hot body, the caloric or heat passes from that body to our org and of feeling, and gives the sensation of heat'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:16 and 16:9.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hunger. Ps 42:2; 63:1; 143:6; Isa 41:17; 49:10; 65:13; Mt 5:6; Lu 1:53; 6:21; Joh 4:14 the sun. Re 21:4; Ps 121:6; Song 1:6; Isa 4:5-6; 25:4; 32:2; Jon 4:8; Mt 13:6,21; Mr 4:6,17; Jas 1:11 General references. exp: Ps 107:9; Mt 5:4.'.

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C7-S25 (Verse 17) Why these 'tribulation saints' will be in 'eternal bliss' starting at this time.

Equivalent Section: the Lamb of God will give them special treatment.

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:.

Equivalent Section: God does this now for them but not others in Heaven for another 1,000 years.

and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Be careful about this sentence. many people want to apply it to people other than whom is listed in this chapter. Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to access the note for this sentence within the Lord Jesus Christ Study. It identifies promises which are given only to these 'tribulation saints'. Yes, others have similar promises, but those promises are not given until after the great white throne judgment, which is more than 1,000 years in the future.

In addition to what we read in this chapter, Revelation 14:1-5 tells more about their everlasting reward and their character traits which earned them the reward.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for John 20:19 about the word midst. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The middle. there is nothing said or done in the midst of the play, which might not have been placed in the beginning. the phrase, in the midst, often signifies involved in, surrounded or overwhelmed by, or in the thickest part, or in the depths of; as in the midst of afflictions, troubles or cares; in the midst of our contemplations; in the midst of the battle; in the midst of pagan darkness and error; in the midst of Gospel light; in the midst of the ocean; in the midst of civil dissensions. From the midst, from the middle, or from among. Deut.18.
MIDST, adv. In the middle. On earth, join all ye creatures to extol Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end'.

Please see the note for John 21:15 about the word feed. The functional definition for this word is: 'to provide with nutriment. This word is often used for spiritual nourishment which comes from the Bible'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:11 about the word lead (verb). The functional definition for this word is: 'To go before and show the way'.

Please see the note for James 3:11 about the word fountain. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Heb 'ain; i.e., "eye" of the water desert), a natural source of living water. Palestine was a "land of brooks of water, of fountains, and depths that spring out of valleys and hills" (De 8:7; 11:11). these fountains, bright sparkling "eyes" of the desert, are remarkable for their abundance and their beauty, especially on the west of Jordan. All the perennial rivers and streams of the country are supplied from fountains, and depend comparatively little on surface water. "Palestine is a country of mountains and hills, and it abounds in fountains of water. the murmur of these waters is heard in every dell, and the luxuriant foliage which surrounds them is seen in every plain." Besides its rain-water, its cisterns and fountains, Jerusalem had also an abundant supply of water in the magnificent reservoir called "Solomon's Pools" (q.v.), at the head of the Urtas valley, whence it was conveyed to the city by subterrean channels some 10 miles in length. these have all been long ago destroyed, so that no water from the "Pools" now reaches Jerusalem. Only one fountain has been discovered at Jerusalem, the so-called "Virgins's Fountains," in the valley of Kidron; and only one well (Heb beer), the Bir Eyub, also in the valley of Kidron, south of the King's Gardens, which has been dug through the solid rock. the inhabitants of Jerusalem are now mainly dependent on the winter rains, which they store in cisterns. (See Well.)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:17; 8:10; 14:7; 16:4; 21:6.

Please see the note for Luke 3:16 about the word water. The functional definition for this word is: 'The basic liquid of life. It is used symbolically for more than one meaning. Consideration of the context is required in order to determine the usage in any Bible reference'. Please also see the note for John 4:10 about the phrase living waters. Please also see the note for John 7:38 about the phrase rivers of living water.

Please see the note for Luke 7:37-38 about the word wiped. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Rubbed for cleaning; cleaned by rubbing; cleared away; effaced'.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away. The functional definition for this word is: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 7:17; 12:15; 16:20; 17:3; 20:11; 21:1; 21:4; 21:10; 22:19.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S4 about the word tears. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Tears are the limpid fluid secreted by the lacrymal gland, and appearing in the eyes, or flowing from them. A tear, in the singular, is a drop or a small quantity of that fluid. Tears are excited by passions, particularly by grief. this fluid is also called forth by any injury done to the eye. It serves to moisten the cornea and preserve its transparency, and to remove any dust or fine substance that enters the eye and gives pain'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word eye. The functional definition for this word is: ' the organ of sight or vision; properly, the globe or ball movable in the orbit'. Man written dictionary definitions, for this word, have multiple applications presented as definitions, which leads to doctrinal error when people use those applications to build Bible doctrine. Please also see the note for John 12:45 about the phrase eyes to see.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'in the. Re 5:6 feed. Ps 22:26; 23:1-2,5; 28:9; 36:8; Song 1:7-8; Isa 25:6; 40:11; 49:9; Eze 34:23; Mic 5:4; 7:14; Mt 2:6 (margin) Joh 10:11,14; 21:15-17; Ac 20:28; 1Pe 5:2 exp: Song 6:2. shall lead. Re 21:6; Ps 36:9; Isa 12:3; 30:25; 35:6-7; Jer 2:13; 31:9; Joh 4:11,14; 7:37-38 God. Re 4:11; 21:4; Isa 25:8; 30:19; 35:10; 60:20 General references. exp: Ps 107:9; Isa 41:18; Mt 5:4.'.

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Revelation Chapter 8

links to sentences in this chapter:

C8-S1 (Verse 1), C8-S2 (Verse 2), C8-S3 (Verse 3), C8-S4 (Verse 4), C8-S5 (Verse 5), C8-S6 (Verse 6), C8-S7 (Verse 7), C8-S8 (Verse 8-9), C8-S9 (Verse 10-11), C8-S10 (Verse 12), C8-S11 (Verse 13)'.

Chapter Summary:

Chapter Summary: the start of the seven trumpets judgments.

Our chapter starts the immediate reaction to the last seal being broken, which is silence in Heaven foe a half hour. This is very unusual and required John to report it. Then, there was a ceremony where seven angels are given seven trumpets to sound and announce coming judgment. But, before that, we see an angel-priest offer incense with the prayers of the saints to God for approval, before throwing the censor into the Earth and starting the seven trumpet judgments. The first four of these judgments are reported in this chapter and the last three are reported in the next chapter.

C8-S1 : the immediate reaction to the last seal being broken.
C8-S2 : Seven angels were given seven trumpets.
C8-S3 : Another angel comes to do another job.
C8-S4 : the incense and prayers reached the nose of God.
C8-S5 : the angel sent judgment upon the Earth.
C8-S6 : Now, God will continue His own judgments.
C8-S7 : the first judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment upon comfort.
C8-S8 : the second judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment upon commerce.
C8-S9 : the third judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment of carthnagens (poisons).
C8-S10 : the fourth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment on confidence.
C8-S11 : the warning of worse judgments to come.

C8-S1 (Verse 1) the immediate reaction to the last seal being broken.

And when he had opened the seventh seal,
there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Think about this. Why would John report it unless this truth is very unusual and very important? Here, we have a change in the phase of these judgments. As bad as the prior judgments have been, the next judgments will be worse. Back in Revelation 6:8, we read that power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Now, starting in this chapter, we start reading of destruction being applied to thirds. Thirds are more than quarters. So, we need to pay attention to the amount of destruction being brought by further judgments.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'When the Lord Jesus opens the 7th and final seal of the book, silence reigns supreme in heaven for thirty minutes. there is silence in a place where there is always activity and singing and worship. the praises of the redeemed and the angels all go silent almost in anticipation of what will come next. We have seen what has happened with the last 6 seals, so what will take place now that the Lord has opened the final seal, what will happen to the earth now? Everyone waits with bated breath. this is very much the quiet before the storm for following will be revealed all the judgments of God upon those who have spurned His salvation. During this time of silence seven angels appear before the throne and are each given a trumpet.'.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes. to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or cover and set open; as, to open a door or gate; to open a desk'.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:34 about the word seven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Ge 2:2-3). the division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. this number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. "Jacob's seven years' service to Laban; Pharaoh's seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number" (see Le 25:4; 1Sa 2:5; Ps 12:6; 79:12; Pr 26:16; Isa 4:1; Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4). the feast of Passover (Ex 12:15-16), the feast of Weeks (De 16:9), of Tabernacles (De 13:15), and the Jubilee (Le 25:8), were all ordered by seven. Seven is the number of sacrifice (2Ch 29:21; Job 42:8), of purification and consecration (Le 27:34,34; 8:11,33; 14:9,51), of forgiveness (Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4), of reward (De 28:7; 1Sa 2:5), and of punishment (Le 26:21,24,28; De 28:25). It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Pr 26:16,25; Isa 4:1; Mt 12:45. It is used also to mean "abundantly" (Ge 4:15,24; Le 26:24; Ps 79:12'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:1 about the word seventy.

Please see the note for Matthew 22:34 about the word silence. The functional definition for this word is: 'n a general sense, stillness, or entire absence of sound or noise; as the silence of midnight to oblige to hold the peace; to restrain from noise or speaking.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of Heaven. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in Heaven. Please also see the Message called Laying up Treasure in Heaven. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in Heaven. There are 57 references to this word just in this Bible book. Therefore, this note does not provide links to all of them.

Please see the note for Revelation 2:21 about the word space. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. spatium, space; spatior, to wander. this word is probably formed on the root of pateo. 1. Room; extension. Space in the abstract, is mere extension. Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion. 2. Any quantity of extension. In relation to bodies, space is the interval between any two or more object' as the space between two stars or two hills the quantity of space or extent between bodies, constitutes their distance form each other. 3. the distance or interval between lines; as in books. the space in music are named as well as the lines. 4. Quantity of time; also, the interval between two points of time. Nine times the space that measures day and God may defer his judgment for a time, and give a people a longer space for repentance. 5. A short time; a while. to stay your deadly strife a space. this sense is nearly obsolete.
SPACE, v.t. Among printers, to make space or wider intervals between lines'.

Please see the note for John 2:4 about the word hour. The functional definition for this word is: 'a short period of time relative to the perspective'. Thus, a thousand years can be considered to be an 'a short period of time relative to the perspective'. from the perspective of eternity.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And. Re 5:1,9; 6:1,3,5,7,9,12 silence. Job 4:16; Ps 37:7; 62:1 (margin) Hab 2:20; Zec 2:1'.

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C8-S2 (Verse 2) Seven angels were given seven trumpets.

First Step: the angels went and stood before God.

And I saw the seven angels which stood before God;

Second Step: they were each given a trumpet.

and to them were given seven trumpets.

This sentence speaks of a formal ceremony. These angels didn't just wander up there and someone didn't just find convenient angels to give these trumpets to. Remember that we were told, earlier, that all of the angels were outside of the saved who surrounded God's throne. So, these seven had to deliberately come forward. And, each is given a trumpet to sound at the start of a new judgment. They are to bring everyone's attention to the fact that God is bringing a new judgment upon the people who have rejected Jesus as their personal Christ and King.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The results of opening the 7th seal are about to take place, they prepare to sound their trumpets, but wait, we see another angel appear, a special angel, a unique angel before the first trumpet is blown…'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S8 about the word trumpet. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. A wind instrument of music, used chiefly in war and military exercises. It is very useful also at sea, in speaking with ships. there is a speaking trumpet, and a hearing trumpet. they both consist of long tubular bodies, nearly in the form of a parabolic conoid, with wide mouths. the trumpet's loud clangor Excites us to arms. 2. In the military style, a trumpeter. He wisely desired that a trumpet might be first sent for a pass. 3. One who praises or propagates praise, or is the instrument or propagating it. A great politician was pleased to be the trumpet of his praises.
TRUMP'ET, v.t. to publish by sound of trumpet; also, to proclaim; as, to trumpet good tidings. they did nothing but publish and trumpet all the reproaches they could devise against the Irish'. In the Bible, a trumpet was used to announce an important event that God's people were to pay attention to. For example, it announced the start of war and the start of an important worship service.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'seven angels. Re 15:1; 16:1; Mt 18:10; Lu 1:19 trumpets. Re 8:6-12; 9:1,13-14; 11:15; Nu 10:1-10; 2Ch 29:25-28; Am 3:6-8 General references. exp: Re 8:6.'.

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C8-S3 (Verse 3) Another angel comes to do another job.

First Step: the angel came to do his job.

And another angel came and stood at the altar,
having a golden censer;.

Second Step: He did the job of a priest in Heaven.

and there was given unto him much incense,
that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Exodus 25:9 says: According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. Moses was told to make the Tabernacle to match the pl and which God gave him and which matched what is in Heaven. The Temples, which were built later, also followed that plan. Thus, we see a golden altar in Heaven, for offering incense / prayers of the saints. And, we see an angel doing the job which God gave to the Levitical priesthood.

Our current sentence, and the next two, tell us what this angel did. Ceremonially, he showed that the coming judgment was due to God answering the prayers of the saints for God to avenge their wrong treatment. God tells us that vengeance belongs to God in: Deuteronomy 32:35; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalms 94:1-3; Nahum 1:2-3; Romans 3:5-6; Romans 12:19; Romans 13:4 and Hebrews 10:30. in this sentence, we see God fulfill that promise.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'This is no ordinary angel. this angel comes and officiates before the golden altar of heaven and offers incense and presents the prayers of the saints before God. this is an angel-priest, which truly there is no such being. So who is this angel? I’ll quote H. A. Ironside for the answer… “Who is this angel priest? I think you will agree that he can be no created angel. Scripture never speaks of any created angel offering incense with the prayers of saints to make them acceptable to God. throughout the Old Testament, the preincarnate Christ is again and again presented as the Angel of Jehovah. He was the angel who appeared to Abraham; He was the angel who guided the children of Israel; and He was the angel who wrestled with Jacob and put his thigh out of joint by the brook of Peniel. He was the angel who appeared to Moses in the mount when the prophet prayed that he might behold God; He was the angel who appeared to Joshua to lead the people of Israel against their foes in the land of Canaan; and He was the angel of Jehovah again and again manifesting Himself throughout the entire dispensation. In the book of Zechariah, He is the angel-advocate who stands to plead for Joshua the high priest. So we again find Him in the book of revelation presented as an angel-priest who still has a people on earth for whom to plead.” this angel is none other than the Lord Jesus himself, officiating His office as High Priest and Mediator in heaven for his people, for it is he who takes the prayers of the saints and makes intercession on their behalf before God, for it is thru his name, the name of the Son, that we pray thru to the Father. We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and our Savior and it is he who takes our prayers and makes them as they should be before God. 1Ti 2:5 forthere is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
The prayers and the incense that Jesus, the angel of Jehovah, has are a sweet-smelling savor unto God. Included in these prayers are the prayers of the redeemed, remember the 24 elders had prayers, Re 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. He also has the tribulation saints’ imprecatory prayers, where they cried out for God's vengeance, and not to mention those prayers from those that are still upon the earth praying “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” and for Jesus to come quickly. It is these prayers that Jesus is responding to, prayers for judgment upon the wicked, for wrong to be righted, for peace to come to Jerusalem, for the King to return. the Intercessor presents these prayers to God and God sends His answer of judgment upon the earth. the Lord Jesus takes the censer and fills it with the fire of the altar and hurls it to the earth, the answer to all those prayers is coming, and again we see the might and majesty of a holy God in the voices, thunderings, lightnings and earthquakes as judgment is about to break, the storm is upon them. Wrath is about to poured out and so the seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets.
But before we look at the blowing of the first trumpet, let’s talk about trumpets for just a moment. In Numbers ch10 we see that trumpets had three important uses in Israel. they called the people together (Num 10:1-8), they announced war (Num 10:9), and they announced special times (Num 10:10). A trumpet sounded when the Law was given, trumpets were blown when the king was anointed and enthroned, and not to mention the trumpets that sounded when the walls of Jericho fell, they announced judgment upon the city'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S22 about the word altar. The functional definition for this word is: 'any structure of earth (Ex 20:24) or unwrought stone (Ex 20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Also used symbolically for a heart attitude of dedicating a life to the service of God. Used in Heb 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it--the sacrifice Christ offered'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word gold. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A precious metal of a bright yellow color, and the most ductile and malleable of all the metals. It is the heaviest metal except platina; and being a very dense, fixed substance, and not liable to be injured by air, it is well fitted to be used as coin, or a representative of commodities in commerce. Its ductility and malleability render it the most suitable metal for gilding. It is often found native in solid masses, as in Hungary and Peru; though generally in combination with silver, copper or iron. 2. Money. forme, the gold of France did not seduce-- 3. Something pleasing or valuable; as a heart of gold. 4. A bright yellow color; as a flower edged with gold. 5. Riches; wealth. Gold of pleasure, a plant of the genus Myagrum. GOLD, a. Made of gold; consisting of gold; as a gold chain'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:4 about the word censer. The functional definition for this word is: 'The vessel in which incense was presented on "the golden altar" before the Lord in the temple (Ex 30:1-9). The manner in which the censer is to be used is described in Nu 4:14; Le 16:12'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:10 about the word incense. The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the substance used to produce a good smell during worship and the precise manufacture, use and restrictions on use as specified by God's word'. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:11 about the word frankincense.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C8S7 about the word offer. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Presented for acceptance or rejection; presented in worship or devotion; immolated; bid; presented to the eye or the mind'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word pray. The functional definition for this word is: 'talking to God'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Pray for links to papers on prayer.

Please see the notes for Matthew 27:51-53; Romans C16S1; 2Corinthians C1S1 and Colossians C1S1 about the word saint. The functional definition for this word is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'. The note in Romans has links to every place in the New Testament where this word is used along with a short note for each application.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'another. Re 7:2; 10:1; Ge 48:15-16; Ex 3:2-18; Ac 7:30-32 stood. Re 9:13; Ex 30:1-8; 2Ch 26:16-20; Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25 having. Le 16:12; 1Ki 7:50; Heb 9:4 exp: Isa 6:6. much. Le 16:13; Nu 16:46-47; Mal 1:11 offer it with the prayers. or, add it to the prayers. Re 8:4; 5:8; Ps 141:2; Lu 1:10; Heb 4:15-16; 10:19-22; 1Jo 2:1-2 the golden. Re 6:9; 9:13; Ex 37:25-26; 40:26 exp: 2Ch 4:19; Heb 9:4. General references. exp: Ex 37:25; Lu 1:10; Re 8:4.'.

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C8-S4 (Verse 4) the incense and prayers reached the nose of God.

And the smoke of the incense,
which came with the prayers of the saints,
ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Here we see the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God. This means that it received the approval of God before the next sentence where judgment will be brought. Only the prayers which God approves are answered.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:20 about the word smoke. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the exhalation, visible vapor or substance that escapes or is expelled in combustion from the substance burning. It is particularly applied to the volatile matter expelled from vegetable matter, or wood coal, peat, etc. the matter expelled from metallic substances is more generally called fume, fumes. 2. Vapor; water exhalations'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:4; 9:2; 9:3; 9:17; 9:18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9; 18:18; 19:3.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Re 8:3; 15:8; Ex 30:1; Ps 141:2; Lu 1:10 exp: Ex 37:25.'.

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C8-S5 (Verse 5) the angel sent judgment upon the Earth.

Equivalent Section: the angel threw the prayers of the saints into the Earth.

And the angel took the censer,
and filled it with fire of the altar,
and cast it into the earth:.

Equivalent Section: Judgment resulted.

and there were voices,
and thunderings,
and lightnings,
and an earthquake.

Yes, our First Equivalent Section says that the angel took the censer...and cast it into the earth. However, that was just the apparent physical container. By itself, it would not have caused the results. But it also, symbolically and spiritually, contained the prayers of the saints, which God had approved to be answered at that time. Those are what brought the judgment.

In our Second Equivalent Section, we read several words which each is used, symbolically, for judgment from God. Please see the Word Studies, below, for more details on that truth.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 8:3.

The word fill means 'made full'. Please see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the note for James 3:6 about the word fire. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the Bible, it is mainly used symbolically for the presence and judgment of God'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S18 about the phrase coals of fire. Please also see the note for Revelation 19:20 about the phrase lake of fire.

Please see the note for Luke 1:29 about the word cast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'In general "to throw," with various degrees of violence; usually, with force, but not so necessarily, as e.g. in cast a net," cast lots'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the phrase cast down. Please also see the note for Mark 9:28 about the phrase cast out. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people.

Please see the note for John 12:29 about the word thunder. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'And lightning are significant manifestations of the power of God, and emblems of his presence, Ex 19:16; 1Sa 2:10; 12:17; Ps 18:13. thunder is poetically called "the voice of the Lord" in the sublime description of a thunder-storm in Ps 29:11; "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. the voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. the voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; Yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon," etc. See also Job 37:1-5; 40:9; Jer 10:13. In illustration of Ps 29:9, Moffat, while describing the thunder-storms of South Africa, say that the antelopes flee in consternation; and that he has observed the Bechuanas starting off early on the morning following such a storm in quest of young antelopes prematurely born. In Ps 78:48, "hot thunderbolts" means lightning'.

Please see the note for Luke 17:24 about the word lightning. The functional definition for this word is: ''frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Na 1:3-6). thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God's wrath (2Sa 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4; Ps 135:7; 144:6; Zec 9:14). they represent God's glorious and awful majesty (Re 4:5), or some judgment of God on the world (Re 20:9)'.

Please see the note for Revelation 16:18 and Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The first earthquake mentioned is when Elijah was told to stand before the Lord. there passed by a strong wind that rent the rocks, then an earthquake, and fire; but the Lord was not in the earthquake, nor in the fire; but in a still small voice: a lesson for Elijah when he was thinking much of himself. 1Ki 19:11-12. In the days of Uzziah there was a great earthquake, from which the people fled. Am 1:1; Zec 14:5. Josephus (Ant. ix. 10, 4) states that this happened when the king went into the temple and was struck with leprosy. 2Ch 26:16-21. there was an earthquake at the death of the Lord, and the rocks were rent, which drew from the centurion the saying, "Truly this was the Son of God." Mt 27:51,54. there was also a great earthquake at the resurrection of the Lord. Mt 28:2. When Paul and Barnabas were in the prison at Philippi there was a great earthquake that shook the prison, which led to the conversion of the jailer. Ac 16:26. Josephus (Ant. xv. 5, 2) relates the particulars of a dreadful earthquake in Palestine about B.C. 31, when as many as 10,000 of the inhabitants lost their lives. In the future judgments on the earth, earthquakes are often mentioned. Isa 29:6; Mt 24:7; Mr 13:8; Lu 21:11; Re 6:12; 8:5; 11:13,19; 16:18. Symbolically they point to the upheaval of the lower masses of society, overthrowing the social system either partially or entirely.''. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and filled. Re 16; Isa 66:6,14-16; Jer 51:11; Eze 10:2-7; Lu 12:49 into. or, upon. and there. Re 4:5; 11:19; 16:18; 2Sa 22:7-9; Ps 18:13; Isa 30:30; Heb 12:18-19 an. Re 11:13,19; 1Ki 19:11; Isa 29:6; Zec 14:5; Mt 24:7; 27:52-54; Ac 4:31; 16:26'.

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C8-S6 (Verse 6) Now, God will continue His own judgments.
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound

Prior to this, we read about the opening of six seals, and the related judgments. Then, God held off further judgments while He had His angels mark His hundred and forty and four thousand witnesses. We are also told that they all died as martyrs but they also received special everlasting rewards for being true to God and His kingdom even to the point of dying a martyr's death. Then, we sere told that the last seal was broken and, as a result, God brought judgment upon the Earth in response to the prayers of the saints. Thus, up to this point, God has brought judgments upon men who rejected Jesus as their personal Christ and King. He has rewarded those who accepted Him even while in the great tribulation. He has kept His promise to answer the prayers of saints. Now, God is starting to bring judgment on people of the Earth because they chose to follow Satan and his beasts. It is one thing to reject God's Jesus, but it is something else to actively support the known enemy of God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 8:3.

Please see the note for John 19:31 about the words prepare / preparation. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order; as, prepare for dinner'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:6; 9:7; 9:15; 12:6; 16:12; 21:2.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13S1 about the word sound. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines sound as: 'a. L. sanus. 1. Entire; unbroken; not shaky, split or defective; as sound timber. 2. Undecayed; whole; perfect, or not defective; as sound fruit; a sound apple or melon. 3. Unbroken; not bruised or defective; not lacerated or decayed; as a sound limb. 4. Not carious; not decaying; as a sound tooth. 5. Not broken or decayed; not defective; as a sound ship. 6. Whole; entire; unhurt; unmutilated; as a sound body. 7. Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; having all the org and complete and in perfect action; as a sound body; sound health; a sound constitution; a sound man; a sound horse. 8. Founded in truth; firm; strong; valid; solid; that cannot be overthrown or refuted; as sound reasoning; a sound argument; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles. 9. Right; correct; well founded; free form error; orthodox. II Tim 1. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes. Ps. 119. 10. Heavy; laid on with force; as sound strokes; a sound beating. 11. Founded in right and law; legal; valid; not defective; that cannot be overthrown; as a sound title to land; sound justice. 12. Fast; profound; undisturbed; as sound sleep. 13. Perfect, as intellect; not broken or defective; not enfeebled by age or accident; not wild or wandering; not deranged; as a sound mind; a sound understanding or reason.
SOUND, adv. Soundly; heartily. So sound he slept that nought might him awake'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Re 8:2'.

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C8-S7 (Verse 7) the first judgment for supporting Satan and his beast.

Equivalent Section: this judgment is a reminder of the plagues that God brought against Egypt.

The first angel sounded,
and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood,
and they were cast upon the earth:.

Equivalent Section: the results of this judgment.

and the third part of trees was burnt up,
and all green grass was burnt up.

This judgment brings judgment upon their comfort. Men reject God to seek the things of this world and the first thing that they seek is physical comfort. Therefore, that is what God destroys first.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the judgment that God brought and the Second Equivalent Section telling us the results.

God is still giving people symbolic lessons about why things are happening, just in case anyone is paying attention and wants to repent. In the First Equivalent Section, we see things which remind us of the plagues which God brought upon Egypt when they tried to keep God's people from leaving and worshipping God and serving God. And, we just read that the people on Earth had martyred God's hundred and forty and four thousand witnesses rather than let them worship God and serve God.

In Exodus 9:22-25, we read that God brought a judgment of thunder and hail, and the fire while, here, we read that God sends hail and fire mingled. And, n Exodus 7:17-21, we read that God turned all of the waters of Egypt to blood while, here, we read that God there was blood mixed with the hail and fire.

In our Second Equivalent Section, we read the results of this judgment. The phrase: the third part of trees is a greater judgment that the prior judgment that was over the fourth part of the earth (Revelation 6:8). Therefore, joining to Satan, and his cause, brings greater judgment than just rejecting Jesus as your personal Christ and King.

Trees give us fruit, nuts, medicine and other benefits. Further, trees give us shade and protection. In addition, anyone who has spent time where grass is abundant, and also spent time in a desert, knows the significant difference in comfort between the two. So, what we see here is God removing a significant source of comfort, food and medicine.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'First Trumpet. there is no reason given for us to think this description is symbolic, so therefore we take this as literal, as this mimics one of the plagues upon Egypt when Moses was dealing with the Pharaoh. Ex 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. 20 He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: 21 And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field. 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand oward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
When the first trumpet sounds hail, fire and blood rain from the sky, thus burning a third of the trees upon the earth and all the grass. think of the devastation this will cause and how many will die, both animal and man, from the fires and the dwindling food supply. think of the devastating wildfires that have occurred out west, this will be like them but on an even greater scale. this judgment was prophesied by Joel, Joel 2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. What we see is the end result of this trumpet is death.'.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word first. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. furst. See fare and for. 1. Advanced before or further than any other in progression; foremost in place; as the first man in a marching company or troop is the man that precedes all the rest. Hence, 2. Preceding all others in the order of time. Adam was the first man. Cain was the first murderer. Monday was the first day of January. 3. Preceding all others in numbers or a progressive series; the ordinal of one; as, 1 is the first number. 4. Preceding all others in rank, dignity or excellence. Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece. Burke was one of the first geniuses of his age. Give God the first place in your affections. FIRST, adv. furst. 1. Before anything else in the order of time. Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1Tim. 2. 2. Before all others in place or progression. Let the officers enter the gate first. 3. Before anything else in order of proceeding or consideration. First, let us attend to the examination of the witnesses. 4. Before all others in rank. He stands or ranks first in public estimation. At first, at the first, as the beginning or origin. First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end. And all fools and lovers first or last.'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:5-LJC about the word firstbegotten. Please also see the note for Colossians 1:15 about the word firstborn. Please also see the note for Romans C8S21 about the word firstfruits. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Soldiers will usually follow a brave officer'. That note has the definition from Webster's 1828 dictionary and it provides several more applications, if they will help the reader to understand this word. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me.

We find forms of the word hail occurring 38 times in 34 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 26:49; Matthew 27:29; Matthew 28:9; Mark 15:18; Luke 1:28; John 19:3; Revelation 8:7; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 16:21. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Particles of ice falling from the clouds. though hail is usually formed by natural causes not yet perhaps well understood, it is often referred to in scripture as one of the judgments of God. It formed one of the plagues in Egypt. Ex 9:18-34; Ps 78:47-48; 105:32; and is at times connected with fire or lightning. God smote the Amalekites by 'great stones' from heaven. Jos 10:11. the hail is called upon to praise Jehovah, because it fulfills His word. Ps 148:8; Isa 28:2,17; Hag 2:17. It will also form a notable part of the judgments of God in His future dealings with this guilty world. Re 8:7; 11:19; 16:21'. In addition to that definition, this word is also used as a greeting. And, a greeting is used to get someone's attention. Well, we can also say that a judgment of hail, from God, is designed to get people's attention turned to God.

Nave's Topical Bible provides links for the word hail as: 'General scriptures concerning: Job 38:22; Hag 2:17. Plague of, in Egypt: Ex 9:18-29; Ps 78:48; 105:32. Destroys army of the Amorites: Jos 10:11. FIGURATIVE: Isa 28:2; Re 8:7; 11:19; 16:21'.

Please see the note for Matthew 27:33-34 about the word mingle. The functional definition for this word is: 'To be mixed; to be united with. She, when she saw her sister nymphs, suppressed Her rising fears, and mingled with the rest'.

Please see the note for Luke 24:32 about the word burn. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The primary sense is, to rage, to act with violent excitement. 1. to consume with fire; to reduce to ashes by the action of heat or fire; frequently with up; as, to burn up wood. 2. to expel the volatile parts and reduce to charcoal by fire; as, to burn wood into coal. Hence, in popular language, to burn a kiln of wood, is to char the wood. 3. to cleanse of soot by burning; to inflame; as, to burn a chimney; an extensive use of the word. 4. to harden in the fire; to bake or harden by heat; as, to burn bricks or a brick kiln. 5. to scorch; to affect by heat; as, to burn the clothes or the legs by the fire; to burn meat or bread in cookery. 6. to injure by fire; to affect the flesh by heat. 7. to dry up or dissipate; with up; as, to burn up tears. 8. to dry excessively; to cause to wither by heat; as, the sun burns the grass or plants. 9. to heat or inflame; to affect with excessive stimulus; as, ardent spirits burn the stomach. 10. to affect with heat in cookery, so as to give the food a disagreeable taste. Hence the phrase burnt to. 11. to calcine with heat or fire; to expel the volatile matter from substances, so that they are easily pulverized; as, to burn oyster shells, or lime-stone. 12. to affect with excess of heat; as, the fever burns a patient. 13. to subject to the action of fire; to heat or dry; as, to burn colors. to burn up, to consume entirely by fire. to burn out, to burn till the fuel is all consumed.
BURN, v.i. to be on fire; to flame; as, the mount burned with fire. 1. to shine; to sparkle. O prince! O wherefore burn your eyes? 2. to be inflamed with passion or desire; as, to burn with anger or love. 3. to act with destructive violence, as fire. Shall thy wrath burn like fire? 4. to be in commotion; to rage with destructive violence. the groan still deepens and the combat burns. 5. to be heated; to be in a glow; as, the face burns. 6. to be affected with a sensation of heat, pain or acidity; as, the heart burns. 7. to feel excess of heat; as, the flesh burns by a fire; a patient burns with a fever. to burn out, to burn till the fuel is exhausted and the fire ceases.
BURN, n. A hurt or injury of the flesh caused by the action of fire. 1. the operation of burning or baking, as in brickmaking; as, they have a good burn'.

Please see the note for Luke 23:31 about the word green. The functional definition for this word is: 'The color of growing plants; a color composed of blue and yellow rays, which, mixed in different proportions, exhibit a variety of shades; as apple green, meadow green, leek green, etc'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:30 about the word grass. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb hatsir, ripe grass fit for mowing (1Ki 18:5; Job 40:15; Ps 104:14). As the herbage rapidly fades under the scorching sun, it is used as an image of the brevity of human life (Isa 40:6-7; Ps 90:5). In Nu 11:5 this word is rendered "leeks."
(2.) Heb deshe', green grass (Ge 1:11-12; Isa 66:14; De 32:2). "The sickly and forced blades of grass which spring up on the flat plastered roofs of houses in the East are used as an emblem of speedy destruction, because they are small and weak, and because, under the scorching rays of the sun, they soon wither away" (2Ki 19:26; Ps 129:6; Isa 37:27).
The dry stalks of grass were often used as fuel for the oven (Mt 6:30; 13:30; Lu 12:28)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hail. Re 16:21; Ex 9:23-25,33; Jos 10:11; Ps 11:5-6; 18:12-13; 78:47-48; 105:32; Isa 28:2; 29:6; 30:30; 32:19; Eze 13:10-15; 38:22; Mt 7:25-27 cast. Re 16:2 the third. Re 8:9-10,12; 6:8; 9:4; Isa 2:12-13; 10:17-18; Jas 1:11; 1Pe 1:24 exp: Re 8:8. General references. exp: Isa 42:15.'.

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C8-S8 (Verse 8-9) Judgment upon commerce.

Equivalent Section: the cause of this judgment.

And the second angel sounded,
and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea:.

Equivalent Section: Parts of sentence below are steps.

First Step: the sea was changed fro m water.

and the third part of the sea became blood;

Second Step: the change killed the life in them.

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea,
and had life,
died;.

Third Step: the ships in that area were destroyed.

and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

This judgment brings judgment upon their commerce. Men reject God to seek the things of this world and the next thing that they seek, after comfort, is security. And, most men find security in having money in a bank or coming in regularly. That might just be a regular job. But, losing assurance of money to meet the physical needs of life causes considerable stress to most people. Therefore, that is what God destroys next.

By the way, when the Jews left Egypt, Pharaoh went after them because he finally realized ho much the Egyptian economy relied on the Jews doing the jobs that they did. It is easy to overlook what someone does whom you feel is below you. And, like the prior judgment, this also matches a judgment that God brought upon Egypt, even if it is not obvious.

A lot of people fail to realize ho many goods move by ships. The loss of shipping mentioned is enough to destroy the global economy. However, the additional loss of a third part of the sea will upset all shipping lanes and schedules. Sailors will refuse to cross the waters which are turned to blood. In addition, with the third part of the creatures which were in the sea being dead, the air of the entire world will become polluted and cause ships to stay even further away from the stink even if the sailors can not see the water turned to blood.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the cause of this judgment and the Second Equivalent Section telling us the result. As Dr. Jeff Wilson writes below, we can only speculate on the exact details of this judgment because this is not something which has been seen before. And, his speculations are as good as anyone else's speculations. Just remember that these details are not something to argue about. The main thing that God wants us to realize is the results. Where the prior judgment brought a little blood, this judgment brings a lot. And, as mentioned before, the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). Therefore, since these lost men have put life of the flesh at a higher priority than spiritual life, God is symbolically telling them the He will destroy their life of the flesh.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Second Trumpet. Here we see John trying to describe something he is not quite sure how to, for he uses a phrase “as it were”, meaning what he sees isn’t actually a mountain, its not literally a mountain burning with fire, but its like or is similar in size or mass and in effect to a mountain on fire. What he is probably describing is a massive meteor impact, one that enters the earth’s atmosphere and crashes into the sea, either leaving a fiery trail or a massive explosive plume or both. forwhen this object hits the water, the waters become not as blood, but actual blood, much like what happened during another of the plagues upon Egypt. Ex 7:17 thus saith the LORD, in this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. 20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.21 And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. How the water is turned to blood here I do not know, either by a miracle of God or possibly from all the death it is going to cause in the waters, for we see a third of the sea creatures die with this impact along with a third of the sea’s ships. this does not even mention the coastal devastation this will be caused By this happening in the sea, it will most definitely cause tsunamis the world over. Some scientists have debated on what will happen if a large meteor ever struck one of the oceans, and if the projectile is big enough it could cause a tsunami hundreds of feet high. If this happens on the Atlantic think of all the major port cities and harbors that would be engulfed, not to mention smaller islands, and all the lives lost and all the blood shed. Speaking of this water turned to blood, many soldiers who were involved in the D-Day invasion of Normandy spoke of how the waters were turned red with blood, so imagine all the death and tragedy of D-day on an ocean wide scale. Again the end result we see here is death.'.

Please see the note for John 6:3 about the word mountain. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth or adjacent land, but of no definite altitude. We apply mountain to the largest eminences on the globe; but sometimes the word is used for a large hill. In general, mountain denotes an elevation higher and larger than a hill; as the Altaic mountains in Asia, the Alps in Switzerland, the Andes in South America, the Allegheny mountains in Virginia, the Catskill in New York, the White mountains in New Hampshire, and the Green mountains in Vermont. the word is applied to a single elevation, or to an extended range'.

Please also see the note for Colossians 1:9-17 about the word creature. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is created; every being besides the Creator, or every thing not self-existent. the sun, moon and stars; the earth, animals, plants, light, darkness, air, water, etc., are the creatures of God'. Please see the note for Colossians 1:9-17 about the word create. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Formed from nothing; caused to exist; produced; generated; invested with a new character; formed into new combinations, with a peculiar shape, constitution and properties; renewed'. Please also see the note for Revelation 4:11-LJC about the phrase God created us. Please also see the note for Romans 1:20-21 about the word creation. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:19 about the word Creator.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word ship. The functional definition for this word is: 'For the most part, in the Bible, these are now called fishing boats. However, at times, including every sentence in Revelation, this word includes all types of boats which go on the sea'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:9; 18:17; 18:19.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:10 about the word destroyer. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'destroy as 'v.t. L. to pile, to build. 1. to demolish; to pull down; to separate the parts of an edifice, the union of which is necessary to constitute the thing; as, to destroy a house or temple; to destroy a fortification. 2. to ruin; to annihilate a thing by demolishing or by burning; as, to destroy a city. 3. to ruin; to bring to naught; to annihilate; as, to destroy a theory or scheme; to destroy a government; to destroy influence. 4. to lay waste; to make desolate. Go up against this land, and destroy it. Is. 36. 5. to kill; to slay; to extirpate; applied to men or other animals. Ye shall destroy all this people. Num. 32. All the wicked will he destroy. Ps. 145. 6. to take away; to cause to cease; to put an end to; as, pain destroys happiness. that the body of sin might be destroyed. Rom 6. 7. to kill; to eat; to devour; to consume. Birds destroy insects. Hawks destroy chickens. 8. In general, to put an end to; to annihilate a thing or the form in which it exists. An army is destroyed by slaughter, capture or dispersion; a forest, by the ax, or by fire; towns, by fire or inundation, etc. 9. In chimistry, to resolve a body into its parts or elements'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and as. Jer 51:25; Mr 11:23 burning. Am 7:4 the third. Re 8:7; 16:3-21; Ex 7:17-21; Eze 14:9 General references. exp: Isa 42:15.
the third part of the creatures. Re 8:7,10,12; 16:3; Ex 7:21; Zec 13:8 the ships. Ps 48:7; Isa 2:16; 23:1 General references. exp: Ex 7:21; Isa 42:15.'.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

C8-S9 (Verse 10-11) the third judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment of carthnagens (poisons).

Equivalent Section: the cause of judgment.

First Step: the result of the angel blowing the trumpet.

And the third angel sounded,
and there fell a great star from heaven,
burning as it were a lamp,
and it fell upon the third part of the rivers,
and upon the fountains of waters;.

Second Step: the character of what this judgment did.

And the name of the star is called Wormwood:.

Equivalent Section: the results of judgment.

First Step: Water was destroyed.

and the third part of the waters became wormwood;

Second Step: Men were poisoned.

and many men died of the waters,
because they were made bitter.

Once more, we can only speculate about the details of the cause while we can see that God tells us the results. Therefore, Go wants us to concentrate on what he has John report to us, which are the results. And, like in the prior sentence, the note from Dr. Jeff Wilson is reasonable speculation about the cause. But, as written before, this is not something to argue about because the best that anyone has is speculation. And, I will speculate here. Reportedly, one fourth of all of the fresh water in the world is contained in the Great Lakes. If marts of this meteorite hit them and then traveled across Europe and Asia or across Africa and elsewhere, these results become understandable. Americ and wonder why they are not mentioned in Armageddon. If this judgment hits America like that, there is a good probability that it will cease to exist as a world power.

Once more, our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the cause and the Second Equivalent Section telling is the result. And, as Dr. Jeff Wilson speculates, there is a very good chance that our First Equivalent Section is describing a giant meteorite which breaks up in the atmosphere and spreads across the world as it hits. And, depending what it is composed of, it can very well poison all of the waters which our sentence warns us about.

Our Second Equivalent Section tells us the results of this judgment and that is what God is more clear about in this sentence. In the First Step, we are told: and the third part of the waters became wormwood. Now, some claim that is something and others claim that it is like the definition below ('This occurs in scripture only in a metaphorical sense'). So, it is not something that we can be positive about today, but we can know that it is extremely bitter, poisonous and can cause death. And, one again, this is another reference to the results of turning away from God to follow false gods (Deuteronomy 29:18). And, as our Second Step tells us that many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter, so also is the result of turning a life to follow devils.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Third Trumpet. Here we have what appears to be a second large meteor entering the earth’s atmosphere, yet this one does not seem to make impact with the earth’s surface, instead it streaks thru the sky and most likely burns up on entry, notice the wording John uses “burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;”. A lamp lights up the night, this meteor lights up the darkened sky, but as it burns up and disintegrates it unleashes toxic gases and particles along its path of trajectory which then fall across a wide area and make their way into the natural water supply, thus affecting a third of the rivers and water reservoirs. Now this star that falls is actually given a name, it is called Wormwood, which is where we get our word absinthe and means undrinkable. Wormwood is also a name of a very poisonous herb which can produce convulsions, paralysis and death. Basically this name means poisonous. And thus this falling star poisons a third of the fresh water upon the earth, so that when men or animals and possibly even marine and plant life partake of it, it kills them, for John says many men died because of these waters because they were made bitter or toxic.
Now I will give you an alternate view of this trumpet judgment, as we know in the Bible a star can also mean an angelic being, and some have theorized since this star is named it is actually a personality, an angel, that poisons the waters and not a meteor. But no matter what Wormwood is, we see once again the end result of this trumpet is more death.
So thus far we have had devastating wars, famine and pestilence, a fourth part of the earth killed by Death and Hell, along with this believers are killed/martyred by the thousands, then the great earthquake happens that moves mountains and islands and probably causes massive tsunamis, such a quake also affecting the atmosphere by blacking out the sun and moon, most likely caused by immense volcanic eruptions which rain down rock and ash and dust, causing substantial devastation, so much so that men cry out to be hid from the wrath of the Lamb. Following this came hail and fire and blood raining down, burning away all the grass and a third of the world’s trees. then a meteor makes impact in the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood, destroying a third of the sea life and a third of the shipping industry. this is followed by a second meteor named Wormwood which burns up in the atmosphere and scatters toxic chemicals over a wide area thus polluting and poisoning a third of the world’s fresh water reservoirs and rivers, slaying many more men. Up to this point there has been death on an untold magnitude, millions if not billions of people have lost their lives, and then the 4th trumpet sounds.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:2 about the word star. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'From the account given of this star it is evident that it was one specially sent for the nativity, for it not only appeared to the Magi in the East, but guided them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and 'stood over' where the young child was. Faith in the power of God dispels all difficulty as to the star. Mt 2:1-10. there were traditions that God would raise up a deliverer, and the Magi may have heard of the O.T. prophecies as to Messiah; but whether this be so or not, God, who provided the star, sent the Magi to find out the King of the Jews, and instructed them not to return to Herod'. In Revelation, the functional meaning of this word is symbolic and means: 'They represent Godly people, the pastors of the churches and our Lord Jesus Christ. Look at the next sentence to see this symbolism explained'.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:1 about the word lamp. The functional definition for this word is: ''the physical source of light which is also used, symbolically, for the physical source of spiritual understanding'.

We find forms of the word river occurring 256 times in 217 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Mark 1:5; John 7:38; Acts 16:13; Revelation 8:10; Revelation 9:14; Revelation 16:4; Revelation 16:12; Revelation 22:1; Revelation 22:2. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb 'aphik, properly the channel or ravine that holds water (2Sa 22:16), translated "brook," "river," "stream," but not necessarily a perennial stream (Eze 6:3; 31:12; 32:6; 34:13). (2.) Heb nahal, in winter a "torrent," in summer a "wady" or valley (Ge 32:23; De 2:24; 3:16; Isa 30:28; La 2:18; Eze 47:9). These winter torrents sometimes come down with great suddenness and with desolating force. A distinguished traveller thus describes his experience in this matter:, "I was encamped in Wady Feiran, near the base of Jebel Serbal, when a tremendous thunderstorm burst upon us. After little more than an hour's rain, the water rose so rapidly in the previously dry wady that I had to run for my life, and with great difficulty succeeded in saving my tent and goods; my boots, which I had not time to pick up, were washed away. In less than two hours a dry desert wady upwards of 300 yards broad was turned into a foaming torrent from 8 to 10 feet deep, roaring and tearing down and bearing everything upon it, tangled masses of tamarisks, hundreds of beautiful palmtrees, scores of sheep and goats, camels and donkeys, and even men, women, and children, for a whole encampment of Arabs was washed away a few miles above me. the storm commenced at five in the evening; at half-past nine the waters were rapidly subsiding, and it was evident that the flood had spent its force." (Comp. Mt 7:27; Lu 6:49.) (3.) Nahar, a "river" continuous and full, a perennial stream, as the Jordan, the Euphrates (Ge 2:10; 15:18; De 1:7; Ps 66:6; Eze 10:15). (4.) Tel'alah, a conduit, or water-course (1Ki 18:32; 2Ki 18:17; 20:20; Job 38:25; Eze 31:4). (5.) Peleg, properly "waters divided", i.e., streams divided, throughout the land (Ps 1:3); "the rivers [i.e., 'divisions'] of waters" (Job 20:17; 29:6; Pr 5:16). (6.) Ye'or, i.e., "great river", probably from an Egyptian word (Aur), commonly applied to the Nile (Ge 41:1-3), but also to other rivers (Job 28:10; Isa 33:21). (7.) Yubhal, "a river" (Jer 17:8), a full flowing stream. (8.) 'Ubhal, "a river" (Da 8:2).'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition for this word is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. In this sentence, this word is used to identify the star and the result that it caused men to have due to their relationship with it'. Please also see the notes for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13 about the words Lord and call.

We find forms of the word wormwood occurring in: Deuteronomy 29:18; Proverbs 5:4; Jeremiah 9:15; Jeremiah 23:15; Lamentations 3:15; Lamentations 3:19; Amos 5:7; Revelation 8:11. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This occurs in scripture only in a metaphorical sense. Turning to idolatry is compared to being a root that beareth gall and wormwood. De 29:18. Some turned 'judgment to wormwood,' probably alluding to the unrighteous judges. Am 5:7. Because of the wickedness of His people, God said He would feed them with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink. Jer 9:15; 23:15. Jeremiah, in lamenting over the condition of Israel, compared it to being drunk with wormwood. La 3:15,19. On the sounding of the third trumpet in the Revelation, a star named Wormwood fell from heaven, and the third part of the waters were turned to wormwood, of which many men died: the moral sources of life will become destructive. Re 8:10-11. there are several species in Palestine: the Artemisia absinthium and A. chinensis are the wormwood of commerce.'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a effect where the cause and effect are both in the past'. This is opposed to the use of the word for, which has a functional definition of: 'provides a effect where the effect is in the past but the effect is in the future'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word cause. Please also see the note for John 15:25 Romans C1S10 about the phrase without cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:75 about the words bitter / bitterly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex 1:14; Ru 1:20; Jer 9:15)'. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and Colossians C3S14 about the word bitterness. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:11; 10:9; 10:10.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'a great. Re 1:20; 6:13; 9:1; 12:4; Isa 14:12; Lu 10:18; Jude 1:13 the fountains. Re 16:4; Ex 7:20-21; Jg 15:11; 2Ki 2:19-22; 2Ch 32:3; Isa 12:3; Ho 13:15-16 General references. exp: Isa 42:15.
Wormwood. De 29:18; Ru 1:20; Pr 5:4; Jer 9:15; 23:15; La 3:5,19; Am 5:7; 6:12; Heb 12:15 many. Ex 15:23 General references. exp: Isa 42:15.'.

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C8-S10 (Verse 12) the fourth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. This brings judgment on confidence.

First Step: the cause of this judgment.

And the fourth angel sounded,
and the third part of the sun was smitten,
and the third part of the moon,
and the third part of the stars;.

Second Step: the result of this judgment.

so as the third part of them was darkened,
and the day shone not for a third part of it,
and the night likewise.

Once more, our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the cause and the Second Equivalent Section telling is the result. Now, people might wonder why I write that this brings judgment on confidence. John 3:19 says: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Men love darkness rather than light because they are confident that they can hide their sin in darkness. However, they can not do that if their darkness becomes blindness. And, the concluding phrase of: the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise means that men are, effectively, blind for one third of the time unless they can create artificial light. And, while men can do that it is limited, especially when compared to sunlight. In addition, men worry about what other evil men will do in the increased darkness.

Remember that the men left on the Earth have rejected Jesus as their Christ and King. They are full of pride and positive that they can 'make it' without God and without His appointed Lord to tell them what to do. Now, this judgment will shake the confidence of the most proud. It is one thing to eliminate the sum, but to cut its power by one third takes far more power and control than elimination. Therefore, this judgment is designed to humble the most proud.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Fourth Trumpet. Where the previous trumpets affected the land, the sea and fresh water, this trumpet affects the world over for it affects the heavenly bodies. this could be more atmospheric effects, such as gas, ash, smoke, etc. totally blocking out the sky, or it could be other orbiting meteors eclipsing the heavenly bodies, or even the earth’s rotation or orbit could have been altered from all the previous judgments. But no matter what the cause, we see light and warmth further diminished. Much like the darkness that plagued Egypt (and remember Egypt is a type of the world)... Ex 10:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand oward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand oward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:23 they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Here with the 4th trumpet we see it is getting harder to breath, harder to survive, harder to avoid death. No food, no water, no shelter, no growth, animals and men are starving, death is everywhere, shipping and food are scarce, supplies and their distribution are destroyed, vegetation is ruined, no light, no heat. the world is coming to an end. then John sees a peculiar sight.'.

Please see the note for John 18:23 about the word smite. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to strike; to throw, drive or force against, as the fist or hand, a stone or a weapon; to reach with a blow or a weapon; as, to smite one with the fist; to smite with a rod or with a stone. Whoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matt. 5. 2. to kill; to destroy the life of by beating or by weapons of any kind; as, to smite one with the sword, or with an arrow or other engine. David smote Goliath with a sling and a stone. the Philistines were often smitten with great slaughter. this word, like slay, usually or always signification, that of beating, striking, the primitive mode of killing. We never apply it to the destruction of life by poison, by accident or by legal execution. 3. to blast; to destroy life; as by a stroke or by something sent. the flax and the barley were smitten. Ex. 9. 4. to afflict; to chasten; to punish. Let us not mistake God's goodness, nor imagine, because he smites us, that we are forsaken by him. 5. to strike or affect with passion. See what the charms that smite the simple heart. Smit with the love of sister arts we came'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:12; 11:6; 19:15.

Please see the note for Mark 13:24-25 about the word moon. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S9 about the phrase new moon. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'heb. yareah, from its paleness (Ezr 6:15), and lebanah, the "white" (Song 6:10; Isa 24:23), was appointed by the Creator to be with the sun "for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years" (Ge 1:14-16). A lunation was among the Jews the period of a month, and several of their festivals were held on the day of the new moon. It is frequently referred to along with the sun (Jos 10:12; Ps 72:5,7,17; 89:36-37; Ec 12:2; Isa 24:23, etc.), and also by itself (Ps 8:3; 121:6).
The great brilliance of the moon in Eastern countries led to its being early an object of idolatrous worship (De 4:19; 17:3; Job 31:26), a form of idolatry against which the Jews were warned (De 4:19; 17:3). they, however, fell into this idolatry, and offered incense (2Ki 23:5; Jer 8:2), and also cakes of honey, to the moon (Jer 7:18; 44:17-19,25)'.

Please see the notes for Romans 13:12 and John 8:12 about the word darkness. The functional definition for this word is: 'symbolically represent everything which opposes the light from God. It is a lack of spiritual light and guidance from God and includes the lust of the flesh, the way of the world, the pride of life and the guidance of a devil'. Symbolically, light is used to represent 'the influence of God' while darkness is used to represent 'the influence of all that opposes God'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:12; 9:2; 16:10.

The word shone is the past-tense form of the word shine. Please see the note for Matthew 5:16 about the word shine. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit lightness or splendor; as, the sun shines by day; the moon shines by night. Shining differs from sparkling, glistening, glittering, as it usually implies a steady radiation or emission of light, whereas the latter words usually imply irregular or interrupted radiation. this distinction is not always not always observed, and we may say, the fixed stars shine, as well as they sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. 2. to be bright; to be lively and animated; to be brilliant. Let thine eyes shine forth in their full luster. Denham. 3. to be unclouded; as, the moon shines'. The word shineth. means: 'An ongoing lifestyle shining'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the word liken. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'To compare; to represent as resembling or similar. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, that built his house on a rock. Matt. 6'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Resemblance in form; similitude. the picture is a good likeness of the original. 2. Resemblance; form; external appearance. Guard against an enemy in the likeness of a friend. 3. One that resembles another; a copy; a counterpart. I took you for your likeness, Chloe. 4. An image, picture or statue, resembling a person or thing. Ex. 20'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:5-6 about the word likeminded. word also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Please also see the note for Mark 4:16-17 about the word likewise.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and the third part of the sun. Re 16:8-9; Isa 13:10; 24:23; Jer 4:23; Eze 32:7-8; Joe 2:10,31; Am 8:9; Mt 24:29; 27:45; Mr 13:24; 15:33; Lu 21:25; 23:44-45; Ac 2:20 and the day. Ex 10:21-23; 2Co 4:4; 2Th 2:9-12 General references. exp: Isa 13:10; 42:15.'.

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C8-S11 (Verse 13) the warning of worse judgments to come.

And I beheld,
and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice,
Woe,
woe,
woe,
to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels,
which are yet to sound!.

Our sentence starts with: I beheld. John paid close attention to the announcement so that he could report it to us. And, as bad as the prior judgments were, this announcement says that the rest will be much worse.

Our sentence continues with telling us that there was an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice. Thus, God wanted to be sure that everyone in heaven realized what was coming next. And, our sentence ends with his announcement which was: Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

In the middle of our sentence we read: Woe, woe, woe. These are not just the same word said three times. Revelation 9:1 says: the fifth angel sounded and it is the start of the first woe. Then, Revelation 9:12 says: One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. And, in the next sentence we read: the sixth angel sounded and it is the start of the second woe. Then Revelation 11:14 tells us: The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.. The sentence after that tells us: the seventh angel sounded. Then Revelation 12:12 says Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!. Then we have the seven vials of God's wrath poured out and the Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! appears to continue through the 'Sheep and Goat Judgment'. when Christ sends all sinners to Hell.

Please note that, in the note below, Dr. Jeff Wilson makes it clear that he believes that the hundred and forty four thousand Jewish witnesses are still on Earth and the souls under the altar, in the prior chapter, are different people. Others believe that the souls under the altar, in the prior chapter, are hundred and forty four Jewish witnesses. With the ambiguity that is in this book either can be true.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Woe, Woe, Woe, this is a warning to all the inhabitants of the earth, there has been such terrible catastrophe yet there are three more trumpets to come and what they unleash will be worse than all that has transpired thus far. But isn’t it odd that the world gets this warning? Not really when you think that God even in His wrath and judgment is still merciful. forupon the earth are still the sealed 144,000, protected from the tragic events and they are still preaching. they are still spreading the good news, still offering hope where there seems to be none. there is still time for those who are still alive to accept the Lord Jesus before its too late.'.

Please see the note for Luke 6:47-48 about the word flying. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'FLYING, ppr. 1. Moving in air by means of wings; passing rapidly; springing; bursting; avoiding. 2. a. Floating; waving; as flying colors. 3. a. Moving; light, and suited for prompt motion; as a flying camp. Flying colors, a phrase expressing triumph'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:17 about the word woe. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'A declaration of 'woe' on man is frequently found in scripture. It is especially pronounced on those who have had privileges and have not answered to them. In the Prophets there are many woes against Israel and Judah, and also against the nations which had to do with Israel. the Lord when on earth pronounced woes upon those who should have been the leaders of His people. the Revelation shows that God's 'woes' will fall with mighty power on those denounced. Re 18:13; etc'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:13; 9:12 11:14 12:12.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:10 about the word reason. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination. I have reasons which I may choose not to disclose. You ask me my reasons. I freely give my reasons. the judge assigns good reasons for his opinion, reasons which justify his decision'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 8:13; 9:2; 18:19.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'flying. Re 14:3,6; 19:17; Ps 103:20; Heb 1:14 Woe. Re 9:1,12; 11:14; Eze 2:10 exp: Jer 13:27; Eze 16:23; Ho 7:13; Re 12:12. General references. exp: Re 11:14.'.

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Interpretive Study of Revelation 7-8

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation Chapter 7

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter Summary: God's special treatment of 'tribulation saints'.

Revelation Chapter 8

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter Summary:

Chapter Summary: the start of the seven trumpets judgments.

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