Revelation

Glossary Of Terms

Chapter 1

Revelation: The opening word in the Greek text is “apokalypsis” or “apocalypse”, which means “revelation.” It is a book which reveals heavenly truths to humans. See the article on Apocalyptic literature for more information.

Soon Take Place - At Hand: The book says the same toward its end (22:6). There is a urgency in the revelation and its message was originally directed to the seven churches. These phrases have to be ignored in order to place the events of the revelation hundreds of years beyond its original readers.

Seven: The number seven is found 55 times in the book. It gives structure to the book as evidenced by the seven seals, bowls, and trumpets and it contributes greatly to the symbolism of the book. The number seven had a special significance in Judaism with the completion of creation on the seventh day or Sabbath. Seven likely carries the symbolic idea of completeness or perfection in Revelation.

“...who is, and was, and is to come”: this phrase is used three times in the book with reference to God (1:4, 8; 4:8). God’s activity in the world encompassed the past, includes the present, and will be manifested in the future. This has some similar characteristics to the concept of God described to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14 - “I am who I am” or “I will be who I will be”).

Seven Spirits: This phrase seems to be connected to Zechariah 4:2, 6, 10, which would indicate that it refers to the all seeing Spirit of God and God’s activity and presence in the world.

Faithful Witness: Jesus was faithful to God in the face of death. He was the martyr who was raised from the dead. Those who will later be sealed are willing to follow the Lamb wherever he goes (14:4). “Witness” and “testimony” will be terms used to describe martyrs in Revelation.

Ruler of the kings of the earth: It is important to note that this is said of Jesus prior to any judgments in the book and prior to the fall of Babylon (Rome). Jesus received his universal authority at his resurrection and ascension (Ephesians 1:20-22), not with the fall of Babylon. When you read later that the kingdom of the world had become the kingdom of Jesus (11:15), it does not mean that somehow the authority he received at the resurrection and ascension had been given up or taken away by Rome. God did not appear to reign in the days prior to the flood in Genesis. Psalm 29:10 states that God reigned at the flood and will reign forever. The flood was an earthly manifestation of what was always true. God reigned over his creation before, during, and after the flood. A similar concept is stated in Rev. 11:17. There it states God had taken his power and begun to reign. Surely there is never a time in which the sovereign creator of the universe does not reign. Such texts speak of an earthly manifestation of the heavenly reality. From an earthly view, it appeared Rome was sovereign. Revelation gives us the heavenly view. Jesus is king and God is sovereign. Jesus reigned while the Caesars sat on their earthly thrones and he will reign until he gives the kingdom back to the Father after the last enemy death is conquered (1 Cor. 15:21-26).

Alpha and Omega: The use of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet proclaim the eternal sovereignty and limitless power of God. See also Isaiah 44:6. Jesus, having the same attributes of power and majesty is also referred to as the first and last (1:17).

Seven Churches: Although John later addresses seven real churches in Asia, the choice of seven churches is probably for the purpose of staying with the symbolism of sevens. The choice of seven churches may also be symbolic for all the churches. Thus this book was (and is) for all the churches.

Asia: This was a Roman province in what is now Turkey. It was a rich province and its culture was closely connected to Rome and emperor worship. It would have been a difficult place to maintain faith.

Seven Golden Lampstands: These lampstands represent the seven churches (1:20). They are to be a witness or light to the world. See Zechariah 4:1-14.

“..one like a son of man”: One like a son of man is also seen in Daniel seven where a human like figure received dominion from the Ancient One. Here, Jesus is the one like a son of man who is powerful and triumphant (sword in his mouth) and who has overcome death (keys of Death and Hades). Don’t get too caught up in every aspect of the image. See the glory, power, and majesty intended in the picture of Jesus.

Chapter 2

Note: Notice that in the beginning comments to each church, Jesus is described with one of the images given of him in Revelation 1:12-18 For example, in 2:8 Jesus is the one who was dead but came to life just as he is described in 1:18.

Angels of the churches: They were introduced in 1:20. Revelation does not give any interpretation of these figures as it did with the seven lamptstands. The answer may be found in other apocalyptic literature. In Daniel 10, a heavenly being in human form (probably the angel Gabriel: Daniel 8:16;9:21) appeared to Daniel. He told Daniel how the prince of Persia had opposed him and how the angel Michael had helped him. He went on to talk about having to continue to struggle with the prince of Persia and then having to do the same with the prince of Greece. Persia and Greece were nations that ruled over Palestine after Babylon. From this text, we see what some call a spiritual mirroring of earthly realities. The spiritual realm had its counterparts (princes of Persia and Greece and angels Gabriel and Michael) to the earthly kingdoms of Persia, Greece, and Palestine. As Palestine struggled on the earth with the domination of Persia and Greece, there was also war in heaven. The angels in Revelation are probably the spiritual counterparts to the churches addressed in the book. So things written to the angels were written to the churches.

Remove your lampstand: Churches are represented by a lampstand (1:20) among which Jesus walks (2:1). To be removed would mean Jesus would no longer be in their midst.

Nicolaitans: It is thought by many that these were false teachers who promoted sexual promiscuity and used grace as an excuse to sin.

Tree of life: This image comes from the garden of Eden in Gen. 2 and will be mentioned again in Rev. 22:2,14,19. It speaks of God’s provision.

Synagogue of Satan: This text is addressing Jews who did not come to faith in Jesus and who openly opposed Christianity. Although they claimed to be a synagogue of God they were viewed by John as a synagogue of Satan because of their opposition to Jesus.

Ten Days: This phrase is used to convey a short period of time and not necessarily exactly ten days.

Crown of Life: Victors in athletic competition received a crown made of laurel or other vegetation. Believers who remained true to their faith in the midst of opposition would be given a victor’s crown.

Second Death: Those who remain faithful will be a part of the resurrection while the enemies of God and his kingdom will experience God’s judgment, a second death (20:6, 14).

Satan’s Throne In Pergamum: Pergamum had many impressive buildings including shrines and temples dedicated to pagan worship. Believers were tempted to worship pagan gods and at times the Roman emperors as well. There was a strong temptation to assimilate their lives into the pagan culture around them. Sometimes, assimilation was the only way to avoid persecution or death.

Antipas: An otherwise unknown believer who, like Jesus, remained faithful unto death.

Balaam: In Numbers 24 and 31, Balak commissioned the prophet Balaam to curse Israel while in the wilderness. God would not allow Balaam to curse Israel, but instructed Balak how Israel could be enticed to sin (sexual immorality and idolatry) so that God’s wrath would come upon them. Balaam is a symbol for those who counsel God’s people to compromise with the world.

Hidden Manna: Manna was the food provided by God during the wilderness wanderings of Israel. Jewish tradition believed God would again miraculously provide manna in the Messianic kingdom.

White Stones: Some suggest the image of these stones comes from stones used by jurors when voting to acquit a person on trial or used as entrance tickets to banquets. There will be a marriage feast later. White is often a color associated with victory.

New Name: Often in scripture faithful people received new names as an indication of a new character or status (Saul to Paul, Simon to Peter). Here it comes from remaining faithful in the midst of persecution.

Eyes Like Fire and Feet Like Bronze: These are images of power. See the image of the man Daniel saw in Daniel 10. In Daniel, the man was the angel Gabriel (8:16; 9:21). Notice Daniel’s response to the vision in verses 7-11. Compare Daniel’s response to that of John in Revelation 1:17.

Jezebel: Jezebel was the wife of Ahab king of Israel (1 Kings 16). Having come from a nation who worshipped Baal (Sidon), she led Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality. Like Balaam, she stands for people who lead believers away from allegiance to God and into assimilation with the world.

Throw Her On A Bed: This may have reference to a sickbed, indicating God would punish her with illness. Notice, the purpose was to bring about repentance.

Rod Of Iron: Messianic power and authority (Psalm 2).

Morning star: Jesus will later be described as the morning star (Rev. 22:16). Here, John is using the ancient world’s view of the morning star Venus, which symbolized sovereignty. In the previous sentence, Jesus proclaimed he had received authority from the Father. This is most likely, therefore, a promise that those who conquer (stand firm in their faith) would reign with Christ (5:10; 20:6; 22:5).

Chapter 3

Dressed in white: This is the dress of those who have conquered through martyrdom (Rev. 6:11; 7:9,13-14).

Key Of David: This refers to Jesus as the holy one who has the authority of King David. Here, he has the authority to determine who can enter the kingdom of God. For Jesus’ kingship and its relationship with David see Acts 2:24-36; 13:33-36. See Isaiah 22:22 where God gave the key of the house of David to Eliakim as an example of receiving authority.

Pillar In The Temple: This is a secure place of prominence in the kingdom.

Name Of God Written On Them: Those who have the name of God, are those who remain faithful in the midst of trial and who therefore belong to God. Those with the name of God are distinguished from those who have the mark or name of the beast (13:17; 14:11).

The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: Amen means true or valid. Jesus was the ultimate expression of one who was faithful and obedient to the point of death. He withstood the temptation of Satan to be glorified without the cross (Matt. 4:1ff; 26:42). He was also the agent of God’s work of creation (Colossians 1:15-20; John 1:2, 3).

Wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked: Laodicea was a materially prosperous city. The items mentioned in verse 18 probably related to the wealth of Laodicea. Although they were wealthy in material things, it could not keep them from being naked and blind spiritually. In contrast, Smyrna was spiritually rich but poor materially.

Place on my throne: After Jesus conquered, he was exalted to the right hand of the throne of God (Eph. 1:20-22). Those who conquer are promised they will share in his reign (5:10; 20:6; 22:5).

Chapter 4

The Throne: John was transported (carried in the Spirit) to the heavenly throne room of God. The throne of God is prevalent through Revelation as an expression of the authority and power of God. This is similar to Isaiah’s experience (Isaiah 6) and Ezekiel’s experience (Ezekiel. 1-2). Before believers decide whether they are going to assimilate into the pagan culture around them or maintain their allegiance with God, they need to know who is on the throne. “Throne” is found 12 times in this chapter. God’s throne is mentioned 41 times in Revelation.

Jasper and Carnelian: These are beautiful stones or minerals which express the splendor and glory of God.

Twenty-four Elders: The identity of the twenty-four elders is not clear. They wore the robes and crowns that are promised to martyred believers. They may represent all martyred believers. Twenty-four may relate to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The names of both are written on the gates and foundation of the new Jerusalem (21:12-14). Some also suggest these are angelic attendants of God. Don’t miss the main point, which is what they are doing. They are praising and serving God.

Seven Spirits: See comments in Chapter 1.

Lightning and Thunder: This sounds like the effect God had on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). The picture is one of power. See also 1 Kings 19:1-10.

Sea Of Glass: In Hebrew tradition, as well as nonbiblical ancient Near Eastern concepts of the world, the sea was a place of chaos and evil. This idea is seen in the phrase “formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep” in Gen. 1:1,2, and in the image of the raging or roaring sea in Psalm 65:6-7 and 89:9. The point of the previous texts is that God has the power to control the sea of chaos. The sea will play an important role in the book. Out of it a beast will come (chap. 13) and at the end of the book when evil is defeated, the sea will be no more (chap. 21).

Four Living Creatures: The same creatures are found in Ezekiel 1. Comparisons are often made with the cherubim of Exodus 25:17-22, whose wings were spread out over the ark of the covenant’s mercy-seat, and the seraphs of Isaiah 6. Based on information which comes from similar images of ancient Near Eastern deities, these may be God’s throne bearers (Psalm 18:10; 2 Samuel 22:11). Although many attempts are made to assign some specific meaning to each of the four creatures (lion, ox, human, eagle), there is no biblical text which assigns any such meaning. What we do know is that they are always close to the throne serving and leading in the worship of God (7:1, 11; 15:7).

Holy, holy, holy: The same proclamation made in Isaiah 6:3.

Created all things: God’s sovereignty is connected with his creative power. In Isa. 45 (see verses 12 and 18), God’s creative power was proclaimed as proof he could use the Persian king Cyrus to bring Israel out of captivity and restore them to their land. God is creator (Psalm 33:6-7), therefore he “brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples (v. 10).”

Note: Revelation makes some audacious claims. It demands that people (believers and unbelievers) repent. It makes threats of judgment. It gives tremendous promises to the faithful. It does so at a time when everything one’s physical senses could experience should lead to the conclusion that Rome really was the sovereign power. For believers to maintain their allegiance to God, they had to believe their God was glorious, powerful, and sovereign over all creation.

Chapter 5

Scroll: The scroll contains God’s plan for addressing evil and the persecution of his people. Jeremiah was told to write on a scroll judgments against Israel and Judah (Jer. 36). He was later told to write on a scroll judgments against Babylon. For the use of a scroll in a section of apocalyptic literature, see Zechariah 5:1-5. Zechariah saw a scroll that would enter a wicked person’s house and set it on fire.

Who is worthy?: The fact that no one in heaven was able to open the book, heightens the drama and exalts the stature of the one who is worthy.

Lamb: An image of the passover lamb (Ex. 12).

Lion of the tribe of Judah: See Gen. 49:9-10; Matt. 2:6.

Root of David: See Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5; 2 Timothy 2:8.

Conquered: Jesus conquered through his death, burial and resurrection (Acts 2:31-36;

Phil. 2:1-11). At that time, he sat down at the right hand of God and was given universal authority (Ephesians 1:20-22).

Seven Horns, Eyes, and Spirits: Horns represent power and the eyes and spirits have previously been identified as God’s presence and knowledge. This description of Jesus sets up a comparison with the dragon (12:3) and the beast (13:1). Jesus, the Lamb, has God’s power and is therefore worthy to open the scroll.

New Song: See Psalm 33:3; 40:3; Isa. 42:10.

Slaughtered: The same word is used of martyrs (6:9; 18:24).

Made to be a kingdom and priests: Israel was a priestly kingdom (Exodus 19:6).

Will reign on earth: There are variant readings in the Greek manuscripts on the word translated, “will reign.” It may read in the future tense as shown here or it may read in the present tense (“they reign on earth”). Even if the future tense is to be preferred, it does not have to mean that saints were not reigning prior to the fall of the dragon and the beast. If Jesus is king as stated in Rev. 1:5, his followers reign with him. In 20:6, it says of the martyrs that they “will be priests.” This does not mean they were not priests prior to being martyred (1 Peter 2:5-9). There are times when an already existing truth is vindicated by an action of God on the earth. The true position of saints will be manifested when the dragon and the beast are destroyed. See comments on “ruler of the kings of the earth” in Chapter 1.

Worthy: Jesus is worthy because of his redemptive death. Notice that “slaughtered” is used in two verses which proclaim his worthiness (vv. 9,12).

Chapter 6: The Seven S eals

Before you start this section: The most difficult part of the rest of Revelation is that we look at this literature with a 21st century, Western mindset. We want literature to flow in a linear, sequential, and chronological fashion. The ancient Near East world did not look at literature or life exactly the way we do and they certainly did not look at this style of literature the way many tend to look at it. They were very familiar with this style of literature, understood its images, and knew the sources for the images. It has been suggested that Revelation is like walking through an art gallery. You see a picture, then you walk down the hall and see another picture. We don’t know how long a period of time was involved in John receiving these visions. It could have been over a period of days or even months. Something similar may be found in Chapters 4 and 5 of Ezekiel. In those chapters, Ezekiel performs four one act plays to show what would happen to Jerusalem. They are all a little different but teach the same basic truths. Revelation has a number of pictures which teach the same basic truths. God will punish the wicked and will protect and reward his people. The pictures in Revelation are emphatic not sequential or chronological. The truths are stated boldly. For an example of the difficulties one has when trying to make this material literal and sequential, see the third and sixth bowls of Chapter 16. The third bowl turned all the rivers to blood (v. 4), yet when the sixth bowl is revealed there is water in the Euphrates river (v. 12). Don’t get caught up in looking for a linear, sequential, and chronological flow. See the images. Look for the truths in the pictures.

An example from the parables: The way parables have sometimes been allegorized rather than interpreted as Jesus intended, is an example of how Revelation should not be read. For example, following Augustine’s lead, some have seen every image of the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10) as having special meaning. Such interpretations see the innkeeper as Paul, the inn as the church, the next day as the resurrection, etc. Just as allegorizing takes away from the intended meaning of the parables, interpretations in Revelation of stars as modern missiles, or locust as modern helicopters, or mountains falling from the sky as atomic bombs take away from the intended teachings of the visions in Revelation. Revelation uses graphic imagery from the OT showing God’s power to use the natural world and to bring judgment upon his rebellious creation. It uses graphic images to portray the power and Herod that evil does bring into the world.

Note: There are three sets of seven judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls). In Leviticus 26:14-39, we find the sevenfold punishments of God (vv. 18,21,24,28). Judgments in Leviticus which are similar to those in Revelation include judgments which effect the sky and earth (26:19), diminish the food supply (26:20,26), bring wild beasts (26:22), and unleash a sword (26:33). Although not repeated exactly, Revelation uses the image of the sevenfold judgments found in Leviticus. The way God had dealt with evil in the past would be the same way he would deal with it in the future.

The Four Horses: These first four seals reveal the tools God has at his disposal to bring judgment upon the wicked. The source for this image comes from Zechariah 1:7-17 and 6:1-8. In the first Zechariah text, there are only three horses. They are sent out to report on the status of the earth. The vision gives assurance that the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and announces God’s anger toward the nations that rose up against Judah. In the second Zechariah text, there are four chariots pulled by four horses which are the same color as the ones in Revelation, except for one being gray rather than green. As with the other scene in Zechariah, they are also sent out to patrol the earth. As is often the case in apocalyptic literature, the images are changed to fit current circumstances. This illustrates that the images used from the OT in Revelation are not to be considered fulfillments of the OT texts. One writer is using familiar language from another writer to express the truths being revealed. In these seals, the sovereignty of God over all of life is proclaimed. God has the power to produce war, strife, famine, and death to accomplish his will. These four seals are described in very brief terms, just like the first four trumpets and bowls which are later in the book.

First Seal - White Horse: This horse goes forth in military conquest. Jesus is pictured riding on a white horse in 19:11-21. Therefore, some see Jesus in this verse as well, but others point out that the color of the horse is the only similarity between the texts. It seems the best fit for the context is to relate it to the other three horses which bring judgment in different ways. This is probably symbolic of external military attacks upon the enemy of God’s people. Some make a connection between this horse and the Parthians who were renowned for their archery skill while on horseback. They were a major nemesis of the Romans. They are very likely the nation intended to be thought of in Rev. 16:12 where the kings from the east are mentioned. There are a number of OT texts which speak of God using nations and war to accomplish his will. God sent the Babylonians (Chaldeans) against Judah (Jeremiah 20). He sent the Medes against the Babylonians (Isa. 13:17-19).

Second Seal - Red Horse: This horse takes peace from the world which results in people slaughtering one another. In contrast to external threats seen in the first horse, this horse speaks of internal conflict or civil war.

Third Seal - Black Horse: America called the stock market crash that brought on the depression, Black Tuesday. This is not speaking of that event, but it may help us understand the idea of economic disaster or famine. A whole day’s pay would purchase only a quart of wheat. It is not a complete disaster because in the image olive oil and wine are not allowed to be damaged.

Fourth Seal - Pale Green Horse: Here is death in all its forms of sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts. See Ezekiel 5:17 and 14:21 for the OT usage of these four modes of punishment. The punishment is limited to only one-fourth of the earth. God is in control. An illustration of how this style of literature should not be read sequentially and chronologically can be seen in this seal. The judgments here are, for the most part, the same type of judgments seen in the first three seals.

Fifth Seal - Martyrs under the altar: These martyrs are located where much of the OT sacrificial blood was poured, around the base of the altar (Lev. 8:15; 9:9). Their deaths are pictured as sacrifices to God. It was probably hard for believers to see the purpose of their deaths in the plans of God, and so they prayed for God to intervene. Just as war, civil unrest, and economic disaster can be used by God in his war against evil, the deaths of believers can be used for the same purpose. In 12:11, it will be stated that they conquered because of their testimony. As Jesus’ death was God’s way to conquer sin and death, so the death of believers will at times be God’s way of conquering an evil world. Therefore, there was a number that had to be completed and the martyrdom would not stop until God’s purpose was fulfilled.

White robes: These are the clothes of martyrs (3:5; 4:4; 7:14).

Sixth Seal - Sun blackened, stars fell, sky rolled up, mountains removed...: In the OT, God often used the natural world as tools of judgment upon the wicked. For example, the plagues of Egypt. The OT also portrayed the fall of a nation in figurative language by speaking of the destruction of the natural world. See Isaiah 13:1-10; 34:2-4,8-10, and notice that these cataclysmic descriptions concern the fall of ancient Babylon or other ancient nations. The texts are not speaking literally of the destruction of the physical universe. The world did not go dark when Persia defeated Babylon. Such language is used to communicate the complete destruction of God’s enemies and to proclaim God’s sovereignty over his creation (Rev. 10:6). He can use any part of his creation to bring judgment upon the world. For other texts which use the natural world in similar ways see Joel 2:10; 3:15-18; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5; Habakkuk 3:6; Haggai 2:6. For an OT text which is similar to 6:13, see Isa. 34:4.

Kings of the earth: These are the nations who make their allegiance with the dragon (Satan) and the beast (Rome). See Rev. 17:12,18; 18:3,9; 19:19.

Note: Those who chose to follow the beast and therefore, experience the judgment of God are from every status of life (rich, powerful, slave).

Hide us: God’s enemies cannot hide from him (Amos 9:2,3).

Day of their wrath: This is similar to the OT phrase “Day of the Lord,” which is language that speaks of impending judgment (Isa. 13:6,9; Ezek. 13:5; Obadiah 15).

Who is able to stand?: This is the critical question. The first six seals have revealed the wrath God can and will bring upon his enemies. Chapter 7 tells us who is able to stand.

Chapter 7

Four angels holding back the four winds: These angels delay the seventh seal. Wind was frequently the tool of God’s power in the OT (Exodus 10:13; 14:21). The four winds of heaven were used in the imagery of God’s power to bring life to Israel after their Babylonian captivity (Ezekiel 37:9). The image of four winds bringing judgment (as it is used in this text) can be found in Jeremiah 49:36.

Sealed on the forehead: Those who are sealed or marked belong to God and will be protected from God’s judgment. They will be able to stand in the midst of God’s wrath. Israel put the mark of blood on their door posts to protect them from the tenth plague (Exodus 12:1-28). The closest OT connection is found in Ezekiel 9. After showing Ezekiel the sins of Israel, God sent out his executioner into Jerusalem to carry out his wrath. Before the executions began, God had them put a mark on the foreheads of those who mourned the abominations that were being committed. Those marked were protected from God’s judgment. Here is an example of how apocalyptic literature works. Yes, Jerusalem was destroyed, but not by a single man clothed in linen, as is pictured in Ezekiel 9. This mark is not the mark or seal of the Holy Spirit which is given when a person becomes a believer (Ephesians 1:13). This mark is given to people who are already believers and are facing persecution. This is also not to be considered a literal physical mark of some kind. It is apocalyptic imagery and needs to be kept in the context of Revelation.

144,000: Many explanations are given for the number 144,000. That this number is not intended to be taken literally can be seen from the fact that this is not an accurate list of the original twelve tribes. The tribe of Dan is missing and has been replaced by Manasseh (a son of Joseph). It is a symbolic number, using the number twelve, which relates to the number of the tribes of Israel, and using the number one thousand which stands for completeness (Psalm 50:10; 90:4). The 144,000 are the believers on earth who are asking the question, “Who is able to stand (16:17)?” They are in a situation of impending peril and require the marking of God for protection.

Great Multitude: This is a different group from the 144,000. These are martyrs. They have passed through the persecution and are wearing their white robes of victory which were made possible by the blood of the Lamb. They worship before the throne of God night and day. Although they have been martyred, they are standing (v. 9) just like their slaughtered savior (5:6). As a result of their faith, they are given relief from their trials (v. 16).

Chapt er 8

Silence in heaven: The period of silence may be to heighten the anticipation of the events of the seventh seal. The silence is only for a brief period of time, about half an hour.

Seventh seal: Although the first six seals seem to set the reader up for the end of God’s judgments, the seventh seal reveals seven trumpets. Trumpets were sounded before the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and were blown when Israel went to war (Num. 10:9).

Golden Altar: This is the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-3) which stood before the curtain of the Holy of Holies (Ex. 40:26). The incense combined with the prayers of the saints as a sweet aroma to God, assuring their prayers would be heard.

Fire from the altar: Here is an image from Ezekiel 10:2 where a man is commanded to throw burning coals over Jerusalem. It is a picture of judgment.

The First Four Trumpets: Many of the images for the first four trumpets come from the plagues of Egypt. The trumpets and the plagues included hail (Rev. 8:7; Exod. 9:18), water turned to blood (Rev. 8:8; Exod. 7:20), dead fish (Rev. 8:9; Exod. 7:21), darkness (Rev. 8:12; Exod. 10:22), and destroyed plants (Rev. 8:7; Exod. 9:25). These are very similar to the first four bowls of wrath (Chapter 16). All are connected to the statement in 14:7 that God made heaven, earth, the sea, and springs of water.

Second Trumpet - Mountain Falling Into The Sea: The mountain may simply be a picture of God’s power over his creation, showing his ability to use the creation to accomplish his judgment. For judgment language that speaks of a mountain being thrown down, see Ezekiel 38:20. This view fits with the context of God using the natural world, as expressed in the first four trumpets. For this image and the following image, see the notes on the sixth seal in Chapter 6.

Third Trumpet - Star fell from heaven: This is another image of God’s use of his creation to perform his will. As with the mountain, this view fits with the context of God using the natural world, as expressed in the first four trumpets. If this is the image, God would do the opposite of what he did in providing water in the wilderness. See comments on Wormwood.

Wormwood: The star’s name is Wormwood, a bitter poisonous plant. God blessed his people with sweet water in the wilderness (Exod. 15:22-25) but gives his enemies bitter water.

Fourth Trumpet - Their light was darkened; a third of the day was kept from shining: For images of darkness in relationship to divine judgment see Exodus 10:21-23; Amos 8:9; Joel 3:15; Ezekiel 32:7. Here is another example of the absurdity of reading this book literally. The first stated result of God striking the luminaries is described as the light being darkened or diminished. This would be like turning down the dimmer switch in your house. In the next phrase, the result is described as a third of the day and night having no light at all. If taken literally, the length of th