In the Old Testament, trumpets were used for various significant purposes, including announcing God’s judgment. In the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 8–11, seven trumpets are sounded by seven angels, and each blast brings about a specific judgment. The first six trumpet judgments intensify as God pours out His wrath on a rebellious and unbelieving world. Each trumpet signals a unique disaster that impacts the earth and its inhabitants in a huge way.
Revelation 8 describes the first trumpet bringing hail and fire mixed with blood, burning up a third of the earth’s trees and grass. The second trumpet throws a massive mountain of fire into the sea, turning a third of it to blood and killing a third of all sea life. The third trumpet has a burning star, called Wormwood. It falls from the sky, poisoning a third of the world’s fresh water. The fourth trumpet strikes a third of the sun, moon, and stars, plunging a third of the day and night into darkness. The fifth trumpet opens the Abyss, releasing a swarm of locust-like creatures that torment anyone without God’s seal for five months. Then, the sixth trumpet releases four angels from the Euphrates River, leading an army that kills a third of humanity.
There is no doubt that these trumpet judgments are meant to wake-up the unbelieving world, showing God’s righteous anger against sin and humanity’s refusal to repent. Yet even in the middle of all this destruction, there’s still a chance for people to turn back to God. With the sounding of the seventh trumpet, God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His Kingdom are proclaimed.
The Seal and Trumpet judgments in Revelation reveal God’s mercy as well as His increasing wrath against the evils and darkness of sin, satan, the antichrist, and all who follow them. The righteousness of God is intrinsic to His nature, and it stands in direct opposition to unrighteousness. He is just and merciful, but He does not overlook sin, because that is not the way righteousness behaves. Justice will always seek to root out injustice, and righteousness, by its very nature, will always seek to root out unrighteousness. Romans 1:8 (NLT) tells us, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” We must remember that God’s Will and plan is a world where His justice, mercy, and holiness reign.
The Seal judgments in Revelation 6 are the beginning of God’s righteous judgment upon a sinful world, but He will protect those who belong to Him from the worst of the destruction. Moving into the Trumpet judgments, one would expect that in the face of such calamity, the unbelieving world would turn to God and repent, but they will not. With each round of judgments, the world becomes increasingly more defiant and rebellious.
Revelation 11 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Revelation, with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, signaling the imminent establishment of God’s kingdom. For believers, this chapter is both a serious reminder of God’s righteous judgment and a hopeful promise of His eternal reign. It emphasizes the final victory of God's sovereignty over all things and provides us with confidence that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.
The Seventh Trumpet: God’s Kingdom Declared (Revelation 11:15-19)
Revelation 11:15 (NLT) says, “The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: ‘The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.’” This proclamation marks the final trumpet, the culmination of God's plan, and the moment when His Kingdom is fully established on earth. With the blowing of the seventh trumpet, the sovereignty of Christ is declared for all to see.
The phrase “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord” is a statement of ultimate victory. It signifies the fulfillment of what believers have been waiting for a very long time—the complete establishment of God’s kingdom. Christ’s reign is not only spiritual but also physical and eternal, and this moment in God’s prophecy confirms it. His reign will be just, unshakable, and bring lasting peace, justice, and righteousness to all of creation.
The Kingdom of God and the Judgment of the Nations
Following the declaration of Christ’s eternal reign, Revelation 11:18 (NLT) reminds us of the judgment to come: “The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is tiRevelation 11: The Seventh Trumpet and the Kingdom of Godme to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.” This verse sheds light on a critical moment in God's plan—judgment and reward.
God’s judgment isn’t random as many mistakenly think; it’s the natural result of humanity rejecting His truth and mercy. Throughout history, the unbelieving world has been consumed by sin and rebellion, but the Great Tribulation period will come as God has prophesied, and it will bring His judgment. Those who have turned away from Him and chosen sin will face destruction, while His faithful followers will be rewarded.
The Ark of the Covenant: God’s Presence Among His People (Revelation 11:19)
Revelation 11:19 (NLT) states, “Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen inside the temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and there was an earthquake and a great hailstorm.” The appearance of the ark of the covenant in this part of God’s prophecy is significant, because it symbolizes His enduring presence among His people. It further affirms the reality that He loves us unconditionally, and He wants to be with us.
The Old Testament tells us that the ark resided in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and the Temple. It represented God’s presence with Israel. In Revelation, the ark appears as a reminder that God is not distant or removed from His people. Acts 17:27-28 (NLT) tells us, “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him--though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.’” God’s presence is at the heart of the coming Kingdom, where He will live with His people in perfect peace and harmony. The dramatic natural events that happen when the ark is revealed—lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and hail—serve as a powerful reminder of God’s holiness, authority, and the awe-inspiring nature of His reign.
Living in Light of God’s Kingdom
For believers today, Revelation 11 calls us to live with a deep awareness of the Kingdom of God. We are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s Rapture and second coming, eagerly awaiting the day when he will reign over all things. In the meantime, we are called to be faithful witnesses, sharing the message of repentance and salvation with those around us. Just as the two witnesses in Revelation 11 boldly proclaimed God’s truth, we are called to stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
Revelation 11 reminds us that God’s Kingdom cannot be defeated by the powers of darkness. Christ’s victory is certain, and His Kingdom will come in all its glory. While we wait for that day, we are called to stay faithful, trust in God’s promises, and live with hope in His eternal reign. As this chapter declares, the victory has already been won, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. ■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Revelation 11: The Seventh Trumpet and the Kingdom of God”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Comentarios