Revelation 8:1-13

This chapter begins with the opening of the seventh (7) seal of the book (refer to Revelation 5:1-7) in heaven by the little-lamb which is representing the Lord Jesus Christ. This takes place after the 144,000 people were sealed (refer to Revelation 7:4-8). The openings of the previous six (6) seals are recorded in Revelation chapter 6 (also refer to Matthew 24:4-8).

The effects or events occurring as a result of the opening of the seventh seal cover the implementation of judgments under seven trumpets (Revelation 8:7 - 14:20) including seven bowls as part of the seventh trumpet blowing (Revelation 15:1 - 18:24). These occur during the time of the great pressure of the completing together of the age - and will be followed by the Lord Jesus Christ's return on earth as recorded in Revelation chapter 19; also refer to Matthew 24:9-14a and 21, and Acts 2:19 and 20a (referencing Joel 2:30 and 31a).

Revelation 8:1 and 2:

^8:1And whenever he opened the seal, the seventh (seal), there became silence in the heaven as half-an-hour; ^.2and I saw the seven angels who stood² before God and seven trumpets were given to them.

John writes that at whatever time the little-lamb opened...

• the seal,
  • emphatically and specifically the seventh seal (this is the last seal of the book to be opened; 7 is the number associated with the spirit realm and completion or perfection),

...there became silence (quietness, hush, no-one was speaking)...

• in the heaven (as opposed to the earth)
  • for the length of time of about half an hour (verses 3 and 4 below explain the reason for the silence coming to pass at this time - the prayer requests had been made to God for salvation, and for the implementation of final judgment and vengeance against those who oppose Him and His people);

...and I perceived (knew with my mind)...

• the seven angels (these 7 angels are the spirits dedicated to God and carry out activities in connection with His throne; refer to Hebrews 1:7 and 14; Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6)
  • who stood and continue to stand in the sight and presence of God
• and seven trumpets
  • were given to them.

[Reference: Exodus 14:14; Numbers 10:9; Joshua 6:13-16; Psalm 65:1 and 2; Lamentation 3:25 and 26; Zephaniah 1:16-18; Zechariah 2:13; Luke 1:19; Hebrews chapter 1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 1:4, 3:1 and 5, 4:5, 5:1, 5-7 and 11, 7:11. Note: verbs with a superscript 2 (²) immediately following them indicate the "perfect" tense - details are provided in the "Relevant Notes" link of this study.]

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