Revelation of John 8
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The seventh seal - This is ushered in and opened only by the Lamb. Silence in heaven - This must be a mere metaphor, silence being put here for the deep and solemn expectation of the stupendous things about to take place, which the opening of this seal had produced. When any thing prodigious or surprising is expected, all is silence, and even the breath is scarcely heard to be drawn. Half an hour - As heaven may signify the place in which all these representations were made to St. John, the half hour may be considered as the time during which no representation was made to him, the time in which God was preparing the august exhibition which follows. There is here, and in the following verses, a strong allusion to different parts of the temple worship; a presumption that the temple was still standing, and the regular service of God carried on. The silence here refers to this fact - while the priest went in to burn incense in the holy place, all the people continued in silent mental prayer without till the priest returned. See Luk 1:10. The angel mentioned here appears to execute the office of priest, as we shall by and by see.
Open source ↗SEVENTH SEAL. PREPARATION FOR THE SEVEN TRUMPETS. THE FIRST FOUR AND THE CONSEQUENT PLAGUES. (Rev 8:1-13) was--Greek, "came to pass"; "began to be." silence in heaven about . . . half an hour--The last seal having been broken open, the book of God's eternal plan of redemption is opened for the Lamb to read to the blessed ones in heaven. The half hour's silence contrasts with the previous jubilant songs of the great multitude, taken up by the angels (Rev 7:9-11). It is the solemn introduction to the employments and enjoyments of the eternal Sabbath-rest of the people of God, commencing with the Lamb's reading the book heretofore sealed up, and which we cannot know till then. In Rev 10:4, similarly at the eve of the sounding of the seventh trumpet, when the seven thunders uttered their voices, John is forbidden to write them. The seventh trumpet (Rev 11:15-19) winds up God's vast plan of providence and grace in redemption, just as the seventh seal brings it to the same consummation. So also the seventh vial, Rev 16:17. Not that the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven vials, though parallel, are repetitions. They each trace the course of divine action up to the grand consummation in which they all meet, under a different aspect. Thunders, lightnings, an earthquake, and voices close the seven thunders and the seven seals alike (compare Rev 8:5, with Rev 11:19). Compare at the seventh vial, the voices, thunders, lightnings, and earthquake, Rev 16:18. The half-hour silence is the brief pause GIVEN TO JOHN between the preceding vision and the following one, implying, on the one hand, the solemn introduction to the eternal sabbatism which is to follow the seventh seal; and, on the other, the silence which continued during the incense-accompanied prayers which usher i…
Open source ↗And when he had opened the seventh seal,.... That is, when the Lamb had opened the seventh and last seal of the scaled book: there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour; not in the third heaven, the seat of the divine Being, of angels and glorified saints, where are hallelujahs without intermission; but in the church, which is oftentimes signified by heaven in this book, and where now the throne of God was placed, in that form as described in Rev 4:4, or rather in the Roman empire: nor is this silence the sum of this seal, or the only thing in it; for it includes the preparation of the seven angels to take their trumpets, though none of them were sounded during this period. This space of time some think refers to the time which elapsed, while the angel, who had incense given him to offer it with the prayers of saints, did so, and took fire off the altar with his censer, and cast it on the earth: and while the seven angels had their trumpets given them, and they were preparing to sound. Others are of opinion that this was only a pause, a breathing time for John between the former visions and seals, and the following; nothing being said or done, or anything exhibited to him during this interval; but he was at leisure to reflect on what he had seen, and to prepare for what was to come. Others understand it of the amazement of the saints at the judgments of God, which were coming upon the Christian empire, and of their quiet and silent preparations for these troubles and combats, both within and without, they were to be exercised with; see Zac 2:13. Others have thought that this refers to the state of the saints after the day of judgment, when there will be an entire cessation from persecution and trouble, and when the souls under the altar will have done cr…
Open source ↗In these verses we have the prelude to the sounding of the trumpets in several parts. I. The opening of the last seal. This was to introduce a new set of prophetical iconisms and events; there is a continued chain of providence, one part linked to another (where one ends another begins), and, though they may differ in nature and in time, they all make up one wise, well-connected, uniform design in the hand of God. II. A profound silence in heaven for the space of half an hour, which may be understood either, 1. Of the silence of peace, that for this time no complaints were sent up to the ear of the Lord God of sabaoth; all was quiet and well in the church, and therefore all silent in heaven, for whenever the church on earth cries, through oppression, that cry comes up to heaven and resounds there; or, 2. A silence of expectation; great things were upon the wheel of providence, and the church of God, both in heaven and earth, stood silent, as became them, to see what God was doing, according to that of Zac 2:13, Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord, for he has risen up out of his holy habitation. And elsewhere, Be still, and know that I am God. III. The trumpets were delivered to the angels who were to sound them. Still the angels are employed as the wise and willing instruments of divine Providence, and they are furnished with all their materials and instructions from God our Saviour. As the angels of the churches are to sound the trumpet of the gospel, the angels of heaven are to sound the trumpet of Providence, and every one has his part given him. IV. To prepare for this, another angel must first offer incense, Rev 8:3. It is very probable that this other angel is the Lord Jesus, the high priest of the church, who is here described in his sacerdotal office, having…
Open source ↗8:1 The opening of the seventh seal concludes the first act and dramatically initiates silence, which suggests the mystery of God in his dealings with the world (10:4; 1 Kgs 19:11-12). Perhaps the mysterious silence here is analogous to God’s rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:1-3; see also Heb 4:1-11). • half an hour: This brief hush precedes the unfolding of the second act of divine judgment when God will answer the prayers of his people.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) ἕβδομος (hébdomos, G1442) — seventh σφραγίς (sphragís, G4973) — a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… σιγή (sigḗ, G4602) — silence ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἡμιώριον (hēmiṓrion, G2256) — a half-hour
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… σάλπιγξ (sálpinx, G4536) — a trumpet
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, G2379) — a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρύσεος (chrýseos, G5552) — made of gold λιβανωτός (libanōtós, G3031) — frankincense, i.e. (by extension) a censer for burning it δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… θυμίαμα (thymíama, G2368) — an aroma, i.e. fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καπνός (kapnós, G2586) — smoke θυμίαμα (thymíama, G2368) — an aroma, i.e. fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning… προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) λιβανωτός (libanōtós, G3031) — frankincense, i.e. (by extension) a censer for burning it γεμίζω (gemízō, G1072) — to fill entirely αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, G2379) — a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative) βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… σάλπιγξ (sálpinx, G4536) — a trumpet ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō, G2090) — to prepare ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… χάλαζα (chálaza, G5464) — hail πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) μίγνυμι (mígnymi, G3396) — to mix αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly δένδρον (déndron, G1186) — a tree
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) ὄρος (óros, G3735) — perhaps akin to G142 (αἴρω); compare G3733 (ὄρνις)); a mountain (as lifting itself above… καίω (kaíō, G2545) — to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly κτίσμα (ktísma, G2938) — an original formation (concretely), i.e. product (created thing) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ψυχή (psychḗ, G5590) — breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient… ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) πλοῖον (ploîon, G4143) — a sailer, i.e. vessel διαφθείρω (diaphtheírō, G1311) — to rot thoroughly, i.e. (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively) πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) ἀστήρ (astḗr, G792) — a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… καίω (kaíō, G2545) — to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) λαμπάς (lampás, G2985) — a "lamp" or flambeau ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ποταμός (potamós, G4215) — a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἀστήρ (astḗr, G792) — a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἄψινθος (ápsinthos, G894) — wormwood (as a type of bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) calamity) τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τέταρτος (tétartos, G5067) — fourth ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… σαλπίζω (salpízō, G4537) — to trumpet, i.e. sound a blast (literally or figuratively) τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ἥλιος (hḗlios, G2246) — perhaps akin to the alternate of G138 (αἱρέομαι)); the sun; by implication, light πλήσσω (plḗssō, G4141) — to pound, i.e. (figuratively) to inflict with (calamity) σελήνη (selḗnē, G4582) — probably akin to the alternate of G138 (αἱρέομαι), through the idea of attractiveness);… ἀστήρ (astḗr, G792) — a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… σκοτίζω (skotízō, G4654) — to obscure (literally or figuratively) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… φαίνω (phaínō, G5316) — to lighten (shine), i.e. show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… πέτομαι (pétomai, G4072) — to fly ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μεσουράνημα (mesouránēma, G3321) — mid-sky λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… οὐαί (ouaí, G3759) — "woe" κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Be silent before the LORD, all people, for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.”
But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.
Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a thunderous voice, “Come!”
In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him.
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.
And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red,
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales.