Big Idea: God responds to the prayers of his people by pouring out the first four trumpet judgments on an unbelieving world.

Understanding the Text

We see three sets of judgments in Revelation: seals, trumpets, and bowls. In both the seal and the trumpet judgments, we find a 4 + 2 + 1 pattern with an interlude coming before the last element:

Pattern…Judgments…Revelation Text

4…Seals 1-4…6:1-8

2…Seals 5-6…6:9-17

--…Interlude…7:1-17

1…Seal 7…8:1

4…Trumpets 1-4…8:2-12

2…Trumpets 5-6 (Woes 1-2)…8:13—9:21

--…Interlude…10:1—11:13

1…Trumpet 7 (Woe 3)…11:14-19

The seventh seal (8:1) brings a dramatic pause of silence in heaven prior to the seven trumpet judgments. The heavenly chorus of praise won’t resume again until the seventh angel blows his trumpet in 11:15. The trumpet judgments …