We are studying the symbolism of the seven trumpets in Revelation chapter 8. Last blog we ended with verse 6...the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. the people of Israel were scattered across the planet, initiating the times of the Gentiles era. After this occurs, the warnings of impending devastation and death within the sound of the trumpet blasts will gradually increase upon the inhabitants of the earth - judging their sins.
The grief that is coming upon the earth will be perpetrated by Satan and his minions in the guise of prophets of God, who actually are false prophets, propagating doctrines of demons. Satan will infiltrate the governments of every nation, creating immoral pagan laws to oppress and subjugate their citizens.
The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth...and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up...Rev. 8:7. Once the first trumpet gives its blast, we see hail and fire mingled with blood and thrown to the earth. What does this symbolism reveal?
This symbolism is reminiscent of the days of Moses armed with signs and wonders, when God sent him to Pharaoh of Egypt - who tortured and enslaved His kids...Ex. 7:17 & 9:23. Although, in the days of Moses, these signs were literally natures wonders, directed by God, creating physical disturbances against this pagan society.
While the trumpet blasts depict that physical disturbances will come upon the inhabitants of the earth, their revelations use natural elements metaphorically to depict God's judgment on spiritual depravity - immorality and paganism. The judgment of the trumpet blasts will gradually unfold during the Christian era, until the bowl judgments, revealed at the end of the ages, brings finality to sin and the works of the devil. The earth with its evil works will burn up...II Pet. 3:10.
What does the symbolism of #3 reveal...a third of the trees were burned up? The #3 symbolizes Divine - Father, Son & Holy Spirit. So the message is - divine judgment has come to the earth. As we define these symbols, we will find the inhabitants of the earth will be subjected to calamities, tragedies, pain, devastation, and premature death on the planet, because of their persistent idolatry - defying God's commandments.
Trees in scripture often symbolize people - prominent people in positions of leadership. The prophet Daniel interpreted the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar as a tree in his dream...the tree that you saw...it is you...Dan. 4:20-22. The Prophet Ezekiel referred to Assyria, a country of people as...a cedar in Lebanon, with fine branches that shaded the forest...Ez. 31:3.
Our study text metaphorically describes how people of prominence, while not excluding others, will experience the judgment of God on their paganism - burned up with fire. The fire of God's wrath was thrown to the earth, because of the relentless brutality and bloody martyrdom of His saints - the true witnesses of His salvation, and the sacrifice of the innocent ones - their blood cries out from the ground as did innocent Abel's blood.
During the long Christian era, many prominent people will be deposed from important influential positions, while others will be brought to utter ruin by the public exposure of their corruption, as they encounter the consuming fire of God's judgment. Yet, many ruthless barbaric leaders will continue to prosper, appearing untouched by this judgment - this is permitted by God.
What does hail and green grass symbolize...hail thrown to the earth...and all green grass was burned up? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men..sheeple follow without question~~~
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