Revelation 8:7

Strauss-' Comments
SECTION 25

Text Revelation 8:7

7 And the first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Initial Questions Revelation 8:7

1.

What followed after the sounding of the first trumpet?

2.

Why the symbolism of limitation, i.e., one-third of the earth, trees, and green grass - Revelation 8:7?

Revelation 8:7

This imagery is unquestionably taken from the Egyptian plagues recorded in Exodus 9:24 (see also Joel 2:28 f).

The first four trumpets are discussed in seven verses; the last three are called three woes, and are described in TWENTY - seven verses. The first four are very similar and are not extensively discussed; the last three are described in greater detail. The first four affect the properties belonging to nature; the last three affect mankind.
One-third of the earth, and one-third of trees, and all green grass was burnt. This destruction which has been cast on the earth destroys extensively as a warning to sinful man. Among the trees were those which provided food for the land, i.e., olive, fig, etc.
The imagery of this section symbolizes the custom of the day regarding the court of king. The king is God, and mankind is called to learn of His judgment, which is limited but severe.

Review Questions for Entire Chapter 8

See Revelation 8:13.