By Coty Pinckney

First, in one sitting read chapters 6 through 9. Then read chapter 8 alone at least two additional times prior to answering the questions, without referring to notes or commentaries.

(1) Read the account of the plagues on Egypt: Exodus 7:14-11:8. What is the purpose of the plagues? Do you see parallels between these plagues and the events that follow the trumpets?

(2) Trumpets are common in Scripture: see this mixed assortment of verses (which is by no means complete; the word "trumpet" appears in 102 verses in the Bible): Numbers 10:1-10, Joshua 6:13-20, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, 29:25-28, Ezekiel 33:1-9, Joel 2:1-16, Amos 3:6-8, Mt 24:29-31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, 1Thessolonians 4:13-18. What different purposes do the trumpets serve in these verses? Which of these seem to be relevant to Revelation 8?

(3) Look again at 8:3-5. Consider 6:9-11 and Psalm 141:2. For what are the saints praying in chapter 6? What is the relationship between those prayers in chapter 6 and the events of chapter 8? Look also at Ezekiel 10:1-7 and Luke 12:49.

(4) Look again at 8:7-12. What are the common elements in the destruction that follows the blowing of each of the four trumpets? For similar elements, see these passages in addition to the Exodus chapters noted above: Jeremiah 23:15, Isaiah 13:6-19 (esp 10).

(5) In John's vision, these events take place after those of chapter 6. But we have seen that chapter 7 takes place prior to chapter 6, so sequence in John's vision does not necessarily imply sequence in time for the fulfillment of these prophecies. Are the events of chapter 6 prior to, simultaneous with, or subsequent to those of chapter 8? Look especially at 6:12-17 and 8:12.

(6) Why does God judge? Do you long for God's judgment? Should you long for God's judgment? What impact does the prospect of judgment (for you and for others) have on your life. Consider Mat 6:10.

Now read Stedman's sermon on chapter 8 as well as Wilcock pages 85-96. Be sure to read this section of Wilcock, as it includes a key argument that he depends on for much of the rest of his interpretation of Revelation. Stedman's sermon is particularly good at the end, when he discusses the impact that judgment has on us. Revise your answers, if necessary, in light of the insights of these two commentators.

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