THE BOOK OF REVELATION

INTRODUCTION - We have endeavored to hold to two practical principles while studying the book of Revelation. First, it must be studied with a first century mind. As much as possible, we should try to understand the book in the way the Christians of the first century would read it, and not by bringing our modern notions and ideas to the text. Secondly, we must stay close to the Old Testament when reading Revelation. It is a highly figurative book, but the pictures would not be unknown to the believers of the first century. They were good students of the Old Testament and we must be the same, for Revelation is full of Old Testament symbolism. Also, our premise for the theme of Revelation is that it is speaking about the pending doom about to fall on the city of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Christ is judging Israel of the first century for their rebellion and rejection. Thus, Revelation shows the first century Christian that despite the tribulation and persecution going on around them, the church will eventually triumph, and Israel the nation will be judged for her sin of rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ. In our last study, we noted how Deuteronomy 28 is crucial in understanding Revelation. Here we see both the blessings and curses which would be poured out on Israel if they obeyed or rejected the covenant of the Lord. The judgments of Deuteronomy 28 are the same ones being described in Revelation, as God unleashes His covenantal curses against the generation of that day. Revelation 8 speaks of seven angels blowing seven trumpets, resulting in seven judgments. Again, it is highly figurative language, showing that Israel of the first century would be judged by God. We have already looked at the first two angelic messengers. This morning we shall conclude the chapter with the next two messengers of judgment.

1) THE THIRD TRUMPET - WORMWOOD FALLS - Revelation 8:10,11 - Without the Old Testament, we could come up with all sorts of incredible interpretations of "a star falling from heaven." Some have even suggested that this will be a meteor in our future, falling to earth, polluting the water of the world. However, we should realize again that the language is highly symbolic, bringing in some important images from the Old Testament. As with the first two angelic messengers, this third trumpet brings forth a plague very similar to the first plague against Egypt (Exodus 7:20,21) which resulted in the waters of the land becoming poisonous. We remember that in Deuteronomy 28, one of the judgments which God would bring against an apostate Israel would be the plagues of Egypt. The plagues which their enemies once experienced would now come back upon the Jews. We should also note the name of the star which falls, for it too is an important Old Testament symbol. Wormwood, in the literal sense, was a plant producing a bitter taste. In the Old Testament it took on the meaning of bitterness and judgment. In particular, when God was going to judge Israel, wormwood symbolized His wrath and the resulting anguish of that wrath against the people. In Jeremiah 9:11-16, when Israel forsook the law and covenant of God, the Lord would judge them with the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, just as it would be later in 70 AD under Titus. God describes this judgment as feeding His people "wormwood and gall" (gall was a poisonous plant). In Jeremiah 23:14,15, again the same image is used to depict God's displeasure and judgment of Israel. Certainly the early church would see the wormwood of Revelation 8 in the same light. First century Israel had despised God's covenant of grace, hence, they would reap the curses of that rejection. God would give them up to wormwood, bitterness, as judgment fell.

2) THE FOURTH TRUMPET - DARKNESS OVER THE LAND AND AN EAGLE FLIES - Revelation 8:12,13

A) DARKNESS OVER THE LAND - As the fourth angel sounds the trumpet, a plague, very similar to the ninth plague of Egypt, takes place (Exodus 10:21-23). Once again, what God said to Israel in Deuteronomy 28 occurs. Israel of the first century had become idolatrous and apostate. Hence, the plagues of Egypt would be felt among them. Darkness was coming to first century Israel. Not the literal darkening of the elements, but the putting out of the lights of that nation because of their rejection of Christ.

B) THE FLYING EAGLE - The word translated "angel" in most of our versions should actually read "eagle" for that is the word being used. It is certainly a "heavenly messenger" as it proclaims judgment, but the image of the eagle is an important one, not to be overlooked. Again, we return to the Old Testament to understand the significance of the eagle in Scripture. The eagle could symbolize two things in the Old Testament. First, it was a symbol of God's protection and care of His people (Exodus 19:4). Secondly, it was a symbol of judgment, especially as God uses a foreign nation against Israel in judgment. The foreign nation is pictured as an eagle coming to devour Israel. In Deuteronomy 28:49, the chapter which lists for us the curses against Israel if they broke God's covenant, one of the curses is a foreign nation coming against Israel like a swift flying eagle. In Habbakuk 1:6-8, Babylon is pictured exactly this way. God raised them up to judge Israel, and they are pictured like an eagle coming to eat. In Hosea 8:1, God Himself is pictured like an eagle, coming against His own people who have broken covenant. Like an eagle, God comes against His own Temple to destroy it. When we come to Matthew 24:28, Christ draws upon this Old Testament image. After condemning the Jews and speaking about the judgments which will fall on that first century generation, He says, "for wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together." He uses the same word which is used in Revelation 8:13. The message of the flying eagle is one of doom and impending judgment, for the next three angels will be bringing upon Israel greater judgments than the first three messengers had proclaimed.

Let us realize that though these passages have Israel in mind, the message of God's covenant is the same for all men today. God has extended His covenant of grace to men through Christ Jesus. To refuse that covenant and to reject the Lord's offer of mercy and forgiveness will bring the covenantal curses upon you. To accept that covenant of grace will bring to you all the blessings which come through the atonement of Christ. How do you stand with the Lord's covenant?