Revelation 8:1 - Meaning and Application

In these verses we have the opening scene before the trumpets begin.

The opening of the last seal introduces a new series of prophetic signs and events. God’s providence is continuous, with one part linked to the next. Though these events differ in kind and in time, they all belong to one wise and ordered plan in the hand of God.

There was also deep silence in heaven for about half an hour. This may mean a silence of peace, because for that time no complaints went up to the Lord of hosts. The church on earth was quiet and well, and so heaven was silent too, since the cries of an oppressed church are heard in heaven. It may also mean a silence of expectation. Great things were about to move in providence, so the church in heaven and on earth stood still and watched what God would do, as in (Zechariah 2:13), “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord,” and elsewhere, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The trumpets were then given to the angels who were to sound them. Angels are still used as wise and willing servants of God’s providence, and God our Savior gives them both their task and their supplies. As the angels of the churches sound the trumpet of the gospel, the angels of heaven sound the trumpet of providence, and each one has his appointed work.

Before this, another angel had to offer incense in (Revelation 8:3). This is very likely the Lord Jesus, the high priest of the church, shown here in his priestly role. He has a golden censer and much incense, showing the full worth of his own glorious person. He offers this incense together with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar of his divine nature. All saints are a praying people. None of God’s children are born unable to pray, for the Spirit of grace is also a Spirit of adoption and prayer, teaching us to cry, “Abba, Father.” As (Psalm 32:6) says, “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you.”

Times of danger should be times of prayer, and so should times of great hope. Both fear and hope should drive us to pray. When the church of God is deeply concerned, God’s people should pour out their hearts much more fully in prayer. The prayers of the saints still need the incense and intercession of Christ to make them acceptable and effective. Christ has made full provision for that. He has his incense, his censer, and his altar. He is everything to his people.

The prayers of the saints rise before God like a cloud of incense. No prayer, when brought to God in this way, was ever refused hearing or acceptance. These prayers, once welcomed in heaven, led to great changes on earth. The same angel who offered up the saints’ prayers in his censer then took fire from the altar and cast it into the earth. At once there were strange disturbances, voices, thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. These were God’s answers to the saints’ prayers, signs of his anger against the world, and proofs that he would act greatly to avenge himself and his people on their enemies. With everything now prepared, the angels carry out their duty.