Charles D. Alexander
Herbert W. Armstrong
William Barclay
Gregory K. Beale
James B. Coffman
John Darby
A. C. Gaebelein
George Gifford
David Guzik
E. W. Hengstenberg
H. A. Ironside
B. W. Johnson
Alonso T. Jones
Jack Kelley
William Kelly
Don Koenig
Gordon E. Ladd
Clarence Larkin
Francis Nigel Lee
David B. Loughran
John MacArthur
Henry Madison Morris
Robert H. Mounce
John H. Ogwyn
David C. Pack
Jon Paulien
J. Dwight Pentecost
Peter Pett
Bob Pickle
Vern S. Poythress
John H. Pratt & Edward B. Elliott
Ken Raggio
James Stuart Russell
Tyconius
John Walvoord
Ronald Weinland
James White
1st trumpet |
This
whole picture suggests a procession of great storms, their devastating
effects resulting in pestilence and death, and the mention of fire and
brimstone stresses that they are to be seen as a judgment of God.
Possibly, but not necessarily (it is apocalyptic language not to be
taken literally) to be seen as connected with volcanic action. The
mention of blood over against pestilence in Ezekiel refers to 'death'
and includes the storm's effects as it causes death and destruction
(see also Ezekiel 14.19). |
2nd trumpet |
the
description may be of a meteor or asteroid crashing to earth producing
great devastation and even changing the colour of the sea. Because it
hits the sea its worst effects are avoided, but it still causes great
devastation around it. The sea was always seen by the Israelites as an
enemy, for they had few ports and little to do with it. |
3rd trumpet |
...
this judgment has in mind the punishment of God for disobedience to His
law and to His word and the bitter experiences that result. Because
people reject His word they will 'drink' bitter and deadly water, in
other words they will experience bitter things, including death,
resulting from heavenly activity. |
4th trumpet |
History
is sadly strewn with activities of men that have made it seem to those
affected as though the very heavens were being affected (it is
apocalyptic language). It may deepen as time goes on. But once again we
are reminded that it is part of the judgments of God on a sinful world,
and a continual call to repent. The whole creation still groans and
travails in pain waiting for the revealing of the sons of God (Romans
8.18-23). |
5th trumpet |
It is
probable that the anguish is to be seen as spiritual rather than
physical, torment in the mind and spirit rather than in the body,
although such anguish often produces, or results from, physical
consequences. 'Like the torment of a scorpion' describes piercing pain
which makes a man writhe in anguish. As a result men will want to die,
but they will be so ill that they will be unable to find that way out.
People with certain illnesses, physical, mental and spiritual, have
suffered such torments, and when this occurs on a large scale, as it
has for example in the Plagues with their distressing mental and
spiritual effects, it may well be seen in these terms. |
6th trumpet |
The
mention of the River Euphrates suggests the sphere of their operations
which is the Mesopotamian region. |
7th trumpet |
The
church is raptured, the king is crowned and will now immediately exert
His authority and judge the world. |
Copyright © 2010 by Douglas E. Cox
All Rights Reserved.