The opening of the seventh seal is accompanied by "silence in heaven for
about half an hour" (Revelation 8:1). All creation is awed by what is about
to happen. The Day of the Lord, the event angels and saints have anticipated
for thousands of years, has finally arrived. Centuries of prayers from
the saints are symbolically compared to the fragrance of burning incense
ascending from the temple altar to the very presence of God in heaven (verses 3-5). The answer to those prayers is now imminent.
Once the seventh seal is broken, the entire scroll is finally opened.
Much of the remainder of the book of Revelation is subdivided into seven
major parts, each signified by the blast of a trumpet.
In the ancient world trumpets often were used to announce the approach
or arrival of danger. They serve a similar purpose in Revelation. Here
they announce the main phases of God's judgment on this evil world-and
on the devil, who has deceived it.
Combined, the seven trumpets (chapters 8-11) provide a summary of
what will happen during the time known as the Day of the Lord. Revelation
explains and describes the punishment each trumpet blast heralds.
Most of the following chapters (12-20) fill in details concerning the
Day of the Lord, particularly about the persecuting worldly powers led
and controlled by Satan and about Jesus' victory over those powers. Chapters
21-22 give us a brief glimpse of the saints' eternal reward.
