The first four trumpet judgments

There’s a noticeable shift when we move from Revelation 8:1–5 into Revelation 8:6–13. The silence in heaven has passed. The prayers of the saints have risen before God. The censer has been hurled to the earth. And now, the angels prepare to sound their trumpets.

John writes, “Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them” (Revelation 8:6, ESV). John's choice of the word “prepared” tells us something important. What follows isn’t random chaos or uncontrolled destruction. It’s measured, intentional, and purposeful judgment from a holy God who has already shown incredible patience.

I believe these trumpet judgments occur during the future Tribulation. The church has already been removed at the rapture, and God is now dealing directly with a rebellious world and, ultimately, restoring Israel. This passage doesn’t describe symbolic struggles inside the human heart or vague cycles of history. It describes real judgments that will one day fall on a real world that has persistently rejected God’s truth.

And yet, even here, the gospel still shines.

The First Trumpet: Judgment Falls on the Land

Revelation 8:7 tells us, “The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.”

This imagery should sound familiar. It reminds us of the seventh plague on Egypt, when “the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth” (Exodus 9:23–24). Just as God judged Egypt for enslaving His people and defying His authority, He will one day judge a world that has hardened itself against Him.

Notice the restraint. Only a third is destroyed. God could wipe out everything in a moment, but He doesn’t. Judgment comes in measured waves, leaving room for repentance.

There’s something consequential that we should be thinking about as we read this passage. We often assume that stability or a temporary lack of turmoil in this world means approval. Some may think that because judgment hasn’t fallen yet, it never will. Scripture repeatedly warns us against that assumption. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.”

God’s patience isn’t permission. It’s mercy.

The Second Trumpet: Judgment Reaches the Sea

The second trumpet expands the scope of judgment. “The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” (Revelation 8:8-9)

Again, we’re reminded of Exodus. When Moses struck the Nile, “all the water in the Nile turned into blood” (Exodus 7:20). The sea, often associated with commerce, travel, and human power, becomes a place of death. Ships are destroyed. Marine life perishes. Economic systems collapse.

I think this judgment highlights humanity’s false sense of security. The world tends to trust things like trade routes, technology, and infrastructure. But Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof.”

If God withdraws His sustaining hand, even partially, everything we depend on can unravel quickly.

And yet, God's mercy continues to be displayed in this passage. Only a third of the sea is affected. God is still calling the world to wake up.

The Third Trumpet: Judgment Poisons What Sustains Life

"The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter." (Revelation 8:10-11)

The third angel sounds his trumpet, and a star called Wormwood falls from heaven, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs (Revelation 8:10–11). Many people die from the bitter water.

In the Old Testament, wormwood is a symbol of judgment and sorrow. Jeremiah warned Israel, “I will feed this people with bitter food, and give them poisoned water to drink” (Jeremiah 9:15). The message was clear then, and it’s clear here. Sin poisons what was meant to give life.

This trumpet strikes at humanity’s most basic need. Clean water. From a literal, future perspective, this is a devastating ecological and humanitarian catastrophe.

But there’s also a spiritual picture worth noticing. When people reject the living water God offers, they’re left with bitterness. Jeremiah 2:13 describes the heart of rebellion: “They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Jesus later stood in Jerusalem and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). The contrast couldn’t be sharper. One day, bitter waters will kill. Right now, living water is freely offered.

The Fourth Trumpet: Judgment Darkens the Heavens

"The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night."  (Revelation 8:12)

Revelation 8:12 tells us that a third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, resulting in diminished light. Daylight and nighttime are both affected.

This reminds us of the ninth plague on Egypt, when “there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days” (Exodus 10:22). Darkness in Scripture often symbolizes judgment, confusion, and separation from God.

Isaiah warned of a day when “the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light” (Isaiah 13:10). Joel described the same reality (Joel 2:10). Revelation shows us those warnings coming to pass.

Light is essential for life, order, and direction. When God partially removes it, the world experiences physical darkness and spiritual disorientation.

And again, the God's decision to only strike a third of the sun, moon, and stars shows a glimpse of His merciful heart in the midst of this season of judgment. God hasn’t abandoned humanity, but He is confronting it.

The Eagle’s Warning: Worse Is Still Coming

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”  (Revelation 8:13)

The final verse of this passage introduces a dramatic pause. John hears an eagle crying out, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth."  The first four trumpets are severe, but the last three will be even worse.

The phrase “those who dwell on the earth” is significant in Revelation. It consistently refers to unbelievers who are settled in this world and hostile toward God. This warning isn’t directed at those who have been redeemed through faith in Jesus. It’s aimed at those who continue to resist repentance.

Even here, the warning itself is an act of mercy. God announces what’s coming before it arrives. He always does. Noah preached before the flood. Moses warned Pharaoh before each plague. The prophets cried out before exile came.

God doesn’t delight in judgment. Ezekiel 33:11 reminds us of His heart: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”

Where Jesus Stands in the Trumpet Judgments

It’s easy to read Revelation 8 and feel overwhelmed by severity. But we can’t miss where Jesus stands in all of this.

First, He’s the Lamb who opened the seals that led to these judgments. As we said in our study of the first five verses of this passage, that means history isn’t spiraling out of control. It’s unfolding according to God’s redemptive plan.

Second, Jesus already endured judgment in the place of sinners. At the cross, darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45). Blood was poured out. Creation itself reacted. The wrath we deserved fell on Him.

Third, Jesus is the only refuge from what’s coming. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 describes Him as the One “who delivers us from the wrath to come.” From the theological perspective I hold to, that means the church won’t experience these trumpet judgments because Christ has already taken our judgment and removed believers before this period begins.

That truth should do two things in our hearts. It should fill us with gratitude. And it should ignite urgency.

Personal Application: Living Faithfully Before the Trumpets Sound

Revelation 8:6–13 isn’t meant to satisfy curiosity about the future alone. It’s meant to shape how we live now.

If judgment is real, then repentance shouldn't be trivialized. If Christ is the only refuge, then the gospel must be shared. If God’s patience has a purpose, then we shouldn’t waste it.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us the delay in judgment is intentional. God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Every day that passes without trumpet blasts is a gift of grace.

This passage also challenges our sense of security. We’re often tempted to anchor our hope in stability, systems, and comfort. Revelation reminds us that everything in this world is temporary. Hebrews 12:28 calls us to be grateful for “a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”

Finally, this passage invites us to worship Jesus more deeply. He isn't only the coming King who will judge the world. He’s the Savior who bore judgment for us. He’s both just and merciful. He’s the Lion and the Lamb.

If you belong to Him, you don’t have to fear the trumpet judgments. You’ve already been rescued. But you are called to live with an alert mind, a grateful heart, and a bold witness while there’s still time.

One day, the trumpets will sound. Until then, the gospel is still being proclaimed. Every breath we have is another opportunity to trust Christ more deeply and point others to the only One who saves.

© John Stange, 2026