Once the Great Tribulation has started, mankind will experience terrible cosmic disturbances, followed by the great and awesome Day of the Lord, which is symbolized by the last or seventh seal. That seal consists of seven trumpets. In this sermon we will discuss the first six of these trumpets.
Day of the Lord
What is the time line of the events depicted during the “Day of the Lord”?
In the last two Q&As http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/10927 and http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/10990 on the order of prophetic events, we discussed Christ’s sayings in Matthew 24, showing that prior to His return, there would be religious deception, wars, famine, disease epidemics and pandemics, a Great Tribulation (including a martyrdom of the saints and an European attack on the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the state of Israel), heavenly signs, and a time described as God’s wrath, which will be poured out over this entire world.
We noticed that the Book of Revelation describes the events by comparing them with the opening of seven seals, and we saw that the first six seals depict religious deception, wars, famine, disease epidemics and pandemics, the Great Tribulation and heavenly signs, and that the seventh seal depicts the events which will occur on the Day of the Lord.
The seventh seal consists of seven trumpets. In our last Q&A on the time line of events, we discussed the FIRST SIX TRUMPETS, describing catastrophes caused by an apparent firestorm, a burning meteorite, a fiery comet, further cosmic disturbances, an attack of European forces on Far Eastern nations and a brutal retaliation of those nations against Europe.
In this Q&A, we will begin to discuss the events described by the SEVENTH trumpet. It consists of the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or the seven bowls of God’s wrath, with which God’s wrath will be completed (compare Revelation 15:1). Revelation 16:1-21 describes these seven last plagues in more detail.
To repeat—as this is vitally important to understand—the SEVENTH SEAL consists of SEVEN TRUMPETS, and the SEVENTH TRUMPET consists of SEVEN PLAGUES. In this Q&A, we will begin to discuss the SEVEN PLAGUES OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET OF THE SEVENTH SEAL.
Our free booklet, “Is That in the Bible?—The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation”, explains the terrible devastations caused by the seven plagues of the seventh seal. We are citing the following excerpts:
“(7.7.1) The FIRST OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES or bowls [of the SEVENTH trumpet] … causes ‘a foul and loathsome sore’ on those who worship the beast and its image, and who have accepted the mark of the beast (Revelation 16:2)…”
Remember that “the beast” is a very charismatic political and military leader, who will work hand in hand with a religious leader, who is also called, “the false prophet.” But the term, “the beast,” can also be a reference to the European power bloc—the final resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire–and the false prophet represents the religious system under his control. It is apparently this religious system, which is meant in Revelation 16:2, in part, with the “image” of the first beast. This religious system is structured and patterned after the first beast—the political and military system. The religious system is also identified in Revelation 17 as the woman riding or influencing the political and military system, showing how both systems “supplement” each other. (For an additional stunning possibility as to what may be meant with the “image” of the beast, please read chapter 14 of our afore-mentioned booklet on the Book of Revelation.)
We also read that the first beast will have a mark—a particular sign of identification—which will be imposed on and accepted by all those who are going to be deceived by Satan to worship the political and religious leaders of the European power bloc, and the entire political and religious system which they will represent (called Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18).
Simply put, the mark of the beast is tantamount to a political and religious philosophy detrimental to the true worship of God. It includes the mandatory and legally enforced celebration of pagan holidays such as Sunday, Christmas and Easter, and the rejection of God’s weekly and annual Holy Days, including the weekly Saturday-Sabbath and, for instance, the Feast of Tabernacles. It also includes human and ungodly ideas such as fighting in war or supporting and embracing a religion which preaches a false Jesus or a false gospel.
Please note the following additional excerpts from our afore-mentioned booklet:
“(7.7.2) The SECOND OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES… causes every living creature in the sea to die (Revelation 16:3).”
Remember that during the time of the second trumpet, one-third of all sea creatures will die (Revelation 8:8–9). Now we read that when the second plague of the seventh trumpet of the seventh seal is poured out, ALL sea creatures will die! No animal in our oceans will survive.
To continue:
“(7.7.3) The THIRD OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES… causes the sweet water supply to become ‘blood’—that is, undrinkable (Revelation 16:4–7).”
Returning to the time of the third trumpet of the seventh seal, one-third of all the sweet drinking water was poisoned (Revelation 8:10–11), causing the death of one-third of the animals living in sweet water. Now, we are told that at the time of the third plague of the seventh trumpet of the seventh seal, all the sweet water in the rivers and springs will become blood, apparently causing the death of all sweet-water animals. This seems to indicate that no animal living in our rivers and springs will survive.
Let us proceed with quoting further comments from our afore-mentioned booklet:
“(7.7.4) The FOURTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES… brings about increased solar radiation, which horribly scorches mankind. Despite this punishment from God for their sins, man will not repent, but rather will blaspheme God (Revelation 16:8–9).
“(7.7.5) The FIFTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES… causes total darkness to cover the Headquarters of the beast—again, people will blaspheme God and will refuse to repent even then (Revelation 16:10–11).
“ (7.7.6) The SIXTH OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES… will dry up the waters of the ‘great river Euphrates’ (Revelation 16:12) to enable the ‘kings from the east’ to advance to the place of ‘Armageddon’ (Revelation 16:16) to ‘gather’ there in preparation for ‘the battle of that great day of God Almighty’ (Revelation 16:14, 16).”
At the time of the sixth plague of the seventh trumpet of the seventh seal, we are again introduced to the kings from the east.
To appreciate the full scope and involvement of the kings of the east in the end time, let us return briefly to the fifth and sixth trumpets of the seventh seal.
We will recall that the fifth and sixth trumpets of the seventh seal depict a cruel and horrible war between the kings from the east and Europe. That war ensued after the four angels who are “bound” at the great river Euphrates were “released” (Revelation 9:14). At that time, we don’t read that the river was drying up—only, that the kings of the east were allowed to attack Europe and other nations, including countries in the Middle East.
Let us focus a little bit more on the fact that at the time of the sixth trumpet, the kings from the east will attack European and non-European countries, including the Middle East. Remember that their attacks will cause the death of the THIRD of mankind, and that the beast and the false prophet will apparently reside by then, at least at times, in Jerusalem (compare Daniel 11:45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:7-8). In addition, some of the beast’s armies will have conquered Jerusalem and will be stationed there. Recall what we said in our last Q&A on the time line of prophesied occurrences, when discussing the events of the Great Tribulation [depicted by the fifth seal]:
“Other passages tell us that a military political leader of Europe, called the beast, will invade the Middle East and conquer Jerusalem, and his forces will, at the same time, successfully attack the USA and Great Britain—apparently using nuclear weapons, as all the big cities of the USA and the UK will be destroyed or laid waste in this war (compare Ezekiel 6:6…). We are told in Hosea 5:5, in the Authorized Version, that ‘Israel and Ephraim’ will ‘fall in their iniquity’ and that ‘Judah also shall fall with them.’ This is an end-time prophecy, which still needs to be fulfilled. In the past, Israel and Judah ‘fell’ at different times, but never together or at the same time. The Tanakh says: ‘Israel’s pride shall be humbled before his very eyes, As Israel and Ephraim fall because of their sin (And Judah falls with them).”
In passing, the defeat of modern Israel and Judah will have continuing effects. Their downfall is not limited to just the time when the Great Tribulation begins. We read in Jeremiah 30:7 that the Day of the Lord [depicted by the seventh seal] is “great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.” Jacob or Israel will be led into captivity and will be suffering greatly from the hands of their captors—including during the Day of the Lord, the time of the seventh seal—until Jesus Christ will free them from captivity AFTER His Second Coming.
Returning to the end-time beast and modern Babylon, Revelation 16:10-11 shows us that even shortly after the time of the retaliatory brutal attack of the Asiatic hordes [depicted by the sixth trumpet of the seventh seal], the “throne of the beast” will still be in Europe. Daniel 11:44-45 merely tells us that after he has conquered the Middle East [during the Great Tribulation of the fifth seal], and after his attack on the Far East [depicted by the fifth trumpet of the seventh seal], the beast or “king of the North” shall “plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain,” i.e., in Jerusalem. But the planting of TENTS indicates a temporary dwelling and not a permanent or exclusive place of residence, reminding us of events during World War II when Adolf Hitler had several places in different areas where he would reside from time to time. On occasion, all these places would be called “headquarters,” including “Wolfsschanze” in East Prussia/Poland (where Claus von Stauffenberg tried to kill Hitler); “Wehrwolf” in the Ukraine; “Felsennest” in Muenstereifel, Germany; Berghof and Eagle’s Nest in Obersalzburg, Austria; and the “Fuehrerbunker” in Berlin, where he committed suicide.
Returning now to the time of the sixth plague of the seventh trumpet, we are re-introduced to the kings from the east, and we are told that they are now preparing to strike a final blow in an effort to win the war. They will be crossing the dried-up river Euphrates to move their armies and equipment to a place called “Armageddon,” to assemble there with the apparent desire to advance towards Jerusalem to defeat the beast (who will by that time be in Jerusalem) and to wipe out his European armies which have conquered the Middle East and are mainly stationed in Jerusalem.
But the kings from the east will suddenly feel threatened by another “enemy,” and being influenced by Satan and his demonic powers, they will combine their forces with the kings of the whole world (including the beast power) to attempt to defeat that common foe. That foe is none other than the returning Jesus Christ and His angelic armies in heaven (We are reminded that due to a common foe—Jesus Christ—Pilate and Herod became friends, even though they had been enemies before, Luke 23:12).
Continuing with quoting from our afore-mentioned booklet:
“These kings from the east, as well as all of the other kings of the earth, will be influenced by Satan and the demonically possessed beast and the false prophet (Revelation 16:13–14). All of them will gather at ‘Armageddon’ or the ‘hill of Megiddo’ (‘har’ meaning ‘hill’ in Hebrew), about 55 miles or 90 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and about 15 miles or 25 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea.
“Megiddo is a huge mound with a commanding view of the long and fertile valley of Jezreel—an ideal place for armies gathering there. Then, they will converge from there on Jerusalem to fight the returning Christ. We don’t read that there will be a battle at Armageddon—the battle will be fought farther south in the valley of Jehoshaphat, which is called today the ‘Kidron Valley’ bordering Jerusalem on the east.”
In fact, that battle is described in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, which pictures the return of Jesus Christ. But before this battle unfolds, other important events will take place at the time when the seventh plague of the seventh or last trumpet is being poured out.
This last plague and other events, which will begin to occur prior to the battle in the Kidron Valley, will be discussed in detail in a subsequent Q&A.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
Would you please explain the meaning of the terms, "latter days," "last days," "time of the end," "end of the world," "day of the LORD," "in that day," and the "time of Jacob’s trouble."
When trying to understand Biblical prophecy, it is critical that we are familiar with the meaning of certain key prophetic phrases. For instance, all these terms listed in the Question have a FUTURE prophetic application. This means that when we read a passage in the Old or New Testament, which uses one of these phrases, we should recognize that the passage refers to the future!
Here is an overview of the meaning of these phrases:
The LATTER DAYS
When we come across the term “the latter days” (in Hebrew, “acharith” for “latter”), we are being introduced to events which will happen at the end of this age or present civilization, including the first resurrection or the “resurrection of the just,” and the beginning of the Millennium.
After a powerful Spirit being had given Daniel an important vision, he told him, in Daniel 10:14: “Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the LATTER DAYS, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” Ancient King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream once, and Daniel told him, in Daniel 2:28: “But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the LATTER DAYS.” The events pictured in his dream would culminate in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth (Daniel 2:44-45).
We read in Jeremiah 23:20: “The anger of the LORD will not turn back Until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the LATTER DAYS you will understand it perfectly.”
The LAST DAYS
When we find the term “the last days,” as used in several translations, including the Authorized Version and the New King James Bible, we should realize that this term–and its meaning–is closely related to the term, “the latter days.” In the Hebrew, the words for “last” are either “acharith” (same as for “the latter days”) or “acharon,” and in Greek, the word is, “eschatos.” This phrase describes basically the same time period as the term, “the latter days.”
We read in Isaiah 2:2-4 about the time of the Millennium, when God HAS established the Kingdom of God on this earth. It says: “Now it shall come to pass in the LATTER DAYS [Authorized Version: “LAST DAYS”; in Hebrew, “acharith” for “last”], That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.”
We read in Job 19:25 (Authorized Version): “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the LATTER DAY upon the earth.” In the Hebrew, the word for “latter” is “acharon,” so that the entire phrase can also be translated as “He shall stand at the LAST DAY upon the earth.”
We read in 2 Timothy 3:1: “But know this, that in the LAST DAYS perilous times will come…” The Greek word for “last” is “eschatos.” It is also used in John 11:24: “Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he [Lazarus] will rise again in the resurrection at the LAST DAY.”
The TIME OF THE END
When the term, “the time of the end,” is used (in Hebrew, “eth” for “time” and “qets” for “end”), it describes the end of this age, culminating in the return of Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
We read in Daniel 12:4, 9, 13: “‘But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the TIME OF THE END; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase…’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the TIME OF THE END… But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.'”
The END OF THE WORLD or AGE
Some translate the phrase “end of the age” in the New Testament as “end of the world.” In Greek, the word for “end” is “sunteleia,” meaning “full end.” The phrase actually refers to the end of this present age (in Greek, the word for age is “aion”), and the beginning of a better world or age to come, under the rulership of God.
We read in Matthew 24:3, that the disciples asked Christ: “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the END OF THE AGE [Authorized Version: END OF THE WORLD]?”
In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ promised His disciples to be with them “always, even to the END OF THE AGE.” And we read in Matthew 13:49-50: “So will it be at the END OF THE AGE. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
The DAY OF THE LORD
The term “day of the Lord” refers to God’s end-time intervention in the affairs of this world, just prior to the establishment of His Kingdom here on earth, and it also describes events at and after Christ’s return. A full explanation can be found in our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the LORD.” Please also note our Q&A in Update #139 on the “difference” between the great tribulation and the day of the Lord.
Concerning the beginning of the day of the Lord, we read in Zephaniah 1:14-17: “The great DAY OF THE LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the DAY OF THE LORD is bitter… that day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD.”
We also read in Zephaniah 2:3: “Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the DAY OF THE LORD’s anger.”
The day of the Lord describes the time when God begins to intervene in human affairs, but it also includes God’s rule from that time forward. We read in 2 Peter 3:10: “But the DAY OF THE LORD will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise [this will happen more than 1,100 years after Christ’s return, compare Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15; 21:1], and the elements will melt away with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”
IN THAT DAY
When the terms “in that day” or “that day” are used, they refer to the time just prior to and at Christ’s return, and they also may include the time after Christ has returned. They are virtually synonymous with the term, “the day of the Lord.”
We read in Isaiah 2:10-12, 20-21: “Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be bowed down, And the LORD alone shall be exalted IN THAT DAY. For the DAY OF THE LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty… IN THAT DAY a man will cast away his idols of silver And his idols of gold, Which they made, each for himself to worship, To the moles and bats, To go into the clefts of the rocks, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.”
TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE
The term, “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” refers to the time of the beginning of the great tribulation, which is followed by heavenly signs and the beginning of the day of the Lord. While the day of the Lord is described, in its beginning stages, as the wrath of God, the great tribulation is described as Satan’s wrath against God’s people (compare Revelation 12:12-17). However, the great tribulation and the day of the Lord “overlap” for approximately one year; that is, the great tribulation begins about 2 1/2 years before the day of the Lord, but it
will be ongoing for approximately another year, together with the day of the Lord, until the return of Christ who will cut short the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22).
We read in Jeremiah 30:7-9: “‘Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE, But he shall be saved out of it. For it shall come to pass IN THAT DAY,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘That I will break his yoke from your neck, and will burst your bonds; Foreigners shall no more enslave them. But they shall serve the LORD their God, And David their king, Whom I will raise up for them.'”
This is a prophetic passage regarding the modern descendants of the house of Israel or Jacob. To learn about their identity, please read our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America.”
Regarding the time sequence, let us notice Joel 2:30-31: “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, BEFORE the coming of the great and awesome DAY OF THE LORD.”
All these terms describe still future events. It is important that we understand them correctly, so that we can know what is prophesied to happen in our times.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
A Day of Change
We speak of how things change–usually it is over time. But the Feast of Trumpets focuses on a period when sudden, catastrophic occurrences will be happening with mind-numbing speed! The good news of this Day is that Jesus Christ will return to this earth to change the government of this world and to establish peace. Reviewing the examples and meaning of the Feast of Trumpets will help us prepare for what lies ahead.
Please explain the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Does the Great Tribulation stop when the Day of the Lord begins? Does the Day of the Lord begin when Christ returns?
For a thorough understanding of the time frames referred to as “Great Tribulation” and “Day of the Lord,” please study our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.”
In short, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) is followed by the Heavenly Signs (Revelation 6:12-14; Joel 2:30-31; Matthew 24:29) and by the Day of the Lord (Revelation 6:17). The indication is, from Scripture, that the Day of the Lord begins one year before Christ’s return (compare, for example, Isaiah 34:8). But even as the Day of the Lord does not end with Christ’s return, but is ongoing, so the Great Tribulation (which begins approximately 2 1/2 years prior to the Day of the Lord) does not end, either, when the Day of the Lord starts. Rather, it continues until Satan, who causes the Great Tribulation to occur, is removed from his throne.
Christ returns to cut the Great Tribulation short (Matthew 24:21-22). This means, the Great Tribulation is still ongoing — it overlaps for one year, in that sense, with the Day of the Lord. So, all in all, the Great Tribulation lasts approximately 3 1/2 years, but during the last year of the Great Tribulation, God starts to intervene — approximately one year before Christ’s actual return. That the Great Tribulation does not stop when the Day of the Lord begins, can also be seen in Jeremiah 30:7. Although technically speaking about the time of the Day of the Lord, it still refers to Jacob’s trouble, i.e. SATAN’S wrath (Revelation 12:12) or the Great Tribulation that Satan will bring upon the modern descendants of Jacob or the houses of Israel and Judah — as well as the Church of God or spiritual Israel.
The Day of the Lord is the day of GOD’S wrath. Revelation 15:1 says that the seven last plagues COMPLETE God’s wrath. Revelation 16 describes how the angels will pour out the bowls of God’s wrath (compare Revelation 15:7) onto this earth. Please note that these plagues will be poured out BEFORE Christ returns. We read in Revelation 16:14 that the sixth plague PREPARES the way for the kings to come to Jerusalem “for the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” That battle is described in Zechariah 14, and it takes place exactly at the time when Christ returns. After all, the kings will try to fight the returning Christ (Revelation 19:19).
So, we see again that the Great Tribulation lasts, technically, approximately 3 1/2 years, but the last year of that time period overlaps with the beginning of the Day of the LORD — which describes the time when God intervenes in human affairs. The Day of the Lord, then, does not BEGIN with the return of Christ, but when God starts to intervene in human affairs — which is somewhat prior to Christ’s return. Also, as we pointed out before, there is the possibility, of course, that the Great Tribulation might not even last exactly 3 1/2 years, as these days will be cut short (compare Matthew 24:22).