Another Look at Revelation — Chapter 9
August 8, 2009
“Another Look at Revelation”
Lesson 10: Chapter 9 – The Trumpet Judgments
Adult Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study Series
West Broad Church of Christ
August 9 and 12, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Chapter Review and Current Objective:
We learned previously that the first four trumpet judgments of Chapter 9 reflect the justice of God on an evil empire. What is the meaning of the 5th and 6th trumpet blasts?
I. The Fifth Trumpet and the Bottomless Pit (9:1-12)
The trumpets of this chapter move us into the world of the spirit – but not God’s Spirit.
· A release of evil
· A call of judgment
· A ferocious force
John is describing the force of God’s judgment. Modern interpreters attempt to view these verses in the context of 21st century images of warfare. But that thinking seems to collide with John’s message of hope spoken not to a distant future, but to a present people. The apostle shared hope from heaven to persecuted first century Christians.
II. The Sixth Trumpet and the Dreadful Army (9:13-21)
John’s vision continues with the sounding of the sixth trumpet. Question: Is annihilation God’s intent, or does he have something else in view?
· The “call and response” of terror
· The destruction of the horses
· The response of humanity
Summation and Lesson Preview:
John’s vision of trumpets brings environmental and cosmic disasters. It also demonstrated the power of evil in the world and its impact on rebellious humanity. But we have yet to see the seventh seal, which does not appear until Chapter 11. As such, what message does John have for his readers in Chapter 10? Be here for our next meeting and find out!
