AM Bible Study Group; July 22, 2009
Revelation 11:15-19
Theme: The blowing of the eleventh trumpet announces that the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of the Lord and His Christ
In Revelation 10:7, we’re told that, “in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.” The seventh trumpet is “the last trumpet” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Its sounding will announce the culminating event of human history—the end of the reign of sin, and the beginning of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ upon this earth.
I. THE RESPONSE OF THE LOUD VOICES IN HEAVEN (v. 15).
A. John tells us, “Then, the seventh angel sounded . . .” This is the end of the series of seven trumpets that has been the theme of chapters 8-11. It is also the third and last of the “woes” announced in 8:13. This brings to an end the book’s first presentation of the events of the end times—given primarily from heaven’s standpoint. With chapter 12, the story begins to be told again—given this time from earth’s standpoint. The story that ends in 11:19 is taken up again in 19:11.
B. The blowing of the trumpet is responded to by “loud voices in heaven”. We discover many of these voices in chapter 5. There was quiet in heaven for a half-hour at the beginning of the series of trumpets (8:1); but when the last trumpet is blown, heaven becomes loud with voices.
C. The announcement of these voices is, “The Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Though this is the standard reading, the original text actually has the word “kingdom” in the singular; and it may be best translated “sovereign rule”. It’s not that the existing kingdoms of this world now become the property of Christ. Rather, it’s that the principle of rule—now held by fallen men under the rule of the devil (see John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)—will now transfer to Christ. Following this, there will only be His reign on this earth.
II. THE RESPONSE OF THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS (vv. 16-18).
A. Just as the loud voices of heaven responded, so do the twenty-four elders (4:4; 5:8, 14; 17:11; 19:4). They are representative of redeemed humanity. They are presented as sitting before God on thrones; but with the blowing of the trumpet, they are shown to be falling on their faces before Him in worship.
B. We’re told that they give thanks to the Lord God—whom they call “the Almighty” and “the One who is and who was” (the clause, “and who is to come” is not in the best manuscripts). No wonder! The fulfillment of their great hope has arrived! God has taken His great power and “reigned”. Though His reign now begins, it is spoken of—rightly—as if it had already occurred.
C. The twenty-four elders go on to describe the events that accompany that reign:
1. “The nations were angry” (see Psalm 2:1ff). This speaks of the fury that will cause the wicked people of this world to attempt to make war with Christ at His coming (19:19).
2. “. . . and Your wrath has come” (see 6:16-17). God’s wrath will now be poured out to the full.
3. “The time of the dead, that they should be judged”. The next event, after the reign of Christ on this earth, will be the white throne judgment (see 20:11-15).
4. “And [the time] that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great” (see Revelation 20:4). Finally, He comes bringing His reward with Him.
5. “And should destroy those who destroy the earth”. Man tries to save the planet without God; and all they do is destroy it. Man’s fall brought ruin on the creation (see Romans 19ff). Those who perpetuate that ruin will now be judged.
III. THE RESPONSE OF THE TEMPLE IN THE HEAVENS (v. 19).
A. The Bible teaches us that there is a temple in the heavens. Moses was commanded to built the tabernacle according to the pattern that had been given him (Exodus 25:9); and that this pattern was of the true temple in the heavenlies (Hebrews 9:23-25). With the blowing of the trumpet, the temple in heaven is opened. Sin had closed access to the temple to fallen man. It had been opened at the death of Christ (Matthew 27:51). Now it is opened fully. And within, the ark of the covenant is seen. It is symbolic of the keeping of all the covenant promises of God. Nothing has been forgotten for neglected of God’s promises.
B. At the same time, the blowing of the seventh trumpet brings about great cataclysmic events on the earth—”lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail”. These are the “woe” aspect of the seventh trumpet; and are the events described in 16:17-21 and 19:1-21.