The first parenthesis dealing with salvation in the
Tribulation is now over and the narrative sequence begins
again with chapter 8. Remember that the seven seals
ultimately contain all the judgments needed to usher in the
rule of the Lamb and the kingdom of God. This includes both
the trumpet and bowl judgments. With the opening of the
seventh seal, there is silence in heaven. In place of the
choruses of the elders, the cries of the angels and the
multitudes, all is quiet. This is a silence of expectancy,
for this is the last seal. The seventh seal contains within
its scope all the rest of the judgments of the Tribulation
that will restore the kingdom of God to earth.
The seven angels, who stand in the presence of God, are
given seven trumpets that are symbolically for God’s
provision and authority for these seven angels to pour out
these judgments.
Trumpets were used by Israel on all their national
occasions: for assembly to battle, public assembly, to
signal important events of the calendar year and almost any
important occasion. In this context, they symbolize the
announcement of judgment and the number seven signifies the
completeness or perfect accomplishment of these judgments.
