The Book of Revelation describes a sequence of divine judgments upon the earth, and a central element of this prophetic narrative is the sounding of the trumpets. There are seven trumpets, each signaling a distinct and escalating judgment. This series of events is a major phase of the end-times vision given to the Apostle John, representing a progression of warnings intended to prompt repentance.
The Number and Context of the Trumpets
The seven trumpets are detailed primarily across Revelation chapters 8 through 11, forming the second major cycle of judgments. This sequence is introduced after the opening of the seventh seal, which initiates a period of silence in heaven. Seven angels are given the trumpets and sound them sequentially. The trumpet judgments serve as a bridge between the initial judgments of the seven seals and the final outpouring of wrath known as the seven bowls. The sounding of a trumpet (salpinx in Greek) traditionally served as a signal for war or a major public announcement.
The First Four Judgments on the Natural World
The initial four trumpets focus their destructive power on the physical environment, targeting the earth, the sea, the fresh water, and the celestial bodies. Each of these judgments is characterized by a partial destruction, specifically affecting one-third of the targeted area. This limitation suggests a restrained judgment, offering a warning rather than complete annihilation.
The first trumpet brings a storm of hail and fire mixed with blood, which is hurled upon the earth. This event results in the burning up of one-third of the trees and all the green grass. The second trumpet sees something described as a great mountain, burning with fire, thrown into the sea. Consequently, one-third of the sea turns to blood, one-third of the sea creatures die, and one-third of the ships are destroyed.
The third trumpet introduces a judgment on fresh water sources. A great star, named Wormwood, falls from the sky, making one-third of the rivers and springs bitter and poisonous. Many people die from drinking the tainted water, as Wormwood is associated with bitterness and toxicity. The fourth trumpet strikes the celestial bodies, causing one-third of the sun, moon, and stars to be darkened. This results in a reduction of light, with one-third of the day and night being without illumination.
The Three Woes: Trumpets Five and Six
Following the first four environmental judgments, an eagle is seen flying in mid-heaven, announcing three impending “Woes” that correspond to the final three trumpets. This shift signals an intensification of the judgments, moving from the natural world to direct, agonizing suffering inflicted upon humanity. The fifth trumpet is the first Woe, beginning with a star falling from heaven that is given the key to the bottomless pit.
Smoke rises from the pit, and out of the smoke emerge supernatural locusts described as having the power of scorpions. These creatures are commanded not to harm vegetation but to torment only those without the seal of God on their foreheads. The torment is so severe that people seek death but cannot find it, lasting for five months. The sixth trumpet, the second Woe, involves releasing four angels bound at the great river Euphrates.
These four angels lead an immense army, numbering two hundred million, whose purpose is to kill one-third of mankind. The horses and riders are described with terrifying detail, having heads like lions and breathing fire, smoke, and sulfur. Despite the catastrophic loss of life, the survivors still refuse to repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, and thefts. This lack of repentance underscores the hardening of hearts in the face of divine judgment.
The Announcement of the Seventh Trumpet
The seventh trumpet is the third Woe, but it differs significantly from the preceding six because it does not immediately unleash a new physical plague. Instead, the sounding of the seventh trumpet is a momentous announcement of victory and transition. Loud voices in heaven proclaim that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of the Lord and of His Christ, and that He will reign forever. This trumpet signals the completion of the “mystery of God” and the beginning of the final phase of God’s plan.
The seventh trumpet serves as a transition point, marking the end of the trumpet judgments and leading directly into the final series of judgments. At this point, the temple of God in heaven is opened, and the seven bowls of God’s wrath are prepared to be poured out. The entire sequence—from the seals to the trumpets and to the bowls—demonstrates a progressive escalation of judgment, with the seventh trumpet acting as the signal for the establishment of God’s eternal reign.