In the previous articles, we saw that the seals give an overview of the entire tribulation. The trumpets then, go back and recap events which will occur before the seventh seal. I believe the sixth seal, and the seventh trumpet both occur together, and are both descriptions of the second coming of Christ. It is difficult to determine exactly when the trumpets begin. But, I believe they likely cover the last half of Daniel's seventieth week which Jesus called "great tribulation." This lasts for 42 months [Rev. 11:2], or 1,260 days [vs. 3]. Each of the seven trumpets bring another disaster to the kingdom of the Antichrist. The seventh trumpet brings us to the end of the tribulation and the coming of Christ to set up His Kingdom.

I believe the passage dealing with the two witnesses, found between the sixth and seventh trumpets, is an explanation of the entire 42 month period during which the trumpets will sound. They have power over the plagues, they can turn water into blood, something that will occur at the second and third trumpets. It would seem that the trumpets will sound and the plagues follow, at their command. Antichrist attempts to rule from Jerusalem after defiling the Temple, [Dan. 11:45]. Yet the two witnesses will prophecy for the entire period of his reign right under his nose in Jerusalem, calling plagues down from heaven on him and his followers. I can't help but see a parallel to Moses' and Aaron's calling down plagues on Pharaoh, while God's people were protected, and gained strength and encouragement from this display. Revelation 11:4 says these two witnesses "are the two olive trees and the two lampstands." This comes from Zechariah 4:1- 14. Here the two olive trees feed olive oil through two golden pipes to the seven lamps, [Zech. 4:11-14]. Verse 6 indicates that the message of the vision of the olive trees and the seven lamps is: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD." In Revelation, the seven lampstands are the churches. If we apply Zechariah's prophecy to Revelation, and we should because Rev. 11:4 makes that connection, the two witnesses will be a source of encouragement and power to the churches in the tribulation. And, the exhortation, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD," has direct application to the Church in the tribulation! We should take this statement very seriously.

According to Rev. 11:3,12-15, the seventh trumpet occurs at the end of the 1,260 day period when the two witnesses prophesy. Verses 2 and 3 indicate that the period of 42 months, when Jerusalem will be trodden under foot, covers the same time the two witnesses prophesy, the latter half of the seventieth week. Daniel 8:13 indicates this will occur after the abomination of desolation. Therefore, the Seventh Trumpet occurs 1,260 days after the abomination of desolation. This places the Seventh Trumpet AFTER the tribulation, and is strong evidence that Revelation is not chronological. The vials must recap, not follow the trumpets.

The seventh trumpet finishes the "mystery of God," as declared to the prophets, [Rev. 10:7]. The Day of the Lord, (the coming of Christ to destroy the ungodly and restore Israel,) is the theme of most of the prophets. There is no doubt in my mind this statement refers to the coming of the Day of the Lord, and the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is apparent with the events that occur when the seventh trumpet sounds.

1. The kingdoms of the world become the Kingdom of Christ, [Rev. 11:15]. This can only occur when the Millennium begins. Verse 17 says He begins to reign.
2. Verse 18 says "Thy wrath is come." This is similar to the statement at the sixth seal, "the great day of His wrath is come." No doubt this anticipates the coming of the Day of the Lord. [See also: Rev. 14:7,19, & Rev. 19:15]
3. The judgment of the saints takes place at the seventh trumpet. Verse 18 clearly includes all saints both Old Testament and New. This must include saints of the tribulation, implying that the tribulation is over. It also includes both the living and the dead, which implies a resurrection. Other New Testament passages also place the judgment of Christians at the beginning of the Millennium. These include: Matt. 16:27, Luke 19:15, 2 Tim. 4:1,8 [KJV]. Romans 2:5-10 speaks of the "day of wrath" when God will judge both the saints and the ungodly. This agrees with the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew twenty-five. Also, Revelation 22:12 indicates Christ will bring rewards with Him when He comes for us. This would make no sense if we were being rewarded in heaven during the tribulation. Therefore, we can conclude that the seventh trumpet again brings us to the end of the tribulation.

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