THE APOSTASY
Revelation 7 is a break in the dealings of God, showing His preservation of a measured number from the twelve tribes of Israel, and also of a great multitude of Gentiles through the great tribulation, for millennial blessing on the earth.
Revelation 8. Opening of the seventh seal; silence in heaven half-an-hour. Seven angels with seven trumpets. Christ is seen in angelic garb. First four trumpets sounded. Fearful judgments, falling chiefly on the prosperity, commerce, and established power in the western part of the Roman empire, which is probably meant by the third part, mentioned several times.
Revelation 9. Fifth and sixth trumpet judgments, or first and second woe.
First. Satanic delusions on the Jews, the sealed being preserved; probably connected with antichrist.
Second. Immense army of horsemen, from the direction of the Euphrates, overcoming and destroying Gentiles, judged on account of their idolatry and other sins. Probably the power of the Assyrian, the rod of God’s wrath (Isa. 10). Third part of men killed (Rev. 9:1818By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. (Revelation 9:18)).
Revelation 10. Jehovah, in angelic garb, intimating the near approach of the closing of the “mystery of God” (His long-suffering with men; bearing with evil in the world instead of inflicting immediate judgment, allowing the righteous to suffer meanwhile,) and the subjection of all nations to Himself.
Continued and to be continued).
“Jesus” when on earth was slain,
Now lives on high again;
He in righteousness will reign,
When He comes in glory.