Print Version

Revelation 11:15-19         

Revelation is a book of enlightenment into Daniel's predictions, as well as clarification of many prophetic passages throughout the entire Bible.  The contents are presented in a somewhat chronological arrangement, meaning in the order of their future fulfillment.  However, there are so many events of the end which are going to occur in quick order that passages have been inserted which offer more details, but also interrupt the events being described.

For example, the trumpet judgments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 begin in chapter 8 and continue in chapter 9.  However, the interruption of chapter 10 and the first half of chapter 11 explains in more detail events that surround the trumpets, with the seventh trumpet plague then introduced sometime later.

Chapter 10 revealed the working of the Seventh Angel (Michael: Christ) when He leaves Heaven to descend to earth.  He will set foot upon earth and sea at which time His voice will be heard around the globe, when the mystery of God will be finished.

The first half of Revelation 11 was a brief explanation of the work and martyrdom of the two prophets from Heaven that lead up to the sounding of the seventh trumpet.  Now, in the last half of Revelation 11, the seventh trumpet is discovered and the Seventh Angel blows His trumpet with earthshaking results.  Verses 15 through 19 offer a wealth of information concerning the timing of the seventh trumpet and the day it will fall on, as well as the major events in Heaven and on earth that occur at its sounding.  By close examination and diligent study of these verses the student of prophecy can discover many valuable insights into the future, which may well have been hidden since the dawn of time.

1. In Revelation 11:15, the Seventh Angel sounded His trumpet.  What did the voices in Heaven declare?

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever.  Having been under Satan's influence for millenniums, the kingdom is taken back under Heaven's control--of the Father and Son.

2. Who is given full dominion according to Daniel 7:13-14?

The Son of Man--Jesus Christ is given full authority over all nations on earth when He steps before the Father at the crowning event.

3. What must take place before the crowning (Daniel 7:9-10)?

First there must be a Courtroom Judgment where the Books of evidence are opened and the facts revealed as to who should reign victorious--Christ or Satan. Daniel has connected the declaration of full dominion and power with the opening of Books and the courtroom drama.  This court is called into session to deal with the evil coup and to bring into judgment the work of Satan and Antichrist.  

4. The outcome is already foretold.  What is it (Daniel 7:26-27)? 

Satan's domain will be stripped away, consumed and destroyed, while the Son of Man will be given full dominion over all the nations, and His kingdom will never end.

In Revelation 11:16-18 the twenty-four elders fall in their faces before God in humble adoration.  They praise Him because He is the Lord, God Almighty, who is and who was--the Eternal One.  Their voices of praise reveal the timing of the Seventh Angel and His trumpet. 

5. What events follow the trumpet sound?

a) God begins to reign

b) Nations are angry

c) God's wrath has come

d) Time for judging the dead

e) Time for rewarding God's servants the prophets

f) Time for rewarding God's saints and those who reverence His name

g) Time for destroying those who destroy the earth 

The Seventh Angel and trumpet sound inaugurates the reign of Christ fully over the earth.  Because of this, the nations of the world are angry and ready for battle, because God's reign begins with His wrath and plagues.  

6. The Seventh Angel brings the judgment of the dead.  What does it mean to judge the dead?

The decision concerning the dead will be made.  According to 1 Peter 4:5, man will have to give account to God, "who is ready to judge the living and the dead."  Judgment simply means "decision."  God decides who will live and who will die, and therefore judges the living and the dead.

Daniel 12:1-3 takes us to the same announcement of the trumpeting Seventh Angel.  Michael, the Archangel, will stand at the end of the "time, times and half of time" (v. 7), after the power of the holy people is broken and when all things prophesied will be finished.  When He arises, He initiates the "time of distress such as has not happened before" --the Great Tribulation.  "But at that time your people (Israel)--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered (sealed for protection--Revelation 7:2-4).  Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake [in resurrection]: some [righteous] to everlasting life, others [sinners] to shame and everlasting contempt," (vs. 2-3).

This resurrection at the beginning of the Great Tribulation is not the general resurrection, but a special resurrection of a "great multitude that no man can count" (Revelation 7:9, 14)--a special group of both saints and sinners, according to Daniel.  This great multitude of saints have helped proclaim the last-day gospel message, and have given their lives in service for God.  "For this gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come," (Matthew 24:14). These "eleventh hour" workers who have turned many to righteousness are rewarded along with Moses and Elijah--God's "servants the prophets," (Revelation 11:18).