A trumpet is a significant instrument in the Old Testament.

According to one commentator, trumpets had three important uses:

1. They called the people together (Num. 10:1–8);
2. They announced war (Num. 10:9);
3. They announced special times (Num. 10:10). For example, when the Law was given (Ex. 19:16–19), when the king was anointed and enthroned (1 Kings 1:34, 39) and at the conquest of Jericho (Josh. 6:13–16) (Warren Wiersbe).

The seven trumpets announce 7 judgements on the earth. The first four are primarily natural judgements.

Here’s what my interpretation of what the first 4 trumpets are.

1. Devastation of plant life and food supply.

“The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.”  Rev 8:7

2. Devastation of sea life.

“Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood, one-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed.” Rev 8:8-9

3. Devastation of the fresh water supply.

“Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.” Rev 8:10-11

4. Devastation of the heavens.

“Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.” Rev 8:12

The last three trumpets are even more devastating than the first four!

Share on Facebook or Twitter or post a comment. Get daily updates by subscribing by email. From my reading in Revelation 8 in the One Year Bible New Testament.