Revelation 8

1 there was silence, etc. This silence corresponds with the interval in the worship of the Jewish sanctuary, during which the priest went in to offer incense, while the worshippers remained silently waiting in the court without (Luke i. 21). This function of the Jewish priests was typical of our Lord’s intercession in heaven.

2 the seven angels. The dispensers of Divine blessings and judgements (see note on i. 4).

trumpets. Trumpets were used by the Jews to announce the appointed religious festivals, and on other great occasions: see Josh. vi. 3, 16.

3 there was given unto him much incense, etc. Cp. v. 5. The altar is the altar of incense.

all saints. Perhaps all the saints before mentioned (vi. 9; vii. 14) as coming out of the great tribulation; who now join in calling on Jehovah (as in vi. 10) to vindicate them.

the throne. The mercy-seat upon which the Divine glory rested (Exod. xxv. 20, 22).

7 the third part. Cp. Ezek. v. 12; Zech. xiii. 8. The “third part” seems to mean a considerable portion. In the midst of wrath the Lord remembers mercy (Hab. iii. 2); postponing complete destruction until these visitations have failed of their effect (see ix. 20, 21; and cp. Zech. xiii. 8, 9).

8 a great mountain burning with fire, etc. Cp. Jer. li. 25. The agitation was such as might be expected from the falling of a burning mountain into the sea: see also Exod. vii. 20, 21.

11. Wormwood. “Wormwood” represents that which poisons and embitters every source of enjoyment: see Jer. ix. 15; Lam. iii. 15, 19; Amos v. 7.

12 so as the third part of them was darkened, etc. All the luminaries both of day and night lost the third part of their usual splendour; a fit emblem of general gloom and distress; and yet a limited judgement, like the three foregoing plagues.

13 an angel. The best authorities read, “an eagle.” The Divine messenger appears like a flying eagle alone in mid-heaven, uttering the eagle-like cry, Oua! ouai! ouai! (cp. xiv. 8).

Woe, woe, woe. A woe from each of the three remaining trumpets.