This section of Revelation covers the seven trumpets. In the prologue, 8:2-6, we have the prayers of the saints are mixed with the incense that comes before the Lord, and then the angel takes fire from the altar and throws it to earth. The first trumpet brings hail and fire mixed with blood which came to earth and caused 1/3 of the trees and green grass to burn up. The second trumpet damaged the sea and 1/3 of the sea creatures and ships. The third trumpet was a great star fell from heaven and 1/3 or the rivers and springs of water became bitter so many people died. The fourth trumpet the sun was struck and 1/3 of the moon and stars were darkened, and 1/3 of the day and night were without light. Many of these trumpets are similar to the plagues of Egypt. There was a break between the 4th and 5th trumpet when an eagle declared "Woe, woe, woe, to those who dwell on the earth.." The first four trumpets brought damage to the earth, but now with these last three they are directed at people. The 5th trumpet opened the bottomless pit, and the smoke from it was like a furnace. From the smoke came swarms of locust, another plague on Egypt, as well as a prophecy from Joel. Peter Gentry in his book, "How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets," summarized the 6th trumpet, which is also the 2nd "Woe," as "Demonic army from Euphrates, 7 thunders, 2 scrolls, the two witnesses, and a great battle." With the 7th scroll, came flashes of lightning, and sounds and peals of thunder, and an earthquake and a great hail storm. It is here that the time has come for the dead to be judges, and reward to those who are God's servants, prophets, saints, and fearers of God,
