Revelation 10:4

When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down."

Study Bible

When the seven thunders had spoken
The "seven thunders" are a mysterious element in the Book of Revelation, often interpreted as a divine utterance or message. The number seven frequently symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that these thunders represent a complete or perfect message from God. The thunders may be seen as a form of divine judgment or revelation, similar to the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls found elsewhere in Revelation. The imagery of thunder is often associated with God's voice and power, as seen in passages like Psalm 29:3-9, where the voice of the Lord is described as powerful and majestic, breaking cedars and shaking the wilderness.

I was about to put it in writing
John, the author of Revelation, is prepared to record the message of the seven thunders, indicating his role as a faithful scribe of divine revelation. This readiness to write aligns with his task throughout Revelation, where he documents the visions and messages he receives. The act of writing is significant in the biblical context, as it serves to preserve and communicate God's word to future generations, as seen in other scriptural instances like Jeremiah 30:2, where God instructs Jeremiah to write down all the words He has spoken.

But I heard a voice from heaven saying
The "voice from heaven" is a recurring motif in Revelation, often representing divine authority or instruction. This voice interrupts John's intention to write, indicating a higher command or purpose. The heavenly voice underscores the divine origin and authority of the message, similar to other instances in the Bible where God speaks from heaven, such as during Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:17. This voice serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and mystery of God's plans, which are not always revealed to humanity.

“Seal up what the seven thunders have said
The command to "seal up" the message of the seven thunders suggests that certain aspects of God's revelation are meant to remain hidden or undisclosed. This concept of sealing is reminiscent of Daniel 12:4, where Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. The sealing indicates that some divine mysteries are not yet meant for human understanding, emphasizing the theme of God's inscrutable wisdom and timing. It also highlights the selective nature of revelation, where some truths are revealed while others are concealed.

and do not write it down.”
The instruction not to write down the message of the seven thunders further emphasizes the theme of divine mystery and the limits of human knowledge. This prohibition contrasts with the general directive given to John to record his visions, as seen in Revelation 1:11. The withholding of this specific revelation serves as a reminder of the partial nature of human understanding and the need for faith in God's ultimate plan. It also reflects the tension between revealed and hidden knowledge, a common theme in apocalyptic literature, where certain truths are reserved for God's timing and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives visions while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. Seven Thunders
A mysterious and powerful voice or series of voices that John hears, which are not to be recorded.

3. Voice from Heaven
A divine command that instructs John not to write down the message of the seven thunders.

4. Patmos
The island where John receives the Revelation, a place of exile and divine encounter.

5. Heaven
The realm from which the authoritative voice speaks, indicating divine origin and authority.

Teaching Points

Divine Mystery and Human Limitation
God's wisdom and plans often include mysteries beyond human comprehension. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty, even when not all is revealed.

Obedience to Divine Instruction
John’s obedience in not writing down the message of the seven thunders serves as a model for believers to follow God's instructions, even when they do not fully understand them.

The Role of Revelation in Faith
Revelation is given according to God's purpose and timing. Believers should focus on what has been revealed and live according to that knowledge, while trusting God with the unknown.

The Importance of Patience and Trust
Just as John had to wait and trust in God's timing, believers are encouraged to be patient and trust in God's ultimate plan for their lives and the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to "seal up" the message of the seven thunders teach us about the nature of divine revelation?

2. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in John's response to our own lives when we encounter unclear or challenging instructions from God?

3. In what ways does the concept of divine mystery challenge or strengthen your faith?

4. How do the experiences of John in Revelation 10:4 and Daniel in Daniel 12:4 inform our understanding of God's timing in revealing His plans?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God without having all the answers. How did that experience shape your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 12:4
Similar to John's experience, Daniel is instructed to seal up a vision until the end times, highlighting the theme of divine timing and revelation.

2 Corinthians 12:4
Paul speaks of hearing inexpressible things in paradise, which he is not permitted to tell, paralleling the idea of withheld divine mysteries.

Deuteronomy 29:29
Emphasizes that the secret things belong to God, reinforcing the concept of divine mysteries that are not for human understanding at present.