Revelation 8:10

Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

Study Bible

Then the third angel sounded his trumpet
The sounding of the third trumpet is part of a series of seven trumpet judgments described in Revelation. These judgments are a response to the prayers of the saints and signify divine intervention in human history. The number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical numerology, suggesting the significance of this event in the unfolding of God's plan.

and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven
The imagery of a "great star" falling from heaven is symbolic and can represent a significant and catastrophic event. Stars in biblical literature often symbolize angels or celestial beings, as seen in Job 38:7 and Isaiah 14:12. The description of the star "burning like a torch" suggests a dramatic and fiery descent, indicating judgment or destruction. This imagery is reminiscent of the fall of Lucifer, described as a "morning star" in Isaiah 14:12, and may symbolize a fallen angel or a divine messenger executing judgment.

and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water
The impact on "a third of the rivers and on the springs of water" indicates a partial but significant judgment affecting the earth's freshwater sources. Water is essential for life, and its contamination or destruction would have dire consequences for humanity. The fraction "a third" is consistent with other judgments in Revelation, emphasizing the severity yet restraint of God's wrath. This event echoes the plagues of Egypt, where water was turned to blood (Exodus 7:20-21), and serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Third Angel
One of the seven angels who sound the trumpets, each bringing a specific judgment upon the earth. The third angel's trumpet introduces a calamity involving a great star.

2. Great Star
Symbolic of a significant and catastrophic event. The star is described as burning like a torch, indicating its destructive nature as it falls from heaven.

3. Heaven
The realm from which the star falls, signifying a divine or cosmic origin of the judgment.

4. Rivers and Springs of Water
Represents the sources of fresh water on earth, which are affected by the falling star, leading to widespread contamination and hardship.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment
The sounding of the trumpet by the third angel signifies a divine judgment that is both specific and severe. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of His justice.

Symbolism of the Star
The great star represents a significant and catastrophic event, possibly symbolizing a leader or a nation that falls, causing widespread impact. It reminds believers of the transient nature of earthly powers.

Impact on Creation
The contamination of rivers and springs highlights the interconnectedness of creation and the consequences of sin. It calls believers to be stewards of God's creation and to recognize the spiritual implications of environmental degradation.

Call to Repentance
The judgments in Revelation serve as a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn to God before the final judgment. It emphasizes the urgency of the gospel message.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a "great star burning like a torch" enhance our understanding of the severity of God's judgment in Revelation 8:10?

2. In what ways can the fall of the star be seen as a warning to contemporary society about the consequences of turning away from God?

3. How do the events described in Revelation 8:10 relate to the plagues in Egypt, and what can we learn from these parallels about God's character?

4. What practical steps can believers take to be better stewards of God's creation in light of the environmental impact described in this passage?

5. How does the theme of repentance in Revelation 8:10 challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities in preparation for Christ's return?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14:12
This verse speaks of the fall of Lucifer, often symbolized as a star falling from heaven, drawing a parallel to the imagery in Revelation.

Jeremiah 9:15
Discusses God giving the people "bitter water" to drink as a form of judgment, similar to the impact of the star on the waters in Revelation.

Exodus 7:20-21
The first plague in Egypt, where the waters turned to blood, can be seen as a precursor to the judgments in Revelation, highlighting the theme of divine retribution through water.