Revelation 8:12

Then the fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun and moon and stars were struck. A third of the stars were darkened, a third of the day was without light, and a third of the night as well.

Study Bible

Then the fourth angel sounded his trumpet
The phrase "Then the fourth angel" indicates a sequence in the series of judgments that are being revealed. The "angel" here is one of the seven angels given trumpets, symbolizing divine messengers executing God's will. The "trumpet" is a significant biblical symbol, often associated with the announcement of God's intervention in human history. In the Old Testament, trumpets were used to signal important events, such as the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19:16) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:20). The sounding of the trumpet here signifies a divine act of judgment and a call to attention for the inhabitants of the earth.

a third of the sun was struck
The "sun" is a vital source of light and life, and its striking signifies a partial judgment affecting creation. The Greek word for "struck" (ἐπλήγη) implies a sudden and forceful action, indicating the severity of this judgment. The fraction "a third" suggests a limited but significant impact, reflecting God's mercy even in judgment, as He restrains the full extent of His wrath. This partial darkening echoes the ninth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23), where darkness covered the land, symbolizing God's power over creation and His ability to disrupt the natural order.

a third of the moon
The "moon" governs the night and, like the sun, is essential for marking time and seasons. Its darkening further emphasizes the disruption of the natural order. The moon's light is a reflection of the sun, and its partial darkening signifies a reduction in the reflected glory of God's creation. This imagery may also symbolize the diminishing of human understanding and guidance, as the moon often represents wisdom and reflection in biblical literature.

and a third of the stars
The "stars" are often associated with divine beings or messengers (Job 38:7, Revelation 1:20). Their darkening could symbolize a reduction in spiritual insight or the obscuring of divine revelation. In the ancient world, stars were used for navigation, and their darkening would lead to confusion and disorientation, reflecting the spiritual and moral chaos resulting from God's judgment.

so that a third of them were darkened
The repetition of "a third" underscores the partial nature of this judgment, highlighting God's restraint and the opportunity for repentance. The "darkened" state signifies a withdrawal of God's sustaining presence and blessing, leading to a world plunged into spiritual and physical darkness. This serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the need for humanity to turn back to God.

a third of the day was without light
The "day" represents the time of activity and life, and its darkening signifies a disruption in the normal rhythm of life. The absence of light during the day is a powerful symbol of judgment, as light is often associated with God's presence and truth (John 1:4-5). This partial darkening serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the need for reliance on God's grace.

and a third of the night as well
The "night" is traditionally a time of rest and reflection, and its darkening suggests a loss of peace and security. The absence of light during the night can evoke fear and uncertainty, symbolizing the spiritual darkness that envelops those who reject God's truth. This judgment serves as a call to repentance, urging humanity to seek the light of Christ, who is the true light of the world (John 8:12).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fourth Angel
One of the seven angels who sound the trumpets, each bringing a specific judgment upon the earth. The angels serve as messengers and executors of God's divine will.

2. The Sun, Moon, and Stars
Celestial bodies created by God to govern the day and night. In this context, they are affected by the judgment, symbolizing a disruption in the natural order.

3. The Trumpet
A symbol of divine intervention and judgment. In biblical times, trumpets were used to signal important events, such as war or the arrival of a king.

4. The Third
A recurring fraction in Revelation, indicating a partial but significant impact. It suggests a measure of God's mercy, as the destruction is not total.

5. Darkening of Day and Night
Represents a significant alteration in the natural world, symbolizing chaos and the withdrawal of God's sustaining order.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage highlights God's control over creation and His authority to use it for His purposes. Believers are reminded of God's ultimate power and justice.

The Call to Repentance
The partial nature of the judgment (one-third) suggests an opportunity for repentance. It serves as a warning for humanity to turn back to God before final judgment.

The Assurance of God's Plan
Despite the chaos depicted, believers can trust in God's overarching plan. The disruption of natural order points to the need for reliance on God rather than the created world.

The Urgency of the Gospel
The imagery of darkness can symbolize spiritual blindness. Christians are called to be light in the world, sharing the gospel with urgency as the end times approach.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the sun, moon, and stars being darkened affect your understanding of God's power and control over creation?

2. In what ways can the partial judgment (one-third) be seen as an act of mercy, and how should this influence our view of God's character?

3. How do the events described in Revelation 8:12 encourage you to live with a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel?

4. What parallels can you draw between the darkening of celestial bodies in Revelation and other biblical accounts of darkness as a form of judgment?

5. How can you apply the lessons from this passage to remain steadfast in faith during times of chaos and uncertainty in the world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 10:21-23
The plague of darkness in Egypt, where darkness covered the land for three days, serves as a parallel to the darkening of celestial bodies in Revelation, indicating divine judgment.

Joel 2:10, 31
The prophet Joel speaks of the sun, moon, and stars being darkened as a sign of the Day of the Lord, connecting to the apocalyptic imagery in Revelation.

Matthew 24:29
Jesus describes the end times, mentioning the darkening of the sun and moon, aligning with the events in Revelation as signs of His return.