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 sounding of the fourth trumpet marks a significant event in the series of judgments described in Revelation. The trumpet judgments follow the seal judgments and precede the bowl judgments, indicating an intensifying sequence of divine retribution. The number four often symbolizes universality or completeness in biblical numerology, suggesting a widespread impact. Angels are frequently depicted as messengers or agents of God's will throughout Scripture, emphasizing the divine origin of these events.

and a third of the sun and moon and stars were struck
The striking of the celestial bodies recalls the plagues of Egypt, particularly the ninth plague of darkness (Exodus 10:21-23). This imagery suggests a divine intervention that disrupts the natural order, symbolizing judgment and chaos. The fraction "a third" indicates a partial, yet significant, impact, suggesting that God's judgment is severe but not yet total. The sun, moon, and stars are often associated with timekeeping and seasons (Genesis 1:14-16), and their disruption signifies a profound alteration in the created order.

A third of the stars were darkened
The darkening of the stars echoes prophetic imagery found in the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7-8, where celestial disturbances are associated with the Day of the Lord and divine judgment. Stars are also symbolic of rulers or angels in biblical literature (Daniel 8:10, Revelation 12:4), and their darkening could imply a loss of authority or influence. This event underscores the theme of cosmic upheaval as a sign of God's sovereign intervention in human affairs.

a third of the day was without light
The absence of light for a third of the day parallels the darkness that fell over the land during Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:45), symbolizing judgment and mourning. Light is a common biblical metaphor for God's presence and truth (John 1:4-5), and its reduction signifies a withdrawal of divine favor or revelation. This partial darkness serves as a warning, urging repentance before more severe judgments occur.

and a third of the night as well
The extension of darkness into the night further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this judgment. Nighttime is often associated with danger and evil (John 11:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:7), and increased darkness heightens these associations. The dual impact on both day and night suggests a disruption of the natural rhythm of life, pointing to the pervasive consequences of sin and the need for divine intervention. This imagery reinforces the urgency of the call to repentance and the hope of restoration through Christ, the 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.