Revelation 8:7

Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass.

Study Bible

Then the first angel sounded his trumpet
The sounding of the trumpet by the first angel marks the beginning of a series of judgments. Trumpets in biblical times were used for signaling important events, such as war or the arrival of a king. In the context of Revelation, the trumpet judgments are a divine call to attention and action, reminiscent of the trumpet blasts at Jericho (Joshua 6:4-5) and the call to assembly in Numbers 10:2-10. The trumpet signifies God's intervention in human history, heralding the unfolding of His eschatological plan.

and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth.
This imagery recalls the seventh plague on Egypt (Exodus 9:23-25), where hail and fire were used as instruments of divine judgment. The addition of blood intensifies the scene, symbolizing death and destruction. The combination of these elements suggests a supernatural event beyond natural phenomena, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. The use of blood may also allude to the sacrificial system, where blood was a symbol of atonement and judgment (Leviticus 17:11).

A third of the earth was burned up,
The fraction "a third" indicates a partial judgment, suggesting that God's wrath is measured and not yet complete. This restraint highlights God's mercy even in judgment, allowing for repentance. The burning of the earth signifies purification and judgment, reminiscent of the refining fire mentioned in Malachi 3:2-3. The destruction of a third of the earth also foreshadows the eventual renewal of creation (Revelation 21:1).

along with a third of the trees
Trees often symbolize life, stability, and prosperity (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8). The destruction of a third of the trees represents a significant ecological and economic impact, affecting food supply and livelihoods. This judgment serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God's creation and the consequences of sin on the natural world.

and all the green grass.
The complete destruction of green grass signifies total devastation of vegetation, affecting both the environment and agriculture. Grass is often associated with transience and mortality (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24), underscoring the temporary nature of earthly life and the urgency of repentance. This judgment highlights the fragility of human existence and the need for reliance on God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The First Angel
This angel is one of the seven who are given trumpets to sound, each heralding a specific judgment from God. The sounding of the trumpet signifies the beginning of a divine action or event.

2. Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood
This imagery represents a catastrophic judgment. The combination of hail, fire, and blood suggests a supernatural event that brings destruction and chaos.

3. The Earth
The target of this judgment, specifically a third of it, indicating a partial but significant impact. The earth here symbolizes the physical world and its inhabitants.

4. Trees and Green Grass
These elements of nature are specifically mentioned as being affected, symbolizing life and sustenance. Their destruction indicates a severe disruption of the natural order.

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

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment
This passage reminds us of the reality of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to live righteously and be prepared for the return of Christ.

Symbolism and Reality
The vivid imagery used in Revelation is symbolic of real events. Understanding the symbolism helps us grasp the seriousness of God's actions and their impact on the world.

Partial Judgment
The destruction of only a third of the earth signifies God's mercy even in judgment, allowing time for repentance and change.

Environmental Stewardship
The destruction of trees and grass highlights the importance of caring for God's creation. As stewards, we are called to protect and preserve the environment.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While the passage speaks of destruction, it also points to the ultimate hope of restoration and renewal through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of hail, fire, and blood in Revelation 8:7 compare to the plagues in Egypt, and what does this tell us about God's power and judgment?

2. In what ways can the partial judgment described in this passage serve as a call to repentance and spiritual readiness in our lives today?

3. How does the destruction of natural elements like trees and grass in Revelation 8:7 inform our understanding of environmental stewardship from a biblical perspective?

4. What connections can you find between the trumpet judgments in Revelation and the teachings of Jesus about the end times in the Gospels?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in the midst of the judgments described in Revelation, and how does this hope influence our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:23-25
The plague of hail in Egypt serves as a precursor to this judgment, showing God's power over nature and His ability to use it as a tool for judgment.

Joel 2:30-31
The prophecy of blood, fire, and columns of smoke as signs of the Day of the Lord connects to the imagery in Revelation, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment.

Luke 21:25-26
Jesus speaks of signs in the heavens and distress on earth, which parallels the catastrophic events described in Revelation, highlighting the eschatological focus.