Revelation 8:6-7 Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
The blowing of the first trumpet results in hail, fire, and blood coming down on the earth. This recalls the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. These cities were known for their wickedness and immorality. The English word “sodomize” comes from this story. These verses do not say exactly why a third of the earth was destroyed, but if we can make the connection with Sodom and Gomorrah, the problem may be immorality and disregard for God. The human race has gone the way of the generation of Noah. The fire causes a massive forest and grass fire. We have heard of massive fires in my home area of the Northwest USA. Those fires are nothing compared to what will happen with the first trumpet. The smoke will cover the earth. We do not know the source of the hail and fire, but perhaps volcanoes. The inclusion of blood is interesting. Is this a substance the color of blood, perhaps lava, or the blood that will result from the hail and fire descending on people and creatures?
These verses serve to warn us of the seriousness of not listening to God and God’s prophets who call the world to repentance and to turn from sin. We must take sin seriously and reject it. We must turn our faces to God in humble submission and obedience.
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