I’ve noted before that Bible prophecy is the ultimate puzzle. There are so many pieces (verses) that need to fit together to gain an understanding of the future and so many opinions on how these pieces should fit together (or be understood).
Recently I received a reminder of how unique this puzzle is when I received a request to study Revelation 8:1, which says the following:
- Rev 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
The reader mentioned an interpretation of the half an hour referenced in Revelation 8:1 that I had not heard before. The reader mentioned the possibility that the half an hour in Revelation 8:1 could represent the time between World War 1 and World War 2.
After spending some time reviewing this interpretation I’m ready to share my thoughts on it. Today I share my thoughts with everyone just in case anyone else had the same question.
- The basic idea is that the half an hour in Revelation 8:1 represents 30 minutes in a 1000 year “day” or 1/48 of 1000 years (as 30 minutes is 1/48 of a day).
I converted 1/48 of 1000 years into figures we can use to compare: 1/48 of 1000 years is approximately 7,609 days or 20.83 years.
- People who believe Revelation 8:1 represents the time between the two world wars say that 20.83 years is about the amount of time between the two world wars.
I also calculated the amount of time separating World War 1 and World War 2. World War 1 ended on November 11, 1918 while World War 2 began on September 1, 1939. The time between these two dates was 7,599 days or approximately 20.82 years.
The difference between the two world wars and 1/48 of 1000 years is just 10 days. People who believe Revelation 8:1 represents the time between the two world wars argue that the term “about” in Revelation 8:1 provides enough leeway so that the two time periods do not have to be exactly the same in length-they only have to be approximately close.
- Rev 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Despite the proximity between the two time periods, I do not believe the half an hour in Revelation 8:1 relates to the time period between the two world wars for several reasons:
- The text specifies that the silence is experienced in Heaven-not on Earth. I do not see how the silence can be applied to the period between two world wars on Earth when the silence is only observed in Heaven.
- Most future prophetic events will take place within a seven year period (Daniel 9:27), so it seems impossible for the half an hour in Revelation 8:1-a period of silence still to come in the future-to represent 1/48 of 1000 years (or 20.83 years).
- Periods of war and periods of peace have taken place throughout history. Why would those in Heaven be silent between the two world wars and not another time period separating major wars like the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the start of the Crimean War (38 years in length)?
- A person who argues that the half an hour in Revelation 8:1 represents the time period between the two world wars would have to defend the idea that the first seven seals have already been opened. I don’t believe the seals have been opened yet…
- The time period between the two world wars was not a very peaceful time on Earth. Japan waged two wars against China (1931-1933 and 1937-1941), the Axis Powers (ex Japan) and the Soviet Union participated in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), and Italy waged war against Ethiopia (1935-1936). In addition, there was significant political instability in the aftermath of World War 1 and during the Great Depression. Therefore, it would be a stretch to say there was “silence” on Earth between the two world wars.
I understand that people look at Revelation 8:1 differently. I personally prefer to take Revelation 8:1 at face value. Therefore, I simply see the half an hour in Revelation 8:1 as representing a thirty minute period of time before the trumpets begin to sound.
19 comments: (+add yours?)
I agree with you.Sometimes people want to take something in the bible and make something out of it that it just doesn't say.
Ann
Thanks,I agree with your observation and share your sentiments.
It also may be a pause or break between the disaster/punishments of the seals, and the trumpets giving those on Earth who choose to repent time to do so. After all Revelation is God giving humanity its last chance to repent. Anyone is able to do so up until they accept the mark of the beast.
It's unclear what the reason behind the silence is so there are many possibilities. The one you mention anonymous certainly could be a reason for the silence.
Genesis 1:8 its about the definition of heaven
and the revelation 8:1 said "silence in heaven"
meaning not silence in earth,
japan used figther plane.. As also america,
revelation 8:10
star falling from heaven "atomic bomb"
revelation 9:1
star again,
"2nd atomic bomb"
kindly add these verses... To your article..
The silence between WWI and WWII argument doesn't work if the silence is supposed to be applied to the skies. There was aerial warfare during the period between the two world wars.
The German Luftwaffe used fighters and bombers in the Spanish Civil War. In fact, the Germans practiced and refined Blitzkrieg during the Spanish Civil War. The Italians also contributed military aircraft in the war. In addition, some Soviet military planes were used in the war to support the side that Hitler opposed.
The Japanese and Chinese both used fighter planes to battle in the air during the early part of the second Sino-Japanese war (before the start of World War 2).
The Italian Air Force used bombers to drop poison on the Ethiopian people in 1935.
Revelation 8:10-11 says that the star called Wormwood will impact 1/3 of the world's water and turn that water into Wormwood.
Rev 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
Rev 8:11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
The first atomic bomb in World War 2 did not turn 1/3 of Earth's water into Wormwood. The first atomic bomb was dropped on a city (Hiroshima) rather than a water source. Wormwood is a future event...
The star of Revelation 9:1 is likely an angel. It's task is to open up the bottomless pit so the locusts can get out.
Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
Matthew 24 and the seals of Revelation are parallel passages. Notice that you can find the first six seals in Matthew if you look at the signs Jesus gave the disciples. The sixth seal, the sun, moon, stars, etc. are the same signs that He tells them will herald the Day of the Lord and His return in Matthew. The silence in heaven comes after the sixth seal, which in Matthew comes after the great tribulation, which is in the 70th week of Daniel. We haven't entered that yet, so the silence before the seventh seal could not be between the two world wars. It's a simple matter of chronology.
Hi to all of you,
can you figure out where we are in revelations?
We must let the bible define what the meaning of Rev 8:1 is:
God speaks of the great tribulation as “one hour”:
“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings ONE HOUR with the beast “ Rev 17:12
“Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in ONE HOUR is thy judgment come” Rev 18:10
Notice the word about and silence was in heaven:
“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven ABOUT the space of half an hour.” Rev 8:1
There is joy in heaven when someone becomes saved:
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10
The period of silence occurred during the first portion of the great tribulation(the 2,300 days in Dan 8:14). There was a spiritual famine from May 21, 1988 to Sept 7, 1994.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: “ Amos 8:11
During the last 6,100 days of the great tribulation, many become saved:
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” Rev 7:9
"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Rev 5:5
First seal:
"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." Rev 6:1-2
- The rider on the white horse going forth to conquer is Jesus establishing the new testament church during the 1st century.
Second seal:
"And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." Rev 6:3-4
- The rider on the red horse is Satan becoming an enemy to the church.
Third seal:
"And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand." Rev 6:5
- The rider of the black horse is balancing out the church(less truth found).
Fourth seal:
"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." Rev 6:8
- The death of the corporate church.
Fifth seal:
"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:" Rev 6:9
- The true worshipers of God in the church were slain(silenced in the church).
Sixth seal:
"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;" Rev 6:12
This is judgment day.
Seventh seal:
"And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Rev 8:1
This was opened at the beginning of the great tribulation. It is in seven parts and revealed by seven angels. After this seal was opened, we began to understand the meaning of the other seals.
Anonymous, I'll probably write about it sometime soon.
Jim, we'll have to agree to disagree about your overview of the seals through Revelation 8:1.
Just a note for everyone... I'm working on introducing a new comment system so people can reply directly to each other's comments in a "comment thread." I think it'll be a nice upgrade.
Hello Prophecy Proof Insights,
As long as we are defining what the verse means by testing the interpretation against all scripture then we are on solid ground. We must never use events in the world to define scripture.
With this in mind, please choose one of the verses I have quoted and show me the meaning of it using scripture. If you can successfully do so and it stands up to ALL scripture, then I will certainly adjust "my overview".
Jim,
We seem to have a fundamental difference of opinion in how to interpret prophetic verses. You appear to rely on an allegorical way of interpreting things. Your suggestion that the seals represent different events impacting the church (or different phases of church history) is evidence of this. I tend to take the verses at face-value. I view the events related to the seals as events that will take actually place on Earth. For instance, you equate the 4th seal with the death of the corporate church. I view the 4th seal as a period where 1/4 of the world's population will die.
With regards to the first seal you say that it “the rider on the white horse going forth to conquer is Jesus establishing the new testament church during the 1st century”.
We know in Revelation 5 that Christ is the One who breaks the seals
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Christ will break the first seal and white horse will appear
Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Afterwards Christ will break the second seal and the red horse will appear
Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Contextually, it makes little sense to me why Christ would be the rider of the white horse when He is in Heaven opening the seals. I view the seals as future events so I’d argue that the rider on the white horse is a counterfeit Christ-the Antichrist.
Prophecy Proof Insights,
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Rev 19:11
“ And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” Rev 19:14
Without a doubt, our interpretations are subject to error. However, God has locked together everything in his Word with absolute perfection. At least to some degree, everyone allegorizes. For example, Christ is called the lamb and we know from scripture why he is called the lamb and we know what the lamb represents. We know that Christ is not literally a lamb.
Likewise, from scripture, we may learn who the rider on the white horse is, who the rider on the red horse is, why he is given a great sword, and what the great sword is.
Where are the two witnesses killed and what do they represent?
“And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. “ Rev 11:8
Where was our Lord crucified?
Jerusalem is now “spiritually called Sodom and Egypt”. Jerusalem was the external representation of God on earth. This was the new testament church. It is now in a far country. A picture of this is the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. This is why we are told to “flee Judaea to the mountains” when we see the abomination of desolation(Satan in the church). The mountains represent Christ or the Word of God.
With some of these things in mind, we may begin to understand what the “third part” in Rev 8 represent.
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zech 13:9
From the verse above it does indeed sound as though those who are saved are the “third part”. Notice they are “tried” or tested. The one third is tested during the “Great Tribulation”. If they pass the test(get out of the church and run to the bible), then God will call them “my people”.
Upon learning these things from the bible, we are not at all surprised to learn of the following:
What fraction of the world population identify with a religion featuring Christ?
In 2005, there were 2.14 billion people who referred to themselves as “Christian”. The global population was 6.467 billion. In other words one out of every 3 people(33.1%) are so-called christians. One third has been the approximate fraction since the early 1900's.
Jim,
We agree that the Word of God is perfect and our interpretations are subject to error. I also agree that sometimes we do have to utilize non-literal means to get a full understanding of things. I would cite Revelation 17:5 where it says:
Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
The title “Mystery” suggests that a non-literal interpretation is warranted.
We have different ideas of how to put the ultimate puzzle together. There are so many verses to account for that people inevitably get different ideas of what things mean, how to put the verses together, and what will happen in the future… What seems to differentiate us is how much we rely on allegorizing. Speaking for myself I try to keep it at a minimum.
I believe the 1/3 of Zechariah 13:9 is Israel because the people of Israel are described as the people who endure the refining in next few prophetic passages:
Zec 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
It’s mentioned in Malachi 3:2-3 that those associated with the tribe of Levi will be purified and purged.
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Isaiah 48 mentions that Israel will endure a refining in the future
Isa 48:1 Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
Isa 48:2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.
Isa 48:3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
…
Isa 48:8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
Isa 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Isa 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
Isa 48:12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
I don’t see a connection between the 1/3 of Zechariah 13:9 and the 1/3 of Revelation 8:8-11. Therefore, I believe the 1/3 part of Revelation 8 is referring to the impacts of Wormwood.
Prophecy Proof Insights,
“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” Rev 17:5-7
In God's Word, we are told what “the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her” means. The beast is Satan(the hireling in John 10) and the woman is the corporate church.
“And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it. Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children “ Isa 47:7-8
“Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself” Lam 1:9
This group of people say “I shall be a lady for ever” and “I shall not sit as a widow”. In other words, they believe they are the bride of Christ. They had not remembered “the latter end of it”. The “filthiness is in her skirts”, she is the “Great Harlot”.
“O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.” Psa 137:8-9
“Happy shall he be” who bring their children to what is known as the “Christian church” and “taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones”.
This is why we read truly frightening language such as this:
“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13:25-28
They will be “thrust out” and it will be a very great torment to them. They will cry and scream(weeping and gnashing of teeth) when they see the Truth. Those who have no interest in God will be extremely concerned for their life, but not tormented like this.
This brings into mind the language of Ezekiel 38. It is a detail of the events in Revelations 20.
Revelation 17 is one of the most debated chapters of the entire Bible. There are several ideas on what the harlot could represent. The older Bible commentaries focused on the Catholic Church. You believe it represents the corporate church. I believe the harlot is the New Age Religion (One World Religion) of the Antichrist. I'm sure there are other ideas out there.
Prophecy Proof Insights,
There is a tremendous amount of information which supports the conclusion and it all locks in tight from cover to cover. For example, the buying and selling is a representation of the sending and receiving of the gospel. Jesus himself is referred to as a merchant man in Matt 13. This is what the 5 unprepared virgins in Matt 25 were doing. Going off to buy and sell. They were told to “go ye out” to meet him.
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev 18:4
Perhaps the verse above may bring enlightenment. Notice the language. Who is God telling to “come out of her”? He is telling “my people” to come out of her. Where would his people be and why are they told to come out of her?
Agree that it is not the time between WWI and WWII, But how long is the time frame?
In Revelations 17:12 it says "And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast." A literal one hour time frame is too short a time to complete all the things that they will do including building that great city Babylon, make many merchants rich, and make war with and afflict the Saints. Is this hour actually a fraction of a thousand year period as mentioned in 2 peter 3:8 "That one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." Which is equal to about 41.6 years, or is it a fraction of one year as mentioned in Ezekiel 4:6 "...I have appointed thee each day for a year." (see also Numbers 14:34) which would make it only about two weeks. Then again it does not make since that Babylon will fall in a day if that day is actually a year or a thousand years? Why do these things have to be written so? Why can't the scriptures just stick to a known, agreed upon time frame?
Salvation isnt found in prophecy. Remember Jesus rebuked the Pharisess saying a wicked and adulterous generation seeks a sign but none will be given save that of Jonas. The Bible also says only God knows when the hour of Judgement is. I believe the verse even says Jesus doesnt know the hour but I cant remember specifically so thats speculative at the moment. What I will say about prophecy is that the beasts are kingdoms and the harlot is false religion. Why I say the harlot is false religion is because Jerusalem worshipped false gods and was likened to a harlot, so God led them into captivity to Babylon just like He gave them to captivity in Egypt because of their spiritual adultery. Are we seeing a theme? As far as what the beasts are Daniel explains that well enough. As interesting as prophecy can be its all going to pass and all that will be left is love. Ill be seeing you brothers soon enough until then theres gathering to do. I love you and pray that Jesus will reveal the wisdom you seek.
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