Sabbath, August 16 – Revelation 9, 10

1. What was human beings’ attitude toward the trumpet judgments, especially after the sixth trumpet? (Revelation 9:20–21)

2. What does the small book the angel gives John, sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach, mean? (Revelation 10:8–10)

3. What mission does John receive after eating the little book? (Revelation 10:11)

The vision of the seven trumpets in Revelation continues to demonstrate God’s concern in warning humanity before the final judgment. Like the plagues of Egypt, these trumpets symbolize limited, corrective, and progressive judgments meant to lead people to repentance before the end.

In Revelation 9, the fifth and sixth trumpets are described. The first relates to a symbolic invasion of locusts that harm but do not kill, representing a spiritual attack, possibly linked to the rise of Islam during the Middle Ages. A prophetic period of “five months” is mentioned, which some interpret as 150 literal years of harassment against Christianity from the Islamic world. Others see in this imagery a broader reference to movements opposed to the gospel.

The sixth trumpet shows a greater attack. Four angels chained at the great river Euphrates are released, symbolizing the rise of new destructive powers like the Ottoman Empire. The number of horsemen is two hundred million. It is symbolic, reflecting the scale of both spiritual and physical conflict. The mention of fire, smoke, and sulfur may refer to the use of gunpowder in warfare.

Despite these judgments, the text states: “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent…” (Rev. 9:20). The human heart, hardened by sin, often chooses idolatry and violence instead of turning to God.

Amidst the sequence of trumpets, chapter 10 introduces a pause with a significant message. John sees a mighty angel holding a small open book. He is told to eat it: it will be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This prophetic image is often seen as a reference to the Great Disappointment of 1844, when many believers, interpreting the prophecies of Daniel, expected Christ’s return but were disappointed. However, the experience did not end there. The angel says, “You must prophesy again” (Rev. 10:11). From the disappointment, a renewed movement of prophetic study, global preaching, and mission emerged.

Ellen G. White describes it this way: “After the great disappointment there were few who set themselves to seek the truth as for hidden treasure. But those who did search found that God was leading them step by step. As they followed on to know the Lord, they discovered that truth opened to their understanding. The Bible was its own interpreter, and they saw the beauty and harmony of its pages. Their hearts were filled with joy as they discerned the wisdom and mercy of God. United in doctrine and in spirit, they went forth proclaiming the message of the third angel.” CT, p. 343

The small book symbolizes the prophecies of Daniel, which were sealed until the end times (Daniel 12:4). Once opened, they inspired the Advent Awakening. Despite the bitter disappointment, faith in the prophetic Word was deepened, and missionary zeal was sparked. The message had not failed; human understanding was limited, but the divine call persisted: “Prophesy again.”

So, amidst trumpets and judgments, God’s call to preach, trust, and prepare echoes loudly. God wants to save people, not to destroy them. His warnings show His love. He keeps calling His followers to stay faithful, to share His soon return, and not to lose heart because of human mistakes.

Am I paying attention to God’s warnings in my life? Am I willing to embrace the book, to study His Word, even when it is bitter? Am I prophesying again?

My prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your judgments and respond in faith to Your calling. Even when the path is bitter, I want to proclaim Your truth until the end.