The Seven Trumpets of Judgment: Preterist vs. Futurist Interpretations (Revelation 8:6-11:19)

Sermon Summary

By Pastor David Hentschel

The Book of Revelation has fascinated and perplexed Christians for centuries. Among its many vivid and apocalyptic images are the trumpet judgments found in Revelation 8-11, a sequence of seven escalating disasters unleashed on the world. These judgments, signaled by the blasts of seven trumpets, range from natural calamities to demonic torment and, ultimately, the triumph of God’s kingdom. While scholars agree that these chapters are critical to understanding the message of Revelation, their interpretations differ widely depending on the theological lens used. Two dominant perspectives are the preterist and futurist views.

Gary DeMar (Preterist view):

“The events described in the Book of Revelation are a prophecy of events that were fulfilled in the first century, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. This is not some far-off event, but something that took place during the lifetime of the Apostles.”

Hal Lindsey (Futurist view / contrasting view):

“The judgments in Revelation are future events, not past. The idea that these woes have already occurred is a dangerous teaching that blinds people to the imminent return of Christ and the literal fulfillment of prophecy.”

This blog post will compare and contrast these two interpretations, examining how each understands the seven trumpets in the context of Revelation 8:6-11:19.

Overview of the Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:6-11:19)

Before diving into the interpretive approaches, it’s essential to summarize the seven trumpet judgments themselves. These judgments, sounding after the opening of the seventh seal, are as follows:

1. First Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood fall to the earth, burning up a third of the earth, trees, and grass (Rev 8:7).
2. Second Trumpet: A massive burning mountain is thrown into the sea, turning a third of the sea to blood, destroying ships, and killing sea creatures (Rev 8:8-9).
3. Third Trumpet: A great star called Wormwood falls, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs, causing many to die from the bitter waters (Rev 8:10-11).
4. Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, darkening a third of the day and night (Rev 8:12).
5. Fifth Trumpet: A plague of demonic locusts torment humanity for five months, led by a king named Abaddon (Rev 9:1-12).
6. Sixth Trumpet: Four angels are released, leading a massive army of horsemen to kill a third of humanity (Rev 9:13-21).
7. Seventh Trumpet: The heavenly kingdom is proclaimed, signaling the final judgment and the reign of Christ (Rev 11:15-19).

These judgments, described in terrifying imagery, have fueled debate among scholars regarding their timing and significance. Let’s explore how preterists and futurists differ in their understanding of these events.

The Preterist Interpretation

Preterism holds that the events of Revelation were largely fulfilled in the past, specifically in the first century. According to preterists, Revelation was written to the early Christian church during a time of intense persecution, and its vivid descriptions of judgment are symbolic portrayals of God’s wrath upon Israel and the Roman Empire for their opposition to His people.

The Seven Trumpets in Preterism

In this framework, the seven trumpets represent a series of judgments that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Roman Empire. Each trumpet corresponds symbolically to real events in the first century.

• First Trumpet: The destruction of vegetation could symbolize the ravages of warfare during the Jewish Revolt, and the destruction of trees for firewood for the Roman armies, which led to widespread devastation in the land of Israel.
• Second Trumpet: The burning mountain might represent the upheaval of nations during this period, as “Jerusalem is cast into the sea,” (being turned over to Gentile rule), and the sea devastation refers particularly the Roman attacks that caused immense loss of life at sea during a battle on the sea of Galilee.
• Third Trumpet (Wormwood): The bitter waters could be a metaphor for the spiritual corruption and apostasy of the Jewish leaders, leading to the suffering and eventual downfall of the Jewish nation. This is the opposite of the Exodus wilderness story, now God turns the fresh water bitter.
• Fourth Trumpet: The darkening of celestial bodies are “Cosmic deconstruction language,” that refers to a nation coming under God’s judgment.

This chart outlines the Preterist interpretation of the three woes described in Revelation, specifically connecting the woes to historical events that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

• Fifth Trumpet (Demonic Locusts): Preterists often interpret the demonic locusts as a depiction of the spiritual forces of evil at work in the city of Jerusalem, and described in detail by Josephus. bringing torment upon God’s people.
• Sixth Trumpet: The great army released by the four angels is seen as a symbol of the Roman legions (at the Euphrates) that came and slaughtered a large portion of the Jewish population during the siege of Jerusalem.
• Seventh Trumpet: The final trumpet, announcing the kingdom of God, is understood as the triumph of the early church following the judgment on Jerusalem, marking a new era of Christ’s spiritual reign over His new people.

The Futurist Interpretation

In contrast, futurism interprets the events of Revelation as prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled. Futurists argue that the seven trumpets refer to literal, future events that will occur during a period of great tribulation, culminating in Christ’s second coming. This perspective sees the judgments as part of a future apocalyptic scenario in which God pours out His wrath on an unbelieving world.

The Seven Trumpets in Futurism

Futurists typically interpret the seven trumpets as literal or near-literal global catastrophes that will take place during the Great Tribulation, which is a future period of judgment preceding the return of Christ.

• First Trumpet: The hail, fire, and blood are understood as literal ecological disasters, possibly caused by volcanic eruptions or meteor strikes, resulting in the destruction of large portions of the earth’s vegetation.
• Second Trumpet: The burning mountain thrown into the sea is often seen as a massive asteroid or comet impact, causing tsunamis and destruction of marine life and shipping.
• Third Trumpet (Wormwood): Wormwood is interpreted as another celestial body, possibly a comet, that contaminates freshwater sources, poisoning much of the world’s drinking water supply.
• Fourth Trumpet: The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is often understood as atmospheric disturbances caused by the earlier disasters, such as smoke and ash from volcanic eruptions, nuclear warfare, or cosmic phenomena.
• Fifth Trumpet (Demonic Locusts): In the futurist view, these locusts are seen as either demonic creatures unleashed from the abyss or a symbolic representation of advanced military technology that inflicts torment on humanity.
• Sixth Trumpet: The massive army is typically seen as a literal, future conflict involving great nations, possibly a coalition of world powers, that will result in widespread death and destruction.
• Seventh Trumpet: The final trumpet announces the imminent return of Christ, when He will establish His millennial kingdom and bring final judgment upon the wicked.

Comparing and Contrasting the Two Views

The preterist and futurist interpretations differ significantly in their timing and symbolism, yet they both view the seven trumpets as divine judgments. Preterists see the fulfillment in historical events of the first century, particularly the fall of Jerusalem and the defeat of Jewish and Roman powers. In this view, the trumpets are symbolic of God’s judgment on Israel for rejecting the Messiah and persecuting the early church.

Futurists, on the other hand, see the seven trumpets as literal future events that will occur during the Great Tribulation, with a strong emphasis on global, cosmic-scale disasters and a final confrontation between God’s forces and the rebellious world.

Whereas preterists focus on the symbolic meaning tied to first-century events, futurists anticipate a future outpouring of God’s wrath on an unrepentant world in preparation for Christ’s return. Both views acknowledge the sovereignty of God over history, but they apply that sovereignty to different time periods—past and future.

Conclusion

The seven trumpets of judgment are a dramatic and powerful part of the Book of Revelation, offering a sobering reminder of God’s ultimate justice. Whether viewed through a preterist or futurist lens, these chapters challenge us to consider our place in God’s unfolding plan. For preterists, the message of the trumpets is a fulfilled prophecy of God’s judgment on Israel and Rome, whereas futurists see it as a warning of the coming tribulation that will precede the return of Christ. Regardless of one’s interpretive approach, the seven trumpets underscore the seriousness of God’s judgments and the hope of His ultimate victory.

Recommended Resources for Further Study:

• The Last Days According to Jesus by R.C. Sproul. Sproul defends a partial preterist view, offering thorough biblical support for the interpretation that many of the events prophesied in the New Testament were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
• The Divorce of Israel by Kenneth Gentry. Gentry’s detailed analysis links the Book of Revelation with God’s judgment on Israel, showing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through the historical lens of first-century events.