The seventh Seal
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, it became silent in heaven for half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels standing before God, and they were given seven trumpets.
3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden frankincense container. He was given a lot of incense, which is the prayers of the holy people, to place on the golden altar before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the holy people ascended from the angel’s hand to the presence of God. 5 Then the angel took the frankincense container and completely filled it with fire from the altar, then threw it into the earth causing thunder, rumbling, lightning, and an earthquake.
The first four Trumpets
6 Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. 7 The first trumpet sounded, and there came hail and fire mingled with blood. It was thrown to the earth, and a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass was burned up.
8 The second trumpet sounded, and a huge blazing mountain was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood, 9 a third of the sea creatures with souls died, and a third of the ships disintegrated.
10 The third trumpet sounded, and a huge star burning like a torch fell out of the sky, landing on a third of the streams and springs 11 (the star is called Bitterness). A third of the waters became poisonous, and many people died from drinking it.11
12 The fourth trumpet sounded, and a third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were struck with darkness, such that the light of both day and night was reduced by a third. 13 Then I saw an eagle flying through the sky, and I heard it shout, “Woe, woe, woe upon the earth dwellers, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!”
- 11 Traditionally known as Wormwood, after a bitter herb.