When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
The Seven Trumpets
Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.
The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
Comment: If you remember Jesus is the only One found worthy to open the seals and here He opens the seventh the final seal, there is silence for half an hour. Why this period of silence? I think that it probably symbolizes that we are meant to think deeply about what has happened, and what is about to happen! We tend to spend so little time thinking about God-related things – sport or amusement or/or/or so easily diverts us from thinking about eternal things.
Before the seven angels are to blow their trumpets another angel steps onto the scene and holds a censer with much incense (a symbol of praise and worship?) As the incense arises to God, it is mixed with the offered prayers of the believers (all the saints). Prayer is important! As if in answer to the prayers the censer is filled with fire and flung to the earth. Its descent is associated with thunder and lightning and an earthquake – Judgement has begun in earnest!! Trumpet number one sounds and a third of the earth is scorched.
Prayer: Help us to be prepared for Your promised coming judgement and Your planned future, O Lord.
As I read it! 