7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, 7 Vials

Overview of the 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials

The 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials (also called Bowls) are sequential sets of judgments in Revelation, unfolding as part of God’s plan for the end times. They are often interpreted as progressive events leading to Christ’s return, with each set escalating in intensity. The KJV uses “vials” for what modern translations call “bowls” (Greek: phialē, a shallow bowl for pouring out).

Where They Are Discussed in the KJV

1. The 7 Seals

The 7 Seals are introduced as part of a scroll that only the Lamb (Jesus) is worthy to open, symbolizing the unfolding of God’s judgment.

• Location: Revelation 5–8
• Details:
  • Revelation 5:1-5: The scroll with 7 seals is introduced, held by God on the throne. Only the Lamb can open it: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals… for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood” (5:1, 5:9).
  • Revelation 6:1-17: The first 6 seals are opened, each unleashing a judgment:
    • 1st Seal (6:1-2): A white horse (conquest, often interpreted as the Antichrist or false peace).
    • 2nd Seal (6:3-4): A red horse (war and bloodshed).
    • 3rd Seal (6:5-6): A black horse (famine and economic hardship).
    • 4th Seal (6:7-8): A pale horse (death, killing a fourth of the earth).
    • 5th Seal (6:9-11): The martyrs under the altar, crying for justice.
    • 6th Seal (6:12-17): Cosmic disturbances (earthquake, darkened sun, falling stars) and terror among humanity.
  • Revelation 8:1: The 7th seal is opened, leading to silence in heaven and introducing the 7 trumpets: “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.”

2. The 7 Trumpets (Trumps)

The 7 Trumpets are sounded by angels, announcing further judgments following the 7th seal.

• Location: Revelation 8–11
• Details:
  • Revelation 8:2-6: Seven angels are given trumpets, preparing to sound them after an angel offers incense with the prayers of the saints.
  • Revelation 8:7-13, 9:1-21: The first 6 trumpets are sounded:
    • 1st Trumpet (8:7): Hail and fire mixed with blood, burning a third of the earth, trees, and grass.
    • 2nd Trumpet (8:8-9): A burning mountain cast into the sea, turning a third of the sea to blood, killing a third of sea creatures and ships.
    • 3rd Trumpet (8:10-11): A star (Wormwood) falls, poisoning a third of rivers and springs, making water bitter and deadly.
    • 4th Trumpet (8:12): A third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened, reducing light for a third of the day and night.
    • 5th Trumpet (9:1-12): A star falls, opening the bottomless pit, releasing locusts with scorpion-like stings to torment people for 5 months (first “woe”).
    • 6th Trumpet (9:13-21): Four angels are released, leading an army of 200 million to kill a third of mankind with fire, smoke, and brimstone (second “woe”).
  • Revelation 11:15-19: The 7th trumpet sounds, declaring Christ’s reign: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (11:15). This also introduces the 7 vials.

3. The 7 Vials

The 7 Vials are the final set of judgments, poured out by angels, bringing God’s wrath to completion.

• Location: Revelation 15–16
• Details:
  • Revelation 15:1, 15:5-8: The 7 angels with the 7 vials are introduced: “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (15:1). They emerge from the temple in heaven, given vials “full of the wrath of God” (15:7).
  • Revelation 16:1-21: The vials are poured out:
    • 1st Vial (16:2): A “noisome and grievous sore” upon those with the mark of the beast.
    • 2nd Vial (16:3): The sea turns to blood, killing every living thing in it.
    • 3rd Vial (16:4-7): Rivers and fountains turn to blood, avenging the blood of the saints.
    • 4th Vial (16:8-9): The sun scorches men with fire, yet they blaspheme God.
    • 5th Vial (16:10-11): Darkness covers the beast’s kingdom, causing pain and sores, but people refuse to repent.
    • 6th Vial (16:12-16): The Euphrates River dries up, preparing the way for the kings of the east; demons gather armies for the battle of Armageddon.
    • 7th Vial (16:17-21): A great earthquake, the fall of Babylon, hailstones of a talent (~100 pounds), and the final judgment: “It is done” (16:17).

Context and Connection to Earlier Discussions:

• Yehovah’s Judgment: We discussed Yehovah (יהוה, YHVH) as the true name of God, and in Revelation, these judgments are carried out under His authority. Revelation 1:8, which we translated as אֲשֶׁר הָיָה וַאֲשֶׁר הֹוֶה וַאֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה (“who was, who is, who will be”), establishes Yehovah’s eternal sovereignty over these events.
• Gentiles Knowing His Name: You referenced Jeremiah 16:21, where the Gentiles will know Yehovah’s name in the end times. The 7 Seals, Trumpets, and Vials culminate in Revelation 19:11-16, where Christ returns as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (19:16), fulfilling this prophecy as all nations recognize Yehovah’s authority.
• Bitcoin Core Setup: While this question isn’t directly related to your Bitcoin Core setup, the context of end-time events might reflect a broader interest in preparation or understanding God’s plan while you manage your Pi node. The 2 TB hard drive you’re planning to buy (e.g., WD Elements or Seagate Expansion) will support your Bitcoin Core operations as you study these biblical events.

In the KJV Bible:

• 7 Seals: Revelation 5:1–8:1 (opened in Revelation 6:1-17 and 8:1).
• 7 Trumpets (Trumps): Revelation 8:2–11:19 (sounded in Revelation 8:7-13, 9:1-21, and 11:15).
• 7 Vials: Revelation 15:1–16:21 (poured out in Revelation 16:1-21).

These represent God’s progressive judgments in the end times, culminating in Christ’s return and Yehovah’s ultimate victory.