THE SIXTH TRUMPET (Part 2)

The Sequel to Daniel 12

Chapter 10 stands in the middle of the Sixth Trumpet section to draw special attention to the fulfillment of an important part of the prophecy of Daniel 12. In both chapters there are clear parallels. These ingredients not only help us see the connection between Daniel and Revelation, but they help us interpret Chapter 10.

Daniel 12: The book sealed until the end time.

Revelation 19: The little book opens because it’s the end time.

Daniel 12: An angel appears over the river.

Revelation 10: An angel appears over the sea.

Daniel 12: Both hands are raised.

Revelation 10: Right hand raised; book in other hand.

Daniel 12: Swears by him…

Revelation 10: Swears by him…

Daniel 12: Predicts 1260 years

Revelation 10: Notes that “Time is up”

Revelation Chapter 10

VERSE 1 “I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.”

The identity of this angel is subject to some question although it seems difficult to dismiss him from the angel in Daniel 12. That the angel of Daniel 12 is AT LEAST IN PART the same as in Revelation Chapter 10 seems nearly undeniable.

The angel in Daniel predicts 1260 years (Time, Times, and Half a Time) while he stands over the water. The Rev. 10 angel stands over water and says virtually:

“The time I predicted in Daniel is accomplished.”

It is possible — even likely — that the angel in Daniel 12 is Gabriel (Compare Dan 8:16; 9:21; 10:5, 6) who seems to be the Lord’s messenger to teach Daniel about the end time. This, in itself, may not be of significance. However, it seems likely that angels are put in charge of certain events (e. g., the “destroying angel” of the Passover and the angel who destroys Sennacherib’s hosts). Satan apparently appointed angels in charge of certain kingdoms. (See Dan 10:13, 20.) In the same way, Michael is the prince over Israel (Dan. 12:1.)

All of this is mentioned because the angel of Revelation 10 seems to be MUCH MORE than just Gabriel. It is more likely that it is Gabriel COMBINED with the task over which he has been appointed which, as we shall see, is the events surrounding the French Revolution and the Time of the End.

ONLY 3 TIMES in Revelation do we have “STRONG” (or mighty) ANGELS.

One time is in Rev 5:2 where a STRONG angel asks “Who is worthy?”

Another time is in Rev 18:21 where a STRONG angel takes up a millstone and predicts the violent overthrow of Babylon.

The third instance is here in Rev 10:1 where a STRONG angel ROARS creating thunders; he then states that the 1260 years are expired. It is clear that Rev 18:21 deals with the final trouble before the peaceable kingdom. It is clear that Chapter 10 deals with the troubles of and following the French Revolution and Time of the End. The Rev 5:2 instance, however, does not specifically mention any trouble. If, however, Chapter 5 does, as we think, deal with the time of the collapse of the Jewish Age, it IS, indeed, a time of trouble and great religious revolution. As the matter of fact, it is appropriate that the angel ask Who can open the book? (a question much like Dan 12:4 and Rev. 10:2)

BECAUSE, with the fall of Judaism and the Law, there was nowhere to turn religiously. The question was of import BECAUSE this strong angel APPARENTLY was the instrument of destroying the old order.

In summary of STRONG ANGELS: The three mentioned in Revelation seem to refer to angels AND their assignments at important turning points in history:

# 1 to destroy the Jewish Age arrangement

# 2 to begin the Time of the End troubles

# 3 to destroy Babylon completely

The description of the STRONG ANGEL is detailed:

I SAW STILL ANOTHER MIGHTY ANGEL COMING DOWN FROM HEAVEN, CLOTHED WITH A CLOUD:

He is clothed with a cloud. Clothing in Scripture is justification; clouds represent obscurity, confusion, trouble. The meaning seems to be that this angel’s justification for coming at this time is to be in charge of the trouble about to occur.

AND A RAINBOW WAS ON HIS HEAD:

He has a rainbow on his head. Rainbows represent covenants or promises; the head is the part that thinks. Perhaps this is saying he has a promise on his mind to keep — the promise given to Daniel that the book would be sealed until the time of the end at which time the promises to Daniel would begin their fulfillment.

HIS FACE WAS LIKE THE SUN:

Face (prosopon) represents favor or disfavor; the Sun represents the Gospel truths. It is likely that his presence represents BOTH favor AND disfavor depending on the recipients. The more brightly shining truths from the Bible available during the Time of the End SCORCHED one class but ENLIGHTENED another.

AND HIS FEET LIKE PILLARS OF FIRE:

There are three symbols here: feet, pillars, and fire. Feet seem to represent control; pillars represent support; fire represents destruction or cleansing or judgment.

It IS possible, of course, that pillars of fire are a single symbol. If so, the meaning may be much like it was when God led Israel in the wilderness at night by a pillar of fire. This angel (and the events connected with him) might be leading the Church before morning arrives. Otherwise, the symbolism could be something like the angel’s control (feet) is supporting the cleansing-judgment work which begins with the Time of the End.

Why is This Angel Not Jesus?

While it is entirely possible that this angel is Jesus as many have suggested and as similarities in Rev 1:14, 15 support, there are compelling reasons to think it is not.

His return at this time is out of place and would be misleading. If it is Jesus, there seems to be little connection with Daniel 12 despite the intended connection. It is Gabriel (Dan. 8:16, 17) who gives Daniel understanding concerning the Time of the End — NOT Michael. If the Rev 10:1 angel is Jesus, it also does not fit the STRONG ANGEL usage.

It is OBVIOUS IN Rev 5:2 that the STRONG ANGEL is not Jesus (although Rev 18:21 certainly COULD BE). Daniel 10:5, 6 descriptions of the angel (not named, but presumably still Gabriel) has just as much in common with Rev. 10:1 as does the Lord’s description in Rev. 1:14, 15.

Continued with next post.