Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Daniel Veler
Supporter
Your question: Why will there be a half hour of silence in heaven (Revelation 8:1)? Actually, it states about a half hour, which indicates it will be less. The event is fulfilling Scripture. We see Paul explaining that, in order for the man of sin to be revealed, the Holy Spirit must be taken out of the way for a time. That starts here when the seventh seal is opened. This is also fulfilling the scripture of a famine to take place that God speaks of in Amos. Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it." This event also begins with the seventh seal. As to the amount of time that the Holy Spirit is taken out is debatable. We see it starts with the seventh seal, and we see John is told the word must be preached again starting in the timeframe of the seventh trumpet. As to how much time is between the two, only God can tell.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
The half hour’s silence contrasts with the previous jubilant songs of the great multitude, taken up by the angels (Rev 7:9-11). Our online weekly small Group Bible Study is studying the books of the Bible with an inductive approach. One of the things we are supposed to observe is contrasts. This is one. And it is an absolutely ominous one. Need I say more? Yes, I think I need to. In Revelation 7:9-10, John hears a "great multitude that no one could number" crying out with a "loud voice"--a thunderous, chaotic celebration of salvation. "After these things I looked, and here was an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. "They were SHOUTING out IN A LOUD VOICE, 'Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (7:9-10). (emphasis mine). In Revelation 8:1, that cacophony is suddenly replaced by absolute silence. The IVP New Testament Commentary notes the transition from "a great deal of noise" to a "silence [that] is total". Similarly, a sermon on the topic highlights the move "from a position of extreme noise... to complete silence". The biblical text itself establishes this stark contrast. Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 571. There was silence in heaven In the OT, silence is indicative of God’s impending judgment (see Hab 3:3-6; Zech 2:13-3:2). There is a dramatic pause in the endless praises of the living creatures (Rev 4:8). [Warren Wiersbe also makes reference to Zech 2 -- “Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation” (Zech. 2:13).] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Re 8:1.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible