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The Great (Mat 24:21, 29) Tribulation (trouble, Jer 30:4-7) will three and a half years (Rev 12:14 1), not seven (Dan 9:27), during which time there will be some plagues, which some believe to be the wrath of God, that will not come near the Saints' (Dan 3:24-30) homes (Psa 91:1-10). The sounding of the first six of seven trumpets, some first plagues and first two of three woes (Rev 8:1-9:21) will transpire during the forty-two month (Rev 11:2; 13:5) great (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17) tribulation (trouble, affliction, persecution), not in the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5). The (Mega) Tribulation period will be so awful with terrorism, Saints dying for their faith, no peace, inflation, (famines) hunger (Mat 24:7), killing (Rev 6:1-11), earthquakes (Luke 21:11), and all the various plagues smiting the heaven, the earth and its inhabitants (Rev 8:1-9:21). During great (Mat 24:21) tribulation (Mat 24:29), the two beasts will have power over every kindred (tribe), tongue and nation (Rev 13:1-18); and the two witnesses "will have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will" (Rev 11:3-6 KJV). The seventh trumpet, last of the first plagues and third woe (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) will occur after great (Mat 24:21) tribulation (Mat 24:29), and the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God (Rev 14:17-20), the seven last plagues (Rev 21:9), for in them complete (Rev 15:1, 6-8) the wrath of God (Rev 16:1-12, 17, 19), will occur after the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6). Note: In Daniel things were sealed (Dan 9:24; 12:3-4, 9), but in Revelation things were not sealed Revelation 22:9-10. The Lamb in Revelation 5:1-10 was worthy and able to open the book and loose (open) the seals (Rev 6:1-17; 8:1-2). Some of that which was shown when the first five seals were opened in Revelation 6:1-11, which includes the four horses, the riders and their responsibilities, and the fellow servants and brethren (Saints) who will be (slain, sacrificed) killed (Rev 8:3-4), as the souls of them (Saints) under altar were; when the seventh seal was opened in Revelation 8:1-9:21, which includes the sounding of the first six of seven trumpets and first two of three woes; and what the two witnesses do in Revelation 11:3-6 will transpire in the same time frame, during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). After Comparing After comparing what the two witnesses do in Revelation 11:3-6, with things that happen during the sounding of the first six trumpets and first two woes, and with other Bible prophecy, in part similarities can be seen that helps establish the fact that those things will transpire during great tribulation (Mat 24:21, 29), not in the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5), in the day Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) appears the second time (Heb 9:28). I believe most Christians who have ever studied the book of Revelation can agree that the two witnesses' days of prophecy (Rev 11:3-6) will transpire during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). Two Witnesses, fire, blood, Plagues To begin confirming previous points, first, please carefully examine Revelation 11:3-9, about the two witnesses. (Rev 11:3-6 KJV) "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. {4} These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. {5} And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. {6} These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." "Fire, blood, plagues" are some key words that help describe some of the things happening during the two witnesses' 1260 days of prophecy (Rev 11:3-6), which is 42 months (Rev 11:2) or three and a half years (Rev 12:14). The two witnesses are the two (anointed ones) olive (branches) trees (Rom 11:16-25), and the two candlesticks standing before (the Lord) God of the (whole) earth (Zec 4:2-3, 11-14). If any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouths and devours their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, he must in this way be killed. They have power to shut up heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy, have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will (Rev 11:3-6). Seventh Seal Opened Note: Four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds (Dan 7:1-8) of the earth, were not to blow on or hurt the earth, sea or trees until 144,000 servants of God were sealed in (on) their foreheads (Rev 7:1-8). Second, read Revelation 8:1-6 about the seventh seal opened, seven trumpets given, angel given much incense to offer for all Saints on the golden altar which was before the throne, etc. and my comments. (Rev 8:1-6 KJV) "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. {2} And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. {3} And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. {4} And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. {5} And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. {6} And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound." When the seventh seal was opened, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. Seven trumpets were given to seven angels... and there're Saints (fellow servants and brethren) on the golden altar who will be (slain, sacrificed) killed (Rev 8:3-4), as the souls of them (Saints) under altar were in Revelation 6:9-11, for the Word of God (Rev 20:4-6) and for the testimony (Rev 14:6) which they held, during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). (Rev 7:9-17 KJV) "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number... which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.... Note: I believe the souls of them (Saints) under the altar represent prophets and Saints (Psa 116:15) like John the Baptist (Mat 14:1-12), Stephen (Acts 7:59-60), James (Acts 12:1-3), the brother of John, Peter (2 Pet 1:14-15), Paul (2 Tim 1:1, 4:5-8), and others...including those mentioned in the Fox's Book of Martyrs. Consider the ones we know who were beheaded (Mat 14:1-12) and who will be "beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God..." in Revelation 20:4, and the beheadings of so-called infidels by radical Islamic militant terrorist. Do I need to tell you how close Christ’s return is? (2 Tim 4:6-7 KJV) "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. {7} I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course [race], I have kept the faith:" In Romans 12:1, Paul beseeched the brethren to present their bodies a living sacrifice (2 Tim 4:5-8), holy, acceptable unto God. That helps establish the fact that the smoke of the incense (from the golden censer), which came with the prayers (Rev 5:8) of (all) the Saints (on the golden altar), that ascended up before God out of the angel's hand (Rev 8:3-4) were for living Saints ready to be sacrificed, during great tribulation (Rev 7:9-17), unlike the souls of them (Saints) under the altar in Revelation 6:9-11 who were killed (slain, sacrificed), before great tribulation (Mat 24:21), which means that the resurrection and rapture (catching up) had not occurred, if you believe it is a one time event for Saints. Note: There was only one resurrection for Christ (Acts 2:30-32), and there will be only one (first) resurrection (Rev 20:4-6) for Saints, for the one (Gal 3:16, 28-29) body (Rom 12:5) of Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17), the church (Col 1:18), not two (1 Cor 12:12-13). The resurrection that could be called the second (or last) resurrection will occur when the rest of the dead live again (after the thousand year reign of Christ), when the thousand years are finished (Rev 20:4-6). Voices, Thunderings, Lightnings When the angel took the (golden) censer and filled it with fire from the (golden) altar, which was before the throne, and cast it to the earth, there were voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an "earthquake" (Rev 8:5). When "voices, thunders (-ings), lightnings" appear in such a group, the fearful presence (Isa 64:1-3) of the Lord God is near. Note: An O.T. example is in Exodus 19:16-21 in the day the LORD descended upon Mount Sinai and it quaked greatly. As you read Revelation finding other groups of the three words (Rev 11:19; 16:18 2), you can find other unique responses that interweave with other Bible passages: With a "great (shaking) earthquake" at the presence (Jer 4:23-26; Nahum 1:5-7) of the Lord GOD (Ezek 38:18-20), in the day the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) appears (Mat 24:29-30; Rev 6:12-14), when the great city Babylon was divided into three parts and the cities (Jer 4:26) of the nations fell (Rev 16:18-20); and adding (plague of) "great hail (stones)" (Rev 11:19; 16:21) in the great day of the wrath (Zep 1:14-18) and fierce anger (Isa 13:13) of the Lord God (Ezek 38:20-23) Almighty (Rev 4:8; 11:14-18). How longsuffering is our Lord, from (the earth and) Mount Sinai quaking in Exodus 19:16-21, unto when not only the earth (Isa 2:19-22; Rev 16:18-21), but also the heavens will (quake) shake (Heb 12:25-29) in the day of the LORD's (Isa 13:13) fierce anger (Nahum 1:2-7), in the great day of the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17)? Trumpets, (Wonders) fire, blood, Plagues The LORD God will show wonders in the heavens and (signs, wonders) in the earth, blood, fire and pillars (vapor) of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before (at the presence of) the great and terrible (notable) Day of the LORD come (Joel 2:30-31; Acts 2:19-20). Keep in mind the key words "fire, blood, plagues" as you read that which transpires during the sounding of the first six trumpets and first two woes, and perhaps see the connections with the two witnesses' 1260 days of prophecy (Rev 11:3-6). First Angel Sounded (Rev 8:7 KJV) "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." The first angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast to the earth, and a third of trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up (Rev 8:7). Second Angel Sounded (Rev 8:8-9 KJV) "And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; {9} And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." The second angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and like a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed (Rev 8:8-9). Third Angel Sounded (Rev 8:10-11 KJV) "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; {11} And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter." The third angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and there fell a great star from heaven, called wormwood, burning as it was a lamp, and it fell upon a third of the rivers and upon the fountain of waters. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter (Rev 8:10-11). Fourth Angel Sounded (Rev 8:12 KJV) "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise." And the fourth angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and a third of the sun was smitten, a third of the moon and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened, and a third of the day and night did not have light (Rev 8:12). Up to this point men and creatures were dying. Natural views for that which followed the sounding of the first four trumpets: First trumpet, the hail and fire mingled with blood that were cast to the earth could be a comet (like the Comet P/Shoemaker-Levy 9, striking Jupiter in 1994) or a meteorite storm striking the earth. Second trumpet, the great mountain burning with fire that was cast into the sea could be an asteroid falling into the sea. Third trumpet, the great star that fell from heaven, called wormwood, burning as it was a lamp could be a large meteorite falling upon a third of the rivers and fountain of waters. Fourth trumpet, a third of the sun was smitten, a third of the moon and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened, possibly with the help of the after-effects of burning trees and grass and fallen celestial bodies. For those who worship the heavenly bodies (Zep 1:4-7) and who look to them for the origin of their supposed evolved universe perhaps receive their answers from God during the (Mega) Tribulation. Woe, Woe, Woe (Rev 8:13 KJV) "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpet of the three (five, six and seven) angels who are about to sound. Fifth Angel Sounded (Rev 9:1-11 KJV) "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. {2} And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. {3} And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. {4} And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. {5} And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. {6} And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. {7} And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. {8} And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. {9} And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. {10} And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. {11} And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon." The fifth angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and a star fell from heaven to the earth, to him was given a key to open the bottomless pit. He opened the bottomless pit, and the smoke that arose out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace, darkened the sun and the air because of the smoke of the pit. There came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth, to them were given power like the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to hurt the grass, any green thing, neither any tree, but only those men who did not have the seal of God in (on) their foreheads. Note: From that, with some deductive reasoning, we can agree that when the fifth angel sounded, the 144, 000 servants of God who were sealed in (on) their foreheads (Rev 7:1-8) were not yet with the Lamb on Mount Sion (Rev 14:1-5). The locusts were given (power) that they should not kill them, but torment them five months, and the torment was like the torment of a scorpion when he strikes a man. In those days men will seek death but will not find it, and men will desire to die but death will flee from them. The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle, on their heads were crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. They had tails like scorpions, and their stings were in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months. They had a king over them who is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon (a destroying angel, destruction), but in the Greek his name is (a destroyer, destruction) Apollyon (Rev 9:1-11). Natural view for that which followed the sounding of the fifth trumpet: As for the star that fell from heaven to the earth, it appears to be a fallen heavenly being (Rev 12:9) that was given a key to open the bottomless pit. The [pillars of (Joel 2:30)] smoke that rose out of it, as the smoke of a great furnace, could be exploding nuclear devices, and/or incidents like Chernobyl (wormwood) accident in Russia in 1986 that could be brought on by earthquakes, by other natural disasters and/or by terrorist. The locusts that came out of the smoke could be descriptions of armed helicopters and aircraft (perhaps with electronic equipment to detect those men who had (received) the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, Rev 13:14-18; 16:2) that torment for five months only those men who did not have the seal of God in (on) their foreheads. One Woe Is Past, Two More Woes Hereafter (Rev 9:12 KJV) "One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter." Sixth Angel Sounded (Rev 9:13-21 KJV) "And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, {14} Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. {15} And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. {16} And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. {17} And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. {18} By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. {19} For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. {20} And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: {21} Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." The sixth angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and John heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God (Rev 6:9-11; 8:3-4) that said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, loose the four angels who are bound in the great river Euphrates. The four angels were loosed, who were prepared for an hour, a day, a month and a year, to slay a third of mankind. The number of the army of horsemen was two hundred million, and John heard the number. The riders on the horses in the vision had breastplates of fire, jacinth and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions, and out of their mouths issued fire, smoke and brimstone. By these three a third of mankind was killed, by fire, smoke and brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. Their power was in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails were like serpents with heads, and with them they did (injure) hurt. And the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone and wood, which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk. Neither did they repent of their murders, nor their sorceries, nor their fornication, nor their thefts (Rev 9:13-21). After reading and studying about the previous army of horsemen in Revelation 9:16-19: The riders on the horses in the vision had breastplates of fire, jacinth and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions, and out of their mouths issued fire, smoke and brimstone; my thoughts turned to the LORD's army in Joel 2:1-11, that had as the appearance (vision) of horses, and as horsemen..., and how the (land) earth (and the works in it, 2 Pet 3:10-13) will be burned up in the Day of the LORD. There appears to be some correlation and proximity between the two visions. Note: The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and the army of horsemen bring their plagues in Revelation 9:13-21. The trumpet in Zion sounds an alarm, the LORD's army, that had as the appearance (vision) of horses, and as horsemen..., come in Joel 2:1-11. And the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ in Revelation 11:15. Not only will a third of mankind be killed, by fire, smoke and brimstone when the sixth angel sounded his trumpet; but also the (land) earth and the works in it will be burned up in the Day of the LORD. And the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord. Joel talks about a great and strong people, which are the LORD's army, and a vision and similitude. "A fire devoureth before [paniym: H6440] them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them" (Joel 2:3 KJV). Note: Consider, in Joel 2:31, the Hebrew word for "before" is paniym (H6440), "the face," and in other verses was translated "countenance" (Num 6:26), "face" (Gen 4:14; Ezek 38:20), "presence" (Ezek 38:20), etc. "The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining" (Joel 2:10 KJV). Those things will occur before (at the presence of) the great and very terrible (Joel 2:10-11; 3:15-16), dreadful (Mal 4:5) Day of the LORD (Isa 13:13) come (Joel 2:31), in the day Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) appears (be revealed, 2 Th 1:6-10) the second time (Heb 9:28). Natural view for that which followed the sounding of the sixth trumpet: The army of two hundred million horsemen could be an army in the Euphrates River region (consider today's wicked occupiers) with advanced atomic and laser warfare, and its machinery attacking and killing a third of mankind. There is some intelligence behind the plagues. The LORD God is the One who created everything (even evil, Isa 45:5-12, 18), holds it all together (Col 1:12-17). The Lord GOD (LORD) can accomplish His (anger) fury on the wicked with fire, pestilence, blood, famine... (Ezek 5:1-17). That which followed the sounding of the first six trumpets could more convincingly be all wonders of God (Joel 2:30; Acts 2:19) prophesied (brought on) by the two witnesses (Rev 11:3-6), like that which the LORD did in the land of Egypt by Moses and Aaron (Exo 3:20; 7-12). For the LORD has the power to turn dust into lice (Exo 8:16-17) and into brimstone (Isa 34:9-10). Note: The first plagues previously described could be like the last of the first plagues in Revelation 16:18-21, wonders of God. (Joel 2:30 KJV) "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke." (Acts 2:19 KJV) "And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:" Wrath is not in the Description (Rev 12:17 KJV) "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." As shown in previous passages, "fire, blood, plagues" were some key words that help describe that which will transpire during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). Wrath is not in the description of the first plagues (Rev 8:1-9:21; 10:7; 11:14-15). The wrath or anger that will be exhibited will be the dragon's (Rev 12:9, 17). Increasingly Got Worse (Mark 13:20 KJV) "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days." As each trumpet sounds, things increasingly got worse on the earth, more things and life were destroyed, and living became more unbearable. A third of trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. A third of the (fresh) waters became wormwood, and many men died of the bitter waters. A third of the sun was smitten, a third of the moon and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened, not leaving much light on the earth for life. The men who did not have the seal of God in (on) their foreheads were hurt (injured) and tormented for five months by the stings in the tails, like unto scorpions, of peculiar looking locusts. A third of mankind was killed by fire, smoke and brimstone which issued out of the mouths of peculiar looking horses that had heads as the heads of lions, and riders that had breastplates of fire, jacinth and brimstone. Their power was in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails were like serpents with heads, and with them they did (injure) hurt (Rev 8:1-9:21). During great tribulation, living things will die and suffer because of the bitter waters, plagues, hunger, etc. (Rev 6:1-8) at a much greater scale of calamity than today. And many Saints will be slain for the Word of God (Rev 6:9-11; 8:3-4; 20:4-6). The sounding of the first six of seven trumpets, some first plagues and first two of three woes (Rev 8:1-9:21), and what the two witnesses do (Rev 11:3-6) will transpire in the same time frame, during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17), not in the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5). (Psa 46:1-3 KJV) "...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." Heavens and Earth Shake (Heb 12:25-29) (Luke 21:25-26 KJV) "And there shall be signs [wonders] in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; {26} Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Before the seventh angel sounded (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) his trumpet (Mat 24:31), Revelation 6:12-14 is one of many scattered pieces (parts) of the picture puzzle that needs to be placed. (Rev 6:12-14 KJV) "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 3 {13} And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. {14} And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; 4 and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." When the sixth seal was opened, there followed some of that which happens after the (Mega) Tribulation, when the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Mat 24:29-30), before (at the presence of) the great and very terrible (dreadful) Day of the Lord (Joel 2:10-11, 31; 3:15-16), in the great day of the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17), in the day the Son of Man comes in a cloud (of heaven) with power and great glory... (Luke 21:25-28), in the day Christ reigns (Rev 11:14-15). Note: You have found that the various picture pieces (parts) in Revelation do not necessarily follow a chronological order. Some believe that the order of the sixth (Rev 6:12-7:17) and seventh seals (Rev 8:1-9:21) and that which was shown when they were opened transpire consecutively in the same time frame. Wrath is not in the description of the first plagues (Rev 8:1-9:21; 10:7; 11:14-15), but is in the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God (Rev 14:17-20), the seven last plagues (Rev 21:9), for in them complete the wrath of God (Rev 15:1, 6-8), which will be poured out on the earth (Rev 16:1-12, 17, 19) after the seventh angel sounded (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) his trumpet (Mat 24:31) and first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6) Voice of the Seventh (Rev 10:7 KJV) "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." Second Woe Is Past, Third Woe Cometh Quickly (Rev 11:14 KJV) "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." 5 Seventh Angel Sounded (Rev 11:15 KJV) "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." The second woe is past, and behold, the third and last woe comes (suddenly) quickly. 5 And the seventh angel sounded (his trumpet, Rev 8:2, 6), and there were great voices in heaven saying, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev 11:14-15 KJV). Note: Jesus Christ said the words erchomai (G2064) tachu (G5035), translated "cometh quickly" and "come quickly," six times 5 in Revelation (KJV). According to Daniel, "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" (Dan 2:44 KJV). The next passage (scattered piece) mentions the various ones (kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, every bondman, and every free man) who desire the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide (Isa 2:19) them "...from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to [abide] stand?" (Rev 6:15-17 KJV). (Rev 6:15-17 KJV) "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; {16} And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: {17} For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to [abide] stand?" (Jer 10:10 KJV) "But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." After the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, some of that which the twenty-four elders say, " ...O Lord God Almighty...thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the [due] time [season] of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints..." (Rev 11:15-18 KJV). (Rev 11:16-18 KJV) "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, {17} Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. {18} And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." (Rev 11:19 KJV) "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." Because those things occur, which includes the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6), after the seventh angel sounded (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) his trumpet (Mat 24:31), it can only mean that great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17) has ended and the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5) Jesus Christ (2 Th 2:1-4) has come (Mat 24:29-30). (Mat 24:29-30 KJV) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: {30} And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Zec 12:10 KJV) "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him...." I believe the third woe (primary exclamation of grief), which comes (suddenly) quickly (Rev 11:14-15 5), will occur in that Day, which includes the great earthquake and plague of great (Rev 11:19) hail (last of the first plagues not explained in Revelation 10:7 or 11:14-15) in Revelation 16:18-21, the wrath of the Lord (Zep 1:14-18) God (Ezek 38:14-23) Almighty (Rev 11:14-18) and of the Lamb (Rev 6:12-17), and all it consists of (Rev 14:7-19:4), which includes the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, the seven last plagues (Rev 21:9), the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath, and the battle (Rev 19:11-21) at a place called Armageddon. For the unrepentant (Rev 16:7-11), the unbelievers (Luke 12:46; John 3:36), sinners (Isa 13:6-13) and wicked (Isa 11:4; Job 21:30), it will be pur (G4442) hell (Psa 9:17), which is my brief explanation of that woe. A previous passage in Revelation 11:16-19 and the next one (scattered piece) in Revelation 16:18-21 have same key words and more or less details of the same great and very terrible (dreadful) Day (Joel 2:1-11, 31). The key words are lightnings, voices, thunders, (great) earthquake, (plague of) great hail (stones) and wrath. After reading you will see why the various pieces (parts) do fit the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5) Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:8). (Rev 16:18-21 KJV) "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. {19} And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. {20} And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. {21} And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." Then there's the Old Testament passage (scattered piece) in Ezekiel 38:18-23 that has more or less details of the same Day of the Lord God when He is angry, when Gog comes against the land of Israel, what happens at the presence (Isa 64:1-3) of the Lord (Psa 114:1-8) GOD, when everything (all) is shaken and moved (Jer 4:23-26), except for the Lord's heavenly (2 Tim 4:18) kingdom (Heb 12:25-29) and the City of God (Psa 46:1-7), the (plague) pestilence, the great hailstones, etc. (Ezek 38:18-23 KJV) "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. {19} For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; {20} So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence [paniym: H6440], and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. {21} And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. {22} And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. {23} Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD." Similarities There's more about the Day of the Lord in next studies. Now back to the two witnesses. During great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17), they will be God's spokesmen on the earth (Joel 2:30) in part similar to how Elijah was used when he stopped the rain (1 Ki 17:1), and when he called down fire from heaven and consumed the two captains and their fifties (2 Ki 1:10-14). (Rev 11:5 KJV) "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed." Note: At one time two of Jesus' disciples ask Him to command fire to come down from heaven, like Elias (Elijah) did. He turned and rebuked them... (Luke 9:54-56). (Luke 9:54-56 KJV) "And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? {55} But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. {56} For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." And how Moses and Aaron were used when the LORD showed (miracles) signs and (miracles) wonders (Exo 3:20) in the land of Egypt (Exo 7-12). The two witnesses will "have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will" (Rev 11:6 KJV). While the two witnesses will be prophesying (Rev 11:3-6), the unholy trinity, the dragon (Rev 12:3; 20:2), first beast (Rev 13:1-8) and false prophet (Rev 13:11-18 6), who possess the spirits of devils (Rev 16:13-14), will be performing all power, signs and lying wonders (2 Th 2:9), miracles (Rev 19:20), perhaps in ways similar, yet more advanced, to how the magicians did their enchantments in Egypt before the Exodus (Exo 7:11-12 7). Same Anointing, Spirit and Power The two witnesses could be or types of Enoch, Elijah (Mal 4:5-6), Moses and Aaron or John the Baptist (Mal 3:1), and have some of those prophets same anointing (Zec 4:14), spirit and power (Luke 1:17). Jerusalem (Rev 11:8 KJV) "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." The great city, where the two witnesses will be killed, could be Jerusalem, because of what it says, "...Where also our Lord was crucified" (Rev 11:8 KJV). Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha (John 19:16-20) outside the gate (Heb 13:11-13) of old Jerusalem. Note: If radical Islam (Gal 1:6-12) and Muslim conquer (Rev 6:1-8) Jerusalem and Rome, which is in their plans, even if by peaceful means (Dan 8:23-25; 1 Th 5:3), the first beast (Rev 13:1-8), Antichrist (1 John 2:18), Muslim messiah (Dan 11:21-45; 2 Th 2:1-12), Mahdi, and false prophet (Rev 13:11-18; 16:13-14 6), leader of one world religion, will unquestionably be identified. Brethren of the church of the Thessalonians in God were warned to let no man deceive (Mat 24:11) them by any means, for that Day (coming of our Lord Jesus Christ) will not come, "except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition..." (2 Th 2:1-4 KJV). Sodom The great city is spiritually called Sodom (Rev 11:8) perhaps because the great city will be a ring-leader of perversions of all kinds (Rom 1:18-32) when the first beast (Rev 13:12) rises (comes) up out of the sea and is given power (Rev 13:1-8). Sodomy (1 Cor 6:9-10) will be worldwide (consider (Czar) Barack Hussein Obama's policy of duplicity on gay marriage and the U.S. Supreme Court's support and how the U.S.'s leadership influences the world). A third of mankind will be killed by fire, smoke and brimstone (Rev 9:17-18). The days will be as the days of Lot. Upon Sodom (Gen 19:24) "...it rained fire and brimstone 8 from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed" (Luke 17:28-30 KJV). (Luke 17:28-30 KJV) "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; {29} But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. {30} Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." Egypt And the great city is spiritually called Egypt possibly because there were two (Mat 18:16; John 8:14-18; 2 Cor 13:1) witnesses (Rev 11:3-6), and because of the (miracles) wonders (Joel 2:30) and (miracles) signs (Acts 2:19) and plagues, like that which occurred (Exo 3:20; 7-12) before the Exodus out of Egypt. Those who will (get the victory) overcome the accuser (Rev 12:10-11) by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14 9) can be compared to the afflicted and oppressed Israelites (Exo 3:7-11) in the land of Egypt who were not hurt by the plagues, and to the firstborn who were not smitten when the LORD passed over (the plague did not come on them to destroy them) because of the lamb's blood on the two side post and upper door post (lintel) of their houses (Exo 12:5-7, 12-13, 23). Note: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not hurt in the fiery (Isa 43:1-2) furnace (Dan 3:24-30). And the children of God will not be hurt by (plague) pestilence (Psa 91:1-10) during the (Mega) Tribulation, or during judgments (Rev 19:11-21) when with the Lord (1 Th 4:16-17). Babylon The great city that will fall and burn, and receive the wrath of God will be Mystery Babylon. Some believe that Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth (Rev 17:5), could become an actual city again (Isa 13:1-22; Jer 51:1-63). Others believe it could be Washington D.C. or New York City or even America (A City on a Hill). (Rev 14:8 KJV) "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev 16:19 KJV) "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." (Rev 17:5 KJV) "And upon her forehead was a name written MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Rev 17:18 KJV) "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (Rev 18:10 KJV) "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come." Rome Another great city is Rome, where the woman sets on seven mountains (hills) in Revelation 17:9, and where the fifth angel poured out his vial on the seat of the beast in Revelation 16:10-11. The appearances of the great red dragon in Revelation 12, the first beast in Revelation 13, the scarlet colored beast in Revelation 17, and other related passages help us understand Roman kingdom (Rev 16:10; 17:9-11) and kings. (Rev 12:3 KJV) "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." (Rev 13:1) "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." (Rev 17:3 KJV) "So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." Revelation thirteen's first beast (Rev 13:12) that rises (comes) up out of the sea has seven heads and ten horns (Rev 13:1), so does the great red dragon (Rev 12:3) and the scarlet colored beast (Rev 17:3); and on his horns ten crowns (Rev 13:1), so does the great red dragon yet on his heads (Rev 12:3); and on his heads the name of blasphemy (Rev 13:1), yet the scarlet colored beast was full of names of blasphemy (Rev 17:3). Each similitude (Hosea 12:10) has a message to convey. The first beast (Rev 13:12) was like to a (Dan 7:6) leopard (Grecian), his feet were as the feet of a (Dan 7:5) bear (Median and Persian), and his mouth as the mouth of a (Dan 7:4) lion (Babylonian). And the dragon gave him his power (Rev 13:4), his seat and great authority (Rev 13:2). To better understand the first beast's (kings and kingdom, Dan 7:17, 23-24) appearance in Revelation 13:1-3, read Daniel 7, about the four great beasts that came up out of the sea, first was like a lion, second like to a bear, another (third, Dan 2:39) like a leopard, fourth had great iron teeth (Roman) and ten horns (Dan 7:1-7); and about the little horn, the three horns (kings) plucked up by the roots (Dan 7:8), the three that fell (Dan 7:20), and the three that were subdued (Dan 7:24). History shows that kingdoms assimilate. (Rev 13:2-3 KJV) "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. {3} And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." And one of the first beast's heads (Roman) as it were wounded to death (Rev 13:3) by a sword, with a twofold meaning could include by the sword of the Spirit (consider the Holy Roman Empire), which is the Word (John 1:1) of God (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12), and the beast's deadly wound was healed (Rev 13:12), and did live (Rev 13:14). (Rev 17:8 KJV) "The [scarlet coloured] beast that thou [John] sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." When John said that the (scarlet colored beast's) seven heads are seven mountains (hills) on which the woman sits, and there are seven kings, five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come..., "And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition" in Revelation 17:9-11, he could have only meant Rome and its kings. He was a live when the Romans (John 11:48) were in power. (Rev 17:9-11 KJV) "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains [hills], on which the woman sitteth. {10} And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. {11} And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition." The so-called New World Order (whether a conspiracy theory or fact), One World System (or Government), which I believe will eventually have its headquarters in Rome, continues to gain more power and take more control with the help of the United Nations, European Union (Gen 11:1-9), NATO and other global organizations, the European Commission, the secret powers, the controlling elite and the plutocrats, the secretive Freemasonry and Illuminati, and other groups and secret (2 Th 2:7) societies, who some at the highest levels worship Lucifer (Isa 14:4, 12-17, which is in reference to the king of Babylon), and a myriad of others, whether political, ecological, religious, etc. in nature, with a "...globalist agenda...conspiring to eventually rule the world through an authoritarian world government" – Wikipedia. (2 Th 2:7 KJV) "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work...." (Rev 13:4 KJV) "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" Wise (Dan 12:3, 10; 2 Tim 3:15-17) servants (Mat 24:42-51) of the Lord God know the (antichrist, authoritarian) System is craftily gaining more power and taking more control in so many ways, and know it will rise up and eventually control the transformed secular, atheist, pagan and apostate (2 Th 2:3-4) religious world. If radical Islam (Gal 1:6-12) and Muslim conquer (Rev 6:1-8) Rome, even if by peaceful means (Dan 8:23-25; 1 Th 5:3), I believe Islam will assimilate into the System. The beheading (Rev 20:4) during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17) says a lot about this political and religious force. The power (Rev 13:1-18) behind it all is the red dragon, the Devil (Rev 12:3-13) and Satan (2 Th 2:9; Rev 20:2). Just his appearance, comparing it to the first (Rev 13:12) beast (Rev 13:1-3) and scarlet colored beast (Rev 17:3), says a lot about who has been in control of the (antichrist, authoritarian) One World System thus far. The great red dragon (Rev 12:3) -- who gives the first beast his power, which is exercised by the beast (false prophet, Rev 16:13-14) that had two horns like a lamb and spoke as a dragon (Rev 13:11-18 6), and his seat and great authority -- the first beast (Rev 13:1-8), that's worshipped (Rev 13:12), the scarlet colored beast and eighth king (Rev 17:3, 7-11), the little horn, ...in the horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things (Dan 7:7-8, 11, 19-26), and the man of sin, the son of perdition, ...who shows himself that he is God (Dan 11:36-39), and "whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders..." (2 Th 2:1-12 KJV), many call the Antichrist (1 John 2:18), are similitudes (Hosea 12:10) and help describe the Roman king who will be the authoritarian ruler of the Roman kingdom (One World Government), during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). (Rev 13:11-15 KJV) "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. {12} And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. {13} And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, {14} And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. {15} And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." Note: Electronic machines and devices with artificial intelligence that can reason and communicate exist today. Some can store and transfer enormous amounts of digital data at lightning speed. The image of the beast that will be worshipped (Rev 13:14-15) will be much more advanced (Dan 12:4) than Nebuchadnezzar's image (Dan 2:31-46). Revived (Rev 13:3, 14) Roman kingdom (Rev 16:10; 17:9-11) and kings (Dan 7:7-8, 19-26) will rise (come) up (Rev 13:1-3), and will be destroyed (Dan 7:11, 26), and the Saints of the Most High will take and possess the (everlasting) kingdom (Dan 7:18), it will be given to them (Dan 7:22, 27), when the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) comes again (Rev 17:7-14), and they will reign (Rev 2:26-29) with Him (Rev 11:15; 19:11-16) as kings and priests on the earth (Rev 5:9-10) for a thousand years (Rev 20:4-6), and in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3) forever and ever (Rev 22:5; Dan 7:18). Great Cities The great cities of the world could be Mystery Babylon, which will be burnt with fire (Rev 17:16; 18:8), Rome, where the woman sits (Rev 17:9), even Jerusalem, which will be somewhat spared (Joel 3:18-21; Oba 1:17-21; Zec 14:10-11) during a great earthquake, and whatever. There will be a mighty, great earthquake, and the great city will divide into three parts, and the cities (Jer 4:26) of the nations will fall... (Rev 16:18-19). (Jer 4:26 KJV) "...all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger." Note: In the same hour, when the two witnesses resurrect and ascend up to heaven in a cloud, there was a great earthquake and a tenth part of the (great) city fell, where our Lord was crucified, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt (Rev 11:8), and perhaps where the Dome of the Rock is located (Dan 11:45), and in the earthquake seven thousand men were slain... (Rev 11:11-13). (Dan 11:45 KJV) "And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." The cities of the nations will be connected governmentally, economically and religiously (Rev 16:19) to the great city (Rev 17-18). The great whore who sits on many waters will be judged (Rev 17:1). The waters are "...peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Rev 17:15). Over-all Ideas Not all the in part similarities with Moses, Aaron and Egypt, Babylon, Rome, Lot and Sodom (Luke 17:28-30), and Elijah are in every way the same in the last day 10 picture, but the over-all ideas are there. In showing and comparing some of the troubled past, which includes as it was in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26-27), one can see that the (Mega) Tribulation (Mat 24:29) will be great (Mat 24:21), so that none will be like it (Jer 30:4-7). It will be a time of trouble (affliction, tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation (Dan 12:1). I believe it will be worse than all the troubled times in history combined! (Mat 24:21 KJV) "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Mark 13:19 KJV) "For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." Conclusion: If you have compared all the in part similarities and made the connections, the Biblical particulars show that the Day of the Lord and great tribulation do not equal. You should have discovered that the two Witnesses' days of prophecy, the first six trumpets and first two woes will transpire during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17), not in the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5). The Biblical evidence is there. After (Post) the Tribulation (Mat 24:29 KJV) "Immediately after 11 the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" After (post) the Tribulation, 12 the heavens and earth will shake (and a Great Earthquake will occur, which is next study). Some of that which Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:29 is in part similar to Revelation 6:12-14 and to Acts 2:20, which is a quote of Joel 2:31, some of the things that will occur before (at the presence of) the great and very terrible (dreadful) Day of the LORD (Joel 2:10-11; 3:15-16) come. (More about that in other studies.) (Rev 6:12-17 KJV) "...the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; {13} And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind... {17} For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to [abide] stand?" (Acts 2:20 KJV) "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:" (Joel 2:31 KJV) "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before [paniym: H6440] the great and terrible day of the LORD come." Then Shall Appear the Sign of the Son of Man (Mat 24:30) (Mat 24:30 KJV) "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds 13 of heaven with power and great glory." (Mat 24:31 KJV) "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." After the last Saint has given his life for Christ and has been sacrificed on the altar (Rev 6:9-11; 8:3-4), it is time for the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5), for Christ to appear, for the resurrection and gathering together of His elect (Mat 24:30-31), and for the wrath of God to be revealed (Rom 1:18-32). References:
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