We are now at the threshold of the opening of the seventh seal which is introduced with a period of deep silence. With that in mind lets listen up to what follows with the trumpets call there after these also seven in number.
Revelation 8:1-2 "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." (KJV)
Revelation 8:1-2 "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." (ESV)
Revelation 8:1-2 "When He opened the seventh seal there was a solemn pause; a silence in the heavens which lasted for half an hour. (In sharp contrast to the thundering voices of praise and adoration there was a sudden silence. As if all of heaven is holding its breath! The word silence (G4623 properly muteness, that is, involuntary stillness, or inability to speak from G4602) siopao is from (G4602 ) sige, silence, and (G3973) pao, to rest/pause.
Look at Isaiah 52:13-15 in the Septuagint, Idou - Behold! suniesei is from suniemi, to understand, as in two rivers flowing together! [carrying in it is the idea of the Incarnation - the word made flesh - 'In the Scriptures it is written about Me!'] Thus, He shall be full of understanding, - My boy - He shall be exalted/elevated [proclaiming his resurrection!], and decorated with exceeding great esteem Note the LXX reads, My boy and not "servant" which is only in Masoretic Hebrew text. The MSS dates a thousand years later than the LXX...As many were astonished at Him--His appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and His form beyond that of the sons of men---so shall He startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of Him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand.
Habakkuk 2:20, The LORD is in His temple; let all the earth be silent before His face!
There is here, and in the following verses, a strong allusion to different parts of the temple worship. The silent here refers to this fact---while the priest went in to burn incense in the holy place, all the people continued in silent prayer without till the priest returned. Look at Luke 1:10. The Shepherd-Messenger mentioned here appears to execute the office of priest. Quoted from Adam Clarke.
The symbolic significance of half an hour gives emphasis to this specific moment--- Jesus often made reference to His hour when He spoke about the culmination of His mission. The silence in prayer and contemplation here, was to allow the impact of the moment to reinforce and impress the awareness of the worshiper.) And my eyes were fixed on the seven Shepherd-Messengers before the face of GOD and they were given seven trumpets. (Probably the same as those called the seven Spirits which are before His Throne, Rev. 1:4.) (The Mirror, with editing.)
May the LORD help us to see and hear what is beneficial to our understanding of Him.
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