Mystery of God - Rumor notes 64

 

Trumpet Intermission (Revelation 10)

7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.

the seventh angel, when he is about to sound

This may be a good place to ponder the relationship between the various sets of 7. There is a clear pattern in all three where we find an intermission or insertion between the 6 and the 7 in each set. As well, in all 3 sets it appears that the 7^th is not only the last in that set but seems to strongly parallel each other as a grand climax. The question that many have struggled with is how to interpret these similarities and differences. Do these three sets correspond to each other time wise, or are they to be viewed sequentially? Do each of them have close parallels in parts of their makeup because they are describing the same situations from different directions, or is each set a sequence or pattern that is repeated 3 times, only with increasing intensity each time until the final set when the full power of truth and light is released, initiating the toppling of the empire of evil?

Strangely, I find a mix of these ideas rather appealing. It may be more difficult to defend this position given it cannot be perfectly explained and proven. But that is true about most everything we find in this prophetic document. I believe that prophecy is more flexible than most are willing to allow for, meaning that these symbols and activities described here can have multiple valid meanings and in some cases overlapping meanings that sometimes defy satisfactory explanation. I like the way that Sigve Tondstad explains these three sets, that they are both repeating but also progressive. I think of it like a wheel with 7 spokes that turns. It may appear that the same 7 things go by each time it turns, yet if the wheel is on the ground and not suspended in the air, there will be forward movement as well as repetition. Only with these I also see an added dimension of the last of each set having compelling reason to point to possibly the same point in time, whether generally or very specifically.

So when this says that we are being given insight to the time just before the 7^th angel is to sound his trumpet, I tend to believe this is referring to a time of great import, a time of enormous tension, social and spiritual pressure, of great anticipation and/or apprehension. In all three sets it appears that the interludes are clearly connected to each other as well, yet they also retain a sense of sequence to some extent. It is clear in the interlude found in chapter 7 in the seals there is a holding off of something very dangerous until a group of people are sealed, while in the trumpets this holding off has clearly come to an end with the releasing of the 4 winds that previously had been held in check. Additionally, the 6^th trumpet and the 6^th bowl both refer to the river Euphrates alerting us that something highly significant is going on that is closely related and links these together.

It is almost as if these three wheels with 7 spokes are turning in such as away that while they may begin at different points in time and retain a pattern of repetition, they almost appear to arrive at the same place simultaneously. If so that would make the wheels different sizes, for if you have a larger wheel rolling along with two other size wheels progressively smaller, yet each patterned after the same style, for all of them to arrive at the same spot at the same time would mean each of them would have their beginning point at different places but be seen to be overlapping closer and closer as they make their revolutions. Just an observation that may or may not be helpful here.

when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished

This verse is like a subset of the interlude which in turn is a parenthetical subset embedded into this set of 7's. It is like the core secret buried right in the center of this interlude, and I believe there is a very important reason the 7 thunders are implanted into the center of the description of this angel.

What has come out of our careful analysis of all the passages regarding thunder in our study? Pretty much all of them appeared to relate to the voice of God, yet some of them described a similar sound produced by God's loyal followers giving Him praise and honor and gratitude. What seems to be emerging to my awareness as I have pondered this ever since my study of these trumpets is that the main takeaway might have to do with the learning and practicing of the New Song that is the most potent weapon to be used by God's people. The thunders may describe vividly the sounds that results from learning the New Song, and this sound is seen as nearly identical whether it is coming from heaven or originating on earth.

The question I want to look at more closely is this: Why was John not to write down what he heard from the thunders, and why are they located just where we find them, interrupting the description of the angel standing on the sea and land with his strange book and the encounter John has with that book later? I believe this strategic positioning of these thunders at this specific location in the flow of the story contains the clues that may well unlock what has been obscured about the content of what the thunders may have released in John's hearing but have to be hidden until the right time. And that right time is just where it shows up in the flow of the story, right in the middle of the literal events that are symbolized by this angel and his little book.

So far we have not even begun to unpack the most potent word in this whole verse that lies at the very center of its meaning. This tells us that at this strategic point in the flow of events, the mystery of God is finished. It is time to add this powerful observation to what we are stirring around and observe the effects it may have as we combine one clue after another using the recipe provided here. What is the mystery of God, and how can we distill what it really is from a study of what is given us by the other prophets of God who are called His servants? I think this is crucial to spend some time considering most carefully and intently, for doing so may unleash far more blessing into not only our thinking but even more importantly into our spirit and our experience if we are open to receive what may come out.

What I am seeing as the best explanation so far for why John was told not to write down what the 7 thunders expressed was because of the critical timing involved. John was seeing future history being laid out in symbols in this vision, yet he himself was writing it all down in a point in time that was nearly 2,000 years before it would actually become the situation on this planet. Were he to write down the potent information he heard from the 7 thunders, the enemy would have plenty of time to discredit it, distort it, deface it and neutralize it through subtle deceptions and outright lies just as he has done to the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thus it was crucial that John keep the lid on possibly the most powerful ammunition that would be needed at just the right time by the people of God so they could access it in its full and purest form, untainted by the scheming deceptions and distortions that the enemy always uses to neutralize truths that show us the reality of heaven and God's character of love.

Having said this, I believe the time is now ripe for us to take hold of this opportunity to seize the truth as the Spirit unveils it to us both individually and collectively. As we continue to look at the meaning of this sea/land angel and how it is located where it is in the days when the 7^th angel is about to sound, it just might be God's will to begin to infuse the full potency of the 7 thunders' messages into our hearts if we wish to participate as true reflectors of God's heart and voice. And this understanding may involve appreciation of what this mystery is all about that is connected to what the 7 thunders exposed.

the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets

Following are verses related to this mystery. Another resource is a paper called Inheriting Garbage.

the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies. (Revelation 1:20)

Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and Yahweh hasn't done it? Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Lord Yahweh has spoken. Who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:6-8)

He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear." When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'" (Mark 4:9-12)

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 NAS95)

My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown; yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing. But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory, which none of the rulers of this world has known. For had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:4-8)

Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him; (Ephesians 1:9-10)

if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you; how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, (Ephesians 3:2-6)

with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly; of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; (Colossians 1:24-28)

that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. (Colossians 2:2-4)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4)

Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished. (Revelation 15:1)

The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished. (Revelation 15:8)

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

as he declared to his servants, the prophets

In the following passages, think about what needs to be finished as related to what was told to the prophets of old.

He said to them, "Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Didn't the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?" Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)

He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-47)

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21)

No More Delay - Rumor notes 63

 Trumpet Intermission (Revelation 10)

5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.

This description must be kept in the context of what we just finished studying about the 7 thunders and the timing involved in when their messages might be recognized and appreciated. We compared a number of passages about sealing and unsealing that led us to see that things are not hidden by God arbitrarily but rather to protect vital information from being exposed to the toxic corrosion of the slander of the enemy to discredit and dismantle it in our thinking. Many of God's warnings given through His prophets were labeled as conspiracies to discredit them and get people to ignore them, while in fact the leaders themselves were actually the ones who were indeed acting out conspiracies while accusing the ones seeking to expose them as merely conspiracy theorists who should be silenced. We see that same pattern being carried out today with similar effectiveness.

From that perspective, we now look at this angel standing on both sea and land and raising his right hand in a posture of great authority to swear by the highest Source of all authority something extremely important. We saw a parallel description of this angel last time in Daniel (quoted later here) where he is seen raising both of his hands to heaven, though in that description his announcement had to do with timing between the time when Daniel was alive extending down to our time in recent history. Here we find ourselves on the other end of that time period looking at a similar prophecy declaring this time that there is to be no more delay.

The question that should raise itself immediately in our mind is, what is it that is not to be delayed any longer? Is it the time prophecy of the angel in Daniel or is the delay relating to something far more immediate in this context? What about no more delay in knowing what the 7 thunders just announced?

I personally feel strongly that we are currently either living in, or are on the very verge of the time when the power of the messages of thunder heard by John is to be released into our experience. These thunders may not be as much intellectual ideas to be articulated but more along the line of awareness both in our spirit as well as in our intellect that fulfills Jesus' predication of the coming time when God's true worshipers will worship Him the way we were originally designed to do.

But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)

swore by him who lives forever and ever

What is the significance of swearing by the One who lives forever and ever?

Contrast this with the mainstream version of creation now being forced on the whole world as the context for our beliefs about our origins. Evolution is the antichrist of the truth about creation and has seeped into nearly all of how we think about reality and how to perceive what is credible. Religion has done a superb job of amalgamating godless evolution and a creator that is a bit too impotent to form our entire world ecosystem in six literal days. This amalgamation is not new but has been the methods used ever since sin took control of the human race. Amalgamation of humans and animals is suspected as being one cause the flood was allowed to destroy the entire planet in Noah's day. Jesus told us that the days of His second coming will be just like it was in the days of Noah. But amalgamation extends far beyond simply playing god in the arena of genetics as we are seeing happen all over the place today. Religion is doing the same thing with the truth as science is doing with nature, and the results are equally dangerous.

who created heaven... the earth... and the sea and the things that are in it

Don't miss the fact that this angel is standing on two of these things listed here – the sea and the earth. This is no coincidence. We are being reminded that there is a God in heaven who is the author and creator of these things that define where we live and how we perceive reality, and that God is from eternity past to eternity future, regardless of any notions otherwise we may cling to in resistance to the truth. This God is love, and to deny the truth about our creation and the Owner of everything and everyone in existence is to choose darkness in place of light.

I have a question to ponder here. What might this angel represent? Are we to assume that it is merely a heavenly being portrayed as delivering a message from God? Or is it possible that, like other angels such as the first three mentioned in Revelation 14, an angel can represent a powerful message of truth delivered through God's loyal followers on earth?

Is it possible that this angel could represent people who are sealed with the Spirit of God with the truth about God's heart, who reflect that truth in the way they think and relate to those around them? Could it be that this angel is reflected in the bold authority exercised by such individuals collectively asserting the truth in every venue representing the entire surface of our planet? Might what they say correspond to the messages just released by the 7 thunders and now reiterated by this powerful movement that was foreshadowed by the boldness of the early believers who confronted similar opposition from intimidation and persecution in the days of the original apostles?

there will no longer be delay

I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (Daniel 12:7)

A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course. (Revelation 6:11)

Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time.

(Revelation 12:12)

The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" (Revelation 16:17)

He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life." (Revelation 21:6)

"In a very little while, he who comes will come, and will not wait. But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:37-38)

But don't forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(2 Peter 3:8-9)

in the days of the voice of the seventh angel

There is not a lot in Scripture that I can find related to this phrase in the days of the voice... However, I sense that it should at least be considered as something important to ponder. Given the enormous potency of what follows – the mystery of God is finished – I believe the timing given here has to have equal significance. Here are a few passages that might provide some clues that may or may not be useful.

Jacob called to his sons, and said: "Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come." (Genesis 49:1)

My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart shall utter understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my riddle on the harp. Why should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels surrounds me? Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches-- none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him. For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough, that he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption. (Psalms 49:3-9)

In the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty of it be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. (Daniel 2:44)

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, who dwell by themselves in a forest, in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed; in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. "As in the days of your coming forth out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things." The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might. They will lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears will be deaf. They will lick the dust like a serpent. Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their dens. They will come with fear to Yahweh our God, and will be afraid because of you.

Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn't retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7:14-20)

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!" says Yahweh of Armies.

"But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like launderer's soap; and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to Yahweh offerings in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Yahweh, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.

I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and don't fear me," says Yahweh of Armies. "For I, Yahweh, don't change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

(Malachi 3:1-6)

As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. (Luke 17:26-30)

Silenced Thunders - Rumor notes 62

 Trumpet Intermission (Revelation 10)

4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.

When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky [heaven]saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." (Revelation 1:10-11)

While there are a number of references to a voice from heaven in this book, we will only note here that this same voice is mentioned a few verses later in this same context.

The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, "Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land." (Revelation 10:8)

Seal up the things...don't write them

I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. (Revelation 5:1)

After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!"

(Revelation 7:1-3)

He said, Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:9-10)

He said to me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand." (Revelation 22:10)

Might these parallel passages involving sealing inform us about the nature of this command of the voice from heaven? We find God holding a book sealed up that only the Lamb is qualified to unseal. Then we hear an angel urgently calling out for continued restraint of dark spirits until the bondservants of God are fully sealed on their foreheads. And finally we hear a command not to seal up words of this book because the time is at hand.

Might this sequence of passages related to sealing or not sealing inform us in some way about what is going on with the messages of these thunders? Could these concealed messages involve what is needed to be sealed into the minds and hearts of those who are being sealed internally into the image of the Lamb's version of God in their thinking and living? We see that the factor of timing is directly linked with sealing or not sealing. The 6^th trumpet that just finished is clearly connected to the finishing of the sealing of the bondservants, yet right after that trumpet we still find something very important still being sealed. But John's sealing of these messages I don't believe is meant to be permanent, but by inference this concealment is to expire at some point when the time is right.

John is evidently writing this book in real time while he is experiencing the vision. I strongly disagree with theologians who assert that John was simply contriving all these symbols and events to encode hidden messages to send to the churches in his day to avoid detection or resistance from the oppressive government of Rome. The author of this vision is God, not the overactive imagination of an apostle. There is far too much unbelief among many in higher education that exalt their assertions over inspiration. What is needed is to allow inspired Scripture and the Spirit that inspired it to also inspire us as we humble ourselves to be taught directly by God and receive insights that may not be accepted by the foolishness of the wisdom of this world's ways of interpretation. But I digress.

Is it possible that the need to temporarily seal the words of these 7 thunders was because, though the sealing of God's bondservants was already finished in the sequence of the vision, the outside life at that time in history had not yet caught up with what was in the vision. This would make sense as the messages of the 7 thunders would be highly relevant and useful for the people who are freshly sealed on their foreheads with the seal of God's Spirit, and when that actually is accomplished through the assistance of angelic beings sent to do this, then the messages delivered by the thunders will be understood and embraced by them as they will no longer be hidden from their view.

The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." (John 12:29)

In other words, what we see here is the problem of a difference between timing inside the vision and timing outside the vision. When the time outside the vision in the flow of history catches up with the description of what is predicted inside the vision, then the requirement to keep the messages hidden will no longer apply and they can be released to the understanding of those who need them most because the time is ripe.

Now let's add in other passages related to sealing from the rest of Scripture and see if the same pattern is confirmed.

The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

This reveals that what we need to know will be revealed to us. But this revelation is also dependent on our disposition and attitude toward truth and towards God. The purpose of vital information or revelation is spelled out here, for we need to know certain things in order to carry out our choices to align with the law of love that governs the lives of all who choose to live in harmony with the Lamb's kingdom principles. So whether or not we experience revelation may be determined by our willingness to consent to be conformed to the spirit of heaven.

For Yahweh spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, "Don't say, 'A conspiracy!' concerning all about which this people say, 'A conspiracy!' neither fear their threats, nor be terrorized. Yahweh of Armies is who you must regard as holy. He is the one you must fear. He is the one you must dread. He will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, he will be a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many will stumble over it, fall, be broken, be snared, and be captured." (Isaiah 8:11-15)

These passages are highly relevant for us right now. Yahweh commands Isaiah to not be conditioned by other people's opinions about what constitutes a conspiracy. Today I am seeing that the word conspiracy has become a derogatory term used by those in power to discredit anyone who threatens to unmask their hidden agendas. By accusing someone of being a conspiracy theorist they can be marginalized as irrelevant or superstitious. Yet the exact same method was used against many of God's prophets of ancient times whose warnings of impending doom and disaster were neutralized by those whose power was threatened by the truth about their selfish agenda to stay in power at all cost.

God is telling us to not allow the mainstream version of perceived reality to shape what we value as true and important. The enemy always uses distractions to arouse our fear circuits for the purpose of riveting our attention on things that pervert the truth about what God would have us pay attention to as most important. Threats and terrors are being used today to manipulate and control billions of people as a smokescreen to hide the true agenda of the enemy to lock the world into ignoring the truth of God's glory that is rapidly spreading over the whole world. We must not be sucked in by this agenda.

The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that. Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and he has covered your heads, the seers. All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't, for it is sealed:" and the book is delivered to one who is not educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and he says, "I can't read."

The Lord said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will be hidden." Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from Yahweh, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us?" and "Who knows us?" You turn things upside down! Should the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say about him who made it, "He didn't make me;" or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding?" Isn't it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest? In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 29:7-19)

In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce face, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people. Through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and in their security shall he destroy many: he shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true: but seal up the vision; for it belongs to many days to come. (Daniel 8:23-26)

Again we see the principle reinforced here of what is hidden through sealing having a time when it must be released to be understood and absorbed by those in a right posture to embrace it. Notice those on the receiving end in the last passage from Isaiah in contrast to those in power. It is the deaf, the blind, the humble and the poor who are in a position to hear, see and increase in joy. This means that what is sealed may never be understood or known by those who refuse to be humble.

"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."

Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side. One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

I heard, but I didn't understand: then said I, my lord, what shall be the issue of these things? He said, Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:1-10)

Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelation 19:7-8)

Do we have to be able to elucidate distinctly what the messages of the 7 thunders said in John's hearing in order to prove that it is now time to receive them? I suspect that what they said may be things that have been hidden in plain sight all along, yet require a radical revamping of our thinking about God's heart in order to discern them. As we embrace the light of the true glory of God that is even now flooding the entire planet in our day, with humility and confession of our own deafness and blindness I believe we may discern with our heart what John heard from those thunders from God.

Possibly the reason John was told to not write them was because to write out things plainly before it is time to know them is to expose truth that is beautiful to scorn and have it discredited by those who resist and reject it. God withholds things that are so important that they need to remain preserved and potent until the time is ripe for them to be received in their purity without time for the enemy to dampen them in our thinking. Sometimes the timing of truth is just as important as the validity of truth. For God knows that if we know things before our spirit is synchronized with the atmosphere of heaven to appreciate it fully, the enemy is given too much opportunity to dissuade us with objections of the flesh and the truth can be twisted into a curse to us instead of the blessing it was intended to be in our lives.

I want to go back to something we briefly mentioned last time and take another look at it.

When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices

What I see happening in this experience John describes in his interaction with this angel holding the book, might very well relate to what he heard the 7 thunders say in response to what the angel just said. Quite possibly what the angel said initiated the thunders response. Why might this be significant?

What is emerging for me is a belief that the 7 thunders may be expressions of the 7 spirits of God. And the collective voices of those on earth who are attuned and synchronized with those same spirits are indicated as also sounding like thunder. Maybe the children of God as represented by this sea/land angel are singing the New Song which John says sounds like thunder, and as they do the voices of God's 7 spirits immediately affirm what they are singing and provide feedback to give them courage and boldness. This corresponds to other things we find in the narrative of both Jesus and the experience of the early believers.

I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. (Revelation 14:2-3)

"Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time. Father, glorify your name!" Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice hasn't come for my sake, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (John 12:27-32)

We have seen how thunder is often associated with God's voice as well as with getting people's attention when they are filled with a spirit of resistance to God. When this event happened with Jesus, He was closing in on the final hours of His life among humanity, and His testimony given about the truth of His Father's character had resulted in a high level of resistance and resentment on the part of many. Thus the Father's answer by thunder represented an attempt by God to get people's attention in a way impossible to ignore, in order for people to become willing to receive the truth Jesus came to give us. This same spirit of resistance is the backdrop for the next story with similar elements.

"Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."

When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. (Acts 4:29-33)

A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!" I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! (Revelation 19:5-6)

I am coming to believe that the location of these thunders in the flow of this narrative is key to understanding what may be in their messages. In a way, it is when the people on earth who seek to synchronize with their Father in heaven and give expression to the same truth Jesus brought to light, the passion for God awakened in them by the Spirit of God leads them to seek the boldness of God which is answered in earth-shaking ways that defeats all the power of the enemy which is the power of fear.

As I have pondered this mystery over the past few weeks, something compelling has been slowing emerging into my consciousness until at last I had to sit down and explore it intentionally to see if it contained key insights I suspect may be waiting for someone to put into place. The result was a document that includes a chart comparing the 3 main interludes that all come after the sixth event in each set of 7s, as well as this pattern being found in other passages of Revelation. Comparing these interludes side by side to analyze them for potentially similar patterns has indeed confirmed what I was beginning to suspect – that the message of the 7 thunders is all about the contents of the New Song which is also a major theme in this book as well as throughout the rest of Scripture.

For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." Again, "I will put my trust in him." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:11-15)

I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. They overcame him because of the Lamb's blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life, even to death. (Revelation 12:10-11)

The question that arises in my own heart is this, How can I enter into this same kind of experience? How can I synchronize with the heart of God to be delivered from all the power of fear that still seeks to hold me in bondage? How might I effectively seek the boldness of God in the face of increasing threats and hostilities that are exponentially being amplified all around me every day? I want to have that same boldness that resulted in the earth-shaking outpouring of the Spirit of God, likely endowing the followers of God with all 7 Spirits that affirm with thunder that I am safe in God's hands whether or not I live or die. I want it to be my experience that I don't love my life more than I love my Savior who loves me and gave His life for me. This is what I believe these 7 thunders may be meant to lead us towards in our thinking.

The Seven Thunders - Rumor notes 61

Trumpet Intermission (Revelation 10)

3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.

When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

This mystery of the 7 thunders has fascinated scholars and ordinary people for probably as long as this book has been written. It is almost like a dare, a challenge to figure it out. At the same time it also seems like a declaration by God that no one will be allowed to know what they said for certain. I don't claim to have some amazing insight no one else knows about, obviously. At the same time I sense that the time may be near, if not already here, that gaining a deeper understanding of this may be something in God's will for us at this point in history.

The method we have relied on in our study throughout this book thus far has proven to be an enormous blessing to reveal many unexpected insights and breakthroughs, pulling together a larger perspective on what has previously been shrouded in mystery. I would like to tackle this mystery in the very same way, walking carefully through many of the passages throughout Scripture that speak of thunders to see if maybe we might discover something under the guidance of the Spirit of Wisdom that will prove not only interesting but valuable in growing in our knowledge of God and His ways in these last days.

Following are many of the passages I find related to thunder. The more I ponder them the more excited I feel that, just as we have experienced in the past, things very important can distill out of our willingness to listen collectively as the Spirit prompts different people to catch various aspects that coalesce together to form a more distinct picture we may have never considered previously. We will begin with the references to thunders in this book and then throughout the rest of Scripture to see how they all might come together harmoniously to bring greater insight.

But before we go there, I want to point out one detail that may be significant.

When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices

The question here is this: do the 7 thunders speak simultaneously or sequentially with the cry of this angel? At first this may seem irrelevant, but I believe as we go deeper this will become important.

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. (Revelation 4:4-5)

I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!" (Revelation 6:1)

Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake. (Revelation 8:3-5)

The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth.

God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord's covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed. (Revelation 11:16-19)

I will interject here that I recently learned something very important about this passage. These last two verses belong tightly linked with the following verses in the next chapter and which are totally out of context without these. But we will look at the another time.

I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. (Revelation 14:1-3)

The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty. The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. (Revelation 16:17-19)

A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!" I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! (Revelation 19:5-6)

Just these verses from within Revelation give us enormous clues that can steer us as we continue.

Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch forth your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt." Moses stretched forth his rod toward the heavens, and Yahweh sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashed down to the earth. Yahweh rained hail on the land of Egypt. (Exodus 9:22-23)

Pray to Yahweh; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Yahweh's. But as for you and your servants, I know that you don't yet fear Yahweh God." (Exodus 9:28-30)

Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he didn't let the children of Israel go, just as Yahweh had spoken through Moses. (Exodus 9:33-35)

This informs us that miracles of themselves don't have the kind of power needed to convert a person's heart to worship God in truth and love. Just because God uses supernatural manifestations that gets a lot of attention does not mean they actually work to change hearts. This is very important for us to understand today, for many presume that all we need is more vivid demonstrations of God's presence and power and people will respond positively. Pharaoh is a prime example that this is not that effective and that it is actually God's mercy that causes more hardening of the heart than God's so-called judgments. In the context of this 6^th trumpet we may well be looking at a very similar situation.

It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. (Exodus 19:16)

All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. (Exodus 20:18)

Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.

He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for no man shall prevail by strength. Those who strive with Yahweh shall be broken to pieces. He will thunder against them in the sky. Yahweh will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (1 Samuel 2:1,9-10)

When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. The children of Israel said to Samuel, "Don't cease to cry to Yahweh our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines."

Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering to Yahweh: and Samuel cried to Yahweh for Israel; and Yahweh answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel; but Yahweh thundered with a great thunder on that day on the Philistines, and confused them; and they were struck down before Israel. (1 Samuel 7:7-10)

If you will fear Yahweh, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, and both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of Yahweh your God, well: but if you will not listen to the voice of Yahweh, but rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then will the hand of Yahweh be against you, as it was against your fathers.

Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes. Isn't it wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, that he may send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of Yahweh, in asking you a king. So Samuel called to Yahweh; and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samuel. All the people said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

Samuel said to the people, "Don't be afraid; you have indeed done all this evil; yet don't turn aside from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart: and don't turn aside; for then would you go after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain. For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name's sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people to himself. Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear Yahweh, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he has done for you. But if you shall still do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your king." (1 Samuel 12:14-25)

David spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: and he said, Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine; God, my rock, in him I will take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence. I will call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from my enemies.

He made darkness pavilions around himself: gathering of waters, and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness before him, coals of fire were kindled. Yahweh thundered from heaven. The Most High uttered his voice. He sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and confused them. Then the channels of the sea appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare by the rebuke of Yahweh, At the blast of the breath of his nostrils. He sent from on high and he took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:1-4, 12-20)

Behold, he spreads his light around him. He covers the bottom of the sea. For by these he judges the people. He gives food in abundance. He covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark. Its noise tells about him, and the livestock also concerning the storm that comes up. "Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place. Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth. He sends it forth under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth. After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn't hold back anything when his voice is heard. God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can't comprehend. (Job 36:30 – 37:5)

"Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me. Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like him? "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty. Pour out the fury of your anger. Look at everyone who is proud, and bring him low. Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place. Then I will also admit to you that your own right hand can save you. (Job 40:7-14)

Let me ask a very pertinent question here. Is God describing the methods He relies on to conquer the proud, or is He challenging our methods that we believe He should use to win over evil?

I believe He is telling Job that until someone can prove that those methods are actually effective in neutralizing the power of pride and evil, we should not demand that those methods are what God relies on to accomplish His will. He takes no ownership of such methods here but simply identifies them as our opinions about how we should be saved.

Yahweh's voice is on the waters. The God of glory thunders, even Yahweh on many waters. Yahweh's voice is powerful. Yahweh's voice is full of majesty. (Psalms 29:3-4)

The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed. The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around. The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalms 77:16-20)

He laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved forever. You covered it with the deep as with a cloak. The waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they fled. At the voice of your thunder they hurried away. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down, to the place which you had assigned to them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over; that they don't turn again to cover the earth. (Psalms 104:5-9)

Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around; then I will distress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. She shall be to me as an altar hearth. I will encamp against you all around you, and will lay siege against you with posted troops. I will raise siege works against you. You will be brought down, and will speak out of the ground. Your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will be as of one who has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech will whisper out of the dust. But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly. She will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, with great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that. (Isaiah 29:1-8)

They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves. The earth quakes before them. The heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. Yahweh thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome, and who can endure it? "Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning." Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal offering and a drink offering to Yahweh, your God. (Joel 2:9-14)

"Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time. Father, glorify your name!" Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice hasn't come for my sake, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (John 12:27-32)

Let me ask what might at first sound like a silly question. What is the difference between the sound of a cat and the sound of a lion? Why? Similarly, what is the difference between the bark of a tiny dog compared to the bark of a huge Mastiff? We know the difference without ever having to see them, for it has to do with size as perceived by the depth of pitch in sound, right?

A lower the pitch of a sound means a lower frequency is passing through the air which is the means by which we hear sounds. Throughout these passages we find that often God's voice is described as sounding like thunder. At Mt. Sinai a loud blast like a trumpet was also heard, but it appears that primarily whenever the voice of God has been heard audibly it usually sounds like thunder. That is because thunder, or the even lower frequencies associated with earthquakes, might indicate the largest possible source as originating that sound. It is also connected with our perception of power.

This takes us to the next step which is how we are emotionally wired to react to sounds. We usually have a distinctly different reaction between hearing the yapping of a tiny dog and the sound of a deep growl or woof that clearly comes from an animal that is far larger, especially if we can't see the source. We usually react with more fear when our brain tells us that the sound likely comes from something much larger than what we care to encounter, and there is nothing larger than God.

Let's now connect some dots to see what might come out of our observations. Thunder is a sound that is usually associated with lightning but is only heard as a result of the effect a lightning bolt produces in the atmosphere. That means that to hear a sound there has to be air involved, for that is how our ears hear sounds.

In Scripture the word used for spirit has to do with air or wind. In Revelation we learn of the 7 spirits that are before the throne and are connected with the Lamb. It would seem reasonable to associate these 7 spirits to the 7 thunders because air is required to transmit the sound of thunder. Voices come to our ears through the atmosphere, and wind generates sound itself depending on how strong that wind becomes. Thus I believe these 7 thunders may be reasonably be viewed as communications from God as His voice is so often described as being like thunder, and His Spirit wind is the means of communication sent to guide, instruct, convict and alert us of what God wants us to know.

However, having said this it is also true that other sources can produce the sound of thunder. Particularly note the description in Revelation 19 where collective voices of praise produce a sound like thunder. This is very compelling and inviting, for we were designed to reflect the image of God collectively. So we may participate in giving expression of God's will by joining our praise for God with all the rest of His true followers to produce communication similar to His voice of thunder.

Here is a review of the things we might learn about these thunders from the context of the passages we just examined.

A thunder originates from the throne of God in heaven.

At least one of the 4 creatures around the throne speaks with a voice of thunder.

A growing list of signs including thunder mark strategic points throughout Revelation.

An angel throws a censer full of fire to the earth.

When God's temple is opened exposing the ark of His covenant within.

When the 7^th bowl is poured out resulting in the fracturing of the great city into 3 parts.

The New Song that sounds like many waters, like thunder and performed by harpists playing.

The voice of a great multitude of praise like many waters saying Hallelujah for God's reign.

Thunder, lightning and hail are one of the plagues on Egypt.

Thunder, lightnings and a loud trumpet are encountered from Mt. Sinai at the giving of the law.

Hannah says God will thunder against those who try to prevail against Him with strength.

God uses His voice of thunder to defeat Philistines attacking Israel causing them confusion.

God sends thunder and rain as a sign of displeasure for Israel's demand for a king to rule them.

David said God thundered with His voice to save David from violence and from Saul.

Elihu tells Job that God thunders marvelously with his voice of majesty.

God asks Job if he can thunder with a voice like God can.

The context is God questioning human methods of control by intimidation.

The Psalms associate God's thunder voice with glory, power, majesty, the whirlwind, causing the waters of the flood to retreat.

In David's song about Ariel he says it will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, a great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire.

God thunders in response to Jesus' request to glorify God's name. Jesus declares the result of this would be judgment of this world and the casting out of the prince of this world.

The last passage in the Old Testament may give us the strongest clue combined with this event of Jesus being answered from heaven by thunder. Together they reveal the purpose, motives and intent of God using His voice of thunder to get our attention.

Yahweh thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome, and who can endure it?

"Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning." Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:11-13)

God's voice of thunder is meant to get our attention, to bring clarity where there is confusion of lies, to bring light where there is darkness and fear, to break through our lethargy to awaken us from our comatose state so that we may choose to change our thinking and turn back to giving Him our heart trust. God does not thunder to manipulate or control us but to get our attention to save us from all that is killing us and making us afraid of the very One who loves and cares for us the most. This is the purpose of God's thunder, not to attack us but to save us from the clutches of the enemy of our souls.