What is the meaning of Revelation 10:4? When the seven thunders had spoken “Then the seven thunders sounded, and I was about to write…” (Revelation 10:4a) • In Revelation 4:5 the throne is encircled by “flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder,” echoing Psalm 29:3-9 where the Lord’s voice thunders over the waters. • Seven, the number of divine completeness (cf. Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:4), signals a full, perfect pronouncement from God. • Thunder throughout Scripture marks God’s audible, awe-inspiring presence (Exodus 19:16-19; John 12:28-29). Here it is literal thunder that carries a distinct, intelligible message. I was about to put it in writing “…I was about to write…” (Revelation 10:4b) • Earlier, John was told, “Write on a scroll what you see” (Revelation 1:11) and again, “Write, therefore, what you have seen” (1:19). His reflex is faithful obedience. • The act of writing preserves revelation for the churches, just as Moses was commanded to “write this on a scroll as a reminder” (Exodus 17:14). • John’s readiness underscores that God desires His people to know His word—yet only what He chooses to disclose. But I heard a voice from heaven saying “…but I heard a voice from heaven say…” (Revelation 10:4c) • A heavenly voice interrupts John, just as it does in Revelation 14:13 and 18:4, affirming divine authority over the prophetic process. • Similar moments occur when Peter hears “a voice from heaven” (Acts 10:13-16) directing him. Both scenes stress that revelation is God-governed from start to finish. • The contrast between thunder (publicly audible) and a voice (privately directive) highlights the difference between revelation given and revelation withheld. Seal up what the seven thunders have said “Seal up the things the seven thunders said…” (Revelation 10:4d) • “Seal up” recalls Daniel 8:26 and 12:4,9 where Daniel is told to seal certain visions “until the time of the end.” God sometimes withholds details until His appointed moment. • Sealing implies authenticity and preservation, not destruction (cf. Revelation 5:1; 22:10). What is hidden now may yet be unveiled in the consummation. • The command affirms God’s sovereignty over His own mysteries (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-34). He is not obligated to reveal every facet of His plan. Do not write it down “…and do not write them.” (Revelation 10:4e) • Paul “heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:4). Likewise, some truths remain beyond current disclosure. • Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The hidden things belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us.” What is necessary for faith and obedience has been given; what is withheld calls for trust. • The unwritten thunder utterances keep the church humble, focused on Christ’s gospel rather than speculative details (1 Corinthians 2:2). summary Revelation 10:4 shows John ready to record fresh revelation, yet God intervenes, commanding silence. The seven thunders speak a complete, authoritative message, but for now it is sealed. This moment teaches that while Scripture is fully reliable and God reveals much for our good, He also retains mysteries. Our part is to trust the Sovereign Lord, obey the light we have, and await the perfect unveiling of all things when Christ returns. |
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