Revelation 8:10

Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

Study Bible

Then the third angel
The phrase "Then the third angel" introduces the third in a series of seven angels, each with a trumpet that heralds a divine judgment. The number three in biblical numerology often signifies completeness or divine perfection. The angels are messengers of God, and their actions are part of the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. The Greek word for angel, "angelos," means messenger, emphasizing their role in delivering God's decrees.

sounded his trumpet
The trumpet is a significant instrument in biblical history, often used to signal important events, such as the giving of the Law at Sinai or the fall of Jericho. In Revelation, the trumpet signifies a divine announcement or judgment. The Greek word "salpizo" means to sound a trumpet, indicating a call to attention and action. This trumpet blast is a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment.

and a great star
The "great star" symbolizes a significant and impactful event. Stars in biblical literature can represent angels or celestial beings, but here it likely symbolizes a catastrophic event or a fallen entity. The Greek word "aster" is used, which can mean a literal star or a symbolic representation of a powerful force.

burning like a torch
The imagery of "burning like a torch" conveys intensity and destruction. Fire is often associated with judgment and purification in Scripture. The Greek word "kaio" means to burn, indicating a consuming and purifying force. This imagery suggests a divine judgment that is both illuminating and destructive.

fell from heaven
The phrase "fell from heaven" indicates a descent from a place of authority or origin. In biblical context, heaven is the realm of God and the angels. The fall signifies a loss of position or a divine act of judgment. The Greek word "pipto" means to fall, suggesting a sudden and dramatic event.

and landed on a third of the rivers
The "third of the rivers" indicates a partial judgment, not total destruction. The fraction one-third is used repeatedly in Revelation, symbolizing a significant but not complete portion. Rivers are sources of life and sustenance, and their contamination signifies a disruption of life. The Greek word "potamos" means river, emphasizing the life-giving nature of these waters.

and on the springs of water
"Springs of water" are sources of fresh, life-sustaining water. In biblical symbolism, water often represents life, purity, and the Holy Spirit. The contamination of these springs signifies a spiritual and physical crisis. The Greek word "pege" means spring, highlighting the origin and purity of the water source. This judgment affects the very essence of life, calling humanity to recognize the source of true spiritual sustenance in God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Third Angel
One of the seven angels who sound the trumpets, each bringing a specific judgment upon the earth. The third angel's trumpet introduces a calamity involving a great star.

2. Great Star
Symbolic of a significant and catastrophic event. The star is described as burning like a torch, indicating its destructive nature as it falls from heaven.

3. Heaven
The realm from which the star falls, signifying a divine or cosmic origin of the judgment.

4. Rivers and Springs of Water
Represents the sources of fresh water on earth, which are affected by the falling star, leading to widespread contamination and hardship.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment
The sounding of the trumpet by the third angel signifies a divine judgment that is both specific and severe. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of His justice.

Symbolism of the Star
The great star represents a significant and catastrophic event, possibly symbolizing a leader or a nation that falls, causing widespread impact. It reminds believers of the transient nature of earthly powers.

Impact on Creation
The contamination of rivers and springs highlights the interconnectedness of creation and the consequences of sin. It calls believers to be stewards of God's creation and to recognize the spiritual implications of environmental degradation.

Call to Repentance
The judgments in Revelation serve as a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn to God before the final judgment. It emphasizes the urgency of the gospel message.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a "great star burning like a torch" enhance our understanding of the severity of God's judgment in Revelation 8:10?

2. In what ways can the fall of the star be seen as a warning to contemporary society about the consequences of turning away from God?

3. How do the events described in Revelation 8:10 relate to the plagues in Egypt, and what can we learn from these parallels about God's character?

4. What practical steps can believers take to be better stewards of God's creation in light of the environmental impact described in this passage?

5. How does the theme of repentance in Revelation 8:10 challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities in preparation for Christ's return?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 14:12
This verse speaks of the fall of Lucifer, often symbolized as a star falling from heaven, drawing a parallel to the imagery in Revelation.

Jeremiah 9:15
Discusses God giving the people "bitter water" to drink as a form of judgment, similar to the impact of the star on the waters in Revelation.

Exodus 7:20-21
The first plague in Egypt, where the waters turned to blood, can be seen as a precursor to the judgments in Revelation, highlighting the theme of divine retribution through water.