October 31: THE SIXTH TRUMPET (part 2)

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. Revelation 9:15 KJV

In the fifth trumpet, the first woe, the Islamic tormenters were restricted from killing. For 150 years they pelted the Greek leg of the divided “Holy Roman Empire” with stinging surprise attacks that shattered peace. The sixth trumpet is a continuation of the fifth, with increased power and the assignment to kill: to slay the third part of men. Be reminded that the third part is a symbol for those who allow themselves to be deceived.* This slaying period, the second woe, is a transition from merely tormenting the apostate Christians, which was the first woe. The Euphrates (v.14) symbolizes judgements bound up against Babylon (Jeremiah 51:63). God has expressed, in symbolic language, that He has judgements to bring against apostate spiritual Babylon. They will be sent forth for a very specific period of time: an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year. In the prophetic day/year principle (per Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6, Luke 13:32), this time period amounts to 391 years and 15 days. A Hebrew year is 360 days symbolizing 360 literal years. A month is 30 days for 30 literal years. A day symbolizes one year, and an hour is 1/24th of a day symbolizing 15 days.

The starting point for the second woe was the finishing point for the first woe. The 150 years of the first woe ended on 27 July 1449. During the first woe, remember that the Islamic hordes were restricted to the work of torment. But the second woe enlarges their commission to slay the third part of men, those who were deceived. This command is from the four horns of the golden altar (Revelation 9:13). Who are the four angels? The word angel means messenger. “These are the four principal sultanies of which the Ottoman Empire was composed, located in the country watered by the great river Euphrates. These sultanies were situated at Aleppo, Iconium, Damascus, and Bagdad. Previously they had been restrained; but God commanded, and they were loosed.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation p.506 Thus, the four generals of Islam are sent forth to conquer lands under the papacy’s control.

The historical backdrop to this scene: “Late in the year 1448, as the close of the 150-year period approached, John Palaeologus [Emperor of the Eastern Empire] died without leaving a son to follow him on the throne. John’s brother Constantine, the lawful successor, would not venture to ascend the throne without the consent of the Turkish sultan. Ambassadors therefore went to Adrianople, received the approbation of the sultan, and returned with gifts for the new sovereign. Early in the year 1449, under these ominous circumstances, Constantine, the last of the Greek emperors was crowned.” In essence, this chain of events amounted to a non-violent takeover by the Muslims. In saying, “I cannot reign unless you permit,” Constantine surrendered Greek independence to the Turks. The seemingly gracious approbation of the sultan in reality was an announcement of his supremacy. He sent two of his illustrious deputies to Sparta for the purpose of placing the Imperial crown upon the head of Constantine.  To be continued…

It is better to trust in God than to put confidence in man. Psalm118:8

*The angels (Revelation 12:4) who were deceived by Satan listened to him and made the decision to believe his contradictions over that which God had said. This is still happening among people today, and God holds them responsible for rejecting His word. Fortunately, those who cultivate love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) are not likely to be deceived.