His Secret
Chapter 9
Silence in Heaven
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. - Revelation 8:1
The 7th seal has been one of those scriptures that has never been interpreted with an understanding that fit into the prophetic end times events with clarity. We are about to discover what the 7th seal really is and what this seal tells us. It actually has a timing element within this verse that tells us when the Multitude will begin to be physically killed.
First of all, this seal tells us that there is silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. This is referring to silence for a period of time of half an hour? What could that be referring to? The Tribulation can be seen in many verses as an hour. Could this be referring to half of the Tribulation? Let’s take a look at some selected verses that have an hour in it and see if this could in fact be referencing the period of the Tribulation.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 24:44
This verse is telling you to be ready, and obviously there are many that are not expecting Him and yet He arrives. This would be referring to the “coming of the Son of man.”
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, - Matthew 24:50
“The lord of that servant” is referring to the Lord Jesus Christ that will come when he is not expected, in an hour that the servant isn’t aware of. An hour, when used as an identifier of the Tribulation period is also synonymous with “the day of the Lord”
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. - 1Thessalonians 5:2
The thief (Jesus Christ) comes when they are not looking for Him and in an hour that they are not aware of because they are not looking for Him.
This is the whole premise about the thief in the night. They are totally oblivious to the fact that the thief has not only broken into their house, but he is long gone before they even realize he has been there. The same holds true for today’s church. The Son of man comes (The coming of the Son of man, the coming of the Lord) and the church has no idea that He has already come and has started the progression of the Tribulation. They have no clue this is happening. Why?
They are expecting to get raptured. They are expecting literal manifestations of the judgements of God in the book of Revelation. They are totally oblivious to the fact that they are not going to see the things that they are expecting to see. The day of the Lord arrives and they have no clue that He is even here which is exactly what this next verse states.
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. – Luke 17:20
Let’s look at the definition of observation. Observation is defined as; inspection, i.e. ocular evidence:--observation. [1]
Ocular evidence means seeing with the physical eyes. The kingdom of God comes without seeing it with the physical eyes. That is why everyone misses it when it comes. That’s why Jesus comes as a thief and nobody even knows that Jesus Christ has already come. The coming of the Son of man is not seen by the physical eyes. It is only seen through the spiritual eyes of those that are expecting Him. The ones that are expecting the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ are the 144,000.
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. - Matthew 24:39
The ones that are taken away are the Multitude. The people of Noah’s day weren’t expecting judgement and the Multitude doesn’t expect it either. The judgement will come upon them in a day when they are not expecting it. They won’t see it because one; they expect to be raptured, and two; they are expecting to see it with their physical eyes and therefore don’t even know that He has already arrived.
The coming of the Son of man is the Second Coming of Christ. The word coming is defined as; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect: coming, presence. [2]
Look at this definition. The word coming means being near, it is also an advent of His return and specially the coming of Christ to punish Jerusalem and then finally the wicked. It is also His presence and by implication physically.
At the 7th trumpet there is a physical return. But his physical return is at the end of the Tribulation. Is the Lord’s presence in the Tribulation? His presence is everywhere you look. Does Jerusalem (Multitude) get punished during the Tribulation? Absolutely, does He punish the wicked? Yes, at the 7th trumpet when He arrives physically.
The coming of the Lord or the coming of the Son of man IS the Tribulation. Nobody in the church is expecting Him. He arrives not with observation. (Being seen with physical eyes)
Jesus refers to Himself as the thief in the following verse. The 144,000 are the ones that are watching for Him. They are expecting Him and see Him when He arrives. The ones that are naked and will be shamed are the Multitude because they were not expecting him and are caught unaware.
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. - Revelation 16:15
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: - Revelation 3:17
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. - Luke 21:34
This verse is the church of Laodicea who thinks everything is just fine. The 7 churches are thrown into the Tribulation and they never prepared or realized that it was coming. They are blind, naked, poor, wretched and miserable. The cares of this life overtook them and the day of the Lord came upon them unawares.
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. - Revelation 14:7
This verse is stating that the hour of his judgement is come. What is the hour of his judgement? It is the Tribulation.
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. - Revelation 17:12
The ten kings of the beast that rules the earth (Church) serve with the beast during the period of the Tribulation which is one hour.
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
- Revelation 18:10
Here is another verse that ties the judgement with the one hour. This is when Babylon is fallen, is fallen. The judgement against Babylon (Church) comes in one hour. This is not only the indictment that comes against Babylon; this is also the execution of this judgement.
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, - Revelation 18:17
The riches of Babylon come to nothing in one hour. These would be the riches of the Multitude. Just when she thought she was just fine, the Lord brings down judgement and the strips away her riches. This would be the stripping away of their (Multitude’s) possessions by the Scorpions.
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
- Revelation 18:19
In one hour Babylon is made desolate. It takes the period of the Tribulation to completely destroy Babylon. It is Babylon that is made desolate, desolate of the Multitude. The Multitude is stripped of all of their goods and made naked. Their covering of their lies is also stripped away and they are pulled out of the dens and the rocks of the mountains by the fishers (Scorpions) and the hunters (Serpents) to be completely exposed and naked. Why does this happen?
When the blind and the deaf Multitude finally sees and hears, they will completely shake off their false doctrines and embrace the Truth through much Tribulation. It is in their captivity that they will be converted and the Lord will shine His light upon them at that time. The Multitude will stand up against the Beast. The Beast has within it, the Scorpions and the Serpents who are following the doctrine of Balaam.
This is the doctrine that is the Abomination that maketh Desolate. [3] This doctrine makes the Multitude desolate. They will not worship (Adore or follow) the Beast. Interestingly, there are passages in Daniel that correspond with this and there is a referral to an hour.
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. - Daniel 3:6
This of course is the event with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who would not worship the beast and is thrown into the fiery furnace. They were thrown into the furnace in the same hour that they would not worship the beast.
The Tribulation is a parallel to this event. The Multitude will not worship the Beast and will be thrown into the furnace of fire by the Scorpions who are the fire of the 1st trumpet. The Multitude will be cast into the furnace of affliction [4] the same hour that they do not worship the beast. There is another parallel with the kingdom of Babylon.
The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. - Daniel 4:33
There is a very interesting passage that completely parallels Babylon of Revelation and its fall. This event happens when king Nebuchadnezzar states “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” [5]
Compare this to “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [6] There is a striking resemblance between those two statements. Both of them are about Babylon. One is the physical Babylon, the other is the spiritual Babylon. Both of them are boasting about how great they are and then both of them fall.
Notice what happens at king Nebuchadnezzar’s fall. He eats grass like oxen, his hair is like eagle’s feathers, and his nails are like bird’s claws. Can you see the Multitude, (Oxen) [7] the Serpents, (Eagles feathers) and the Scorpions. (Birds claws)
When they both think that they are sitting pretty, both fall, both have the thirds within them. One is the physical Babylon, the other is the spiritual counterpart, spiritual Babylon. Both of them fall within an hour.
One hour is referring to the period of the Tribulation. There are many names for it, the Day of the Lord, the day of God, the day of Christ, the overflowing scourge, an earthquake, a storm, the time of Jacob’s trouble, etc.
If the Tribulation is one hour, then the silence in heaven for the space of half an hour must be referring to half of the period of the Tribulation. Since the Tribulation is 3 ½ years long, the half of an hour would be half of that, 1 ¾ years, or half of 42 months which would be 21 months.
There is silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. What is the silence? Let’s now investigate silence.
Silence is defined as (to hiss, i.e. hist or hush); silence:--silence. [8] The under-definition for silence is; (silence, i.e. a hush; properly, muteness, i.e. involuntary stillness, or inability to speak. [9]
These definitions give us some clues. The silence means that it is quiet. There is nothing moving or there is nobody speaking. Notice the phrase involuntary stillness. What is that? It is something that is made to be still that didn’t want to be made still. This is another clue.
When you picture this in your mind that there is silence or stillness in heaven for about the space of half an hour, you can almost see a snapshot of this. For half an hour all that is in heaven is quiet, there is no talking or movement. To get to the understanding of this, we must find out what causes this silence in heaven and exactly what is silent. The only way to do this is to take our previous knowledge about end time events and apply this knowledge to properly render this scripture.
What is the heaven that this is speaking about? This would be what all of the Tribulation is about, the kingdom of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven, there are the Scorpions, the Serpents, and the Multitude. Of those three, which are silenced? The Multitude is silenced. But we also know that the Scorpions and the Serpents are yelling and shouting and making all kinds of noise. They are not silent at all. They are the ones that are doing the silencing of the Multitude.
So how is heaven silent? Look at some of the parables of Jesus. There is the parable about the tares in the wheat field. The tares are the Scorpions and the Serpents. They are gathered first and bound together to be burned. The wheat is left in the field and then gathered into the barn. (The killing of the Multitude) The field is the world (Church) or the kingdom of heaven. The tares are removed from the kingdom of heaven. Remember what Jesus says “The kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:” [10]
Jesus made the connection right there. This field is the kingdom of heaven. The tares are removed out of the kingdom first and the wheat left. This means that the Scorpions and the Serpents are removed out of the kingdom of heaven and the Multitude is left. Here’s another parable.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: [48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. [49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, - Matthew 13:47-49
The bad (Scorpions and Serpents) are cast away. They are removed from the kingdom of heaven. What is left is the Multitude that will be gathered into vessels. (Killing of the Multitude) Now that we have determined who is in the kingdom of heaven, we can determine that the silence is directly connected to the Multitude.
The verse states that there is silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour which means that there is total silence for half of the Tribulation. Is it the first half or the second half? If it is the first half, then the second half there is no Multitude left for the Serpents and the Scorpions to go after. Also, if there is silence (No Multitude) in the first half, this would mean that the Multitude was killed prior to the start of the Tribulation and this doesn’t make any sense.
If the Multitude is silent in the second half of the Tribulation, this again doesn’t make sense. All of the Multitude would have been killed in one fell swoop right at the beginning of the second half, and then the Scorpions and the Serpents go on for another 21months? From all of the scripture pertaining to the Lord’s vengeance upon the Scorpions and the Serpents that we can see, His judgement upon them is swift. The Lord isn’t going to let them go one minute longer than what has been determined.
If neither of these makes any sense then we need to go deeper. Let’s look at what we know to determine how this can work. We know that what is left in heaven after the tares and the bad fish are removed is the Multitude. We know that the Multitude is silenced by the Scorpions and the Serpents. We know that the killing of the Multitude continues to the very end of the Tribulation for that is what the entire Tribulation is about, the Lord’s judgement. There must be something else to explain this. There is. The explanation to bring full understanding to this dilemma is found in the words “there was.”
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. - Revelation 8:1
The definition for there was; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being) be(-come, -fall), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be ended, fall, be finished, be fulfilled, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be taken, be turned. [11]
The definition for there was gives us the answer. The Tribulation shall cause to be silence in the kingdom of heaven. The Tribulation shall generate silence in the kingdom of heaven. The Tribulation shall cause to become (Come into being) silence in the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven shall be made silent. The kingdom of heaven shall be ordained to be or partake of silence. Silence will be passed or preformed in the kingdom of heaven where one will be taken, they shall be turned, they shall be divided and in the process of them being silenced they will be married unto the Lord when they partake of the marriage supper. Silence will be fulfilled in the kingdom of heaven. It will be finished.
When will it be finished? When the last of the Multitude is silenced is when it is finished. What happens when the last of the Multitude is silenced? The 7th Trumpet sounds.
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. - Revelation 10:7
It will be finished as He has declared unto His servants the prophets. When did He declare it? He is declaring it right now by revealing His secret to us. His plan will unfold just as He is showing us. He is showing us what He is doing and will do by the pure language that He has given us; the language of metaphor and the understanding of the Spiritual Overlay using this language to uncover the secret that He wants us to know.
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. - Revelation 8:1
Knowing how the definitions now define this verse, we can reread this verse to read that for about the space of half an hour (Half of the Tribulation) the process of silencing (Killing of the Multitude) will be brought to pass. This gives us total clarification on this verse.
Now, which half of the Tribulation does this occur? It would have to be the last half. For when the silencing (Killing of the Multitude) is accomplished is when the vengeance of the Lord is swift against the Scorpions and the Serpents.
For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. - Deuteronomy 32:36
The Lord judges the Multitude and repents when the Multitude is gone. When there are no Multitude left in prison or left alive, the Lord will avenge the blood of the martyrs that He promised to the ones under the altar at the 5th seal.
If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. [42] I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
[43] Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. - Deuteronomy 32:41-43
Let’s take a look at some verses that speak about the word silence and discern if the silence is actually referring to the actual killing (Silencing) of the Multitude.
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. - Psalms 115:17
This verse is undoubtedly speaking about those that go down into silence are the dead. The definition for this word silence means; be dumb, silence; figuratively, death:--silence. [12]
There is another verse where Ar and Kir of Moab are brought to silence. Remember when David conquered the Moabites? He took the captives and laid them out on the ground. He laid down three lines and the captives within two of the lines were killed. (2/3) The 1/3 left served David their king and brought him gifts. [13] This is a parallel to the 2/3 that are cut off and die, [14] and the white horse of the 1st seal, the other 1/3 (Multitude) bringing a present to the Lord. [15]
The Moabites are a spiritual representation of the church. 2/3 of the Moabites are cut off and die, 1/3 serve David (Jesus Christ) and bring gifts.
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; - Isaiah 15:1
Ar and Kir of Moab are both laid waste and brought to silence. Ar and Kir would be spiritual identifications for the Multitude. Let’s look at the definitions.
Silence to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; transitively. to destroy:--cease, be cut down (off), destroy, be brought to silence. [16]
This definition of silence has within the definition “be brought to silence.” This contains the same understanding for the silence in heaven. This definition also has fail, perish, to destroy, cease, be cut down. All of the words that we find are associated with the killing of the Multitude. What about these cities? These cities look to be a spiritual identity of the Multitude. Can we find hints of the Multitude within the definitions?
The under-definition of Ar is; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post). [17]
Here is our first clue. A place guarded by a waking or watch goes right to the Scorpions who are the guards or the ones on watch. Who are they guarding? They are guarding the Multitude. The city of Ar is comprised of the Multitude that is guarded by the Scorpions. Let’s look at some under-definitions.
The next under-definition for Ar means; (through the idea of opening the eyes); to wake (literally or figuratively):--(a-)wake(-n, up). [18]
This definition defines waking up or opening the eyes, the blind eyes of the Multitude that can now see their predicament and how they got there. There is one more under-definition.
The next under-definition means; to (be) bare:--be made naked. [19]
Who is made bare and naked? The Multitude as we can see in this next verse. Ar is a city of the Multitude.
And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms. - Ezekiel 23:29
The Serpents deal hatefully with the residents of Ar and the Scorpions take away all of their possessions and works, leaving the Multitude naked and bare. The city of Ar is made desolate and is brought to silence.
We can now surmise that Kir would also be a city of the Multitude based upon the text. Let’s look at the definitions and see if this will be confirmed.
Kir is defined as; fortress. [20] The under-definition for the word Kir means; fortress of earthenware. [21] A fortress of earthenware? The Multitude is in a city that is guarded by the Scorpion in Ar. They are in a fortress as we will see in the next verse. The earthenware gives us the indication of pottery made out of the earth. This would be the clay pots that are molded and shaped by the potter.
Another under-definition of Kir is; a piece of pottery:--earth(-en), (pot-)sherd. [22] They are a piece of pottery made from the earth, a potsherd. An additional under-definition brings us to this definition; also silence. [23] The fortress of earthenware has the word silence in its definitions. But it doesn’t end there. Let’s follow the thread of the potsherd.
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? - Isaiah 45:9
This verse starts off with the word “Woe” which signifies that the 5th trumpet (Scorpions) along with the Serpents are now in action. [24] The potsherd (Multitude) is striving with the Lord. He pronounces judgment (Woe) and tells them to be with the other potsherds of the earth. Notice that the word “strive” is italicized which means this was added to the text to make the verse flow better and to inflect what was being addressed. We will leave this word out for the purpose of keeping the text just as it reads. These ‘other potsherds’ would be referencing the Scorpions and the Serpents. The potsherd is also equated as the clay in this verse. Let’s look at another verse that is very similar, except this verse uses the word clay.
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? - Isaiah 29:16
The potsherd (Multitude) strives with their maker in Isaiah 45:9. The potter’s clay is saying the same thing as the potsherd. They are both striving with their Maker. They, the potsherd (Earthenware pottery) is the same as the potter’s clay. They are both in the hands of their Maker and don’t recognize the Lord’s authority over them. They are the potter’s clay. Let’s look at a verse that equates the potter’s clay with the house of Israel.
O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
- Jeremiah 18:6
The potsherd (Multitude) is the clay (Multitude) is the house of Israel. (Multitude) The clay is the Multitude and the Lord told the potsherd (Multitude) to be with the potsherds. (Scorpions and Serpents) When does this happen? This happens during the Tribulation. In essence, because the Multitude has striven with their Maker, they are told to be with, or mingled with the Scorpions and Serpents.
There are two places in the Bible where this occurs and both of them happen during the Tribulation. The first place is in the 1st trumpet. Hail (Serpents) and Fire (Scorpions) mingled with Blood. (Multitude) The second place is within the statue of King Nebuchadrezzner’s dream. The iron (Scorpions) mingled with the clay. We also know that the Serpents are there with the Scorpions for they are a confederacy.
Kir is a city of the Multitude. They shall be made desolate and brought to silence. There is another connection within the definition of Kir, the fortress of earthenware. What is the fortress referring to? This fortress of earthenware is the defenced city that is spoken about in several other passages.
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. - Jeremiah 8:14
The Multitude enters into the defenced city and is put to silence there by the Lord God. This group that goes into the defenced city is also given gall to drink. What is the gall? The gall is the wormwood that is bitter in the 3rd trumpet that the Multitude drinks. The Wormwood/gall is the bitterness of Judgement of the Lord that the Multitude receives at the hands of their former friends and relative. This is the bitter pill that they have to swallow. There is of many men (Multitude) that dies from drinking this water of Wormwood/gall of the 3rd trumpet. [25]
The word defenced means; a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender:--(de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). [26]
This will be a fortified city with barb wire, gates, cells, and bars. This is where the Multitude will be cast into awaiting their execution. This is a strong hold that they will be in with the only escape being their silence. They go from one stronghold (dens and rocks that they were hiding in) to a stronghold of prison.
The next under-definition means; to clip off,also to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification):--cut off, gather. [27]
The Multitude will be clipped off, they will be isolated in a fortress of earthenware (Definition of Kir) that is guarded by a watch. (Scorpions – definition of Ar) They will be cut off, (Die a physical death) and they shall be gathered from the four winds. [28] Where does all of this occur? It emanates from within the church.
And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. - Amos 8:3
There are no more songs that will be sung by the Multitude in the churches when this begins to occur. They will sing the song of Moses after their separation from Babylon and their entrance into Ar and Kir. There previous songs of joy shall be turned into howlings. The definition for howling is; to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one):--(make to) howl, be howling. [29]
Who will be howling with a wailing? The Multitude will be wailing in that day when their former friends and relatives turn them in for monetary gain and begin the process of their persecution for blasphemy. They will be wailing when they realize that the Lord God has brought them there to this place and what lies for them in their immediate future. When the Multitude is taken away (One shall be taken) and they are cast forth with silence. (Killed)
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. - Isaiah 52:5
The Multitude is taken away for nothing and in the taking away, the Lord’s name is blasphemed. Their rulers (Scorpions and Serpents) shall make them howl.
The silence in heaven is referring to the voices of the Multitude being silenced one at a time until they are all gone. It is a process that is brought to pass and when it is finished, there is total silence in heaven. This will occur during the last half of the Tribulation. The Serpents and the Scorpions have already been thrust out so their voices are no longer heard in the kingdom of heaven.
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. - Luke 13:28
When the Multitude (whom the Lord’s anger and wrath come down upon) are silenced through this process, the Lord’s spirit is quieted. His anger and His fury against the Multitude comes to a rest
Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country. - Zechariah 6:8
This verse is speaking about Multitude that goes into the north country. (Serpent territory) The Multitude going into the north country signifies that they are going to their death. This quiets the Lord’s spirit. His anger against the Multitude is made to rest as we can see in this next verse. This verse concerning the north country will be discussed further in the next chapter.
So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. - Ezekiel 16:42
The Lord is quiet for his anger and wrath is departed against the Multitude, for they are all gone. His anger at this point dissipates and He his spirit is quieted.
And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. - Zechariah 1:11
This verse is referring to an answer that the speckled horses gave to Zechariah in this interaction. This too will be discussed in further detail in an upcoming chapter. These that walk to and fro the earth are the Scorpions. They state that the earth sits still and is at rest. How does this happen?
The earth sits still and is at rest for all the Multitude has been silenced at this point. The Scorpions don’t have anybody left to rat out. The Serpents are quiet because they have put an end to the people (Multitude) that were standing against them. All is at rest and quiet. There is now silence in heaven.
The quietness of the Lord of course is only momentary. For when this is accomplished, the Lord rises up against the Scorpions and the Serpents in wrath and vengeance for the innocent blood that they are guilty of.
There is an interesting verse that encompasses this entire process of the Tribulation, His anger against the Multitude, and His coming to a rest as the Tribulation comes to a close.
And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. - Isaiah 30:30
The glorious voice of the Lord shall be heard during the Tribulation as he shows the lighting down of His arm. The lighting down of His arm involves the indignation of his anger. His anger involves the flame of devouring fire (Scorpions) scattering (Multitude) tempest, (The great earthquake) and hailstones. (Serpents) This is the Tribulation. This is the great earthquake of the 6th seal that contains the Multitude, the Scorpions, and the Serpents. The Multitude is the immediate recipient of His anger.
The word lighting means; a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food); also, restfulness:--lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. [30]
The under-definition of lighting is; to descend; causatively, to bring away, come down.[31]
An additional under-definition means; to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down:--be broken, (cause to) come down, settle. [32]
And the final under-definition is; to rest, i.e. settle down, let fall, give comfort, let down, (be) quiet, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. [33]
Look at these definitions in context with the verse and our knowledge of what the Tribulation is, and all of the elements within the Tribulation.
You can almost picture the Lord with His arm raised high. He comes down upon the people of His wrath with arm descending. As His arm descends, His will is accomplished until His arm finally comes to a rest at the end of the Tribulation. This is when His spirit is quieted. This is when the whole earth is at rest and is quiet. This is when the Lord repents of Himself when He sees that there is no Multitude left in prison (Shut up) or left alive.
For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. - Micah 1:3
For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. - Isaiah 26:21
The Lord comes out of His place with the lighting down of his arm. When His arm comes down the punishment comes down upon the Multitude; but at the same time the Multitude will be fed with the Bread of Life. The Multitude will be broken; but at the same time, the Lord will comfort them. At the same time His arm comes down, the Multitude comes down and they fall. But they shall rise after they fall at the sounding of the 7th trumpet.
As I stated earlier, there is a timing element within the 7th seal. The silence in heaven is the process of silencing the Multitude. The last one is silenced at the very end of the Tribulation. When the last one is silenced, the Tribulation is over and now the Wrath and Vengeance of God comes down upon the Scorpions and Serpents at the 7th Trumpet.
The 7th seal is opened during the last half of the Tribulation and is completed at the very end of the Tribulation. The 1st through the 6th seals open up at the beginning of the Tribulation just as the 1st through the 6th trumpets open at the beginning of the Tribulation. The 7th Trumpet occurs at the very end of the Tribulation. The 7th trumpet does not sound until the 7th seal is completed; for the dead in Christ cannot rise until the last of them have been killed.
Since the killing of the Multitude will not begin until the second half of the Tribulation, that means that the first part of the Tribulation is the setting up of all of the elements that will be used for the killing of the Multitude, in fact, many are already in place.
The 1st through the 6th trumpets and the 1st through the 6th seals are identifications of the different groups, what happens to them, and what each of their actions are. The first half of the Tribulation is the buildup of all three groups for their roles in the last half of the Tribulation when the actual killing of the Multitude will take place.
We have completed the 7 seals of Revelation and will show the connections with the 4 chariots of horses in Zechariah 6 and the four different colored horses of Zechariah 1 to be the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse; or the 1st through the 4th seals in Revelation. We will also understand the 4 beasts of Daniel and their interconnection with this very subject.
We will continue this journey to uncover and understand additional metaphoric identifications of these three groups; the Multitude, the Scorpions, and the Serpents in the dreams of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar which will ultimately identify the Beast of Revelation.
Footnotes
[1]. Strong’s 3907
[2]. Strong’s 3952
[3]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 1
[4]. Isaiah 48:10
[5]. Daniel 4:30
[6]. Revelation 3:17
[7]. Malachi 4:2, oxen sold as sacrifices – John 2:14
[8]. Strong’s 4602
[9]. Strong’s 4623
[10]. Matthew 13:24
[11]. Strong’s 1096
[12]. Strong’s 1745
[13]. 2 Samuel 8:2
[14]. Zechariah 13:8
[15]. Isaiah 18:7
[16]. Strong’s 1820
[17]. Strong’s 5892
[18]. Strong’s 5782
[19]. Strong’s 5783
[20]. Strong’s 7024
[21]. Strong’s 7025
[22]. Strong’s 2789
[23]. Strong’s 2791
[24]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 9
[25]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 5
[26]. Strong’s 4013
[27]. Strong’s 1219
[28]. Matthew 24:31
[29]. Strong’s 3213
[30]. Strong’s 5183
[31]. Strong’s 5182
[32]. Strong’s 5181
[33]. Strong’s 5117
The 7th seal has been one of those scriptures that has never been interpreted with an understanding that fit into the prophetic end times events with clarity. We are about to discover what the 7th seal really is and what this seal tells us. It actually has a timing element within this verse that tells us when the Multitude will begin to be physically killed.
First of all, this seal tells us that there is silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. This is referring to silence for a period of time of half an hour? What could that be referring to? The Tribulation can be seen in many verses as an hour. Could this be referring to half of the Tribulation? Let’s take a look at some selected verses that have an hour in it and see if this could in fact be referencing the period of the Tribulation.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 24:44
This verse is telling you to be ready, and obviously there are many that are not expecting Him and yet He arrives. This would be referring to the “coming of the Son of man.”
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, - Matthew 24:50
“The lord of that servant” is referring to the Lord Jesus Christ that will come when he is not expected, in an hour that the servant isn’t aware of. An hour, when used as an identifier of the Tribulation period is also synonymous with “the day of the Lord”
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. - 1Thessalonians 5:2
The thief (Jesus Christ) comes when they are not looking for Him and in an hour that they are not aware of because they are not looking for Him.
This is the whole premise about the thief in the night. They are totally oblivious to the fact that the thief has not only broken into their house, but he is long gone before they even realize he has been there. The same holds true for today’s church. The Son of man comes (The coming of the Son of man, the coming of the Lord) and the church has no idea that He has already come and has started the progression of the Tribulation. They have no clue this is happening. Why?
They are expecting to get raptured. They are expecting literal manifestations of the judgements of God in the book of Revelation. They are totally oblivious to the fact that they are not going to see the things that they are expecting to see. The day of the Lord arrives and they have no clue that He is even here which is exactly what this next verse states.
And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. – Luke 17:20
Let’s look at the definition of observation. Observation is defined as; inspection, i.e. ocular evidence:--observation. [1]
Ocular evidence means seeing with the physical eyes. The kingdom of God comes without seeing it with the physical eyes. That is why everyone misses it when it comes. That’s why Jesus comes as a thief and nobody even knows that Jesus Christ has already come. The coming of the Son of man is not seen by the physical eyes. It is only seen through the spiritual eyes of those that are expecting Him. The ones that are expecting the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ are the 144,000.
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. - Matthew 24:39
The ones that are taken away are the Multitude. The people of Noah’s day weren’t expecting judgement and the Multitude doesn’t expect it either. The judgement will come upon them in a day when they are not expecting it. They won’t see it because one; they expect to be raptured, and two; they are expecting to see it with their physical eyes and therefore don’t even know that He has already arrived.
The coming of the Son of man is the Second Coming of Christ. The word coming is defined as; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect: coming, presence. [2]
Look at this definition. The word coming means being near, it is also an advent of His return and specially the coming of Christ to punish Jerusalem and then finally the wicked. It is also His presence and by implication physically.
At the 7th trumpet there is a physical return. But his physical return is at the end of the Tribulation. Is the Lord’s presence in the Tribulation? His presence is everywhere you look. Does Jerusalem (Multitude) get punished during the Tribulation? Absolutely, does He punish the wicked? Yes, at the 7th trumpet when He arrives physically.
The coming of the Lord or the coming of the Son of man IS the Tribulation. Nobody in the church is expecting Him. He arrives not with observation. (Being seen with physical eyes)
Jesus refers to Himself as the thief in the following verse. The 144,000 are the ones that are watching for Him. They are expecting Him and see Him when He arrives. The ones that are naked and will be shamed are the Multitude because they were not expecting him and are caught unaware.
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. - Revelation 16:15
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: - Revelation 3:17
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. - Luke 21:34
This verse is the church of Laodicea who thinks everything is just fine. The 7 churches are thrown into the Tribulation and they never prepared or realized that it was coming. They are blind, naked, poor, wretched and miserable. The cares of this life overtook them and the day of the Lord came upon them unawares.
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. - Revelation 14:7
This verse is stating that the hour of his judgement is come. What is the hour of his judgement? It is the Tribulation.
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. - Revelation 17:12
The ten kings of the beast that rules the earth (Church) serve with the beast during the period of the Tribulation which is one hour.
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
- Revelation 18:10
Here is another verse that ties the judgement with the one hour. This is when Babylon is fallen, is fallen. The judgement against Babylon (Church) comes in one hour. This is not only the indictment that comes against Babylon; this is also the execution of this judgement.
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, - Revelation 18:17
The riches of Babylon come to nothing in one hour. These would be the riches of the Multitude. Just when she thought she was just fine, the Lord brings down judgement and the strips away her riches. This would be the stripping away of their (Multitude’s) possessions by the Scorpions.
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
- Revelation 18:19
In one hour Babylon is made desolate. It takes the period of the Tribulation to completely destroy Babylon. It is Babylon that is made desolate, desolate of the Multitude. The Multitude is stripped of all of their goods and made naked. Their covering of their lies is also stripped away and they are pulled out of the dens and the rocks of the mountains by the fishers (Scorpions) and the hunters (Serpents) to be completely exposed and naked. Why does this happen?
When the blind and the deaf Multitude finally sees and hears, they will completely shake off their false doctrines and embrace the Truth through much Tribulation. It is in their captivity that they will be converted and the Lord will shine His light upon them at that time. The Multitude will stand up against the Beast. The Beast has within it, the Scorpions and the Serpents who are following the doctrine of Balaam.
This is the doctrine that is the Abomination that maketh Desolate. [3] This doctrine makes the Multitude desolate. They will not worship (Adore or follow) the Beast. Interestingly, there are passages in Daniel that correspond with this and there is a referral to an hour.
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. - Daniel 3:6
This of course is the event with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who would not worship the beast and is thrown into the fiery furnace. They were thrown into the furnace in the same hour that they would not worship the beast.
The Tribulation is a parallel to this event. The Multitude will not worship the Beast and will be thrown into the furnace of fire by the Scorpions who are the fire of the 1st trumpet. The Multitude will be cast into the furnace of affliction [4] the same hour that they do not worship the beast. There is another parallel with the kingdom of Babylon.
The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. - Daniel 4:33
There is a very interesting passage that completely parallels Babylon of Revelation and its fall. This event happens when king Nebuchadnezzar states “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” [5]
Compare this to “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [6] There is a striking resemblance between those two statements. Both of them are about Babylon. One is the physical Babylon, the other is the spiritual Babylon. Both of them are boasting about how great they are and then both of them fall.
Notice what happens at king Nebuchadnezzar’s fall. He eats grass like oxen, his hair is like eagle’s feathers, and his nails are like bird’s claws. Can you see the Multitude, (Oxen) [7] the Serpents, (Eagles feathers) and the Scorpions. (Birds claws)
When they both think that they are sitting pretty, both fall, both have the thirds within them. One is the physical Babylon, the other is the spiritual counterpart, spiritual Babylon. Both of them fall within an hour.
One hour is referring to the period of the Tribulation. There are many names for it, the Day of the Lord, the day of God, the day of Christ, the overflowing scourge, an earthquake, a storm, the time of Jacob’s trouble, etc.
If the Tribulation is one hour, then the silence in heaven for the space of half an hour must be referring to half of the period of the Tribulation. Since the Tribulation is 3 ½ years long, the half of an hour would be half of that, 1 ¾ years, or half of 42 months which would be 21 months.
There is silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. What is the silence? Let’s now investigate silence.
Silence is defined as (to hiss, i.e. hist or hush); silence:--silence. [8] The under-definition for silence is; (silence, i.e. a hush; properly, muteness, i.e. involuntary stillness, or inability to speak. [9]
These definitions give us some clues. The silence means that it is quiet. There is nothing moving or there is nobody speaking. Notice the phrase involuntary stillness. What is that? It is something that is made to be still that didn’t want to be made still. This is another clue.
When you picture this in your mind that there is silence or stillness in heaven for about the space of half an hour, you can almost see a snapshot of this. For half an hour all that is in heaven is quiet, there is no talking or movement. To get to the understanding of this, we must find out what causes this silence in heaven and exactly what is silent. The only way to do this is to take our previous knowledge about end time events and apply this knowledge to properly render this scripture.
What is the heaven that this is speaking about? This would be what all of the Tribulation is about, the kingdom of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven, there are the Scorpions, the Serpents, and the Multitude. Of those three, which are silenced? The Multitude is silenced. But we also know that the Scorpions and the Serpents are yelling and shouting and making all kinds of noise. They are not silent at all. They are the ones that are doing the silencing of the Multitude.
So how is heaven silent? Look at some of the parables of Jesus. There is the parable about the tares in the wheat field. The tares are the Scorpions and the Serpents. They are gathered first and bound together to be burned. The wheat is left in the field and then gathered into the barn. (The killing of the Multitude) The field is the world (Church) or the kingdom of heaven. The tares are removed from the kingdom of heaven. Remember what Jesus says “The kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:” [10]
Jesus made the connection right there. This field is the kingdom of heaven. The tares are removed out of the kingdom first and the wheat left. This means that the Scorpions and the Serpents are removed out of the kingdom of heaven and the Multitude is left. Here’s another parable.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: [48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. [49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, - Matthew 13:47-49
The bad (Scorpions and Serpents) are cast away. They are removed from the kingdom of heaven. What is left is the Multitude that will be gathered into vessels. (Killing of the Multitude) Now that we have determined who is in the kingdom of heaven, we can determine that the silence is directly connected to the Multitude.
The verse states that there is silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour which means that there is total silence for half of the Tribulation. Is it the first half or the second half? If it is the first half, then the second half there is no Multitude left for the Serpents and the Scorpions to go after. Also, if there is silence (No Multitude) in the first half, this would mean that the Multitude was killed prior to the start of the Tribulation and this doesn’t make any sense.
If the Multitude is silent in the second half of the Tribulation, this again doesn’t make sense. All of the Multitude would have been killed in one fell swoop right at the beginning of the second half, and then the Scorpions and the Serpents go on for another 21months? From all of the scripture pertaining to the Lord’s vengeance upon the Scorpions and the Serpents that we can see, His judgement upon them is swift. The Lord isn’t going to let them go one minute longer than what has been determined.
If neither of these makes any sense then we need to go deeper. Let’s look at what we know to determine how this can work. We know that what is left in heaven after the tares and the bad fish are removed is the Multitude. We know that the Multitude is silenced by the Scorpions and the Serpents. We know that the killing of the Multitude continues to the very end of the Tribulation for that is what the entire Tribulation is about, the Lord’s judgement. There must be something else to explain this. There is. The explanation to bring full understanding to this dilemma is found in the words “there was.”
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. - Revelation 8:1
The definition for there was; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being) be(-come, -fall), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be ended, fall, be finished, be fulfilled, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be taken, be turned. [11]
The definition for there was gives us the answer. The Tribulation shall cause to be silence in the kingdom of heaven. The Tribulation shall generate silence in the kingdom of heaven. The Tribulation shall cause to become (Come into being) silence in the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven shall be made silent. The kingdom of heaven shall be ordained to be or partake of silence. Silence will be passed or preformed in the kingdom of heaven where one will be taken, they shall be turned, they shall be divided and in the process of them being silenced they will be married unto the Lord when they partake of the marriage supper. Silence will be fulfilled in the kingdom of heaven. It will be finished.
When will it be finished? When the last of the Multitude is silenced is when it is finished. What happens when the last of the Multitude is silenced? The 7th Trumpet sounds.
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. - Revelation 10:7
It will be finished as He has declared unto His servants the prophets. When did He declare it? He is declaring it right now by revealing His secret to us. His plan will unfold just as He is showing us. He is showing us what He is doing and will do by the pure language that He has given us; the language of metaphor and the understanding of the Spiritual Overlay using this language to uncover the secret that He wants us to know.
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. - Revelation 8:1
Knowing how the definitions now define this verse, we can reread this verse to read that for about the space of half an hour (Half of the Tribulation) the process of silencing (Killing of the Multitude) will be brought to pass. This gives us total clarification on this verse.
Now, which half of the Tribulation does this occur? It would have to be the last half. For when the silencing (Killing of the Multitude) is accomplished is when the vengeance of the Lord is swift against the Scorpions and the Serpents.
For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. - Deuteronomy 32:36
The Lord judges the Multitude and repents when the Multitude is gone. When there are no Multitude left in prison or left alive, the Lord will avenge the blood of the martyrs that He promised to the ones under the altar at the 5th seal.
If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. [42] I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
[43] Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. - Deuteronomy 32:41-43
Let’s take a look at some verses that speak about the word silence and discern if the silence is actually referring to the actual killing (Silencing) of the Multitude.
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. - Psalms 115:17
This verse is undoubtedly speaking about those that go down into silence are the dead. The definition for this word silence means; be dumb, silence; figuratively, death:--silence. [12]
There is another verse where Ar and Kir of Moab are brought to silence. Remember when David conquered the Moabites? He took the captives and laid them out on the ground. He laid down three lines and the captives within two of the lines were killed. (2/3) The 1/3 left served David their king and brought him gifts. [13] This is a parallel to the 2/3 that are cut off and die, [14] and the white horse of the 1st seal, the other 1/3 (Multitude) bringing a present to the Lord. [15]
The Moabites are a spiritual representation of the church. 2/3 of the Moabites are cut off and die, 1/3 serve David (Jesus Christ) and bring gifts.
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; - Isaiah 15:1
Ar and Kir of Moab are both laid waste and brought to silence. Ar and Kir would be spiritual identifications for the Multitude. Let’s look at the definitions.
Silence to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; transitively. to destroy:--cease, be cut down (off), destroy, be brought to silence. [16]
This definition of silence has within the definition “be brought to silence.” This contains the same understanding for the silence in heaven. This definition also has fail, perish, to destroy, cease, be cut down. All of the words that we find are associated with the killing of the Multitude. What about these cities? These cities look to be a spiritual identity of the Multitude. Can we find hints of the Multitude within the definitions?
The under-definition of Ar is; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post). [17]
Here is our first clue. A place guarded by a waking or watch goes right to the Scorpions who are the guards or the ones on watch. Who are they guarding? They are guarding the Multitude. The city of Ar is comprised of the Multitude that is guarded by the Scorpions. Let’s look at some under-definitions.
The next under-definition for Ar means; (through the idea of opening the eyes); to wake (literally or figuratively):--(a-)wake(-n, up). [18]
This definition defines waking up or opening the eyes, the blind eyes of the Multitude that can now see their predicament and how they got there. There is one more under-definition.
The next under-definition means; to (be) bare:--be made naked. [19]
Who is made bare and naked? The Multitude as we can see in this next verse. Ar is a city of the Multitude.
And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms. - Ezekiel 23:29
The Serpents deal hatefully with the residents of Ar and the Scorpions take away all of their possessions and works, leaving the Multitude naked and bare. The city of Ar is made desolate and is brought to silence.
We can now surmise that Kir would also be a city of the Multitude based upon the text. Let’s look at the definitions and see if this will be confirmed.
Kir is defined as; fortress. [20] The under-definition for the word Kir means; fortress of earthenware. [21] A fortress of earthenware? The Multitude is in a city that is guarded by the Scorpion in Ar. They are in a fortress as we will see in the next verse. The earthenware gives us the indication of pottery made out of the earth. This would be the clay pots that are molded and shaped by the potter.
Another under-definition of Kir is; a piece of pottery:--earth(-en), (pot-)sherd. [22] They are a piece of pottery made from the earth, a potsherd. An additional under-definition brings us to this definition; also silence. [23] The fortress of earthenware has the word silence in its definitions. But it doesn’t end there. Let’s follow the thread of the potsherd.
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? - Isaiah 45:9
This verse starts off with the word “Woe” which signifies that the 5th trumpet (Scorpions) along with the Serpents are now in action. [24] The potsherd (Multitude) is striving with the Lord. He pronounces judgment (Woe) and tells them to be with the other potsherds of the earth. Notice that the word “strive” is italicized which means this was added to the text to make the verse flow better and to inflect what was being addressed. We will leave this word out for the purpose of keeping the text just as it reads. These ‘other potsherds’ would be referencing the Scorpions and the Serpents. The potsherd is also equated as the clay in this verse. Let’s look at another verse that is very similar, except this verse uses the word clay.
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? - Isaiah 29:16
The potsherd (Multitude) strives with their maker in Isaiah 45:9. The potter’s clay is saying the same thing as the potsherd. They are both striving with their Maker. They, the potsherd (Earthenware pottery) is the same as the potter’s clay. They are both in the hands of their Maker and don’t recognize the Lord’s authority over them. They are the potter’s clay. Let’s look at a verse that equates the potter’s clay with the house of Israel.
O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
- Jeremiah 18:6
The potsherd (Multitude) is the clay (Multitude) is the house of Israel. (Multitude) The clay is the Multitude and the Lord told the potsherd (Multitude) to be with the potsherds. (Scorpions and Serpents) When does this happen? This happens during the Tribulation. In essence, because the Multitude has striven with their Maker, they are told to be with, or mingled with the Scorpions and Serpents.
There are two places in the Bible where this occurs and both of them happen during the Tribulation. The first place is in the 1st trumpet. Hail (Serpents) and Fire (Scorpions) mingled with Blood. (Multitude) The second place is within the statue of King Nebuchadrezzner’s dream. The iron (Scorpions) mingled with the clay. We also know that the Serpents are there with the Scorpions for they are a confederacy.
Kir is a city of the Multitude. They shall be made desolate and brought to silence. There is another connection within the definition of Kir, the fortress of earthenware. What is the fortress referring to? This fortress of earthenware is the defenced city that is spoken about in several other passages.
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. - Jeremiah 8:14
The Multitude enters into the defenced city and is put to silence there by the Lord God. This group that goes into the defenced city is also given gall to drink. What is the gall? The gall is the wormwood that is bitter in the 3rd trumpet that the Multitude drinks. The Wormwood/gall is the bitterness of Judgement of the Lord that the Multitude receives at the hands of their former friends and relative. This is the bitter pill that they have to swallow. There is of many men (Multitude) that dies from drinking this water of Wormwood/gall of the 3rd trumpet. [25]
The word defenced means; a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender:--(de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). [26]
This will be a fortified city with barb wire, gates, cells, and bars. This is where the Multitude will be cast into awaiting their execution. This is a strong hold that they will be in with the only escape being their silence. They go from one stronghold (dens and rocks that they were hiding in) to a stronghold of prison.
The next under-definition means; to clip off,also to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification):--cut off, gather. [27]
The Multitude will be clipped off, they will be isolated in a fortress of earthenware (Definition of Kir) that is guarded by a watch. (Scorpions – definition of Ar) They will be cut off, (Die a physical death) and they shall be gathered from the four winds. [28] Where does all of this occur? It emanates from within the church.
And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. - Amos 8:3
There are no more songs that will be sung by the Multitude in the churches when this begins to occur. They will sing the song of Moses after their separation from Babylon and their entrance into Ar and Kir. There previous songs of joy shall be turned into howlings. The definition for howling is; to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one):--(make to) howl, be howling. [29]
Who will be howling with a wailing? The Multitude will be wailing in that day when their former friends and relatives turn them in for monetary gain and begin the process of their persecution for blasphemy. They will be wailing when they realize that the Lord God has brought them there to this place and what lies for them in their immediate future. When the Multitude is taken away (One shall be taken) and they are cast forth with silence. (Killed)
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. - Isaiah 52:5
The Multitude is taken away for nothing and in the taking away, the Lord’s name is blasphemed. Their rulers (Scorpions and Serpents) shall make them howl.
The silence in heaven is referring to the voices of the Multitude being silenced one at a time until they are all gone. It is a process that is brought to pass and when it is finished, there is total silence in heaven. This will occur during the last half of the Tribulation. The Serpents and the Scorpions have already been thrust out so their voices are no longer heard in the kingdom of heaven.
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. - Luke 13:28
When the Multitude (whom the Lord’s anger and wrath come down upon) are silenced through this process, the Lord’s spirit is quieted. His anger and His fury against the Multitude comes to a rest
Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country. - Zechariah 6:8
This verse is speaking about Multitude that goes into the north country. (Serpent territory) The Multitude going into the north country signifies that they are going to their death. This quiets the Lord’s spirit. His anger against the Multitude is made to rest as we can see in this next verse. This verse concerning the north country will be discussed further in the next chapter.
So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. - Ezekiel 16:42
The Lord is quiet for his anger and wrath is departed against the Multitude, for they are all gone. His anger at this point dissipates and He his spirit is quieted.
And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. - Zechariah 1:11
This verse is referring to an answer that the speckled horses gave to Zechariah in this interaction. This too will be discussed in further detail in an upcoming chapter. These that walk to and fro the earth are the Scorpions. They state that the earth sits still and is at rest. How does this happen?
The earth sits still and is at rest for all the Multitude has been silenced at this point. The Scorpions don’t have anybody left to rat out. The Serpents are quiet because they have put an end to the people (Multitude) that were standing against them. All is at rest and quiet. There is now silence in heaven.
The quietness of the Lord of course is only momentary. For when this is accomplished, the Lord rises up against the Scorpions and the Serpents in wrath and vengeance for the innocent blood that they are guilty of.
There is an interesting verse that encompasses this entire process of the Tribulation, His anger against the Multitude, and His coming to a rest as the Tribulation comes to a close.
And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. - Isaiah 30:30
The glorious voice of the Lord shall be heard during the Tribulation as he shows the lighting down of His arm. The lighting down of His arm involves the indignation of his anger. His anger involves the flame of devouring fire (Scorpions) scattering (Multitude) tempest, (The great earthquake) and hailstones. (Serpents) This is the Tribulation. This is the great earthquake of the 6th seal that contains the Multitude, the Scorpions, and the Serpents. The Multitude is the immediate recipient of His anger.
The word lighting means; a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food); also, restfulness:--lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. [30]
The under-definition of lighting is; to descend; causatively, to bring away, come down.[31]
An additional under-definition means; to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down:--be broken, (cause to) come down, settle. [32]
And the final under-definition is; to rest, i.e. settle down, let fall, give comfort, let down, (be) quiet, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. [33]
Look at these definitions in context with the verse and our knowledge of what the Tribulation is, and all of the elements within the Tribulation.
You can almost picture the Lord with His arm raised high. He comes down upon the people of His wrath with arm descending. As His arm descends, His will is accomplished until His arm finally comes to a rest at the end of the Tribulation. This is when His spirit is quieted. This is when the whole earth is at rest and is quiet. This is when the Lord repents of Himself when He sees that there is no Multitude left in prison (Shut up) or left alive.
For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. - Micah 1:3
For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. - Isaiah 26:21
The Lord comes out of His place with the lighting down of his arm. When His arm comes down the punishment comes down upon the Multitude; but at the same time the Multitude will be fed with the Bread of Life. The Multitude will be broken; but at the same time, the Lord will comfort them. At the same time His arm comes down, the Multitude comes down and they fall. But they shall rise after they fall at the sounding of the 7th trumpet.
As I stated earlier, there is a timing element within the 7th seal. The silence in heaven is the process of silencing the Multitude. The last one is silenced at the very end of the Tribulation. When the last one is silenced, the Tribulation is over and now the Wrath and Vengeance of God comes down upon the Scorpions and Serpents at the 7th Trumpet.
The 7th seal is opened during the last half of the Tribulation and is completed at the very end of the Tribulation. The 1st through the 6th seals open up at the beginning of the Tribulation just as the 1st through the 6th trumpets open at the beginning of the Tribulation. The 7th Trumpet occurs at the very end of the Tribulation. The 7th trumpet does not sound until the 7th seal is completed; for the dead in Christ cannot rise until the last of them have been killed.
Since the killing of the Multitude will not begin until the second half of the Tribulation, that means that the first part of the Tribulation is the setting up of all of the elements that will be used for the killing of the Multitude, in fact, many are already in place.
The 1st through the 6th trumpets and the 1st through the 6th seals are identifications of the different groups, what happens to them, and what each of their actions are. The first half of the Tribulation is the buildup of all three groups for their roles in the last half of the Tribulation when the actual killing of the Multitude will take place.
We have completed the 7 seals of Revelation and will show the connections with the 4 chariots of horses in Zechariah 6 and the four different colored horses of Zechariah 1 to be the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse; or the 1st through the 4th seals in Revelation. We will also understand the 4 beasts of Daniel and their interconnection with this very subject.
We will continue this journey to uncover and understand additional metaphoric identifications of these three groups; the Multitude, the Scorpions, and the Serpents in the dreams of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar which will ultimately identify the Beast of Revelation.
Footnotes
[1]. Strong’s 3907
[2]. Strong’s 3952
[3]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 1
[4]. Isaiah 48:10
[5]. Daniel 4:30
[6]. Revelation 3:17
[7]. Malachi 4:2, oxen sold as sacrifices – John 2:14
[8]. Strong’s 4602
[9]. Strong’s 4623
[10]. Matthew 13:24
[11]. Strong’s 1096
[12]. Strong’s 1745
[13]. 2 Samuel 8:2
[14]. Zechariah 13:8
[15]. Isaiah 18:7
[16]. Strong’s 1820
[17]. Strong’s 5892
[18]. Strong’s 5782
[19]. Strong’s 5783
[20]. Strong’s 7024
[21]. Strong’s 7025
[22]. Strong’s 2789
[23]. Strong’s 2791
[24]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 9
[25]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” chapter 5
[26]. Strong’s 4013
[27]. Strong’s 1219
[28]. Matthew 24:31
[29]. Strong’s 3213
[30]. Strong’s 5183
[31]. Strong’s 5182
[32]. Strong’s 5181
[33]. Strong’s 5117