The 4th Trumpet of Revelation: Darkness Before the Three Woes
The first trumpet struck the land. The second struck the sea. The third poisoned the fresh waters. Now the fourth trumpet reaches beyond the earth itself.
When the fourth angel sounds, John sees the sun, moon, and stars struck. Darkness falls across the earth.
And this raises an unsettling question:
What happens when the world loses the light it depends upon?
📍Where Are We in Revelation?
Behind us:
Half of what’s considered the earth’s worst days are behind us.The first trumpet strikes the earth. The second strikes the sea. The third strikes the fresh waters.
Where we are:
A third of the sun, moon, and stars is struck, bringing darkness upon the earth. The ominous “three woes” are approaching fast promising an increase in judgment.
Ahead:
The judgments become even more severe—and increasingly focused on humanity. Intensity is increasing as the Bowl Judgments approach on the horizon.
Key thought:
The judgments have moved from the earth beneath us to the heavens above us. And John warns that the worst is still ahead.
The 4th Trumpet of Revelation: Darkness Falls (Revelation 8:12-13)
Bible Study Guide
(Verse 12) When the fourth angel sounds his trumpet, John sees a third of the sun, moon, and stars struck. A third of the day loses its light, and a third of the night becomes dark.
The progression is striking.
- The first trumpet struck the land.
- The second struck the sea.
- The third struck the fresh waters.
- The fourth strikes the heavens.
Revelation is showing us an earth becoming increasingly hostile to human life. The consequences would reach far beyond what we see in the sky.
Let’s not forget what’s already occurred on earth up to this point. Now, a third of the earth is going to be cast into darkness. Among the imbalances that already exist with vegetation, oceans, and fresh bodies of water, the necessary nutrient that light offers our planet will throw the earth into further disruption, imbalance, and chaos. Not to mention the temperature drop that will ensue due to the absence of sunlight.
Luke records what Jesus says about these horrific events:
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” (Luke 21:25-26)
If you’ve been following the natural progression of the mysteries of the first three trumpet judgments, then you may notice additional similarities with the 4th.
If you haven’t gone through the study guide for trumpets one through three, I highly recommend taking a look. This will help in understanding what the mystery might be for the 4th trumpet. You can find each study guide here. 1st Trumpet – 2nd Trumpet – 3rd Trumpet
The 4th Trumpet of Revelation Ends With a Warning (Revelation 8:13)
(Verse 13) John sees an eagle flying through the heavens and crying out:
“Woe! Woe! Woe!” (Revelation 8:13)
Three woes. Three remaining trumpet judgments. And John is making something unmistakably clear:
The fourth trumpet is not the end of God’s judgment. It is the warning that something far worse is coming.
The word “woe” communicates profound distress, grief, and impending calamity.
John doesn’t announce one woe. He announces three.
It would be perfectly normal for anyone to wonder, if it’s even possible for anyone to survive beyond this point in the seven year Tribulation. Unfortunately, things are about to get much worse.
The entire ecological system of the earth is in complete chaos. Governments and economies have collapsed. Hospitals are overrun. Those organizations that exist to help those in crisis or suffering from natural disasters have all disbanded, because everyone on earth is now in survival mode.
The intensity is increasing.
Jesus warned us of this very time in His Olivet Discourse.
“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)
Layered upon the series of wraths, a series of Woes! Is added to God’s judgment. In biblical times, the word “woe” was not one you wanted to here directed at you.
“Woe” is the English translation of the Greek word “ouai.” It means pain, anger, and distress. It’s used more than a hundred times in the Bible. It’s mostly found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and the gospel of Luke. Jesus even uses the term to point to the Jewish religious leaders of His day.
Four Trumpets. Four Targets.
1st Trumpet
Land — vegetation burned
2nd Trumpet
Sea — sea life and ships destroyed
3rd Trumpet
Fresh Water — rivers and springs become bitter
4th Trumpet
Light — sun, moon, and stars struck
Could the Fourth Trumpet Reveal Nuclear Winter?
In the book, The Fate of the Earth, the author, Jonathan Schell explains that an all out nuclear conflict during the Tribulation could be so massive that a thick cloud made from smoke and debris could obstruct the sun, moon, and stars from shedding their light upon the earth. This would cause what scientist call a nuclear winter.
Is it possible that John the apostle, watching the visions shown to him by Christ is seeing from a 1st century perspective, a 21st century nuclear event? It certainly appears so. Especially as we look at these four judgments together.
In the book, There’s A Whole New Planet Coming, the author Hal Lindsey also took the position that the series of Trumpet Judgments portray the use of nuclear weapons. He wrote:
“Although it is possible for God to pull off every miracle in the book of Revelation and use totally unheard-of-means to do it, I personally believe that all the enormous ecological catastrophes described in this chapter (Revelation 8) are the direct result of nuclear weapons. In actuality, man inflicts these judgments upon himself. God simply steps back and removes His restraining influence from man, allowing him to do what comes naturally out of his sinful nature. In fact, if the book of Revelation had never been written, we might well predict these very catastrophes within fifty years of less!”
These are not the last clues to point to such a nuclear catastrophe. We’ll study several more ominous signs in chapter nine.
Does the Eagle Represent the United States?
Many people ask whether the Bible mentions the United States and why it does not. The Bible never mentions the United States, and no definitive passage clearly refers to it.
Keep one thing in mind about the nations mentioned in the Bible: apart from Israel, the Bible mentions only certain nations.
Whenever the Bible mentions another nation, that nation has directly opposed Israel. Usually, these nations have attacked Israel throughout its history. So we should follow this biblical pattern rather than assume John’s eagle represents the U.S.
We should neither add to nor subtract from the mysteries the Bible foretells, for God keeps some secrets.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. (Revelation 22:18-19)
An ominous cloud is approaching from the horizon. Can it be a moment of relief from God’s wrath and the 4th trumpet of Revelation, or is it time for people to run for their lives?
Beauty in the darkness is that God has not removed His gift of salvation. Mercy is still available in the midst of chaos.
Accept the blessings that come with Revelation and continue studying: Book of Revelation Chapters 1–11 Study Guides
Reflect & Apply: What Happens When the Lights Go Out?
Imagine living in a world where the sunlight you have always taken for granted suddenly becomes unreliable.
The world you knew is already collapsing. Food is becoming scarce. The oceans have been devastated. Fresh water has been affected. Now darkness covers the earth.
Yet the greatest question isn’t whether humanity can survive the darkness.
It’s whether you are ready for what comes next.
Revelation wasn’t given merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future. God gave us prophecy so we would recognize His warnings, trust His Word, and turn to Christ.
What are you placing your security in today?
- Your money?
- Your government?
- Your technology?
- Your ability to survive?
None of these can save us from God’s judgment. Only Jesus Christ can.
Closing Reflection
Friends, Revelation should never leave us merely fascinated by what is coming. It should move us to action.
Someone you know may dismiss prophecy today. It could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or just about anyone you may come across. They may not believe the Bible. They may not believe Christ is coming.
But what if one day they remember what you told them? Maybe they remember the book you gave them. Or the scripture you quoted them.
What will they do when the events John described begin unfolding before their eyes?
The words you share today could become a seed God uses tomorrow. You may be the only reflection of Jesus they see in this world.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Don’t be ashamed to talk about prophecy. Don’t use it to frighten people for the sake of fear. Use it to point them to Jesus.
The warning is mercy because there is still time to respond.
The Darkness Has Fallen. Now Come the Three Woes.
The 4th trumpet of Revelation has struck the heavens. But John warns that three more trumpet judgments are coming.
Continue to the Fifth Trumpet of Revelation →
Don’t Wait for the 4th Trumpet of Revelation
Revelation warns us about coming judgment, but God’s purpose isn’t to leave us hopeless.
Jesus offers salvation before that day comes.
Learn How to Follow Jesus Today →
Closing Prayer: Boldness to Share the Warning
Heavenly Father,
Give us strength when we are afraid to speak and boldness when others reject Your truth. Put a fire in our hearts to share the message of coming prophecy—not to frighten people, but to point them to Jesus.
Give us the courage to speak when You open the door, the wisdom to know what to say, and the compassion to speak with love.
Lord, help us never be ashamed of Your Word or the name of Jesus. Let the prophetic warnings we share become seeds planted in hearts that may one day turn to You.
Use our voices while there is still time. Give us boldness to warn, love to reach, and faith to trust You with the results.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.