'Rev 10:1-11

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Interval before the seventh trumpet (Rev 10:1-11)

During the lengthy interval before the blowing of the final trumpet, John has several other visions. First he sees a huge angel towering over land and sea, and holding a small scroll in his hand. The meaning apparently is that this angel is to make announcements that will affect the whole world. This results in a further series of visions, the seven thunders, but John is not allowed to record them (Rev 10:1-4).

The angel announces that when the seventh trumpet is blown, it will introduce the final stage of God’s plan (Rev 10:5-7).

John then eats the small scroll. Its contents must become part of him, so to speak, so that he can pass on its message with greater meaning and force. Because it is God’s message he finds it sweet at first, but when he understands the judgments it reveals, he finds it unpleasant. He has no joy in announcing it (Rev 10:8-11; cf. Ezek 3:1-3; 2 Cor 2:15-16).