Revelation 8:1-13
There is a brief pause when the seventh seal is opened. Whilst angels prepare to carry out the judgments, another angel (Christ in person) fulfils the duties of intercessor (v. 3). Because of what He Himself suffered, the Lord Jesus is in a position to sympathise with the believers under trial (Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15). In these last days He will intervene on behalf of the faithful of the great tribulation (those in Revelation 7:1-17). Then in their turn Christians, who will have already been gathered up in glory, having themselves experienced weariness and suffering on the earth, will take an even greater interest in the circumstances of the believers who are going through that terrible period. They too will be priests along with Christ, presenting to God golden vials full of odours which are the prayers of saints (Revelation 5:8).
Having been restrained by the intercession, each of the seven angels now sounds his fearful trumpet. The first gives the signal for sudden judgment on the powerful nations of the West (the trees) which also affects worldwide prosperity. The second corresponds with the breaking forth of a great wave of anarchy within the empire. The third and fourth bring about the downfall and apostasy of the authorities in office, plunging men into the deepest moral darkness.