What is the “little book” that John was told to eat?
I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Speakers are Drs: John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min.); Ron Rhodes (Th.M., Th.D.); Ed Hindson (Th. M., Th. D., D. Min., Ph. D.); Mark Hitchcock (Th. M., J.D., Ph. D.)
II. Overview.
A. Dr. Robert L. Thomas (Th. M., Th. D.; 1928-2017). Revelation Commentary.
1. With the completion of the sixth trumpet, also called the second woe, the seventh trumpet does not come immediately, but awaits the setting of the stage for its sounding. Two preliminary elements must prepare the way for this last in the trumpet series: the announcement of the end of delay (10:1-11) and the measurement of the temple and its worshippers (11:1-14).
2. 10:1a. John sees the angel in the process of his descent from heaven, as he does the angel in 20:1. This confirms that John has moved from heaven, where he has been since 8:2, to the earth. Being “clothed in a cloud” enhanced the glory of the angel’s appearance. Clouds are often the vehicles on which heavenly beings ascend or descend, usually in an eschatologial setting (Ps 104:3; Dan 7:13; Isa 19:1; Acts 1:9; Rev 1:7).
3. 10:1b. The angel’s function is shown in relation to the trumpet judgments, past and future. This association adds reinforcement to the theme of judgment suggested by the fire, tempered by mercy already seen in the rainbow.
4. 10:7. The period of the seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls (16 :1 ff.), which culminate in the destruction of Babylon, and consummation of all things.
B. Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost (Th. M., Th. D.; 1915-2014) Things To Come, pp 187-190.
1. 10:7. (1) The trumpet of 1 Cor 15:52, sounds before the wrath of God descends, while, the chronology of Revelation indicates that the trumpet in Rev 11:15 sounds at the end of the time of wrath, just prior to the second advent. (2) The trumpet that summons the church is called “the trump of God,” while the seventh trump is an angel’s trumpet. (3) The trumpet for the church is singular. No trumpets have preceded it so that it can not be said to be the last of a series. The trumpet that closes the tribulation period is clearly the last of a series of seven. (4) In 1 Thes 4:16-17, the voice associated with the sounding of the trumpet summons the dead and the living, and consequently is heard before the resurrection. In the Revelation, while a resurrection is mentioned (11:12), the trumpet does not sound until after the resurrection, showing that two different events must be in view. (5) The trumpet in 1 Thessalonians issues in blessing, in life, in glory, while the trumpet in Revelation issues in judgment upon the enemies of God. (6) In the Thessalonian passage the trumpet sounds “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” In Rev 10:7, the indication is that the seventh trumpet shall sound over a continued period of time, probably for the duration of the judgments that fall under it, for John speaks of the angel that shall “begin to sound.” The duration gives the evidence of the distinction in these two. (7). The trumpet in 1 Thes is distinctly for the church. Since God is dealing with Israel in particular, and Gentiles in general, in the tribulation, this seventh trumpet, which falls in the period of the tribulation, could not have reference to the church without losing the distinctions between the church and Israel. (8) The passage in Revelation depicts a great earthquake in which thousands are slain, and the believing remnant that worships God is stricken with fear. In the Thes passage there is no earthquake mentioned. There will be no believing remnant left behind at the rapture to experience the fear of Rev 11:13. (9) While the church will be rewarded at the time of the rapture, yet the reward given to “thy servants the prophets, and to the saints” can not be that event. The rewarding mentioned in Rev 11:18 is seen to take place on the earth after the second advent of Christ, following the judgment on His enemies. Since the church is rewarded in the air, following the rapture, these must be two distinct events.
2. 10:11. John has outlined the events of the first half of the tribulation under the seals (4:1-7:17), the last half of the tribulation under the trumpets (8:1-11:14), and closes the period with the return of the Lord to reign (11:15-18). Between the sixth and seventh trumpets, John is told (10:11) that “it is necessary for you to prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” Concerning the word “again”, “it denotes renewal or repetition of the action.” This would seem to be a divine notice that, since John has taken us through the entire period once, it is God’s intention to have him retrace his way through the period again. Therefore, beginning in Chapter 12, John surveys the period a second time, placing emphasis on the individuals who play so important a part in the events of the 70th week. The bowls (Rev 16:1-17) evidently come at the close at the period and occupy only a brief period of time and can not be spread over the last 3 1/2 years of the period. This second survey, like the first, terminates the period by the return of Christ, and the consequent judgment of His enemies (Rev 19).
C. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M.,Th. D.; 1910-2002) Revelation Commentary.
1. 10:1. Revelation 10:1-11:14 gives additional information as a background to the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments. Another angel is introduced, but apparently was not one of the seven angels sounding the trumpets. There is no evidence other than his being a mighty angel, (cf. Rev 5:2), perhaps, Michael the Archangel. In contrast with the seven-sealed scroll held by the Lamb (5:1), this angel held a small scroll, also used in 10:9-10. This scroll apparently contained the angel’s written order for the mission he was about to fulfill.
2. 10:5-7. The angel declared, “there will be delay no longer.” Announcement was made that the “seventh trumpet” would bring about the accomplishment of the mystery of God. This mystery had been previously announced to God’s prophets. The reference, therefore, is not to hidden truth, but to the fulfillment of many Old Testament passages which refer to the glorious return of the Son of God and the establishment of His Kingdom of righteousness and peace on the earth. Here again is evidence that the seventh trumpet introduces the seven bowl judgments of God’s wrath in Revelation 16.
3. 10:9-10. “The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than pure gold, than pure gold; they are sweeter than honey from the comb” (Ps 19:9-10). Though the Word is sweet to believers, it will be bitter to unbelievers when it brings divine judgment to them.
III. Scripture Text. Revelation Chapter 10, NASB. Pasted from Bible Gateway.
IV. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph., D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.
A. 10:6. “there will be no longer.” I.e., when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (11:15), the bowl judgments will be poured out.
B. 10:7. “the mystery of God.” Truth concerning God, Himself, which will not be revealed until His kingdom is established on earth.
C. 10:9-10. The eating of the “little book” (scroll) was to remind John that, although these truths from God may be pleasant to his taste, they were bitter when digested because they spoke judgment. The revelation of God’s judgment, on careful reflection, should always bring heaviness of heart to the child of God. Compare Ezek 2:8-3:3.
V. Summary.
In this Tenth Chapter of Revelation, we have considered: 1. A mighty angel appears with an open book, and, 6 swears by Him that lives forever, that time shall be no longer. 8. John is commanded to take and eat the book. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
VI. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/.
VII. My Websites To Follow.
https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity
https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Equipping The Saints Website
https://thechurchoftheopendoor.wordpress.com/ Israel Website
https://success2693.wordpress.com/ Israel, History And Prophecy
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