Revelation 8:1. silence in heaven: the explanation of this silence has always puzzled commentators. The usual interpretation is in the words of C. A. Scott (Cent.B, p. 198): It suggests the wistful or alarmed uncertainty with which the end of the silence was awaited. The silence big with fate conveys as nothing else could the sense of trembling suspense. Charles's theory, that Revelation 8:2 is out of place and the silence in heaven is explained in Revelation 8:3-5, gives what seems to be the true interpretation. The praises and thanksgivings of all the mighty hierarchies of heaven are hushed in order that the prayers of the suffering saints on earth may be heard before the throne of God (op. cit., p. 153). half an hour: this phrase is not to be taken literally; as Swete says, Half an hour is a long interval in a drama.
Revelation 8:2. And I saw. trumpets: these words obviously come too early, and are really connected with Revelation 8:6.
Revelation 8:3. another angel: sometimes identified with Michael the guardian and intercessor of Israel. over the altar: the picture which is drawn of heaven in chs. 4 f. contains no altar, though the bowls full of incense in Revelation 5:8 may possibly imply an altar of incense. In Revelation 8:3 most scholars think there is a reference to two altars, (a) the altar over which the angel stood, i.e. the altar of burnt offering which stood before the holy place, (b) the golden altar, i.e. the altar of incense (Exodus 30 ff.*), the theory being that there was a pattern in the heavens of the complete earthly Temple (cf. Hebrews 8:5). Swete and Charles, however, maintain that the Apocalypse only mentions one altar the altar of incense. Jewish Christian writers before A.D. 200 never allude to a second altar in heaven, and their language definitely excludes the possibility of the existence of more than one (op. cit., pp. 161- 179). a golden censer: cf. Leviticus 16:12 f. add it unto the prayers: apparently the prayers of the saints in this metaphor, are the live coals upon which the incense is sprinkled. In Revelation 5:8, however, there is a variation of the metaphor, and the prayers are represented as the incense,
Revelation 8:4. lit. the smoke of the incense went up to help (lit. - for-') the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 8:5. The prayers are answered; the angel uses the censer to cast the fire from the altar upon the earth as a symbol of disaster (cf. Ezekiel 10:2).