Revelation 8:10

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

And {G2532} the third {G5154} angel {G32} sounded {G4537}, and {G2532} there fell {G4098} a great {G3173} star {G792} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, burning {G2545} as it were {G5613} a lamp {G2985}, and {G2532} it fell {G4098} upon {G1909} the third part {G5154} of the rivers {G4215}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} the fountains {G4077} of waters {G5204};

The third angel sounded his shofar; and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky onto a third of the rivers and onto the springs of water.

Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

And the third angel sounded, and there fell from heaven a great star, burning as a torch, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of the waters;

Revelation 8:10 describes the third in a series of dramatic judgments unleashed upon the earth as the third angel sounds his trumpet. This verse immediately follows the first two trumpet judgments, which affected the earth and the sea, respectively.

Context

This verse is part of the seven trumpet judgments detailed in Revelation chapters 8 and 9. These judgments represent God's divine wrath poured out upon an unrepentant world. Unlike the final bowl judgments, the trumpet judgments are often characterized by affecting "a third part" of creation, indicating a severe but not total devastation, perhaps serving as a warning or a call to repentance before complete destruction.

The preceding trumpets impacted the land (Revelation 8:7) and the sea (Revelation 8:8), setting the stage for this judgment on fresh water sources.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Water Sources: This judgment specifically targets "the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters." These are essential sources of fresh water, critical for human and animal life. The impact of this event would be devastating, leading to widespread suffering and death, as further detailed in the subsequent verse where the star is named Wormwood and makes the waters bitter.
  • Symbolism of the "Great Star": The "great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp" is a potent symbol. While it could be a literal celestial body, in apocalyptic literature, "stars" often symbolize significant spiritual beings (like angels) or powerful earthly leaders. The fiery description emphasizes its destructive nature upon impact. Another "star" falls in Revelation 9:1, which is explicitly tied to an angelic being.
  • Partial Devastation: The repeated phrase "the third part" highlights that these judgments, while severe, are not yet total. This could signify God's mercy, allowing time for repentance, or a progression towards increasingly severe judgments.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "star" is aster (ἀστήρ), which can refer to a literal star or, as often seen in prophetic texts, a symbolic figure. The phrase "burning as it were a lamp" (Greek: kaiomenos hos lampas) vividly portrays a blazing, fiery descent, emphasizing the intense heat and destructive power associated with this falling object or entity.

Practical Application

While Revelation's imagery is complex, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and His justice. It underscores the fragility of life and our dependence on vital resources. The judgments depicted here serve as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's authority and a call to consider spiritual readiness. For believers, it reinforces the promise of God's protection and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, even amidst global tribulation, as described in passages like Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 16:4

    And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

  • Revelation 9:1

    ¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

  • Isaiah 14:12

    How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

  • Revelation 6:13

    And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

  • Revelation 12:4

    And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

  • Revelation 14:7

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  • 2 Kings 2:19

    ¶ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.
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