Revelation 9:13

KJV

¶ And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the sixth {G1623} angel {G32} sounded {G4537}, and {G2532} I heard {G191} a {G3391} voice {G5456} from {G1537} the four {G5064} horns {G2768} of the golden {G5552} altar {G2379} which {G3588} is before {G1799} God {G2316},

Complete Jewish Bible

The sixth angel sounded his shofar, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the gold altar before God,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God

American Standard Version

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:13 marks a critical juncture in John's apocalyptic vision, as the sounding of the sixth trumpet ushers in a new phase of divine judgment. This verse describes John hearing a powerful voice emanating from the four horns of the golden altar, which stands directly before God in the heavenly sanctuary. This dramatic scene underscores the divine origin and authority behind the unfolding judgments, signaling that the next wave of devastation is not random but a direct decree from God's holy presence, intimately connected to the prayers and purposes of His heavenly court.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 9:13 is positioned within the sequence of the seven trumpet judgments, which dominate [Revelation chapters 8-11](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8-11 - The Seven Trumpet Judgments"). These judgments follow the opening of the seventh seal and represent a progressive intensification of God's wrath upon a rebellious world. The preceding verses in [Revelation 9:1-12](/revelation/9-1-12 "Revelation 9:1-12 - The Fifth Trumpet and Demonic Locusts") detail the first woe, unleashed by the fifth trumpet, involving demonic locusts tormenting humanity. The sounding of the sixth trumpet in [Revelation 9:13](/revelation/9-13 "Revelation 9:13 - The Sixth Trumpet Sounded") signals the commencement of the second woe, indicating a deliberate and escalating progression of divine retribution. The heavenly setting, particularly the mention of the golden altar, directly links this judgment to the heavenly throne room and the prayers of the saints depicted earlier in [Revelation 8:3-5](/revelation/8-3-5 "Revelation 8:3-5 - The Angel with the Censer and the Altar"), where an angel offers incense with the prayers of all saints upon this very altar.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the "golden altar" and its "horns" is deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial and tabernacle/temple practices. In the Mosaic Law, there were two primary altars: the bronze altar of burnt offering in the courtyard and the golden altar of incense within the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place ([Exodus 30:1-6](/exodus/30-1-6 "Exodus 30:1-6 - The Altar of Incense")). The horns on these altars were prominent features, often associated with power, refuge (as seen with Adonijah clinging to the altar horns in [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Seeks Refuge at the Altar")), and the application of sacrificial blood. In Revelation, the golden altar consistently symbolizes the prayers of the saints ascending to God ([Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Bowls of Incense, Prayers of Saints")). The voice emanating from this altar, therefore, carries immense theological weight, suggesting that the impending judgments are either a direct response to the prayers for justice or a divine decree originating from the very place where God's holiness and the petitions of His people meet.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** of God over all creation and judgment. The voice coming directly from before God, specifically from the altar, underscores that these cataclysmic events are not chaotic but are precisely orchestrated by the Almighty. Secondly, the **Significance of the Altar** is highlighted; though traditionally a place of prayer and intercession, it now becomes the source of a command for judgment, indicating that divine patience has reached its limit and that the prayers for justice and the vindication of God's people are being answered. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Progressive Judgment and Woe**, as the sixth trumpet introduces the second of three "woes" ([Revelation 9:12](/revelation/9-12 "Revelation 9:12 - The First Woe is Past")), signifying an intensification of suffering and destruction upon those who refuse to repent, demonstrating God's deliberate and measured approach to bringing about His ultimate purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** (G5456) This term denotes a tone, an articulate sound, or an address. Here, it signifies a direct, authoritative communication from a divine source. The fact that it comes from the altar's horns, rather than directly from the throne, adds layers of meaning concerning the origin and nature of the command.
* **Horns (Greek, _kéras'_):** (G2768) Literally referring to the projections on the corners of the altar, "horns" in biblical symbolism often represent power, strength, or authority. Their connection to the altar of incense, where prayers ascend, suggests that the power now being unleashed is intimately linked to the divine response to those prayers or to the inherent authority of God's holy presence.
* **Altar (Greek, _thysiastḗrion'_):** (G2379) This word refers to a place of sacrifice, specifically the golden altar of incense in the heavenly sanctuary. Its golden nature ([G5552](/revelation/9-13 "Revelation 9:13 - Golden Altar")) emphasizes its purity, holiness, and direct connection to God's presence. The voice emanating from it signifies that the command for judgment proceeds from the very heart of divine worship and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sixth angel sounded,"**: This clause marks the progression of the trumpet judgments. Following the fifth trumpet's release of demonic locusts, the sounding of the sixth trumpet signals the commencement of the second "woe," indicating a new and more severe phase of divine retribution. It emphasizes the predetermined, orderly unfolding of God's eschatological plan.
* **"and I heard a voice"**: John's auditory experience highlights the divine origin of the subsequent command. The "voice" is not a mere sound but an articulate, authoritative communication, drawing attention to its source and significance. It implies a direct revelation or instruction being given.
* **"from the four horns of the golden altar"**: This is a highly symbolic detail. The voice does not come from the throne directly but from the altar, specifically its horns. The golden altar is the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints. The horns, representing power and authority, suggest that the command for judgment is either a response to the prayers for justice, or it emanates from the inherent power and holiness associated with God's presence and the altar's sacred purpose. The "four horns" may also symbolize a universal decree, reaching all corners of the earth.
* **"which is before God,"**: This phrase firmly establishes the location of the altar and the voice's origin within the immediate presence of God in the heavenly sanctuary. It underscores the divine sanction and ultimate authority behind the command that is about to be issued, ensuring that the ensuing judgments are understood as God's direct will, not random chaos.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "golden altar" representing the heavenly sanctuary and the prayers of the saints, while its "four horns" symbolize divine power and universal authority. The **anthropomorphism** of a "voice" emanating from an inanimate object (the altar) personifies the divine decree, making it tangible and impactful. The **sequential narration** of the trumpet judgments ([Revelation 8:6-12](/revelation/8-6-12 "Revelation 8:6-12 - The First Four Trumpets")) creates a sense of escalating drama and predetermined progression, emphasizing God's control over time and events. The use of **auditory imagery** ("sounded," "heard a voice") immerses the reader in John's experience, making the divine pronouncement vivid and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:13 profoundly underscores the truth of God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His divine judgments. The voice emanating from the golden altar, a place intrinsically linked to the prayers of the saints, suggests a profound connection between the petitions of God's people and the unfolding of His justice. It implies that the cries for vindication and the longing for righteousness from those who have suffered for Christ are heard and are being answered, not necessarily in the form of immediate rescue, but in the systematic execution of God's righteous wrath upon those who reject Him. This scene serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of seemingly chaotic events, God remains firmly in control, orchestrating every detail according to His perfect will and timing.

* [Revelation 8:3-5](/revelation/8-3-5 "Prayers of the Saints and the Altar")
* [Psalm 11:4-6](/psalms/11-4-6 "God's Throne in Heaven and His Judgment")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:13 calls believers to a profound reflection on God's character: He is both merciful and just. While the world often dismisses divine judgment, this verse reminds us that God's patience is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail. For those who belong to Him, this truth brings comfort and assurance that evil will not triumph indefinitely, and that their prayers for righteousness and the coming of His kingdom are not in vain. It also serves as a solemn warning to those who remain unrepentant, highlighting the severity of God's wrath against sin. This passage encourages a deeper commitment to living righteously, knowing that every action is observed by a holy God. It compels us to cultivate a life of prayer and intercession, trusting that our petitions are heard in the heavenly sanctuary and play a part in God's unfolding plan, whether for mercy or for justice. Ultimately, it fosters a healthy fear of the Lord and a renewed urgency to share the Gospel of repentance and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the voice coming from the altar, rather than directly from God's throne, deepen your understanding of divine judgment?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of the relationship between the prayers of God's people and the unfolding of His will on earth?**
* **What specific actions might you take in your own life to live in light of the certainty of God's ultimate judgment and justice?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "golden altar" in Revelation?**

Answer: The "golden altar" in Revelation is consistently identified as the altar of incense, distinct from the altar of burnt offering. It is located in the heavenly sanctuary, directly "before God." Its primary significance is as the place where the prayers of the saints ascend to God, often mingled with incense ([Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Bowls of Incense, Prayers of Saints") and [Revelation 8:3-5](/revelation/8-3-5 "Revelation 8:3-5 - The Angel with the Censer and the Altar")). In [Revelation 9:13](/revelation/9-13 "Revelation 9:13 - The Sixth Trumpet Sounded"), the voice emanating from its horns signifies that the subsequent judgments are not random but are divinely ordained, perhaps even in response to the prayers for justice from God's persecuted people.

**Why do the judgments in Revelation come in a sequence (trumpets, woes)?**

Answer: The sequential nature of the judgments in Revelation (seals, trumpets, bowls) emphasizes God's deliberate, orderly, and progressive unfolding of His plan for both judgment and redemption. Each series intensifies the previous one, demonstrating God's long-suffering patience but also His unwavering commitment to justice. The "woes" ([Revelation 9:12](/revelation/9-12 "Revelation 9:12 - The First Woe is Past")) specifically highlight particularly severe and devastating judgments, serving as escalating warnings intended to lead humanity to repentance before the final, ultimate judgment. This progression underscores God's sovereignty and His methodical approach to bringing history to its appointed climax.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:13 describes a scene of impending judgment, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in understanding that all divine judgment ultimately flows from the perfect justice and holiness of God, fully embodied in Jesus Christ. The voice from the altar, initiating further judgment, speaks from a heavenly sanctuary where Christ himself intercedes as our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). The very altar from which judgment is decreed is also the place where the prayers of the saints, made effective through Christ's atoning sacrifice, ascend to God. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, thereby offering a way of escape from the judgments described in Revelation for all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ is not only the intercessor but also the righteous Judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")), who will ultimately execute all of God's decrees, bringing both justice to the unrepentant and final vindication to His faithful people ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider and Judge")). Thus, the judgments from the altar ultimately point to the sovereign rule of Christ, who is both the means of salvation and the instrument of divine justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 8:5

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Exodus 30:2

A cubit [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits [shall be] the height thereof: the horns thereof [shall be] of the same.

Exodus 30:3

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.

Hebrews 10:21

And [having] an high priest over the house of God;

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.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: