THE SEVEN TRUMPETS

BY: THEODORE JAMES TURNER

 AN INTRODUCTION

This series of three lectures on the first, second and third woes, as they exist in prophecy and their
chronological fulfillment in history, cannot be comprehended without an understanding of the historic
fulfilments of the seven trumpets of Revelation 8 and 9. I refer to Uriah Smith’s Thoughts on Revelation
as a ready reference to this topic. It is the standard work that reflects Adventist understanding on these
prophecies. I do not depart from that understanding, though I add some supporting arguments. Since
his time, many new arguments have been brought against the pioneers’ understanding of the trumpets.
Especially of concern is the attack upon Josiah Litch’s interpretation of Revelation 9:15 that places the
end of the second woe on August 11th, 1840.
An example of this attack can be found in the book by Heidi Heiks called Satan’s Counterfeit
Prophecy. This book contains a systematic attack upon this foundational prophecy and Sister White’s
endorsement of it. Various authors attack the trumpets is a variety of ways (some even while trying to
endorse traditional views), while many look for a future fulfilment of the trumpets.
Be that as it may, I will not be dealing with all of the errors but only with the attacks upon the
trumpets that affect our understanding of the first and second woe. My aim is to show that the
chronology of the first and second woe is sound. The unsealing of the seven thunders not only includes
an understanding of the history of the Millerite time period that is a figurative delineation of events that
is to transpire under the proclamation of the first, second and third angels’ messages in our time but
also includes an increase of light upon the foundational prophecies that were only partly
comprehended by the Millerites. We are guided by the study of this increase of light by this statement of
Sister White’s.

In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of
that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old,
but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend
the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He
began "at Moses and all the prophets" and "expounded unto them in all the scriptures
the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. But it is the light which shines in the fresh
unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not
really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form.
Christ’s Object Lessons, 128.

Sister White’s support of Josiah Litch’s interpretation is unequivocal. Her statement in the Great
Controversy is not only a resounding endorsement of this prophecy, and the principles of prophetic
interpretation as understood by the Millerites, but that its fulfilment provided an needed impetus to the
Millerite movement in its proclamation of the first angel’s message. If Litch’s interpretation was false, or
as Heik’s suggests - Satan’s counterfeit prophecy, we belong to a movement based upon a false
interpretation of prophecy and false principles. Here is her quote,

In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread

interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the
second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the
Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown "in A.D.
1840, sometime in the month of August;" and only a few days previous to its
accomplishment he wrote: "Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly
fulfilled before Deacozes1 ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the
1
In copying this quote over time, an error in spelling has occurred in regard to the name of Constantine XI. His full title is
Κωνσταντίνος ΙΑ' Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος [transliteration. Konstantinos IX Dragases Palaiologos]. The original source that Litch was
referring to was from Hawkins, The History of the Turkish or Ottoman Empire, published in 1787 . The original quote read, "John
 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th
of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be
broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case."--Josiah Litch, in Signs of the
Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, Aug. 1, 1840.
At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the
protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of
Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. (See Appendix.) When it
became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of
prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus
was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both
in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly
extended. The Great Controversy, 334-335.

Heik’s pretends that this quote is merely stating the facts of history and cannot be construed as an
endorsement of Litch’s interpretation. I do not see how this is possible. Also, Heik’s is critical of the
quote, as it stands in the 1888 edition of the Great Controversy, where Sister White says, “Two years
before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition
of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman empire, and specifying not only the year but the very
day on which this would take place.” The Great Controversy (1888), 334. Sister White, in simplifying
the story, conflates Litch’s prediction in 1838 with that of a few days prior to its fulfilment. Simply put,
he tries to discredit Sister White’s endorsement of Litch’s prediction, on the basis that she gets it wrong.
Of course, she clarifies the statement in the 1911 edition. This comes too late, however, for Heik’s.
Of course, Heik’s criticisms are not all we have to contend with. I hope to demonstrate that the
attacks on this prophecy, both within and without Adventism, are groundless. It is my hope that an
understanding of this prophecy will once again empower the message and secure our faith in God’s
messenger, as we approach the closing scenes of this world’s history.

Paleologus was dead without children, his brother, Constantine Dracozes, [not Deacozes] would not venture to ascend the throne,
without the permission of Amurath. He sent ambassadors to ask his consent, before he presumed to call himself sovereign.This
shameful proceeding seemed to presage the approaching downfall of the empire. Ducas, the historian, counts John Paleologus for the
last Greek emperor, without doubt, because he did not consider as such, a prince who had not dared to reign without the permission of
his enemy." Sister White, in quoting Litch, quotes him correctly, mistake and all. Here is Litch, "But the time came, and the word of
God was confirmed by the event. "John Paleologus emperor of Constantinople, was dead, and his brother, Constantine Deacozes,
would not venture to ascend the throne without the permission of Amurath, the Turkish sultan. He sent ambassadors to ask his consent
before he presumed to call himself sovereign.This happened A. D. 1449. This shameful proceeding seemed to presage the approaching
downfall of the empire. Ducas, the historian, counts John Paleologus for the last Greek emperor, without doubt, because he did not
consider as such, a prince who had not dared to reign without the permission of his enemy." Hawkins' Otto. Emp. p. 113. Gibbon, an
infidel, is so struck with the singular accuracy of the record of the origin of this empire, that he attributes it to some foresight in the
historian, of the rapid growth of the monster. But would it not become Christians better, to attribute it to the superintending providence
of that Being who had set a bound for that and other empires, which they may not pass? who had given them power to harass and
torment the empire of Constantinople five months; and to kill or subject it to their own sway, an hour, a day, a mouth, and a year; the
whole being five hundred and forty-one years and fifteen days." Josiah Litch, The probability of the Second Coming of Christ about
the year A.D. 1843, 155.
 LECTURE 1: THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS

TRUMPETS ARE NOT THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES

One of the objections to the seven trumpets being fulfilled in the past is this statement of Sister
White’s, "Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after the other upon the
inhabitants of the earth." 3 Selected Messages 426. The suggestion is that Sister White is placing the
trumpets in the future and that the trumpets and the plagues occur simultaneously. Here is the
statement in full.

"The agency of the Holy Spirit is to combine with human effort and all heaven is
engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in these last days. The end is near
and we want to keep the future world in view. . . .
“In this last conflict the Captain of the Lord's host [Joshua 5:15] is leading on the
armies of heaven and mingling in the ranks and fighting our battles for us. We shall have
apostasies, we expect them. "They will go out from us because they were not of us" (see
1 John 2:19). "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted
up" (Matthew 15:13).
“The angel, the mighty angel from heaven, is to lighten the earth with His glory
(Revelation 18:1), while he cries mightily with a loud voice, "Babylon the great is fallen,
is fallen" (verse 2). . . . We would lose faith and courage in the conflict, if we were not
sustained by the power of God. “Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil
angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and
attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle and have been
strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a
desperate struggle and all the world will be on one side or the other of the question.
“The battle of Armageddon will be fought. And that day must find none of us
sleeping. Wide awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our
lamps. The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us and the Captain of the Lord's host
will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle. Solemn events before
us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded; vial after vial poured out
one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. Scenes of stupendous interest are
right upon us and these things will be sure indications of the presence of Him who has
directed in every aggressive movement, who has accompanied the march of His cause
through all the ages, and who has graciously pledged Himself to be with His people in all
their conflicts to the end of the world. He will vindicate His truth. He will cause it to
triumph. He is ready to supply His faithful ones with motives and power of purpose,
inspiring them with hope and courage and valor in increased activity as the time is at
hand. 3 Selected Messages 425-426

There are two things to note, in the above quote. First, she is not declaring that the seven trumpets
are the seven last plagues. She is merely connecting trumpet warnings with the plagues. Second, the
warnings precede the plagues. If they occurred together, how would the warnings have any meaning?
Further, it should be noted that the seven trumpets and the seven last plagues do have parallels.
We propose that these are not evidence of their contemporaneity but as a pattern of design on the part
of God. The judgments against literal Rome parallel the judgments against spiritual Rome. Note the
parallels and differences listed below.
 SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TRUMPETS AND PLAGUES2
TRUMPETS PLAGUES
1 Upon the earth Rev.8:7 Upon the earth Rev.16:2
2 Upon the sea Rev.8:8 Upon the sea Rev.16:3
3 Rivers & fountains of waters Rev.8:10 Rivers & fountains of waters Rev.16:4
4 Sun smitten Rev.8:12 Upon the sun Rev.16:8
5 Air darkened Rev.9:2 Darkness Rev.16:1
6 Great River Euphrates Rev.9:14 Great River Euphrates Rev.16:12
7 Mystery of God finished Rev.10:7 "It is done" Rev.16:17
8 Lightnings, voices, Rev.11:19 Voices, thunders, lightnings, Rev.16:1
thunderings, earthquake, great earthquake, hail
great hail

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRUMPETS AND PLAGUES3

Trumpets
6 symbolic. 1 literal
1 Hail, fire & blood affects 1/3 trees, all grass
2 1/3 sea to blood, 1/3 creatures die
3 1/3 waters bitter
4 1/3 sun, moon, stars smitten, 1/3 day in
darkness
5 Smoke from pit darkness; locusts torment for 5
5 months
6 Angel (spirits) loosed from Euphrates;
myriads of horsemen kill 1/3 of men.
7 Cleansing of the sanctuary commences;
extends to close of probation.
Plagues
6 literal. 1 symbolic
1 'Noisome & grievous sore'
2 Sea as blood of dead man
3 All drinking water blood
4 Sun more active; men smitten with
fierce heat
Papal kingdom filled with darkness
6 Euphrates dried up & evil spirits unite
whole world against God.
7 Probation closes; events extend to
the coming of Christ.

If Ellen White was placing the trumpets as being in the future, this would contradict her statement
in the Great Controversy placing the fulfilment of the second woe (part of the sixth trumpet) as being in
the past. Some would argue for a repeat of the trumpets in our time. We are, however, in the seventh
trumpet. It has not yet finished sounding. Also, in a sense, the plagues are a repeat of that history
already. As noted above, these are judgments against spiritual Rome and spiritual Babylon.4

2
Taken from http://www.666man.net/Revelation_8_Trumpets_1_Through_4.html and modified by the author.
3
Ibid.
4
Both Babylon and Rome besieged and destroyed Jerusalem. These are prophesied in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 and fulfilled
in 597 and 70 AD respectively - 666 years apart. A more detailed analysis can be found in Biblical Chronology – Arkansas Notes by
the author (Behold the Bridegroom cometh notes for the Arkansas prophecy school held in the fall of 2014).
http://www.futureforamerica.org/media/notes/fall_2014/behold_the_bridegroom_cometh.pdf The video can be found on Future for
America’s You Tube channel and is entitled 9. Biblical Chronology and the Cycle of Sevens.
 A further argument against the trumpets being future is that the sixth trumpet occurs while Christ
is still ministering in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. This will be dealt with later when we look
at the first and second woes. Suffice it to say, no Seventh-day Adventist, at least, has any reason to place
the trumpets in the future, yet, somehow we have adopted and adapted this notion from the protestant
Churches, who in turn, have inherited this from the counter-reformation teachings of the Catholic
Church.

A PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF WESTERN ROME

The eighth chapter of Revelation presents the first four trumpets showing the progressive
destruction of the Western Roman Empire.

And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they
were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass
was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third
part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the
ships were destroyed. 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 the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part
of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were
made bitter. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and
the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them
was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
(Revelation 8:6-12)

We see their fulfilment outlined below.

THE THREE PARTS OF ROME

What does the constant reference to “the third part” in Revelation 8 imply?

“The Roman Empire, after Constantine the Great, was divided into three parts.
Hence the frequent remark, "a third part of men," is an allusion to the third part of the
empire which was under the scourge. This division of the Roman kingdom was made at
the death of Constantine, among his three sons, Constantius, Constantine II, and
Constans. Constantius possessed the East, and fixed his residence at Constantinople, the
metropolis of the empire. Constantine II held Britain, Gaul, and Spain. Constans held
Illyricum, Africa, and Italy.”5

THREE DIVISIONS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE6

We see then that the first four trumpets are judgments against the two western portions of the
Constantine’s divided empire. The first trumpet is fulfilled by the slaughter of the Goths that
encompassed the entire empire. All green grass (people) was burnt up. The destruction is likened unto
hail mixed with fire and blood. This is an apt description of the slaughter that ensued from 395 to 410
under the leadership of Alaric. Only a third part of the trees (government of Rome) was burnt up, as
Alaric’s main war was waged against the city of Rome itself in a series of sieges (408, 409 and 410),
with Rome falling in the final siege. The second trumpet is fulfilled by the invasion of the Vandals, under
the leadership of Genseric. The symbols employed have both a literal and spiritual application. The
territory conquered by Genseric encompasses the Mediterranean Sea. The third trumpet is
contemporaneous with the second and is fulfilled by the invasion of the Huns under the leadership of
Attila. The fourth trumpet is fulfilled by the Heruli invasion that ended with the fall of Rome in 476.
I employ the following maps below to show the course these invasions took. We can see clearly
that they fulfill the conditions of the prophecy, as they relate to the “one-third”.

5
Uriah Smith, Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation, 473-474.
6
All maps, including this one are taken from http://www.666man.net/Revelation_8_Trumpets_1_Through_4.html
CONCLUSION

While various interpretations of the trumpets can be found in Adventism, we can find no reason to
abandon the basic understanding that the pioneers of Adventism bequeathed to us. Though there is
much they could not have understood, any new details must accord with what they taught and follow
the principles of prophetic interpretation they employed. Truth is unfolding and any “new light” must
make the old truths shine brighter. Attempts to have Sister White herself reject the pioneer
understanding are misguided and dangerous. We must study these truths for ourselves. The light of the
midnight cry is to shine all along the path to the celestial city. Let us follow it.

While praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell on me, and I seemed to be
rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people
in the world, but could not find them--when a voice said to me, "Look again, and look a
little higher." At this I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path, [Matthew
7:14.] cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were travelling to the
City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind
them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the Midnight Cry.
[Matthew 25:6.] This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet so
they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before
them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and they said
the City was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus
would encourage them by raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a
glorious light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted Hallelujah! Others
rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them
out so far. The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and
they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path
down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on
the path again and go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. A Word
to the Little Flock, 14.
 LECTURE 2: THE FIFTH AND SIXTH TRUMPETS AND THE FIRST AND SECOND WOES
ISLAM AND THE FIFTH TRUMPET

The eighth chapter ends with the proclamation of an angel flying in the midst of heaven, “Woe,
woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels,
which are yet to sound!” The first two of these three woes describe the history in connexion with the
judgments that fall upon the Eastern Roman Empire or the final “third part” of Rome that was relatively
untouched by the barbaric invasions.
Why are these final trumpets woes? It can be argued that the division of the western empire is
accomplished by barbaric tribes that, in the end, become Christian. The woes, on the other hand, are
accomplished by Islam, a satanic power (as will be shown). It is Islam that brings the whole world into
one great conflict.

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth
[Mohamed, after the manner of Satan]: and to him was given the key of the bottomless
pit [earth, in this case Arabia]. And he opened the bottomless pit [as opposed to closing
it as in Revelation 20:1]; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great
furnace [affliction]; and the sun and the air [earthly ruling powers] were darkened by
reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth
[Muslim hordes]: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have
power. And it was commanded them [by Abu-Bakr] that they should not hurt the grass of
the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not
the seal of God in their foreheads [non-sabbathkeepers]. And to them it was given that
they should not kill them [end their authority], but that they should be tormented five
months [150 years]: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he
striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall
desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like
unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns [turbans]
like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men [they had beards]. And they had hair
as the hair of women [Arabians did not cut their hair], and their teeth were as the teeth
of lions [persecuting power]. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron
[a reference to the military nature of Islam]; and the sound of their wings was as the
sound of chariots of many horses running to battle [Islam are noted for their use of
horses and chariots in battle with few footmen]. And they had tails [teachings of
Mohamed] like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails [teachings of war]:
and their power was to hurt men five months [150 years]. And they had a king over
them [Othman], which is the angel of the bottomless pit [Satan], whose name in the
Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon
[destroyer]. One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
(Revelation 9:1-11)

There is no doubt, as you read through Revelation 9, that the woes are military in nature. The
symbols used to describe the characteristics of the instrument of war and destruction is an obvious
reference to Islam; locusts, scorpions, horses, chariots, etc. The description so readily depicts the
invading armies of Islam that it almost appears to be a literal description of history. The mode of
warfare, the territory covered, the period when the locusts thrive (5 months, May to September
inclusive), the visual description, etc. allow for no other interpretation. Further, the rise of Islam fits the
time period exactly. Pagan Rome has fallen and a new power has arisen from the ashes. It has converted
the means of Pagan Rome’s destruction to its religion. The Papacy has become a persecuting power,
 trampling down God’s Church. It will continue for 1260 years in this work. Islam is a thorn it its side.
Revelation 9 gives the framework of this history. The role and influence of Islam is instrumental in the
tempering and final removal of Rome’s ability to persecute God’s people. What we are concerned with
here is the prophetic periods connected with Islam and the significance of their fulfilment. Most
commentators place the rise of Islam in 629 AD, when, according to Wikipedia, “Muhammad, Islamic
prophet, succeeds in unifying all of the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. He converts them to
Islam and prepares an expedition against the Jews.” (Wikipedia article 629 AD) It matters not whether
one takes this date or an earlier date in Mohamed’s conversion, since it is his death and the first
Caliphate under Abu-Bakr in 632 AD that marks the first period of “five months” of “hurting”.
Also, as noted earlier, the language of the rise of Islam parallels that language used in reference to
Satan and his work. The references to the star falling from heaven, the bottomless pit, the smoke arising
from it, its obscuration of the sun and air, etc. are symbols of Satan that for some commentators
compels them to see the fulfilment as having to do with the work of Satan directly or the Papacy. If we
recognise, however, that Islam (like France that is also represented with satanic imagery) is a power
that is directly opposed to the gospel and to Christianity. That is, Islam is a spiritualistic power. There
are some within Adventism who, in order to reach Muslims, down play the negative aspects of Islamic
religion and portray Islam in a sympathetic light. This is a great danger. Obviously we need to present
the gospel to Muslims but this should not be at the expense of truth. In fact, it is the truth that will help
Muslims to recognise the deception they are in and to embrace Christianity.

FIVE MONTHS

Many commentators have noted that the length of period under which Islam has power to “hurt
men” is the same length of period that the desert locusts are active (May through September). We will
see that this power is “given to them” as an attribute and does not refer to a single period. Also, the
territory that they cover is almost identical to the territory of conquest of Islam. 7
Five months is mentioned in Revelation 9 twice and there are two periods to which this can
apply.8 We take these as periods of 150 years. The focus of the Millerites was the second period that
spans from 1299 to 1449. This period marks the end of the fifth trumpet. There is also a 150 year
period that marks the beginning of the fifth trumpet. This period is little known but is important in
establishing the beginning of the trumpet and distinguishing the period when Islam has no king (or
empire) over them from the period where they have a king (Othman and the Ottoman Empire). It is this
second period that is referred to as the first woe.
The first period of “five months is mentioned in Revelation 9:4-5, “And it was commanded them
that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those
men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill
them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a
scorpion, when he striketh a man.” (Revelation 9:4-5) This period of hurting is connected to the
command of Abu-Bakr who arose to power at the death of Mohamed in 632 BC, where the command of
Abu-Bakr is obviously that referred to by the fifth angel.

As soon as their numbers were complete, Abubeker [Abu-Bakr] ascended the hill,
reviewed the men, the horses, and the arms, and poured forth a fervent prayer for the
success of their undertaking. 'Remember', said the successor of the prophet, 'that you
are always in the presence of God, on the verge of death, in the assurance of judgement,
and the hope of paradise. Avoid injustice and oppression; consult with your brethren,

7
See map on the next page.
8
I have not been the first to notice this. John C. Whitcombe, in his book Jerusalem Caliphate and the Third Jihad, recognises two 150
year periods. However, he fails to apply a consistent interpretation (that of loosening and restraint) in commencing and ending these
prophetic periods. As a result, he incorrectly places the first 150 year period as reaching from 612 to 762 AD.
 and study to preserve the love and confidence of your troops. When you fight the battles
of the lord, acquit yourselves like men, without turning your backs; but let not your
victory be stained with the blood of women or children. Destroy no palm trees, nor burn
any field of corn. Cut down no fruit trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you
kill to eat. When you make a covenant ... stand to it and be as good as your word. As you
go on, you will find some religious persons, who live retired in monasteries, and propose
to themselves to serve God that way: let them alone and neither kill them nor destroy
their monasteries. [These were Sabbath keepers and had the “seal of God on their
foreheads”.] And you will find another sort of people that belong to the synagogue of
Satan [these are the one who “have not the seal of God in their foreheads”], who have
shaven crowns; be sure you cleave their skulls, and give them no quarter, till they either
turn Mahometans or pay tribute. - Abubeker's command Edward Gibbon 'Decline & Fall'!,
Vol.V:489-490. [Words in brackets are mine.]

Five months - So far as the words

here are concerned this might be
taken literally, denoting five
months or one hundred and fifty
days; or as a prophetic reckoning,
where a day stands for a year. The
latter is undoubtedly the correct
interpretation here, for it is the
character of the book thus to
reckon time. If this be the true
method of reckoning here, then it
will be necessary to find some
events which will embrace about
the period of one hundred and
fifty years, during which this
distress and sorrow would
continue. The proper laws of
interpretation demand that one
or the other of these periods
should be found - either that of
five months literally, or that of
150 years. – Albert Barnes
Commentary on Revelation 9:5

According to Gibbon under in the first ten years of the Caliphate Abu-Bakr’s successor Omar, "The
Saracens reduced 36,000 cities or castles, destroyed 4,000 churches and built 1,400 mosques”. 9 If this
first period of 150 years begins with the first Caliphate, its end must be seen in 782 AD with Treaty of
Constantinople. 1011

9
Gibbon 'Decline & Fall!' Vol.V:474-475.
10
See Harold Hemenway’s 2007 book, European History Foretold, 60.
11
Of an interesting chronological note, the year 782 is twice 391 years. I will comment more on this number later.
 On 9 February 782, Harun departed Baghdad; the Arabs crossed the Taurus
Mountains by the Cilician Gates, and swiftly took the border fortress of Magida. They
then advanced along the military roads across the plateau into Phrygia. There, Harun left
his lieutenant, the hadjib al-Rabi' ibn Yunus, to besiege Nakoleia and guard his rear,
while another force, reportedly 30,000 men, under al-Barmaki (an unspecified member
of the powerful Barmakid family, probably Yahya ibn Khalid), was sent to raid the rich
western coastlands of Asia Minor. Harun himself, with the main army, advanced to the
Opsician Theme.12

Between the end of the first period of “five months” and the beginning of the second period are
517 years.1314 According to Wikipedia, “Osman [Othman] announced the independence of his own small
principality from the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in July 27, 1299, and was acclaimed the Khan of the
Kayihan tribe. The Ottoman principality was just one of many small Turkish principalities in Anatolia at
the time that emerged after the dissolution of the Seljuks, all of which the Ottomans would eventually
conquer to reunite Anatolia under Turkish rule. The westward drive of the Mongol invasions had
pushed scores of Muslims toward Osman's principality, a power base that Osman was quick to
consolidate. As the Byzantine Empire declined, the Ottoman Empire rose to take its place.”15 This
second period of 150 years that commences is on July 27th 1299 is what is commonly referred to as the
“first woe”. If it begins in 1299, it must therefore end in 1449. In proceeding further, we must take a look
at how the Bible marks the beginning and end of these prophetic periods.

THE LOOSING AND RESTRAINT OF ISLAM

Understanding the beginnings and endings of the prophetic periods, in connexion with the woes, is
instrumental in placing them correctly in time. One of the reasons those who object to (and
subsequently reject) the pioneer understanding of the seven trumpets (and the woes) is that they fail to
understand the reasoning used to mark their commencement and termination of these periods. These
periods are marked by either a restraint or loosening of Islam’s power to wage destructive force upon
the eastern portion of the Roman Empire.
We noted that the first 150 year period begins with Abu-Bakr. The Bible describes this as the
locusts coming out of the smoke of the pit. This period (632 - 782) ended with a treaty that limited the
power of Islam to persecute. Likewise, the second period resumed persecution with the rise of Othman
uniting the Arab peoples in beginning once again destructive warfare upon the eastern portion of the
remnants of the Roman Empire. This power to “hurt” was tempered (restrained) during this 150 year
period. The second woe began where the first woe ended. This partial “restraint” of Islam was removed
when Constantine XI, the last "Christian" emperor, voluntarily refused to accept his throne without the
permission of the Turkish power, and thereby loosed the "four angels", the four leading Turkish Sultans
(these were situated at Aleppo, Iconium, Damascus, and Bagdad), who then invaded and conquered
Constantinople in 1453. It is this yielding of Constantine XI to the four Sultans marks the beginning of
this period (and thus the end of the first woe) and not the capture of the capital of the Eastern Empire,
as our minds would naturally assume. Again, it is the actions that lead to the loosening or restraint of
Islam’s destructive power that are important to note and not the destructive acts themselves.
We will see, as we look at the remaining verses of Revelation chapter 9 that this loosening and
restraining of Islam is clearly marked in the period of the second woe. The angel declares to John, “One
woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.” (Revelation 9:12) It is the beginning and
end of this second woe over which there is so much needless controversy.

12
from Wikipedia article, Abbasid invasion of Asia Minor (782).
13
This is equal to 126 plus 391 years. Again, I will comment more on this later.
14
It is during this intervening period that the crusades over the control of Jerusalem occur from 1095 - 1291
15
Wikipedia article, Osman I.
CHRONOLOGY OF THE FIFTH TRUMPET

LOOSED FOR AN HOUR A DAY A MONTH AND A YEAR

Revelation 9:14-5 declares. “Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year,
for to slay the third part of men.” As mentioned above, these “four angels” are loosed when Constantine
XI voluntarily yields to the power of the four Turkish Sultans. The period under which these four angels
are to complete their work in the slaying of the “third-part” of men is reckoned as 391 years and 15
days.16 The number of the horsemen that are to do this work is given as 200 million. It is probable that
this refers to the total number of horsemen involved in the destruction that spans this period. The use
of gunpowder (brimstone) is of particular note. As early as 1260 AD, the use of gunpowder was known
to be used by the Arabs in war. During this period the Muslim armies has become adept in the use of
firearms while riding their horses in battle. However, in spite of all this destruction, they repented not.

And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand
thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and
them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the
heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and
smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by
the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in
their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and
with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues
yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and
idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor

16
An hour (1/24 of a prophetic year or 15 days), a day (one year), a month (30 years) and a year (360 years) equals 391 years and 15
days.
 hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of
their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Revelation 9:16-21)

JOSIAH LITCH’S PREDICTION

Heidi Heiks sums up, in a strong rhetorical manner, the position of Josiah Litch and the pioneers
quite well, in spite of his objections to their interpretation of Revelation chapter 9.

“The prophetic 391-plus-15 day-years claimed for the sixth trumpet had to
commence on July 27, 1449, as well, in order to precisely fulfill the total span allotted to
the prophecy of 541 years and 15 days. That is because William Miller, Josiah Litch and
the Millerites combined the two claimed prophetic time periods together as one
continuous whole. This then demanded that the prophecy be terminated not only in the
year of 1840, but also to the very day of August 11th, as Ellen White recounted of the
Millerites’ belief and teaching at that time.
“Unfortunately, Josiah Litch overlooked one very important point in his calculation
of the prophetic periods, as you well know. The Gregorian calendar by Pope Gregory XIII
replaced the Julian calendar by a papal bull signed into effect on February 24, 1582.
When introduced, it immediately omitted ten days in order to realign the calendar with
the spring equinox, which was tied by the Roman Catholic Church to the celebration of
Easter. The Millerites failed to take this ten-day discrepancy into account when they fixed
the date for the termination of the sixth trumpet on August 11, 1840.
“Many Seventh-day Adventists today do not remember or know that their history
has been falsely colored with numerous apologies and adjustments, until Josiah Litch’s
prophecy has become almost unrecognizable to the historian. It’s almost as if we
Adventists have picked and chosen what we want to keep and have disposed of what we
don’t. That is exactly what Treiyer blatantly does today, and it is all presented as fully
supportive of the historic position. Incredible!” Heidi Heiks, Response to Dr. Alberto R.
Treiyer (His Review Of Satan’s Counterfeit Prophecy), 4.
 We can see in the chart above that reckoned 541 years and 15 days from the rise of the
Ottoman Empire on July 27th 1299 to August 11th 1840. They did not look for an event in 1449 to
occur on July 27th to mark the end of the 150 years and the commencement of the 391 years and
15 days, as Heiks implies. Another point that Heiks fails to realise is that Litch provided the correct
date of August 11th, in spite of himself. He was unaware, as we now are, that July 27th 1299 and July
27th 1840 are aligned on the Karaite calendar. This was not understood by the Millerites and it was
not until a couple of years later that they even discovered the Karaite calendar. This they used in
establishing the end of the Jewish year 1843 (April 18th 1844) and the setting of the date for the
cleansing of the sanctuary on October 22nd 1844 (the10th day of the 7th month on the Karaite
calendar).

Heiks’ uses further rhetoric in referring to what he calls, “numerous apologies and adjustments”.
This could be said of all of the teachings of Adventism, in that we were given more light in our
understanding of these prophecies after the disappointment. Also, many who are trying to support the
pioneer position have been influenced by the errors of prophetic and scriptural interpretation that is
used in the Protestant Churches. As we have looked closely into the pioneer understanding of the
trumpets, we find that there is much less that needs to be adjusted from the original understanding
than many suppose. Obviously, there were a few things that the Millerites could not have understood,
since they were looking for Christ’s coming so soon. For instance, the Millerites believed that the sixth
trumpet ended on August 11th 1840 and that the events of the seventh trumpet were to occur in the
intervening period to the second coming in 1843. Obviously, as to this point, they were wrong. We
understand that the seventh trumpet began to sound on October 22nd 1844. Even after the Adventists
came to understand that the sixth trumpet ceased sounding, while the seventh trumpet began to sound,
on that date, there was no clear teaching in regards to the commencement of the third woe. 17 The fact,
and the lack of use in evangelism, has led to the trumpets and woes being a neglected and
misunderstood teaching. This has made it ripe for the picking, by minds like Heiks’, to distort the
history of this teaching and discourage those from trusting in the pioneers’ position. These types of
attacks merely insinuate doubts in the minds of Adventists, lead to the rejection of the gift of the Spirit
of Prophecy and Adventism’s foundational truths. Heading down this path leads to one end only, the

17
J. N. Andrews taught that, “The seven plagues are poured out under the sounding of that angel; hence the plagues are future, and
constitute the third woe.” (The Three Angles of Revelation 14:6-12, 119.) Joseph Bates, on the other hand states, “We believe that the
seventh trumpet began to sound on the first day of the seventh month. Then the Mystery was finished, and the third woe came.” (Past
and Present Experience, 186.) “In 1844 the third woe began.” S. .N. Haskel: The Story of the Seer of Patmos, 205.
total rejection of Adventism.
Whatever criticisms we may have of the past, all should be approached with the greatest respect.
The LORD has led His church from the very beginning.

The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the
foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came
in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing
before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our
feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with
earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has
given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given.
Brethren and sisters, God lives and reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and
in His providence He is turning the wheel in accordance with His own will. Let not men
fasten themselves to documents, saying what they will do and what they will not do. Let
them fasten themselves to the Lord God of heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine
into the soul-temple, and we shall see the salvation of God. General Conference Bulletin,
April 6, 1903
 LECTURE 3: THE SEVENTH TRUMPET AND THE THIRD WOE.18
ISLAM IN THE LAST DAYS

As we have seen, the understanding of the trumpets is not just an intellectual exercise. It is
instrumental in understanding where we are in history and in avoiding the false interpretations of
prophecy that involve Islam and current affairs.
It was God who led our pioneers to understand that the trumpets were an instrument used by Him
to punish both pagan and papal Rome. These trumpets are naturally separated between the first four
(which were judgments against Western Rome), and the last three (which were judgments against
Eastern Rome, Papal Rome and in the near future, Modern Rome, which includes the entire world, see
Rev. 16:19-13). These three final trumpets are designated as "woes" (Rev. 8:13) because of their
severity and the satanic nature of Islam.
As we have seen, the first "woe" or fifth trumpet was Islam (Arab Saracen Turks). The second
"woe" or sixth trumpet was Islam (The Ottoman Turks). Therefore we should expect Islam to be
involved in the third "woe" (under the period of the seventh trumpet). Based upon the triple application
of prophecy, the characteristics of the first two woes should be combined in the third.
We also need to consider the connexion between Islam and the sealing (“those men who have not
the seal of God in their foreheads”, Revelation 9:4). Notice also that they were commanded to not hurt
the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree. Now go to Rev. 7:1-3, "And after these
things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth,
that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel
ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four
angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea,
nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." We cannot help but see the
contextual connexion between these two passages; between Islam and the sealing of God's people.
Look at Isaiah 27:8; "he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind." As we have read in
Revelation 7:1-3, angels are holding the four winds. These four winds are His rough wind but the
question arises; what is the east wind? Exodus 10:13 says, “And Moses stretched forth his rod over the
land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and
when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.”
Genesis 41 provides us yet another example (type) where an "east wind" destroys the economy. In
that passage we are told that Pharaoh the ruler of Egypt (typifying the world) had a dream in which he
saw seven fat cattle devoured by seven thin ones who arose subsequently, and then for emphasis he
was next shown seven very good ears of corn that were devoured by seven thin ears blasted with the
east wind that came up after them. Joseph was used by God to avert disaster for His people as well as to
fulfill prophecy; however many of the Egyptians, after exhausting their funds had to sell their cattle,
their lands and finally themselves into slavery.
So the question arises; who or what is this east wind that God uses to destroy the economic
structure here at the end of this earth's history? Where can we find a connection to the east wind?

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered
them into the hand of Midian seven years…. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that
the Midianites (from Arabia) came up, and the Amalekites (from Arabia), and the
children of the east, even they came up against them; And they encamped against them,
and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance
for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. For they came up with their cattle and their
tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were

18
This lecture relies heavily on materials found on Prophecyhelps101 /Bud%27s%20EAST%20WIND.pdf by Bud Alavezos
 without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. And Israel was greatly
impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD."
Judges 6:1, 3-6.

We see above, the children of the east along with the Amalekites and the Midianites (peoples
occupying the Arabian Peninsula east of the Jordan) along with their camels are portrayed as
grasshoppers in number. We can see this connexion with Revelation 9:3, "And there came out of the
smoke locusts upon the earth."
Consider the following, "Angels are holding the four winds, represented as an angry horse seeking
to break loose and rush over the face of the whole earth, bearing destruction and death in its path." 20
Manuscript Releases, 216-217. This passage is also referencing the sealing of the 144,000 found in
Revelation 7:1-3. Not only is Islam portrayed as an "angry horse", or war-horse, on both the 1843 and
1850 SDA Pioneer Charts; but that is also exactly how they are represented in Rev. 9:7. "And the shapes
of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle." These are clear references to Islam and its
connection with Revevelation 7:3 or the sealing of God's people. We must conclude that the message
concerning Islam is designed by God to awaken, and seal, His Laodicean people.

9/11 AND THE RESTRAINT OF ISLAM

Revelation 9:11 states that, "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless
pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."
Both Abaddon and Apollyon are defined as "destroyer" and as such are a reference not only to Satan but
Mahomed as well. Let us now look at Testimonies volume 9 in the chapter entitled "The Last Crisis"
beginning on page 11,

"We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare
that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and
important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth.
Plagues and judgment are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God…. On
one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold
buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be
fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders…. The scene that
next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-
proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed
as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The
firemen were unable to operate the engines." 9 Testimonies 11-13.

"How comes the word that I have declared that New York is to be swept away by a
tidal wave? This I have never said. I have said, as I looked at the great buildings going up
there, story after story, 'What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to
shake terribly the earth! Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.' The whole
of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of what is coming on the earth. But I
have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York, only that I know that
one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning of
God's power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word
from the Lord, one touch of his mighty power, and these massive structures will fall.
Scenes will take place the fearfulness of which we can not imagine." Review and Herald
July 5, 1906.

Anyone having seen a before and after 9/11, 2001 image of the skyline of New York City will know
for a certainty what "great buildings" these two passages are referencing. The whole world was
 shocked on 9/11 when those two planes controlled by radical Islamists, directed by their Imams ("the
prophet that teacheth lies"--Isa. 9:15) flew into the twin towers (the economic center of the US/ false
prophet) causing economic ripples throughout the world. However George W. Bush, the president of the
US announced to the world that "you are either with us or against us" and threw all of the US's political,
economic and military strength against Al Qaida and Islam was restrained. Momentarily, the four winds
are now being held in check.

In the chart below, I have outlined the three woes chronologically. The date for the loosing of Islam
can be debated. It is not connected to a time prophecy. There is no doubt that the fall of the Soviet Union
in 1989 led to the conflicts between the United States and the Islamic states. We could also see the final
woe chiastically, with the restraint commencing the third woe and the close of probation (the letting
loose of the four winds) ending it, as occurs in the first woe.

MILLERITE HISTORY REPEATED

Of course, many of you who are reading this paper are familiar with the reformatory lines. An
analysis of the second and third woe cannot be addressed without reference to it. That is we see that
the empowerment of the message on the time of the Millerites occurred in connexion with the restraint
of Islam on August 11th 1844. In our time period, the empowerment of the message occurred on
September 11th, 2001. Ellen White speaks of these parallels, “The work of God in the earth presents,
from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement. The principles
of God's dealing with men are ever the same. The important movements of the present have their
parallel in those of the past, and the experience of the church in former ages has lessons of great value
for our own time.”19 She speaks of this further in specific reference to the giving of the first and second
angels’ messages that will be repeated in our time. “After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the
injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: "Seal up those things which the seven
thunders uttered." These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand
in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel's prophecies have their
proper place in the first, second, and third angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of
the little book was the message in relation to time.” 20 The first and second messages were given in
1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are
still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who
are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and
19
The Great Controversy, 343.
20
7 Bible Commentary, 971.
 the application of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel's message. There cannot be a third
without the first and second. These messages we are to give to the world in publications, in discourses,
showing in the line of prophetic history the things that have been and the things that will be. The chart
below is an older one (and may be hard to read) ) but covers the main lines quite well.

CONCLUSION

There is no doubt that there is light that is coming to God’s people in the study of the prophetic
foundation of Adventism. The understanding of the three woes, in connexion with the trumpets, yields
many basic principles of prophetic interpretation that guided the pioneers in establishing the teachings
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To neglect their study is to neglect your own soul. As we noted
earlier, Sister White considered the messages that “came in 1842, 1843, and 1844…. to be as the Rock of
Ages.” Let us stand on this platform of truth. Let us open God’s Word and search for light, as if our life
depended on it.