Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For June 3, 2025

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And I saw the seven angels who have stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Rev 8:2.

           My friend Jim found himself in Beijing, China one day, desperately needing a size 11 shoe. Now getting a size 11 shoe is not a problem in North America or Europe, but it can prove an almost hopeless task in China. Jim browsed around in a large open market where there were many stalls with brand new shoes, but they didn’tfit.
           At a particular shop Jim finally found a pair of shoes that fit somewhat, but were not to his liking. The salesman pleaded with him to buy the shoes and kept coming down in price. Jim politely thanked him and tried to walk away. The salesman grabbed his arm tightly and with another tremendous drop in price implored him to buy the shoes.
           After several minutes he escaped the man’s grasp and went looking further down the aisle. To his mild amusement, the salesmen followed him with the shoes in hand (which had now come down to about $8.00). He finally bought another pair from the man to end the whole episode.¹ If the man had not been so persistent, Jim would not have bought the shoes. What does this have to do with the seven trumpets?
           The concept of trumpets has a rich background in the Old Testament. There are six Hebrew and two Greek words that are translated as “trumpet” or “blow the trumpet.” Of 134 usages in the Greek Old Testament; 75 are in the context of worship, 33 are used in reference to battle, and 10 warn that an enemy is approaching (Ezekiel 33).
           The most important of these references is Num 10:8-10. This text tells us that trumpets were sacred instruments whether used in worship or in battle. They called on God to remember His covenant. When He heard the trumpet’s call, He would protect and defend his people in battle (v. 9). When trumpets were blown over the sacrifices of Hebrew worship, God “remembered” His people and forgave their sins (v. 10).
           Whenever the priests blew the trumpets God acted. So the blowing of trumpets was a symbol of covenant prayer. When God’s people pray on the basis of His promises, He will respond. He will deliver them from human enemies and also from the enemy of sin.
           On the surface the seven trumpets sound like a litany of war and disaster. But at a deeper level they portray a spiritual concept. They are a symbol of God’s people calling out for Him to right the wrongs on this earth. And like the shoe salesman in Beijing, it pays to be persistent. God responds to the trumpets’ call.

           Lord, help me to renounce retaliation in my everyday life. Help me, instead, to trust You to do what is right and deal with my “enemies” if that becomes necessary.

¹ Email from Jim Park, December 13, 2004.