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 24, 2025
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The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound by the great river Euphrates.” Rev 9:13-14.
In the fifth trumpet, a demonic plague brings humanity to the place where a great number of people seek death but cannot find it (Rev 9:1-6). A third of humanity is granted that wish in the sixth trumpet. As horrible as the sixth trumpet is, the passage begins with a voice from the four horns of the altar. The horns of the altar were renowned in Scripture as a place of mercy.
When David reached about 70 years of age, his health deteriorated and his control over the kingdom diminished. Instability threatened as his sons jockeyed to take his place as king. Adonijah, next oldest son after Absalom, gained the support of Joab, head of David’s army, and Abiathar the high priest. Since both men had been loyal to David during Absalom’s rebellion, Adonijah seems to have assumed he had David’s support. But key people in the army and among the priests did not join in the “coronation” outside Jerusalem (1 Kings 1:5-10).
Nathan the prophet conspired with Bathsheba to get David involved (they alone seem to have known David’s preference for Solomon, his son with Bathsheba). David decides to transfer the throne to Solomon immediately. So Zadok, the second highest priest, anoints Solomon king and he sits on David’s throne in Jerusalem, to great celebration. There was a blast of trumpets and a mighty crowd chanting, “Long live King Solomon (I Kings 1:11-40)!”
The noise of this rival coronation drifted south to where Adonijah and his followers were celebrating. Joab picked up on the sound and said, “What’s with all this noise coming out of the city (1 Kings 1:41)?” At that moment Abiathar’s son arrived with the news of David’s action. In an instant Adonijah’s guests fled for their lives. Left alone, Adonijah could think of only one thing to do. He went directly to the sanctuary and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar, invoking God’s protection on his life. Solomon respected the action and let him live, on condition of good behavior in the future (1 Kings 1:42-53).
As horrible as the sixth trumpet is, mention of the horns of the altar puts a touch of mercy into the plague. The door to salvation has not yet closed. As the earth slides into the final stages of self-destruction, it is still possible to hear the voice of Jesus and repent. When life causes us to hit bottom the way Adonijah did, the only sensible thing to do is hang our helpless souls on the mercy of God.
Lord, nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling. I choose today to lay aside pride, achievements, status and success. I look to You for all I need.