Understanding the Unwritten Prophecy of the Seven Thunders in Revelation 10:4

Often, when examining the prophetic books of the Bible, such as Revelation, questions arise about certain passages, particularly those that appear to be incomplete or left unexplained. One such passage in Revelation 10:4 describes a scenario involving the Seven Thunders and a command not to write down their messages. This article seeks to explore the reasoning behind this cryptic instruction and its significance in the broader context of God's purposes as revealed in the Bible.

The Context and Command

Revelation 10:4 states, 'And when the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up those things which the seven thunders spoke, and write them not.”' This verse introduces a challenge to John, who had just heard the messages of the seven thunders but was instructed to refrain from writing them down. This command seems contradictory to the querist's desire to know more, yet it carries a profound and meaningful message.

The Seven Thunders Representing Jehovah's Purposes

The seven thunders appear to symbolize a complete expression of Jehovah's purposes, much like the stormy and powerful imagery of the awe-inspiring Seven Thunders in Revelation. Several references within the Bible tie these thunders to significant events and divine promises, such as Psalm 29:3, John 12:28, and 29, and Revelation 4:5. This underscores the importance of the messages they convey, which are profound and have been entrusted to Jehovah alone.

The command to 'write them not' suggests that the time for revelation of these messages has not yet come. This aligns with the broader theme in Revelation that certain events and prophecies will be revealed in due time, under divine auspices. The rainbow mentioned in verse 1 of Revelation 10 is a symbol of God's covenant, hinting at the appropriateness and timing of the prophecy's disclosure. As the Rainbow Covenant is seen, it implies that the events leading up to Christ's Second Advent and the rescue of the remnant of Israel are also being prepared.

The Reason Behind the Silence

The reason behind this non-disclosure is rooted in divine wisdom and purpose. Just as God revealed to Moses the knowledge of the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) but then covered it with a curtain to prevent it from being shown at inappropriate times, God also has a specific timetable for the revelation of His purposes. In Revelation, the seven thunders' messages, while crucial, are not meant to be shared until a fitting time. This temporal restriction serves to maintain the integrity and impact of the prophecy.

John's experience mirrors that of the spiritual assemblies today, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of God's plans. God's promises and purposes are revealed in their appropriate context and timing, ensuring that they align with the rest of Scripture and the unfolding of His divine will.

The Sacred Secret Depicted in Revelation

Further into the book of Revelation (Chapter 10:5-6), the angelic messenger reiterates the importance of not writing the messages of the seven thunders. Instead, John is given a new commission: to take the little scroll, presumably containing divine prophecies, and eat it. The act of eating the scroll symbolizes the apostle's acceptance and internalization of the revelations.

The "sacred secret" encompasses several key elements of God's promises to humanity. The seed first promised in Eden, now embodied in Jesus Christ, as well as the identity of the woman from whom the Seed originates, are central to this secret. Additionally, the book touches on the identity of the kingdom in which the Seed reigns, its members, and the preaching of the gospel during the end times. The climax of this secret is the full and final revelation of God's Messianic Kingdom.

For those who prefer the system of this world, the unfolding of this sacred secret is indeed "woeful news," as it signals the near-destroying of the current world order. The thunders, representing the stormy warnings of God's vengeance, grow louder as His day of vengeance approaches.

In conclusion, the command to omit recording the messages of the seven thunders before their time is an essential part of understanding God's prophetic plan. It emphasizes divine timing, the importance of covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to humanity.