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Seals, Trumpets, Bowls

Last Updated: 08/09/2008 02:38                                                                                                                                                               Bookmark at Del.icio.us | Print This Page

| Seal 1 | Seal 2 | Seal 3 | Seal 4 | Seal 5 | Seal 6 | Seal 7 |
Wrath of God:
| Trumpet 1 | Trumpet 2 | Trumpet 3 | Trumpet 4 | Trumpet 5 | Trumpet 6 | Trumpet 7 |
| Bowl 1 | Bowl 2 | Bowl 3 | Bowl 4 | Bowl 5 | Bowl 6 | Bowl 7 |

Introduction

Before I get into the study, we should answer the question of sequence for the seals, trumpets, and bowls. I think we should be careful in jumping around Revelation too much time wise. It allows for more personal interpretation in many cases, which always ends up somehow contrary to the Word, even in little areas. The Bible should interpret itself. So as to the timing of the seals, trumpets and bowls, let me share some of my studies on this. Let's start at the seals, I'll make it short and to the point.

Revelation 8:1,2
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

This should be evidence enough that the trumpets don't happen until after all seven seals are opened since the angels aren't even given their trumpets until the seventh seal. Even then, they do not blow them until the angel casts the censer to the earth after the seventh seal.

So what about the transition from the trumpets to the bowls? 

Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

We see here that the seventh angel is sounded in Revelation 11. Notice this detail about the seventh trumpet...

Revelation 10:7
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

This tells us that the seventh trumpet isn't a quick toot, but a blast which lasts for days. Keeping that in mind, lets examine when the trumpet sounds.

Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Several chapters later in Revelation, we see the angels get their bowls.

Revelation 15:1; 5-8
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God...

...And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

So the angels weren't even given these bowls until after the seventh angel began to sound and these bowl judgments are specifically labeled as the seven last plagues that fill up the wrath of God. Notice how all seven of these bowls are poured out in one chapter and in pretty short and to the point ways. I believe this gives the impression of increased frequency. In fact, I believe that these bowls are all poured out during the days of the voice of the seventh trumpet. And finally, at the seventh bowl...

Revelation 16:17
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

Here's how I believe it looks laid out in a timeline. Notice the increase in intensity and frequency of these.

Christ breaks seals on scroll Wrath of God written on the scroll
Seals: Trumpets:
1[white horse] 1[1/3 trees]
2[red horse] 2[1/3 sea]
3[black horse] 3[1/3 waters wormwood]
4[pale (green) horse] 4[1/3 sun/moon/stars]
5[souls under altar] 5[abaddon from pit] 1st Woe
6[sun/moon/star event] 6[euphrates angels] 2nd Woe
7[silence ½ hour] 7[days of voice | kingdoms are Lord's] 3rd Woe
  v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v-v
  Bowls/Vials: All are part of the 3rd Woe
  1[mark of beast sore]
  2[sea blood]
  3[rivers water blood]
  4[scorching sun]
  5[seat of the beast]
  6[kings of east & gathering to Armageddon]
  7[it is done.]

Where I believe we are in the timeline of the seals, trumpets and bowls as of March 14, 2008:

I believe the first seal was opened on January 1, 2007 and was the trigger for what is described as taking place after it is opened.

I don't think the second seal is opened yet, but since I believe the abomination of desolation (5th seal) will begin in February of 2009, based on the HIStory, Our Future Bible studies, it must be coming soon. It could be triggered at the destruction of Damascus leading to the Gog/Magog attack. With the promised retaliation sometime this month perhaps the tensions will trigger peace being taken from the earth soon. I'm still watching...

I think the third seal could be the result of the second and the current global economic crisis developing now. I believe ultimately this will lead to a global cashless society where tattoo RFID ink will be used to mark the population so they can buy or sell in the marketplace, the mark of the beast. Many businesses already have RFID readers (pay pass) for VISA and MasterCard in place and the network is already there. If global economies were to crash and the Dollar collapse, the international bankers that have all the wealth could institute this global cashless system fairly easily and wouldn't have to print out currency because it's all electronic.

I think the fourth seal is the "return" of the 12th Mahdi, the Biblical false prophet. I believe that Islam will follow after him and his signs and lying wonders. Once the antichrist is revealed he will direct their worship to him and Islam will become a force to be reckoned with around the world, carrying out the policies of the antichrist.

During this time of war and chaos, there will also be a push for peace and the world that doesn't understand what is going on will be more and more willing to give control to Europe through the EU and its global peacekeeping forces being developed legally. You should check out the video on the Lisbon Treaty if you haven't yet, it's pretty interesting and shows how global governance is removing national sovereignty and the voice of the people.

In America, power in the events of emergencies are being ceded to Europe as well as trade relations and international law dictating our policies. A "North American Army" made up of Canadian and American troops was recently signed into effect in the name of combating terrorism and helping in emergency situations. This is just a step on the road to the New World Order where all the globe is run by the dictates of international law being developed out of Europe in the name of peace and security.

All this is leading to the abomination of desolation and the beginning of great tribulation following the rebuilding of the temple. I mentioned the destruction of Damascus and the Magog Invasion already, which I believe will be the trigger that shifts the nation of Israel away from their current stance to one more like the time of the Maccabean revolt, which I believe will be repeated at the abomination of desolation causing one of the heads to be mortally wounded and triggering the genocide of the Jews in Judea. Revelation 13:3

This, I believe is the breaking of the fifth seal coinciding with the removal of the restrainer and the beginning of the time of Jacob's trouble.

This will lead to the sixth seal heralding the day of the Lord and the coming of God's wrath on the children of disobedience. Ephesians 5:1-8

This will also be the time of our catching up to meet the Lord in the air since His coming is with sudden destruction like the days of Noah and Lot, and we are promised to escape this time, Luke 21:34-36, and stand before the Son of man as depicted in Revelation 7:9-17. This is one of many reasons I believe the "harpazo" is pre-wrath and we meet the Lord as He comes with the sudden destruction we escape from to attend the marriage of the Lamb.

That is currently my understanding of the time from now through to the day of the Lord and our redemption prior to the wrath of God being poured out. For me, it is easier to see in chart form sometimes and so I have a web page of my main charts laying all this out with hyperlinks to the relevant pages built in.

The Scroll & Seven Seals

Before I get into the details, we must define what the seals are all about.

Revelation 5:1-10
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a scroll written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the scroll, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the scroll, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the scroll out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the scroll, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Commentary from Revelationcommentary.org on the scroll, seals and what they mean:
Book written inside and on the back - There are probably as many questions about this phrase as there are letters that compose it. However, the questions can be grouped under three headings: (a) function, (b) content, and (c) form. Of the three, function is the easiest question to answer.

a. Function: First, a sequential nature is established. With the seven seals, the author indicates the seals are opened one after another. This format will be repeated in relation to the trumpets and bowl judgments that follow. The book is built around these three sequences. Second, Christ, who is uniquely able to break the seven seals, is clearly established as a sovereign who executes the will of the One seated on the throne—God, the Father. The Father has willed that the Son oversees its execution. John 5:22, 27 and Acts 10:42 indicate that Jesus is Judge of all. This is the central purpose of the Revelation: to reveal the Son’s execution of the Father’s judgment against both the living and the dead. This naturally leads to the question of content.

b. Content: Once it is accepted that the seven seals are not a part of the contents of the scroll, but in fact are conditions to its opening, the reader is able to discern two things. First, John does not explicitly indicate what is contained in the scroll. However, with the breaking of the seventh and final seal, the first direct attack against the earth begins in the form of a trumpet judgment. That the trumpets are judgments of God will be detailed later. Second, since Revelation 8-20 contains the judgment of God against wickedness, the scroll must contain the eschatological judgment of God, else the contents of the scroll are never disclosed. This seems highly unlikely given the importance of the scroll indicated in Revelation 5. Ezekiel 2:9-10 speaks of a scroll similar to Revelation 5. Ezekiel’s scroll contained "lamentations, mourning, and woe." All three terms are associated with disaster. All three express deep grief on the part of the afflicted.

c. Form: The exact form of the scroll is debated. However, taken at face value several points are obvious. First, the basic book form during John’s time was the scroll. The fact that all seven seals were visible argues for a scroll. The fact that the contents of the scroll could not be known until it was opened argues for a rolled up scroll. There is no historical evidence of a sealed scroll within a sealed scroll.

Sealed up with seven seals - There is historical evidence of scrolls containing seven seals. In both the Jewish and Roman worlds, seven sealed scrolls were very common. Specifically, Roman law mandated that wills be validated by the seals of five or seven witnesses. Jewish magic also employed the motif of seven seals.

  • The Seven Sealed Scroll ValleyBible.net - The Greek word for book here is biblion which is not referring to a book as we know it today. It was a scroll. A scroll was made up of a long piece of papyrus or treated animal skin (parchment) and rolled up from both ends. Scrolls of those days averaged about 15 feet in length. John informs us that it had writing on both sides. "It was common in the first century for a person in authority to seal an important document so that its contents would remain secret. Roman law required a last will and testament to be sealed seven times, as illustrated in the wills of Caesar Augustus and Emperor Vespasian."215 "Such documents were sealed with wax or clay and could be opened only by a qualified person."216"This kind of contract was known all over the Middle East in ancient times and was used by the Romans from the time of Nero on. The full contract would be written on the inner pages and described briefly on the outside. All kinds of transactions were consummated this way, including marriage-contracts, rental and lease agreements, release of slaves, contract-bills, and bonds. Support comes also from Hebrew practices. The Hebrew document most closely resembling this scroll was a title-deed that was folded and signed, requiring at least three witnesses. A portion of the text would be written, folded over and sealed, with a different witness signing at each fold. A larger number of witnesses meant that more importance was assigned to the document."217 "The scroll John saw in god’s hand is the title deed to the earth which He will give to Christ. Unlike other such deeds, however, it does not record the descriptive detail of what Christ will inherit, but rather how He will regain His rightful inheritance. He will do so by means of the divine judgments about to be poured out on the earth (6:12ff.). Ezekiel describes this same scroll in his vision of heaven: ‘Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe" (Ezekiel 2:8-10)."218 "It reveals the judgments of God to be poured out on the earth, Christ’s Second Coming to rightfully inherit and implement the title deed of redemption to planet Earth, and His righteous rule in the Millennial Kingdom."219
The scroll cannot be opened without opening the seven seals that are on the scroll and only Yeshua (Jesus) is worthy to open the seals. I believe the reason it is so important is that the end cannot come until the scroll foretelling the end is read. I believe John wept because he understood that it must be opened to fulfill prophecy and the second coming of Christ to take the kingdoms. It highlights the importance of the Lamb, Yeshua.
 
What is on the scroll? Given the progression of events through Revelation from the seals to the trumpets to the bowls, I believe the scroll has written on it the events of the wrath of God, the 7 trumpets 7 thunders and 7 bowls, that will come upon the earth culminating like birth pangs closer and more intense toward the end. I believe scripture backs up this idea of the judgments of the seven trumpets and seven bowls being what is written on the scroll.
Ezekiel 2
And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Zechariah 5
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll [scroll]. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

I shared this progression at the top of this page from Revelation 8:1,2 where the seven angels are given seven trumpets only after the 7th seal is opened. There is also only ½ hour time from the 6th seal, where the terrified people of earth recognize God's wrath, until all the seals are opened and the scroll can be read. The trumpets and bowls are delivered from heaven upon the earth. They are outside of man's or Satan's control.

Why would God have to open the scroll to begin His judgments? I believe that just like this 7,000 years of history will be a testimony of God's immense love for all eternity, so too is the scroll a witness of God's being outside of created time such that before anything was begun, even His plan of salvation, the end was known, and the judgments written. All creation will recognize those judgments as just and glorify God. It will be yet another eternal proof of God's all-knowing presence.

Do the seals match the pre-signs Christ spoke of?

This idea was brought up by someone on a board, but I forgot to get the background links and now can't find them. I did modify the original version to fit what I've learned from my studies and add my personal impressions in this format. I don't know if this relation is valid, but it is very interesting and worth mentioning. If it is true, then it's an interesting side note. If it isn't true, then it's looking too deep into something that isn't there. Either way I don't believe this harms one's understanding. I mention it here in the interest of sharing what I've come across, which is what this whole website is about. Sharing information with fellow watchmen during the last days before Christ's return.
Christ speaking the Olivet discourse
Matthew 24:4-29
   John seeing the seals in a vision
Revelation 6:1-17; 8:1-6

Matthew 24:4-5
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

  

Revelation 6:1-2
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Matthew 24:6-7a
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:		   Revelation 6:3-4
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Matthew 24:7b-8
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.		   Revelation 6:5-6
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Matthew 24:9-14
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.		   Revelation 6:7-8
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
[The end is from the great tribulation to Christ's return and begins at the abomination of desolation.]   [The end is from the great tribulation to Christ's return and begins at the abomination of desolation.]

Matthew 24:15-28
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

   Revelation 6:9-11
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

[These fellowservants are those who will be killed before the harpazo of the bride of Christ. When the harpazo happens, all the dead in Christ rise first and then we who are alive and remain join them to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This is the harpazo of the bride of Christ.

As Christians, we should not be deceived by false Christs who come with signs and wonders because we know how the True Christ, Yeshua will come and how we will meet Him. We don't need to go anywhere because we will have a personal relationship with Him and He will do the calling of us up to Him at the harpazo. All we need to do is watch, pray, and share the love of God with those around us waiting for that blessed hope to save us from the wrath to come.]
Matthew 24:29a
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven,		   Revelation 6:12-17
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 8:1
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
[The day of the Lord comes as a destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 13:6-13 It also comes after the sixth seal according to Joel 2:31 This is the time we are told comes like a thief in the night, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, and is likened to the days of Noah and Lot. This is also describing the coming of the Son of man. Matthew 24:37-39 I don't believe this is an accident and so I believe it is at this time of the day of the Lord and His wrath, that Christ comes to harpazo His bride. But since we're not appointed to God's wrath, our escape will be in His catching away of His bride to Himself and the marriage of the Lamb. Luke 21:34-36 | Revelation 19:7,8]   [God's wrath comes after the seals are completed. Does the fact that the people of earth recognize God's coming wrath at the sixth seal mean His wrath comes before the seals are done? The seventh seal is just ½ hour of silence in heaven so this is still valid because ½ hour could mean that the trumpets blow that same day. This is the day of the Lord, which comes as a destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 13:6-13 We're told that it comes like the days of Noah and that is when the Son of man comes. Matthew 24:37-39]
Matthew 24:29b
and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

[This one phrase covers the entire scope of the wrath of God, which Christ didn't go into detail about at that time. The detail was given to John through visions which he wrote down in the book of Revelation regarding the 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, and 7 bowls discussed in this page.]

  
Revelation 8:2-6
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 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. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 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. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
So the seals that are broken by Christ off of the double-sided scroll that has the judgments of God written on them are completed before God's wrath comes. The trumpets, thunders, and bowls in Revelation 8 through Revelation 16 contain the details of the coming judgments which Christ did not go into in the Olivet discourse. When Christ described the end, He just used the term "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:"
Isaiah 13:6-13
Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
If you do a search on the word "shaken" through the entire Bible, you will see it shows up 22 times in 21 verses and in 7 mentions, it is suggestive of wrath or judgment of some kind.

I believe this shows the same progression that Christ spoke of in the lead-up to the abomination of desolation, the beginning of the last 3½ years of the end leading to the 1,000 year millennium. So the seven seals' purpose is to seal the scroll written on both sides, which contains the judgments of the earth, the seven trumpets, seven thunders, and seven bowls. With this understanding, let us examine what the seals, trumpets, and bowls represent and what their breaking, blowing, and pouring will bring to pass.

Seal 1 (White horse)

Revelation 6:1,2
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

  • Rider has a bowG5115 (from base G5088; a bow (apparently as the simplest fabric): - bow.
    [G5088 is: to produce (from seed) literal or figurative: bear, to be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail])
  • A crownG4735 (as a badge of royalty) is given to him.
  • He spreads out conquering victoriously overcoming his enemies.

Possible interpretation?

European Neighborhood Policy

Solana Links Mideast Peace to Euro-Med Partnership Fulfilled Prophecy (November 5,6, 2007)

I believe the base word for "bow" in the Greek gives us greater insight into what is being said here. I believe the antichrist brings forth a deal, the "covenant with many" (Daniel 9:27 - Is this the ENPI beginning January 1, 2007?) that works so well that all the kings give him their power. He goes out victoriously overcoming his enemies, the terrorists and those viewed as terrorists. In other words, this would be the antichrist producing an apparent peace covenant that has the affect of stopping terrorism, which leads the world to give him a crown. Revelation 13:1-10

Daniel 8:25
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace [H7962-quietness, ease, prosperity] shall destroy [H7843-to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay] many he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
The above was written about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, in my opinion. However, the same spirit of antichrist is behind the future man of sin. I believe this tells of the coming war on religious fundamentalism. While spouting the reason being peace and security in the world, the leaders (and specifically the antichrist) will wage a war on fundamentalism in the name of peace. In this way he will destroy the fundamentalists and also corrupt his followers. Everyone will be behind him because they will buy into the concept. I think the Alliance of Civilizations will play a part. It isn't until after the abomination of desolation that the war really turns ugly though. Because that's when the gloves come off and Lucifer gives his power to the beast.
  • Madrid: Fifteen Years Later Herb L. Peters (January 12, 2007) - What follows is a speech given at the recent Madrid+15 Conference. If you read carefully, and if you understand the underlying political mechanisms and realities, you will find all the necessary elements in place for the beginning of Daniel's 70th week. And, you will hear it coming from someone other than me. In fact, you will actually hear it coming from a primary source. What we have is a formally signed, legally binding covenant with many -- the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership for Peace (Euromed) -- that was established between the EU and Israel in November 20, 1995. Israel's Euromed Association Agreement entered into force on June 1, 2000, only four days before the 10-nation Western European Union's adoption of Recommendation 666. Israel's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan was adopted April 11, 2004. Although not legally binding, Israel's continuing cooperation to her ENP Action Plan is the basis for future continuing participation in all ENP benefits. As of January 1, 2007, the "New" ENP began and will span a seven-year period. At the EU's December European Council, the EU's Javier Solana, the author of both the Euromed and the ENP, received his unofficial seat within the Commission to oversee the ENP. At the same summit, Solana was given his official EU mandate to carry the Middle East peace process foreword. As of January 1, the New ENP has greatly increased benefits for all participating Mediterranean partners. But, it also has substantially increased political requirements -- one of which is to make peace with fellow Euromed partners. Included in this mix is the UN's new Alliance of Civilizations (AoC). The AoC provides the forum whereby the so-called "dialogue of cultures and civilizations" can be performed. If approved by the Security Council, the AoC will also provide a vehicle from where a religious war, exactly as the one foretold in Bible prophecy, can be -- as of 2010 -- effectively waged. As you read the speech that follows, please consider all the things, since way back in February 2002, that I've been reporting and saying. -Herb more... | EU/UN | NewWorldOrder |

This can be seen mirrored in God's covenant with a bow.

Genesis 9:13
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

  • God sets His bowH7198 in the clouds (From H7185 in the original sense (of H6983) of bending; a bow, for shooting (hence figuratively strength) or the iris: - X arch (-er), + arrow, bow ([-man, -shot]) [H7185 is: to be dense, i.e. tough or severe (in various applications):--be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked))] [H6983 is: to bend; used only as denominative for 3369, to set a trap:--lay a snare.])
What's interesting about this current time and this rider given a crown is how the world is at a loss with what to do with the Middle East. World leaders are talking peace and security, using the same words Bible prophecy does. And it all centers around Israel and her land. This is because of Islam's terrorists, spurred on by their prophet's writings. And on a darker revelation of the New World Order and those secret societies behind it, we see that this was all part of the plan to bring the world to accept a future leader who will provide the peace and security the world desires.

Javier Solana's "New International Order" Fulfilled Prophecy (September 22, 2007)

I found Bush's choice of words (as well as many leaders in the world trying to "solve" the Middle East problem) interesting. The goal right now for the whole world is to see peace and security with Israel and "Palestine."

Excerpt from President Bush's state of the union address 1-23-07: The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Iran, and made it clear that the world will not allow the regime in Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. (Applause.) With the other members of the Quartet -- the U.N., the European Union, and Russia -- we're pursuing diplomacy to help bring peace to the Holy Land, and pursuing the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security. (Applause.)

Nobody will be expecting the wrath of God when it comes except those who are watching and praying.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety [G803 -security]; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

There are two groups spoken of here.

  1. They (non-believers)
  2. Brethren (believers)
Group 1 will have no idea what's coming until the sudden destruction arrives and they won't escape it.
Group 2 won't be in darkness as to this time that comes like a thief. We also know from other scriptures that we will escape it. Luke 21:34-36 In other words, believers will have an idea it's coming. This tells us that believers are here for this time just before the sudden destruction, but will escape the actual destruction.
  • Comet McNaught & The First Seal by 1whowaits - Comet McNaught would appear to possibly be some type of sign. It is being described as the brightest comet in the past 30 years and it may possibly be the brightest in all recorded history. A bright comet coming at this particular time is intriguing in what it might signify, considering the events in Israel and the EU. One such constellation is that of Sagittarius, the archer. Sagittarius is pictured in pagan signs as a half-man, half horse figure with a bow. It is believed the original representation of the constellation of Sagittarius was that of a man riding a horse and carrying a bow. The description and location of Sagittarius is more completely described in the July 2006 newsletter of Biblical astronomy. This has led some to associate the constellation Sagittarius with the passage of Rev. 6 and the opening of the first seal- 'I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.' This association with the constellation Sagittarius and the rider of the first seal was made by Bullinger in his book 'The witness of the stars', which was published in 1890's, I believe. And Sagittarius is pictured as described in Rev. on a horse, with a bow and a crown (which has fallen- pictured as another smaller constellation).
  • Update on Comets Hale-Bopp and McNaught Daniel Matson Newsletter Jesus2006.org (July 8, 2007) - Comet Hale-Bopp has always been fascinating. Personally its timing is easy to remember since our first child was born at this time and I remember the evening walks clearly seeing Hale-Bopp in the north. I also remember watching the lunar eclipse on Purim of 1997 and seeing Mars right next to the moon with Hale-Bopp ever present. Something seemed significant, but that would come later. It would not be until 2003 when the research into the comets would continue. Up until that time, the only Christian researcher who had touched the issue (that I saw) was Avi Ben Mordechai. In his book, Signs in the Heavens, He mentioned the peculiarities of Comet Shoemaker-Levy that hit Jupiter on the 9th of Av with 21 pieces in 1994. Since the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av is the 21 days of mourning, there seemed to be a connection. In 2003 while working on Signs of the End, it was noted how the 9th of Av 2014 seemed to be a key time according to the layout of Daniel 8 with the vision of 2300 evenings and mornings. This put Shoemaker-Levy at 20 years prior to 2014. This also seemed to parallel the conclusion that Hale-Bopp in 1997 preceded the end of Daniel's 70th Week by 20 years as well. Further research in 2003 led to the peculiarity of Comets Hyakutake (1996) and Hale-Bopp (1997). A map of their paths showed an intersection at the star of Algol. Algol is considered the unluckiest star and is found in the decapitated head of Medusa (it means trodden underfoot--the head of Satan) held by Peres (meaning the breaker of the imprisoned--Christ). The comets crossed this star at right angles on April 11th one year apart. According to the research put into Signs of the End, April 11th was a very significant day. Passover will sometimes land on this day and it did in the 20th Century only on these dates: 1914 (WW1), 1933 (Hitler's anti-Semitic laws passed this very day), and 1998 (Israel's 50th). The next occurrence is 2017. Also, if Christ died in 32 AD according to the model of Sir Robert Anderson, then the most significant Passover was also on April 11th. Incidentally, Hyakutake, the Japanese discoverer of the comet named after him, died on April 10th. This then brings us to 2007. At the beginning of July, an article from Jim Harman was sent showing how Noah likely saw Hale-Bopp 120 years before the Flood. By doing the math, the scientists figured out that it was 4,465 years prior to 1997 that Hale-Bopp also appeared to those on Earth (please see his pdf file). This puts it at 2469 BC and exactly where a biblical chronology would place the 120 year warning before the Flood in 2349 BC. This was very striking and immediately it was wondered if Hale-Bopp being ten years ago, might have a similar warning using 120. Years were ruled out since the generation principle requires fulfillment by 2017 (100 years from 1917 and within 70 years from 1948). However, with a year having twelve months, it meant that 2007 had seen 120 months since 1997. However, our Roman months are incorrect since the lunar month is 29.5 days. Looking for a common sense measuring point, it was found that Hale-Bopp crossed the plane of the earth's orbit on May 6, 1997. To therefore continue 120 lunar months (120 x 29.5) from that point would mean a total of 3,540 days. This would bring us to January 14, 2007. Interestingly, a comet was also crossing the plane of the earth's orbit on January 14, 2007--Comet McNaught. Comet McNaught was even seen during daylight at this very time. So then, what does Comet McNaught now warn us? What about 120 days? One hundred and twenty days from January 14, 2007 is May 14, 2007. This was Israel's 59th anniversary and the day more attacks began on the tiny nation. Interestingly enough, if one adds another 120 days from May 14th, one will come to September 11th. However, there may be even more to this. A lunar month is more accurately represented by 29.5306 days. This adds a completed three days to the calculation of 3,540 days. This correction would bring the 120 months to January 17, 2007 and about the time tail could last be seen in the Northern Hemisphere. From this time it is 120 days to Ascension Day--May 17, 2007. This is of course day 40 after Resurrection Sunday. Going another 120 days from Ascension Day 2007 will come to September 14, 2007. This appears to be the likely day witnesses in Israel will be able to see the New Moon to usher in the Feast of Trumpets. And according to 1 Corinthians 15, the harpazo occurs at "The Last Trumpet"--a Jewish reference to the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets until the Day of Atonement is known as the Days of Awe, a period of ten days. It is at this time that the mighty works of God will be seen according to Jewish understanding. If the harpazo is this year with the Second Coming in 2017, then from Trumpets 2007 to Atonement 2017 would result in a year for each day. This then would still have the 70th Week beginning in 2010. Is there any significance then to the Fast of Gedaliah occurring on day three of the ten? Will Israel at this time seek God's protection or the "peace of Egypt"? Unfortunately the answer is known, but God will be victorious in the end with His people. In all of the research and moving on with the numbers and coincidences, it does appear that Trumpets/Rosh Hashanah 2007 may be a key day to watch. Will it be the harpazo of the Church? Surely it is a day to be ready for with all fear. It cannot hurt to do this in the least. Why is it deemed wrong to prepare and seek to serve the Lord better and anticipate His return for His Bride? There must be something to all of this, and if the day does pass, surely God's plan will in the end make complete sense. Tisha B'Av 2014 is August 5, 2014. 2300 days before that is April 18, 2008. Still researching...

Seal 2 (Red G4450 [flame-colored] Horse)

Revelation 6:3,4
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Rider is allowed to take peace G1515 (implied prosperity; rest or quietness) from the earth.

This also initiates them [people] to kill G4969 each other (butcher: especially an animal for food or sacrifice) Implied amongst themselves, not an outside force killing them.

Was given the rider a great G3173 sword G3162

(great - loud, mighty, strong)
(sword - [possibly derivative of G3163: battle, figurative: controversy] figurative: war, judicial punishment

Possible interpretation?

Yeshua is the one who breaks the seal. The first seal was a rider with a token of a covenant going forth conquering. If this is representative of the current international cooperation to bring peace in the Middle East and uniting in the war on terror, then the second seal would be an interruption in the peace and reason to further the removal of freedoms in the name of peace and security. Could the destruction of Damascus triggering the Gog/Magog invasion and possible global terrorist attacks be the peace taken from the earth?

America's border has been open for some time now allowing unchecked access in an area run by drug lords. How many of these unchecked people from anywhere in the world could have already entered into the nation with destructive intentions? Islam is known for its use of the sword and so I tend to believe they will react against their enemies, the "great Satan and little Satan" (US and Israel), with terrorism and the Magog invasion respectively. Israel will be protected from the invaders, America and the West I'm not so sure about. I believe humanity's enemy is behind both sides of this war, provoking each other to bring the chaos from which the blind will seek salvation from. I question the leaving open of our border given the supposed heightened concern for security from terrorists and considering what I've learned of the history of America's leadership, the possible reasons become much more clear. Is this all part of the plan to conquer in the name of peace and security?

Emergency powers have been given to our President as well as Mr. Europe. Could this taking away of peace be the means to tighten security in ways like national ID? National ID? How about a global ID? Info World (August 10, 2007) "Papers please." How quickly could this turn into the mark of the beast? With tattoo ink RFID and readers becoming a part of daily commerce, could it really be that close? And could identity thieves and emergencies and disasters mixed with economic collapse bring us to this cashless society suddenly?

Surging inflation will stoke riots and conflict between nations, says report Guardian UK (May 23, 2008) - Riots, protests and political unrest could multiply in the developing world as soaring inflation widens the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots", an investment bank predicted yesterday. Economists at Merrill Lynch view inflation as an "accident waiting to happen". As prices for food and commodities surge, the bank expects global inflation to rise from 3.5% to 4.9% this year. In emerging markets, the average rate is to be 7.3%. The cost of food and fuel has already been cited as a factor leading to violence in Haiti, protests by Argentinian farmers and riots in sub-Saharan Africa, including attacks on immigrants in South African townships. Merrill's chief international economist, Alex Patelis, said this could be the tip of the iceberg, warning of more trouble "between nations and within nations" as people struggle to pay for everyday goods. "Inflation has distributional effects. If everyone's income moved by the same rate, you wouldn't care - but it doesn't," said Patelis. "You have pensioners on fixed pensions. Some people produce rice that triples in price, while others consume it." A report by Merrill urges governments to crack down on inflation, describing the phenomenon as the primary driver of macroeconomic trends. The problem has emerged from poor food harvests, sluggish supplies of energy and soaring demand in rapidly industrialising countries such as China, where wage inflation has reached 18%. Unless policymakers take action to dampen prices and wages, Merrill says sudden shortages could become more frequent. The bank cited power cuts in South Africa and a run on rice in Californian supermarkets as recent examples. "You're going to see tension between nations and within nations," said Patelis. The UN recently set up a taskforce to examine food shortages and price rises. It has expressed alarm that its world food programme is struggling to pay for food for those most at need. Last month, the World Bank's president, Robert Zoellick, suggested that 33 countries could erupt in social unrest following a rise of as much as 80% in food prices over three years. Merrill's report said the credit crunch has contributed to a global re-balancing, drawing to a close an era in which American consumers have been the primary drivers of the world's economy. In a gloomy set of forecasts, Merrill said it believes the US is in a recession - and that American house prices, which are among the root causes of the downturn, could fall by 15% over the next 18 months. more...
| Economic Crisis |

Tensions rise in Colombia-Ecuador-Venezuela dispute Breitbart.com (March 5, 2008) - The crisis gripping South America took a step closer to open conflict Wednesday, with Venezuela saying 10 batallions were now on the Colombian border, and Ecuador warning "ultimate consequences" could ensue. more...

Seal 3 (Black Horse)

Revelation 6:5,6
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

Rider has pair of balancesG2218 in his hand. (to join [especially by "yoke"], coupling, servitude [a law or obligation] literally: the beam of the balance [connecting the scales])

A voice from the midst of the four beasts at the throne in heaven says:
measure of wheat for a penny, three measures of barley for a penny; and hurt not the oil and the wine.

Possible interpretation?

A time of financial ruin around the world where oil (fuel?) and intoxicating wine (selfish pleasure) dominate the thoughts and desires of the populous? Norm Franz goes into this perspective in the Ancient of Days UFO & Bible Prophecy DVD (Disc 2 of 2). His presentation is called, Iron Mountain, Globalism, & Economics of the New World Order. His position is that the third seal is a world-wide economic collapse that creates a world of indentured slaves to the bankers that they can't pay back. He believes the antichrist may offer a relieving of all debts in exchange for taking his mark and becoming part of his governmental system by taking the mark of the beast. Read some news stories related to this view here. A crippling terrorist attack in the already unstable global financial situation could prepare the way for the mark of the beast cashless system.

Revelation 14:9-11
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

AND/OR

We could also see a coming world-wide famine resulting from the combined economic collapse and some interesting stories that could lead to famine.

  • 08/08/08 WWIII Video

  • Food crisis looms in East Africa BBC News (July 22, 2008) - More than 14 million people in the Horn of Africa need food aid because of drought and rocketing food and fuel prices, the United Nations has warned. The UN World Food Programme says it urgently needs $400m (£200m) to prevent starvation in the east African region. Ethiopia is worst hit, with 10 million people - some 12% of the population - in need of extra food supplies. more...

  • World Bank: Biofuels lift food prices 75 percent C|net News (July 7, 2008) - Demand for biofuels in Europe and the United States has forced up food prices 75 percent around the world, according to a World Bank report that was leaked and published in The Guardian newspaper on Friday. The number stands in sharp contrast to the 3 percent contribution to higher food pricing estimated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, a study commissioned by food manufacturers pegs the contribution of biofuels on food prices at between 25 percent and 35 percent. (Click here for PDF). more...

  • The Truth About Ethanol Steve Quayle (June 26, 2008) - OPEC sells oil for $135.00 a barrel. OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $8.00 a bushel. Solution: Sell grain for $135.00 a bushel. Can't buy it? Tough! Eat your oil! (See image at link.)

  • 2008 ICA McAlvany Report Don McAlvany - This is a video series on YouTube that I've placed together in order on the page linked above covering the current financial situation and its controlled nature. I recommend watching it for a better idea of what is going on in detail.

  • Rising Prices: Food Slammed on all Sides Steve Quayle (April 30, 2008) - An image showing the cause and effects of several factors contributing to current global food shortages.

  • Honey Bees, Ethanol, Morgellons & Strange Lights Coast To Coast AM (April 24, 2008) - Listen to a clip from the interview with Linda Moulton Howe regarding decreasing bee population and ethanol problems relating to food shortages.

  • Across globe, hunger brings rising anger International Herald Tribune (April 18, 2008) - Hunger bashed in the front gate of Haiti's presidential palace. Hunger poured onto the streets, burning tires and taking on soldiers and the police. Hunger sent the country's prime minister packing. Haiti's hunger, that burn in the belly that so many here feel, has become fiercer than ever in recent days as global food prices spiral out of reach, spiking as much as 45 percent since the end of 2006 and turning Haitian staples like beans, corn and rice into closely guarded treasures. Saint Louis Meriska's children ate two spoonfuls of rice apiece as their only meal recently and then went without any food the following day. His eyes downcast, his own stomach empty, the unemployed father said forlornly, "They look at me and say, 'Papa, I'm hungry,' and I have to look away. It's humiliating and it makes you angry." That anger is palpable across the globe. The food crisis is not only being felt among the poor but is also eroding the gains of the working and middle classes, sowing volatile levels of discontent and putting new pressures on fragile governments.

  • Bees 'killed by mobile phone signals' Telegraph UK (April 16, 2008) - An unusually high number of honey bee deaths in Britain this year may be caused by radiation from mobile phone signals, say experts. British beekeepers have called for further research following the release of a German study showing that radiation can interfere with bees' navigation systems. In some cases, 70 per cent of bees exposed to radiation failed to find their way back to the hive after searching for pollen and nectar, according to the research by Landau University. The researchers placed cordless-phone docking units, which emit electromagnetic radiation, into bee hives. Bee experts are struggling to determine the cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD), a mystery condition in which bees suddenly abandon their hives and disappear to die. In America, 24 states are affected and losses of 50 to 90 per cent of colonies have been recorded. CCD recently spread to Poland, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal and last week some keepers in Britain reported losses exceeding the 10 per cent of colonies that usually die during winter. John Chapple, one of London's foremost beekeepers, said 30 of his 40 hives were empty and that other hives around London had lost up to 75 per cent of their bees. If CCD does take hold in Britain it could have far-reaching implications for farming, as bees pollinate millions of hectares of fruit trees and crops. The pollination is worth £200 million to Britain's farmers each year. The total contribution by bees to the economy is worth up to £1 billion. Brian Dennis, of the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeding Association, said: "There is so much being said about CCD in America and [radiation] hasn't been mentioned. "Until someone does a large study, it is hard to be sure."

  • EU defends biofuel goals amid food crises AFP (April 14, 2008) - The EU Commission on Monday rejected claims that producing biofuels is a "crime against humanity" that threatens food supplies, and vowed to stick to its goals as part of a climate change package. "There is no question for now of suspending the target fixed for biofuels," said Barbara Helfferich, spokeswoman for EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. "You can't change a political objective without risking a debate on all the other objectives," which could see the EU landmark climate change and energy package disintegrate, an EU official said. Their comments came amid growing unease over the planting of biofuel crops as food prices rocket and riots against poverty and hunger multiply worldwide. UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Food Jean Ziegler told German radio Monday that the production of biofuels is "a crime against humanity" because of its impact on global food prices. EU leaders, seeking to show the way on global warming, have pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent by 2020. As part of a package of measures the 27 member states have set a target of biofuels making up 10 percent of automobile fuel by the same year. "We don't have an enormous danger of too much of a shift from food production to biofuels production," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel. Mann, like Helfferich speaking to reporters in Brussels, stressed that the 10 percent target would in part be achieved through higher yields and increased production. Ziegler also accused the European Union of subsidising its agriculture exports with effect of undermining production in Africa. "The EU finances the exports of European agricultural surpluses to Africa ... where they are offered at one half or one third of their (production) price," the UN official charged. "That completely ruins African agriculture," he added. In recent months, rising food costs have sparked violent protests in Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritania, the Philippines and other countries. In Pakistan and Thailand, troops have been deployed to avoid the seizure of food from fields and warehouses, while price increases fuelled a general strike in Burkina Faso. The European Environment Agency, advisors to the European Commission, on Friday recommended that the EU suspend its 10 percent biofuels target. more...

  • Food price rises threaten global security - UN Guardian UK (April 9, 2008) - Rising food prices could spark worldwide unrest and threaten political stability, the UN's top humanitarian official warned yesterday after two days of rioting in Egypt over the doubling of prices of basic foods in a year and protests in other parts of the world. Sir John Holmes, undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and the UN's emergency relief coordinator, told a conference in Dubai that escalating prices would trigger protests and riots in vulnerable nations. He said food scarcity and soaring fuel prices would compound the damaging effects of global warming. Prices have risen 40% on average globally since last summer. "The security implications [of the food crisis] should also not be underestimated as food riots are already being reported across the globe," Holmes said. "Current food price trends are likely to increase sharply both the incidence and depth of food insecurity." He added that the biggest challenge to humanitarian work is climate change, which has doubled the number of disasters from an average of 200 a year to 400 a year in the past two decades. more...

  • Rice Jumps to Record on Philippine Imports, Curbs on Exports Bloomberg (April 8, 2008) - Rice climbed to a record for a fourth day as the Philippines, the biggest importer, announced plans to buy 1 million tons and some of the world's largest exporters cut sales to ensure they can feed their own people. Rice, the staple food for half the world, rose as much as 2.9 percent to $21.60 per 100 pounds in Chicago, before paring gains. The price has doubled in the past year. Philippine President Gloria Arroyo announced two rice tenders today and pledged to crack down on hoarding. Anyone found guilty of "stealing rice from the people'' will be jailed, she said. "We're in for a tough time,'' Roland Jansen, chief executive officer of Pfaffikon, Switzerland-based Mother Earth Investments AG, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television from Zurich today. Unless prices decline, "you will have huge problems of daily nutrition for half the planet.'' Mother Earth holds about 4 percent of its $100 million funds in the grain. China, Egypt, Vietnam and India, accounting for more than a third of global rice exports, curbed sales this year to protect domestic stockpiles. The World Bank in Washington says 33 nations from Mexico to Yemen may face ``social unrest'' after food and energy costs increased for six consecutive years. The Philippines, which imports about 15 percent of its rice, is tightening controls over domestic sales and buying more overseas. The government's rice tenders are in April and May. "I am leading the charge'' against any officials and businessmen who divert supplies or distort the price of the staple food, Arroyo said in a televised speech today. "The need to avert social tensions from high food prices'' has made "food sufficiency even more urgent,'' Abah Ofon, a soft-commodities analyst with Standard Chartered Plc, said in a report yesterday. Food importers may not be able to meet their needs because of the export limits, Dubai-based Ofon said. more...

  • 'Silent' famine sweeps globe WorldNet Daily (April 1, 2008) - Rice, fertilizer shortages, food costs, higher energy prices equal world crisis. From India to Africa to North Korea to Pakistan and even in New York City, higher grain prices, fertilizer shortages and rising energy costs are combining to spell hunger for millions in what is being characterized as a global "silent famine." Global food prices, based on United Nations records, rose 35 percent in the last year, escalating a trend that began in 2002. Since then, prices have risen 65 percent. Last year, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's world food index, dairy prices rose nearly 80 percent and grain 42 percent. "This is the new face of hunger," said Josetta Sheeran, director of the World Food Program, launching an appeal for an extra $500 million so it could continue supplying food aid to 73 million hungry people this year. "People are simply being priced out of food markets. ... We have never before had a situation where aggressive rises in food prices keep pricing our operations out of our reach." The WFP launched a public appeal weeks ago because the price of the food it buys to feed some of the world's poorest people had risen by 55 percent since last June. By the time the appeal began last week, prices had risen a further 20 percent. That means WFP needs $700 million to bridge the gap between last year's budget and this year's prices. The numbers are expected to continue to rise. The crisis is widespread and the result of numerous causes – a kind of "perfect storm" leading to panic in many places:

    • In Thailand, farmers are sleeping in their fields because thieves are stealing rice, now worth $600 a ton, right out of the paddies.
    • Four people were killed in Egypt in riots over subsidized flour that was being sold for profit on the black market.
    • There have been food riots in Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon.
    • Mexico's government is considering lifting a ban on genetically modified crops, to allow its farmers to compete with the United States.
    • Argentina, Kazakhstan and China have imposed restrictions to limit grain exports and keep more of their food at home.
    • Vietnam and India, both major rice exporters, have announced further restrictions on overseas sales.
    • Violent food protests hit Burkina Faso in February.
    • Protesters rallied in Indonesia recently, and media reported deaths by starvation.
    • In the Philippines, fast-food chains were urged to cut rice portions to counter a surge in prices.
    • Millions of people in India face starvation after a plague of rats overruns a region, as they do cyclically every 50 years.
    • Officials in Bangladesh warn of an emerging "silent famine" that threatens to ravage the region.

    According to some experts, the worst damage is being done by government mandates and subsidies for "biofuels" that supposedly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and fight climate change. Thirty percent of this year's U.S. grain harvest will go to ethanol distilleries. The European Union, meanwhile, has set a goal of 10 percent bio-fuels for all transportation needs by 2010. "A huge amount of the world's farmland is being diverted to feed cars, not people," writes Gwynne Dyer, a London-based independent journalist. He notes that in six of the past seven years the human race has consumed more grain than it grew. World grain reserves last year were only 57 days, down from 180 days a decade ago. One in four bushels of corn from this year's U.S. crop will be diverted to make ethanol, according to estimates. "Turning food into fuel for cars is a major mistake on many fronts," said Janet Larsen, director of research at the Earth Policy Institute, an environmental group based in Washington. "One, we're already seeing higher food prices in the American supermarket. Two, perhaps more serious from a global perspective, we're seeing higher food prices in developing countries where it's escalated as far as people rioting in the streets." Palm oil is also at record prices because of biofuel demands. This has created shortages in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is a staple. more...

  • Food shortages loom as wheat crop shrinks and prices rise Times Online (February 24, 2008) - The world is only ten weeks away from running out of wheat supplies after stocks fell to their lowest levels for 50 years. The crisis has pushed prices to an all-time high and could lead to further hikes in the price of bread, beer, biscuits and other basic foods. It could also exacerbate serious food shortages in developing countries especially in Africa. The crisis comes after two successive years of disastrous wheat harvests, which saw production fall from 624m to 600m tonnes, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Experts blame climate change as heatwaves caused a slump in harvests last year in eastern Europe, Canada, Morocco and Australia, all big wheat producers. Booming populations and a switch to a meat-rich diet in the developing world also mean that about 110m tons of the world’s annual wheat crop is being diverted to feed livestock. Short term pressures have compounded the problem. Speculative buying by investors gambling on further price rises has further pushed up prices. Though shortages are often blamed on the use of land for biofuel crops, the main biofuel cereal crop is maize, not wheat. Farmers have brought millions of acres of fallow land into production and the FAO predicts that the shortages could be eliminated within 12 months.
  • World food stocks dwindling rapidly, UN warns International Herald Tribune (December 18, 2007) - In an "unforeseen and unprecedented" shift, the world food supply is dwindling rapidly and food prices are soaring to historic levels, the top food and agriculture official of the United Nations warned Monday. The changes created "a very serious risk that fewer people will be able to get food," particularly in the developing world, said Jacques Diouf, head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
  • Global food crisis looms as climate change and fuel shortages bite Guardian Unlimited (November 3, 2007) - Empty shelves in Caracas. Food riots in West Bengal and Mexico. Warnings of hunger in Jamaica, Nepal, the Philippines and sub-Saharan Africa. Soaring prices for basic foods are beginning to lead to political instability, with governments being forced to step in to artificially control the cost of bread, maize, rice and dairy products. Record world prices for most staple foods have led to 18% food price inflation in China, 13% in Indonesia and Pakistan, and 10% or more in Latin America, Russia and India, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Wheat has doubled in price, maize is nearly 50% higher than a year ago and rice is 20% more expensive, says the UN. Next week the FAO is expected to say that global food reserves are at their lowest in 25 years and that prices will remain high for years.
  • Wheat prices reach record level BBC News (August 24, 2007) - Wheat prices have hit record highs on global commodity markets, bringing the threat of rising bread prices. Bad weather in key grain growing areas such as Canada and parts of Europe has limited supplies as de