A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 8

And when he opened (κα οταν ηνοιξεν). Here modal αν is used with οτε (used about the opening of the preceding six seals), but οταν is not here rendered more indefinite, as is sometimes true (Revelation 4:9), but here and possibly (can be repetition) in Mr 11:19 it is a particular instance, not a general rule (Robertson, Grammar, p. 973).

There followed a silence (εγενετο σιγη). Second aorist middle of γινομα. "There came silence." Dramatic effect by this profound stillness with no elder or angel speaking, no chorus of praise nor cry of adoration, no thunder from the throne (Swete), but a temporary cessation in the revelations. See 10:4.

About the space of half an hour (ως ημιωρον). Late and rare word (ημ, half, ωρα, hour), here only in N.T. Accusative of extent of time.

Stand (εστηκασιν). Perfect active of ιστημ (intransitive). Another "hebdomad" so frequent in the Apocalypse. The article (the seven angels) seems to point to seven well-known angels. In Enoch 20:7 the names of seven archangels are given (Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, Remiel) and "angels of the Presence" is an idea like that in Isa 63:9. We do not know precisely what is John's idea here.

Seven trumpets (επτα σαλπιγγες). We see trumpets assigned to angels in Mt 24:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 4:1,4. See also the use of trumpets in Jos 6:13; Joel 2:1. These seven trumpets are soon to break the half hour of silence. Thus the seven trumpets grow out of the opening of the seventh seal, however that fact is to be interpreted.

Another angel (αλλος αγγελος). Not one of the seven of verse 2 and before they began to sound the trumpets. This preliminary incident of the offering of incense on the altar covers verses 3-6.

Stood (εσταθη). Ingressive first aorist passive of ιστημ (intransitive), "took his place."

Over the altar (επ του θυσιαστηριου). See 6:9 for the word for the burnt-offering, here apparently the altar of incense (clearly so in Lu 1:11), but it is not clear that in apocalyptic the distinction between the two altars of the tabernacle and temple is preserved. Aleph C Q have the genitive, while A P have the accusative επ το θυσιαστηριον.

A golden censer (λιβανωτον χρυσουν). Old word for frankincense (from λιβανος, Matthew 2:11; Revelation 18:13), but here alone in N.T. and for censer, as is plain by the use of χρυσουν (golden) with it. Cf. 1 Kings 7:50.

Much incense (θυμιαματα πολλα). See 5:8 for θυμιαμα (the aromatic substance burnt, also in 18:13), but here for the live coals on which the incense falls.

That he should add (ινα δωσε). Sub-final clause (subject of εδοθη, was given, singular because θυμιαματα neuter plural) with ινα and the future active indicative of διδωμ, to give, instead of δω, the second aorist subjunctive.

Unto the prayers (ταις προσευχαις). Dative case. In 5:18 the θυμιαματα are the prayers.

Upon the golden altar (επ το θυσιαστηριον το χρυσουν το). Accusative case here, not genitive as above, and apparently the altar of incense as indicated by the word golden (Exodus 30:1ff.; Leviticus 4:17). Note triple article here το (once before the substantive, once before the adjective, once before the adjunct "the one before the throne").

The smoke (ο καπνος). Old word, in N.T. only Ac 2:19; Revelation 8:4; 9:2f., 17f.; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9,18; 19:3. Here from the incense in the angel's hand.

With the prayers (ταις προσευχαις). So associative-instrumental case, but it may be dative as in verse 3 (for).

Taketh (ειληφεν). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of λαμβανω as in 5:7, "has taken." The angel had apparently ]aid aside the censer. Hardly merely the pleonastic use of λαμβανω (John 19:23). John pictures the scene for us.

Filled (εγεμισεν). He drops back to the narrative use of the first aorist active indicative of γεμιζω.

With the fire (εκ του πυρος), live coals from the altar (cf. Isaiah 6:6).

Cast (εβαλεν). Second aorist active indicative of βαλλω. See Ge 19:24 (Sodom); Ezekiel 10:2 and Christ's bold metaphor in Lu 12:49. See this use of βαλλω also in Re 8:7; 12:4,9,13; 14:19.

Followed (εγενοντο). Came to pass naturally after the casting of fire on the earth. Same three elements in 4:5, but in different order (lightnings, voices, thunders), lightning naturally preceding thunder as some MSS. have it here. Perhaps φωνα, the voices of the storm (wind, etc.).