After the sounding of the first four trumpets, John heard an eagle crying out a triple woe, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth” Revelation 8:13). The fifth trumpet had represented the first woe (Revelation 9:12), the sixth trumpet the second woe (Revelation 11:14), the seventh trumpet would be the third woe (Revelation 11:14–19). But the seventh trumpet did not appear to introduce a “woe” at all; with its blowing, loud voices in heaven proclaimed that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15). Revelation 12:1–17 had set out to provide confirmation (recall the “sign” of Revelation 12:1, Revelation 12:3) of the Lord’s kingship. But now we finally reach the “woe” that comes with the seventh trumpet. The frustration experienced by the dragon in not being able to devour the child and subsequently being expelled from heaven will now be directed to the only sphere of God’s creation where the devil can still roam. That is the “third woe” to those who dwell on earth (Revelation 8:13).
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”