We are first told of heaven’s response to the opening of this seal (Revelation 8:1). Our attention is then drawn to seven angels who each receive a trumpet (Revelation 8:2 and Revelation 8:6). Before these seven angels blow their trumpets we are shown an eighth angel busy at the altar (Revelation 8:3–5). The action of the eighth angel at the altar forms the centre of this vision and explains why the angels delayed blowing their trumpets.
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.