Regrettably, the ESV begins Revelation 8:2 with the word “then,” as if the events of Revelation 8:2–6 occur after the period of silence. The word “then” is not present in the Greek. As heaven fell silent, John saw seven angels receiving seven trumpets and the eighth angel busying himself at the altar.
2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.