The term “third” appears thirteen times in these four paragraphs. The reference to a “third” does not want us to think literally of 33 percent, but it forms a progression from the “fourth” mentioned in Revelation 6:8. With the arrival of the trumpets (as the second round of plagues after the seals), the Lord’s judgments are more severe. Yet they are not total, for two‑thirds of the earth remains habitable, two‑thirds of the trees remain alive, two‑thirds of the ships survive, etc. Life is still possible, but with a third being burned or destroyed, life certainly cannot flourish. We also need to note the repeated references to “fire,” “burning,” and “burned” as well as to “blood” and “died.”
7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.