“and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place” (Revelation 6:13-14 ESV).
The meaning of the phrase “stars falling to earth” is widely debated. Theories range from stellar objects, to ballistic missiles, to the atmospheric descent of molten rock that had been propelled into the sky by volcanic activity. Then there is this reference to the sky “rolling up” and “receding like a scroll.” Many associate this idea with the image of a mushroom cloud that accompanies the use of nuclear weaponry, or the devastating impact of a cosmic object.
Regardless of the source, these horrific events led to a universal response…
“Then everyone–the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person–all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?'” (Revelation 6:15-17 NLT).
Even if we view this passage with a sense of emotional detachment, we should not overlook the dread and terror these events generated. We should also note the wide variety of individuals who shared that emotional response:
- The kings of the earth, the rulers (or government representatives).
- The generals (military personnel).
- The wealthy (those who possessed great financial resources).
- The powerful (the upper classes).
- Every slave (the lower classes).
- Every free man (a term that effectively encompasses everyone else).
So everyone, no matter what their station in life, will be affected by these events. Finally, this portion of Scripture tells us that those who were impacted by the opening of the sixth seal knew exactly who was responsible for these events as they unfolded: “…’Hide us from the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb. That terrible day has come! God and the Lamb will show their anger, and who can face it?'” (CEV).
Instead of acknowledging their sinful behavior with an attitude of repentance, these individuals attempted to run and hide. But there was nowhere to run or hide. Thus, we should learn from their example and avoid repeating these mistakes.