Revelation 8:10-11 – The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
“ The third angel sounded his trumpet…” The judgements are coming one after another.
“…and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water…” Some think that this judgement is from nuclear fallout. It is not inconceivable that it may be so. The word for star is both literal and figurative. So if it is here used figuratively, then perhaps a man who lived over two thousand years ago, seeing a fiery missile entering the atmosphere may see it as a fallen star. However, this does not seem likely. A nuclear bomb would hurt more than just fresh water. This judgement falls specifically on one third of the fresh waters of the world. That indicates that waters throughout the world, are targeted. The Word here says “a” great star fell. That would mean one star, not multiple stars. To hit multiple targets across the world would require more than one missile.
This seems to be exactly what it said it is, a fallen star. In Matthew 24:29 Jesus, speaking of the End Times, said that “…the stars will fall from the sky…” This star falling onto earth would seem to be a fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus gave.
We may consider that missiles will usually hit what they were meant to hit. It will not break up as it follows its course. A star entering the earth’s atmosphere can easily break up and thus hit different regions of the earth. What this star mostly hits is the fresh water sources. So this star lands where He who sent it intends for it to land. This star is judgement and He who is sending the judgment on the earth directs it to the exact targets He intends.
“…the name of the star is Wormwood.” Wormwood means bitter. The word in Greek is “apsinthion” (transliteration). The tie to Exodus 15:22-25 seems clear. Here the people of Israel were in the desert for three days and they had found no water to drink. Finally they saw water and ran to drink it. But the water was not drinkable, it was bitter water. So people began to grumble against Moses. Then the Lord showed Moses a “piece of wood” NIV. The NIV calls what Moses was led to a “piece of wood.” The NKJV calls it a “tree.” The ESV called it a “log,” but adds the footnote that it could be translated as “tree.” The original word is translated either as “tree,” “wood,” “stick,” or even “gallows.” So it is interesting that the waters of Marah (bitter) were made fresh by the tree. Jesus died upon the cross of wood and saved mankind. He turned a bitter life and future to a sweet life and future. God led Moses to use a specific tree to turn the water of death to the water of life. Jesus died to give us eternal life. Now this star called Wormwood falls upon the fresh waters, makes it bitter, and many people die from drinking it. The people of God do not drink this polluted water and the judgement of God does not fall on them. They are already safe in Heaven. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” John 4:14. So those on earth, those who reject Jesus as Savior and Lord, will drink the bitter waters of judgement and will perish. Those who drink from the Life of Jesus, will live forever with Him. Praise God!
An interesting side note for those who believe that this star is a nuclear missile is that Chernobyl, in English, is wormwood. However, that nuclear tragedy had not, as far as we know, polluted one third of fresh water on earth. Also, the nuclear site did not fall from the sky.
“A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.” This bitter water kills people. This is the third trumpet of judgement upon a rebellious earth.
Family, it is true that we will be saved from this judgement (1 Thessalonians 5:9). But what of all our family, friends and acquaintances? If we have the love of God within us, and all His children do, then we love these people (John 3:16). We bring the Gospel to them, we pray for them, and we pray that they would repent and be saved. Children of God are not satisfied that that they themselves are saved, but, as the Lord does, desires that all would come to know Him as Savior and Lord (1 Timothy 2:4). As we believe that the time for the Lord’s return is close, perhaps it may happen today, we need to keep putting out the Word of God to all who will listen, and even to those who will not. Let us love and pray for the world as we endeavor to reach it. Blessings and love to all! God bless you all!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.