What might the blowing of trumpets reveal about the theme of the drama that begins in this chapter? What is God's message in it for us? These are questions to keep in mind as we study. This commentary holds that the seven trumpet soundings represent a historical sequence: the first four making one series and the last three another, (8:13; 9:12; 11:14, 15). The introduction (verses 2-6), rather than representing an earlier time period reveals the coming wrath of God about which the trumpets sound the warning.
  The time of silence, while describing the last seal opening, is also a legitimate part of the introduction to the trumpet calls.