Revelation 8:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the opinion of some, this indicates the torments of sinners in Gehenna, often depicted under the image of bodily sufferings. But we think that in the age to come not only a third part of all mankind will be tormented, but far more. For it is said: "wide is the way that leads to destruction" (Mt 7:13). Here these words indicate the plagues that will occur at the end. Hail means that these punishments will be sent from heaven by righteous judgment. Fire with blood means the devastation of cities, which always happens at the hands of those at war. It also means fires and civil strife. During these, it seems, no less than a third part of all creatures living on earth will be slain. In wars, not only men perish, but also the produce of the earth, trees and grass. Our opinion about what has been said above finds confirmation in blessed Joel. He says that before the coming of the great day of judgment, blood, fire, and columns of smoke will be sent upon the earth (Joel 2:30-31).

By the first sound of the trumpet of the Church's preaching, the destruction of all the impious by fire and hail is marked. The preaching of calamities is rightly compared to the sound of a trumpet announcing the beginning of war. Scripture says: "Lift up your voice like a trumpet, and declare to My people their iniquity" (Isa 58:1). And elsewhere: "The trumpet to your mouth! Like an eagle he shall come against the house of the Lord" (Hos 8:1). The prophetic voice declares that Gehenna is the punishment for bloody deeds: "They pass from the snow waters to great heat" (Job 24:19). The word blood may also be understood as the spiritual death of the soul. In antiquity, soul denoted not only the rational part of man, but also the whole man, composed of soul and body. Therefore the death of the soul is also physical destruction.

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword," the Savior said to the apostles (Mt 10:34).