He Shall Reign Forever
“15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”
(Rev 11:15-18 KJV)
The seventh trumpet marks the beginning of the second half of the Tribulation period. The second half is often referred to as the Great Tribulation because it is more destructive than the first half. The seventh trumpet will sound throughout the rest of the Tribulation period as it brings in the seven vials and the seven bowls.
This passage shows a contrast of the events that are happening in heaven and on Earth. Even though the Tribulation is only half over, it is clear that God has already won as the seventh angel proclaims victory. There is great praise and worship in heaven as the 24 elders fall on their faces and give thanks to God. They prophesy that the nations will be angry at God for His wrath and that God rewards them that serve Him and destroys them that are against Him.