Rev 8:1
"When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."
The half-hour silence is the most dramatic moment in Revelation — the universe holds its breath before the final judgment. The silence contrasts with the continuous worship in chapters 4-5. Solemn expectation precedes the revelation.
Rev 8:6-7
"Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. The first blew his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up."
The first four trumpets affect nature in 'thirds' — partial judgments, not total. They echo the plagues of Egypt: hail (Ex 9), blood in the sea (Ex 7), bitter water, darkness (Ex 10). The Exodus pattern: God judges oppressors and delivers His people.