Revelation 10 and 11 depict a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets. During this pause, an angel appears to John. Revelation 10 states: "And I saw another mighty angel." This mighty angel radiates divine glory. The angel is holding an open book in his hands. It mentions in verse 2 the "little book,” but we should not overemphasize this diminutive term. This book immediately brings to mind Revelation 5, where the Lamb receives and opens the scroll containing God's plan. Once again, a powerful angel is present. Remember that the seals of this book are now also open. God's plan is being fulfilled. The angel holds God's counsel—or part of it—in this book and takes it to earth, to John! (see verse 8) John will need to do something with it, and so will we.
When the angel descends to earth, he places one foot on the land and one foot on the sea. He is God's messenger, clothed in God's glory, carrying God's Word and counsel. As God's representative and on behalf of the Lamb who reigns on the throne, he demonstrates that “earth and the sea” belong to God! How comforting this must be for the church and believers! Even when the earth and the sea face all kinds of disasters, God shows here that He will not abandon them, for they are His possession!
The angel begins to speak with a mighty, powerful voice, like that of a roaring lion. What he cries out is, therefore, terrifying. Who does not think of Amos 3:8: “The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” Incidentally, we do not hear what the angel says. This terrifying speech of this strong angel is underlined by seven thunders. In the Bible, God's speech is often compared to thunder. Also think of Revelation 4:5, which describes the thunder from the heavenly throne room. Seven thunderclaps that speak; seven times the LORD speaks through these thunderclaps. As in Psalm 29. That Psalm is about God speaking in the storm. We read seven times: “The voice of the LORD.” In that Psalm, seven thunderclaps sound, and seven times we read what the LORD does on earth. So, it is here. John hears the thunderclaps and their voices. What a comfort it is that the Lord has business with this earth and us and speaks. Whatever happens on earth and in our lives, the Lord is in control.