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Just as John placed two visions (7:1-8, 9-17) between opening the sixth and seventh seals, likewise chs. 10 and 11:1-14 are two interludes before the blowing of the seventh trumpet.
Applying Jer 15:15ff.; Eze 2:8-3:11; and Dan 12 to his situation of persecution, John provides two affirmations for the ancient and modern church. To those upset by stress and cosmic judgments, God announces through the mighty angel that the last woe is at hand. There will be no more delay! The text imparts authority to this declaration with the reminder that God lives for ever and ever as is stated throughout the book (1:8, 17; 4:9-10; 15:7; 21:6). John recalls God’s authority and the imminence of Christ’s return.
Vv.8-11 constitute a second commissioning for John. God sensed John’s need of encouragement. The ministry of proclaiming judgment to the world and calling the saints to persevere was wearing John down. Then John remembered that he stood in the prophetic tradition of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, who previously provided God’s people with hope amid despair. When the burden is heavy and hearts are weary, the study of Scripture can rekindle one’s calling. Renewal of the call to minister is as critical as receiving the initial call to ministry.
Because of this renewal, John did not dilute his message. Any doubt John had about his mission should have been erased with the commission of v.11 that he must prophesy to peoples, nations, languages, and kings—a political emphasis similar to 1:5-7 and 14:6. The Greek dei (“it is necessary”; niv “you must”) denotes a compulsion of divine destiny and duty. When God calls and renews, the minister is enabled to continue even under stress.