The fifth trumpet seems either definitely metaphysical or highly allegorical, so how do expositors who take the historical or more specifically preterist views read these verses?
Revelation 8: Hail, Fire, and Blood
Though each perspective sees the fulfillment of these trumpets occurring in very different timeframes, there are certain overarching themes on which all four views agree.
The Sea of Galilee Boat
The first place Jesus wanted to go, after His resurrection, was to Galilee.
Hebrews: The Veil Is Torn
There was no mistaking the connection, for first century Christians. The heavenly reality, revealed on the day of Jesus’ baptism became the earthly reality at the moment of Jesus’ death—heaven’s gates are open wide!
Minor Prophets: Zechariah, Alexander the Great
God had burdened Zechariah to talk about three subjects in this prophetic oracle: The Arrival of Messiah, the Reign of Messiah, and the Rejected Messiah.
Gospel of John: I and the Father are One
As Jesus spoke, the men before him must have looked unsatisfied and perturbed. Jesus was giving them no new answers, his words still seemed cloaked in metaphor and veiled meanings. To be told they were not of Jesus’ sheepfold seemed at the same time ambiguous and obvious. No, they did not believe Jesus, and no, he had no jurisdiction over them.