(12) Then I looked when the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and a huge earthquake took place; the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the full moon became blood red; (13) and the stars in the sky fell to the earth like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when shaken by a fierce wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. (15) Then the kings of the earth, the very important people, the generals, the rich, the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. (16) They said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, (17) because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Rev 6:12–17)
I was informed that a prewrath facebook group is discussing this question. I’d like to add my thoughts on this since I addressed this specific question in my forthcoming book. I will provide the snippet from the book:
Another heavenly body that will portend God’s wrath is portrayed: “the stars in the sky fell to the earth like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when shaken by a fierce wind.” This event may indicate an unprecedented meteor shower. It will be accompanied with, “the sky was split apart like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.” This language can also describe the sky that “could no longer be seen” (apochōrizō). This exceptional imagery of the sky splitting apart or disappearing probably serves the purpose of disclosing to the ungodly the presence of God in heaven. For in the very next sentence the ungodly cry, “hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.” The term for “face” is prosōpon, which can mean a literal face or the personal presence of someone. And for this reason, coupled with the upheaval, they will try to flee from God.
So during the sixth seal, God will split the sky to disclose his “face” from heaven to be seen by the ungodly. Then soon afterward, Jesus will descend from heaven to the clouds and gather his people to him (Matt 24:30; 1 Thess 4:16–17; Acts 1:11; Rev 1:7). This event will be quintessential apocalyptic. The sky splitting apart in my opinion would be one of the most jaw-dropping elements in this celestial overture.
