NOTES:
General:
This chapter 15 is the shortest chapter in Revelation. It is to setup what will be happening in the 16th chapter: the seven great bowls or vials of wrath. However it is quite important. The seal judgment is in chapter 6; the trumpet judgment is in chapters 8-9; and the bowl judgment is in chapter 16. The seal and trumpet judgments were the first half of the tribulation (first 3-1/2 years). The bowl judgment lasts the second half of the tribulation or, as we call it, the Great Tribulation. This chapter is not considered an interlude, although it is setting up chapter 16. Of course, the effects of the first 2 are still there; but, now comes the more severe and FINAL series of judgments BEFORE Armageddon. At Armageddon, the Beast and his followers are destroyed. We should keep in mind the number seven meaning complete, perfect, all that is necessary. Look at the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls. God designed this time and timing within His perfect plan.
v1: John sees another sign that is great and marvelous. There are seven angels that are now holding judgment with the last seven plagues. The reason these are called plagues is that they are designed to inflict pain rather than sicknesses. Revelation sometimes uses "wound" for a plague (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14). The verse states unquestionably that the judgment is from God. The previous 2 major "miracle" or "wonderous" signs were the great woman and the great dragon. These were special because they depicted the conflict between the seed of the woman the serpent (Gen. 3:15). We are now preparing for the third significant sign of the woman's conquering seed consigning the serpent to the great pit. This 3-fold sign system was used with others such as Joseph (Gen. 37:5-11; 40:8-22; 41:15-40), Moses (Exod. 3:2; 4:2-5; 4:6-7) Joshua (Josh 4:22-24; 6:20; 10:10-14) Gideon (Judges 6:36-40; 4:13-15), Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-7), Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-13), Elisha (2 Kings 2:14, 22, 24), Hezekiah(2 Kings 19:20, 29-35; 20:8-11), Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:1; 3:22-23; 8:4), and others.
One last point that is significant is that the bowls "filled up the wrath of God" (KJV) or "in them the wrath of God is finished" (NASB). This means that the bowls is the last judgment that will be employed by God to turn people to Him.
v2: John is still looking at the end of the Tribulation. The sight John sees is a beautiful sea of glass but this has fire associated with this sea, which was not like the last mention of a sea of glass (Rev. 4:6). Standing on the sea were people playing harps that overcame the Antichrist, his image, the mark used for identify those following the Antichrist (KJV), and the number of the name which was 666. There was a triumphant celebration in heaven for Tribulation saints, the redeemed men and women. The word "on" (Greek epi) can be translated as "by". So the saints may have been "by" the sea. These specific items mentioned is to emphasize that God had said that those who did follow the items above were to be condemned. These saints were martyred for their belief in Christ.
The word fire means there is a color of red in the sea. The most likely understanding the red could be is the symbolizing of the saints being there in heaven after the Tribulation by the shedding of their blood. Some believe that this red could represent the wrath of God in the killing of the Pharaoh's army that was after Moses at the red sea. This probably is thought because of verse 3 mentioning the song of Moses.
v3: The celebration continues. The saints sing the song of Moses (Exod. 15:1-21; Deut. 31:30; 32:1-43) and the song of the Lamb. They are saying and singing about the Greatness and marvellous works of Goed. They now know for sure that God is just and true. Later in Revelation (Rev. 21:1) it is stated there really is no sea of water; but, there is still the crystal sea around God's throne. There is no reason to believe that the song of Exodus was the song. Moses taught the people to celebrate their being delivered with an hymn of praise; These saints would celebrate their delivery and redemption similarly. The song of the Lamb was probably similar to the song of praise sung previously (Rev. 5:9-13). Since water was used for cleansing and there is no need for cleansing once you are in heaven, there will be no need for water. I am not sure there will be no water; however, I am sure there will be no need for cleansing.
v4: The "songs" continue. The song expresses the confidence that there should be no one who does not fear the Lord. Then the Lord is holy. All the peoples of the world (all nations) should come to worship thee. Judgments shall come about. Recall in Revelation that the "earth dwellers" (non-believers) expressed the belief that no one could compete with the beast (Rev. 13:4). So, we can see the two sides, believers and non-believers, have devotion to their leaders. God's judgments will soon convince all of His ultimate power that cannot be overridden. The terrible plagues to follow will inject on the earth incalculable destructive. However, they will be merited and perfectly designed for God's righteous purpose.
v5: The next thing to happen is that John now beholds the "temple of the tabernacle of testimony" in heaven open. Moses was commanded to make he “tabernacle” (means "dwelling place" for God). It was called a tabernacle of “witness,” or of “testimony”. The name was because it was the visible witness or proof of God’s presence with the Israelites. It was the evidence that He to whom it was devoted was their protector and guide. The tabernacle is the worship "building" (tent) that Moses built. It did not include the whole Temple as we know it in Jerusalem. It appears that God has a temple in heaven. What relation does the temple have with the tabernacle? The word for "temple" is the Greek word naos. The Greek word for the entire New Testament Temple is hieron. The word used here is haos. Therefore, the word temple would be better translated as the shrine or Holiest of Holies. This means the scripture is probably referring to the "shrine" or "Holiest of Holies" of the tabernacle of the testimony. This is where the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the tabernacle and the first (Solomon's) Temple. Apparently, this is the portion that was opened.
Remember, after Christ died on the cross, the curtain that covered the Holiest of Holies of Herod's Temple (second Temple) was torn. This was the sign from God that now ALL people could get to God; not just the priests.
v6: The seven angels with the seven plagues came out of the temple dressed in pure white linen and girded with golden girdles (wide sashes worn around the torso). Most likely, the angels came out of the Holiest of Holies as explained in the previous verse. These plagues will have to do with "natural' physical processes of God's creation. You will see the details in the next chapter. The sashes are used by priests; the sashes are holy. [Sometimes, the two words linon (linen) and lithos (stone) are confused. There are some versions of modern Bibles that use the Greek word "lithos" for the white linen clothes. Therefore, the sense of the statement is they are dressed in pure white stone.] The reason for being dressed in stone cannot be understood. Therefore, the majority of scholars use the more logical linen. The white linen speaks of righteousness and the belts of gold speak of riches and beauty. This is the color and material of the saints, Jesus, and John. Daniel's vision (Dan. 10:5-7)
v7: John sees one of the four beasts in heaven give the seven angels vials (bowls) filled with the wrath of God. Some writers believe the angels already have the seven plagues. Now they receive also a golden bowl filled with God's wrath. I think another possible explanation is that John apparently went a little back in time to see the way the angels received the vials that were filled with the plagues which is the wrath of God. The word for vial (KJV) or bowl (others) in Greek is phiale. The term means a shallow bowl or dish. Therefore, some believe the bowl or vial is actually a censor to burn fire and brimstone instead of the incense. Whichever way you prefer, the result is the same: the angels have the plagues and vials. There is an emphasis of God living for ever and ever.
v8: Now John sees the temple filled with smoke from the glory and power of God. Now the temple is closed until the completion of the seven plague judgment. The extreme smoke in the temple may substantiate the fact that the vials were filled with fire and brimstone rather than a sweet incense. The term for "smoke" in Greek is kapnos. It is used for smoke ascending from a fire. It does not appear the smoke was in the temple previously. There were similar conditions on earth when the tabernacle was used by Moses (Exod. 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Isa. 6:3-4; Ezek. 1:4). Some of you may have heard of the ancient Hebrews word for this cloud or smoke as "Shekinah" glory.
REFERENCES:
Luke 16:31; Exod 15:1-21; Matt 24:21-22; Zech 8:22
General: The following plagues will be examined in the detail necessary to understand the terrible natures they are. How these things could happen could, of course, just be supernatural at the command of God. The other possibility is the descriptions of the plagues are absolutely correct but were caused by some natural things of nature and environment THAT GOD CREATED. Therefore, it is still under the control of God.
v1: Starting here in Revelation, there is an interesting action of God that is difficult for many people to accept. Up until now, God has been trying to convert those on earth to turn to Him. After all the seals and trumpets He takes the converts and martyrs. Total damage is never done (1/3 of people, 1/3 of land, 1/3 of sea, etc.), giving opportunities for people to change. Now the angels have plagues to give to ALL the people and they have vials that are filled with the wrath of God (Rev. 15:7). Those words, the wrath of God, do not give any choice anymore to the people on earth. The wrath of God is now dispensed with the pure reason of vengeance of a holy God. For people who believe totally of the love of God without the knowledge or acceptance that there is a wrath of God, this is a very difficult concept. However, reading the Old Testament and New Testament, there is never a secret that God hates sin and has wrath against those who do sin. He loves all and wants all to follow. However, with free will, people make their own choices.
Now there is a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels to GO and POUR out the vials of wrath of God upon the earth. This is the marching orders to the angels. The great voice out of the temple (as explained in chapter 15 was probably the Holiest of Holies) is the voice of Jesus. He is full of wrath because people did not listen. He tried and tried to get people to have mercy and love. He offered forgiveness and salvation. But, most people would not listen. Now the plagues will infest the earth. The plagues must be in a certain sequence because they will have the cumulative effect that has never been heard of before this time. That is what Jesus said: that this time will be the worse than had ever occurred on earth.
v2: The first angel went out and poured out his vial upon the earth. There fall a noisome (causes nausea and is very offensively malodorous) and grievous sores (boils/ulcers is closest description we can fit) on those marked by the beast and worshiped the image. How is this done? It is probably done the same by all the angels. They move quickly (instantaneously) around the earth and pour the vial out until all the earth is covered. This angel's job is to spread a hideous and painful infection on the bodies of men and women. It will not respond to medical treatment.
These were malignant sores affecting those marked as Antichrist followers and worshiped his image. Some possibilities are:
- Mark as a tattoo becomes infected
- Maybe ink affects humans
- Maybe supernatural causes
- Maybe some burning gas will inflame
- Maybe diseases
- Who knows??
REFERENCES:
Exod 19:18; 31:7-11; 40:34-35; Numb 11:24; 14:10; Gen 15:6;
Isa 6:1-4; Jer 42:18; 44:6; Dan 9:11,27
v3: The second angel pours out his vial upon all the seas (all the salt waters) and the water became blood. Everything in the ocean dies. Of course, John did no chemical analysis of red water. Since blood is chemically similar to water, it would not take much modifications in chemistry to have the same results. Of course, the red color of blood is by the hemoglobin in the red corpuscles due largely to iron. These corpuscles transmit oxygen and other materials to all cells. In this case, the waters of the sea became as the blood of a dead man. the iron and other chemicals probably gave the red color. It appears red as blood. However, the results is what counts. Just as the second trumpet, 1/3 of the seas were affected. Now ALL the seas are affected. Perhaps the damage could be caused by:
- Maybe giant comet or meteor
- Maybe many smaller comets or meteors
- Maybe something causes fish to burst and they go to the surface of the water.
- Maybe "red tide" (algae take over a area of water and absorb the oxygen in the water which kills fish)
Since Moses actually turned water to blood, and we believe that, there does not appear to be any reason the 2nd Bowl will not affect the water. It is not just a story of God to teach us a lesson. As a matter of fact, without this actually happening, there would be no meaning to all this. Man is not going to change without being forced into it. Even after this, man is still defiant and does not change.
REFERENCES:
Exod 7:20-25
v4: This third vial is different than the second vial. Instead of the seas (generally considered the salt water of the earth) rivers and springs turn to blood. Remember: Rev 8:10-11 destroys 1/3 or the rivers. Here the universal and complete destruction occurs again. Now, chaos and thirst will reign on the earth and there is NOTHING to drink. Through chemical processes, some sea water could have been used to get fresh water. However, that is why God destroyed the seas first. The seas were destroyed in verse 3. There is some possibility that this water can actually be consumed (see also verse 6) (i.e. the water is not poison). However people will become sick and the water will be bitter and very repulsive.
v5-6: The angels say the oppressors deserve what they are getting because of the saints lives which were taken by the oppressors. The angel of the waters will see the justice of this plague; not like the fallen men and fallen angels blinded by sin and self-interest. God is a righteous God; He will judge unrighteousness in a wholly righteous way. The ramifications of such a catastrophe are:
- Less oxygen because killing of the plankton which supply much of our oxygen
- Fish dying resulting in red water
- Waters putrid; possibly poisonous in some areas
- Fish not edible anymore
- Wells also have blood
v7: A voice was heard out of the altar that again justifies the true and righteousness of God. This voice is not identified. It could be another angel. Some manuscripts leave out the "another out of ". This would then say that John heart the altar say something. This is not practical. Of course it could just be the writing to say that there was a voice from under the altar. Remember, John described the voices of the martyrs from under the altar (Rev. 6:9-11). They are now crying out with a loud voice.
REFERENCES:
Exod 7:20-25; Matt 23:32-36; Gen 18:23-33; Rom 9:14
v8-9: This fourth angel had power to scorch men with fire and/or extreme heat. The first three plagues affected the land and environment. God now uses the sun, which is also owned by Him, to do what He wills. The sun serves the earth; it is not part of the earth. The angel responsible for this plague knows the processes with which the sun gives light and heat. Therefore, he knows how to control it. Scientists, even today, are not sure exactly what processes are used on the sun for energy. For years thermonuclear energy was thought to have caused this energy. However, now the scientists are not sure because the calculations of mass do not correspond with what they believe the mass should be with the age THEY believe the sun is (evolutionary theory). So what did the angel do? He poured out the contents of his bowl on the sun to heat up to great intensity and the solar radiation will pour forth in scorching heat (Mal. 4:1; Isa. 24:6).
The people will be suffering unmercifully. Think of it, they are having this intense heat with no good water on earth. Will there be air conditioning? Probably; however, the power plants will not last long with the tremendous heat. In addition to the water being bad, the heat will be evaporating water very quickly. The land will then become unusable. The great ice caps on the earth will start melting. The quick melting will start raising the sea levels. There are some scientists that say if all the ice melted, the sea would rise 200 feet. (Psa 147:17-18; Job 38:22-23; Amos 9:5-6) Problems couldn't get worse; could they? There is no question on who is causing all of these hardships. However, the people still were not going to repent. Besides, it is probably too late. As a matter of fact, with humans as they are, they were getting more defiant. God is showing his power. God controls; NOT the Antichrist. Still more blasphemy and no repentance.
REFERENCES:
Exod 6:1,6; 9:34-35; Ezek 8:16; Jer 8:6; Rom 1:18-23; Col 1:16-17
v10-11: The fifth angel now pours out his vial upon the seat of the beast. The "seat" is the home, which will be in Babylon. There is a difference in the beliefs of some scholars. Scripture says the darkness was poured on the seat of the beast, only. Some people believe the darkness was worldwide. We are not sure at this time. All the other plagues stated overall earth or sea or waters or people. This one says only the capital of the Antichrist's kingdom. His kingdom is fully dark. What is "his kingdom"? Probably, his kingdom is the capital and surrounding area from which he controlled all the other earthly kingdoms.
The people are in agony from the boils (even in their mouths), lack of water, and tremendous heat. As stated before, the plagues are relatively close together. This is a point that is now verified by the plague effects being seen to be affecting each other. It appears there might be, somehow, boils aggravation by the dark. Maybe some caustic agent was present with the dark. The Antichrist continues his enslavement of the peoples. How can he continue? There are a few pluses for him and his armies. They are in Jerusalem and Babylon. These are relatively high in altitude so they will not be bothered soon with the rising water. They sill have some food. They will have the best of the air conditioning. At this point, they are the only ones in the world who can withstand some of the problems. All of this is aimed at the Antichrist followers.
The "darkness which may be felt" in Egypt (9th plague of Moses - Exod ref) gives us the confidence that this could be so in Revelation (just as the blood is believable).
REFERENCES:
Exod 10:21-23
v 12: The hatred for God has taken over the minds of the people. They are willing to follow the beast anywhere. Since hatred and revenge are "built-in" to our human traits, it is nothing unusual to see this hatred come about. The sixth angel now pour out his vial onto the Euphrates river. Recall the great armies of the east that marched onto Israel. In the 6th trumpet (Rev 9:13-16) the river Euphrates dried up to allow 200,000,000 man army to slay 1/3 of man. Now, the bowl is complete and universal.
Who are the Kings of the East? This apparently really means armies of the east led by the Kings or Leaders. They are probably larger than the original 200,000,000.
See map from Daniel study.
The Euphrates separates two large masses of land. The lands to the SW are Africa, Palestine, and Arabia. The lands to the NE are Russia, China, India, and Iran. Armies to the east (NE) are predicted to be one or more of the NE countries or empires to combine. The sudden drying up would be a catastrophe for the Babylon, the capital of the beast. Now all the power plants would close down because the water was necessary for operation and cooling. Now the only lights will be lamps and candles. The drought of the first 3-1/2 years of the tribulation also dried up much of the water sources around the world. Now God dries up the Euphrates to make it easier for the armies to cross to their Armageddon doom. There is still no repentance. In fact, there is all out warfare declared against God (Israel represents God to the Antichrist). The drying up will allow the masses of men to cross to the Holy Land. Although, there will be bridges and other ways of crossing expanses of water with modern day technology. For ages they have been dominated by religions which are fundamentally evolutionary religions (envision an eternal universe; i.e. no concept of omnipotent, personal God who created all things). So there is no love lost from these people toward Jews and Christians.
How does the angel do this plague. Possibly tectonic forces have some affect. These forces are pertaining to the structure or movement of the earth's crust. Some of the forces are caused by the terrible seals, trumpets, and vials that have already occurred. Another possibility would be intensive local winds and accelerated evaporation. Another possibility is associated with the source of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Both have their sources close to the region of Ararat. The heat would have rapidly melted of the perpetual ice caps of the area of Ararat. Therefore, the source for the river would be stopped. It is the great ice cap of the Mount Ararat that explorers have said they see Noah's Ark. Perhaps this is the time that God has chosen to uncover the Ark.
This time in the plagues should be toward the end of the Great Tribulation. It is not known how long any one of the plagues lasted. Although the actual plague could be instantaneous, the actual plague would require time with the earth so that the terrible nature could "sink in" the minds. So days, weeks, months, and possibly years (not to exceed a total of 3-1/2 years) were necessary. Each of these plagues affected each other so they were serial and overlapping.
v 13: Just as between the 6th and 7th Seals (2 saved multitudes of people) and between the 6th and 7th Trumpets (little scroll eaten and 2 witnesses), there is an interlude between the 6th and 7th Bowls.
Three unclean spirits like frogs come out of all 3 of the infernal trinity or unholy trinity. The figures of frogs were chosen because of the symbol of the evil spirits , unclean, ugly, and clamorous (offensively loud) like frogs. These spirits of devils try to rally together armies of the world to northern Palestine the approach to Jerusalem, Armageddon. The reasons given to the countries to rally are not known. Most believe it is probably a "once and for all" annihilation of Israel for the good of mankind (genocide?) There appears to be some sort of "meeting" between the members of the unholy trinity with the first beast Satan leading. He is the one who gave the power to the Antichrist (Isa. 14:4; Rev. 13:2). Now the three KNOW they are on the way to meet "a Man called Faithful and True" (Rev. 19:11).
v 14: Now is the time for all the evil forces to get together for one last blast of war against God. The spirits of the devils (the unholy trinity) will go with the kings of the earth and battle the great day of God. The evil spirits still hold great power over the others on earth. So the armies are gathered. It appears the "working miracles" refer to miraculous activities to persuade others to fight for evil and squelch any resistance. What does Satan say to these armies? (Joel 3:9-12). All the leaders now begin heading toward Jerusalem. They will be coming from Africa, asia, Europe, and America. They will use whatever resources that still exist (fuels, water, etc.).
NOTES (v15):
This verse comes between verse 14 and 16 in continuity (i.e. 16 should follow 14 for continuity). Jesus makes a statement in this verse. "Coming as a thief" is a descriptor for surprising, unexpected, unannounced. It is thought keeping your clothes on is to "be ready" at any time (i.e. Don't get caught with your pants down.). i.e. BE LIVING IN GOD - NOT LIVING IN SIN. When Christ comes, we are ready. The New Testament uses similar words to tell us to prepare for the for the coming (Matt. 24:42-44; Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thes. 5:2-4; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 3:3).
It is thought by some the 2nd coming is not a single instantaneous showing. It quite possibly is a series of 2nd coming parts. For example:
- Christ comes at the rapture(1Thes 4:13-18)
- Christ judges during Trib by the seals, trumpets, and bowls (Rev 6-18)
- Christ destroys Antichrist, armies, etc. at Armageddon (Rev 19:11)
- Christ establishes the prophesied millennium Kingdom of God(Matt 25:31; Dan 2:44; 7:13, 14, 27; Rev 20:1-6)
- Birth
- Preparation for ministry
- Ministry
- The Cross
- Resurrection
- Ascension
Exod 7:10-13,22; 14:21-22; Josh 3:15-17; Matt 2:1; Rom 2:4-5; Joel 3:2,9-12; Zech 12-14
v 16: The Antichrist gathers his armies in Armageddon. "Armageddon" is from "Har-meggiddo" or "Mountain of Megiddo". Megiddo is an ancient town about 60 miles north of Jerusalem overlooking the plane of Megiddo on the west and the plain of Esdraelon (valley of Jezreel) on the northeast. This area was the scene of many ancient battles (Judges 5:19; 2 Chron. 35:22). This is where the last great battle will take place. Why would Satan launch such a gigantic war against the city of Jerusalem (i.e. the Jews)? Couldn't he take the city with much smaller capabilities? Yes, he could. But, Satan knows at this point that the war is with Jesus, not only Israel. So he needs all he can get. Hatred breeds illogical and vengeful decisions.
END OF INTERLUDE
v 17-18: This final word came from the mouth of God. The seventh angel pours out his vial into the air. Cities crumble. A great voice says after the Bowl is poured, "It is done". i.e. NO MORE PLAGUES. There is great destruction, lightnings, and earthquakes the power of which no man has ever experienced.
v 19-20: The cities of all nations (those under the power of the Antichrist) fell. Now the city of Babylon is just a remembrance to God. The fierceness of His wrath goes onto Babylon. Jerusalem alone is spared destruction by the earthquake at the end of the tribulation. It is the one eternal city. When will be learn that? When will the world quit fighting God on this point? Jerusalem is not destroyed; but, it is changed. The city of Jerusalem will be split into 3 parts. Some believe the words in scripture refer to Babylon being split into three parts. However, I believe this portion of the scripture lends itself to Jerusalem being split, but not destroyed. There will be a new great valley. Half of the mountain shall be removed toward the north and half of it toward the south (Zech. 14:4). The third portion is perhaps Mount Zion (area of the Temple). Zecharia also has another prophecy. Apparently, there will be a bursting of a spring that will generate a great river. (Zech. 14:8). This will be the new source of water. The water will flow to "the former sea" and the hinder sea". One is the Dead Sea. The other is either the Sea of Galilee of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is the most probable.
God is going to treat Babylon differently. All the nations of the world are rebuildable. However, will not be so. Babylon must drink the wine of the trampled grapes of the wrath of God. The earthquakes are so great all the islands disappear and mountains cannot be found. The topography of the earth was changed from this great war. Isaiah saw all this to happen (Isa. 40:4-5)
v 21: There is mass destruction from Great Earthquakes and Hail as big as 95 pounds (a talent - is thought to be about 95 pounds). The stage is now set for the ripe grapes.
There are geological fault lines through Palestine's Jordan Valley down into Africa. These faults may give way at the final war.
THEY STILL DID NOT REPENT - THEY CHOSE BLASPHEMY.
Remember the Exodus hail: Since we accept this came to pass, we certainly should accept this hail will come.
REFERENCES:
Joel 3:2,9-14; Exod 9:22-26; 19:16; Matt 24:21; Josh 10:11; Psa 2:4-6