Seven Angels with Seven Plagues (Revelation 15:1–16:21)
The seven angels with seven plagues mark the final judgments of God upon the earth, known as the seven bowl judgments. These plagues are described as the “last,” signifying the completion of God’s wrath and the culmination of His judgment before the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
1. Key Passage: Revelation 15:1–16:21
Revelation 15:1:
“I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.”
2. The Prelude to the Seven Plagues (Revelation 15)
A. The Seven Angels (Revelation 15:1, 6-8)
- Seven Angels:
- These angels are given the final plagues, representing the fullness of God’s judgment.
- Their number, seven, symbolizes completeness and divine perfection.
- Clothed in Pure Linen:
- Reflects their holiness and the righteousness of their mission.
- Golden Sashes:
- Symbolizes divine authority and priestly service.
B. The Song of the Redeemed (Revelation 15:2-4)
- Before the bowls are poured out, John sees the victorious saints standing beside a sea of glass mixed with fire.
- They sing the “Song of Moses” and the “Song of the Lamb”:
- This dual song celebrates God’s deliverance (as in Exodus 15) and His justice through the Lamb.
Lyrics (Revelation 15:3-4):
“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.”
3. The Seven Bowl Judgments (Revelation 16)
The bowls represent the final, swift, and comprehensive judgments of God poured out on the earth.
A. First Bowl: Painful Sores (Revelation 16:2)
“The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.”
- Target: Those who worship the beast and bear its mark.
- Effect: Painful, festering sores symbolize divine retribution for idolatry and rebellion.
B. Second Bowl: Sea Turned to Blood (Revelation 16:3)
“The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.”
- Target: The sea.
- Effect: The sea becomes lifeless, turning entirely to blood, representing widespread death and ecological destruction.
C. Third Bowl: Rivers and Springs Turned to Blood (Revelation 16:4-7)
“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.”
- Target: Freshwater sources.
- Effect: All drinking water is contaminated, echoing the plague of blood in Egypt (Exodus 7:20-24).
- Response:
- An angel praises God for His justice, declaring: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One… for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” (Revelation 16:5-6)
D. Fourth Bowl: Scorching Sun (Revelation 16:8-9)
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat.”
- Target: The sun.
- Effect: Intense heat and scorching fire burn humanity.
- Response: Instead of repenting, people curse God and refuse to turn to Him.
E. Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain (Revelation 16:10-11)
“The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness.”
- Target: The throne of the beast (his kingdom).
- Effect: Darkness covers the beast’s domain, causing anguish and despair.
- Response: People gnaw their tongues in agony but continue to curse God and refuse to repent.
F. Sixth Bowl: Drying of the Euphrates (Revelation 16:12-16)
“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.”
- Target: The Euphrates River.
- Effect: The river dries up, preparing the way for the kings from the East to gather for battle.
- Armageddon:
- Three demonic spirits perform miraculous signs to deceive the nations and gather them for the final battle at Armageddon (likely referring to Mount Megiddo in Israel).
G. Seventh Bowl: Earthquake and Hailstorm (Revelation 16:17-21)
“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’”
- The Great Earthquake:
- A global earthquake, the most severe in history, splits cities and causes islands and mountains to disappear.
- Babylon (symbolizing the world’s corrupt system) is judged and destroyed.
- Hailstones:
- Hailstones weighing about 100 pounds fall upon humanity, causing massive destruction.
- Instead of repenting, people curse God for the plague.
- Declaration of Completion:
- The voice from the temple announces, “It is done!” signaling the finality of God’s wrath.
4. Themes and Lessons
A. The Justice of God
- The bowl judgments demonstrate God’s perfect justice, punishing humanity’s rebellion and vindicating His holiness.
B. The Hardness of Humanity’s Heart
- Despite severe judgments, humanity continues to curse God and refuses to repent, highlighting the depth of sin and rebellion.
C. God’s Sovereignty
- The plagues unfold according to God’s plan, revealing His control over all creation and history.
D. The Certainty of Judgment
- The phrase “It is done!” underscores the finality and inevitability of God’s judgment on sin and evil.
5. Reflection Questions
- How do these judgments challenge your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
- What does the refusal of humanity to repent teach about the nature of sin?
- How does the declaration “It is done!” encourage you to trust in God’s ultimate plan?
6. Application
- Repent and Trust in God:
- Recognize the seriousness of sin and respond to God’s call for repentance.
- Share the Gospel:
- These plagues highlight the urgency of sharing the message of salvation with others.
- Find Comfort in God’s Justice:
- Trust that God’s judgments are just and that evil will not prevail.
- Worship and Rejoice:
- Like the saints singing by the sea of glass, celebrate God’s holiness and ultimate victory.
7. Conclusion
The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues in Revelation represent the final outpouring of God’s wrath, demonstrating His justice, power, and sovereignty. These judgments challenge humanity to repent, but they also reveal the hardness of sin. For believers, these chapters are a call to trust in God’s plan, worship Him, and remain faithful as His ultimate victory draws near.
Poem, The Seven Plagues
Seven angels stand, their purpose clear,
With golden sashes, they appear.
From heaven’s halls, they march in line,
To pour out wrath, both just and divine.
The first brings sores, a painful blight,
On those who chose the beast’s dark might.
The second turns the seas to blood,
A crimson tide, a lifeless flood.
The third strikes rivers, springs once pure,
Now poisoned waters none endure.
The fourth sends fire, the scorching sun,
Its blazing heat spares not a one.
Darkness falls from the fifth’s great bowl,
On the beast’s throne, it takes its toll.
Gnashing teeth, they curse His name,
Yet stubborn hearts refuse their shame.
The sixth dries Euphrates’ flow,
For kings of earth to march below.
Armageddon’s fields prepare the fight,
Yet none shall stand, against heaven’s might.
The seventh bowl completes the tale,
An earthquake vast, and hailstones hail.
“It is done!” the voice declares,
The earth shakes, justice everywhere.
Oh, hearts of men, take heed, repent,
These warnings come with mercy sent.
For wrath will come, but grace is near,
Choose the Lamb, no need to fear.