Chapter 10
The Seven Bowls
“6 And the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their breasts with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.” (Re 15:6-7 NAS)
“And I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God into the earth.”” (Re 16:1 NAS)
The First Bowl
“And the first angel went and poured out his bowl into the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore upon the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.” (Re 16:2 NAS)
These plagues are the wrath of God which is poured out upon the kingdom of the beast and those who have the mark of the beast. It seems like they are poured out one after another without a break. This first one brings physical pain for those who have taken the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.
The Second Bowl
“And the second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.” (Re 16:3 NAS)
The second bowl targets the sea. This is the wrath of God in the judgment of an evil world that has rejected the love and grace of God.
The Third Bowl
“And the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood.” (Re 16:4 NAS)
The angel of the water testifies that this is the righteous judgment of God. Those that have been guilty of pouring out the blood of saints and prophets now have blood to drink. And the voice of those slain on the altar agreed that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous.
The Fourth Bowl
“And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun; and it was given to it to scorch men with fire.” (Re 16:8 NAS)
Even as men are being scorched by the heat of the sun they curse God blaspheming His name. They refuse to repent and acknowledge their sin which has brought these plagues upon mankind.
The Fifth Bowl
“And the fifth angel poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain,” (Re 16:10 NAS)
This plague hits at the heart of the kingdom of this world, the throne of the beast. Darkness and intense pain produced curses and blasphemy, for still there was no remorse or repentance of their evil deeds.
The Sixth Bowl
“And the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east.” (Re 16:12 NAS)
The Satanic forces rise up for that final battle as they rally their troops.
“13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.” (Re 16:13-14 NAS)
The great deception that has come upon the earth culminates in this final act of arrogance and pride as Satan leads the nations in a united effort to battle against God. In spite of all that has transpired, they are blinded to the reality that this is a suicide mission.
Pause For a Moment and Listen
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame”) (Re 16:15 NAS).
Why is this verse here? Is this just here to wake us up to what is in store for those who are not ready for Christ’s return? Or could it be possible that even at this late date, just one moment away from God’s final act that a person could still repent and be saved? I am not certain and I would suggest that no one risk resistance to the love of God to this extent. Now is the day of salvation.
One thing is sure, it is our individual choice that matters. The one that stays awake and is clothed in righteousness is blessed with the seal of God upon him.
The Seventh Bowl
“And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.” (Re 16:16 NAS)
“And the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air; and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” (Re 16:17 NAS)
With the seventh bowl poured out upon the air, the announcement comes the wrath of God is complete. In the following verses, we are told of lightning, thunder, a great earthquake, and a hailstorm. This is unlike anything the earth has ever seen before. This is the time that we were referred to as the sixth seal was broken. There we saw a snapshot of what was revealed to us here. This is the time when everyone acknowledges that nothing can stand against the wrath of the Lamb. These are the judgments of the kingdoms of the earth. All powers of evil have been broken. The wrath of God has been poured out.