Verse 1:
“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 on the earth.’”
The commanding voice from the temple directs the seven angels to pour out the bowls containing the wrath of God upon the earth.
The Greek word “φιάλη” (phiale), meaning “bowl,” signifies the vessels through which God’s judgment is administered. This event parallels Revelation 15:7, where similar commands are given to the angels.
In Revelation 15:7, it is stated:
“Then 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.”
This type of judgment is impending. There is no escape from the wrath of God because he is infinite in power and omniscient. If you climb to the highest mountain, he will be there. If you try to dig a tunnel and hide, he will find you. There is no way of escape other than repentance and trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
God tells us in His word that He is not willing that anyone perish but that all come to repentance and faith. For he is patient and long suffering with our perverse generation.
Let’s continue to pray for God to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blinded so they might taste and see that the Lord is good.
Verse 2:
“So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.”
As the first angel pours out his bowl, those bearing the mark of the beast are afflicted with painful sores. The Greek words “ἕλκος πονηρός καὶ κακὸν” (helkos ponēros kai kakon) describe the nature of these sores as foul and loathsome.
This judgment is reminiscent of the plagues upon Egypt in Exodus 9:8-12 and foreshadows the consequences of aligning with evil powers.
Exodus 9:8-12:
“Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Take for yourselves handfuls of ashes from a furnace, and let Moses scatter it toward the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. And it will become fine dust in all the land of Egypt, and it will cause boils that break out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt.’”
Revelation 13:16-17:
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
The mark of the beast is a popular topic discussed in many Armageddon movies. Hollywood has painted a picture of this barcode or receiving of a visible mark.
While there may be truth to it, the key is understanding the forehead as a symbol to the mind. We are controlled by the philosophies of this world instead of the truth found in Gods word. Therefore, the mark of the beast is following worldviews that oppose Gods word.
Verse 3:
“Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.”
The second angel pours out his bowl, turning the sea into blood. This judgment results in the death of every living creature in the sea.
The Greek word “θάλασσα” (thalassa), meaning “sea,” highlights the scope of this catastrophe. This event echoes the plague upon Egypt in Exodus 7:14-25, where the Nile River turned to blood.
This judgment is severe and sober. To think that God would destroy every living creature in the sea seems barbaric.
Many times people have this concept that the Old Testament god was full of wrath and anger, but the New Testament God is all about love and peace.
However, in both cases, we see Gods indignation towards sin. And unfortunately, the sea creatures are affected by mankind’s disobedience.
Exodus 7:14-25:
“So the fish that were in the river died, the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.”
Verse 4:
“Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.”
With the pouring out of the third bowl by the third angel, the rivers and springs of water become blood. This judgment extends the devastation to freshwater sources, impacting the sustenance of life.
The Greek word “πηγή” (pege), meaning “spring” or “fountain,” emphasizes the contamination of these water sources. This plague mirrors the second plague in Exodus 7:14-25, where the Nile and its streams turned to blood.
Parallel Verses:
Exodus 7:14-25:
“So Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. And he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.”
Verse 5:
“And I heard the angel of the waters saying: ‘You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things.’”
Amidst the pouring out of the bowls, the angel of the waters acknowledges the righteousness of God’s judgment.
The Greek word “δίκαιος” (dikaios), meaning “righteous,” underscores the justice of God’s actions. This sentiment aligns with passages like Psalm 129:4-5, where the Lord is praised for His righteous judgment. Similarly, Revelation 11:17 emphasizes the righteousness of God’s judgments.
Psalm 129:4-5:
“The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back.”
Revelation 11:17:
“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”
In today’s society, it’s hard to understand justice and consequences. When I was in school, if you said a cuss word, you could get detention and have to stay after school. Nowadays, there are hardly any repercussions for this disobedience.
It was even stricter in my parents age. Can you imagine now trying to read these verses in today’s context? It seems beyond belief that God would destroy the entire world for its sin and promiscuity.
However, when you love what is good, you hate what is evil. For example, if you love truth, you will despise falsehood. If you love goodness, you will not tolerate evil.
Same is true with God. This is why his judgments are so severe. Therefore, as Christians, we need to be praying for our world. Pray that they would repent and come to Christ. Pray that sinner would seek reconciliation. It’s our hope and desire, as well as Gods, that, if possible, everyone would be saved. Let’s continue to pray for the lost prodigals to return home. Amen.
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