Revelation Chapter 16

Revelation Chapter 16

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Introduction:  In Revelation Chapter 16, the seven ‘vial’ judgments are described. They seem to be in rapid succession and parallel some of the plagues against Egypt in Exodus.

The focus seems to be personal affliction against the ungodly of the world in the later days of the Tribulation. The chapter concludes with the final judgment of the Tribulation.

I.                John Hears Great Voice Speaking to the 7 Angels

(Rev 16:1)  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

John described what took place next.  Whose voice he heard emanating from the Temple in heaven is not indicated. However, it is generally thought to be that of God Himself.  The voice directs the seven angels described in 15:1 to go and pour out their vials upon the earth.

Of particular significance is that the contents of these vials are described as being the wrath of God.  As the chapter will unfold, the wrath of God is not directed so much toward the earth itself, but rather against those who inhabit the earth.

(Rev 16:2)  And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

The seven angels begin to sequentially pour out their vials.  The first went and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image. The word translated as noisome (kakov kakos) has the sense of ‘vile’ or ‘awful.’ The word translated as grievous (ponhrovponeros) can have the sense of ‘painful’ which likely is the idea.

Finally, the word translated as sore (‘elkov helkos) refers to an ulcerated sore discharging pus.  This plague, however, befell only those which carried the mark of the beast along with those who worshiped his image. The devil’s crowd in that day will be afflicted with ugly, painful, ulcerated sores on their bodies. The plague parallels the sixth judgment inflicted upon Egypt in Exodus 9:10.

(Rev 16:3)  And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

The second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.   Precisely how this is accomplished, we are not told.  The word translated as sea (yalassathalassa) can refer to the ocean in general or more specifically to the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to Palestine.

Though the latter may be in view, the fact that the angels were directed to pour out their vials upon the earth would seem to indicate the greater oceans of the world.  Consequently, the oceans became “as the blood of a dead man.” It is noteworthy that the text does not say, the sea became the blood of a dead man, but rather as the blood of a dead man.  The thought likely is of a putrid, foul redness. Coastal areas in tropical areas are well acquainted with the red tide which causes the sea to look red and kills fish infected by its microbial infestation.

Whether this is what is in view is not clear. However, the result is that “every living soul died in the sea.”  The thought likely is every living creature in the oceans died. Not only is a major food source for mankind destroyed, but the remainder is a foul, putrid, sea of death.  In the second trumpet judgment of Revelation 8:8-9, a third of the sea became blood. Here apparently, all the oceans are afflicted.

II.                The Third Angel Pours Out his Vial upon the Waters

(Rev 16:4)  And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

Here the direction is turned to the fresh waters of the earth.  Whereas in the preceding plague the waters of the oceans became as blood, here the fresh waters do become blood itself. This plague therefore closely parallels the judgment against Egypt in Exodus 7:19. The word translated as fountains (phgh pege) can refer to springs and wells as it refers to fresh, ground water. This, along with the water from rivers and streams, form the basis for most drinking water.

Furthermore, in the third trumpet judgment noted in 8:10-11, a third of the drinking water of the earth was fouled, now all of it becomes blood.   Whether there is some providential protection in this regard for those who have rejected the mark of the beast is not clear. However, that was expressly the case with the first vial judgment.

It may be presumed that God in someway provides fresh water for His people Israel and others who have turned to Him during the Tribulation. Some of these survive and enter on into the kingdom, soon to follow, indicates that God in some way providentially provides for them.

(Rev 16:5)  And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

(Rev 16:6)  For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

(Rev 16:7)  And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

John thereafter heard the angel who fouled the drinking waters say, “Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.”   God is ascribed as just in so doing. His eternality is clearly indicated in the present, past, and future tenses of the verb ‘to be.’ He always has been, is, and always will be.   The angel notes that God has justly judged the unrepentant world. The angel continued, “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”

The word translated as shed (ekcewekcheo) is the same as translated ‘poured out’ regarding each of the angels in this chapter.  The devil’s crowd down through the ages and certainly in that day have poured out the blood of God’s people. God ironically gives them blood to drink in that day. The world is manifoldly worthy of such recompense.   John thereupon heard another angel from the altar in heaven say, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.”  Almighty God has therefore given true and just judgment as He always does.

(Rev 16:8)  And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

(Rev 16:9)  And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

The fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.  Throughout the Tribulation, various celestial bodies are used by God to inflict judgment against an unrepentant, wicked world.  Here, the fourth angel was directed to use the sun to afflict the unrepentant world with terrible heat like unto fire.

We may again presume that God will providentially protect those who have turned to Him during the Tribulation in ways not described.  It may be correctly inferred that the heat inflicted by God is more than a mere heat wave. During the waning days of the Tribulation, the temperatures of the world are so hot that men are scorched thereby.  In that day, there truly will be global warming to the extent the earth is more like a furnace.

Throughout human history, God has always blessed the earth with a relatively temperate climate. However, like planets closer to the sun, in that day, the heat will become unbearable.  It may be, God will move the earth’s orbit closer to the sun.  Rather than turn to God in repentance, the world in that day will blaspheme His name. It is apparent that the world of that day will be cognizant where these final plagues are coming—from God Himself. However, they refuse to repent or glorify Him.

III. The Fifth Angel Pours out his Vial upon the seat of the Beast

(Rev 16:10)  And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

(Rev 16:11)  And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

For this wicked world, more is still to come.  The fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.  The word translated as seat (yronov thronos) is of significance. It is the common word for ‘throne.’

Whereas the plagues to this point have been worldwide, the focus here seems to be upon the capital city of the antichrist.  I Thessalonians 2:4 indicates that the antichrist will seat himself in the rebuilt Temple at Jerusalem. Whether that is the city in view here or otherwise is not clear.  The kingdom of the antichrist was filled with darkness.

Implied is that though the antichrist will exert world-wide influence, he will have a particular country or group of conquered countries as his base. Daniel 2,7, and 9 seem to indicate this is some form of a revived Roman empire.  It may be that God through miraculous means brings darkness upon this region to such a degree that men gnaw their tongues for pain.  This judgment again parallels the plague of darkness against Egypt noted in Exodus 10:21-22.

Exo 10:21  And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 

Exo 10:22  And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 

Unheard of in human history is darkness to such a degree that intense pain is inflicted. Once again, rather than turn to God, the world in general and the domain of the antichrist in particular blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.  The sores mentioned may refer those found in 16:2 or may be the result of this fifth vial.

(Rev 16:12)  And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

As the sixth vial is poured out, the focus turns from plagues against the populace of the antichrist’s world to preparation for the climax of the Tribulation.  It might be assumed that the plague against the fresh waters of the earth as noted in 16:4-6 is temporary for several reasons. Men continue to live thereafter. Without drinkable water, human life on earth would be extinguished in short order.  The Euphrates River here is described as having water therein. However, with the execution of this plague, its waters dry up.

The stated reason is that “the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” Verse 16 makes clear this is in preparation for the looming battle of Armageddon.

Some have gone to lengths to assume the kings of the east to be the armies described in 9:19. However, that army is clearly supernatural and demonic in character.

Others have assumed the kings of the east to be the armies of mainland China. That may be. However, more than one nation is in view in as much as the kings are mentioned as plural. Others have thought the kings of the east are the nations directly to the east of the Euphrates such as modern Iraq, Iran, or India. However, verse 14 mentions the kings of the whole earth and that certainly would mean all far-eastern nations, including mainland China.  The end of the Tribulation is in sight. Armies in that day are evidently reduced to the old-fashioned method of transport—on foot. They march relentlessly toward their doom at Armageddon.

(Rev 16:13)  And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

(Rev 16:14)  For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

These two verses are parenthetical comments inserted into the sequential flow of thought.  John meanwhile wrote, And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.  Few creatures are more ugly than frogs. It is noteworthy that the text does not say three frogs came out of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. Rather “three unclean spirits” like frogs vomit out of the mouths of that unholy trinity.

The dragon of course is the devil (see Revelation 12:9). Hence, the unholy trinity of darkness is herein described together in one verse.  Lest there be any question whether the devil has the ability to perform miracles, it is clear from the text, that he can. The word translated as devils (daimwn daimon) is whence the English word ‘demon’ derives. It refers to wicked fallen angels of Satan’s realm.

These three demonic spirits are released for one specific purpose: to motivate the kings of the entire inhabited world to gather them to the battle “of that great day of God Almighty.”  The culmination and climax of the Tribulation is at hand. The remaining armed forces of the entire world, through satanic influence, are drawn to the Middle East and Israel in particular for one, final, climatic battle.

The motivation of this vast army is not explicit. Some have thought Satan puts in their heart a last-days hatred of Israel, blaming them for the plagues and judgments of the Tribulation. They then assemble to rid the earth of Jews once and for all. Zechariah 12:2-3 as well as 14:2 seem to support this.  Another thought is that these national leaders assemble their forces to do battle with Jesus Christ and defeat Him, thus ridding themselves of His interference in their affairs.

As noted in 14:6-7, an angel had already circled the globe preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a wicked world.  Throughout the book of Revelation, the thought is noted that the world knows the source of their afflictions: the God of heaven and the Lamb. See Revelation 6:16-17 and 16:11.

(Rev 6:16)  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

(Rev 6:17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

In any event, God allows Satan to assemble the armed forces of the entire world to the Middle East for the climactic battle of the ages.  

IV.  Christ Comes as a Thief in the Night

(Rev 16:15)  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The parenthetical thought continues, though radically shifting its focus. The speaker clearly is Jesus Christ:  As in I Thessalonians 5:2, II Peter 3:10, and Revelation 3:3, the return of Jesus Christ is likened to the unannounced and unexpected appearance of a thief.  He  invokes blessing for those in that day who are so watching and living in moral purity. Those so described may especially be converted Israel just prior to Christ’s return.   There is here clear linkage of the return of Christ to the impending battle of Armageddon.

1Th 5:1  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 

1Th 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  

(Rev 16:16)  And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

The parenthetical comment is over. The thought returns to where it was left in 16:12.   And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Not only are the kings of the east drawn there, but the kings of the whole world.  As described above, the devil (though no doubt with the providential allowance of God) draws the armies of the entire world to the region of Israel.  Zechariah 12:2-3 and 14:2 speaks specifically of Jerusalem as the point of their strategy.

The word armageddon does not appear in the Old Testament. The word here actually is a synthesis of the Hebrew word har (meaning mountain) and the Hebrew word megiddo. Megiddo is on the edge of the plains of Esdraelon and by the waters of Megiddo.  ‘Har-megiddo’ evidently was the mountain rising from the southwest ridge of the valley of Jezreel whence the place Megiddo was located. It is in north-central Israel today.

The battle of Armageddon seemingly extends from Megiddo in the north to Jerusalem and on into modern Jordan at Bosra, as noted in Isaiah 63:1-6. See related comments for 14:19-20.

(Isa 63:1)  Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

(Isa 63:2)  Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

(Isa 63:3)  I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

(Isa 63:4)  For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

(Isa 63:5)  And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

(Isa 63:6)  And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

(Rev 16:17)  And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

The finale of the Tribulation is at hand. The seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.   Once again, the voice so often heard, but not seen out of the Temple of heaven, speaks again. However, here a major clue to its identity is revealed. It is also “from the throne of heaven.” It is likely that of God Himself.

The fateful statement, “It is done,” though not the same word uttered by Jesus on the cross (tetelestai), has essentially the same meaning. The word so translated (gegonen) gegonen) literally means ‘it is complete’ (or, finished).  The judgments and plagues of God against the earth are now over with the completion of this judgment.  Apart from the return of Christ to do battle at Armageddon, the Tribulation is almost over. One last plague remains.

(Rev 16:18)  And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

(Rev 16:19)  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

There accordingly were “voices, and thunders, and lightnings.”  Even as the Tribulation was about to begin in Revelation 4:5, and at its midpoint in 8:5, at its end there are voices, and thunders and lightnings.  Implied is the ominous portent of God’s final judgment. Even as the forces of heaven were ordered, perhaps in military fashion at the beginning of the Tribulation, now the armies of heaven are ordered into formation for their impending return with Christ as will be noted in 19:11-14.

The voices heard may be that of the officers of that army marshaling their commands and barking orders in preparation thereto.  The lightnings and thunders no doubt bespeak the impending final wrath of God against the earth. Meanwhile, there was “a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.  The great city was divided into three parts.” As the Tribulation concludes, the greatest earthquake in history takes place across the entire earth.

Though many commentators suggest this great city was the final form of Babylon (noted later in verse 19 and described in the following two chapters), others think it may in fact be Jerusalem. Revelation 11:8, however, refers to Jerusalem as “the great city.”   Zechariah 14:4 speaks of the major division of Jerusalem when Jesus sets foot on the Mount of Olives upon His return.

It will bring major change in the topography of the region. Isaiah 40:4 speaks how that every valley of that region will be exalted and every mountain therein brought low when Christ returns.  The several conjunctions and seems to indicate that in addition, “the cities of the nations fell and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.”

The severity of the final earthquake of the Tribulation was such that evidently all cities of all nations fell, including Babylon.   It may be that God, in one fell swoop, destroys all nations just prior to the advent of the millennial reign of Christ that the slate might be wiped clean for an entirely new civilization to be built thereafter during Christ’s reign. All the houses of sin and wicked entertainment will be destroyed before Christ’s kingdom begins.

Babylon in whatever final form it is in that day will come under particular wrath from God then. She receives of “the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” Note the distinct similarity here with that of 14:19.  The following two chapters will go into considerable detail in identifying the final form of Babylon and its utter destruction by God.

(Rev 16:20)  And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

As this apocalyptic earthquake shakes the nations of the earth, every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.   Implied is a catastrophic alteration of the earth’s geology, topography, and geography. The cataclysm likely may be on the same order as that of the flood which catastrophically altered the earth.  It may be that God in some way returns the earth to environmental conditions similar to those prior to the flood in preparation for the impending millennial reign of Christ.

The mountains as we know them were a result of that flood. They now are retracted into the surface of the earth. Implied is a profound change in the character of the oceans with the removal of all islands. It will be a different world in that day. Once again, see Isaiah 40:4.

Isa 40:4  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 

Isa 40:5  And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 

(Rev 16:21)  And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

The final retributive act of God of the Tribulation prior to Christ’s triumphant return at Armageddon is at hand.   As the earth travails to bring forth a new beginning physically for the return of her Creator, God sends one final apocalyptic judgment—hail stones weighing between one hundred and two-hundred pounds. Its affect upon men will be murderous.

In Roman times, a talent of silver weighed one-hundred pounds (English weight). For gold, a talent was two-hundred pounds. Hail stones of such character will be catastrophically destructive.   Whether this hail storm is over the entire earth or local regions is not indicated. The latter may be in view in as much as there are survivors of the Tribulation who enter the coming kingdom.

Notwithstanding such clear indication of divine power, what remains of the world’s crowd blaspheme God for the plague of the hail and its greatness. Wicked men only harden their hearts the more as God deals with them.  The Tribulation is over. Chapters 17 and 18 are another parenthetic section dealing with the demise of the world’s system personified in Babylon.  The chronological sequence of events returns in 19:11 with the appearance of Jesus Christ in power and great glory at His return.

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Prov 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

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