Revelation Chapter 16 (NASB)

We are moving into the last half of the tribulation.

The beast is busy pursuing those who refused to take his mark.

Previous "seals" and "trumpet" plagues have taken their toll on the earth. Food is scarce, and disease still is killing many.

Now the earth faces the FULL WRATH OF GOD contained in seven bowls:

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 1 (NASB)

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And I heard a loud voice from the TEMPLE,

The voice coming from the TEMPLE indicates this is a direct command from God. John probably recognizes this loud voice as the same one as in Revelation 1:10.  That loud voice asked John to start recording the whole revelation we are studying.

saying to the seven ANGELS,

Angels don't do anything on their own. They ALWAYS are obedient (except for Lucifer and his followers). Recall, however, that these angels served in close proximity to God (Revelation 15:6).

"Go and pour out the seven BOWLS of the WRATH OF GOD into the earth."

This command and the subsequent pouring of the bowls fulfills the first part of Zephaniah's prophesy (Zephaniah 3:8-13). It also is the "quickly" part of the third woe (Revelation 11:14).

God is no longer willing to tolerate unrepentant mankind nor the Antichrist (Satan in a human body). Isaiah in Isaiah 42:5-8-9 says that God will not give His glory to another. Yet that is exactly what mankind at this time is doing. LOOK OUT! This is a direct violation of God's commandment (Exodus 20:4-6). A JEALOUS and HOLY GOD will extract vengeance!

A little side note: Where these bowls are to be poured is translated in many different ways. That is, "into, upon, on, over" are just a few of the prepositions used to identify where on earth the wrath will hit. Since the earth has never experienced the FULL WRATH OF GOD before (we got a little taste in Noah's time), these seven BOWLS (plagues) will have a GREAT (this word is used in chapter 16 more than any other chapter in the Bible....watch for all the GREATs) impact especially on those who have the mark of the beast.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 2 (NASB)

2 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.

And the FIRST ANGEL went and poured out his BOWL into the earth;

Now we are seeing what the third angelic message (Revelation 14:9-11) was talking about. There has been much discussion what the difference is between BOWL and VIAL as other translations give. It doesn't make any difference.....each of the seven angels has a container which will be poured into the earth.

"Pouring out" is commonly used in the Old Testament for distribution of God's wrath or anger (Psalm 79:1-7 and Lamentation 4:11-12).

and it became a loathsome and malignant SORE upon the men

The term "men" is anthropos in Greek which is all inclusive (men, women, and children).

During the plagues visited upon Egypt, the SORES came after Moses threw soot from a kiln into the air (Exodus 9:8-12). But this was limited to one country, Egypt. This BOWL affects the entire earth (dry land implied when taken with respect to the next bowl). Notice the Egyptian sores were so debilitating that even the magicians couldn't perform. So, too, with this bowl, the economy will suffer from lack of workers.

Moses indicates that BOILS are part of the 'curses of disobedience' (Deuteronomy 28:15,27-29,34-37).

A much less supported view is that the SORES are symbolic. That is, the SORES indicate a moral defect in society which causes mass crime with resultant intense mental anguish. Perhaps it will be a combination of the physical SORES and the mental anguish of a disfigured appearance. Just observe how many TV commercials are targeted at a person's appearance (from exercise machines to skin care products).

who (1) had the mark of the beast and who
        (2) worshiped his image.

Recall that the marking is initially taken in Revelation 13:16-17. After the mark is taken, the result is predicted in Revelation 14:9-11.

One result of this plague is that those NOT having sores must not have taken the mark. This will only hasten the roundup and execution of these tribulation saints.

First bowl economic impact: All production will suffer from mass absenteeism. Medical facilities will be overrun with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses to care for the masses. The sales of cosmetics and other beauty aids will fall. The TV newscasters, reporters, and such will make it obvious that ALL with the MARK will be affected. Crime will be rampant as law enforcement is minimal; police will be struggling with their own SORES.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 3 (NASB)

3.  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.

And the SECOND ANGEL poured out his BOWL into the SEA,

This bowl follows the first bowl very rapidly. Mankind still is struggling with sores, and now this plague appears.

"Into the SEA" implies that whatever makes the sea become BLOOD is water soluble.

and it became BLOOD like that of a dead man;

The sea (oceans) became like a dead person's blood: putrefying, black, foul, and clotted blood (Dr. Ella Rust). Compare this to the Egyptian plague (Exodus 7:20-24 and Psalm 105:26-29-36). The Nile stunk and was not potable. BUT that plague was localized to Egypt.......this one is earth wide.

Chemically, sea water is almost identical to blood. Only the iron rich (red coloration) hemoglobin in the corpuscles carry the life-giving oxygen throughout the body (Leviticus 17:10-13). The BLOOD in this plague is not circulating nor is it being enriched with oxygen. Hence the result:

and EVERY LIVING THING in the SEA DIED.

Ponder the impact this has on the earth! Fisheries and maritime industries shutdown. The stench along the coasts (where many of the world's largest cities are located) is overwhelming. Scientists will be at a loss to eradicate the plague, and it can't be contained as it is EVERYWHERE.

The "red tides" which occur frequently in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the world may be a small example of this plague. "Red tides" are thought to be caused by dinoflagellata (one celled organisms).

While science still has many unanswered questions about dinoflagellata, could this be a byproduct or relapse of a previous trumpet (Revelation 8:8-9)? Incidentally, the dead fish during the "red tide" contain a potent nerve poison. This poison's effect on humans is not presently known.

Symbolically, this has been interpreted as either 1) a massive navel battle or 2) moral death of the human spirit. However, this raises more unanswerable questions than are raised by the literal interpretation.

This completes the "life cycle" of the seas (Genesis 1:21). If sea (water) is the container of spirits, then this BOWL along with the next bowl effectively removes the spirit habitation. As much as the devil has always tried to kill mankind before they can make a choice to become a believer, this plague may be God's way of killing demons (or their dwelling places, at least). Interestingly, when old earth and old heaven are removed, so is the sea (Revelation 21:1). This probably means God will not even give a chance to some evil leader like the devil to clean up the sea and possibly reintroduce demons. The new heaven and earth apparently are without seas.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 4 (NASB)

4.  And the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood.

And the THIRD ANGEL poured out his bowl into the RIVERS and the SPRINGS of WATERS;

The second bowl (previous verse) affected the salt water bodies. This one attacks the fresh water. Man uses fresh water for cooking, drinking, and bathing. Now the remaining "666 marked" people are trying to recover from their sores (1st bowl) and are forced to search for fresh water just like the Egyptians did (Exodus 7:20-24).

So complete is this judgment that the reward Jesus talks about in Matthew 10:40-42 is not likely. Note the contrast between "receiving Me" and "receiving the mark of the beast (verse 2)".

Believers in heaven, if they even are aware of earth events, truly can be grateful for the river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1).

and they became BLOOD.

Recall that the two witnesses had this power too. This confirms that the two witnesses were prior to this bowl judgment inasmuch there would be no need to use their power when this bowl takes care of the whole earth.  Interestingly, if the Antichrist could see into the future (which he cannot), then the demonstrations of the two witnesses should have convinced him to prepare for this BOWL plague.

From a spiritual standpoint, as 1 John 5:6-12 points out, this conversion between water, blood, and spirit also is a "witness".

Symbolically, scholars who subscribe to the non literal interpretation have a difficult time with this bowl. Some indicate this is a destructive war but this BOWL is global, and a global war here would negate Harmagedon (verses 14-16).

Economic impact: The need for water will cause major riots. As a commodity, pure water produced via technology will be very expensive. This will force most people to drink BLOOD (verse 6) just to survive. It's not clear whether animals balk at drinking blood. If they do, livestock, poultry, and pets are disappearing just as seafood did in verse 3.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 5 (NASB)

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And I heard the ANGEL of the WATERS saying,

It is not unusual for angels to be in charge of physical phenomena:
 

However, if one agrees that water is the "container of spirits", then this one is especially significant. Particularly as a witness during this last half of the tribulation, this is a testimony to the spirit, blood, and water (1 John 5:6-12).

This angel probably was the one who purified the waters at Jericho at the word of Elisha (2 Kings 2:19-22).

"RIGHTEOUS art THOU, who ART and who WAST, O HOLY ONE, because Thou didst JUDGE these things;

This angel affirms how RIGHTEOUS Jesus Christ is. Prior to Jesus' blood being shed on Calvary, God exhibited this same RIGHTEOUSNESS as we find in the discussion of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-25-33). Son like Father in this instance. Clearly, from John 5:17-22-24, the HOLY ONE, who is the JUDGE of these things is Jesus Himself.

Watchman Nee points out that the phrase "who is to come" (Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 4:8) is missing here (as well as in Revelation 11:17), so he concludes the return-of-Christ event takes place sometime between chapter 4 and the 7th trumpet. "Who is to come" has already come.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 6 (NASB)

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for they poured out the BLOOD of SAINTS and PROPHETS, and

It is interesting that PROPHETS are included here. Probably this refers specifically to the two witnesses who were recently slain (Revelation 11:10).

In a broader sense, this may be the "severer punishment" referred to in Hebrews 10:26-29-31.

THOU hast given them BLOOD to drink.

It is on purpose that those who took the mark of the beast are "forced" into drinking blood to keep alive. We, as believers, have celebrated Christ's BLOOD all these years in Holy Communion. Now this other kind of BLOOD must be drunk. And those with the mark of the beast must have drunk (see Revelation 17:6). This must have been especially difficult for practicing Jews who had the mark for they are not to drink BLOOD (Leviticus 3:12-17).

This is group vengeance. That is, individually a person may not have shed a SAINT's or PROPHET's BLOOD, but by virtue of the mark of the beast that they wear, they are forced to take God's vengeance. The rules of Deuteronomy 19:15-21 are in effect again.

Note that the request of the first half tribulation martyrs finally is fulfilled (Revelation 6:11). With the alter itself confirming that the wait is over (next verse).

THEY DESERVE IT.

Isn't it interesting that in the selfish society we live in today, people feel they DESERVE or have RIGHTS to such and such. This will be one time they wished they weren't so demanding......I can hear them now, "What did we do to DESERVE this?"

Well, you took the MARK OF THE BEAST, and the period of GRACE has ended. You now are experiencing the retribution and judgment created by your decision to take the MARK OF THE BEAST.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 7 (NASB)

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And I heard the altar saying,

John indicates the altar is speaking, but other translations indicate it is another angel or the collective voices of the multitudes underneath the ALTAR (Revelation 6:9-11).

This is the second "witness" to the true and righteous judgments of the ALMIGHTY. The first witness was the "angel of the waters" (verse 5). Thus the Matthew 18:16 requirement to establish the truth is fulfilled.

"Yes, O LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, true and righteous are THY JUDGMENTS."

The phrase "THE ALMIGHTY" is used often in the Revelation. See the list in Revelation 1:8.

Later, in Revelation 19:2, the GREAT MULTITUDE of heaven confirm once more that GOD'S JUDGMENTS are true and righteous. This principle is recognized in the Old Testament in Psalm 19:7-9-14 and Psalm 145:17-21.

Do not think these judgments end when the fourth bowl is poured out. This judgment goes on forever just as the fire on the altar was commanded to burn continually (Leviticus 6:8-13).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 8 (NASB)

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And the FOURTH ANGEL poured out his BOWL upon the SUN;

The literal interpretation, on the other hand, is not without its difficulties too. Unlike the fourth trumpet, where the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars probably is an earth generated event, this bowl requires an increase in the SUN's energy output. Now the earth only receives about one two billionth of the sun's total energy output. It is believed that the energy is derived from the conversion of mass following the Einstein's energy = mass (converted) times the speed of light squared formula. Estimates are that about 4 million tons of solar matter per second are turned into energy. But this implies that the mass and thus energy output of the sun is slowly decreasing (not increasing as this bowl indicates).

Thus, something in the fourth bowl causes an increase in the SUN's energy which is directed toward the earth. It is well known that solar flares generate immense heat but the flare usually lasts a half hour or less. So this bowl event must be a sustained set of flares with the possibility of holes in the earth's ozone layer augmenting the heating effect.^*

and it was given to it to SCORCH MEN with FIRE.

Numerous scholars believe the following Old Testament prophesies are fulfilled with the pouring of this bowl:

• Isaiah 24:1-6
• Isaiah 30:18-26
• Isaiah 42:23-25
• Deuteronomy 32:23-27
• Malachi 4:1-3

Economic impact: The SUN is the light source for the whole earth. If MEN are scorched this severely, one can assume that plants will wither quickly and a world-wide famine will set in. Furthermore, the polar ice caps will melt rapidly into the sea (blood- verse 3). Since it is assumed that blood doesn't evaporate as quickly as water, the so called "greenhouse effect" probably won't come into play.  Any clouds which do form would be burned away.

^{* ASTRONOMY, Franklyn M. Branley, Mark R. Chartrand III, and Helmut K. Wimmer, Thomas Y. Crowell Publishing, p. 108-113, 278}

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 9 (NASB)

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And men were scorched with FIERCE HEAT;

The previous verse discussed the sun's heating capabilities. This is a FIERCE HEAT not a mere heat wave. Most likely this will exceed the air conditioning capacities and force people outdoors. This is only make matters worse and may explain the rest of this verse.

and 1) THEY BLASPHEMED the NAME of GOD who has the POWER over these PLAGUES; and

These people don't have the Helper (John 14:15-31). The "ruler of the world" (John 14:30) has come and the Antichrist has NOTHING in Jesus. So these people, Antichrist's followers, too, will have nothing in Jesus or God. Hence they BLASPHEME the NAME OF GOD!

    2) THEY DID NOT REPENT, so as to give HIM GLORY.

These people can't bring themselves to admit that they are getting their just punishment for taking the mark of the beast. Furthermore, they feel POWERless because even their "ruler of the world" leader cannot turn down the HEAT.

From a longer view, these people must be done away with in order for the prophesy in Isaiah 52:1-6 to become a reality. This bowl through the FIERCE HEAT of the sun is saying "Here I am.".

Glory to God only comes from a repentant and obedient heart. We believers, need help from Him who will make us stand in the presence of His GLORY (Jude 24-25). These people refuse to repent and will not stand in the presence of His GLORY but rather their knees will bow to Him (Isaiah 45:20-23-25).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 10 (NASB)

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And the FIFTH ANGEL poured out his bowl upon the throne of the BEAST;

As you may recall, this throne was acquired from the DRAGON (Revelation 13:2). It appears as though the effects of this bowl's judgments spread outward throughout the all of the BEAST's kingdom (Matthew 4:1-11). Scholars have differing views as to how large this kingdom is. The views range among localized around Babylon (verse 19), the nations "visible" from the high mountain in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-11), or the whole world.

There is one truth that is clear: God knows where this throne is (Revelation 2:13).

and 1) his KINGDOM became DARKENED;

Check out the Old Testament version of this bowl judgment (Exodus 10:21-23). Note how movement is restricted for three days ... quite a challenge for our present day, very mobile society. This doesn't mean that this judgment is over in three days. A time span is not given for any of these bowl judgments.

Prophetically, DARKNESS is a destination for the enemies of God (Nahum 1:2-8). DARKNESS is located near the valley of decision (Joel 3:9-14-16). In the previous verse, those remaining on this earth after the fourth bowl had made a decision to NOT REPENT!

and 2) they gnawed their tongues because of pain,

How appropriate the very tongue that blasphemes God (next verse) gets the "chewing out".

Science is just now beginning to understand how darkness runs down the physical body. Your strongest sense, sight, is useless, and the body becomes worn out trying to catch the dimmest ray of light. This takes its toll emotionally too.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 11 (NASB)

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and they BLASPHEMED the God of HEAVEN because of their PAINS and their SORES;

This is difficult for us to understand. We usually cry out to the Lord in time of great difficulty. Even unbelievers will request prayer in times of great distress. But these people do just the opposite. They BLASPHEME the very God of heaven who could RESCUE them.

This isn't just any god they BLASPHEME; this is the God of HEAVEN (the highest dwelling place of God, the place of His Throne (Revelation 4:2), His ark of Covenant (Revelation 11:19), and the altar (Revelation 16:7)).

and THEY DID NOT REPENT of their DEEDS.

The DEEDS most specifically are referring to their BLASPHEMING God but may include other acts of irreverence. This is the last CHANCE, apparently, for these people to REPENT because the word "REPENT" is not used anymore in the Revelation text.

These people are at their valley of decision (Joel 3:9-14-15) and openly and verbally CHOOSE to follow the antiChrist. By this time, the conscience is very numb or nonexistent. Society has lost its moral code and only knows the PAINS and SORES they are suffering are because of these bowl judgments. Lest we think this isn't possible in America, there is an organization determined to get the 10 Commandments, a good set of moral codes, removed from public buildings. By this time, I can guarantee that the antiChrist has had every plaque or inscription that refers to GOD removed. How fitting that DARKNESS (previous verse), which is equivalent to the spiritual unenlightenment that these people have, be the judgment for this lost moral code.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 12 (NASB)

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And the SIXTH ANGEL poured out his BOWL upon the great river, the EUPHRATES;

The Euphrates River is the eastern boundary of land given to Israel (Deuteronomy 1:7 and Deuteronomy 11:24). This boundary is important because Israel's judgments seem to be promulgated from this area. In the past, Jeremiah 13 was a judgment and this verse for the future.

Two thoughts exist as to what effect the fourth bowl (verses 8 and 9) will have on the Euphrates River.

1. The Euphrates River is swollen by the sudden melting of the snowcap on Mt. Ararat. Recall the fourth bowl was 'fierce heat'.
2. The Euphrates River is naturally dried up because the fierce heat caused a short term flood but by the time of this bowl judgment, there is no more snowcap to melt. Hence the Euphrates River is dry.

and its water was dried up, that the WAY might be prepared for the KINGS from the EAST.

In the past, the Euphrates River literally has been a barrier to armies advancing from the east. To today's militaries, the river is little more than a nuisance.

The symbolic interpretation is that eastern religions will penetrate Judo Christian beliefs. That is quite plausible given the inroads that Islam has made around the world in the last several decades. It is hard, however, to imagine our Jewish friends accepting the Islamic faith (or any other eastern belief) but given how readily they turned to Baal in Old Testament times even though they were commanded not to worship those idols (Exodus 34:11-16), this, too, is possible.

One last thought: if water is the container of spirits (evil most likely - see Revelation 9:14), then there is no place for the invading evil spirits to rest (verses 13 and 14 and Luke 11:14-28). With the Euphrates River dried up, these evil forces will penetrate onward right to the valley where the mother of all wars will take place.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 13 (NASB)

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And I saw coming out of the mouth

Words come out of the mouth. Here these words are evil with the intent to cause an insurrection or jihad. We know these are blasphemous lies because they are equated with UNCLEAN SPIRITS.

Compare what comes out of Jesus Christ's mouth in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12,16.

1. of the DRAGON and ....

Out of the DRAGON's mouth a river flowed (Revelation 12:15) trying to kill the woman with child.
2. of the BEAST and ....

The (sea) BEAST spoke arrogant words and blasphemies (Revelation 13:5)
3. of the FALSE PROPHET,

The FALSE PROPHET tells the earth dwellers to make an image of the BEAST and then to WORSHIP it (Revelation 13:14). Nonworshippers are to be KILLED (Revelation 13:15). This is the first time the words "FALSE PROPHET" are used in reference to the 'earth BEAST'.

three UNCLEAN SPIRITS like frogs;

In the Old Testament, frogs were considered unclean animals (Leviticus 11:9-12,41-45), so it is appropriate here for John to say these UNCLEAN SPIRITS looked LIKE frogs. These are not real frogs. However, like real frogs, they multiply rapidly, are noisy in the dark (night), and can jump great distances (compared to their body size). These UNCLEAN SPIRITS spread throughout the whole world (next verse).

If, as we have discussed before, spirits need water to exist in, then these 'frogs' may of necessity have spread across the globe because the Euphrates River has been dried up. The tadpole stage in the frog's life cycle requires water or the frogs will die out. One can conclude that when the Euphrates River dries up (previous verse), literally, the UNCLEAN SPIRITS will be on the move over the whole world. This is one of the few places in Revelation where the literal and symbolic become codependent. Otherwise, both the literal and the symbolic can be expected to happen in parallel.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 14 (NASB)

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for they are SPIRITS of DEMONS,

There is confusion who these SPIRITS of DEMONS are. Some believe they are the demonic form of the UNHOLY TRINITY, but the prideful ego of the devil and his cohorts probably would not put them in this performing position. They rather would direct some very talented demons who are

• performing SIGNS,

These spirits continue what the false prophet (earth beast) started in Revelation 13:13-14. Many present day believers, perhaps naively, say only God/Christ can perform SIGNS, but during the tribulation period, these SPIRITS will have that capability too. The deception goes on (Mark 13:14-22-23).
• which go out to the KINGS of the WHOLE WORLD,

Apparently, all the leaders of the world are impressed by these signs. Collecting these "KINGS" implies a coalition of countries with combined political, economic, and military ties. However, previous seals, trumpets, and bowl judgments have so disfigured the earth that one wonders what is left to govern.
• to gather them together for the WAR OF THE GREAT DAY OF GOD, the ALMIGHTY.

Nations gather to try to lift Jerusalem like a heavy stone (Zechariah 12:1-9 and Zechariah 14:13). This is only the gathering together of these nations (KINGS); the actual war takes place during the 7th bowl judgment (Revelation 19:19-21).
Note: This verse clearly indicates this is not only man against man but will also be demonic man against God. Demonic man has been deceived again because no one wins against THE ALMIGHTY.

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 15 (NASB)

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This verse seems to be out of place. It has caused much confusion and remains one of those mysteries of Revelation. With its placement right before the final judgment (next verse), the verse implies that there will be some persons who did NOT take the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16), and, thus, should be "rescued" before the final battle. How this will happen is not stated; it probably is different than the up-taking we believers will experience if we live that long (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

(Behold, I AM COMING like a THIEF.

Before the tribulation, the believers at the church of the Thessalonians were informed of another thief-like event (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). It, too, was given a 'day of the Lord' connotation (see previous verse).

Blessed is the one who stays AWAKE and keeps his garments,

While this could literally mean stay physically awake due to the time compress and the pending confrontation (next verse) which is being televised most certainly around the world, it also could mean staying awake spiritually. For one's garment to be taken away, one must be in a deep sleep. This may be a reference to those who prior to the tribulation KNEW the way to salvation but never made the commitment. Now they appear to be in a deep spiritual sleep.

lest he walk about NAKED and men see his SHAME.)

Nakedness is exposure; what may have been hidden is revealed. Shame shows pollution or being spotted with the worldly sin curse (1 John 2:26-29).

Recall that prior to Christ's crucifixion, he was exposed in a similar manner. At that time, his exposure was to all the sins of the world. That is why it is so gratifying to know that He now is fully clothed (Revelation 1:13). Tribulation saints, too, are dressed in like manner (Revelation 7:9).

ARE YOU WEARING GARMENTS (of righteousness) OR ARE YOU NAKED?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 16 (NASB)

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And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called HARMAGEDON.

While this appears to be a literal gathering of nations for war, this is not necessarily good military strategy. Thus, the symbolic meaning may be more likely. The symbolic view is supported because John uses the term "like frogs" (verse 13) to indicate that this is unclean/demonic activity. Although, these demons most likely are occupying human beings.

The humans who are gathering, in either view, believe they are doing this upon request of the Antichrist (a jihad, perhaps). They don't realize that God Himself is doing the gathering to fulfill His purpose (Revelation 19:21). According to Revelation 20:4, the millennial reign is coming soon, so the earth must be cleansed of evil. How convenient for God to have had the Antichrist have his followers (marked with 666) assemble in one place.

Geographically, HAR-MAGEDON is a broad valley about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. Literally translated, HARMAGEDON, means the hill where troops are cut to pieces. In the Old Testament, there was fighting there (Judges 5:19-23) and killing there (2 Kings 23:24-29-30). Water is referenced in both passages, while here in Revelation, the Euphrates River has been dried up (verse 12). It is not clear why this distinction.

The purpose, it is implied, is to make a march upon Jerusalem. The Antichrist has already desecrated the temple most likely and now wants to rule the city. He wants something to rule. Hence the city is not destroyed by missiles or bombs but is to be taken by sheer human numbers. This may fulfill the prophesy in Zechariah 14:1-8 with the 'waiting for the Lord' to follow (Zephaniah 3:8-13).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 17 (NASB)

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And the SEVENTH ANGEL poured out his BOWL upon the air;

Previously, water was turned to blood (verses 3 and 4) and the sun scorched the earth with intense heat (verse 8). Now the last necessity for life, AIR, is under judgment. Since air totally surrounds the earth, this judgment affects the entire earth. Amazingly, the effects on the AIR itself are not recorded. This leads some scholars to say this is wholly symbolic of the final spiritual attack on evil. This bowl certainly does attack Satan in his power base (Ephesians 2:1-3).

On the other hand, there are tremendous physical consequences as we will see in the next verse. There is no doubt that the whole earth is in this judgment, both physically and spiritually.

and a loud voice came out of the TEMPLE from the THRONE, saying, "IT IS DONE."

This loud voice is proclaiming completion of the "mystery of God" in the 7th trumpet (Revelation 10:7). That the loud voice comes from the THRONE (righteousness of God) in the TEMPLE (holiness of God) indicates this is the voice of God. It is the same voice we find in Revelation 21:6.

Interesting to note that the TEMPLE is involved in each of the "7th" judgments: 7th seal (Revelation 8:3), 7th trumpet (Revelation 11:19), and this verse. This supports the view that all these "7th" judgments are different views of the same event. Inasmuch, the 7th seal contains the 7th trumpet which contains the 7th bowl, one can accept this argument.

This is the second of three "completions". The first "completion" was uttered by Christ (John 19:28-30), and it completes the redemption of mankind from sin. This verse's "completion" finishes the redemption of the old earth from the sin curse (Genesis 3). The final "completion" (Revelation 21:6) completes the Revelation vision with the establishment of a new heaven and new earth.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 18 (NASB)

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And there were flashes of LIGHTNING and SOUNDS and peals of THUNDER; and there was

Before the 7th trumpets' judgments, a similar event occurred (Revelation 8:5). Just as the fire traveled through the air to the earth at that time, so now this bowl judgment travels through the air (previous verse) to cause this physical phenomena.

The use of SOUNDS shows that these were noises John couldn't readily identify. The earth at the end of the tribulation will be so much different from what we live in today. However, one can't help but think this may be a Revelation-like reference to the multimedia crazed world we now are just beginning to experience.

The events recorded here are much like the prophesy of Isaiah 29:1-8. Recall that the gathering in Isaiah 29:8 will, by this time, have already taken place (verse 16). The final outcome of the gathering still remains to be determined.

a GREAT EARTHQUAKE, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth,

The Old Testament is full of God shaking the earth (Isaiah 2:19-21; Isaiah 24:16-23; Isaiah 30:30-33; Haggai 2:6,7,20-23; Zechariah 14:4-5; and Ezekiel 38:17-23). Can you tell whether these prophetic writings are talking about this GREAT EARTHQUAKE?

This will be the GREATEST EARTHQUAKE ever. I wonder how it compares to the greatest earthquake of the 1900s? That one occurred in 1970 in the Pacific Ocean near Chile. In that quake, a fault 500 miles long moved 70 feet. The quake's moment magnitude was 9.5 (or 8.3 on the Richter scale).

so GREAT an EARTHQUAKE was it, and SO MIGHTY.

Symbolically, this GREAT EARTHQUAKE is tied to the next verse where we will find the GREAT CITY split apart. One could interpret this as a great shaking of the world governments, economic systems (World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF), for example), and religious sects. As this is being written, the United States (and world) has been shaken by terrorists flying commercial aircraft into the World Trade Towers. The economic impact of that act has yet to be fully realized, I suspect.

Interestingly, third world countries can have civil wars going on for years and a government (usually dictatorial) stays in power. However, let a natural disaster occur in that country, and the government collapses within months if not weeks. So this MIGHTY EARTHQUAKE may just be the final catalyst to topple the world governments in preparation for the millennial reign of Christ on this earth.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 19 (NASB)

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And

Verses 19, 20, and 21 contain the consequences of the GREAT EARTHQUAKE (previous verse).

(1)   THE GREAT CITY was split into three parts, and

In scripture, only Jerusalem (where Jesus was crucified, Revelation 11:8) is referred to as the GREAT CITY. Having said this, it should be noted that scholars have identified the GREAT CITY variously as Rome, Jerusalem, or Babylon. Since all three cities are close to tectonic boundaries, it is plausible that physically any one of them could split into three parts.

Symbolically, this could be a spiritual split of Jerusalem into three factions. For example, Arabs, Jews, and Gentiles or, perhaps, Palestinians, Orthodox Jews, and Moderate Jews. This may be the visionary way of showing that the Unholy Trinity is having a difference of opinion among its ruling ranks.

(2)   the cities of the NATIONS fell. And

The whole world is affected by this GREAT EARTHQUAKE. Previously in the 6th seal's GREAT EARTHQUAKE (Revelation 6:12), cities may have escaped the massive destruction and death that usually accompanies these events. In this last GREAT EARTHQUAKE, already weakened cities worldwide fall.

Carrying the symbolic viewpoint forward, the Antichrist loses control of the cities of the world. Perhaps the people who took the mark of the beast suddenly, like an earthquake, realize that they have been deceived by the great deceiver (Revelation 12:9).

(3)   BABYLON THE GREAT was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of HIS FIERCE WRATH.

This may be the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 13:1-16).

Just as God promised to remember his covenant with Israel (Psalm 98:3, Psalm 105:8-15, Psalm 105:37-42), so, too, He will remember BABLYON THE GREAT with the cup of the wine of HIS FIERCE WRATH (Psalm 137).

As we will find in chapters 17 and 18, Babylon can be considered as the sum of the evil social, religious, and political worlds. God now focuses His full attention on this Devil-assisted but manmade structure.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 20 (NASB)

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And

(4)   every island (mountains under the sea) fled away, and

The use of the word "fled" reminds us how quickly this occurs. See Revelation 9:6 and Revelation 12:6 for the other times when things or people fled.

This verse implies a complete reversal of the earth's tectonic plate movements. Over the years since creation, land masses slid over each other (sometimes violently with earthquakes) to form mountain ranges, valleys, and islands. So as part of the reclamation of the title deed for the earth as embodied by the scroll in chapter 5, it is entirely appropriate to "unslide" the earth's tectonic plates to restore the earth to its pristine creation state. All this is in preparation for the millennial reign.

(5)   the mountains were not found.

Mountains have been the place where God meets mankind (Exodus 19:1-9; Exodus 19:16-25; Isaiah 2:1-4; and Matthew 17:1-13). However, during the millennium, God/Christ will again dwell among men and will not speak to them from a mountain top. That is not to say, there won't be "mountains" around during the millennium. I suspect that there will be a mound at Jerusalem as that city will be the capital of the whole earth during that period.

Evil men have used mountains to hide in (Revelation 6:15-16-17). However, at this time (end of the tribulation period), there is no need for men to hide. Those who received the mark of the beast are clearly identified, and into the millennium, society will expect God to walk among them just like God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve (pre Genesis 3). Curiously, even as in Genesis 3, Satan will be released after the 1,000 years to try to tempt mankind again (Revelation 20:7-10).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revelation Chapter 16, Verse 21 (NASB)

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And

(6)   huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, CAME DOWN from heaven UPON MEN;

While the 666-marked people on earth curse God because of this hailstorm, it really could be that the earth is giving praise back to God for its deliverance (return to the pristine created form) from the sin curse (Psalm 148). Or it could be the earth reacting to God's FIERCE WRATH (verse 19), or as the Psalmist testifies in Psalm 18:7-15.

The punishment of blasphemy under Levitical law was stoning (Leviticus 24:10-16), and this is God's way of stoning the blasphemous people. This implies many men will die worldwide ... their dwellings have been flattened by the GREAT EARTHQUAKE (verse18), so they are outside, unprotected from this plague.

Great hailstones have killed people in recent times; however, these hailstones or boulders are many times larger. Henry Morris in "The Revelation Record" points out the Greek (chalaza) means 'something which falls' and (lithinos) is always used for true rock material. The tectonic undoing during the GREAT EARTHQUAKE certainly could/would open huge gashes in the earth's crust and would force 'lava' boulders high into the air (heaven).

and MEN BLASPHEMED GOD because of the plague of the hail, because its plague was extremely severe.

This is the third time the marked MEN have blasphemed God (Revelation 16:9 and Revelation 16:11). It almost is like complete denial of God comes in threes (Matthew 26:69-75).

If this verse tells us anything, we do NOT want to be around when this happens. Accept Christ TODAY to avoid this horrible plague!