REVELATION 16

THE SEVEN BOWLS OF WRATH POURED OUT

After seeing the angels, John hears a loud voice from the temple instructing them to pour out the bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth. As the first angel pours out his bowl, the worshippers of the beast are afflicted with painful sores. The second angel pours out his bowl into the sea, turning it to blood and causing every living sea creature to die. The third angel pours his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, turning them to blood.

The fourth angel pours out his bowl of wrath upon the sun, and it is allowed to scorch people with fire and kill them with heat. Yet, despite these plagues, the people do not repent.

The fifth angel pours out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom is plunged into darkness. Instead of turning to God in repentance, the people blame God for their affliction. Like the seven trumpets, these seven bowls are reminiscent of the Exodus plagues.

The sixth angel pours out his bowl on the Euphrates River, causing it to dry up.

Out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophets, three demonic spirits appear. These spirits perform signs and warn the world to prepare for battle. The spirits assemble the people at a place called Armageddon.

As the seventh angel pours his bowl into the air, a loud voice comes from the temple, saying “It is done!” Upon hearing this, there are flashes of lightning, thunder, and a great earthquake. The earthquake splits the city into three parts, and the nations collapse. Babylon, the archetypal city of rebellion, is destroyed.