Revelation 16. We have read through the visions of the seven seals and the seven trumpets and now we come to the final cycle – the seven angels with the seven plagues (in bowls) are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished (15:1). The emphasis is on the finality of this cycle, this is the final wrath of God.

Recall the seven trumpet judgments (Revelation 8-9)? They affected one-quarter to one-third of all the earth, and the call was to repent and give glory to God. The world has not repented, they have instead aligned themselves with the dragon and the two beasts, in opposition to God. So now in the seven final bowls of God’s wrath, the plagues affect the whole of the earth. No more half measures designed to bring repentance, it is now too late. Justice is coming.

The first plague is poured out on the earth, on those who bore the mark of the beast and worshipped its image. The second and third plagues turn the sea and all fresh water to blood, killing all living things. These plagues are reminiscent of Egypt and God’s judgment on Pharoah’s hardened heart. In response to the fourth plague, people cursed the name of God and did not repent or give Him glory (16:9). In response to the fifth plague, people cursed the God of heaven and did not repent or give Him glory (16:11).

The sixth plague dried up the great river (sounds a bit like God drying up the Red Sea or the Jordan River) and made a way for things to come. John sees the forces of evil – the dragon, the beast, and the second beast (or false prophet) – and they go out like demonic spirits to deceive and assemble the kings of the whole world for battle. Then the seventh and final plague is poured out and the cry from the throne is, “It is done” (16:17). The earth crumbles, the great city of Babylon (symbolic for the empires of man) falls to the just wrath of God. Yet still, the people cursed God for the plague (16:21).

In all this judgment and destruction, John leaves us with nuggets of hope to anchor our weary souls. It is proclaimed from heaven, “The Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” (16:7). There have been many opportunities to repent – centuries of opportunities actually – and now justice is coming. Do not doubt God.

John also interjects with words from Jesus. “I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake…” (16:15). The judgment is falling on those who oppose God. Those who love God and worship Him are encouraged to stay ready – no one knows the day or the hour of the return of Christ, but we are not to grow lazy or sleepy while we wait for His appearing.