Dear Fellow Christians

A Scene Of Heaven

Revelation 15:1: Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

Revelation 14 described the ending of all things, with the Battle of Armageddon. Now John backtracks to describe God’s judgment in more detail. The idea of stating and re-stating in more detail is common in prophecy and Hebrew literature.

We also saw the end in Rev. 6:12-17. Then John took us over the same material in greater detail again. This reminds us that Revelation is not strictly in chronological order.

Seven angels having the seven last plagues: ‘Seven plagues’ is also seen in Leviticus 26:21: Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins. The seven last plagues are God’s judgment on a disobedient and contrary world.

For in them the wrath of God is complete: There are two words for wrath or anger in Biblical Greek: thymos (volatile, passionate anger) and orge (anger from a settled disposition). Settled and deliberate anger is a reaction to perceived deliberate harm or unfair treatment by others. This kind of anger is episodic. Meaning, it is not the typical character of the one angered.

Orge is the more common word for God’s anger in the New Testament. Thymos (a place where God’s anger flashes hot) is used only 11 times, and 10 of those are in Revelation. It is the book that reveals the judgment of God against a Jesus-rejecting world.

Is complete: The ancient Greek word used here, etelesthe, means to reach an end or an aim. The wrath of God will fulfill an eternal purpose.

A Sea Of Glass

Revelation 15:2: And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.

“The sea is designed to reflect the glory of God. In chapter 4 its description ‘like unto crystal’ speaks of the holiness of God. Here the sea mingled with fire speaks of divine judgment proceeding from God’s holiness.”

Walvoord

Many of the images in this chapter are connected to the Book of Exodus. Some see ‘fire’ as the color red and an allusion to the Red Sea. Also in this chapter, we see plagues, Moses, the tabernacle, and the cloud of God’s glory. This is the ultimate Exodus, the total and final freedom of God’s people from a sinful and persecuting world.

An interesting thing to consider: The Old Testament was written at different times, between about 1200 & 165 BC. The New Testament was written about 50 to 95 AD. There was about a 400-year gap between the two.

Those who have victory over the beast: These are the tribulation martyrs described in Rev. 7:9-17. They were victorious over the beast through their faithfulness unto death. Even though the Antichrist kills them, they are not losers, they are victorious over the beast. Also, they aren’t those who survive the tribulation, as Chapter 15 is still very much in the midst of the tribulation. The bowl judgments are still to come.

A Song Of Praise

Revelation 15: 3-4: They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.”

Only one song is sung, but it goes by two names (the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb). It is the perfect union between law and love, between the Old Covenant and New.

The song is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and gives praise to God’s works (great & marvelous), ways (just & true), worthiness (You alone are holy), and worship (all nations shall come and worship before You).

These martyrs are only focused on God. They bring no attention to their own costly but glorious victory. They have the heart of true worship, understanding that it’s all about God, not about us.

Seven Bowls Of Judgment

Revelation 15: 5-6: After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.

Exodus 25:8-9 & Hebrews 8:9 remind us that the tabernacle God told Moses to build was based on a heavenly pattern. The temple of the tabernacle here refers to the heavenly reality of the tabernacle, not the earthly copy.

Seven angels having the seven plagues: It is important to note, that these angels came directly from heaven’s temple and the presence and throne of God. They do not act on their own authority but God’s alone. They bring God’s judgment.

Their clothing, pure bright linen & girded with golden bands, is a reminder that God’s judgment is always completely pure and righteous.

Golden Bowls Full Of Wrath

Revelation 15:7-8: 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. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Seven golden bowls: These bowls were shallow, pan-like, golden bowls, such as were used in the temple to hold the fire when incense was burned. The contents of such a shallow bowl were quickly, easily, and completely poured out.

When the cloud of glory fills the temple in heaven, no one can enter. It was the same for Moses when the smoke of the cloud of God’s glory filled the tent (Exodus 40:34-35). Both the bowls and the cloud came from the glory of God and from His power. This is a reminder of God’s special presence and glory, even amid devastating judgment.

No one being permitted to enter the temple until the plagues were completed declares that judgment was now irreversible. Nothing could hinder it any longer, because access to this temple in heaven would not long be denied.

As Christians, knowing that it won’t be long until we are permitted into the very temple of God unhindered, should bring us hope in a world where all hope seems lost.

The Lamb and The 144,000 Thousand On Mount Zion

Revelation 14:1-5: Then I looked, and behold the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him, one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.

144,000

These are the 144,000 we read about in Chapter 7. They are Jewish believers who minister during the Tribulation and are given a seal of protection throughout that period. Chapter 7 shows them at the beginning of the Tribulation. Here, they are at the end (seven chapters later), standing victorious on Mount Zion with Jesus.

Like the Jewish men who survived the fiery furnace in Daniel 3: 19-25, they prove God’s ability to keep His promises and preserve His people.

Mount Zion

Zion is the ancient name for the hills that make up Jerusalem and is the place where Jesus gathers His redeemed and reigns over the earth (Psalm 48; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 2:32; Obadiah 17 & 21; Micah 4:1 & 7).

His Father’s Name

In Revelation 13: 16-17, we read the followers of Satan and the beast will have a mark on their heads. But their mark will only be a copy of the idea behind the identifying mark written on the foreheads of the 144,000, which shows they belong to the Father.

A Voice From Heaven

This is the voice of God (Revelation 1:15 & 4:5). When I read these verses, I imagine God’s voice as a waterfall, such as Niagra Falls, and the most fierce lightning and thunderstorm I’ve ever experienced. How awesome and magnificent it will be to hear God speak! But for the time being, all I can do is imagine. It won’t be long now; we shall all hear Him.

John doesn’t tell us what God was saying to the 144,00. But, maybe, it was in the spirit of Matthew 25:21: Well done, good and faithful servant, God expressing His approval of His faithful servants.

Harpists Playing And Singing A New Song

John says he heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. In Revelation 5:8, we read that the elders have harps. Perhaps, the elders are playing to accompany the 144,000 as they sing a new song.

Sang Before The Throne

In Revelation 14:1, we read that the 144,00 have their feet firmly planted on Mount Zion. Yet their praise takes them right before the throne. So in our praise and worship, we can transport ourselves before the throne and be heard in heavenly places.

To be rapt in praise to God is the highest state of the soul. To receive the mercy for which we praise God for is something; but to be wholly colthed with praise to God for the mercy received is far more. Why, praise is heaven, and heaven is praise! To pray is heaven below, but praise is the essence of heaven above. When you bow in adoration, you are at your very highest.

Spurgeon

Heaven is not the place to learn that song; it must be learned on the earth. You must learn here the notes of free grace and dying love; and when you have mastered their melody, you will be able to offer to the Lord the tribute of a grateful heart, even in heaven and blend it with the harmonies eternal.

Spurgeon

The Ones Who Follow The Lamb

The words “for they are virgins” could symbolize their general purity, as in 2 Corinthians 11:2. However, Paul recommended celibacy in distressing times in 1 Corinthians 7:25-35. In Matthew 24: 19-21, Jesus speaks of the woes of those with children and families in those days. Weighing what we read in these verses, it isn’t hard to see that God calls these 144,000 to literal celibacy for the kingdom’s sake during the Great Tribulation.

We know that the 144,000 are of all the tribes of the children of Isreal (Revelation 7: 4-8). Yet clearly, they are believers in Jesus; otherwise, they would not follow the Lamb and could not be without fault before the throne of God.

A vast multitude will be saved during the Tribulation; they will be saved in the same manner as anyone today, by God’s grace, through personal faith in Jesus Christ unto salvation.

The First Fruits

The 144,00 are the beginning of a greater harvest; therefore, they are the first fruits of Jesus’ reign. Being that they are described as the first fruits tells us that these 144,000 will be instrumental in God’s plan for bringing in a great ingathering during the Tribulation and may be used to preach the gospel to those who will be saved in this period (Revelation 7:9).

Vision Of The Angel With The Gospel

Revelation 14: 6-8: And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth and every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”

The angel preaches the gospel and announces judgment. In the Tribulation, God’s judgment will be so evident; perhaps this is why the crowd of those saved can’t be numbered (Revelation 7:9-14).

Though many have tried to identify their ministry with this angel (Angel One satellite television, The British and Foreign Bible Society, etc.), there will be no ingathering of souls in this magnitude until the Tribulation because those who are still not believers at this point will not be able to ignore God’s judgment.

Fear God And Give Glory To Him

This is what the angel will tell the whole world to do. So it seems we can give God glory willingly in this life or be compelled to later, after much Tribulation.

One day ALL will certainly give God glory. Philippians 2:9-11 says, Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God.

Here is the bitter irony of their lot: though they damn themselves eternally by their refusal to face the truth, one day they will be forced to face it. Sooner or later the ‘glory’ they refuse to ‘give’ the Creator willingly will be torn from them by the spectacle of His wrath.

Kiddle

“It is one of the very last calls of grace to an apostate world.”

Seiss

This does not excuse us Christians from spreading the gospel. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells us, His followers, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.“

*Something To Research (Sidenote)

This is a topic for another day, but during my study of the book of Matthew, after reading this verse, I wondered, “What is EVERYTHING that Jesus has commanded of us?” “Did the people who taught me His commands teach me properly?” Did they teach me EVERYTHING?”

I found it to be an exciting journey and an enlightening lesson. So, if you’re looking for a good talk with Jesus, ask Him these questions, and He will surely lead you to the answers.

A Second Angel

Back to verse 8: Babylon is fallen. This Babylon is a representation of humankind in organized rebellion against God.

Prophetically, ‘Babylon’ sometimes refers to a literal city, sometimes to a religious system, sometimes to a political stystem, all stemming from the evil character of historic Babylon.

Walvoord

The Passion Of Her Immorality

The Bible I am using is NASB. Other versions use the word “fornication.” The definition of fornication is “sexual intercourse between people not married to each other.” Immorality is also generally taken to mean specific sexual sins. However, the actual meaning of immorality is “wickedness.”

Much more wickedness will bring God’s wrath than just fornication. Murderers, rapists, child predators, slavers, drug pushers, gluttony, war makers, thieves, religion, politics, fearmongers, hate lovers, the inactive church, etc. The list is inexhaustible as to how much our wickedness will rise.

Fornication is a sin, one that we need the blood of Jesus to cover, if we are to stand before the throne of God sinless or blameless. But it is by far not the only form of wickedness that will bring God’s judgment upon the world.

Aristotle distinguishes between two types of immorality: wickedness and weakness.

However, back to the topic, When we are told that Babylon has led all nations to immorality, it speaks of a spiritual problem – the worship of false gods or idols. And isn’t that the way of it? Where there is spiritual immorality, there is wickedness.

Doom For Worshippers Of The Beast

Revelation 14:9-13: Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

The Mark Of The Beast

There is much concern from Christians about this mark. Some continuously fear receiving this mark unbeknownst; that somehow they will be tricked into getting it. But this passage reminds us there is a connection between worshipping the beast and his image and receiving his mark. No one will accidentally take the mark. The relationship between the beast and the mark will be clear enough.

For those who still dwell on the earth during this time, in their eyes, it may seem like nothing more than a pledge of allegiance. In much the same way Christians, during the first few centuries of Christianity, burned a pinch of incense to an image of Ceasar, declared, “Ceasar is Lord,” and regarded it as an act of innocent civic duty.

Drink The Wrath Of God

Those who worship the Antichrist will be forced (they will no longer have a choice) to drink the wine of the wrath of God. God’s wrath is likened to undiluted wine, full strength and bitter to taste. This is the cup that Jesus willingly drank, although He prayed for another possible way (Matthew 26:39).

The idea that God holds a cup of wrath, which He gives to those under judgment, is expressed several times in the Bible. Here are a few of them: Jeremiah 25:15-17, 49:12 & 51:7; Psalm 75:8; Zechariah 12:2-3; Lamentations 4:21; Habakkuk 2:16; Revelation 16:19 & 18:6.

The wine in the cup is associated with wrath (thymos), which describes passionate anger. The cup is associated with indignation (orge) and irritation from a settled disposition.

The ancient Greek word orge is the common word for God’s anger in the New Testament. On the other hand, the ancient word thymos is used only eleven times, ten of which are in Revelation. Usually, God’s anger toward sinners does not flash against them; it is simply His settled opposition against sin and unrighteousness. But in the Book of Revelation, which clearly describes God’s ultimate judgment, the term for passionate anger is used every time.

Smoke Goes Up

Tormented with fire and brimstone: The suffering of hell is a real torment. It is painful and repulsive. The smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever. Those there will have no rest day or night. Many like to dispense with the idea of hell, but Revelation warns us of its reality.

In The Presence Of The Lamb

God is not absent even in hell. God is present in all His holiness and righteous judgment. Souls in hell will wish He were absent, but part of their torment is knowing God is real and not feeling any sense of His love. Hell’s occupants will feel only the presence of His holy justice and wrath against sin.

I always thought God would be absent from hell, that His absence would be part of its torments. But now I understand seeing but not feeling Him will be more painful. Also, I know now that even non-believers must feel Him. He is everywhere, in everything.

Rest From Their Labors

Here we see the contrast between the ‘rest’ of the saints and the continual torment of the wicked. God wants to encourage His people to be steadfast in times of trial, focused on the ‘rest’ and ‘rewards’ that await them in eternity.

The Reapers

Revelation 14:14-20: Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was One like a Son of Man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in Your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.

Son Of Man

Some find it difficult to see Jesus as the One gathering the harvest and responding to an angel. But it is unlikely that it can be anyone other than Jesus who will be coming on a cloud wearing a crown of gold.

Is it difficult to see because Jesus will yield a weapon of sorts, a sharp sickle? A sickle is a tool with a sharp curved metal blade and a short handle used to cut grass or wheat. The time for a farmer to use his sickle is at harvest time. After a farmer has harvested his crops, he gathers them.

Jesus told us long ago He has planted crops, there will be a great harvest, and it will be the end of the age, in Matthew 13:37-43. “And He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”

As Christians, we say we are waiting on Christ’s return, but perhaps He is waiting on us to ripen, to become as good as we’re going to get. Maybe it’s not the expansion of sin and corruption that will bring His return, but we Christians to reach our fullest potential. Are we ripe? Are we ready to be harvested?

In Matthew 24:30-32, Jesus tells us He will be the harvester and gatherer of His crops: “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds in the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

An Angel Out Of The Temple

When I first read Revelation 14:15, I thought, “Now wait a minute, who is this angel bossing Jesus around and Jesus doing what He’s told?” So recently, I’ve been giving much thought to the humanity of Christ, and I believe this verse speaks to that.

It’s healthy to ask questions because if we ask God, He will give us His wisdom and understanding.

Jesus says in Mark 13:32: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

How can Jesus, who is God, not know what God the Father knows? As Christians, we acknowledge Jesus as God; we should ponder this passage because of what we know of the nature of God. 1 John 3:20 says, God is all-knowing, so how can Jesus not know when He is returning?

The answer is found in the humanity of Christ and not His deity. While Jesus is fully God (John 1:1 & 14), He also became man. When He came to earth as man, He voluntarily restricted the use of specific divine attributes (Philippians 2:6-8). So perhaps, this angel (out of the temple) was instructed by God the Father to let Jesus know “the hour to reap has come.”

The Winepress Of The Wrath Of God

Is this the battle of Armageddon, the final judgment before God establishes His kingdom? This is the last scene in a cycle of visions found in Revelation 12-14. It foreshadows the final battle in the book, Revelation 16:17-19 & 19:11-15.

The image of the great winepress of the wrath of God is drawn from Isaiah 63:1-6. This disturbing passage describes the Lord clothed in a white robe stained with the blood of His enemies. Joel 3:12-16 and Zephaniah 1:14-18 also speak of God’s wrath. It is a picture of tremendous carnage when blood comes up to the horses’ bridles’.

This is a vivid, powerful description of God’s complete judgment of His enemies. Yet, as followers of Christ, we do not have to fear this judgment. Christ’s blood continuously flows at the altar of God to cover our sins from God’s sight (Hebrews 9:14 & 22; 1 John 1:7-9; Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 10:19-22; Revelation 1:5; 7:14 & 12:11).

The Beast From The Sea

Rev. 13:1; And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. (NASB)

Rev. chapter twelve, verse 17,  the dragon was enraged and went off to make war with the rest of the woman’s children who held to the testimony of Jesus. In chapter 13, John’s vision shifts from heaven to earth. He and the dragon are standing on the seashore. 

In Biblical times Jewish people regarded the sea as a wild, untamable force, a frightening place. A figure of evil and chaos which seemed to resist God, though the resistance was unsuccessful. (Ps. 74:12-13; 89:8-9; Is.57:20)

Then I saw a beast coming out of the sea:  Because John calls him a beast and not a dragon as he did in Rev. 12:3, this creature represents someone distinct from Satan, represented by the dragon (Rev. 12:9).

This beast is not the dragon (satan), but he is like him because he also has seven heads and ten horns. In Biblical imagery, horns express strength and power. This likeness to satan is just one thing that identifies this beast with the antichrist. 

Antichrist

The word “antichrist” appears only five times in the Bible. Five times in four verses (1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3; & 2 John 7). The prefix “anti” can mean “the opposite of” or “instead of” Jesus. We tend to think of the antichrist as being opposite rather than instead. But the antichrist will attempt to be like Jesus. He will be pleasing to the eye, charming, well-liked, successful, and appear to be the world’s savior. But he will be a satanic messiah instead of the faithful Messiah Jesus Christ.

In John 2:18, John spoke of the antichrist and many antichrists. There is a spirit of the antichrist, and it has been with us always. The spirit of the antichrist will one day find its ultimate fulfillment in the antichrist, who will lead humanity in an end-times rebellion against God.

The Bible has many names for this last world leader. Daniel 7:8; the little horn. Daniel 8:23; the king of fierce countenance. Daniel 9:26; the prince that shall come. Daniel 11:36-45; the willful king. John 5:43; the one Israel will receive as the Messiah. 2Thess. 2-3; the son of perdition, the man of sin, the lawless one.

Horns & Crowns

And on his horns ten crowns: This is something different about the beast compared to the dragon of Rev. 12:3, who had seven crowns. The ten crowns of the beast express his rule over a group of ten nations. Most think of the ten horns distributed among the seven heads, but some feel it’s all ten upon one head.

The figure of ten horns also associates this beast with the beast of Dan. 7:7, which represents the final world empire of the antichrist. In Daniel’s vision, the ten horns represented ten kingdoms that this last world dictator would have authority over (Dan. 7:24). Likewise, in John’s vision, the ten crowns of the ten horns emphasize this idea.

The visions of Dan. 7 & Dan. 2 also connect the governments represented by the ten crowns with the ancient Roman Empire. Daniel saw three successive world empires in those visions, each succeeded by a fourth. In the context of the visions, it can only be the Roman Empire. In the days of that fourth empire, the Messiah will come, destroy all earthly rule, and reign over the earth. Since we do not see the reign of Jesus on the earth in the way Daniel prophesied, we can know the Roman Empire will “resume” in some way, expressed by this collection of ten crowns.

And on his heads a blasphemous name: Each of the heads of the beast advertise blasphemy against God. This blasphemy not only represents his message but his character.

Dan. 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, and shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change times and laws: Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.

A time and times and half a time: This phrase appears twice in Daniel 7:25; 12:7 & Rev. 12:14. Historicist interpreters have usually understood it to be 1260 days (i.e., 1+2+0.5=3.5).

More Connection With Daniel 7

Revelation 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.

Like a leopard…a bear…a lion: In this vision, God used images from Daniel’s vision of Daniel 7 to communicate the identity and nature of this beast to John. Daniel 7 used four animals (beasts) to describe the course of the human government from Daniel’s time until the ultimate reign of Jesus on earth.

In Daniel 7, the lion is a picture of the Babylonian Empire; the bear is a picture of the Medo-Persian Empire; the leopard is a picture of the Greek Empire. The fourth beast of Daniel, described in Dan 7:7, is dreadful, terrifying, and extremely strong, with large iron teeth…it was different from all the beasts and had ten horns. This beast represents the final world empire under the leadership of a satanic dictator.

John presents this beast as the extension of the fourth beast of Dan. 7. He is connecting his empire with the characteristics of the past great kingdoms.

And the dragon gave him his power, throne, and great authority: In Matt. 4:8-11, Jesus refused this offer that the beast now takes. This beast is a man, but he isn’t an ordinary man. Rev. 11:7 & 17:8 calls him the beast descending from the bottomless pit. It may be that satan himself takes possession of this man (as he did Judas, John 13:27, which makes him exceptional.

The Beast’s Wound

Revelation 13:3; I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast;

How the beast was wounded isn’t addressed, but we know it’s fatal and healed. The recovery of the beast’s wound increases his fame and authority (the whole earth was amazed and followed the beast). Later in Rev. 13:12 & 14, this recovery is mentioned in connection to the world’s worship of the beast. This beast is an antichrist who even imitates Jesus in His death and resurrection.

Revelation 13:4; they worshipped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”

As people worship this beast and bow down to his government, it may be that they do not know that they are bowing down to satan himself, but it is the worship of satan nonetheless. They worship the beast and the dragon, but their worship of the dragon may be unknown.

2 Cor. 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war with him?: The world will be amazed at the beast’s power and believe he is so mighty that no one can conquer him. Therefore, they worship the beast and the dragon behind the beast simply because of his might.

Blasphemies

Rev. 13:5-6 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

This man speaks against God and everything God stands for (His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven); he speaks against those who were taken in the rapture and are therefore out of his reach.

The beast will have full reign for the first 3.5 years of the final seven years but is still under God’s authority.

The Beast Makes War

Rev.13:-8 It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

The government of the beast will persecute and kill all those who do not worship the beast. He will only overcome them by taking their lives but not their faith. He can only destroy their physical lives and defeat the cause of God’s people on earth by all appearances.

In Matt. 16:18, we have reassurance from Jesus that God’s people will prevail; “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it”.

The people left on earth after all the saints have been killed will be those whose names have not been written in the book of life. This final world dictator will demand and receive worship from the whole earth. But those who worship him will pay the price.

The Book of Life contains the names of all God’s redeemed (Rev.20-15). The idea is that worshipping the beast and having your name in the Book of Life are mutually exclusive.

The Lamb who has been slain from the foundation of the world: This deeply meaningful title for Jesus reminds us that God’s plan of redemption was set in place before He even created the beings who would be redeemed. God wasn’t surprised by the fall of Adam or any other evidence of the fallen nature of man. He isn’t making things up as He goes along; it’s all going according to His plan. (John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20; Ephesians1:4; Revelation 17:8; Matthew 25:34)

Revelation 13:9-10 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of saints.

He who has an ear…: This is a solemn word of warning, meant to capture the attention of all those who hear.

He who leads…: The officials of the beast are not without guilt. Though these things are prophesied and part of God’s predetermined plan, it does not lessen man’s personal responsibility. If you lead others into captivity for the beast, you will also go into captivity. God will measure unto you what you have measured to others.

The saints are attacked by the antichrist and his followers, but they must keep steadfast faith in the ultimate justice of God. He will reward their persecutors with the persecution of His own.

The Beast From The Earth

Rev. 13:11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon.

This beast represents someone like the beast rising from the sea because the word beast is used to describe them both. But at the same time, this beast is different. Their origin is different, with one coming out of the sea and the other out of the earth. They are different in rank because the second is subordinate to the first (Rev. 13:12). They’re different in appearance because the second has a “lamb-like” appearance. This second beast is called a false prophet (Rev. 16:13, 19:20 & 20:10).

The dragon and the two beasts are an unholy trinity. The dragon (satan) is the anti-Father, the beast rising from the sea is the anti-Christ, and the beast from the earth is the anti-Holy Spirit.

Signs And Wonders

Rev. 13:12-15 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

The beast rising from the earth is essentially a satanic prophet, who leads the world to worship the beast and the dragon.

It may seem unlikely or impossible to some of us that the entire world will be led into worshipping a man of satan and satan himself. However, humans, by nature, have an undeniable religious impulse and an undeniable rebellion against God. People tend to want their own religion, not the elimination of it.

He performs great signs: The beast from the sea will have the “signs and wonders” to back up his false teaching (he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men). The importance of John highlighting this wonder is that in the eyes of the deceived world, it answers the miracle of the two witnesses who minister during this period and are persecuted by the antichrist and his false prophet (Rev. 11:5). It also puts this false prophet in the class of Elijah (1 Kings 18). Imagine the false prophet saying, “Let the true God answer with fire,” then performing his deceptive trickery.

There is a supernatural power which is againt God and truth, as well as one for God and truth. A miracle, simply as a work of wonder is not necessarily of God. There has always been a devilish supernaturalism in the world, running alongside of the supernaturalism of divine grace and salvation.

Seiss

Jesus said that in the end times, false prophets would emerge and show great signs and wonders to deceive (Matt. 24:24). In Matt. 7:22-23, He said that some who worked miracles, even in His name, were false followers and would perish in hell. Paul warns, in 2 Thess. 2:9, that the antichrist will come with all power, signs, and lying wonders.

In Exodus 7-9, Aaron performed miracles and up to a point was matched miracle-for-miracle by the magicians of Egypt. In Deuteronomy 13:1-5, God warns His people to judge a worker of miracles by their message, not only by their works.

Our emphasis should not be solely on signs and wonders. This way of thinking leaves you wide open to deception. The real marks of God’s work are love and truth.

Image Of The Beast

And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast: The image of the beast is animated in some way, in that it has breath and can speak. This could be supernatural or technological but the result will be impressive. the Psalmist mocks idol worshippers (Ps. 135:15-16) because their idols were of silver and gold, the work of men’s hands, having mouths but unable to speak, having eyes but unable to see. The image of the beast will speak and cause as many as would not worship the image to be killed.

This idolatrous image is what Jesus, Daniel, and Paul spoke of as the abomination of desolation (Matt:24:15, Daniel 9:27, & 2 Thess. 2:3-4). It will be set up in the holy place of a rebuilt temple; it is an abomination in the sense of being supreme idolatry. It’s desolation in the sense that it will bring the judgment described by the seals, trumpets, and bowls. The power of the antichrist will end after forty-two months (Rev. 13:5). This marks the halfway point of the final seven years of man’s rule of this planet. The antichrist’s power ends as soon as it peaks.

The Mark Of The Beast

Rev. 13:16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The ancient Greek word for mark is charagma; it isn’t generally applied to people, so because of this, some have taken it as a symbolic mark. But a literal mark needed to buy or sell is certainly conceivable and practical. The technology is available to mark people to buy and sell in an electronic economy.

He causes all…to receive a mark: Under the government of the beast and his associate, everyone will be expected to receive this mark in order to participate in the economy. However, a person will still have a choice to receive or not receive. It will not be secretly put on them or given through trickery; a person will know exactly what they are accepting.

On their right hands or their foreheads: Satan is not a creative being; all he can do is mimic God. This is a satanic parody of something God will do (Rev. 7:3-4).

The number of his name: This was a common concept in the ancient world. In Greek and Hebrew as well, letters were assigned a numerical value, such as “A” equaling 1, “B” equals 2, and so on.

His number is 666: Using the numeric value of a name, many candidates for antichrist have been suggested. The Pope, John Knox, Martin Luther, Napoleon, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, and the list goes on but the schemes for unlocking the number of the beast are as confusing as they are endless. It is interesting to ponder who the antichrist could be but we shan’t know until we are meant to know. Whoever it turns out to be, their evilness will only be revealed after his rise to power.

Some Last Thoughts In Conclusion

The dragon and the two beasts are satanic imitations. A false “Father” (satan, the dragon), a false “Son” (antichrist, the first beast from the sea), and a false “Holy Spirit” or “Prophet” (the second beast from the earth). Satan can’t create but he can effectively deceive with imitation. Imitations work precisely because they are similar; if they were too obviously different it wouldn’t be as easy to deceive us. We must beware and be familiar with the genuine Jesus Christ.

Imitations have ever formed the gravest perils in the history of the Church and the world, and the devil’s final attempt to gain the governnent of the race will thus be an apalling attempt to imitate.

Morgan

The Woman

Rev. 12:1: And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

In Rev. chapters 12, 13, & 14, the prominent figures of the Great Tribulation are described; this is the first of seven.

The woman represents Israel.

The dragon represents Satan.

The man-child represents Jesus.

The angel Michael, head of the angelic host.

The woman’s offspring represents Gentiles who come to faith during the tribulation.

The beast out of the sea represents the antichrist.

The beast out of the earth represents the false prophet who promotes the antichrist.

A woman clothed with the sun: John said this is a sign. We should not expect this woman to appear on the earth. However, God will use this sign to communicate with us. She has been connected with many different religious ideas, but scripturally she should be identified with Israel, according to Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9-11.

In Joseph’s dream, the sun represents Jacob, the moon represents his mother Rachel, and the eleven stars represent Israel’s sons, which bowed down to Joseph. In this sign with the twelve stars, Joseph is now among the other tribes of Israel.

Isaiah 54:1-6; Jeremiah 3:20; Ezekiel 16:8-14; and Hosea 2:19-20 are other Old Testament passages where a woman represents Israel (Zion or Jerusalem).

Women often represent religious systems in Rev.

Rev. 2:20; Jezebel is associated with a religious system promoting false teaching.

Rev. 17:2; The Great Harlot is associated with false religion.

Rev. 19:7-8; The bride is associated with the church.

The Woman Gives Birth

Rev. 12:2; Then, being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

In Rev. 12:5, it becomes clear that this Child born of Israel is Jesus. The pain connected with the labor refers to Israels’ agony at the time of Jesus’ birth under Roman occupation and oppression.

The Dragon

Rev. 12:3; And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.

Again, this is not a literal dragon but a representation of Satan’s character and nature. It is a picture of the fullness of evil in all of its offensive strength.

The dragon has extreme power (seven heads, ten horns) and claims royal authority (seven diadems). However, they are only but claims of royal authority against the true King.

From the similar description given in 13:1 and the parallel references in Daniel 7:7-8, it is clear that the revived Roman Empire is in view… The seven heads and ten horns refer to the original ten kingdoms of which three were subdued by the little horn of Daniel 7:7-8, 2, who is to be identified with the world ruler of the great tribulation who reigns over the revived Roman Empire.

Walvoord

Rev. 12:4; His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

A third of the stars of heaven: Satan’s army (Rev. 12:9).

To devour her Child as soon as it was born was fulfilled by Herod’s attempts to kill Jesus as a child (Matthew 2:16-18).

A Male Child

Rev. 12:5: She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Clearly, this refers to Jesus (Psalm 2:9 & Rev. 19:15).

By stating the starting point (she bore a male Child) and ending point (rule all nations with a rod of iron), John alluded to all that stood between the two points.

The male child is Jesus, so this means the woman of Rev. 12:1 cannot be the church because Jesus “gives birth” to the church, not the other way around. The rest of Rev. 12 will make it clear the woman is Israel.

The Woman

Rev. 12:6: Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

The woman (Israel), persecuted by the dragon (Satan), flees to the wilderness to a place of protection, prepared by God, for one thousand two hundred and sixty days (3 1/2 years). This 3 1/2 year period connects these events with the final seven years of the Daniel 9 prophecy. Rev. 12:5 describes the ascension of Jesus, and Rev. 12:6 describes events yet to come in the 70th week of Daniel. So between these two verses lies hundreds of years (our current time). There is a break in time here, which is typical of prophecy. Daniel’s seventy-week prophecy has such a break in Daniel 9:24-27.

A place prepared by God: Prepared is the same Greek word Jesus used in John 14:2-3: In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. God’s plans work on earth just as they do in heaven.

The War In Heaven

Rev. 12:7-8: And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

This war in heaven will occur at the mid-point of the tribulation, as described by Daniel 12:1. God will prevail and stop Satan forever, first in heaven, then on earth. Satan will no longer have access to heaven at this battle’s end.

Who will fight? Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; the dragon and his angels fought. It will be a battle between equals. Satan is not the counterpart of God (who has no equal) but of Michael. It will be a war between Michael and his faithful servants and Satan and his fallen angels.

How will the battle be fought? The Bible does not say, but we know it will be a real war. Will it be a materiel battle or spiritual? Our struggle with Satan is spiritual. We fight him on the battleground of truth and deception, fear and faith (Ephesians 6:12). However, regarding this battle fought between angels, we can only imagine.

Nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer: Does it trouble you that Satan has access to heaven? Rev. 12:8 tells us that until this point in time (the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th week), Satan has access to God and stands before His Throne, accusing us both day and night.

Accusing us both night and day: Think about what that means. When Satan accuses you before God, what is he saying? What does he have against you? I know some of Satan’s accusations against me; it’s the same things he whispers in my ear, lies that cause me to doubt, fear, and question my faith. But then I remember some things I know about the God I worship.

One: The Blood of the Lamb overcame my accuser on the cross. So from today until Satan is cast out forever, I have Jesus as my intercessor and advocate (Heb. 7:25; 1John 2:1).

Two: Satan’s accusations mean nothing against me because Jesus has already paid the penalty for my sins. I could even be worse than Satan’s accusations, but I am still made righteous by His blood on the cross, Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:14.

But to only use the blood of Jesus in that way is selfish. We should be like “these saints used the doctrine of atonement not as a pillow to rest their weariness but as a weapon to subdue their sin.”

Spurgeon

Three: Satan and his demons will be cast out of heaven permanently.

You can read other verses of Satan’s access to God: Job 1:12; 1Kings 22:21; Zech. 3:1.

From Glorified To Profane

Rev. 12:9: The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was thrown to the earth and his angels with him.

The Bible describes four different falls of Satan. Rev. 12:9 describes the second of them when he will lose all access to God and be restricted to the earth. Ezekiel 28:14-16 represents Satan’s first dissent from glorified and unique to profane. Then, in Rev. 20, he will go from earth to bondage in the bottomless pit for one thousand years. Then also, in Rev. 20, he will go from the pit to the lake of fire.

In Luke 10:18, Jesus says, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” This declaration could be about Satan’s first fall (Ez.28:14-16), or it’s a prophetic look ahead to the second fall at the mid-point of the tribulation period (Rev. 12:9). Not only will Satan be cast out, but his angels as well. These angels are also the same as “the third of the stars of heaven” described in Rev. 12:4. Satan will only be taking one-third of the angels with him, which means the faithful angels outnumber the fallen two to one.

Glorious Declaration

Rev. 12: 10-12: Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heaven, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

Then I heard a loud voice: Whoever this voice belongs to, we can’t know, for it’s not been revealed to us in scripture. However, we do know it’s not God or an angel because it goes on to say, “for the accuser of our brethren.” So the voice belongs to a representative of redeemed humanity.

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb: It is not the literal blood of Jesus being applied physically onto our bodies that saves us. Instead, the blood speaks to us of the actual, physical death and the blood Jesus bled out on the cross in our place, on our behalf, before God. That literal death and the literal judgment He bore on our behalf is what saves us. Jesus is called the Lamb because it emphasizes the substitutionary work of His death; the Passover Lamb died as a substitute for others (Exodus 12).

The precious blood of Jesus is not meant for us merely to admire and exhibit. We mst not be content to talk about it, and extol it, and do nothing with it; but we are to use it in the great crusde against unholiness and unrighteousness, till it is said of us, ‘They ovrcame him by the blood of the Lamb.’ This precious blood is to be used for overcoming, and consequently for holy warfare. We dishonor it if we do not use it to that end…The dog of hell knows the dread name which makes him lie down: we must confront him with the authority, and specially with the atonement of the Lamb of God.

Spurgeon

They overcame him by the word of their testimony: The word of our testimony overcomes Satan’s deceptions. Knowing and remembering the work of God in our lives protects us from Satan’s trickery. As faithful witnesses, we have a testimony to tell of what we have seen, heard, and experienced from God. When we remember what God has done for us in our lives, we can’t be deceived by Satan’s lies when he tells us it isn’t true.

They loved not their lives to the death: If we do not cling to our earthy lives, Satan can bring no real threat against us. If we believe, “Phil. 1:21- For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” then how can Satan’s violence against us be effective? Will our physical lives be the most precious thing to us, or will we find our life by losing it for Jesus? (Mark 8:35)

Rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them…Woe to the earth and the sea inhabitants: All of heaven will rejoice when Satan loses access to heaven, but all the world will be sorry. Because Satan knows his time is short: At his eviction, Satan will know his time is short, and he will use what time and power he has left to terrify the inhabitants of the earth. Perhaps he deceives even himself into believing he stands a chance in his rebellion against God. It seems ludicrous that he could think he does, but our rebellion against God makes even less sense.

War on Earth

Rev. 12:13-17: Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The “woman” is Israel. Satan attacks Jewish people, particularly Messianic Jews when cast to earth. From the time of Abraham, Israel has held a critical role in God’s plan of redemption. Satan has been attacking Israel throughout all its history. If he succeeds in destroying Jewish people, then God’s eternal plan is in some way thwarted. But Jesus said Jewish people would exist until His return, and they will welcome Him and call Him blessed (Matt. 23:39).

Two wings of a great eagle: Eagle’s wings are an emblem from the Exodus deliverance (Ex.19:4), another way to connect the “woman” with Israel.

…nourished for a time and times and half a time: This is another reference to a three and one-half year period, indicating that these events – persecution of Israel – take place during the 70th week of Dan. 9.

…spewed water out of his mouth after the woman: Jesus spoke, in distinct Jewish terms, of the fury poured out against Israel after the abomination of desolation in Matt. 24:15-22. The abomination of desolation speaks of the ultimate desecration of a Jewish temple, the establishment of an idolatrous image in the holy place itself, which will result in the judgment of God. In Judaism terms of that time, an abomination was an incredibly offensive form of idolatry. Rev. 12:13-16 is the fury that Jesus tells them to flee from in Matt.

The earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood: This describes God’s protection of Israel from Satan and his antichrist in the great tribulation. He will protect them so well that Satan cannot get to them, so he turns his fury toward the rest of her offspring.

…the rest of her offspring: Israel and Gentiles who come to faith in Jesus during the tribulation are targets of Satan and his antichrist in the last days.

He went to make war: This either begins or continues the persecution of those who would not submit and worship the Satanic dictator. The martyrs of this period were shown in Rev. 6:9-11 & 7:9-17.

The Two Witnesses

Verse 1

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar and count the worshipers there.

A few other verses speak of measuring; Zechariah 2, Revelation 21, & Habakkuk 3:6 are a few examples. Ezekiel 40-43 is an extended passage where the temple is measured. The temple in Ez. is best understood as the temple of the millennial earth, and the temple of Rev. 11 seems to be before the temple of Ez. But they are similar.

Sometimes in the Old Testament, measuring communicates ownership, protection, and preservation. When this temple is measured, it shows that God knows its every dimension, and He is in charge.

One of the main themes of Revelation is that God is in charge. This temple will be the scene of great horror and great glory, but God is in control, working through man’s good and bad actions.

Rev. 11:17 again uses the title Almighty for God. The Greek word for Almighty is Pantokrator, and it describes “the One who has His hand on everything.” Nine out of the ten times this word is used in the New Testament are in Revelation.

The Temple Of God

The identity of this temple is an essential matter of interpretation. Many see it as a symbol of the church. In Ephesians 2:19-21, Paul described the church as a temple. 1 Peter 2:5 says, “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house.”

If we interpret this temple as a symbolic representation of the church, why should it be measured? What is the significance of the altar and the courts? If the church itself is the temple, who are the worshippers? There is a lot of specific detail here that doesn’t match the generalized picture of the church as a temple unto God.

It’s more likely that this is the temple that must be on the earth to fulfill what Daniel, Paul, and Jesus said regarding the abomination of desolation.

Daniel tells us the Antichrist will break his covenant with the Jewish people, bringing sacrifice and offerings to an end and defile the temple, placing something abominable there. (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)

Paul tells us that the Antichrist will sit in the temple as God. (2 Thess. 2:3-4)

Jesus tells us that when the abomination is standing in the holy place, it’s a sign for those still here that His wrath is upon the earth. (Matt. 24:15-16, 24:21)

This temple of God will be an actual Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem, yet to be built-but coming soon.

There is a group of dedicated Jews whose sole intent is to rebuild the temple. The organization is called Faithful of the Temple Mount. Students are being trained for the priesthood, learning how to conduct animal sacrifices in the rebuilt temple.

Christians get excited when we see efforts to rebuild the temple. But, at the same time, we should understand that the primary impulse- the desire to have a place to sacrifice for sin-behind rebuilding does not come from God. The need for sacrifice for sin was done away with at the cross, and any further sacrifice is an offense to God because it denies the finished work Jesus did on the cross.

Orthodox Jews consider that the Messiah will rebuild the temple; however, the man they embrace as the Messiah will be the Antichrist. John 5:43: I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.

The Outer Court

Verse 2

But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.

When the Romans conquered Jerusalem in a.d. 70, they annihilated the city so that the foundations of the old temple aren’t so easily found. So most have long assumed the Dome of the Rock shrine stands on the spot of the ancient Jewish temple. But new research gives some evidence that the temple may have stood to the north where the Dome of the Rock shrine is today and that if the temple were to be rebuilt at its old place, the Dome of the Rock shrine would be in its outer courts. If this is the case (research is not settled), it would explain why the angel told John to “leave out the court outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles.”

Tread The Holy City Underfoot

Tread underfoot means to trample with contempt. Jerusalem will be tread underfoot for 42 months, 1260 days, 3.5 years. This trampling probably takes place in the last half of the final seven-year period described by Daniel 11:26-27 – when the Antichrist pours out his fury on the people of Israel.

The Two Witnesses

Verses 3-6

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have the power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain when they are prophesying, and they have the power to turn the waters into blood and strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

Who Are These Two Witnesses

Before we get a glimpse of who they are, we learn the character of their ministry. We know it’s prophetic; they will prophesy. The two will preach and demonstrate repentance, clothed in sackcloth (a token of mourning, submission, grief, and self-humiliation worn by the Israelites and occasionally the Prophets). Their ministry will be productive; I will give power. Indeed they will serve in power, 1,260 days unharmed despite the opposition of the world.

Olive Trees & Lampstands

Zechariah’s Vision

Zechariah 4:2-3: And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.

Zechariah 4:14: So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.”

In the passage from Zechariah, oil lamps were filled directly from olive trees, which piped oil right to the lamps. It’s a picture of continual, abundant supply. If we are to be witnesses, we must first have something to witness – our own personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Next, we must have the power of the Holy Spirit to bring forth the story of what we have witnessed effectively.

The passage from Zechariah had its first application to two men in Zechariah’s day: Joshua and Zerubbabel.

Just as these two witnesses were raised up to be lampstands or witnesses for God and were empowered by olive oil representing the power of the Holy Spirit, so the two witnesses of Revelation 11 will likewise execute their prophetic office.

Walvoord

In this book of the Revelation the Holy Ghost borrows all the elegancies and flowers in the story of the Old Testament, thereby to set out the story of the New in succeedig ages.

Trapp

Who they are must not be all that important, or we would have been told exactly who they are. Generally, if the two witnesses are identified with any two people from the past, most votes go for Moses, Enoch, or Elijah. But, for all we know, it could be Joshua & Zerubbabel. Or it could be two unknown believers ministering in the spirit and power of these great men as John the Baptist ministered in the spirit of Elijah (Luke 1:17 & Matt. 7:12-13).

The plainest and most straightforward interpretation sees them as two real men, not symbolic representations. They will have special protection; fire proceeds from their mouth. They will bring forth drought and plague. But who we believe they are should hold little merit as to whether they will fulfill the Biblical prophecy.

Something to think about: Could the Bible be telling us “global warming” is truly happening (droughts)? Could we already be seeing the beginning plagues (as often as they desire)?

If you would like to dig deeper into scripture as to who these two could be, here are a few to help you with that journey. Gen. 5:25; Ex. 7:20-21; Num. 16:35; Jude 9; Malachi 4:5-6; 2 Kings 1 & 2:11; James 5:17-18 ; Matt. 17:1-6

Death Of The Two Witnesses

Verses 7-10

When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

This beast was first introduced to us in Rev. 9:11 and is most likely Satan. He will overtake and kill the two witnesses. But not before they fully accomplish the task the Lord set before them (when they finish their testimony).

I praise God, knowing He will not take me from this earth until I finish my testimony. The devil does not have power over my life. I am a witness of my Lord, and He will protect me until my testimony is finished.

This passage illustrates the difference between being a witness and giving testimony. “Witness” is not something we do; it’s something we are. Giving testimony is what a witness does.

Their Dead Bodies

The two witnesses are killed in Jerusalem, which is described in three illustrative terms: Sodom, speaking of immorality; Egypt: speaking of oppression & slavery; The great city: a term often applied to Babylon, the headquarters of the Antichrist (Rev. 16:19; 17:18; 18: 10, 16, 18, 19, & 21).

If, during the first 3.5 years of tribulation, Jerusalem’s leadership is in league with the Antichrist, it is easy to see how these titles apply. Any city in love with the Antichrist or entering into a covenant with him could be called Sodom, Egypt, or Babylon.

Those Who Dwell On Earth

The whole world will rejoice over the deaths of these two witnesses. It will be seen by ALL people, tribes, tongues, and nations. Perhaps, this is an oblique prophecy of modern mass media. Nevertheless, it’s not a far-fetched idea to think of a live, worldwide broadcast on news channels and over the internet.

Also, the idea is that the world treats these two in a humiliating manner by laying their dead bodies in view of all. This was the worst a person could suffer from his enemies in Biblical times. The scriptures laid down quite firmly that no dead body was to be left unburied – even that of one’s worst enemy.

Make Merry And Send Gifts

The preaching of these two and their call to repentance was a torment for many because they could not stand to hear the truth while they loved their lie. This is very much happening in our current times. People can not stand the truth and they want it shut down. If you are living outside of the truth, hearing it makes you feel guilty or bad about your actions. It’s a lie to believe you can shut the truth out and live your life however you want, free of consequences. In this life, one may very well achieve that but in the end, they will pay the ultimate consequence. Therefore, the death of the two witnesses brought much joy.

Doesn’t this sound like a Christmas celebration? Donald Grey Barnhouse told of a Christmas card with Rev. 11: 10 on its cover and called it a terrible misquoting of Scripture. But maybe it wasn’t—something else for us to consider and discuss another time.

God Revives The Witnesses

Verses 11-14

Now, after the 3.5 days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour, there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake, seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

This will happen as all the eyes of the world watch, and it will horrify and astonish the enemies of God. When the two are revived, God calls them home; their task is finished. There will be an earthquake that kills a tenth of the city (7,000). This earthquake brings judgment and moves those that don’t perish to give glory to God. But it remains to be seen if this will become true repentance that brings salvation.

The Seventh Trumpet

Verse 15

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!

The seventh seal brought forth a profound silence (Rev. 8:1); the seventh trumpet initiates joy at the inevitable resolution. The kingdoms of this world will become God’s kingdoms, where He will reign forever and ever. I can not think of a more glorious proclamation.

In ancient Greek grammar, the verb tense of “have become” indicates an absolute certainty about Jesus’ coming and reigning, even before the fact is accomplished. Thus, even though it will be a while before He reigns completely, the joy anticipates a certain result.

The Twenty-Four Elders Worship

Verses 16-18

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “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. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

The thanks given to God here isn’t to thank Him for what He has already done but for what is to take place and that these things are permanently set in motion. The nations are angry with God and He responds with wrath.

Those that destroy the earth are themselves destroyed. Could this be another indication that global warming is happening and it’s happening because there are those who live here that are destroying it? The world will be destroyed by those living here, the Bible has made that plain. Just because we may not like the wording used doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

The world is angry because God comes to rule. They want anything but the reign of God. As it says in a parable of Jesus in Luke 19:14, We will not have this man to reign over us.

The Temple Of God Is Opened

Verse 19:

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

In the Old Testament, the ark of His covenant was the earthly representation of God’s throne. It emphasized God’s faithfulness. In Rev. 11:19, the ark of His covenant refers to His throne, where He now sits, the place where the previously mentioned resolution will come from.

At the opening of the temple and the revelation of the ark, there will be lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and great hail. This shows that the presence of the Lord is there. It is similar to God’s manifested presence at Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16-19).

Another Mighty Angel

Verse 1:

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 9 ended with the sounding of the sixth of seven trumpets. Instead of chapter ten beginning with the seventh trumpet, we have another interlude until Rev. 11:15. There is purpose in these interludes. They show God’s mercy in allowing more time for repentance. Always, even until the very end, our God is merciful.

John sees another mighty angel coming down from heaven. There are many similarities between this angel and Michael, as described in Dan. 12:1 and 12:6-7. Some identify this angel as Jesus because of the similarities in Rev. 1:15-16. Yet angels are never clearly identified with Jesus in the New Testament, though in the Old Testament, He is the Angel of the Lord; one example of this is in the story of Hagar Gen. 16.

Whoever the exact identity of this messenger, he is mighty, has authority, and has come from the very presence of God. He also has a rainbow on his head, a reminder of God’s promise to man, and a natural result when the sun shines through a cloud.

The Little Book

Verses 2-3

He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.

The contents of the little book are nowhere revealed in Revelation, but they seem to represent in this vision the written authority given to the angel to fulfill his mission.

Walvoord

Meaning probably some design of God long concealed, but now about to be made manifest. But who know what it means?

Clarke

Sometimes while reading the Bible, we may wish God would have revealed more to us. He must have His reasons for holding back on some information. Perhaps to keep us reading and searching, perhaps to keep us humble. But, we do know God will reveal everything in His timing, Luke 8:17.

The angel’s stance projects his authority over the entire earthly situation. If the angel is indeed Jesus, His authority is direct, but it’s indirect if an actual angelic being.

The Seven Thunders

Psalm 29:3-9 repeats the phrase, the voice of the Lord, seven times. So here, when the angel cried out, seven thunders uttered their voice. When the angel roared like a lion, the seven thunders spoke. By this wording, we know it was not the angel speaking but God.

Thunder is often a mark of judgment in Scripture as in 1 Samuel 2:10 & 22:14; Revelation 8:5, 11:19; & 16:18, so these seven voices are crying out for God’s judgment upon the earth. Psalm 18:13 says, the Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. The thunder represents the voice of God.

More evidence of the seven thunders being the voice of God is in Rev. 4:5: From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.

Verse 4

Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered and do not write them.”

This verse is one example of a time we wish God would have revealed more. What did they say?!!! Why can’t we know? It’s a little irritating and sets speculation running wild. If John was not permitted to tell us, why should he even include the incident? If for no other reason, it lets us know there are secrets in the prophetic scenario, mysteries that should keep our ideas and predictions humble.

The same throne that issues forth lightning and peals of thunder issues a command to keep secret what the voices have revealed. We aren’t given the reason for the secrecy, but it could be the judgment is too terrifying to tell. The content of the message is never revealed in Scripture, so we shouldn’t speculate on it. The seven thunders are the only words in Revelation that are sealed.

No More Delay

Verses 5-7

The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

The angel gave a solemn oath declaring that the end is set in motion; there will be no turning back.

What is the mystery of God? We know it was declared to His servants the prophets. In Biblical vocabulary, a mystery isn’t something no one knows. It is something no one could know unless it was revealed to them. It isn’t a mystery if it could be known by intuition or personal investigation because God must reveal mysteries. Something can be known and still be a mystery in the Biblical sense.

The ultimate conversion of the Jewish people is called a mystery in Romans 11:25, as is the church in Ephesians 3:3-11. The bringing in of the fullness of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:25), the living presence of Jesus in the believer (Col. 1:27-2:3), and the gospel itself (Col. 4:3) are all called mysteries.

In the context of verse 7, ‘the mystery of God’ seemingly refers to the unfolding of His resolution of all things, the finishing of His plan. God freely acknowledges that life today is full of mysteries, but it will not always be so. A day will come when He will answer all questions.

Strange Instructions

Verses 8-11

Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.” So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”

John was instructed to eat the book literally. In Ezekiel 2, God hands Ezekiel a scroll, with words written on both sides, “words of lamentation and mourning and woe,” and tells him to eat it. At the time, Ezekiel, like John in Revelation, was in exile. When Ezekiel eats, it tastes as sweet as honey (Ez. 3:3), but later, he experienced bitterness (3:14).

God’s Word contains both a sweet message and a bitter one. The message of reconciliation, love, forgiveness, and mercy is like honey for those who embrace it. For those who reject it, the message of condemnation is bitter.

John’s eating of the scroll carries the same symbolism as it did for Ezekiel. They both took on the message of God to bring it to others. At first, this is a sweet experience, but knowledge of the judgment and destruction to come is gut-wrenching.

Prophesy

John is commanded to carry His message to all people, not only the church. This prophecy is the fate of the entire world.

The Fifth & Sixth Trumpets

Verse 1:

And the fifth angel sounded and I saw a star fall from heaven to the earth: and to him was given the key to the bottomless pit.

A Quick Recap

There were seven seals, followed – thematically if not chronologically – by seven trumpets. In their arranged order, they are similar. The first four seals and trumpets presented judgments directed against the earth. The first four seals were the “four horsemen,” bringing tyranny, war, famine, and death to the earth. The first four trumpets brought ecological destruction to the vegetation, seas, fresh waters, and sky. The last three seals focused on heaven: the martyrs’ cry, cosmic disturbances, and the heavenly prelude to the seven trumpets. The last three trumpets will speak of hell in terms of the demonic.

The Fallen Star

Because the text states, “to him was given”, we know this is a person, not a literal star. The use of the verb tense (fallen) lets us know he had already fallen. Who is the star?

This is one of those questions that can’t be given a definitive answer. Suggestions to ponder as to the identity of the fallen one have included Nero, a fallen angel, an evil spirit, or Satan himself. Some have suggested the Word of God, a good angel, or Jesus Himself.

Within the context, it’s best seen as an angel. Whether he is good or bad depends on his relation to the angel of the bottomless pit in Rev. 9:11. If they are the same, then he’s evil, maybe Satan himself. If it is a different angel, perhaps he’s good and has been sent by God to open the pit for judgment. Because he is fallen is another reason to associate him with Satan or another evil angelic being. Good or bad, the key is given to this being at a specific time for a specific purpose that furthers God’s plan.

The Bottomless Pit

Have you ever wondered where it is? Like the Garden of Eden, we know it’s out there, being protected and hidden from us (Gen.3:24). Some think it’s in the center of the earth, where all is “top” and nothing is “bottom.” Some believe the bottomless nature of the pit is symbolic.

Luke 8:31; 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6 all speak of a certain prison for demons. This is probably the same place as the bottomless pit. More generally, this place is considered the dead realm, the same as Hades (Rom. 10:7).

Verses 2-6:

And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like a the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

Locusts

The locusts we associate with eat plants and leave people alone. These are not natural locusts. They avoid plants and attack people, like scorpions attack. Walvoord said they are “A visual representation of the hordes of demons loosed upon the earth.” The idea is simply that as part of the judgment of the great tribulation, God will allow demonic hordes, previously imprisoned, to descend upon the earth like a swarm of destructive locusts.

The Seal Of God

Those who have the seal of God on their foreheads (the 144,000, maybe more) are protected but not those who God has not sealed. There will be no escaping it for those unfortunate ones, they will want to die, but death will not come. However, God expressly governed this torment in duration (5 months) and purpose (to bring repentance).

Verses 7-10:

The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.

Why would they be called locusts if they were not literal locusts but demonic spirits? Locusts are a consistent Old Testament agent of God’s judgment. Ex. 10:4-14; Deut. 28:38; 1 Kings 8:37; 2 Chron. 7:13; Joel 1:4; Amos 4:9 are a few examples.

Like…

The repetition of the word “like” indicates something other than a literal description is intended. The total impact of this descriptive picture is one of unnatural and awesome cruelty.

Verse 11:

And they had as a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.

This verse is more evidence that these creatures are not literal locusts. Prov. 30:27 tells us that actual locusts have no king. These “locusts” have a king with a name; in Hebrew, it’s Abaddon; in Greek, it’s Apollyon.

The Hebrew term “Abaddon” and its Greek equivalent “Apollyon” appear in the Bible as both a place of destruction and an archangel of the abyss. Abaddon appears six times in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. In the Hebrew Bible, Abaddon is used concerning a bottomless pit, meaning the realm of the dead (Job 26:6).

Obviously, this is Satan himself or another high-ranking leader of the demons.

Verse 12-15:

One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things. Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.

The Sixth Trumpet

The Worst Is Yet To Come

The locusts brought torment and torture but for those who do not use the calamity for its intended purpose, redemption, the next trumpet may bring about their death and subsequent eternal damnation.

A Voice From The Altar

In the tabernacle and temple of Israel, the golden altar was the altar of incense, representing the prayers of God’s people. Four horns stood at each corner of the altar. Atoning blood was applied to the horns. From these horns, John heard a voice. In this, John recalled a repeated theme: the prayers of God’s people play a significant role in the end-times drama.

The Angels And Their Mission

These four angels have no necessary connection with the four angels of Rev. 7:1. They may be the same four or they may not be. Whoever they are, they are prepared for this very moment of the unleashing of this judgment.

Most of Satan’s angels are yet free – being the principalities against which we wrestle, but some terrible offenders of high rank have been bound.”

Newell

Unlike the locusts released earlier, these four angels have the authority to kill on a massive scale, a third of humankind. Newell assumes these four angels are evil. They may or may not be, but no matter, they are servants of the divine purpose. They have a specific sphere of activity (a third) and are only allowed to move in God’s timing.

These angels were connected with the Euphrates River because the Euphrates was a landmark of ancient Babylon. It was the frontier of Israel’s land as fully promised by God (Gen. 15:17-21). It was also the boundary of the old Roman Empire, which will be revived under the Antichrist.

Some more interesting connections with the Euphrates are its association with the first sin (Gen. 2:10-14), the first murder (Gen. 4:16), the first organized revolt against God (Gen 11:1-9), the first war confederation (Gen. 14:1), and the first dictatorship (Gen. 10:8-10).

Verses 16-19

Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues, a third of mankind was killed – by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.

Some take the number of horsemen symbolically, but I think since John makes a point to say he “heard” the number, it should be taken literally. Whether it’s an actual count or not, they paint a powerful picture of horror, destruction, and demonic association.

Does this speak of a natural or a supernatural army? Will it be an army of demons or men? If it is a natural army of men, the description may speak of modern, mechanized warfare. This could be the only way John could describe modern machinery.

A human army this size has never been seen. At the height of WW11, the total of both sides was only 70 million. China claimed to have an army of 200 million in 1965, but this was doubted by many and never proven. Even if such an army was assembled and marched towards the west, it’s hard (not impossible) to see such an army killing a billion (a third) or more people.

Perhaps the best interpretation is to see this as a literal 200 million-strong army of demons invading the earth. It would continue with the idea of the demonic army, like locusts.

Verses 20-21

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

After everything these remaining people see, they will not repent. That is mind-boggling to me. Despite some vast signs and wonders, they will continue to worship idols and carry on with all other sinfulness in a very back-to-business as usual sort of way.

Think about how quickly things return to what is conceived as usual after some calamity, like an earthquake, fire, war, or pandemic. We are quick to forget God’s lessons, even the lessons that come in judgment. The world will never have seen calamity, like what is described in this chapter, yet they will not repent.

The First Four Trumpets

The Seventh And Final Seal

Verse 1: When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

There was a pause in the opening of the seals with chapter 7. Now the break is emphasized by this silence at its start. It demonstrates this was a sobering moment. All of heaven was awestruck by the judgments to come. About half an hour doesn’t seem like a very long time, but in the context of heaven, which seems to be a pretty noisy place, thirty minutes probably felt like a very long time. Imagine if a preacher were to stop his sermon for thirty minutes while the congregation sat in silence.

Seven Angels

Verses 2-3: And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.

Jewish tradition is that seven angels stand in God’s presence. Based on this verse, that traditional idea was accurate. In the Old Testament, trumpets sounded the alarm for war and threw the enemy into a panic. Trumpets were also used to call an assembly of God’s people. These seven trumpets will sound as God’s battle alarm during the great tribulation.

Some see the eighth angel as Jesus because the Old Testament references Him as “the Angel of the Lord.” On the other hand, some see it as just another angel because the Greek word for another means “of the same kind.” Also, we know it is Jesus who is holding the scroll with the seven seals.

Verses 4-5: The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Prayer and incense are often associated with each other in the Bible. The idea is that just as incense is pleasant and drifts to heaven, so do our prayers. So, before the opening of the seventh seal, we see the prayers of God’s people come before God. The angel doesn’t present the prayers, he presents the incense, and with it, the prayers go up. The ascending incense shows the prayers and offerings accepted by God.

All matters will not be resolved on this earth until judgment comes, and when the prayers of God’s people come back to earth, they bring the surge of judgment (thunder, lightning, an earthquake).

The prayers of God’s people will set in motion the coming consummation of history.

More potent, more powerful than all the dark and mighty powers let loose in the world, more powerful than anything else, is the power of prayer set ablaze by the fire of God and cast upon the earth.

Torrance

The Day Of The Lord

2 Peter 3:10-12: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and everything in it will be burned up. Therefore, since everything will be destroyed, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

These verses in 2 Pet. give us the sense that we can hasten Jesus’ return by our holy conduct and godly lives. But here, in Rev. 8:4, we see that we can also speed His coming through prayer. We should also pray, ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus!’ (Rev. 22:20)

Something To Think About

One other thing we could take from the 2 Pet. verses; both the heavens and the earth, and everything in it will be destroyed…by fervent heat…by fire…the elements will melt in the heat. Sometimes I get the sense that as Christians, we’re supposed to scoff at the idea of “global warming.” Yet, don’t these verses (and the Bible contains more) tell us it’s going to happen? Knowing this, shouldn’t we agree with science that they prove what the Bible has always told us?

But on the other hand, should believing this exempt us from caring what we do to God’s creation? What does the Bible say on the matter? Here are a few verses to read: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15; Numbers 35:33-34; Deuteronomy 11:12; Jeremiah 2:7; Job 12:7-10.

God created this earth and everything in it. Our job is to take care of it. Rev. 11:18 tells us there are destroyers of the earth. “The nations raged, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.” There is nothing random or by chance about it. The nations are angry with God, and He responds with wrath; those that destroy the earth will be destroyed themselves.

If we believe the Bible, we believe the world will heat up and melt away. It’s inevitable, nothing we do will stop it from happening, but that does not excuse us from taking care of our planet. If we are to take the Bible at its Word, then we know we must work to preserve God’s creation. His gift to us. Nothing will stop the destroyers of the earth, but they will know God’s wrath for it. As Christians, if we ought to be living holy and godly lives, shouldn’t that include respecting our God’s creation?…think about it.

Seven Trumpets

Verses 6-7:

So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

The opening of the seventh seal does not bring the end immediately in John’s vision. Instead, it set in motion seven trumpets that will sound upon the earth. Are the seals, trumpets, and bowls, John describes, the same events with different details? Or are they sequential? Does the seventh seal contain the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet contain the seven bowls of judgment?

Rev. 6:15-17 creates a problem in the sequential theory because this would mean the people were mistaken about Jesus’ return. But suppose the trumpets follow in sequence to the seals and the bowls to the seals. In that case, it speaks volumes about God’s mercy in stretching out the end and allowing more time for repentance. 2 Pet. 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

This is John’s report from eternity. So, it’s difficult to determine if he’s describing the same events multiple times or chronologically. However you take it, the most important emphasis should be that they are real events that will occur, even if their sequence is hard to pin down with certainty. As time goes on, God may reveal the meaning of these verses more clearly. The Bible contains many passages that tell us there are things we can not know until God decides to reveal them to us (Deut.29:29; Psalms 25:14; Prov. 25:2; Jer. 33:3; Dan, 2:22 & 28, 12:9; Mark 13:32; Luke 8:10 & 17, 12:2-3; John 15:15; Eph. 1:9-10, 3:5; Col. 1:26; 1 Cor. 2:9-10; Rev. 5:3, 10:4).

The First Trumpet

When the first angel sounds, hail and fire, mingled with blood, will be thrown to the earth. “Blood” may be the color or the result of this extraordinary event. We don’t know if John was describing the color of the hail and fire or actual blood. Either way, this should be understood straightforwardly, without escaping into creative symbolism.

The truth is, if earth, trees, and grass do not mean earth, trees, and grass, no man can tell what they mean. Letting go the literal signification of the record, we launch out upon an endless sea of sheer conjecture.

Seiss

A third of the trees and all green grass was burned up: How will this happen? There are many interesting and possible ideas (nuclear war, pollution, meteors, etc.), but they should never obscure the truth that God brings judgment. This hail and fire is not nature taking its course. The people on earth will know these events are from God and aren’t merely natural disasters (Rev. 16:9 & 11; 19:19).

The Second Trumpet

Verses 8-9:

The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

Something like a great mountain: Note the use of “like.” John was careful to say this is not an actual mountain. But, whatever it was, it was a vast mass, as large as a mountain; it was blazing and hurled into the sea.

A third of the sea became blood: This disaster is a cataclysm. Perhaps, it’s a meteor that will hit the ocean and cause great oceanic upheaval. Researchers today say that this sort of phenomenon has happened before, sometimes resulting in ecological disaster. But nothing in history compares to the damage this will cause. This trumpet’s sound will result in a third of the sea creature’s death and a third of the ship’s destruction.

The sea/ocean: In the world of the Apostle John, the Mediterranean Sea was THE sea; they had little knowledge of other oceans. So here, the sea may be specific to the Mediterranean.

The Third Trumpet

Verses 10-11:

Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many died from the water because it was made bitter.

This star could easily be associated with a comet or meteor. John tells us the name of the star, so it could very well be just that. But, indeed, with God, it could be anything. John saw these things with his own eyes and still had trouble describing what he saw.

The Fourth Trumpet

Verses 12-13:

Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise, the night. And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

The light will not merely dim by a third, but a third of the day and night will be plunged into absolute darkness. Jesus said in Matt. 24: 29, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.

The flying angel’s woes are not him being overdramatic because a third of the world’s population will die with the next three trumpets. Depending on the Bible version you have, yours may say an eagle was flying through the midst of heaven making this cry. The ancient Greek words for angel and eagle are very close in spelling. Either way is possible; animals audibly speak more than once in the Bible.

Some Last Observations

These first four trumpets reveal the severity of God’s judgment. He attacks all the ordinary means of subsistence, such as food and water, and He attacks all the usual standards of comfort and knowledge, such as light and the regular rhythm of days.

Also, with the first four trumpets, the mercy of God is revealed because they’re only partial judgments, affecting only a third of the world; they are meant as warnings to lead an unbelieving world to repentance before the final scene when it is too late.

As Christians, we should find great peace in knowing that we will not suffer from these calamities and disasters, and it should compel us all the more to bring the unbelievers into faith.