In the daily devotional on Revelation 16, the imagery of God’s final judgment unfolds through the pouring out of seven bowls of wrath. These judgments are not only dramatic but deeply sobering, showcasing the righteous anger of God against a rebellious world.
The chapter takes us from devastating plagues to the preparation for the ultimate battle at Armageddon, a place steeped in both historical significance and prophetic weight. Through these visions, we are reminded of the stubbornness of human hearts, as even amidst unparalleled suffering, many refuse to repent and instead curse God. Yet, amid this dark portrayal of the end times lies a beacon of hope: God has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ.
To find out more about God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation, please watch the Great News Video on this page. There is hope for you!
For those who belong to Him, these judgments serve as a solemn call to remain steadfast and a motivation to share the gospel with others before it is too late. To discover the seven angels with the seven plagues, read the daily devotional on Revelation 15.
Revelation 16 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Revelation 16, the seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out. Armageddon is more than a Hollywood movie; it is a real place in Israel where a future battle will be fought. Do you wonder how life on earth will end? Please read or listen to Revelation 16.
What Were the Plagues in Revelation?
My three personal Bible reading journals give some insight into Revelation 16, starting with 1995. “Seven angels freed to administer seven last plagues:
- Physical, sores on men who worshiped beast
- Survival, waters destroyed, which were needed for life
- Survival, water again
- Survival, sun scorches men, and they blaspheme God rather than repent
- Spiritual, at enemies’ throne of the beast; again, they curse God rather than repent
- Euphrates, final spiritual war like in heaven when Satan was kicked out, only on earth this time
- On air, great earthquake, hail, yet men blaspheme God and did not repent”
I continued, “You gave us free will to worship You or choose after false gods. To the bitter end, people will hang on to their self-will and curse the one true God.”
What Is God’s Wrath in Revelation?
From 2008, “God’s wrath upon His creation, earth, and mankind, is orchestrated from heaven. Sad as that may be, it is also true righteousness. They deserve it, according to 16:6-7. At those final judgments, all that’s left are those who worship the beast, according to verse 2. They know of God because they blaspheme Him, will not repent, or give Him glory.
The response from the dragon, the beast, the false prophets is more demons to war against God. Final wrath is massive earthquake, lightning, thunder, cities fall, islands sink, and mountains are leveled. Then hail pours from heaven and men curse God.”
From 2013, “Judgment on earth and people as the wrath of God. He is just. People get what they deserve. Yet, people curse God rather than repent and give Him glory. To counter, more demon spirits are released from the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. Preparation for the final battle, Armageddon. ‘It is done’ (v. 17).”
What Happens to the Earth When Jesus Returns?
Let’s look at chapter 16. As a younger Christian, I always thought it would be great to be here for the second coming of Jesus on that cloud we read about in earlier chapters. But I guess I never thought a whole lot about the condition of the earth when Jesus comes. It will be hell on earth. As we just read, the wrath of God will be devastating, yet just:
And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say,
“Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was,
for you brought these judgments.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!”
And I heard the altar saying,
“Yes, Lord God the Almighty,
true and just are your judgments!” (vs. 5-7).
We may not like what we are reading, but these are the just judgments of a righteous, Holy God.
What Did the First Angel Pour Out?
I mentioned in one of my journals, I think the only people left here anyway are those who worship the beast; probably no Christians left. Let’s look at verse 2, “So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.”
I believe those are the only people left at this time. At this time, they may realize there is no hope left for them. They see, they experience these plagues yet they curse the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give Him glory.
We see that phrase repeated a few times in this chapter, which means they know God, and they know of God. They know these plagues are coming from God, and, yet, in their stubbornness of their own hearts, they will not repent.
What Is the 6th Bowl in Revelation?
The sixth angel pours out his wrath and prepares for the final battle on the battleground called Armageddon. Let’s look at my English Standard Version Study Bible footnote concerning this term, Armageddon, “Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” in Hebrew.
In ancient Israel, Megiddo was a plain, not a mountain; but it was also the site of some key battles, so in the symbolic geography of John’s visions it aptly represents the global combat zone in which the final conflict between Christ and Satan will be fought” (p. 2486).
Many of us have heard the term, Armageddon. Now you know it is a biblical term and stands for the final battle.
What Happens When the 7th Angel Poured Out His Bowl?
When the seventh angel pours out his wrath, a voice from the throne of God says, “It is done!” (v. 17). Afterwards, flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake, occur such as there has never been since man was on the earth. “And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven” (v. 20-21).
This is the end of the end, yet people who see and experience it, curse God. They know it is coming from God, they know of God, and they curse Him.
We do not need to watch movies to see how the world is going to end. All we need to do is read the Book of Revelation, chapters like this
What Does It Mean to Be Written in the Lambs Book of Life?
Our application is simple. Do not be here when this happens. The way out is to make sure your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Be sure you are saved by the blood of the Lamb. Be sure you have knelt at the cross at Calvary and given your heart to Jesus. If you do those things, chapter 16 is not going to matter to you. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Father, as we see Your final wrath, it is devastating. Yet, you are a true and just God. You give us all a way of escape. None of us have to experience what we just read. But, obviously, some will. Lord, embolden us and use us to witness to others so we can keep as many as possible from the days of this final wrath.
It may take some boldness on our part to share the gospel with people but help us reflect on what we just read and have Holy Spirit power to do so. Your wrath is coming. You will judge the earth. Thank You for giving us Jesus so we can have a way of escape. Amen.
