In Revelation 1 John has a vision of Jesus and writes a description of what he saw. John is in exile on the island of Patmos for being a faithful witness for Jesus. In Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus has John send letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. Each church was an existing church in Asia Minor at the time of John’s exile around 95AD. But each letter has applications in our modern day lives and churches.
In Revelation 4 we saw John’s vision or visit to God’s throne. In Revelation 5 we saw the scroll with 7 seals. And that the Lamb, Jesus, was the only One worthy to receive and open the scroll. The scroll represents God’s will and the deed or title of the universe.
Only Jesus is worthy to receive and open the scroll. And to bring on God’s wrath and punishment for Satan, his demons, and for sinners that refuse to repent and believe in Jesus.
Then in Revelation 6 we saw the Lamb, Jesus, open the first 6 of 7 seals of the scroll. Revelation 6 is the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation, and shows a progression through the first half of the Tribulation and into the 2nd half, known as the Great Tribulation period. And of God’s judgement and punishment of Satan, his demons, and anyone who rebels against God and refuses to repent and bow down to Jesus.
In Revelation 7 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of heaven and God’s throne. Revelation 7 is a break between the opening of the first 6 seals in Revelation 6 and the 7th and final seal in Revelation 8. And we saw 4 angels and the 4 winds of the earth, 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel, and a great multitude.
In Revelation 8 we saw Jesus open the 7th seal of the scroll, which is the start of the 7 trumpet judgements of God. This takes place in the 2nd half of the 7 year tribulation, which is known as the Great Tribulation.
Then in Revelation 9 we saw the terrifying 5th and 6th trumpet judgements that God pours out on His enemies. The people that still refused to repent and bow down to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
And in Revelation 10 we saw John’s vision of a mighty angel with an opened scroll with a voice of 7 thunders. This takes place in the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements.
Then in Revelation 11 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements in the final 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, known as the Great tribulation. We studied the 2 witnesses from God in Jerusalem, and the 7th trumpet judgement.
In Revelation 12 we saw a woman, a dragon, and a baby. The break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgement continued in John’s vision. And John introduced 3 more main characters in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God.
Then in Revelation 13 John introduced 2 more of the main characters or players in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God. The beast of the sea or the antichrist, and the best from the earth, the false prophet.
In Revelation 14 we studied John’s vision of the 144,000 witness in the tribulation. And 3 angels flying high in the sky with 3 different messages. And more details about the day of the Lord and God’s wrath.
Next in Revelation 15 we study how John the 7 angels with 7 bowl judgements or plagues getting ready to pour them out on the world.
Now in Revelation 16 we will study the final 7 bowl judgements or plagues of God’s wrath. These will be the ending of God’s wrath and judgements being poured out onto the world and on those that will refuse to repent and turn to Christ.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
A Voice From God’s Temple In Heaven
“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” – Revelation 16:1
Revelation 16 is a continuation of John’s vision in Revelation 15. In Revelation 15 John sees the 7 angels with 7 plagues getting ready to pour out the final part of God’s wrath and judgment on anyone that refuses to repent and bow down to Jesus.
The Time Has Come For God’s Wrath
Now in Revelation 16 the time for God’s wrath and fury has arrived. John hears a loud voice from God’s temple in heaven to pour out God’s wrath and the final 7 plagues or judgements.
The final 7 plagues or judgements will be the most severe. The 7 seal judgements were already severe. One fourth of all mankind will have died by the 4th seal. If it were today that would be more than 2 billion people.
And the 7 trumpet judgements were even more severe. By the 6th trumpet judgement half of the population of the world will be killed. That would be more than 4 billion people if it were today.
In Revelation 16 it is time for God to finally crush and defeat Satan and His enemies. And for Jesus to come back and reign on the earth. And it is finally time for God to deal with the sin and rebellion of mankind.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
Plagues Of Egypt
Before the final 7 plagues of God’s wrath in Revelation, God previously sent plagues to Egypt. And He sent plagues in the 7 trumpet judgements in Revelation 8 through 11.
The 10 plagues that God sent to punish Egypt were water turned into blood, frogs, lice, flies, disease among the cattle, boils, thunder and hail, hordes of locusts, darkness, and the killing of the firstborn sons. Each of these plagues were aimed at punishing Egypt for their false gods, and for their harsh treatment of God’s chosen people.
Plagues Of The 7 Trumpets
You can read about the 7 trumpet judgements in Revelation 8 through 11.
The plagues in the 7 trumpets involved hail, fire and flood destroying a third of the trees and grass and crops in theworld. Plus a flaming mountain cast into the sea, destroying a third of the sea and turning it into blood. And the fall of the Wormwood star into a third of the rivers and lakes, making them poisonous and bitter. Plus the darkening of a third of the sun and moon and stars. And then hordes of millions of demons being released and tormenting the world.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
Similarities With The Final 7 Plagues
There are similarities between the plagues of Egypt, the plagues of the 7 trumpet judgements, and the final 7 plagues at the end of the world.
The plagues of Egypt, the plagues of the 7 trumpet judgements, and the final 7 plagues include blood, darkness, and hail.
Differences With The Final 7 Plagues
The biggest difference in the plagues of Egypt and the final 7 plagues in Revelation is that the Egypt plagues were for 1 nation.
The plagues of the 7 trumpet judgements were a partial preview of the final 7 plagues we see in Revelation 16. The 7 trumpet judgements are plagues that affect 1/3 of the entire world.
And the plagues in Revelation 16 are the final and full wrath of God poured out onto all of mankind in the entire world.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
1st Plague – Harmful And Painful Soars
“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.” – Revelation 16:2
The first angel pours out his bowl or plague. And all of the people that decided to reject Christ and take the mark of the beast and worship the antichrist and Satan immediately have harmful and painful sores on their bodies.
There was a similar plague in Egypt when God punished them for their false gods, and to release His people from slavery. God sent boils to the people of Egypt. This plague is more severe, as it is for the entire world and not just 1 country.
2nd Plague – The Oceans Turned To Blood
“The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.” – Revelation 16:3
The 2nd plague will come quickly after the first plague. And it will turn the oceans into blood. Thus killing every living creature in the oceans.
This is similar to the turning of the Nile River into Egypt into blood. And the turning of 1/3 of the oceans, rivers, and lakes into blood in the 7 trumpet judgements in Revelation 8-11. Except that this plague affects all of the oceans of the world.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
3rd Plague – Rivers, Lakes, And Springs Turned To Blood
“The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood.” – Revelation 16:4
The next angel quickly follows the previous angels and pours out the third plague. And all freshwater rivers, lakes, and springs in the world will be turned to blood.
This would kill all fish and and all living creatures, and will greatly affect the food supply for the entire world.
God Avenges The Deaths Of His Saints & Prophets
“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.
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” – Revelation 16:5-7
Throughout the history of mankind God’s servants, prophets, and witnesses have been persecuted and killed. Killed by sinful and rebellious people who have rejected God’s loving care and Lordship over them. And they even killed God’s Son Jesus.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
New Testament Martyrs
In the New Testament there are many examples of God’s servants and witnesses being killed. All of the faithful apostles in the early church in Acts were killed except John.
And Steven was killed in Acts 7. The apostle Paul was killed. In Jesus’ letters to the 7 churches in Revelation 2 and 3 he mentions the severe persecution they went through. And various believers in some of the churches were martyred.
Tribulation Martyrs
Then in Revelation 6 and 7 we saw the great multitude of people that repented and turned to Jesus in the tribulation. And they were faithful witnesses for Jesus, despite the terrible persecution. And most will be martyred by the antichrist.
In Revelation 6 John sees the martyred believers crying out for God to avenge their deaths.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” – Revelation 6:9-11
In Revelation 7 John sees the great multitude of martyrs in heaven that were killed by the antichrist. The number of them is too great to count.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
“And I Heard The Altar Saying…”?
“And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” – Revelation 16:7
John says that he heard the altar saying “Yes Lord God…” John is referring to the martyred believers he saw in Revelation 6:9-11. They were under the altar, and were crying out in a loud voice “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
The martyred believers in Revelation 16 are all voicing their agreement with the angel that declares that God, the Holy One, is just and right to bring punishment and judgment for those that refuse to repent. Because they have gone along with the killing of God’s servants and witnesses. And so they are God’s enemies and deserve the punishment and judgment that God is pouring out.
4th Plague – Scorching Heat And Fire
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.” – Revelation 16:8-9
John sees the fourth angel pour out the fourth plague on the sun. And it brings scorching heat and fire onto all of the people in the world that are still alive. When verse 8 says people it means the people that have not repented and turnedtoJesus. And that have chosen to worship Satan and the antichrist.
This is a scorching type of heat never before seen on earth. And because of the 2nd and 3rd plagues turning all of the earth’s water into blood, people will not have any water to drink to cool themselves and get relief.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
Prophecies About The Scorching Heat
There are many prophecies and clues in the Bible about what will happen in the end times and the tribulation.
In Isaiah 24 he prophesied about the day of the Lord and the scorching heat.
“Behold, the Lord will empty the earth and make it desolate, and he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants… The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the Lord has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and withers;
the highest people of the earth languish. 5 The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched, and few men are left.” – Isaiah 24:1,3-6
Malachi also prophesied about the scorching heat of God’s wrath and judgments.
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 4:1-3
A Fearful Thing To Fall Into The Living God’s Hands
In the book of Hebrews Paul warns people about the day of the Lord. The time God has ordained for His wrath and judgments and punishments to be poured out on Satan and His enemies.
“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:29-31
Here in Revelation 16 we are seeing the details of the horrors of the results of rejecting Christ and God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation. By rejecting Christ and God’s grace and mercy people are automatically joining Satan and becoming God’s enemy.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
Events In The Tribulation So Far
To this point there will have been:
7 Seal Judgements:
– a false peace in the world that quickly falls apart (white horse and rider Revelation 6:1-2)
– wars (red horse and rider Revelation 6:3-4)
– famine (black horse and rider Revelation 6:5-6)
– pestilence (pale horse and rider Revelation 6:7-8
– the remaining seal judgements (believers killed, great earthquake, sun darkened, moon turns red, stars fall, the sky vanishes)
7 Trumpet Judgements:
– hail & fire burn 1/3 of earth Revelation 8:7
– fiery mountain turns 1/3 of oceans to blood Revelation 8:8-9
– wormwood turns 1/3 of freshwater noxious and poisonous Revelation 8:10-11
– 1/3 of sun, moon, stars darkened Revelation 8:12
– horde of locust like demonic creatures torture people for 5 months Revelation 9:1-11
– army of 2 million demons kill 1/3 of people in the world Revelation 9:13-19
First 4 Plague Judgements
– harmful & painful sores Revelation 16:2
– oceans turned to blood Revelation 16:3
– Freshwater turned to blood Revelation 16:4
– Scorching heat from the sun Revelation 16:8
People’s Reaction To The Scorching Heat
One would think that after all of the terrible things that have happened to this point in the tribulation that many people would repent and turn to Jesus. Literally billions of people will have died.
And all the time in the tribulation God sent the 144,000 Jewish witnesses and other faithful believers to share the Gospel. And the 2 great witnesses who will most likely be Moses and Elijah. And God even sends an angel high in the sky to preach the Gospel. Giving people plenty of opportunities to respond to His mercy and His gracious offer of forgiveness and salvation.
John describes the reaction of the sinful people that will still be alive to this point in the tribulation.
“They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.” – Revelation 16:9
Not only do they not repent and turn to Jesus. They curse God’s name for sending the Judgements and plagues.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
5th Plague – The Entire World In Darkness
“The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish” – Revelation 16:10
John sees the next of the rapidly occurring bowl judgements or plagues at the end of the Great Tribulation. The 5th angel pours out darkness onto the kingdom of the antichrist, which is the whole world.
“The prophet Joel prophesied about the darkness of the day of the Lord. Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near, 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations. 3 Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them.” – Joel 2:1-3
Darkness Brings Psychological & Emotional Distress
Darkness has a disorienting and distressing and terrifying affect on people. Besides the terrible physical pain people will be going through due to the harmful and painful sores from the first plague, they will suffer emotionally and psychologically also.
The suffering will be so severe that John says they will gnaw or chew on their tongues in anguish. Their will be no relief for their great pain and suffering and agony.
Finally People Repent?
So do some of the people repent at this point?
“People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.” – Revelation 16:10-11
John tells us that the remaining people, meaning sinful lost people, will not repent. And once again they will curse God because of their pain and sores.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
6th Plague – Euphrates River Dried Up
“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.” – Revelation 16:12
John sees the next angel pour out the 6th bowl of judgment quickly after the previous plague. The bowl is poured out onto the great Euphrates River. And the great Euphrates River is dried up. The Euphrates River is called great because it is a very large river.
The Euphrates River is 1740 miles long. It begins on Mount Ararat in modern day Turkey. Mount Ararat is where Noah’s ark ended up. It flows from Turkey, then through Syria and Iraq, and it ends up in the Persian Gulf.
The ancient city of Babylon, the capital of the Babylonian empire, was located on the Euphrates River. It is now modern day Iraq. You can see the relationship between the Euphrates River, the ancient kingdom of Babylon, and Israel and othher modern day countries in the region in the map above.
Also the Euphrates River was the eastern boundary of the Promised Land that God gave to His chosen people Israel.
Isaiah Prophesied About The Lord Drying Up The Euphrates River
“The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals.” – Isaiah 11:15
Why Dry Up The Euphrates River?
Why would God use one of His final bowl judgements or plagues to dry up the Euphrates River?
John tells us in verse 12 “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.”
So God will dry up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the kings from the east. In this and the next verses John tells us why.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
Preparing For The Battle of Armageddon
“And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:13-16
In his vision, at the time God dries up the Euphrates River, John sees the dragon Satan, the beast or the antichrist, and the false prophet. We saw John introduce and describe the dragon Satan in Revelation 12. And the beast of the sea, the antichrist, and the false prophet in Revelation 13.
And he sees “unclean spirits” or demons coming from their mouths. The demonic spirits, sent by Satan, empower the antichrist and the false prophet to perform signs and wonders that they use to deceive people into thinking that the antichrist is a god.
In other words, the antichrist and his false prophet are men possessed by demons. Their ultimate goal is to deceive people and get them to reject Christ and to worship Satan and the antichrist.
Kings And Armies March To Battle Against God And Israel
“For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty…. And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:14,16
John tells us that the demons will get the kings of the world to send their armies to war against God and Israel. Remember from Revelation 12 that the dragon, Satan, is described as having 10 horns or crowns on his 7 heads. And the antichrist is described in Revelation 13 as having 10 horns or crowns or diadems on his 7 heads.
“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.” – Revelation 12:3
“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.” – Revelation 13:1
These show that the antichrist’s world kingdom in the tribulation will have 10 territories or regions. The kings John sees marching to do battle against God and Israel in Revelation 16 are the kings or leaders of the 10 territories in the antichrist’s world kingdom.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
The Location Of The Battle of Armageddon
God dries up the Euphrates River, to allow His enemies, led by the kings of the territories in the antichrist’s kingdom, to march to the battle. John tells us in verse 16 the location of the great battle.
“And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:16
Armageddon
Armageddon comes from the Hebrew word Har-Magedone, which means “Mount Megiddo”. At the base of Mount Megiddo is the Plain of Megiddo, which is a very large plain that has been the location of many battles. It is located 60 miles north of Jerusalem in northern Israel.
Many people believe that this will be the location of the great battle of Armageddon in the day of the Lord. But there are prophecies in the Old Testament that speak about other locations.
The prophet Joel spoke about the day of the Lord and the battle of Armageddon.
“I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; And they have divided up My land.” – Joel 3:2
The word Jehoshaphat means “Yahweh judges”. The valley of Jehoshaphat is also known as the Valley of Kidron. It is located close to Jerusalem to the east, between the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem.
Zachariah also prophesied about the day of the Lord and the battle of Armageddon. He speaks about the battle being against Jerusalem. And the probable location for Jesus’ return to earth at the Mount of Olives.
“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. 7 And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” – Zachariah 14:1-9
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
References To The Battle of Armageddon In Revelation 14
“So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.” – Revelation 14:19-20
In his vision in Revelation 14 John says that the blood of God’s enemies will rise as high as a horse’s bridle. This is a reference to the final battle of Armageddon. The blood of God’s enemies will reach around 4 feet high. And that it will be that high for 1600 stadia. Approximately 200 miles.
In other words, the blood of the defeated human army of Satan and the antichrist will rise to 4 feet high for nearly the entire length of the nation of Israel. This would indicate an army of millions and millions. And that their armies will be spread across a large area of approximately 200 miles. This is an area that covers from the northern top of Israel to the southern part of Israel, and includes Jerusalem near the middle.
Where Will The Battle of Armageddon Be?
Putting all of the verses in Revelation 16 together with Joel’s and Zachariah’s prophecies, and other details in Revelation 14, the conclusion is that the battle of Armageddon will take place in various locations in Israel. The combined armies of God’s enemies will be so large they will cover a very large area in Israel. Including the Plain of Megiddo, Jerusalem, the valley of Jehoshaphat or the valley of Kidron. And perhaps other areas.
More Details About The Battle of Armageddon
We will see more details about the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 17, and especially in Revelation 19. And we will see the final outcome of the battle in Revelation 19.
Spoiler Alert: The battle will not last long.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
7th Plague – A Great Earthquake & 100 Pound Hail
“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” – Revelation 16:17-21
Finally John sees the 7th angel pour out the 7th and final bowl judgement of God’s wrath. This is very near the end of Satan’s and the antichrist’s world kingdom.
And near the end of mankind’s sinful rebellion against God and Jesus. The only thing left after this plague is the battle of Armageddon, which we will see in Revelation 19.
It Is Done
John sees the 7th angel pour out the final plague into the air. And then he hears a loud voice from heaven declare “It is done”.
Right before Jesus died on the cross He declared “It is finished”. His sacrifice and death completed God’s work of redemption and salvation for those that repent, believe, and follow Jesus.
Now a different type of “it is done”. God’s wrath and judgments for His enemy Satan and for anyone that refuses to repent and turn to Jesus is completed with the 7th bowl judgement.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
The Strongest Earthquake Ever
“And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.” – Revelation 16:18-20
When the angel pours out the 7th bowl John sees lightning and rumblings and thunder. And then the greatest earthquake ever in the world’s history.
To date the strongest earthquake ever recorded was the Great Chile Earthquake of 1960. It struck Valdivia Chile and the surrounding area, and killed 1600 people. The tsunamis that followed killed an additional 200 people in coastal areas of Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. It was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake.
The deadliest earthquake ever was the Shaanxi China earthquake that struck the Shaanxi Province of China in 1556. It killed 830,000 people. It is estimated to be approximately 8.0 magnitude.
Cities Destroyed And Jerusalem Split Into 3 Parts
“The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell” – Revelation 16:19
John sees that the great earthquake will cause “the great city” of Babylon to be split into 3 different sections. As we will discuss in further detail in our studies of Revelation 17 and 18, the worldwide system of religion, government, and commerce will have a capitol city called Babylon the great. John also sees cities in other nations leveled or destroyed.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
And God Remembered Babylon
“and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath.” – Revelation 16:19
Babylon is a symbolic name used for the antichrist’s world kingdom and global government, religion, and economic system. There will be more details about the symbolic “Babylon the great” and the antichrist’s world kingdom in Revelation 17 and 18.
Those 2 chapters are another interval or break in John’s vision. In between the final 7 bowl judgements we are seeing in Revelation 16, and the final events of the world and the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 19.
In ancient days Babylon was a godless kingdom started by Noah’s great grandson Nimrod.
Islands Disappear And Mountains Leveled
“And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.” – Revelation 16:20
The final great earthquake will be so strong that it will cause islands to disappear, and mountains to be leveled. It is hard to imagine an earthquake that will be much stronger than magnitude 9.5.
And one that will affect the the entire world. Usually an earthquake, even the strongest ones, will only affect a relatively small or limited area. The final earthquake will affect the entire earth.
Revelation 16 – The Final 7 Bowl Judgements or Plagues
100 Pound Hailstones
“And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people” – Revelation 16:21
John also sees large hailstones from heaven falling on people. As if all of the previous seal, trumpet, and bowl judgements weren’t enough, and the strongest earthquake ever, next there are massive hailstones crushing people.
The largest hailstone ever recorded on earth was in 2010 in Vivian, South Dakota. It was 8 inches in diameter, and weighed 1.9375 pounds.
100 pound hailstones are unimaginable. Yet there will be 100 pound hailstones falling on unrepentant people all around the world.
The Lost People’s Reaction
“And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” – Revelation 16:21
The final and most severe judgment and punishment poured out by God will not change any hearts. Rather than repent and turn to Jesus, the sinful and rebellious people that worship Satan and the antichrist will once again curse God.
There will be no more mercy, and no more chances to repent and turn to Jesus. Their final and eternal destiny is set. And we will see that in the great white throne judgement in Revelation 20.
Pursuing Intimacy With God
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work & mission.
There are hundreds of Bible verses and great truths & promises in the Pursuing Intimacy With God studies book
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Salvation: The Requirements for True Salvation
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Preview the Pursuing Intimacy With God Studies Book
God’s Promises In The Bible
God’s Promises In The Bible – Part 2
Seek God With All Your Heart
Seek God With All Your Heart – Part 2
The Names of God & Their Meaning
The Names of Jesus Christ
8 Keys to Intimacy With God
8 Keys to Intimacy With God – Part 2
Read God’s Word The Bible
Read God’s Word The Bible – Part 2
Meditate on God’s Word The Bible
Praise & Worship God
Praise & Worship God – Part 2
God’s Top Priority For The Church
Praise Is A Weapon for Spiritual Warfare
Kevin Bart has been a Jesus follower for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God after many years of seeking God and studying His word.
Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.
For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led an international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had 51 mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
