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Revelation: Chapters 15:5 – 16:21

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Revelation: Chapters 15:5 – 16:21 Revelation: Chapters 15:5 – 16:21 The Seven Bowls Revelation 15:1, 5-8 – Introduction to the Cycle The Seven Bowls cycle, like others before, is introduced as part of the final vision of the previous cycle. Verse one’s mention of “the last” is best interpreted as being the last of John’s series of sevenfold vision cycles as we move towards the conclusion of the book. The mention of plagues in verse one should also prime us for another connection to the Exodus narrative. The vision of the throne room of the temple shows how even in heaven, God’s holiness separates the inner sanctuary from even the heavenly creatures until his judgments are complete. The imagery of the golden bowls of God’s wrath stands in correlation to the golden bowls of the prayers of the saints in 5:8. In this way, the bowls vision cycle may be interpreted as a response to the prayers, specifically the prayer of “how long” that the saints under the altar pray in 6:10 during the Seven Seals cycle. Revelation 16:1-11 – The First Five Bowls This first bowl of sores draws a parallel to the plague of sores in Exodus 9:8-12. The first bowl reiterates the punishment as being for those who participate in the emperor cult (i.e. they wear the mark of the beast and have worshipped its image). The second bowl is reminiscent of the plague on the Nile (Exodus 7:14-25). Here as then the water turns to blood and the fish die. The third bowl is reminiscent of the same plague. However, this bowl takes a brief excursus to comment on the justice of the bowls. Verse six in particular highlights the reciprocal nature of the punishments. The punishment fits the crime. The fourth bowl is a departure by not having a corollary to the Exodus narrative (although in the hail plague, “fire” is said to have come from the sky Exodus 9:24). A more subtle connection is seen, however, by the refusal to repent in verse nine. Just as Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and not repent and give glory to God during the Exodus plagues, the earth dwellers also reject repentance. The fifth bowl is similar to the plague of darkness in Exodus 10:21-29. It is notable for the bowl being poured on the throne of the beast. Some commentators have noted the connection to the throne where Satan dwells in Pergamum from the letters (2:13). In the letter, Pergamum was noted as where Satan dwells due to the death of Antipas. Note again how in the fifth bowl, repentance is rejected. There is also an escalation of the earth dweller’s reaction towards God. Here they curse God (blaspheme as does the beast in chapter 13). Revelation 16:12-21 – The Sixth and Seventh Bowl The sixth bowl shows similarities to the sixth trumpet in the mentioning of the Euphrates along with a vision of battle. Here, the bowl dries up the river to allow passage from other nations (first from the east, then later the whole world) to all come to war in the final battle. Verse thirteen marks the first identification of the beast of the earth as “the false prophet.” Commentators suggest that the frog imagery signifies empty words and deceit, which would fit the connection with the unholy trinity as previously described. Zechariah 12 and 14 play prominently within this bowl vision. Zechariah 12:11 makes mention of Megiddo and chapter 14 describes a final battle of all nations against Jerusalem. Armageddon or Harmageddon is translated as Mount Megiddo, which is odd because Megiddo is noted as being a plain (see above, Zechariah 12:11). Megiddo was the site of many battles in the OT including between Barak and Sisera in Judges 5. It was where both Ahaziah and Josiah (kings of Judah) were killed in battle. Thus, Harmageddon should be interpreted symbolically as the place of a final decisive battle against God’s enemies. It combines elements of such OT depictions from both Zechariah 12-14 and Ezekiel 38-39. As others found their defeat at Megiddo for not heeding God, so will the leaders of the nations. The aside in verse fifteen is the language Jesus uses in 3:3 and an encouragement for believers to persist in faithfulness. The seventh bowl has connections with both the seventh seal and trumpet (lightening, rumblings, thunder, earthquake). The introduction of Babylon anticipates the next vision. In a way, the next vision is the expected interlude to take place after the sixth vision in the cycle. The inclusion of the interlude after the sixth visions previously were for opportunities to repent and the witness of God’s people. The post seventh bowl interlude now shows the certainty of God’s final judgment against the “great city” of Babylon who represents the world’s opposition to God. Yet even in the face of such a severe judgment from God, the people still curse God rather than repent. Here the connection to the hail plague in Exodus 9:13-35 is similar to the continued obstinacy of Pharaoh. .
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