Interpretive Study of Revelation 15-16

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Chapter links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, God.

Revelation Chapter 15

links to sentences in this chapter:

C15-S1 (Verse 1), C15-S2 (Verse 2), C15-S3 (Verse 3), C15-S4 (Verse 4), C15-S5 (Verse 4), C15-S6 (Verse 5-6), C15-S7 (Verse 7), C15-S8 (Verse 8)'.

Chapter Summary: the preperation for God's judgment upon the lost of the world.

C15-S1 : John saw the angels holding the plagues from God.
C15-S2 : John saw tribulation martyrs.
C15-S3 : the songs sang by the tribulation saints..
C15-S4 : these tribulation martyrs recognize the glory that is due to our Lord Jesus Christ.
C15-S5 : Prophecy of future reaction to the Lord.
C15-S6 : the seven last plagues came from the temple of God.
C15-S7 : the angels were given golden vials full of the wrath of God.
C15-S8 : God's reaction in Heaven to this judgment being done.

Our chapter starts by telling us about the seven last plagues which are part of the wrath of God which will be poured out on sinful men on Earth. Most of the rest of our chapter tells us about the worship in Heaven because God will, finally, avenge the wrong done to tribulation martyrs. And, our chapter ends with the report of God displaying His power and glory. The wrath is poured out on men who refused to acknowledge God's power and glory.

C15-S1 (Verse 1) John saw the angels holding the plagues from God.

First Step: John saw the angels with the plagues.

And I saw another sign in heaven,
great and marvellous,
seven angels having the seven last plagues;.

Step: the reason for the plagues.

for in them is filled up the wrath of God .

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds this chapter to the prior chapter. Both chapters need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Our prior chapter told us how God separates the judgment of the lost from the judgment of the saved. This chapter adds the preparation for God's judgment upon the lost people of the world.

Our sentence has two Steps with John reporting what he saw, in the First Step. Then he reports what he understood, about what he saw, in the Second Step.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'John sees the heavenly temple, and from here seven angels solemnly and without emotion come forth bearing the seven plagues of God's wrath which are to be unleashed upon the earth, the world is about to drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture (14:10). that word “filled” in this verse means completed or accomplished, meaning that with these plagues, God's wrath upon the world and sin will be completed. And John says this sight is a great and marvelous sight, for the end is almost near, God's power and dominion and wrath upon sin are about to be globally demonstrated. the events to come are to be worldwide and awesomely devastating and awe inspiring. this is truly God's shock and awe campaign. But before such destruction begins, John sees and hears another sight that most likely thrills his heart.'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word sign. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'A token, pledge, or proof, Ge 9:12-13; 17:11; Ex 3:12; Isa 8:18. Also a supernatural portent, Lu 21:11; and a miracle, regarded as a token of the divine agency, Ex 4:7-9; Mr 8:11. the "signs of Heaven" were the movements and aspects of the Heavenly bodies, from which heathen astrologers pretended to obtain revelations, Isa 44:25; Jer 10:2'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of Heaven. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in Heaven. Please also see the Message called Laying up Treasure in Heaven. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in Heaven. There are 57 references to this word just in this Bible book. Therefore, this note does not provide links to all of them.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S3 about the word marvel. The functional definition for this word is: 'A wonder; that which arrests the attention and causes a person to stand or gaze, or to pause. this word is nearly obsolete, or at least little used in elegant writings. 2. Wonder; admiration'. Today, people say: 'I find that hard to believe'.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:34 about the word seven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Ge 2:2-3). the division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. this number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. "Jacob's seven years' service to Laban; Pharaoh's seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number" (see Le 25:4; 1Sa 2:5; Ps 12:6; 79:12; Pr 26:16; Isa 4:1; Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4). the feast of Passover (Ex 12:15-16), the feast of Weeks (De 16:9), of Tabernacles (De 13:15), and the Jubilee (Le 25:8), were all ordered by seven. Seven is the number of sacrifice (2Ch 29:21; Job 42:8), of purification and consecration (Le 27:34,34; 8:11,33; 14:9,51), of forgiveness (Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4), of reward (De 28:7; 1Sa 2:5), and of punishment (Le 26:21,24,28; De 28:25). It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Pr 26:16,25; Isa 4:1; Mt 12:45. It is used also to mean "abundantly" (Ge 4:15,24; Le 26:24; Ps 79:12'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:1 about the word seventy.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events; Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information or do a job for God'. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:10 about the word last. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. See Late and Let. 1. that comes after all the others; the latest; applied to time; as the last hour of the day; the last day of the year. 2. that follows all the others; that is behind all the others in place; hindmost; as, this was the last man that entered the church. 3. Beyond which there is no more. Here, last of Britons, let your names be read. 4. Next before the present; as the last week; the last year. 5. Utmost. Their last endeavors bend, T' outshine each other. It is an object of the last importance. 6. Lowest; meanest. Antilochus takes the lst prize. At last, at the last, at the end; in the conclusion. Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but he shall overcome at the last. Gen. 49. Tothe last, to the end; till the conclusion. And blunder on in business to the last. In the phrases, "you are the last man I should consult" "This is the last place in which I should expect to find you," the word last implies improbability; this is the most improbable place, and therefore I should resort to it last.
L'AST, adv. 1. the last time; the time before the present. I saw him last at New York. 2. In conclusion; finally. Pleased with his idol, he commends, admires, adores; and last, the thing adored desires. L'AST, v.i. See Let. 1. to continue in time; to endure; to remain in existence. Our government cannot last long unless administered by honest men. 2. to continue unimpaired; not to decay or perish. Select for winter the best apples to last. this color will last. 3. to hold out; to continue unconsumed. the captain knew he had not water on board to last a week. L'AST, n. See Load.
A load; hence, a certain weight or measure. A last of codfish, white herrings, meal, and ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn is ten quarters or eighty bushels; of gun powder, twenty four barrels; of red herrings, twenty cades; of hides, twelve dozen; of leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool, twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1700 pounds.
L'AST, n. A mold or form of the human foot, made of wood, on which shoes are formed. The cobbler is not to go beyond his last'.

Please see the note for Mark 3:10 about the word plague. The functional definition for this word is: 'a "stroke" of affliction, or disease. Sent as a divine chastisement (Nu 11:33; 14:37; 16:46-49; 2Sa 24:21). Painful afflictions or diseases, (Le 13:3,5,30; 1Ki 8:37), or severe calamity (Mr 5:29; Lu 7:21), or the judgment of God, so called (Ex 9:14)'.

The word fill means 'made full'. Please see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S16; Galatians C5S20; Ephesians 4:26-27 and Colossians C3S6 about the word wrath. The functional definition for this word is: 'Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I saw. Re 12:1-3; Da 4:2-3; 6:27 seven angels. Re 15:6; 8:2,6; 10:3; 16:1-17; 21:9; Mt 13:41-42,49-50 last. Re 8:13; 11:14; 16:17-21; 17:1 is filled. Re 15:7; 14:10,19; 16:19; 19:15; Da 12:6-7,11-12 General references. exp: Re 11:14.'.

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C15-S2 (Verse 2) John saw tribulation martyrs.

Equivalent Section: John saw where they stood.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire:

Equivalent Section: John saw who stood there.

and them that had gotten the victory over the beast,
and over his image,
and over his mark,
and over the number of his name,
stand on the sea of glass,
having the harps of God .

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. John first saw the angels but then he saw these tribulation martyrs because the angels waited until they finished before the angels continued with their tasks.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us that John first noticed the crystal sea (Revelation 4:6). I believe this was because it was mingled with fire. Since these tribulation martyrs were standing on it, this shows us, symbolically, that they had passed God's test of fire.

In our Second Equivalent Section, we read about the tribulation martyrs and are told some of the details of the test of fire which they passed. And, we are also told that they had the harps of God. These were probably special instruments which only special people in Heaven could play. Our next sentence adds the identification of the songs that they sing and only some beings in Heaven are able to sing these particular songs.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Now first of all, John has previously seen this sea of glass before the throne of God, back in Re 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And if you remember this sea of glass reminds us of the sea of brass, the brazen sea, in Solomon’s temple (I Chron 18:8) and the brazen laver in the court of the tabernacle. those seas symbolized the Word of God, which is needed for cleansing {Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.} but in heaven we see this sea is crystallized, the Word of God is now no longer needed for cleansing because judgment is upon the world, so the Word is now represented here in a solidified state, forever fixed, in the eternal throne room of God, its purpose fulfilled but what it stands for to never be forgotten for Christ himself said his words shall not pass away. And it is here upon that sea of glass that the martyred tribulation saints now stand, they stand on the word of God, on the sea of glass which John points out is mingled with fire, which speaks of the fiery trials these saints have endured and are now blessed (4:13). these are the saints that have withstood all the attacks and pressures and persecutions of the beast and remained faithful to the Lord during such trying times. they gained victory thru the word, the gospel, and the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. they have victory over the beast (antichrist), and his image, his mark and number, and now John sees them standing in victory on the everlasting word in the throne room of heaven. these martyred saints stand in victory in the heavenly throne room, while the 144,000 stand in victory on Mt Zion with the Lamb. And like many of the saints in heaven these saints hold in their hands the harps of God, ready to produce a divine music, to sing praise. It seems like a lot of believers are going to have harps and sing praises to the Lord doesn’t it?'.

Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word sea. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large bason, cistern or laver which Solomon made in the temple, so large as to contain more than six thousand gallons. this was called the brazen sea, and used to hold water for the priests to wash themselves. 1 Kings 7. 2 Chron. 4 2. A large body of water, nearly inclosed by land, as the Baltic or the Mediterranean; as the sea of Azof. Seas are properly branches of the ocean, and upon the same level. Large bodies of water inland, and situated above the level of the ocean, are lakes. the appellation of sea, given to the Caspian lake, is an exception, and not very correct. So the lake of Galilee is called a sea, from the Greek. 3. the ocean; as, to go to sea. the fleet is at sea, or on the high seas. 4. A wave; a billow; a surge. the vessel shipped a sea. 5. the swell of the ocean in a tempest, or the direction of the waves; as, we head the sea. 6. Proverbially, a large quantity of liquor; as a sea of blood. 7. A rough or agitated place or element. In a troubled sea of passion tost. Milton'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 11:29 about the phrase Red Sea. Please also see the note for John 21:1 about the phrase sea of Tiberias.

Please see the note for James 1:23 about the word glass. The functional definition for this word is: ' All of the dictionaries speak about the material. However, the usage within the Bible is: mirror'.

Please see the note for Matthew 27:33-34 about the word mingle. The functional definition for this word is: 'To be mixed; to be united with. She, when she saw her sister nymphs, suppressed Her rising fears, and mingled with the rest'.

Please see the note for James 3:6 about the word fire. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the Bible, it is mainly used symbolically for the presence and judgment of God'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S18 about the phrase coals of fire. Please also see the note for Revelation 19:20 about the phrase lake of fire.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:20 about the word victory. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. victoria, from vinco, victus, to conquer. 1. Conquest; the defeat of an enemy in battle, or of an antagonist in contest; a gaining of the superiority in war or combat. Victory supposes the power of an enemy or an antagonist to prove inferior to that of the victor. Victory however depends not always on superior skill or valor; it is often gained by the fault or mistake of the vanquished. Victory may be honorable to the arms, but shameful to the counsels of a nation. 2. the advantage or superiority gained over spiritual enemies, over passions and appetites, or over temptations, or in any struggle or competition. thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Cor. 15.'.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:3-4 about the word image. The functional definition for this word is: 'A representation or similitude of any person or thing, formed of a material substance; as an image wrought out of stone, wood or wax'.

Please see the note for Revelation 13:16-17 about the word mark (sign). Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. mercor, the primary sense of which is to go, to pass; Gr. to pass; Eng. fair, and fare. 1. A visible line made by drawing one substance on another; as a mark made by chalk or charcoal, or a pen. 2. A line, groove or depression made by stamping or cutting; an incision; a channel or impression; as the mark of a chisel, of a stamp, of a rod or whip; the mark of the finger or foot. 3. Any note or sign of distinction. The Lord set a mark upon Cain. Gen.4. 4. Any visible effect of force or agency. There are scarce any marks left of a subterraneous fire. 5. Any apparent or intelligible effect; proof, evidence. The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. 6. Notice taken. The laws Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much for mock as mark. 7. anything to which a missile weapon may be directed. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. 8. Any object used as a guide, or to which the mind may be directed. the dome of the State house in Boston is a good mark for seamen. 9. anything visible by which knowledge of something may be obtained; indication; as the marks of age in a horse. Civility is a mark of politeness or respect. Levity is a mark of weakness. 10. A character made by a person who cannot write his name, and intended as a substitute for it. 11. A weight of certain commodities, but particularly of gold and silver, used in several states of Europe; in Great Britain, a money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four pence. In some countries, it is a coin. 12. A license of reprisals. See Marque.
M`ARK, v.t. 1. to draw or make a visible line or character with any substance; as, to mark with chalk or with compasses. 2. to stamp; to impress; to make a visible impression, figure or indenture; as, to mark a sheep with a brand. 3. to make an incision; to lop off a part; to make any sign of distinction; as, to mark sheep or cattle by cuts in their ears. 4. to form a name or the initials of a name for distinction; as, to mark cloth; to mark a handkerchief. 5. to notice; to take particular observation of. Mark them who cause divisions and offenses. Rom.16. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Ps.37. 6. to heed; to regard. Tomark out, to notify, as by a mark; to point out; to designate. the ringleaders were marked out for seizure and punishment.
M`ARK, v.i. to note; to observe critically; to take particular notice; to remark.
Mark, I pray you,and see how this man seeketh mischief. l Kings 20'. The functional definition for this word is: 'the physical indication that this personhas committed their eternity to the service of the Devil and his beasts'.

The number given in our sentence is more than one hundred million. Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things. Also used symbolically in the Bible'. The note from the Morrish Bible Dictionary is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols'. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolicl meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:8 about the word harp. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Heb kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Ge 4:21). Some think the word kinnor denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Ge 31:27; 1Sa 16:23; 2Ch 20:28; Ps 33:2; 137:2).
In Solomon's time harps were made of almug-trees (1Ki 10:11-12). In 1Ch 15:21 mention is made of "harps on the Sheminith;" Revised Version, "harps set to the Sheminith;" better perhaps "harps of eight strings." the soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1Sa 16:16,23; 18:10; 19:9. the church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer "harping with their harps" (Re 14:2)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'a sea. Re 4:6; 21:18 mingled. Isa 4:4-5; Mt 3:11; 1Pe 1:7; 4:12 that had. Re 11:11-12; 12:11; 13:14-18; 14:1-5 stand. Eze 22:30-31 having. Re 5:8; 14:2; 19:1-7'.

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C15-S3 (Verse 3) the songs sang by the tribulation saints.

First Step: the songs sang.

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb,
saying,
Great and marvellous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty;.

Second Step: their addition.

just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Where the prior sentence describes these tribulation martyrs, this sentence adds their songs.

First that sing the song of Moses the servant of God because they are Jews who also served God like Moses did. Saved Gentiles can not sing this song. Next, they sang the song of the Lamb because they were saved and changed by His sacrifice. Saved Gentiles can sing this song but only if they let Him change their life after their initial salvation.

Next, they recognized that it truly was the Lord God Almighty Who worked in and through their personal lives in order to accomplish all spiritual work which was done while they were alive.

Finally, in our Second Step, we see them sing: just and true are thy ways because they have personally experienced His ways in their personal lives. They also acknowledge Him as: thou King of saints because He personally will lead them, and all true Biblical saints (not all saved), to this Earth to rule as King for 1,000 years.

Revelation 15:1-4 is talking about all that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, which includes the 144,000 while Revelation 14 is only about the 144,000. First of all, we have nothing that limits these people to the 144,000 and several places in the Bible tell us that more than just 144,000 virgin male Jews will be saved during the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 2:22; Revelation 7:14).

Notice that these people sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb. These are two different songs with the song of Moses the servant of God being a song belonging to Jews (Exodus 15:1; Deuteronomy 31:22, Deuteronomy 31:30; Deuteronomy 32:44; Revelation 15:3) and the song of the Lamb belonging to all who are saved by the Lamb during this time in Revelation when the Lamb is used instead of Jesus Christ. (Note: other than John 1:29, John 1:36 where John the Baptist (the last non-Church Jewish prophet) declares that Jesus is the Lamb of God [upper case Lamb as opposed to lower case lamb], Lamb only appears in the Bible starting in Revelation 5:6, which is after the 'Rapture' ends the Church Age.)

Going on, both groups call the Son of God Lord God Almighty and King of saints. This doctrinally tells us that the Son of God is equal to God the Father in power (Almighty) and authority (Lord God), even though the Sun submits to the Father, because Lord God Almighty is used for the Son here and Revelation 4:8; Revelation 11:17 and Revelation 16:7 while Lord God Almighty is used for God the Father in Revelation 21:22. in this verse, Lord God Almighty is equated to King of saints while Revelation 21:22 makes a distinction between Lord God Almighty and the lamb.

The Son of God is identified as the King of saints because He is King to saved Gentiles and to Jews. This is because He personally will lead them, and all true Biblical saints (not all saved), to this Earth to rule as King for 1,000 years.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here these triumphant tribulation saints sing a twofold song. they sing the song of Moses, a song of victory, and the song of the Lamb, a song of redemption. Now the song of Moses was sung by Israel by the Red Sea after their victory over the pursuing Egyptian army. Reference Exodus 15:1-19'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:30 about the words sing / sang / sung. The words sang and sung are the past-tense forms of the word sing Webster's 1828 defines sing as: ''v. i. pret. sung, sang; pp. sung. 1. to utter sounds with various inflections of melodious modulations of voice, as fancy may dictate, or according to the notes of a song or tune the noise of them that sing do I hear Ex. 32. 2. to utter sweet or melodious sounds, as birds. It is remarkable that the female of no species of birds ever sings. And singing birds in silver cages hung. 3. to make a small shrill sound; as, the air sings in passing through a crevice. O'er his head the flying spear sung innocent, and spent its force in air. 4. to tell or relate something in numbers of verse. Sing of human hope by cross event destroy'd.
SING, v. t. 1. to utter with musical modulation of voice. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. Rev. 15. 2. to celebrate in song; to give praises to in verse. the last, the happiest British king, whom thou shalt paint or I shall sing. 3. to relate or rehearse in numbers, verse or poetry. Arms and the man I sing. While stretch'd at ease you sing your happy loves'. Forms of these words are used, in this book, in: 5:9; 14:3; 15:3.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:9 about the word song. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. In general, that which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of the human voice or that of a bird. 2. A little poem to be sung, or uttered with musical modulations; a ballad. the songs of a country are characteristic of its manners. Every country has its love songs, its war songs, and its patriotic songs. 3. A hymn; a sacred poem or hymn to be sung either in joy or thanksgiving, as that sung by Moses and the Israelites after escaping the dangers of the Arabian gulf and of Pharaoh; or of lamentation, as that of David over the death of Saul and Jonathan. Songs of joy are represented as constituting a part of heavenly felicity. 4. A lay; a strain; a poem. the bard that first adorn'd our native tongue, tun'd to his British lyre this ancient song. 5. Poetry; poesy; verse. this subject for heroic song pleas'd me. 6. Notes of birds. See Def. 1. 7. A mere trifle. the soldier's pay is a song. Old song, a trifle. I do not intend to be thus put off with an old song'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1 about the word Moses. The functional definition for this word is: 'While this name is often used for the physical man, it is also used in the Bible to refer to the Law that God gave to His people through the man. In the New Testament, the Law for the saved comes from the Lord Jesus Christ until the Rapture'. These people all lived under the restored Law of Moses and died for their obedience to it.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. The functional definition for this word is: 'lifestyle speaking. A saying that never changes when said by God'. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman.

Please see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty. The definition from the Morrish Bible Dictionary for this word is: 'The learned are not agreed as to the derivation of the word shaddai and its signification: some giving it as 'all bountiful,' others 'all sufficient,' 'all mighty,' etc. this is not at all surprising, for any name of God must be above mere human learning or definition, yet it was the ground of faith to those who had the revelation. the name first occurs in Ge 17:1; God said to Abraham "I am the Almighty God." this links it with the Patriarchs: it is the name by which God was known to them; and except to them, and in Job where it occurs very often, it is seldom found in the O.T. the title 'the Almighty' without the name of God being added, occurs first in Jacob's address to his twelve sons before he died: the blessings upon Joseph were to be by "'the Almighty,' . . . . blessings of Heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb." Ge 49:25. Balaam uses the name in Nu 24:4; Naomi also in her lamentations. Ru 1:20-21. See also Ps 68:14; 91:1; Isa 13:6; Eze 1:24; 10:5; Joe 1:15. In the N.T. the name Lord Almighty occurs in 2Co 6:18 in a quotation from Jeremiah, and a few times in the Revelation, but only once as 'the Almighty' in Re 1:8: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." On the whole it is clear that the name was one of special relationship with the Patriarchs as that of Jehovah was with Israel . this is plainly declared: "I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob by the name of GOD ALMIGHTY; but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them." Ex 6:3. that of Father is now the revealed name of God by which Christians know Him, being brought by the work of Christ and through the operation of the Spirit into the relationship of children, and of sons. See Joh 20:17; 1Jo 3:1; Ga 4:4-5. the name Almighty will appear again when God works out his purposes in power and judgement. It was revealed in connection with promises made in time, as Father is in connection with eternal counsels. the four living creatures cry day and night "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." Re 4:8. See also Re 21:22'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Galatians 2:16-LJC and 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word just. The functional definition is: 'Regular; orderly; due; suitable; exactly proportioned; proper; upright; honest; having principles of rectitude; or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans 3:20 about the word justify. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of Just. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:9-LJC about the word unjust. Forms of the word just are found in this book in: Acts 3:14; Acts 7:52; Acts 10:22; Acts 22:14; Acts 24:15.

Please see the notes for John 14:6; 1Corinthians C4S17 and Psalms 119 about the word way. The functional definition for this word is: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:3 about the phrase way of the Lord. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:4 about the phrase way side.

Please see the notes for Matthew 27:51-53; Romans C16S1; 2Corinthians C1S1 and Colossians C1S1 about the word saint. The functional definition for this word is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'. The note in Romans has links to every place in the New Testament where this word is used along with a short note for each application.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'sing the song. Ex 15:1-18; De 31:30; 32:1-43 the servant. De 34:5; 1Ch 6:49; 2Ch 24:6; Ne 9:14; Da 6:20; 9:11; Joh 1:17; Heb 3:5 and the song. Re 5:9-13; 7:10-11; 14:3,8 Great. Ex 15:11; Job 5:9; De 32:4; Ps 78:12; 105:5; 111:2; 118:22-23; 139:14; 145:6; Da 4:2-3 exp: 1Ch 16:25; Job 37:5; Ps 145:3; 147:5. Lord God Almighty. Re 4:8; 11:17; Ge 17:1 just. Re 16:5-7; 19:2; De 32:4; Ps 85:10-11; 99:4; 100:5; 145:17; Isa 45:21; Ho 14:9; Mic 7:20; Zep 3:5 exp: 1Jo 1:9. Thou. Isa 9:6-7; 32:1-2; 33:22; Zec 9:9 exp: Ge 3:15. saints. or, nations. or, ages. Re 17:14; 19:16 General references. exp: Ps 57:11; 89:7; 119:137.'.

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C15-S4 (Verse 4) these tribulation martyrs recognize the glory that is due to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who shall not fear thee,
O Lord,
and glorify thy name?.

There are a lot of so-called 'Good, Godly, fundamental, KJV only Baptists' who hold to a doctrine from devils and pervert the true meaning of the fear of the Lord. The end result is that people who claim to be saved have no feat of spending their life in ongoing sin. Please see the Doctrinal Study called; Fear the Lord.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'After what God has done for these saints and compared to what He is going to do to the world in just a few moments, is there any person who has been made aware of the truth who would not fear the Lord? to not only quake in fear of what He can do, {create, redeem, judge, damn} but who also glorify His name? Now those who believe and worship Him have a reverential fear of God and what He is capable of doing, yet they glorify His name at the same time because they do not have to face the terribleness of God but instead are recipients of His marvelous mercy and grace. But for those who do not believe, a horrid fear is upon them for what God will have to do because of their unforgiven sin. they weep and wail and beg for mercy which is no longer available, their time is up, yet even in their horror, in their judgment, they will recognize the sovereignty and holiness of God and glorify Him for His justice. All will bow the knee, all will confess with the tongue, for God is the only one that is truly holy, truly right, truly good and righteous, for thou only art holy. Ro 14:11 forit is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Php 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
When final judgment falls, when God's wrath is made manifest, the nations of the world will recognize there is a God in heaven above, a God whose hatred for sin is only outdistanced by His love of mankind, they will see that God gave them the opportunity to be reconciled with Him thru the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus, but they refused, and so now they must answer to God on their own, with no Intercessor, no Mediator, no Redeemer. But these martyred saints do not have to fear that, they have the victory, so they sing, they sing of redemption, of victory, of justice and judgment. they sing because the time the martyred saints cried for, How long oh Lord until thou judge (6:10) is now upon their enemies, vengeance will now be the Lord’s.
Now when the martyred saint’s song is over, John looks once more to the temple in heaven and its doors are opened and from out of it proceed the seven angels bearing the seven plagues of God's wrath.'.

Please see the notes for Romans C11S25 and Philippians 1:12-14 about the word fear. The functional definition for this word is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. the force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us'. Please also see the Study called Fear the Lord. In addition, please see the note for John 6:19 about the word afraid. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Impressed with fear or apprehension; fearful. this word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear; as, to be afraid of death. Joseph was afraid to sin against God'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition for this word is: 'bright, shining. Glory, then, is brightness, splendor. the L. floreo, to blossom, to flower, to flourish, is probably of the same family. 1. Brightness; luster; splendor'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Who. Ex 15:14-16; Ps 89:7; Isa 60:5; Jer 5:22; 10:7; Ho 3:5; Lu 12:4-5 and glorify. Ps 22:23; 86:9; Isa 24:15; 25:3; Ro 15:9; 2Th 1:10-12 General references. exp: Ps 57:11; 66:4; 89:7; 119:137; Zec 8:22; Ac 5:11; 2Th 1:6'.

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C15-S5 (Verse 4) Prophecy of future reaction to the Lord.

Equivalent Section: Why we should Fear the Lord.

for thou only art holy:

Equivalent Section: the future results of people who truly Fear the Lord.

First Step: they will truly worship.

for all nations shall come and worship before thee;

Second Step: Why.

for thy judgments are made manifest.

Our First Equivalent Section tells us that God is holy and commands us to be holy (Leviticus 20:7; 1Peter 1:15-16). Therefore, when we are not holy, we are disobedient and sinning.

Our Second Equivalent Section tells us the prophecy of how people will react during the 1,000 years reign of Christ. Psalms 2:9; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 12:5 and Revelation 19:15 all tell us that he shall rule them with a rod of iron. There will be instant and fierce discipline for disobedience that that will instill true fear of the Lord.

Our Second Equivalent Section has two Steps with the First Step telling us that, during the 1,000 years reign of Christ, all people of the Earth will truly acknowledge Him and the true worship that is due to Him. In our Second Step, we are told why this is true. Instead of all governments doing wrong things, like we put up with today, He will make sure that all judgments are right and he will also make sure that everyone knows all of His judgments (are made manifest).

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; 1Corinthians C3S17; Philippians 1:3-7 and Colossians C1S6 about the word holy. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. 1. Properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions. We call a man holy, when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, Godly. Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 pet.1. 2. Hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood. 3. Proceeding from pious principles, or directed to pious purposes; as holy zeal. 4. Perfectly just and good; as the holy law of God. 5. Sacred; as a holy witness. Holy of holies, in Scripture, the innermost apartment of the Jewish tabernacle or temple, where the ark was kept, and where no person entered, except the high priest, once a year. Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, the Divine Spirit; the third person in the Trinity; the sanctifier of souls. Holy war, a war undertaken to rescue the holy land, the ancient Judea, from the infidels; a crusade; an expedition carried on by Christians against the Saracens in the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth centuries; a war carried on in a most unholy manner'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. Please also see the Word Study on the Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost. Please also see the note for 1John 2:20 about the phrase Holy One. Please also see the Significant Gospel Events for this, and other, Minor Titles of the Son of God. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase indwelling Holy Spirit.

Please see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word nation. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government; as the English nation; the French nation. It often happens that many nations are subject to one government; in which case, the word nation usually denotes a body of people speaking the same language, or a body that has formerly been under a distinct government, but has been conquered, or incorporated with a larger nation. thus, the empire of Russia comprehends many nations, as did formerly the Roman and Persian empires. Nation, as its etymology imports, originally denoted a family or race of men descended from a common progenitor, like tribe, but by emigration, conquest and intermixture of men of different families, this distinction is in most countries lost'.

Please see the notes for Matthew 7:1 about the word judge. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S5 and Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the notes for Romans C2S2; Philippians 1:9-11 and Psalms 119 about the word judgment. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat. Please also see the notes for Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S20 and Romans C16S33 about the word manifest. The functional definition for this word is: 'made available, in this world, for extensive examination that uses multiple means to accomplish the examination'. Please also see 1John-Manifest.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'thou only. Re 3:7; 4:8; 6:10; 1Sa 2:2; Ps 22:3; 99:5,9; 111:9; Isa 6:3; 57:15; Hab 1:12; 1Pe 1:16 for all. Re 11:15; Ps 22:27; 86:9; 117; Isa 45:23; 66:18-20,22; Jer 16:19; Zec 2:11; 8:20-23; 14:16; Mal 1:11 for thy. Re 16:7; 19:2; Ps 97:8; 105:7; Isa 26:9 General references. exp: Ps 57:11; 66:4; 89:7; 119:137; Zec 8:22; Ac 5:11; 2Th 1:6'.

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C15-S6 (Verse 5-6) the seven last plagues came from the temple of God.

Equivalent Section: the angels came from God.

And after that I looked,
and,
behold,
the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:.

Equivalent Section: the angels brought plagues from God.

And the seven angels came out of the temple,
having the seven plagues,
clothed in pure and white linen,
and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. This sentence tells us the next thing that John saw.

Earlier in this book, the tabernacle was called the tabernacle of God. Here, it is called the tabernacle of the testimony. I believe it is that same tabernacle with the name change telling us that true testimonies belong to God because they are created by letting God work through us.

that written, our First Equivalent Section tells us that it was opened and the Second Equivalent Section tells us that the angels came out of it. In addition, our last sentence tells us that the temple was filled with...the glory of God and that no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Thus, this sentence saw the tabernacle closed at the end of this sentence.

In the Second Equivalent Section, we see that the angels carry plagues. These are reminiscent of other times that God brought judgment upon men who turned their back on God and refused to repent no matter what God did.

The remainder of our Second Equivalent Section tells us how they were clothed and the note from Dr. Jeff Wilson, below, explains the symbolism of their clothing.

Please see 1:14 for references to every place where the word white is used in this book. With the exception of the being on a white horse, who was sent to deceive lost people, every other reference to the word white is used for spiritually pure and associated with spiritually clean.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we see the angels coming forth from the presence of God. they are clothed in pure white linen which symbolizes the divine righteousness and holiness that is needed and demanded by sin, sin demands an answer, just as redemption from sin demanded a Savior, justice must now be done. But now the time of redemption is over, the time of wrath, of judgment is at hand, and these angels are the very servants who are appointed to carry such judgment out.
The angels also have about them golden girdles, signifying the majestic strength and power of God, His sovereignty over the earth and man, and His right to judge it, it is His, He created it, He paid for it, and Christ holds the title deed to it. So now He is going to cleanse it of its corruption, He will trod it under his feet in the winepress of His wrath.
The way these angels are dressed remind us of priestly garments, Ex 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.5 And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. 7 It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. the angel’s ministry is a holy ministry as they bear the plagues to earth so they are dressed for the occasion. their dress also reminds us of the vision of Christ John saw earlier in this book, so we know these angels are acting in full compliance to the Lord, Re 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. And so they proceed out of the temple, in no hurry, in order, focused on the task at hand. And now we see one of the four beasts that are around the throne of God approach these seven angels.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:4 about the word look. The functional definition for this word is: 'The primary sense is to stretch, to extend, to shoot, hence to direct the eye. We observe its primary sense is nearly the same as that of seek. Hence, to look for is to seek'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase LORD looketh on the heart.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord. Please also see the note for Mark 15:38 about the phrase veil of the Temple.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word tabernacle. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A tent. Num.24. Matt.17. 2. A temporary habitation. 3. Among the Jews, a movable building, so contrived as to be taken to pieces with ease and reconstructed, for the convenience of being carried during the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness. It was of a rectangular figure, thirty cubits long, ten broad, and ten high. the interior was divided into two rooms by a vail or curtain, and it was covered with four different spreads or carpets. It is also applied to the temple. Ps.15. 4. A place of worship; a sacred place. 5. Our natural body. 2 Cor.5. 2 Pet. 1. 6. God's gracious presence, or the tokens of it. Rev.21. 7. An ornamented chest placed on Roman catholic altars as a receptacle of the ciborium and pyxis'.

Please see the note for Psalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies. The functional definition for this word is: 'statements that are used in a court of law to judge the legality of someone's actions. these require first-hand experience because anything else would be rumor and not legal to present in court'. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:21 about the phrase testimonies of the LORD. Please also see the note for Galatians 5:3 about the word testify. Please also see the Message called Testimony of God. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 13:22; Acts 14:3; Acts 22:18.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes. to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or cover and set open; as, to open a door or gate; to open a desk'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:2-3 about the word clothed. The functional definition for this word is: 'Covered with garments; dressed; invested; furnished with clothing'.

Please see the note for Romans C14S27 about the word pure. The functional definition for this word is: '100%'. Please also see the note for Luke 2:22-24 about the words purify / purification. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 15:6; 21:18; 21:21; 22:1.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:36 about the word white. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as 'a symbol of purity (2Ch 5:12; Ps 51:7; Isa 1:18; Re 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment "white as the light" (Mt 17:2, etc.)'.

Please see the note for Luke 16:19-21 about the word linnen. The functional definition for this word is: 'Flax was early cultivated in Egypt (Ex 9:31), and also in Palestine (Jos 2:6; Ho 2:9). Various articles were made of it: garments (2Sa 6:14), girdles (Jer 13:1), ropes and thread (Eze 40:3), napkins (Lu 24:12; Joh 20:7), turb and (Eze 44:18), and lamp-wicks (Isa 42:3)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 15:6; 18:12; 18:16; 19:8; 19:14.

Please see the note for Luke 23:48 about the word breast. The functional definition for this word is: 'Signifying the front view of the bust in humans and the corresponding portion of the body in animals'. Please also see the note for Revelation 9:9 about the word breastplate.

Please see the note for Matthew 3:4 about the word girdle. The functional definition for this word is: ' Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1Sa 18:4; 2Sa 20:8; 1Ki 2:5; 2Ki 3:21) or women (Isa 3:24). (2.) Heb 'ezor, something "bound," worn by prophets (2Ki 1:8; Jer 13:1), soldiers (Isa 5:27; 2Sa 20:8; Eze 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18). (3.) Heb mezah, a "band," a girdle worn by men alone (Ps 109:19; Isa 22:21). (4.) Heb 'abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers (Ex 28:4,39-40; 29:9; 39:29). (5.) Heb hesheb, the "curious girdle" (Ex 28:8; R.V., "cunningly woven band") was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material. The common girdle was made of leather (2Ki 1:8; Mt 3:4); a finer sort of linen (Jer 13:1; Eze 16:10; Da 10:5). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isa 3:24; 22:12). they were variously fastened to the wearer (Mr 1:6; Jer 13:1; Eze 16:10). The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18,21; 30:11; Isa 22:21; 45:5). "Righteousness and faithfulness" are the girdle of the Messiah (Isa 11:5). Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Mt 10:9. A. V., "purses;" R.V., marg., "girdles." Also Mr 6:8)'. Please also see the note for Luke 12:35-36 about the word gird.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word gold. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A precious metal of a bright yellow color, and the most ductile and malleable of all the metals. It is the heaviest metal except platina; and being a very dense, fixed substance, and not liable to be injured by air, it is well fitted to be used as coin, or a representative of commodities in commerce. Its ductility and malleability render it the most suitable metal for gilding. It is often found native in solid masses, as in Hungary and Peru; though generally in combination with silver, copper or iron. 2. Money. forme, the gold of France did not seduce-- 3. Something pleasing or valuable; as a heart of gold. 4. A bright yellow color; as a flower edged with gold. 5. Riches; wealth. Gold of pleasure, a plant of the genus Myagrum. GOLD, a. Made of gold; consisting of gold; as a gold chain'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Re 11:19; Ex 25:21; Nu 1:50,53; Mt 27:51
the seven angels. Re 15:1 clothed. Re 1:13; Ex 28:5-8; Eze 44:17-18; Lu 24:4'.

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C15-S7 (Verse 7) the angels were given golden vials full of the wrath of God.

And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God,
who liveth for ever and ever.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. There we were told that these angels had seven plagues. Our next sentence adds that these seven plagues must be fulfilled. Then there is mention of them in the next two chapters, but we are not told, directly, how they were spread on the Earth. We are only told that they are spread. Therefore, my belief is that each angel mixed his plague into the golden vial full of the wrath of God which he had been given. Thus, the plague would be spread when the vial full of the wrath of God was poured out, which seems to match what we read in further chapters.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Notice these 4 beasts are around the throne and the sea of glass that the martyrs are standing on singing. And one of these beasts, which one we do not know, brings to each of the seven angels seven golden vials, or large bowls, or large shallow cups. And it is from these vials that God's wrath, in the form of the last seven plagues, is to be poured from, one at a time, by each of these angels. And as soon as the beast hands the vials over, the temple the angels just exited from, is filled with the glory of God'.

The four beasts of Revelation are described in Revelation 4:6-8. Please see the notes for those sentences about their descriptions and the symbolism involved in those descriptions.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:8 about the word vial. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. phiala. A phial; a small bottle of thin glass, used particularly by apothecaries and druggists. Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it on his head. 1Sam. 10. Vials of God's wrath, in Scripture, are the execution of his wrath upon the wicked for their sins. Rev. 16'.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. The word livest means everlasting or eternal life. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The phrase ever and ever has the same application as the word everlasting except that it seems to never end as opposed to actually never ending. Please see the note for Luke 16:9 about the word everlasting. The functional definition for this word is: 'ever and lasting. Lasting or enduring for ever; eternal; existing or continuing without end; immortal'. Please see the note for 1:6 for links to where this phrase and this word are used in this Bible book.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'one. Re 4:6-9 seven. Re 5:8; 16:2-21; 17:1; 21:9; Ps 75:8; Jer 25:15 exp: Re 10:3. who. Re 4:9; 10:6; 1Th 1:9'.

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C15-S8 (Verse 8) God's reaction in Heaven to this judgment being done.

First Step: God displays His power and glory.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God,
and from his power;.

Second Step: God prevents interference until the release of His wrath is complete.

and no man was able to enter into the temple,
till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence. Our prior sentence told us about God sending the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God our to be poured on the Earth full of men who rejected God. This sentence adds His glory filling the temple that the vials were sent out of. Please see the note from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, below, for references where the word of God reports similar displays of God's glory.

In our Second Step, we see how long God refused to be interrupted while pouring out His wrath.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Remember the glory of God that was on Mt Sinai, that dwelled in the holy of holies in the tabernacle, the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day that guided Israel? the Shekinah glory? that is the same glory that now fills the temple of heaven. God's glory, God's power, something more magnificent and awesome than any being can stand, great and marvelous it is, for no man can enter into this awesome presence of sheer divine holy power until the seven angels have fulfilled their duties. God's wrath is now going forth, the angels are sent out, to pour out the wrath of God. the world that once rejected and crucified Christ, and has instead crowned the false Christ, is now going to suffer some of the very horrors that the Father poured out upon Jesus as he hung upon the cross. Re 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth'.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:20 about the word smoke. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the exhalation, visble vapor or substance that escapes or is expelled in combustion from the substance burning. It is paricularly applied to the volatile matter expelled from vegetable matter, or wood coal, peat, etc. the matter expelled from metallic substances is more generally called fume,fumes. 2. Vapor; water exhalations'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'The primary sense of the verb is to strain, to exert force. 1. In a philosophical sense, the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength' Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

Please see the note for Acts 6:10 about the word able. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a'bl. L. habitis 1. Having physical power sufficient; having competent power or strength, bodily or mental; as a man able to perform military service - a child is not able to reason on abstract subjects. 2. Having strong or unusual powers of mind, or intellectual qualifications; as an able minister. Provide out of all Israel able men. Ex. 18. 3. Having large or competent property; or simply have property, or means. Every man shall give as he is able. Deut. 16. 4. Having competent strength or fortitude. He is not able to sustain such pain or affliction. 5. Having sufficient knowledge or skill. He is able to speak French. She is not able to play on the piano. 6. Having competent moral power or qualifications. An illegitimate son is not able to take by inheritance'.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was. Ex 40:34; 1Ki 8:10; 2Ch 5:14; Ps 18:8-14; Isa 6:4 from the. Ps 29:9; 2Th 1:9 no. Jer 15:1; La 3:44; Ro 11:33 till. Re 15:1 General references. exp: Ex 40:35; Re 8:4.'.

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Revelation Chapter 16

links to sentences in this chapter:

C16-S1 (Verse 1), C16-S2 (Verse 2), C16-S3 (Verse 3), C16-S4 (Verse 4), C16-S5 (Verse 5), C16-S6 (Verse 6), C16-S7 (Verse 7), C16-S8 (Verse 8), C16-S9 (Verse 9), C16-S10 (Verse 10-11), C16-S11 (Verse 12), C16-S12 (Verse 13), C16-S13 (Verse 14), C16-S14 (Verse 15), C16-S15 (Verse 15), C16-S16 (Verse 16), C16-S17 (Verse 17), C16-S18 (Verse 18), C16-S19 (Verse 19), C16-S20 (Verse 20), C16-S21 (Verse 21)'.

Chapter Summary: The pouring out of the vials of God's wrath.

C16-S1 : God commands the judgments to begin.
C16-S2 : the first vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S3 : the second vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S4 : the third vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S5 : Praise to our Lord for His righteous judgments.
C16-S6 : Why the first three judgments caused the results which they caused..
C16-S7 : the second statement of God's righteousness.
C16-S8 : the fourth vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S9 : Men reacted the wrong way.
C16-S10 : the fifth vial of God's wrath is poured out and men reacted the wrong way.
C16-S11 : the sixth vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S12 : three unclean spirits from three devils.
C16-S13 : More information about the unclean spirits, their powers and their abilities to deceive men.
C16-S14 : First of two sentences from our Lord Jesus Christ.
C16-S15 : Second of two sentences from our Lord Jesus Christ.
C16-S16 : the dragon (Satan) gathers the armies of the world.
C16-S17 : the seventh vial of God's wrath is poured out.
C16-S18 : God displays His power.
C16-S19 : God displays His power in bringing judgment upon the centers of sin.
C16-S20 : God displays His power by altering the surface of the entire world.
C16-S21 : God uses hail to finish this judgment.

As the vials of God's wrath are poured out, we see many plagues which are similar to those sent upon ancient Egypt only more grievous. In the word of God, Egypt is often used for a type of the world and the system of worldly thinking. Every lost person, who receives the mark of the beast, has committed their life to pursuing the things of world and the system of worldly thinking. And a result, what God did to ancient Egypt is only a warning of what God will do to the lost people of this time and this world.

The first three of the vials of the wrath of God judged the world for sins done against the saints of our Lord. The last four of the vials of the wrath of God judge men for their false worship and for spiritual sins. We see God using His role as Lord to bring judgment, as we also see everywhere else in the Bible.

C16-S1 (Verse 1) God commands the judgments to begin.

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels,
Go your ways,
and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Again, our sentence starts with the word And, which adds this chapter to the prior chapter. Where the prior chapter told us about the preparation in heaven, this chapter tells us about the action.

In his note, below, Dr. Jeff Wilson writes that he believes that the results of these vials happen at the same time or near the same time. The angels are all sent to where they will pour out their vial at the same time, but that does not mean that they all pour near the same time nor does it deny that happening. We are free to believe whatever timing we wish after the angels are sent.

As explained in the notes for the prior chapter, these angels had plagues and were also given the vials of the wrath of God. We are told about the vials being poured out but not told about the plagues. I believe that each of these angels added their plague to the vial, which they also had, before pouring it out.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'John hears a great voice coming from the temple, which he can not see in nor approach, but my guess is this voice is the voice of God, for it is His presence that fills the temple, it is His wrath and judgment that is issuing forth. And notice here, that where we previously studied the seven seals and the seven trumpets, those judgments went in chronological order, one after the other, but here with the vial judgments, the seven angels are commanded to go all at once (Go your ways…), therefore these plagues, God's wrath, are being poured out simultaneously or very close to it, which makes sense when you compare the 6th plague with the 3rd plague.
So if these plagues are virtually simultaneous, then that means there is extreme calamity and disaster all at once, the seven years of the Great Tribulation are almost over, the end is very near, so the world suffers its greatest tragedy ever, God's undiluted wrath. Something else we should take note of as we go thru these plagues is that many of these plagues are similar to those that rained down upon Egypt that helped deliver Israel from slavery, just as God is now about to deliver Israel once more by the use of plagues from the grasp of the beast. Also some of these plagues affect the same spheres of influence that some of the seven trumpet judgments affected, but these last plagues are of a much greater intensity and magnitude than the previous, and I’ll try to point out the similarities to each as we go along. It all begins with the first angel.'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. vox; voco. the sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. 1. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals. We say, the voice of a man is loud or clear; the voice of a woman is soft or musical; the voice of a dog is loud or harsh; the voice of a bird is sweet or melodious. the voice of human beings is articulate; that of beasts, inarticulate. the voices of men are different, and when uttered together, are often dissonant. 2. Any sound made by the breath; as the trumpet's voice. 3. A vote; suffrage; opinion or choice expressed. Originally voice was the oral utterance of choice, but it now signifies any vote however given. Some laws ordain, and some attend the choice of holy senates, and elect by voice. I have no words; my voice is in my sword. 4. Language; words; expression. Let us call on God in the voice of his church. 5. In Scripture, command; precept. Ye would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8. 6. Sound. After the fire, a still small voice. 1Kings 19. Canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Job. 40. the floods have lifted up their voice. Ps. 93. 7. Language; tone; mode of expression. I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice. Gal. 4. 8. In grammar, a particular mode of inflecting or conjugating verbs; as the active voice; the passive voice.
VOICE, v.t. 1. to rumor; to report. It was voiced that the king purposed to put to death Edward Plantagenet. Little used. 2. to fit for producing the proper sounds; to regulate the tone of; as, to voice the pipes of an organ. 3. to vote'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:12 about the word pour. The functional definition for this word is: 'To throw, as a fluid in a stream, either out of a vessel, or into it; as, to pour water from a pail, or out of a pail; to pour wine into a decanter. Pour is appropriately but not exclusively applied to fluids, and signifies merely to cast or throw'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah'. In Ge 9:20 "husbandman" is literally "man of the ground or earth." Altars were to be built of earth (Ex 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules' burden of earth (2Ki 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil. (2). As the rendering of 'erets, it means the whole world (Ge 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (Ge 1:10). Erets also denotes a country (Ge 21:32); a plot of ground (Ge 23:15); the ground on which a man stands (Ge 33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (Ge 6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (2Ch 13:9). In the New Testament "the earth" denotes the land of Judea (Mt 23:35); also things carnal in contrast with things heavenly (Joh 3:31; Col 3:1-2)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I heard. Re 14:15,18; 15:5-8 exp: Eze 43:6. The seven. Re 15:1,6 and pour. Re 16:2-12,17; 14:9-11; 15:7; 1Sa 15:3,18; Eze 9:5-8; 10:2; Mt 13:41-42'.

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C16-S2 (Verse 2) Parts of sentence below are steps.

First Step: the first angel doing as God commanded.

And the first went,
and poured out his vial upon the earth;.

Second Step: the results.

and there fell a noisomeans grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast,
and upon them which worshipped his image.

As in other chapters of this book, almost every sentence in this chapter starts with the word And. That adds each sentence to the prior and means that the entire chapter must be considered as a single unit for contextual reasons. Where the prior sentence told us about God sending the angels to pour out the vials of the wrath of God. This sentence tells us about the first angel doing as God commanded.

With the plague from this first angel, we see God separating the lost from the saved when it comes to who receives the results of this plague. Although God did it in a different way when He killed the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 12). We also see God make this distinction earlier in this book, although God used another way. This, we see God doing the same things repeatedly, but using different methods to accomplish them. This is am implementation of the Bible concept of: 'one interpretation but many applications'. Here, we have: 'one type of action by God with many applications of how He acts'.

As His opening action of these vials of the wrath of God, He is making it very clear to everyone what brings His wrath and what does not. As the future vials are poured out, the saved might die along with the lost, but they are given a clear message of the separation which happens after death. The saved go to heaven while the lost go to Hell.

Our Second Step is added to the First Step, which means that the Second Step is a direct result of the First Step. In our Second Step, we read that there fell a noisomeans grievous sore upon the men. This is similar to what happened in Egypt as reported in Exodus 9:9-10 (became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast). This means that many were screaming an loudly moaning from these sores. There are certain things which medicine can control the pain of and there are others which the person must endure the pain because modern medicine can not contain it. That is the type of sore which fell on med due to this vial.

In addition, as already pointed out, this fell on the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. It did not fall on the saved. However, since the men who received this plague were everywhere in the world, it went everywhere. And, it appears as if it was everywhere all at once and not spread like other plagues, which meant it could not be contained. In addition, there could be no denying that this was not a normal plague in the spreading of it. That made it obvious, to all who would pay attention, thatthis was a supernatural event. Between the instant spread, who received it and who did not, and the inability of Satan's beasts to control it, God gave a very clear sign of Who was most powerful and what people could expect from His wrath.

As Dr. Jeff Wilson writes in his note, below, this plague is similar to one sent upon ancient Egypt only more grievous.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'With this first vial, noisome (meaning terribly destructive, evil and harmful) and grievous (meaning malignant) sores (meaning boils or ulcers) fall upon men that follow the beast, that worship the antichrist and his image and have received his mark and number. this does not affect anyone that has not done this, so any believers left upon the earth are safe or immune to this plague. And that makes me wonder If this plague is spread thru the mark of the beast (toxic) or thru some worship ritual that all these followers must participate in (virus, bacteria). Where believers refused the mark, these beast worshippers gladly received it, almost as if they signed their own death warrant for now they severely suffer for it. But however this plague is contracted it is horrible as it wracks the body with extreme pain, with blisters, and boils and seeping sores that do not heal. Apparently this plague does not disappear, the beast can not cure it, man’s medical knowledge is useless to do anything to aleve the pain and suffering, for when the 5th plague falls, when darkness engulfs the beast’s empire, mankind blasphemes God because of such immense torment and pain from these continuous sores (v11). These sores easily remind us of the 6th plague that fell upon Egypt, Ex 9:8 And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.10 And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. (THE RESULTS)12 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses. the Pharaoh is much like those upon the earth during the last days of the tribulation who will not be brought to repentance, but their heart will be further hardened to where they curse and blaspheme God. the plague upon Egypt affected man and beast, but this plague of the first vial affects only the followers of the antichrist. And something Preacher Honeycutt points out is that the cause of boils is commonly thought of as being caused by bad blood and reveals corruption in the physical system, so this judgment of grievous sores will reveal corruption not only in the body of these wicked men but will reveal corruption in their hearts which have been tainted and hardened by sin and Satan.'.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word first. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. furst. See fare and for. 1. Advanced before or further than any other in progression; foremost in place; as the first man in a marching company or troop is the man that precedes all the rest. Hence, 2. Preceding all others in the order of time. Adam was the first man. Cain was the first murderer. Monday was the first day of January. 3. Preceding all others in numbers or a progressive series; the ordinal of one; as, 1 is the first number. 4. Preceding all others in rank, dignity or excellence. Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece. Burke was one of the first geniuses of his age. Give God the first place in your affections. FIRST, adv. furst. 1. Before anything else in the order of time. Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1Tim. 2. 2. Before all others in place or progression. Let the officers enter the gate first. 3. Before anything else in order of proceeding or consideration. First, let us attend to the examination of the witnesses. 4. Before all others in rank. He stands or ranks first in public estimation. At first, at the first, as the beginning or origin. First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end. And all fools and lovers first or last.'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:5-LJC about the word firstbegotten. Please also see the note for Colossians 1:15 about the word firstborn. Please also see the note for Romans C8S21 about the word firstfruits. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'To drop from a higher place; to descend by the power of gravity alone. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse; ripe fruits fall from trees; an ox falls into a pit. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10. 2. to drop from an erect posture. I fell at his feet to worship him. Rev. 19'. The word fell is the past-tense form of the word fall.

Please see the note for Luke 1:65 about the word noise. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Sound of any kind, or proceeding from any cause, as the sound made by the org and of speech, by the wings of an insect, the rushing of the wind, or the roaring of the sea, of cannon or thunder, a low sound, a high sound, etc.; a word of general signification. 2. Outcry; clamor; loud, importunate or continued talk expressive of boasting, complaint or quarreling. In quarreling, it expresses less than uproar. What noise have we about transplantation of diseases and transfusion of blood? 3. Frequent talk; much public conversation. Socrates lived in Athens during the great plague which has made so much noise in all ages, and never caught the least infection.
NOISE, v.i. to sound loud. Harm those terrors did me none, though noising loud.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word grievous. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. from grieve, or grief. Heavy; oppressive; burdensome; as a grievous load of taxes. 1. Afflictive; painful; hard to be borne. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way. Prov.15. 2. Causing grief or sorrow. the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his son. Gen.21. 3. Distressing. the famine was very grievous in the land. Gen.12. 4. Great; atrocious. Because their sin is very grievous. Gen.18. 5. Expressing great uneasiness; as a grievous complaint. 6. Provoking; offensive; tending to irritate; as grievous words. Prov.15. 7. Hurtful; destructive; causing mischief; as grievous wolves. Acts.20'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:33-34 about the word sore. The functional definition for this word is: 'A place in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised, so as to be pained with the slightest pressure'.

Please see the note for Revelation 13:16-17 about the word mark (sign). Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. mercor, the primary sense of which is to go, to pass; Gr. to pass; Eng. fair, and fare. 1. A visible line made by drawing one substance on another; as a mark made by chalk or charcoal, or a pen. 2. A line, groove or depression made by stamping or cutting; an incision; a channel or impression; as the mark of a chisel, of a stamp, of a rod or whip; the mark of the finger or foot. 3. Any note or sign of distinction. The Lord set a mark upon Cain. Gen.4. 4. Any visible effect of force or agency. There are scarce any marks left of a subterraneous fire. 5. Any apparent or intelligible effect; proof, evidence. The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. 6. Notice taken. The laws Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much for mock as mark. 7. anything to which a missile weapon may be directed. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. 8. Any object used as a guide, or to which the mind may be directed. the dome of the State house in Boston is a good mark for seamen. 9. anything visible by which knowledge of something may be obtained; indication; as the marks of age in a horse. Civility is a mark of politeness or respect. Levity is a mark of weakness. 10. A character made by a person who cannot write his name, and intended as a substitute for it. 11. A weight of certain commodities, but particularly of gold and silver, used in several states of Europe; in Great Britain, a money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four pence. In some countries, it is a coin. 12. A license of reprisals. See Marque.
M`ARK, v.t. 1. to draw or make a visible line or character with any substance; as, to mark with chalk or with compasses. 2. to stamp; to impress; to make a visible impression, figure or indenture; as, to mark a sheep with a brand. 3. to make an incision; to lop off a part; to make any sign of distinction; as, to mark sheep or cattle by cuts in their ears. 4. to form a name or the initials of a name for distinction; as, to mark cloth; to mark a handkerchief. 5. to notice; to take particular observation of. Mark them who cause divisions and offenses. Rom.16. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Ps.37. 6. to heed; to regard. Tomark out, to notify, as by a mark; to point out; to designate. the ringleaders were marked out for seizure and punishment.
M`ARK, v.i. to note; to observe critically; to take particular notice; to remark.
Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief. l Kings 20'. The functional definition for this word is: 'the physical indication that this person has committed their eternity to the service of the Devil and his beasts'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon the earth. Re 8:7; 14:16 a noisome. Ex 9:8-11; De 7:15; 28:27; 1Sa 5:6,9; 2Ch 21:15,18; Job 2:7-8; Ps 78:26; Isa 1:5-6; 3:17,24; Lu 16:20-22; Ac 12:23 had. Re 13:15-18 General references. exp: Ex 9:11; 20:4.'.

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C16-S3 (Verse 3) the second vial of God's wrath is poured out.

Equivalent Section: the angel did as commanded and there were immediate results.

First Step: the second angel did as commanded.

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea;

Second Step: The immediate results.

and it became as the blood of a dead man :.

Equivalent Section: the long-term results.

and every living soul died in the sea.

Notice that we have the same plague as was in ancient Egypt and reported in (Exodus 7). As reported then every living soul died in the sea, it would stink and spread germs and disease and cities which get their drinking water from the sea would no longer be able to do so.

Our Second Step tells us that the sea (all salt waters) became as the blood of a dead man. This type of blood does not have life in it {the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 17:14; Deuteronomy 12:23). In addition, Jesus, symbolically, said that eternal life came from His blood in John 6:53-54. Therefore, God is, symbolically, telling the lost people in the world that they are spiritually dead. Where the prior sentence made a very clear distinction between the spiritually alive and the spiritually dead, this sentencethissentence is making the spiritual condition symbolically clear to the lost.

In addition to those results, many seas side nations depend on food from the sea. Those peoples will be facing famine, in addition to other problems.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section giving us the immediate results and the Second Equivalent Section giving us the long-term results. Often men make the mistake of only considering the immediate results when, actually, the long-term results are, usually, far more devastating. People are often prepared to wait out immediate results. However, especially if they live in a desert such as cities in the lands of Islam, the long-term results can force them to move to another place since man can nor survive without water to drink.

We also can see and additional spiritual message in the symbolism of the Second Equivalent Section. In it, God is warning the lost that they will spiritually die the second death and be cast into Hell and the lake of fire, as this book tells us, in future chapters, will happen.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The 2nd plague is poured out upon the sea, much like the 2nd trumpet judgment affected the sea, Re 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. But where the trumpet judgment affected only a third of the sea, this 2nd vial judgment affects the entire sea. And notice the sea here does not become actual blood, but it becomes as the blood, or like or similar to, the blood of a dead man. Now that begs the question, what is the blood of a dead man like? I guess it depends on how long he’s been dead right, a few minutes or 1000 years? Well, since we don’t have that information to clearly understand John’s comparison here, we have to do some educated guessing. the waters of the sea, if they become like a dead man’s blood, could mean they become thick, sludge like, almost like mud, and begin to harden and dry out, just as blood that is dead begins to coagulate. think of a scab, that’s dried dead blood. Such blood is also deprived of any oxygen content, and along with such thickness and the solidifying of the sea this could be why every living soul died in the sea. the term soul there is speaking of conscious life, so all the sea life dies. the stink and rot will be horrible. Even more disease will run rampant. this plague will effect global shipping and transportation (what’s left of it), weather conditions, plant life, the atmosphere, and the world’s major food supply. the seas dry up, harden and solidify, becoming lifeless, almost mimicking the state of the heart of mankind towards God'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood. The functional definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the phrase blood of Christ. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about the phrase Christ and blood.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S1 and Psalms 119:20 about the word soul. The functional definition for this word is: 'The long-term result of the short-term actions of our heart in deciding how we will think, how we will act emotionally to circumstances of life and how we will decide the issues of life'. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon. Re 8:8; 10:2; 13:1 it became. Re 11:6; Ex 7:17-21; Ps 78:44; 105:29; Eze 16:38 and every. Re 8:9; Ge 7:22 General references. exp: Ps 78:44; 105:29.'.

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C16-S4 (Verse 4) the third vial of God's wrath is poured out.

First Step: the third angel did as commanded.

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters;

Second Step: the results.

and they became blood.

Where the prior sentence, and plague, caused a lot of death and devastation, this sentence, and plague, causes much more immediate set of death and devastation. The only thing that kills quicker than lack of water to drink is lack of fresh air to breathe. And, as mentioned in the prior sentence, in John 6:53-54, Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. So, God is telling them, symbolically, that what they think is the source of their life, will bring them death very soon. The sea is not close to a lot of people but, now, God is making this message very personal. So long as they rely upon the physical, they will die spiritually. If they accept Jesus as their personal Lord and let Him change their spirit and soul (eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood), then they will have spiritual eternal life. They can not avoid physical death. They san only chose spiritual life or spiritual death.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Now where the sea became like blood, with the 3rd plague, the rivers and fountains of water, the wells and water basins, all fresh water sources literally become actual blood, for if we believe Jesus can turn water into wine to drink, why can he not turn water into blood for man to drink? this is similar to the first plague upon Egypt. Ex 7:17 thus saith the LORD, in this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. 20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Where once these nonbelievers rejected the freely offered blood of Christ for the remission of their sins and everlasting life, where they refused the cup of communion with Christ, they will now have to drink actual blood just to survive, to keep their own life. A sickening thought. No water to drink, no water for vegetation, no water to cleanse their sores. the world will become a stinking nasty maddened mess, for most of the world’s population is located near fresh water sources, many cities are built on such sites, so think of the panic and mass hysteria, and what man will do to one another as they are agitated by their sores, with the earth’s living conditions degenerating, and now they are desperate just to survive and they MUST have fresh water to do so.
Now unlike the fist two angels, this angel makes an announcement after pouring out his vial, saying that God is just in doing this for mankind is worthy of and deserves this judgment because they shed the blood of God's saints and prophets (and Christ’s as well).'.

Please see the note for Revelation 8:10 about the word river. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb 'aphik, properly the channel or ravine that holds water (2Sa 22:16), translated "brook," "river," "stream," but not necessarily a perennial stream (Eze 6:3; 31:12; 32:6; 34:13). (2.) Heb nahal, in winter a "torrent," in summer a "wady" or valley (Ge 32:23; De 2:24; 3:16; Isa 30:28; La 2:18; Eze 47:9). These winter torrents sometimes come down with great suddenness and with desolating force. A distinguished traveller thus describes his experience in this matter:, "I was encamped in Wady Feiran, near the base of Jebel Serbal, when a tremendous thunderstorm burst upon us. After little more than an hour's rain, the water rose so rapidly in the previously dry wady that I had to run for my life, and with great difficulty succeeded in saving my tent and goods; my boots, which I had not time to pick up, were washed away. In less than two hours a dry desert wady upwards of 300 yards broad was turned into a foaming torrent from 8 to 10 feet deep, roaring and tearing down and bearing everything upon it, tangled masses of tamarisks, hundreds of beautiful palmtrees, scores of sheep and goats, camels and donkeys, and even men, women, and children, for a whole encampment of Arabs was washed away a few miles above me. the storm commenced at five in the evening; at half-past nine the waters were rapidly subsiding, and it was evident that the flood had spent its force." (Comp. Mt 7:27; Lu 6:49.) (3.) Nahar, a "river" continuous and full, a perennial stream, as the Jordan, the Euphrates (Ge 2:10; 15:18; De 1:7; Ps 66:6; Eze 10:15). (4.) Tel'alah, a conduit, or water-course (1Ki 18:32; 2Ki 18:17; 20:20; Job 38:25; Eze 31:4). (5.) Peleg, properly "waters divided", i.e., streams divided, throughout the land (Ps 1:3); "the rivers [i.e., 'divisions'] of waters" (Job 20:17; 29:6; Pr 5:16). (6.) Ye'or, i.e., "great river", probably from an Egyptian word (Aur), commonly applied to the Nile (Ge 41:1-3), but also to other rivers (Job 28:10; Isa 33:21). (7.) Yubhal, "a river" (Jer 17:8), a full flowing stream. (8.) 'Ubhal, "a river" (Da 8:2).'.

Please see the note for James 3:11 about the word fountain. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Heb 'ain; i.e., "eye" of the water desert), a natural source of living water. Palestine was a "land of brooks of water, of fountains, and depths that spring out of valleys and hills" (De 8:7; 11:11). these fountains, bright sparkling "eyes" of the desert, are remarkable for their abundance and their beauty, especially on the west of Jordan. All the perennial rivers and streams of the country are supplied from fountains, and depend comparatively little on surface water. "Palestine is a country of mountains and hills, and it abounds in fountains of water. the murmur of these waters is heard in every dell, and the luxuriant foliage which surrounds them is seen in every plain." Besides its rain-water, its cisterns and fountains, Jerusalem had also an abundant supply of water in the magnificent reservoir called "Solomon's Pools" (q.v.), at the head of the Urtas valley, whence it was conveyed to the city by subterrean channels some 10 miles in length. these have all been long ago destroyed, so that no water from the "Pools" now reaches Jerusalem. Only one fountain has been discovered at Jerusalem, the so-called "Virgins's Fountains," in the valley of Kidron; and only one well (Heb beer), the Bir Eyub, also in the valley of Kidron, south of the King's Gardens, which has been dug through the solid rock. the inhabitants of Jerusalem are now mainly dependent on the winter rains, which they store in cisterns. (See Well.)'.

Please see the note for Luke 3:16 about the word water. The functional definition for this word is: 'The basic liquid of life. It is used symbolically for more than one meaning. Consideration of the context is required in order to determine the usage in any Bible reference'. Please also see the note for John 4:10 about the phrase living waters. Please also see the note for John 7:38 about the phrase rivers of living water.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon. Re 8:10-11 and they. Re 16:5; 14:7; Ex 7:20; 8:5; Isa 50:2; Eze 35:8; Ho 13:15 exp: Ex 7:17. General references. exp: Ps 78:44.'.

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C16-S5 (Verse 5) Praise to our Lord for His righteous judgments.

And I heard the angel of the waters say,
Thou art righteous,
O Lord,
which art,
and wast,
and shalt be,
because thou hast judged thus.

After our Lord brings judgment upon the world for what they did to these saints, our current sentence tells us that another being in Heaven worship our Lord for His righteous judgment. In addition, our second next sentence also says: true and righteous are thy judgments. Thus, we see that our Lord is righteous being said twice related to these judgments.

Our first phrase says: I heard the angel of the waters say. This angel is one of the two who poured out the second and third vials of the wrath of God.

Next, our angel worships when he says: Thou art righteous ('All three persons of God personally are always righteous'). Recognizing the true attributes of God is a form of true worship.

Next, our angel recognizes that God uses His role as Lord because laws, government and judgments are only done through the role as Lord. Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, the access the related note in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.

Next, our angel says: which art, and wast, and shalt be. This is a direct reference to our Lord Jesus Christ. However, God the Father is also involved in these judgments as we saw earlier in this chapter.

Our last phrase says: because thou hast judged thus. That is, these first three judgments are directly related to the treatment of tribulation martyrs, as we saw in the prior chapter when Heaven was preparing for these judgments. If the reader studies the judgments done by our Lord, I believed that they will find that judgment is always related to the sin which brought the judgment. The judgments must be related to the sin being judged in order to be true and the judgments must be proportional to the sin being judged in order to be righteous.

In addition to that truth, our next sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to this sentence. It says: For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets.... It literally tells us why our Lord has personally judged thus. And, that sentence agrees with the prior paragraph.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'These sinful corrupt wicked men shed innocent blood, the blood of God's people, of God's children, of God's servants, so since they are so bloodthirsty God gives them what they want, more than enough blood to quench their thirst. Vengeance truly is the Lord’s isn’t it? And speaking of vengeance, look at v7 where we hear another voice coming from the altar of God.'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness. The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness. Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:5 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness. Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 16:5;16:7; 19:2; 19:8; 19:11; 22:11.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a effect where the cause and effect are both in the past'. This is opposed to the use of the word for, which has a functional definition of: 'provides a effect where the effect is in the past but the effect is in the future'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word cause. Please also see the note for John 15:25 Romans C1S10 about the phrase without cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the angel. Re 16:4 thou art. Re 16:7; 15:3; 19:2; Ge 18:25; Ps 129:4; 145:17; La 1:18; Da 9:14; Ro 2:5; 3:5; 2Th 1:5-6 which art. Re 1:4,8; 4:8; 11:17 General references. exp: Ps 78:44; 2Th 1:6.'.

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C16-S6 (Verse 6) Why the first three judgments caused the results which they caused.

First Step: the reason.

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
and thou hast given them blood to drink;

Second Step: the judgment of righteousness.

for they are worthy.

Our sentence starts with the word For. That means that it is giving the reason why, what was said in the prior sentence, is true. There we read: thou (Lord personally) hast judged thus. Our sentence is giving us a reason why the judgments of the first three vials of the wrath of God caused the particular pain and death which they caused. The note for the prior sentence explains this truth more.

Our second phrase says: thou hast given them blood to drink and that is the direct result of the third vial of the wrath of God. With that in mind, we can see the relationship to the first phrase of: they have shed the blood of saints and prophet. Now, this can be directly related to the tribulation martyrs, the hundred and forty four thousand Jewish witnesses and to God's two witnesses, who were also prophets. However, when men act like the men who actually murdered God's prophets, God holds the later men responsible for all murders as 'accessories after the fact' because they are continuing the doctrine of devils which God had already judged. Therefore, God actually holds the lost tribulation people responsible for all of His people who have been murdered in the name of religion.

And, once you realize all that God hold them legally responsible for, our Second Step should be easier to understand.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for Mark 14:24 about the word shed. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. pret. and pp. shed. 1. to pour out; to effuse; to spill; to suffer to flow out; as, to shed tears; to shed blood. the sun sheds light on the earth; the stars shed a more feeble light. this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt. 26. 2. to let fall; to cast; as, the trees shed their leaves on autumn; fowls shed their fethers; and serpents shed their skin. 3. to scatter to emit; to throw off; to diffuse; as, flowers shed their sweets of fragrance.
SHED, v.i. to let fall its parts. White oats are apt to shed most as they lie, and black as they stand'. Please also see the note for Romans C5S2 about the phrase shed abroad.

Please see the notes for Luke 1:76; Romans C16S33; Romans C12S5 and Jude about the word prophet. In addition, false prophets are covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible. The most popular religious definition for this word is: 'someone who foretells the future'. However, that definition tends to limit the thinking of people to only those statements when, actually, the majority of their message was doctrinal. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the links for Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospel Significant Events Study and the New Testament Significant Events Study.

Please see the note for Mark 14:23 about the words drink / drank. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The drinks of the Hebrews were water, wine, "strong drink," and vinegar. their drinking vessels were the cup, goblet or "basin," the "cruse" or pitcher, and the saucer. to drink water by measure (Eze 4:11), and to buy water to drink (La 5:4), denote great scarcity. to drink blood means to be satiated with slaughter. the Jews carefully strained their drinks through a sieve, through fear of violating the law of Le 11:20,23,41-42. (See Mt 23:24. "Strain at" should be "strain out.")'. The symbolic meaning was well understood in the ancient cultures and is still considered significant by many religions of today.

Please also see the note for Acts 5:41 about the word worthy. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. G. 1. Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved. She has married a man worthy of her. thou art worthy of the sway. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies--Genesis 32. 2. Possessing worth or excellence of qualities; virtuous; estimable; as a worthy citizen; a worthy magistrate. Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be. this worthy mind should worthy things embrace. 3. Suitable; having qualities suited to; either in a good or bad sense; equal in value; as flowers worthy of paradise. 4. Suitable to anything bad. the merciless Macdonald, worthy to be a rebel. 5. Deserving of ill; as things worthy of stripes. Luke 12.
WORTHY, n. A man of eminent worth; a man distinguished for useful and estimable qualities; a man of valor; a word much used in the plural; as the worthies of the church; political worthies; military worthies'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the words worth / worthily. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines worthily as: 'adv. 1. In a manner suited to; as, to walk worthily of our extraction. Bad. 2. Deservedly; according to merit. You worthily succeed not only to the honors of your ancestors, but also to their virtues. 3. Justly; not without cause. I affirm that some may very worthily deserve to be hated'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they have. Re 6:10-11; 13:10,15; 17:6-7; 18:24; 19:2; De 32:42-43; 2Ki 24:4; Isa 49:26; 51:22-23; Jer 2:30; La 4:13; Mt 7:2; 21:35-41; 23:30-37 for they are. Re 11:18; 18:20; Jer 26:11,16; Lu 12:48; Heb 10:29 General references. exp: Ps 78:44; 109:17; Lu 3:20; 2Th 1:6.'.

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C16-S7 (Verse 7) the second statement of God's righteousness.

And I heard another out of the altar say,
Even so,
Lord God Almighty,
true and righteous are thy judgments.

Our first phrase of: I heard another out of the altar say lets us know that John heard another angel, who came out of the altar say the rest of this sentence. This means that, while the angel said it, he had the approval of God the Father (out of the altar) to say this. Any angel who acts against God's approval is a devil and no devils are in Heaven at this time. So, what we see here is God deliberately telling us the message of this sentence twice. And, He does so to let us know the potential judgment from God is we disagree with anything that is part of His law.

When you have a balancing scale, and the things on each side have the same weight. the two sides are even. Therefore, our second phrase of: Even so means that God's law, and our understanding that His judgments are righteous, have equal weight. We might not understand His judgments and we might not agree with His judgments, but our disagreement with His judgments is a violation of His law and is a sin (1John 3:4.

Our third phrase recognizes Him as: Lord God Almighty. As Lord,. He makes laws and executes judgment as this Bible book makes clear. As Almighty, we see that there is no one who can challenge His will. It does not matter if you are or not. And, He is proving that truth in this Bible book. Here, we see the end result of devils, who are far more powerful than we are, being sent to everlasting torture. As God, He has those attributes plus His wisdom plus all of His other attributes that no other being can match. He is always right and righteous and any being who disagrees with Him is wrong and daring Him to punish them.

In our last phrase we see the qualities of His personal (thy) judgments. They are true and righteous because His is always true and righteous.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. If this voice is from these saints, then their wish for vengeance is now being fulfilled, as well as vengeance for the saints who we previously saw singing upon the sea of glass. God is dealing justly with the world’s sinfulness, for true and righteous are His ways.'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S22 about the word altar. The functional definition for this word is: 'any structure of earth (Ex 20:24) or unwrought stone (Ex 20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Also used symbolically for a heart attitude of dedicating a life to the service of God. Used in Heb 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it--the sacrifice Christ offered'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'out. Re 6:9; 8:3-5; 14:18; Isa 6:6; Eze 10:2,7 Even. Re 15:3-4 true. Re 13:10; 14:10; 19:2 General references. exp: Ps 119:137.'.

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C16-S8 (Verse 8) the fourth vial of God's wrath is poured out.

First Step: the action taken.

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun;

Second Step: the result.

and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

Our First Step tells us that the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun. Look at what science says about the heat and other attributes of the sun. The fact that this angel could even approach the sun close enough to do this Step gives us an idea of the vast difference between angels and us. And, as much as that difference is, the difference between angels and God is even greater. Thus, if we truly think about it, we can understand how foolish it is for men to challenge God.

In our Second Step, we are told that power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. There was, according to Genesis, a cloud cover over all of the Earth before Noah's flood. And, men lived for almost 1,000 years in spite of the effects of sin. After Noah's flood the expected life span immediately dropped to less than 200 years and, within a couple of generations, dropped to an average of 70 years. So, if God has the protections in the atmosphere destroyed, even with the light from the sun reduced by one third, what remains can easily scorch men with fire. Dr. Jeff Wilson has more on this in his note, below.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here the 4th plague is poured out upon the sun, much like what happened in Re 8:12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. But again, that only affected a third part, but this vial judgment affects the whole sun, the source of life and light upon the earth, and instead of being conducive to life, the sun begins to harm life, sunburn becomes the least of people’s problems, for the sun begins to intensify so much that men are literally scorched with its fire and great heat. Remember the sea is dried up, the atmosphere most likely thinned from lack of all the gases that protect the earth from the sun’s more harmful rays, so now those rays and radiation brutally bear down upon the surface of the earth and its inhabitants. So hot that flammable objects burst into flame, what moisture is left evaporates; the world becomes a dust bowl, a desert of ash and ruin. Animal life becomes increasingly rare; birds disappear, no longer flying thru the air, vegetation is browned and withered to the point of crumbling to dust, wild fires run rampant thru this dried husk of a wasteland the world has become, and thirst becomes unbearable. the prophet Malachi prophesied of this time… Mal 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
In another of Moses’ songs we read something that seems to prophesy of this time as well… De 32:21 they have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. 22 fora fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. 24 they shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. 25 the sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
Isa 24:6 therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. And notice how men react to this.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word sun. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ge 1:14 translated "let there be luminaries," literally, "light bearers". Genesis only tells what the sun, moon, and stars are in relation to the earth. When the mists were dispelled, and the seas confined within bounds, the heavenly bodies assumed their natural functions, marking days and nights, seasons and years, and God appoints the sun to rule the day and the moon the night. "Let them be for signs," as eclipses, portents of extraordinary events (Mt 2:2; Lu 21:25) and divine judgments (Joe 2:30; Jer 10:2; Mt 24:29), and indicating the four quarters of the heavens (Ps 50:1) and also the changes in the weather; "and for seasons, days, and years." the sun regulated the length of the Israelite year by the recurrence of Pentecost at a fixed agricultural season, namely, when the grain was ripe'. This word is used symbolically for: 'Our Lord Jesus Christ providing: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, guidance and related gifts which are regarded as being intellectual'.

Please see the note for Mark 4:5-6 about the word scorch. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'SCORCH, v.t. 1. to burn superficially; to subject to a degree of heat that changes the color of a thing, or both the color and texture of the surface. Fire will scorch linen or cotton very speedily in extremely cold weather. 2. to burn; to affect painfully with heat. Scorched with the burning sun or burning sands of Africa.
SCORCH, v.i. to be burnt on the surface; to be parched; to be dried up. Scatter a little mungy straw and fern among your seedlings, to prevent the roots from scorching'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon. Re 6:12; 8:12; 9:2; Isa 24:23; Lu 21:25; Ac 2:20 and power. Re 7:16; 9:17-18; 14:18; Jon 4:8; Mt 13:6'.

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C16-S9 (Verse 9) Men reacted the wrong way.

Equivalent Section: the way that they reacted.

And men were scorched with great heat,
and blasphemed the name of God,
which hath power over these plagues:.

Equivalent Section: They refused to repent.

and they repented not to give him glory.

This is actually a common reaction by lost people. Instead of acknowledging their own sin, they claim that God is wrong for correcting or punishing them. And, if you tell lost people that all of the wrong in this world is due to sin and men refusing to obey God, they insist that their own sin could not possibly cause problems, no matter what that sin is.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'They blasphemed all the more and repented not. their hearts become as stone.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 20:11-12 about the word heat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Heat, as a sensation, is the effect produced on the sentient org and of animals, by the passage of caloric, disengaged from surrounding bodies, to the organs. When we touch or approach a hot body, the caloric or heat passes from that body to our org and of feeling, and gives the sensation of heat'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'scorched. or, burned. blasphemed. Re 16:10-11,21; 2Ki 6:33; 2Ch 28:22; Isa 1:5; 8:21; Jer 5:3; 6:29-30; Eze 24:13 and they. Re 16:11; 2:21; 9:20; Da 5:22-23; Lu 13:3,5; 2Co 12:21 to give. Re 11:13; 14:7; Jos 7:19; Jer 13:6; Am 4:6-12 exp: Mal 2:2. General references. exp: Ex 9:2; Jer 25:16.'.

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C16-S10 (Verse 10-11) the fifth vial of God's wrath is poured out.

First Step: the vial is poured.

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast;

Second Step: the immediate results.

and his kingdom was full of darkness;

Third Step: the lost reacted wrongly.

and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores,
and repented not of their deeds.

This judgment from God is a repeat of the plague on Egypt which was reported in Exodus 10:21-23. However, God adds severe pain this time.

Once more God is using symbols to send a message to people on the Earth and, again, we see lost people react the wrong way. By the kingdom of the beast being made darkness, God is, symbolically, showing people that his kingdom is darkness to hide the lies that he has his possessed government heads tell. (This beast is the devil who possesses seven heads of government.) In addition, God includes pain to show people that they are heading for everlasting torment by belonging to his kingdom.

Our third Step tells us that lost men blasphemed the God of heaven. As with prior times reported in this Bible book, we see lost men act this way when God corrects or punished their sin. These people surely punished their children and demanded that the paw punish a law breaker, especially if they or their family are hurt. Yet, they refuse to accept that God has the right to do the same. In addition, our last phrase says that they: repented not of their deeds. They refused to acknowledge that their own deeds were wrong and sin. They refused to accept that what they blasphemed God for His punishing their own sin. And, this is because they refuse to accept that God has a right to rule over His own creation.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Notice here that the 5th plague is poured out very specifically, it falls upon the seat or throne of the beast, this judgment directly affects the antichrist, his central seat of power. the beast has been helpless to do anything against the other judgments and now God shows the world just how powerless the beast is compared to Jehovah God, for this darkness does not seem to affect the whole world but just the areas of the antichrist’s influence and control. the beast’s followers have loved darkness rather than light for their deeds are evil and so God gives them all the darkness they can stand. Now I do not believe this is just like the darkness of night, nor just darkness produced by all the smoke and ash from the fires and scorching and natural disasters, but this is more of a supernatural darkness that no light can penetrate. Lamps and fire and electrical lighting will fail to illuminate this divine darkness, this is darkness that almost has substance, much like the darkness that fell upon Egypt (9th plague). Ex 10:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand oward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand oward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 23 they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. this darkness will show the helplessness of man before God, the powerlessness of Satan and the beast before God, and combined with the sun’s heat, give them a foretaste of their eternal hell to come, for even the empowered sun’s light cannot penetrate this darkness, yet the heat still radiates down and most likely drives men underground to seek shelter.
This event was prophesied of by Isaiah Isa 60:2 for, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
As well as the prophet Joel, Joe 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. But despite such a display of power by God, notice how man reacts…
Instead of trembling in fear, in recognition of an omnipotent God, man in his pain and suffering still does not cry out for mercy, but continues to curse and blaspheme God. they are in excruciating pain; they gnaw their tongues to shift the focus from the suffering of their aching sores (contracted from the first plague), much like what those in hell do, who are cast into outer darkness and fire and gnash their teeth, for here we have an actual hell on earth. these men raise a clenched fist toward heaven instead of falling to their knees. they shout blasphemies toward heaven and repent not of their deeds, of their sins, for as the Bible shows us, the judgment of God does not bring repentance, only the goodness of God does that (Rom 2:4), but these men have turned their back on God's goodness, its too late for them. Such a depraved society, with death staring them in the face, they still reject God.
Think of the magnitude of death and destruction just these 5 plagues have caused. Disease, physical punishment, the seas destroyed, isolation and hunger, waters to blood, thirst, scorching heat, burning torment, and thick darkness, everlasting blackness, the very picture of hell on earth. And we are not finished yet…'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:38-40 about the word seat. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines this word as: 'set: this word is used to translate the Hebrew words (moshabh, shebheth, kicce', and tekhunah), once (Job 23:3). It translates the Greek word (kathedra) (Mt 21:12; 23:2; Mr 11:15), and "chief seat" translates the compound word (protokathedria) (Mt 23:6; Mr 12:39; Lu 20:46). In the King James Version it translates (thronos) (Lu 1:52; Re 2:13; 4:4; 11:16; 13:2; 16:10), which the Revised Version (British and American) renders "throne." It denotes a place or thing upon which one sits, as a chair, or stool (1Sa 20:18; Jg 3:20). It is used also of the exalted position occupied by men of marked rank or influence, either in good or evil (Mt 23:2; Ps 1:1)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment seat. Please also see the note for Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment seat of Christ.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the notes for Ephesians 5:5; 2Timohy 4:1; 2Peter 1:11 about the phrase kingdom of Christ. The functional definition for this word is: 'the 1,000 year reign of Christ'. It is also part of the kingdom of God in that everyone who is allowed to be a participant in the kingdom of Christ will also have 'the character of God in them'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S20; 1Corinthians C15S46; Galatians C5S20 and the Doctrinal Study about the phrase kingdom of God. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of Heaven.

Please see the notes for Romans 13:12 and John 8:12 about the word darkness. The functional definition for this word is: 'symbolically represent everything which opposes the light from God. It is a lack of spiritual light and guidance from God and includes the lust of the flesh, the way of the world, the pride of life and the guidance of a devil'. Symbolically, light is used to represent 'the influence of God' while darkness is used to represent 'the influence of all that opposes God'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S8; 1Corinthians 14:2 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word tongue. The functional definition for this word is: 'a human language'. Please also see the note in Acts 2:6 about the word language.

Please see the note for Acts 2:24 about the word pain. The functional definition for this word is: ' An uneasy sensation in animal bodies, of any degree from slight uneasiness to extreme distress or torture, proceeding from pressure, tension or spasm, separation of parts by violence, or any derangement of functions. thus violent pressure or stretching of a limb gives pain; inflammation produces pain; wounds, bruises and incisions give pain'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word deed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'that which is done, acted or effected; an act; a fact; a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small. And Joseph said to them, what deed is this which ye have done? Gen. x1iv. We receive the due reward of our deeds. Luke xxv. 2. Exploit; achievement; illustrious act. Whose deeds some nobler poem shall adorn. 3. Power of action; agency. With will and deed created free. 4. A writing containing some contract or agreement, and the evidence of its execution; particularly, an instrument on paper or parchment, conveying real estate to a purchaser or donee. this instrument must be executed, and the execution attested, in the manner prescribed by law. Indeed, in fact; in reality. these words are united and called an adverb. But sometimes they are separated by very, in very deed; a more emphatical expression'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:11 about the word indeed. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Re 2:6; 2:22; 16:11.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon. Re 11:2,8; 13:2-4; 17:9,17; 18:2,21,23 full. Re 9:2; 18:11-19; Ex 10:21-23; Ps 78:49; Isa 8:21-22; Mt 8:12; 22:13; 1Pe 2:17 they. Re 11:10; Mt 13:42,50; 24:51; Lu 13:28 General references. exp: Ex 9:12; 10:27; De 28:34; Pr 27:22; Jer 25:16.
blasphemed. Re 16:9,21 exp: Le 24:11. The God. 2Ch 36:23; Ezr 1:2; 5:11-12; 6:10; 7:12,21,23; Ne 1:4; 2:4; Ps 136:26; Da 2:18-19,44; Jon 1:9 because. Re 16:2,9 exp: Mt 11:20. and repented not. Re 16:9; 2Ti 3:13 General references. exp: Ex 9:12; 10:27; De 28:34; Pr 27:22; Jer 25:16'.

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C16-S11 (Verse 12) the sixth vial of God's wrath is poured out.

First Step: What the angel did.

And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates;

Second Step: the results.

and the water thereof was dried up,
that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

This river is mentioned throughout the Bible starting in Genesis and the Garden of Eden. That isn't as important as the fact that hundreds of soldiers from China and surrounding countries need to cross it in order to get to the last battle. And, the bridges are not sufficient forgetting that volume of people over the river. Therefore, God dries it up so that they can get there to be killed and sent to Hell.

We also saw, in Revelation 9:14 that there were four devils bound in this river who were loosed to cause havoc on the Earth. Thus, we see that this river us used by God as a boundary to separate beings and God is removing all boundaries to give men what they claim to want. There is a very wise saying that goes: 'Be careful what you ask for because you may very well get it'.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'When the 6th trumpet blew we saw four fallen angels bound in the Euphrates River loosed, freed from their chains of darkness, who then led an army of demonic horsemen to go and slay a third of mankind. So the Euphrates River has been affected already by the hand of God as well as suffering thru the current judgments, for we have already had a plague upon the rivers and upon the sun. So now the Euphrates’ waters are most likely dwindling by evaporation due to the strengthened sun, as well as being turned to blood, which has become thickened, dried and hardened under the immense heat. this hardened blood now remains to either be blown away as dust or to fill in the river basin causing the river to basically disappear, leveling it off, which makes sense as with the removal of the Euphrates River, this natural boundary, the king’s of the east passage to Israel is made possible. Also as we see this 6th plague specifically poured out upon the river, the plague most likely affects the source of the Euphrates’ waters, causing it to run dry, the water/blood supply exhausted, thus affecting the lands this river flows thru, and all those that live upon it and in it.
The prophet Isaiah may have prophesied of this plague Isa 11:15 And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod. 16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. this 6th plague officially ends the existence of one of the world’s oldest rivers and barriers in the Middle East (it existed in the Garden of Eden) and the way is now laid open making the gathering of the world’s armies for the last battle possible, the enemies of God may now freely march across the Euphrates to the area Napoleon called the world’s most natural battlefield, the Valley of Megiddo. the kings of the east are now free to march in, invade, and converge upon Israel, merging with the forces of a revived Babylon. And here we see history somewhat repeating itself, for was not the Euphrates river “dried up” in a sense when the Medes and Persi and invaded Babylon, during the reign of Belshazzar, who saw the handwriting on the wall in the book of Daniel, when the invaders diverted the waters of the river and marched under the great defensive walls thru that dry riverbed? Babylon fell then and Babylon is getting ready to fall now due to a dry Euphrates River bed.
Now who are these kings of the east spoken of here? I believe this refers to the nations of Asia. China will be one of the main components as well as many of the eastern cultures, such as Indonesia, maybe even India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, possibly some of the Muslim nations, even though Islam will most likely have fallen by the wayside at this time, any nation or country east of Israel could technically be included. But whoever these kings are, they come to fight, they come to wage war. Why? Why are they so thirsty for more bloodshed? We are given the reason why in the fourth parenthetical passage we come to in the book of Revelation, which begins with v13…'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:14 about the river Euphrates. The note there explains that it is first found in the Garden of Eden and that, in Revelation: 'The Euphrates is mentioned in the Revelation as the place where four angels are or will be bound, who will be loosed at the sixth trumpet, letting loose the Eastern forms of Satanic wickedness hitherto held in check. Re 9:14. Viewing Palestine as the centre of God's dealings with the earth, the Euphrates was the barrier between East and West. the sixth vial will be poured upon the great river Euphrates, that it may be dried up and a way be made for the kings from the East to come unto the great battle of Armageddon. Re 16:12'.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:1 about the word east. The Morrish Bible Dictionary definition for this word is: 'Several words are used to express the East, which imply 'going forth,' 'rising,' 'that which is before,' having reference to the sun and its rising. Nearly all the references in scripture to the East or to other quarters are of course reckoned from Palestine; so that 'children of the East,' 'men of the East,' point out Assyria, Babylon, etc'.

Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. . The functional definition for this word is: 'having great bodily strength or physical power; very strong or vigorous; as a mighty arm'. Please see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

Please see the note for John 19:31 about the words prepare / preparation. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order; as, prepare for dinner'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'upon. Re 9:14; 11:14; Isa 8:7 and the water. Re 17:15; Isa 11:15; 42:15; 44:27; Jer 50:38-40; 51:36 that the. Isa 41:2-3,25; Eze 38-39; Da 11:43-45 General references. exp: Jos 4:22; Isa 42:15.'.

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C16-S12 (Verse 13) three unclean spirits from three devils.

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon,
and out of the mouth of the beast,
and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

As Dr. Jeff Wilson writes in his note, these three unclean spirits are like frogs. They are not frogs but have similar characteristics. And, since they are spiritually unclean, they get men to do spiritually unclean things with the main thing being sending all of the armies of this world to murder all Jews and, they think, finally eliminate Israel, and God's people, from this world. In addition, since they come from Satan and his two beasts, they are using haltered (Satan), the united governments of this world (first beasts), and the religious lies of the one-world religion (second beasts), as motivations to accomplish their purpose. Of course, they are also doing God's will because this will gather all of the lost armies together so that our Lord Jesus Christ can defeat them and send them all to Hell in one final war.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we see a trinity of demonic spirits issue forth from the mouths of the Satanic trinity, the dragon (Satan), the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet. these are unclean spirits, powerful spirits, devilish spirits, with the ability to perform miracles and they are vomited forth from the devil himself. these spirits/demons are described to be like frogs. Whether John means they actually appear like frogs or have characteristics similar to frogs we are not sure. But if we just think about frogs for a moment, they are ugly little creatures, slimy, with bulgy eyes, and that eat lots of nasty little bugs and critters. Frogs are amphibians, creatures of two worlds, both of water and land; some are poisonous; some can alter their appearance and color; some burrow in the muck and mire; and many have swift powerful tongues. that kind of describes these unclean spirits for they are beings of two worlds (spiritual and physical), with poisonous powerful tongues speaking lies and deception which bring forth death and destruction, with promises of riches and power and victory, these cold blooded (uncaring) beings go forth working miracles (astonishing, corrupting, threatening, frightening) to deceive the kings of the nations to draw them to Israel, to come with their military might, to wage war against God and His chosen, they seduce and convince or even threaten mighty men to come to the final battle, the battle of Armageddon, for look at v16.'.

Please see the note for James 4:8 about the word cleanse. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to purify; to make clean; to remove filth, or foul matter of any kind, or by any process whatever, as by washing, rubbing, scouring, scraping, purging, ventilation, etc.; as, to cleanse the hands or face to cleanse a garment; to cleanse the bowels; to cleanse a ship; to cleanse an infected house. 2. to free from a foul or infectious disease; to heal. Lev. 14:4, 8; Mark 1:42. 3. to free from ceremonial pollution, and consecrate to a holy use. Numb. 8:15; Exek. 43:20. 4. to purify from guilt. 1 John 1:7. 5. to remove; as, to cleanse a crime'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 9:13-14 about the word unclean. The functional definition for this word is: ' 'polluted from the world; influenced by devils; never doing the right religious practice; doing anything that would make us less than 100% committed to obeying God; accepting anything that is even questionable as being right; accepting all influences that corrupt'. Please also see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. The doctrine from them is: 'the ongoing corruption from associating with devils and following their error'. Please also see the notes for Galatians C5S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the word uncleanness. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 16:13; 18:2; 19:8; 19:14.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the word liken. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'To compare; to represent as resembling or similar. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, that built his house on a rock. Matt. 6'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Resemblance in form; similitude. the picture is a good likeness of the original. 2. Resemblance; form; external appearance. Guard against an enemy in the likeness of a friend. 3. One that resembles another; a copy; a counterpart. I took you for your likeness, Chloe. 4. An image, picture or statue, resembling a person or thing. Ex. 20'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:5-6 about the word likeminded. word also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Please also see the note for Mark 4:16-17 about the word likewise.

We find forms of the word frog in: Exodus 8:2; Exodus 8:9; Exodus 8:11; Exodus 8:12; Exodus 8:13; Psalms 78:45; Psalms 105:30; Revelation 16:13. Notice that every Biblical reference, outside of Revelation, is a reference to one of the curses which God put on Egypt. Thus, our reference here is the devil imitating God.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

Please see the note for Revelation 12:3 about the word dragon. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'tannin, δράκων. It may signify any great serpent or sea monster, symbolical of a huge destructive creature. Nations doomed to destruction and desolation, including Jerusalem, are said to become habitations of dragons. Isa 34:13; 35:7; Jer 9:11; 10:22; 51:37. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is called the great dragon. Eze 29:3. As one of God's creatures the dragon is called upon to praise Jehovah. Ps 148:7. In the N.T. the dragon is a type of Satan and those energised by him. In Re 12:3 the "great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns," is symbolical of Satan's power in the form of the Roman empire: it endeavoured, in the person of Herod, to destroy Christ when born. In Re 13:2,4 it is Satan who gives the resuscitated Roman empire in a future day its throne and great authority. In Re 13:11 the Antichrist, who has two horns like a lamb, speaks as a dragon. In Re 16:13 it is Satan, and in Re 20:2 he is described as "that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan."'. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The translators of the Authorized Version, apparently following the Vulgate, have rendered by the same word "dragon" the two Hebrew words tan and tannin, which appear to be quite distinct in meaning. 1. the former is used, always in the plural, in: Job 30:29; Ps 44:19; Isa 34:13; 43:20; Jer 9:11. It is always applied to some creatures inhabiting the desert, and we should conclude from this that it refers rather to some wild beast than to a serpent. the syriac renders it by a word which, according to Pococke, means a "jackal". 2. the word tannin seems to refer to any great monster, whether of the land or the sea, being indeed more usually applied to some kind of serpent or reptile, but not exclusively restricted to that sense: Ex 7:9-10,12; De 32:33; Ps 91:13. In the New Testament it is found only in the Apocalypse: Re 12:3-4,7,9,16-17. etc., as applied metaphorically to "the old serpent, called the devil, and Satan."'.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'three. Re 16:14; 2Th 2:9-11; 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 3:1-6; 2Pe 2:1-3; 1Jo 4:1-3 like. Ex 8:2-7; Ps 78:45; 105:30 come out of. Re 12:3-4,9-13; 13:1-7,11-18 the false. Re 19:20; 20:10'.

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C16-S13 (Verse 14) More information about the unclean spirits, their powers and their abilities to deceive men.

For they are the spirits of devils,
working miracles,
which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,
to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

These unclean spirits are devils, according to our sentence. We are also told that they can do miracles and use those miracles to deceive men. Where they promise victory over Israel and God and the chance to murder all Jews, these armies are actually going to defeat, death and Hell.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for thepriorsentence.

Please see the note for 12:9 about the word devil. That note has an extensive definition from Fausset's Bible Dictionary. Please note that there are no daemons' within the Bible. That word is doctrinal error deliberately taught by devil-motivated men to cause God's children to ignore or think less about the true danger that true devils are. Please also see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find 'Other Spirits', which are devils. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about Satan. Please also see the section called Jesus and Devils, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for links to every place where Jesus dealt with devils and separates the references according to how He dealt with them.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S28; Matthew 14:16-LJC and Luke 4:41-LJC about the word miracle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A miracle is when something happens, in this physical reality, which is outside of the laws of nature.'. Please also see the Study called: Miracles in Gospels, miracles in OT. Please also see the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament.

Please see the note for Mark 10:52 about the word whole. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. All; total; containing the total amount or number, or the entire thing; as the whole earth; the whole world; the whole solar system; the whole army; the whole nation. 2. Complete; entire; not defective or imperfect; as a whole orange; the egg is whole; the vessel is whole. 3. Unimpaired; unbroken; uninjured. My life is yet whole in me. 2 Samuel 1. 4. Sound; not hurt or sick. they that are whole need not a physician. Matthew 9. 5. Restored to health and soundness; sound; well. thy faith hath made thee whole. Mark 5. His hand was restored whole. Mark 3.
WHOLE, n. 1. the entire thing; the entire or total assemblage of parts. the whole of religion is contained in the short precept, Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12. 2. A system; a regular combination of parts'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:3 about the word wholesome.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 1Timothy 1:15; 2Timothy C1S5; 1Corinthians C1S19 and World in 1John about the word world. The functional definition for this word is: 'all of the people in the world as a group'. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: ''Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:7 about the word battle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A fight, or encounter between enemies, or opposing armies; an engagement'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the spirits. Re 12:9; 1Ki 22:19-23; 2Ch 18:18-22; Eze 14:9; Joh 8:44; 2Co 11:13-15; 1Ti 4:1; Jas 3:15 working. Re 13:13-14; 19:20; De 13:1-2; Mt 24:24; Mr 13:22; 2Th 2:9 which. 1Ki 22:6,10-11,19-22; Ac 13:8-10 the whole. Re 3:10; 12:9; 13:3; Lu 2:1; Ro 1:8; 1Jo 5:19 to gather. Re 16:16; 17:14; 19:19; 20:8; Isa 34:1-8; 63:1-6; Eze 38:8-12; Joe 3:11-14 exp: Zep 3:8. God Almighty. Re 16:7 General references. exp: Zec 14:1.'.

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C16-S14 (Verse 15) First of two sentences from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Behold,
I come as a thief.

Our sentence starts with the word Behold. That means: 'Pay close attention'. We find the phrase as a thief in: 1Thessalonians 5:2; 1Thessalonians 5:4; 1Peter 4:15; 2Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15. When we consider other Bible references to the word thief we see that thehomeowner does not expect the thief and that his appearance is unexpected. Therefore, no one expects our Lord Jesus Christ when he shows up. This warning is added to the warning in the next sentence which, basically, tells the saved of the great tribulation to always be ready to showup before God with no prior notice. And, this warning should be applied to all saved throughout all ages.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word thief. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'robber, bandit.' Used by the Lord in reference to those who bought and sold in the temple. Mt 21:13; Mr 11:17; Lu 19:46. In the parable of the Good Samaritan the traveller fell among robbers. Lu 10:30,36. When the Lord was arrested He asked if they had come out as against a robber. Mt 26:55; Mr 14:48; Lu 22:52. the two malefactors crucified with the Lord were also men of this character. Mt 27:38,44; Mr 15:27. the same Greek word is translated 'robber' in the A.V. in Joh 10:1,8; John 18: 40; 2Co 11:26. 2. 'thief.' those who break through and steal secretly. Mt 6:19-20. this is the word employed in the expression "as a thief in the night," to which the unexpected coming of the Lord to the world is compared. 1Th 5:2,4; 2Pe 3:10; Re 3:3; etc. It is applied to Judas. Joh 12:6. the word 'thief' in the A.V. is always this word except in the passages quoted under No. 1'. Please also see the note for Matthew 15:19-20 about the word theft.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I come. Re 3:3; Mt 24:43; 1Th 5:2-3; 2Pe 3:10 General references. exp: Mt 24:36,46; 25:13; Mr 13:33; Lu 12:39.'.

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C16-S15 (Verse 15) Second of two sentences from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed is he that watcheth,
and keepeth his garments,
lest he walk naked,
and they see his shame.

The warning in this sentence is added to the warning of the prior sentence. Where the prior sentence told us to pay close attention and to expect the unexpected, this sentence gives a promise to people who do pay attention and obey. Please see the Section on Promises in to Significant New Testament Events Study for links to other promises in the New Testament.

I don't believe that I have ever heard the warning, in this sentence, preached. In addition, I've met many people who claim to be saved but are doing nothing to serve God and His kingdom. They claim that they are sure that they will have a white robe in heaven, but deny that they have to do anything to earn it. That is a claim that our Lord Jesus Christ said, in this sentence, that there will be saved people in Heaven who walk naked. On addition, many people claim to be saved while denying any possibility that they will be ashamed or be punished in Heaven. Such people are not doing what is required in order to spiritually watcheth ('have an ongoing lifestyle of being on spiritual guard duty') and keepeth his garments ('have an ongoing lifestyle of making sure that you do no sin or confess and forsake it so that our Lord Jesus Christ can cleanse them').

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The Lord is coming suddenly, unexpectantly, and he encourages the remaining faithful to watch and stay faithful, stay pure, hold fast, don’t give in, don’t give up, for his return is no longer imminent, but immediate. Judgment is almost over. the time is now, the wicked will be dealt with, Babylon will fall, Satan will be defeated. Cling to the Lord less you be ashamed at his coming. And thus ends the fourth parenthetical passage.
And now we come to the last plague, the final vial judgment'.

Please see the notes for Galatians C3-S10 about the word bless. In particular, please see the note for Galatians which explains why the commonly accepted dictionary definition is wrong. The functional definition for this word is: 'receiving, or wishing another to receive, the spiritual good from God which produces spiritual joy even while it might make us less happy in the flesh'.

Please see the note for Colossians C4S2 about the word watch. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines watch as: '1. forbearance of sleep. 2. Attendance without sleep. All the long night their mournful watch they keep. 3. Attention; close observation. Keep watch of the suspicious man. 4. Guard; vigilance for keeping or protecting against danger. He kept both watch and ward. 5. A watchman, or watchmen; men set for a guard, either one person or more, set to espy the approach of an enemy or other danger, and to give an alarm or notice of such danger; a sentinel; a guard. He kept a watch at the gate. Ye have a watch; go your way, make it as sure as ye can. Matthew 27. 6. the place where a guard is kept. He upbraids I ago, that he made him brave me upon the watch. 7. Post or office of a watchman. As I did stand my watch upon the hill-- 8. A period of the night, in which one person or one set of persons stand as sentinels; or the time from one relief of sentinels to another. this period among the Israelites, seems to have been originally four hours, but was afterwards three hours, and there were four watches during the night. Hence we read in Scripture of the mourning watch, and of the second, third and fourth watch; the evening watch commencing at six oclock, the second at nine, the third at twelve, and the fourth at three in the mourning. Exodus 14. Matthew 14. Luke 12. 9. A small time piece or chronometer, to be carried in the pocket or about the person, in which the machinery is moved by a spring. 10. At sea, the space of time during which one set or division of the crew remain on deck to perform the necessary duties. this is different in different nations. to be on the watch, to be looking steadily for some event.
WATCH, v.i. 1. to be awake; to be or continue without sleep. I have two nights watchd with you. 2. to be attentive; to look with attention or steadiness. Watch and see when the man passes. 3. to look with expectation. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the mourning. Psalm 130. 4. to keep guard; to act as sentinel; to look for danger. He gave signal to the minister that watchd. 5. to be attentive; to be vigilant in preparation for an event or trial, the time of whose arrival is uncertain. Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Matthew 24. 6. to be insidiously attentive; as, to watch for an opportunity to injure another. 7. to attend on the sick during the night; as, to watch with a man in a fever. to watch over, to be cautiously observant of; to inspect, superintend and guard from error and danger. It is our duty constantly to watch over our own conduct and that of our children.
WATCH, v.t. 1. to guard; to have in keeping. Flaming ministers watch and tend their charge. 2. to observe in ambush; to lie in wait for. Saul also sent messengers to Davids house to watch him, and to slay him. 1 Samuel 19. 3. to tend; to guard. Paris watched the flocks in the groves of Ida. 4. to observe in order to detect or prevent, or for some particular purpose; as, to watch a suspected person; to watch the progress of a bill in the legislature'. Note: it was a death penalty to fall asleep or not stay vigilant while on watch. Forsoldiers it was their own life that was at risk. Forshepherds it was the life of the sheep. ForPeter and others it was their spiritual relationship (life) that required the personal ministry of Jesus Christ to resurrect.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart'. The word keepeth means: 'a lifestyle of keeping'. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the phrase keep his commandments. Please also see the notes for 1John 5:2 about the word keeper.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:16 about the word garment. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Several words are used both in the O.T. and in the N.T. for raiment, clothing, or apparel, without defining what particular garments are alluded to; and when a single garment is intended it is variously translated in the A.V. In the East few garments were needed, and they were probably much the same as those worn there at present by the natives. 1. the inner garment is the kethoneth, a long tunic worn by men and women. It was made of wool, cotton, or linen. this was the garment God made of skins for Adam and Eve, and what Jacob made of many colours for Joseph. Ge 3:21; 37:3,23-33. It formed part of the priests dress. At times another is worn over it. the bride said she had put off her 'coat' for the night, which was probably the outer one, though the Hebrew word is the same. Cant. 5:3. the kethoneth answers to the χιτών of the N.T., mostly translated 'coat.' the disciples were not to take two when the Lord sent them out. Mt 10:10. It was this garment of the Lord's that was woven in one piece, Joh 19:23; and the word is used of the coats made by Dorcas. Ac 9:39. 2. the other principal garment was the simlah, a cloak, or wide outer mantle, worn by men and women, and in which they wrapped themselves at night. this might be of any texture according to the season, and according to the station in life of the wearer. the peasants often wear such, called an 'abba' of camels' or goats' hair. this garment if taken in pledge had to be returned in the evening, for without it 'wherein shall he sleep?' Ex 22:26-27; cf. De 24:13. the simlah is the garment that was rent in grief. Ge 37:34; 44:13; Jos 7:6. this corresponds to the ἱμάτιον in the N.T. It is translated 'cloak ' in Mt 5:40; Lu 6:29; and it is the robe of purple with which the soldiers mocked the Lord. Joh 19:2,5. It is the 'garment' the edge of which the woman touched, Mt 14:36; and the 'garments' of which the scribes and Pharisees enlarged the borders. Mt 23:5. It is otherwise used for 'garments' in general, as in Mt 27:35; Joh 19:23-24; and is often translated 'raiment' and 'clothes.' 3. Another prominent article of apparel and one often richly ornamented was the GIRDLE. these three, with sandals, and a handkerchief or other covering for the head, constituted the usual dress in the East. Besides the above we read of 'changeable suits of apparel' for women. Isa 3:22. Also 4. the MANTLE, or ROBE meil, described as 'a large tunic, worn over the common one, but without sleeves.' It was worn by priests, Ex 28:31; 1Sa 28:14; Ezr 9:3,5; by kings and princes, 1Sa 18:4; 24:4,11; by men of rank, Job 1:20 Job; 2:12: and by women, 2Sa 13:18. 5. the WIMPLE or VEIL, a wide upper garment or shawl, which covered the head and part of the body. Ruth was able to carry in such a veil six measures of barley. Ru 3:15; Isa 3:22. there are four other Hebrew words translated 'veils.' 6. the STOMACHER, apparently a wide ornamented girdle. the word occurs only in Isa 3:24'.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk. The functional definition for this word is: 'taking small repeated steps. this word is used symbolically for the small things which we do regularly in our life without thinking about those things'. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. The word walketh means: 'ongoing lifestyle walking'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word nakedness. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. 1. Want of covering or clothing; nudity; bareness. 2. Want of means of defense. Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land are ye come. Gen 42. 3. Plainness; openness to view. to uncover nakedness, in Scripture, is to have incestuous or unlawful commerce with a female'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 6:5 about the word shame. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face'. Please also see the notes for Romans C5S2 about the word ashamed. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Blessed. Mt 24:42; 25:13; 26:41; Mr 13:33-37; 14:38; Lu 12:37-43; 21:36; Ac 20:31; 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 4:7 lest. Re 3:4,18; Ex 32:25; Isa 47:3; Eze 16:37; Ho 2:3; Hab 2:15; 2Co 5:3 General references. exp: Mt 24:36,46; 25:13; Mr 13:33; Lu 12:39.'.

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C16-S16 (Verse 16) the dragon (Satan) gathers the armies of the world.
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon

The he, of this sentence, is the dragon (Satan). If the reader pays attention to the context, they will see that the dragon (Satan) released three unclean spirits like frogs in 16:13. The next sentence tells us about these three unclean spirits like frogs. Then we have a warning from our Lord Jesus Christ. And our sentence follows that and is returning to the account before the warning from our Lord Jesus Christ. God allows Satan to gather his armies to fight God's Christ and that is what our sentence is telling us that the dragon is doing.

The name of this place is well known because worldly people associate it with many battles and wars which are far smaller than the battle mentioned in Revelation speaks about. Thus, we see the world exaggerating the importance of their own doings.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: ''Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition for this word is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. In this sentence, it is used to identify the place and the war that will happen there. Please also see the notes for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13 about the words Lord and call.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Thru the seduction of these demonic unclean spirits, the military might of the world is drawn to a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon, which means Place of Troops or Mount of Slaughter. It is referred to in the Bible as the Valley of Megiddo, the Valley of Jezreel, or the Plains of Esdraelon. this area is some 14 miles wide and 20 miles long and in the present day is one of the most productive areas of Israel, being referred to as the breadbasket of Israel. In such a vast level area it would be easy to amass the armies of the world, the millions of men and hardware that will be gathered for that final battle that is commenced in Rev ch19. these armies and their kings and leaders gather to eradicate the Jews, God's chosen people, believers, God's spiritual children, to possibly settle their own differences between one another and to decide who is going to come out on top and rule the world, but the main purpose they are drawn here by the unclean spirit’s deceit is to fight against God himself, Satan still thinks he and his forces have a chance.
Joel seems to have prophesied of this time of gathering…Joe 3:9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. 11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD. 12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 the sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 the LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Zeph 3:8 therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
And possibly even Isaiah ch24 references this.
But during all this, during this final preparation, during all these plagues, God still calls out to those who have trusted in His Son, for He gives them one last bit of encouragement.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he. Re 17:14; 19:17-21; Jg 4:7; Joe 3:9-14; Zec 14:2-3 the Hebrew. Re 9:11; Joh 5:2; 19:13,17; Ac 26:14 Armageddon. Jg 5:19; 2Ki 23:29-30; Zec 12:11'.

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C16-S17 (Verse 17) the seventh vial of God's wrath is poured out.

First Step: the angel acted.

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air;

Second Step: the results.

and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven,
from the throne,
saying,
It is done.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Notice that this plague is poured out into the air, the realm of Satan, for he is the prince and power of the air, God goes head to head with his rebellious angel, pouring out wrath on the devil’s area of dominion. As this is done John hears a voice come forth from the heavenly temple that is filled with smoke from the presence of God's glory, a voice coming directly from the heavenly throne of God, a voice that echoes the words that Jesus Christ spoke from the cross, “It is finished”, but here we hear God's great voice cry out “It is done”, God's judgment upon the earth ends with this last vial and takes us to the moment right before 19:11 where Jesus and the saints return. between this verse and ch19:11 we have a more detailed view of what happens to Babylon, the empire of the antichrist, during these vial judgments, and we see how it falls, for Satan’s entire realm is going to be judged: his religious system is judged in ch17, his political and economic system in ch18, and his military power in ch19. After those words of “It is done” are spoken and finish echoing throughout heaven and creation, they are followed by a spectacular display emanating from the heavenly throne.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:26 about the word air. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the atmosphere, as opposed to the higher regions of the sky (1Th 4:17; Re 9:2; 16:17). this word occurs once as the rendering of the Hebrew ruah (Job 41:16); elsewhere it is the rendering of shamaiyim, usually translated "heavens." the expression "to speak into the air" (1Co 14:9) is a proverb denoting to speak in vain, as to "beat the air" (1Co 9:26) denotes to labour in vain'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word throne. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a royal chair or seat of dignity (De 17:18; 2Sa 7:13; Ps 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1Sa 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Ne 3:7; Ps 122:5. the throne of Solomon is described at length in 1Ki 10:18-20'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'into. Re 20:1-3; Eph 2:2; 6:12 there. Re 16:1; 11:19; 14:17; 15:5-6 It is. Re 10:6-7; 21:6; Da 12:7-13; Joh 19:30'.

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C16-S18 (Verse 18) God displays His power.

First Step: God shows His power in the air.

And there were voices,
and thunders,
and lightnings;.

Second Step: God shows His power in the Earth.

and there was a great earthquake,
such as was not since men were upon the earth,
so mighty an earthquake,
and so great.

Our Sentence has two Steps with God proving that He has greater power than Satan in the air and the Second Step has God proving that He has greater power than Satan in the Earth.

Our First Step says that: there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings. All of these proceed in the air and we saw the same things in Revelation 4:5; Revelation 8:5 and Revelation 11:19, where we also read that God displayed His power. Thus we can know that this is directly from God the Father. In addition, Ephesians 2:2 tells us that Satan is the prince of the power of the air and that he is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. In addition, John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; 1Corinthians 2:6-8; and Ephesians 2:2 all tell us that Satan id the prince of this world. Therefore, in our First Step, God is showing to the world that He has more power than Satan and using the air to do so since that is the main place where Satan displayed his own power.

In our Second Step, we read: there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. We read about earthquakes in:

1Kings 19:11-12 tells us that God displayed His power to Elijah but did not deal with him in His power. God spoke to Elijah, and to all of His children, in a still small voice.
Isaiah 29:6 tells us that God displayed His power against His children when they turned their back to Him and served idols and devils.
Amos 1:1 tells us the same thing as Isaiah.
Zechariah 14:1-5 is a prophecy which is fulfilled in Revelation and, in particular, in this sentence.
Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8 and Luke 21:11 tells us: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Our current sentence, as well as other places and times, fulfills this prophecy.
Matthew 27:54 tells us that there was an earthquake when Jesus died. God displayed His power and His displeasure to the world at that time.
Matthew 28:2 tells us that was an earthquake when our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. God displayed His power over death, to the world, at that time.
Acts 16:26 tells us that God displayed His power when Satan had corrupt government officials imprison Paul and Silas illegally.
Revelation 6:12 is the first earthquake in this Bible book. tells us that God displayed His power after the tribulation saints, in heaven, asked God when he would do vengeance for them.
Revelation 8:5 tells us that God displayed His power just before the seven trumpet judgments started.
Revelation 11:13 tells us that God displayed His wrath and power after resurrecting and ascending His two great tribulation prophets.
Revelation 11:19 tells us that God displayed His wrath and power after the seventh angel sounded his trumpet.
Revelation 16:18 is our current sentence. It tells us God displayed His wrath and power after the seventh angel poured his vial of the wrath of God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Following this great demonstration of power, of voices, thunders and lightnings (ref 7:5 and 11:19), the earth now suffers the greatest earthquake it has ever experienced, no other quake compares to this, the earth has never experienced a quake of this magnitude since before the time man was created in the Garden of Eden. this is a mighty and great earthquake that shakes the earth to its very core. Every tectonic plate breaks loose, massive volcanic activity is triggered on a global scale. Every volcano, super volcano and even new ones will be forced to erupt as the pressures within the earth are shaken and squeezed. It’s as if God takes the earth into his hand and shakes it like a snow-globe. And look at the results of such a quake.'.

Please see the note for John 12:29 about the word thunder. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'And lightning are significant manifestations of the power of God, and emblems of his presence, Ex 19:16; 1Sa 2:10; 12:17; Ps 18:13. thunder is poetically called "the voice of the Lord" in the sublime description of a thunder-storm in Ps 29:11; "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. the voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. the voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; Yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon," etc. See also Job 37:1-5; 40:9; Jer 10:13. In illustration of Ps 29:9, Moffat, while describing the thunder-storms of South Africa, say that the antelopes flee in consternation; and that he has observed the Bechuanas starting off early on the morning following such a storm in quest of young antelopes prematurely born. In Ps 78:48, "hot thunderbolts" means lightning'.

Please see the note for Luke 17:24 about the word lightning. The functional definition for this word is: ''frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Na 1:3-6). thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God's wrath (2Sa 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4; Ps 135:7; 144:6; Zec 9:14). they represent God's glorious and awful majesty (Re 4:5), or some judgment of God on the world (Re 20:9)'.

Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The first earthquake mentioned is when Elijah was told to stand before the Lord. there passed by a strong wind that rent the rocks, then an earthquake, and fire; but the Lord was not in the earthquake, nor in the fire; but in a still small voice: a lesson for Elijah when he was thinking much of himself. 1Ki 19:11-12. In the days of Uzziah there was a great earthquake, from which the people fled. Am 1:1; Zec 14:5. Josephus (Ant. ix. 10, 4) states that this happened when the king went into the temple and was struck with leprosy. 2Ch 26:16-21. there was an earthquake at the death of the Lord, and the rocks were rent, which drew from the centurion the saying, "Truly this was the Son of God." Mt 27:51,54. there was also a great earthquake at the resurrection of the Lord. Mt 28:2. When Paul and Barnabas were in the prison at Philippi there was a great earthquake that shook the prison, which led to the conversion of the jailer. Ac 16:26. Josephus (Ant. xv. 5, 2) relates the particulars of a dreadful earthquake in Palestine about B.C. 31, when as many as 10,000 of the inhabitants lost their lives. In the future judgments on the earth, earthquakes are often mentioned. Isa 29:6; Mt 24:7; Mr 13:8; Lu 21:11; Re 6:12; 8:5; 11:13,19; 16:18. Symbolically they point to the upheaval of the lower masses of society, overthrowing the social system either partially or entirely.''. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'were. Re 4:5; 8:5; 11:19 a. Re 11:13; Da 12:1 General references. exp: Isa 29:6; 42:15.'.

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C16-S19 (Verse 19) God displays His power in bringing judgment upon the centers of sin.

Equivalent Section: Judgment on Jerusalem.

And the great city was divided into three parts,
and the cities of the nations fell:.

Equivalent Section: Judgment on Babylon.

and great Babylon came in remembrance before God,
to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

As in other chapters of this book, almost every sentence in this chapter starts with the word And. That adds each sentence to the prior sentence. This means that the entire chapter must be considered as a single unit for contextual reasons. Where the prior sentence told us that God displayed His power. This sentence adds how God does this display. Notice that our sentence has two Equivalent Sections, which give us the same message but are actually different. In the First Equivalent Section, we read that God displays His power against the center of false religion, which is Jerusalem. In the Second Equivalent Section, we read that God displays His power against the center of government and economy which is Babylon. Keep in mind that Satan has two beasts, one which leads the false religion and the other leads the government and economy. Many people confuse these two beasts. The one in Jerusalem is the one which men wrongly call 'the Antichrist'. he is a man. The beast which leads government is a devil who possesses seven heads of government. The remainder of this chapter tells us about the judgment against the false religion. The next two chapters tell us about God dealing with the devil who leads government and the economy.

As mentioned, our sentence has two Equivalent Section. With the Second Equivalent Section mentioned here because this sentence is giving us a general statement of how God displayed His wrath. After this sentence, the rest which John reports about God's judgment in that government and economy delayed until after John reports the details related to our First Equivalent Section. Preachers have been taught the wrong way to interpret the word of God for at least 150 years. That were taught to use various ways written by men. That is one reason why there are so many doctrinal disputes between good preachers. And, they concentrate on the verse format, which is displayed in their writings. I use God's way, which uses the sentence format. As a result, this is the last book of the new Testament that I am dealing with and proving that there are no errors and no conflicts if you use God's way of interpretation. NO ONE else in the history of man has published a work which produces these results. And, as I have testified many times, these results come from God working through means not from my natural abilities.

I point this out because the difference between what I write, and what is written by many preachers, is, to a very important part, due to their using the sentence format, and pretty much ignoring punctuation, while I use the God-commanded sentence format and the God-preserved punctuation and I place critical importance on context while most preachers only pay attention to context when it supports the point they wish to make.

As already mentioned, our sentence having two Equivalent Section forces the judgments of this sentence to be two similar, but different, judgments. As I already wrote, the First deals with the judgment of Jerusalem and the second deals with the judgment of Babylon. Those preachers who disagree do so mainly because they have been taught to use man's way to interpret the word of God while God showed me His way. And, those two different methods produce the two different results, which I already explained.

Returning to the analysis of our sentence, our First Equivalent Section has two phrases with both telling us that God brings His judgment upon false worship. In the first phrase we see God brings His judgment upon the false worship in Jerusalem. In the second phrase we see God brings His judgment upon the false worship in the cities of the nations. God starts with judgment upon false worship because God is a Spirit and the spiritual is more important than the physical. Thus, God starts with the spiritual sin of false worship.

In our Second Equivalent Section we see God bring judgment upon government, economy and Babylon because they used restriction of supplying physical needs to force people into the false religion.

Please see the note for Mark 11:19 about the word city. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area where many people live together and have a local government rule over them'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S12 about the phrase city of refuge. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city.

Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to see the full Study on the word divide. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mathematical function whereby we separate things according to precise and never changing rules and receive a precise result'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S7 about the word divide. Please also see the note for Luke 12:14 about the word divider. Please also see the note for Romans C16S20 about the word division.

Please see the note for Revelation 14:8 about the word Babylon. The functional definition for this word is: ' The original city was Assyrian, and the name meant "The city of the dispersion of the tribes." In Revelation, it identifies the city which is the center of government joined to religion'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S28 about the words remember / remembrance. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. the retaining or having in mind an idea which had been present before, or an idea which had been previously received from an object when present, and which recurs to the mind afterwards without the presence of its object. Technically, remembrance differs from reminiscence and recollection, as the former implies that an idea occurs to the mind spontaneously, or without much mental exertion. the latter imply the power or the act of recalling ideas which do not spontaneously recur to the mind. the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps. 112. Remembrance is when the same idea recurs, without the operation of the like object on the external sensory. 2. Transmission of a fact from one to another. Titan among the heav'ns th' immortal fact display'd, lest the remembrance of his grief should fall. 3. Account preserved; something to assist the memory. those proceedings and remembrances are in the Tower. 4. Memorial. But in remembrance of so brave a deed, a tomb and funeral honors I decreed. 5. A token by which one is kept in the memory. Keep this remembrance for thy Julia's sake. 6. Notice of something absent. Let your remembrance still apply to Banquo. 7. Power of remembering; limit of time within which a fact can be remembered; as when we say, an event took place before our remembrance, or since our remembrance. 8. Honorable memory. Not in use. 9. Admonition. 10. Memorandum; a note to help the memory'.

Please see the note for John 18:11 about the word cup. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used for drinking (Ge 40:11); for divination (Ge 44:5), practiced by dropping gold, silver, or jewels into the water, and examining their appearance; or looking into the water as a mirror'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:23 about the word wine. That note had a large definition and men argue that there were six original language words which are rendered wine. Therefore, there are many arguments about the symbolic meaning of this word. Some of those arguments are perversions of the truth which are intended to justify sin. The functional definition for this word is: 'A basic drink of people where the Bible was written. It was also used for medicine'. Please also see the note for Luke 7:34 about the word winebibber. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:33-34 about the word winepress.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:3 about the word fierce. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the primary sense of which is wild, running, rushing. 1. Vehement; violent; furious; rushing; impetuous; as a fierce wind. 2. Savage; ravenous; easily enraged; as a fierce lion. 3. Vehement in rage; eager of mischief; as a fierce tyrant; a monster fierce for blood. 4. Violent; outrageous; not to be restrained. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce. Gen. 49. 5. Passionate; angry; furious. 6. Wild; staring; ferocious; as a fierce countenance. 7. Very eager; ardent; vehement; as a man fierce for his party'.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S16; Galatians C5S20; Ephesians 4:26-27 and CColossians C3S6 about the word wrath. The functional definition for this word is: 'Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the great. Re 14:8; 17:18; 18:2,10,16-19,21 exp: Re 11:8. great. Re 17:5; Da 4:30 in. Re 14:8-10; 18:5; Isa 49:26; 51:17-23; Jer 25:15-16,26'.

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C16-S20 (Verse 20) God displays His power by altering the surface of the entire world.

And every island fled away,
and the mountains were not found.

Here we see a display of power that far exceeds anything ever seen except, possibly, Noah's flood. And, I'm not sure that Noah's flood was more powerful but, in both cases, the entire surface of the world is changed. However, in Noah's flood, everyone outside of the Ark was killed. in this case, God leaves millions alive, which actually requires greater control over what happens. And, in this case, most of the people involved in the regions destroyed appear to be involved in false religions. (Compare areas with high percentages of worshippers of Islam and believers of Evolution to the areas of mountains and islands.)

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The islands upon the earth disappear, not into the sea, not by the power of tsunamis, as the seas have been turned into something similar to the blood of a dead man. But instead the islands are shattered and orn asunder, the mountains of the sea, for that’s what islands truly are, vanish. Sadly the Philippines will be no more. But they are not alone, Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Hawaii, great Britain, Iceland, Greenland, all the thousands of islands upon the earth are erased. But not only are the low lands affected, but the highlands as well for all the mountain ranges fall, such an upheaval in the earth’s crust causes the Rockies, the Himalayas, the Andes, even the Appalachi and to crumble into ruin, the earth returns to the state it was in during creation, without form or void. A barren, smoking, fiery, scorched, wasteland, a ruinous heap. Truly a picture of hell'.

Please see the note for Acts 27:16 about the word island. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(Heb 'i, "dry land," as opposed to water) occurs in its usual signification (Isa 42:4,10,12,15, comp. Jer 47:4), but more frequently simply denotes a maritime region or sea-coast (Isa 20:6, R.V.," coastland;" Isa 23:2,6; Jer 2:10; Eze 27:6-7). (See Chittim.) the shores of the Mediterranean are called the "islands of the sea" (Isa 11:11), or the "isles of the Gentiles" (Ge 10:5), and sometimes simply "isles" (Ps 72:10); Eze 26:15,18; 27:3,35; Da 11:18).'. Please also see the note for Acts 13:6 about the word isle.

Please see the note for Luke 8:34 about the words flee / fled. The functional definition for this word is: 'To run with rapidity, as from danger; to attempt to escape; to hasten from danger or expected evil'.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away. The functional definition for this word is: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away.

Please see the note for John 6:3 about the word mountain. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth or adjacent land, but of no definite altitude. We apply mountain to the largest eminences on the globe; but sometimes the word is used for a large hill. In general, mountain denotes an elevation higher and larger than a hill; as the Altaic mountains in Asia, the Alps in Switzerland, the Andes in South America, the Allegheny mountains in Virginia, the Catskill in New York, the White mountains in New Hampshire, and the Green mountains in Vermont. the word is applied to a single elevation, or to an extended range'.

The word found is the past-tense form of the word find. Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Re 6:14; 20:11; Isa 2:14-17; Jer 4:23-25'.

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C16-S21 (Verse 21) God uses hail to finish this judgment.

Equivalent Section: the size of the hail stones.

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven,
every stone about the weight of a talent:.

Equivalent Section: the reaction of sinful lost men.

First Step: What they did.

and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail;

Second Step: Why.

for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

This is similar to the plague God sent on Egypt in Exodus 9:22-26.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the size of the hail stones and the Second Equivalent Section telling us the reaction of sinful lost men. You would think that they would learn by now, but the world is full of foolish people who stubbornly hold to wrong beliefs no matter what evidence is presented to them. 1Corinthians 2:14 says: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. So long as they use the reasoning methods of the natural man and of this world, they will keep reaping the results of being a fool.

I have read different modern weights which are supposed to match a talent. Regardless of the actual weight, these are large enough to destroy cars, building roofs and windows and many other physical items which men value and collect. God is trying to make these lost sinful men realize that nothing which they have in this world is worth going to Hell and the lake of fire. And, that is where they will end up if they continue with their false religion. However, instead of understanding, we read that they blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail. They have been convinced, by their false religion, that God has no right to judge their sin. However, instead of accepting that their false religion lied to them, they persist in their foolishness. God is making it clear to all men that their false religion can not protect them. And, yet, they choose to cling to the lie.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'And then from the sky great hail stones begin to fall, hail stones that weigh anywhere from 100 to 120 pounds each. Hail of rock, of earth, of fire and brimstone, and even ice (if any is left) as the Arctic and Antarctic are broken and shattered and flung into the atmosphere from such a great quake and volcanic explosions. this hail is far greater and more destructive than the plague that rained down upon Egypt, but we do get a sense of its destructive capabilities when we compare this world-ending hail to the normal hail of Egypt that God sent. Ex 9:22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand oward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
These stones rain down all over the earth, upon all those that curse and blaspheme God. God takes judgment upon these earthly blasphemers into His own hands, much like he told Israel to do in Le 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death. these blasphemers of God in the end times are stoned by God himself with great hailstones. But just like the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by the plagues upon Egypt, men’s hearts are also hardened at the last of the tribulation, and they blaspheme God all the more.'.

Please see the note for Revelation 8:7 about the word hail. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Particles of ice falling from the clouds. though hail is usually formed by natural causes not yet perhaps well understood, it is often referred to in scripture as one of the judgments of God. It formed one of the plagues in Egypt. Ex 9:18-34; Ps 78:47-48; 105:32; and is at times connected with fire or lightning. God smote the Amalekites by 'great stones' from heaven. Jos 10:11. the hail is called upon to praise Jehovah, because it fulfills His word. Ps 148:8; Isa 28:2,17; Hag 2:17. It will also form a notable part of the judgments of God in His future dealings with this guilty world. Re 8:7; 11:19; 16:21'. In addition to that definition, this word is also used as a greeting. And, a greeting is used to get someone's attention. Well, we can also say that a judgment of hail, from God, is designed to get people's attention turned to God.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:4-5 about the word stone. The functional definition for this word is: 'he same composition as a rock or a pebble but with a size between them'. Please also see the note for Luke 17:28-29 about the word brimstone. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone. Please also see the note for Luke 17:2 about the word millstone. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the phrase precious stones. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of stone.

Please see the note for 1Peter 1:7 about the word precious. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Of great price; costly; as a precious stone. 2. Of great value or worth; very valuable. She is more precious than rubies. Prov.3. 3. Highly valued; much esteemed. the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 1 Sam.3. 4. Worthless; in irony and contempt. Precious metals, gold and silver, so called on account of their value'.

Please see the note for John 6:7 about weights and measurements. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:10 about the word weighty.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:24 about the word talent. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'This was a weight used among the Jews, Greeks, and Romans, but varying exceedingly in different countries and in different parts of the same country. the Jewish talent is usually estimated at about 125 pounds troy weight, though others estimate it a little less then 114 pounds troy. the common Attic talent was equal, on the usual estimate, to about 56 lbs. 11 oz. troy. In the New Testament, a talent is a denomination of money, which was anciently reckoned by weight. the value of the talent, therefore, varied in different countries, in proportion to the different weights of the talent. the Jewish talent appear, from Ex 38:25-26, to have been equal to 3,000 shekels; and as the shekel is estimated at about fifty cents, the value of the talent would be about 1,5000 dollars. the Attic talent is usually reckoned at about 225 pounds sterling, or 1,000 dollars, though others make it only about 860 dollars. the talent spoken of in the New Testament is probably the Jewish, and is used only of an indefinitely large sum, Mt 18:24; 25:14-30'.

Please see the notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

Please see the note for Ephesians C2S2 about the word exceed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'ppr. Going beyond; surpassing; excelling; outdoing. 1. Great in extent, quantity or duration; very extensive. Cities were built an exceeding space of time before the flood. this sense is unusual. 2. adv. In a very great degree; unusually; as exceeding rich. the Genoese were exceeding powerful by sea. I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen.15.
EXCEE'DING, n. Excess; superfluity'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there fell. Re 8:7; 11:19; Ex 9:23-26; Jos 10:11; Isa 30:30; Eze 13:11,13; 38:21-22 blasphemed. Re 16:9,11; Isa 8:21 exp: Le 24:11. General references. exp: Ex 9:22; Job 38:23.'.

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Interpretive Study of Revelation 15-16

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation Chapter 15

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter Summary: the preperation for God's judgment upon the lost of the world.

Revelation Chapter 16

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter Summary: The pouring out of the vials of God's wrath.

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