Revelation 15:5-8

Strauss-' Comments
SECTION 48

Text Revelation 15:5-8

5 And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 and there came out from the temple the seven angles that had the seven plagues, arrayed with precious stone, pure and bright, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave unto the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and none was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels should be finished.

Initial Questions Revelation 15:5-8

1.

The imagery of Revelation 15:5 comes from the Temple. When was the Temple destroyed, and by whom?

2.

Get a Bible Dictionary and look up the terms - glory, power, and discuss in Revelation 15:8.

Revelation 15:5

John utilizes once more imagery from Exodus. The heavenly temple is described here as the tent of witness, as in Exodus 40:34, the tabernacle in the desert is so described. This tent of witness was opened.

Revelation 15:6

The seven angels came forth (out of the tent of witness) out of the tabernacle (vaou - shrine) having the seven plagues. The angels were clothed as priests. They wore garments symbolizing their purity. (Note that the imagery of the girded breast is found also in Revelation 1:13. It is priestly dress.)

Revelation 15:7

One of the living creatures gave to the seven angels seven bowls full of the anger (see Revelation 15:1) of the living God.. This took place around the throne of God. God was looking on!

Revelation 15:8

John's imagery comes from Isaiah 6:1 f. (There are other places where this imagery is used too.) The Temple was filled with smoke from the glory and power of God, and no man could (edunato- was able) enter into the temple, until should be finished (or completed) the seven plagues of the seven angels.

Discussion Questions

Chapter 15

1.

Discuss the two other cycles of judgment (chps. 5 thru Revelation 8:1; Revelation 8:2 thru 11).

2.

What was unique about the seven bowls of anger as a series of God's judgments?

3.

Read and discuss Exodus 14:31; Exodus 15:1-19 - the song of Moses mentioned in Revelation 15:3.

4.

Discuss the names used for God in Revelation 15:3-4 in view of the situation of the Christians - due to persecution.

5.

What does the Bible mean by the term fear when it is applied to God - Revelation 15:4?

6.

In what sense was the Old Testament Tabernacle a tent of witness (Exodus 40:34) - Revelation 15:5?

7.

According to Revelation 15:7 when could men enter again into the temple of God?