Revelation 16:1-21

The Seven Bowls

In the last chapter there was a pause of suspense, during which the angels of the 'plagues' were seen coming forth from the Presence of God to pour out His wrath. In this chapter the suspense is ended, and the angels pour out God's wrath into the earth.

1-9. The vision of the 'bowls' (RV) is parallel with that of the 'trumpets' (Revelation 8 f.). In each vision there are four preparatory judgments, falling upon the earth, the sea, the rivers and fountains, and the sun. But, in the 'trumpets,' it is the 'third part' that is affected; while in the 'bowls' it is the whole. At the fourth trumpet, the third part of the heavenly bodies are darkened; while at the fourth bowl, the sun blazes out with scorching heat. These differences are in harmony with the figure employed. The 'trumpets' herald the judgments, and give anticipations and warnings of them by calamities which foreshadow others. The first four trumpets and the first four bowls are parallel with the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12.) and with Matthew 24:29. They foretell judgments to fall upon the heathen world of the Roman empire (cp. Revelation 16:2) before, and leading up to, the destruction of Rome. As in the 'trumpets,' the description is partly derived from the plagues of Egypt. It is to be understood, not literally, but as figuring a time of intense calamity and terror.