Contents Revelation 15 and 16 Next Study
Do You Want to Know the Future?
No.24.
This is a fearful subject, but it is part of God’s righteous judgment – the seven last plagues.
To give His people encouragement, chapter 15 begins with the victorious scene of the 144,000 standing on the sea of glass. We have studied this already so will not repeat it here, except to say that those who gain victory over “the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name” will be secure from sin and sinners for eternity. Revelation 15:2.
“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” Revelation 15:4.
The redeemed know that God is faithful to His promises, and they rejoice in His blessings -- men, women and children from all nations of the earth.
This text is not saying there will be sovereign nations as we know them today. God simply calls the multitudes of saved “the nations”. “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of…” God’s radiant glory. Revelation 21:24.
After seeing the saved safely in their glorious home, the prophet’s attention is turned to the temple, and he sees that it is “open”. Revelation 15:5.
This tells us that earth’s probation has closed. It came to an end when Jesus finished His work of judgment in the heavenly sanctuary.
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.
When Christ stands to His feet, seven angels are given golden vials (flasks) full of the wrath of God. These are the seven last plagues.
Before the angels are commissioned to begin their work, the “temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power.” Revelation 15:8.
This is important because everyone in heaven and those of us on earth must realise that in spite of the nature of the work about to be done, God is righteous.
The Father and Son sit upon the throne of the universe completely surrounded by brilliant light, but before the plagues are poured out, the glorious light increases. The English word “smoke” just means the radiance of God’s glory fills the air like smoke. Everyone leaves the temple, as “no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” Revelation 15:8.
Then a great voice speaks from the temple, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Revelation 16:1.
Does God enjoy this work? NO.
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…” Ezekiel 33:11. (This plea was to Israel, but it is to us all)
If you find it difficult to accept that wrath will be poured out upon men and women, go to Calvary. Look at God’s innocent Son suffering His Father’s wrath for your sins and mine.
If we can have righteous indignation over the treatment of man’s inhumanity to man in the torture of innocents, should not God have every right to feel the same? We are often horrified with the light sentence some men receive for horrendous crimes. But justice will be done, however, it must wait until God is on the throne of judgment.
The seven last plagues are not the final punishment for sin, but those living at the end must experience them, for God will “…put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.” Isaiah 59:17.
It is important to remember the overall picture.
The devil is working according to his agenda, and behind all the evil front organisations, he is planning to kill the remnant – the commandment-keeping Christians who remain alive. If he is successful, he plans to sit on the highest throne on earth and demand the worship and adoration of every person.
Thankfully he will not succeed, but that is his intention.
The final events of the prophecy, “as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” will be in progress. Relevation 13:15.
If you are alive and faithful to Jesus at this time, you will be the target.
When Christ finishes His work in the heavenly sanctuary and probation ends, no one else can be saved. The time of God’s grace has passed. It is the same as in the days of Noah; when the door of the ark was shut, it was too late.
Once probation closes for the whole world, the Spirit of God leaves the earth. It is by God’s Spirit that men and women are able to accept salvation, and when there is no longer a Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary, the Spirit’s work is over.
This means that any vestige of goodness and compassion will be removed from those with the “mark of the beast”.
It is through the work of God’s Spirit in our lives that we have the character traits of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance”, or self control. Galatians 5:22.23.
God’s faithful people will remain righteous for eternity, because the holy traits of God and His beloved Son have been inwrought into their characters before probation closes.
This is when the final decree is pronounced and our characters become fixed. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he which is righteous, let him be righteous still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11.
Those who are unjust and filthy will then be in total harmony with demons.
The remnant people are safe, but in their human frailty, they will feel very vulnerable. Their heavenly Comforter has been withdrawn, and they are fearful all their sins have not been confessed. Mighty angels are stationed around them, but invisible to the little companies of faithful people.
Although the plagues can not touch the remnant, demonic men and women will taunt and mock their apparent weakness. It will be a trying time, but faith will not fail. (We will talk more of this further on)
“And the first (angel) went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” Revelation 16:2.
There is no question this sore will be horrible. Both Greek words are used for anything bad or evil, however, ‘grievous’ includes being ‘painful’ and ‘irksome’.
Suddenly those who have the “mark of the beast” will see these sores appear on their bodies.
In a previous study we mentioned a possible parallel between the trumpets and the plagues. Many are very similar, and as the trumpets use the word “the third part”, it is possible the plagues are not universal.
This being a possibility, it could be that not everyone who has the “mark of the beast” will receive the plague of sores all over the world. The future alone will reveal the truth.
However, every person who has not surrendered to Jesus Christ can receive this first plague -- the heathen, the atheist, the agnostic alike. Those who have believed the ‘god of chance’ made our world through Darwinian evolution, will now find themselves without hope. Even men and women who claim to be Christians, who decide to keep the international religious law to honour Sunday, could see the telltale signs appear.
My friend, from our perspective today, we find this thought too dreadful to even consider. The reason is because we do not see our families, friends and acquaintances as demons. Indeed, most of them are not demonic. God is at this moment drawing them to Himself, longing for them to surrender.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
Our study relates to a future we cannot even imagine.
There are some people who believe the plagues will be the result of natural occurrences. The Bible says the angels pour the plagues upon the inhabitants, but this could be symbolic, for God can use natural disasters to fulfil His judgments. I personally believe they will be supernatural.
Do not forget that those who receive this plague have made a conscious decision to reject God and His truth, whether they believe the lie or simply go along with it.
“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” Revelation 16:3.
Pollution is causing great damage to the seas and oceans all over the world, and in certain places, thousands of dead fish have been washed up on the shore.
But this is not the fulfilment of the plague.
It has become popular for news reporters to use the word ‘apocalyptic’ when speaking of huge disasters, and as a result, many men and women believe the plagues are already falling around the world.
This is not so.
Notice that the second plague says the sea became “as the blood of a dead man”. Is this literal? There is no reason to doubt it. This is what God has said. Why try and turn it into a red algae as some do?
In fact, there is a reason for it to be real blood.
The second trumpet says, “and the third part of the sea became blood.” Revelation 8:8.
As we progress, you will see that the second, third, and fourth plagues are basically the same as the second, third, and fourth trumpets, with similarities to others. This being so, it is certainly a possibility that the plagues are not all over the earth at the same time.
After all, who would still be alive to suffer the remaining ones if each plague covered the whole earth?
“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” Revelation 16:4.
The third trumpet says the waters are simply “made bitter”, but again it is “the third part of the rivers… and… fountains of waters”. Revelation 8:10.11.
Although the trumpets appear to parallel the plagues, they do not change the specific details of the plagues themselves. As a type, they simply add a few details. (Remember types are never fulfilled exactly the same as their antitype, but they are the same in principle)
A third is a very large area of polluted drinking water. Drought conditions are affecting many nations today, but when this plague is poured out, there will be no water to drink.
Notice, the rivers and water tables become blood. This cannot be anything other than a divine judgment upon the source of water. We do not even want to imagine the horror of it.
How does Heaven feel about this plague?
“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. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, ‘Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” Revelation 16:5-7.
Yes, the waters are turned to literal blood.
Again, it is important to understand that you are I are being told by angelic beings that God is righteous, even when bringing about His judgments. We must accept this fact.
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” Revelation 16:8.9.
The fourth trumpet says the “third part of the sun was smitten”, so again, if it parallels the plague, it does not affect the whole earth. Revelation 8:12.
Those who experience the sun’s intense heat still refuse to give God the glory.
Before we progress any further, let us go back to the remnant.
Powerful angels protect them from the plagues, but these faithful ones will suffer too. When it is hot, they will feel it. When the earth is parched and dry, they will experience it. Dead fish smell. Dead animals and people will lie about the ground decomposing.
But God has promised, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys…” Isaiah 41:17.18.
“… bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16. (See also Isaiah 43:20) (The angels will provide for them)
God’s people also suffer mentally, as this is the time of Jacob’s Trouble.
You will remember that Jacob had deceived his father and brother, and at the suggestion of his mother fled from his home. Although Jacob repented of his sin and God blessed him, when he returned home many years later, his brother Esau was waiting for him. He had not forgotten Jacob’s deception.
Jacob feared for his life and his family. He divided his family into two groups, and then went by himself to pray. “Deliver me, I pray thee… from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.” Genesis 32:11.
During the night, an assailant took hold of Jacob. It was dark and he could not see him. Who was it? All he could do was defend himself. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” Genesis 32:24.
When Jacob realised he could not overpower his assailant, the man touched “the hollow of his thigh; and.. (it) ..was out of joint”. Genesis 32:25.
The thighbone is the strongest bone in the body, but at a touch, it was permanently disabled. Immediately Jacob realised he was not wrestling with a human being.
When it began to dawn, he was told, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” Jacob replied, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.
“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel…” Genesis 32:28.
Jacob called the place ‘Peniel’, which in Hebrew means, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30.
The patriarch was not wrestling God the Father, but with His only begotten Son, the Father’s representative throughout the Old Testament. This was the same “Son of God” who walked with the three worthies in the fiery furnace, and the One who ate with Abraham under the oak in Mamre. Daniel 3:25. Genesis 18:1. Being begotten of God, the Son is divine and can truly be called ‘God’.
Jacob’s experience is a type of the reality the remnant will go through during the plagues, although they will not have a physical assailant. They will be wrestling their own minds. They have been very sinful, and though repentant, are fearful. They long for God’s blessing upon them, and like Jacob, wrestle and pray for it.
This is their cup of suffering and they must go through it.
“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7.
As Jacob came through victorious, so will these saints of God.
Even before the commencement of the plagues, the governments of the world have planned to destroy the Christian men and women who keep the commandments of God.
In fact, plans are being made, even now as you read.
There will be many martyrs before probation closes, but the final thrust to completely eradicate these ‘stubborn’ Sabbath-keeping Christians from the earth will not take place until after God seals them for eternity.
In other words, probation will close, but the evil work will continue.
No one will know when that probationary line is crossed. God will suddenly ‘shut the door’. The wicked have no idea their probation has closed, and they will continue on as if nothing has happened.
When the plagues begin, the world leaders will become infuriated, eager for their plans to be completed. Working around the clock globally, they will put the final details in place.
On a set day, at midnight, the armies of this world will make their swoop and all the Sabbath-keepers will die….
If you are a student of history, you cannot help but see the parallel of Adolf Hitler and his extermination of Sabbath-keepers during World War II. Yes, they were Jewish men, woman and children, but the Holocaust was not these alone. Millions of Christians were also murdered, and the majority were Sabbath-keepers.
As the date is broadcast around the world, the remnant people who are not in prison, will flee. This is a fulfilment of Jesus’ words, “Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains… But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day…” Matthew 24:16.20.
Remember, this is a double prophecy. First to the Christians in Jerusalem and Judea, and secondly to Christians at the end of the world. When the antitypical “abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand(s) in the holy place…” flee. Matthew 24:15.
The parallel verse in Mark says “standing where it ought not”, and in Luke “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation is nigh.” Mark 13:14. Luke 21:20.
The type refers to pagan Rome under Titus, and the destruction of Jerusalem. Every Christian fled, and not one died in the siege. In the antitype it refers to papal Rome, and not one Christian will die under the death decree. But we need to obey Jesus and flee to the mountains and forests for protection.
Again let us go back to Bible history because there is another parallel – the experience of Esther.
If you know the story, you will recall that Haman hated Esther’s uncle Mordecai because he refused to bow to him. You see, Esther and Mordecai were Jews, but King Ahaseurus did not know it. He had married the most beautiful girl in the world and did not know her religion.
Eventually, Haman worked out a scheme to have all the Jews of Shushan killed. He even wrote a decree, which he stealthily had the king sign.
Mordecai found out about it, and told Esther to pray for her people, saying she would no more escape than any Jew. But he added, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14.
Esther fasted and prayed for three days and nights.
Then the queen invited the king and Haman to a banquet. Ahasuerus asked, “What wilt thou, queen Esther? And what is thy request?” Esther 5:3.
Her answer was to invite them both to a second banquet where she planned to tell him her request.
The next evening, the king asked again, “What is thy petition, queen Esther?” Esther 7:2.
She replied, “… let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: for we are sold, I am my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish….” Esther 7:3.4.
The king is horrified. “Who is he… that durst presume in his heart to do so?” Esther 7:5. Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.” Esther 7:6. (Read the whole story in the book of Esther)
As a result, Haman is hanged, and Mordecai takes his place next to the king.
On the day of the decreed execution, “the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house… Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.” Esther 9:2-5.
This event is a type of the experience of God’s people during the plagues. Being a type, not every detail will take place in exactly the same way. For instance, the remnant will not fight for their lives and destroy their enemies. God will do that in His own time and His own way.
However, the principle is the same. God’s faithful Sabbath-keeping people will have a death decree passed against them, with a set date for their destruction.
The invitation is given, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…” Isaiah 26:20.21. (This text can also apply later)
“He shall hide me in his pavillion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me…” Psalm 27:5.
Oh how thankful we can be for God’s protection.
In our present timeline of the plagues, the remnant are still going through their baptism of suffering and pleading for protection.
Plague 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
( Jacob’s Trouble )
CP________________________________________________________________________SC
(Close Probation) (Second Coming)
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; 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.” Revelation 16:10.11.
This is punishment on the Papacy.
Remember, God called His people out of Babylon that they “receive not of her plagues”. Revelation 18:4. Praise God for His mercy.
This must be a horrendous plague, as it causes the inmates of Rome to gnaw “their tongues for pain”. It seems the thick darkness is painful. And notice, it is additional to the sores. (Now we know some who received the first plague)
The darkness of this plague is appropriate, as the Papacy has kept the light of truth from the people for almost two thousand years. (Remember the Dark Ages!)
“It is against Babylon, that site on the seven hills, that the saints are forewarned; it is for worshiping the beast and his image pre-eminently, that ‘the vials of the wrath of God, that liveth and abideth forever’, are destined to be outpoured upon the nations.” Two Babylons. Alexander Hislop. p285. 7th edition.
The choice is ours my friends.
“Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing (or cutting) whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.” Jeremiah 30:23.24. (These verses also apply later)
(Many years ago when a friend was giving out Christian literature in the city of Melbourne, she was accosted by a Catholic priest. He said, ‘Stop handing those things out. We know who you are and what you are doing? You have no idea what we have in mind for you?’ She replied without missing a beat, ‘And you have no idea what God has in mind for you’. She did not see him again)
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” Revelation 16:12.
Again we need to go back to Bible history.
You will remember that the city of Babylon was situated on the River Euphrates. It ran right through the middle, a security in case of siege. This was the lifeline for the inhabitants of the city.
But what happened?
The Medo-Persian army drained the river, marched on the riverbed, and took the city. The parallel is obvious when we remember that water in prophecy represents people.
Babylon represents the spiritual city of Rome. The river is its lifeline, the Catholic people. When “the great river Euphrates” is dried up, her support is gone.
Why this change? What happened?
Frankly I do not know, except that the plague is poured on the river, which represents the people who support Rome, the ‘religious’ people, those who bow before her altars, go to mass, confess to the priest and adore the saints.
There are many others who are supporters, but not for religious reasons. Instead their allegiance is secular, mercenary constraints.
However, it is possible that having seen the fifth plague poured upon Vatican City, the people begin to doubt if Rome is all she has claimed to be.
Whatever it is, her devotees turn from the church. Just imagine -- billions of people turning from the great ‘Mother’ church. This includes the apostate Protestant churches, those ‘separated brethren’ who have ‘come back home’. They are now a part of Babylon.
Think about it.
Every professing Christian denomination, who only a short while earlier had fully turned their hearts to Rome, will now reject the Papacy and its leadership.
Suddenly, Rome’s support is dried up.
There is no question those who had been students of Revelation would realise the plagues had begun, and when they see the thick darkness fall upon the city of Rome, they know they have been deceived. (Others may realise it earlier)
Oh, what a horror will come over their minds.
Can you imagine the devout suddenly realising the Catholic Church is responsible for their loss of salvation?
Human nature being what it is, men and women will blame their families and friends, those who led them, taught them, instructed them, persuaded them against the truth.
It will be an appalling time.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.” Zechariah 14:13. (Old Testament prophecies are now fulfilled universally relating to the Christian Church, rather than locally with the Jewish nation. Of course, Jewish people will also be involved)
Angry, hateful voices will scream out blasphemies against God, and obscenities against all around them. Many will search for their priests or pastors, and hideous, frightful deeds will be carried out.
Even worse, the bodies of those who have deceived God’s people will decompose while they remain alive.
“And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.” Zechariah 14:12. (Remember, Jerusalem in a New Testament setting refers to the Christian Church, and at this time it will be the remnant)
Something else will happen at this time.
Many will become anxious about their salvation. This is the fulfilment of the five foolish virgins returning to the marriage, but the door is shut. “Lord, lord, open to us.” Matthew 25:11.
Even though the opportunity to be saved has passed, it will be urgent in their minds to learn the truth. If they were living in Noah’s day, they would have been banging on the door of the ark.
This is also a fulfilment of the prophecy given to Philadelphia, “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation 3:9. (In a New Testament setting, these are foolish virgins, claiming to be Christian, when actually they were still of the world and unconverted)
It will not be an easy task to find the remnant, as the majority will be hiding in the mountains or locked away in prison cells. But they will run about frantically trying to find them. This too is prophesied.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11.12.
If they are able to find the hidden believers, they will plead with them to explain the plan of salvation. Not able to receive help, they will fling themselves at the feet of the saints, begging their instruction.
But it is too late.
There is nothing to say.
Do you see why it is so important to learn now?
God is patiently giving the third angel’s message to the world, but few want to hear.
Let us come back to the drying of the river Euphrates.
It is interesting that the river Euphrates in Iraq is actually drying up. A newspaper article parallelled it to Revelation as a fulfilment of prophecy. But it is not a fulfilment of the prophecy. It is simply a warning that the end is close.
The Bible says the river will be dried up, “that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” Revelation 16:12. This is the coming of the Lord.
In Daniel, we read that “tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble” the Papacy, and it was explained that this is the time of the latter rain when the Antichrist knows his deception will be open to all the world. Daniel 11:44.
(You will remember that the Bible shows the Spirit of God coming from the east to seal His people, and that the great city of God is in the north. Revelation 7:2. Psalm 48:1.2. Ezekiel 1:4)
When the papal support is removed, the time is near for Jesus to return and take His people from this dying world. Oh how God’s people will long for heaven then!
Of course, when the devil sees that the Papacy has lost its support, he is furious.
What does he do?
“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. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:13.14.
The frogs come from the mouth of the devil: the clandestine organisations of world leaders; the mouth of the beast: the Holy See of the Vatican; and the mouth of the false prophet: the Oval Office of the United States -- a three-fold union to deceive every person possible.
What will these ‘frogs’ do?
First of all, they are not literal frogs, and in this setting they are not nice little creatures. They are demons working miracles, and it is obviously an attempt to gain the support of those who have withdrawn their allegiance from Rome. And certainly it will be to bolster the support of the non-Christian world.
Satan will be frantic and will double his efforts to bring his plans to fruition.
The text says the devil works his miracles “to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty”. Revelation 16:14.
This is the battle of Armageddon.
Before we look at this battle, notice what has been inserted between the two verses. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15. (This is between Revelation 16:14 and 17, both dealing with Armageddon)
We are the ones who need to watch, although the suffering remnant must remain vigilant in the plagued-infested world. The text is a warning to us, however, it does not mean Jesus will come stealthily. It will be unexpected only for those who are not watching.
“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief… Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4.6.
Let us heed the warning.
The prophet continues. “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Revelation 16:16.
This is probably the most well-known word in the Bible, but it is one of the most misunderstood. In the Hebrew it is har Megiddo, or Mount Megiddo, but it is a combination not in the Old Testament, except by implication. The Hebrew word har means mountain, range of mountains, or a hill. Placing it with Megiddo makes it a symbolic name Megiddow (another form of the word) means ‘to crowd, to assemble, gather troops together’.
Megiddo was city in Jezreel, as shown on the next page. It was situated on a hill, and was a great fortress, typical of many Canaanite cities. Megiddo’s thick walls, and its cleverly designed gate defended this rocky hill with storage pits for grain and a shaft and tunnel which gave access to the city’s water supply during times when the city was besieged. The New Illustrated Bible Atlas. Joseph Rhymer p20.
Many Christians believe the nations of the world will gather together in the valley of Megiddo for battle, fulfilling the battle of Armageddon.
But this is not so.
Armageddon is symbolic of the gathering of the nations to destroy the remnant. Apart from those in prison cells, God’s people will need to be searched out from caves of forests and mountains, all over the world. Armed soldiers, with modern technology, will hasten to put them to death.
There is no doubt men will be fighting each other everywhere, but the devil’s aim is to gather the people together, in the sense of uniting them, to achieve his aim.
Notice, this is “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Revelation 16:14.
God is on one side and the devil is on the other.
Guess who is in the middle?
Yes, the remnant.
We need not be afraid, for God has given us a promise for this very time.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty; I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways…..
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91.
We have now come to the seventh plague.
Can you imagine what the earth looks like by this time?
“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” Jeremiah 25:32.33.
Not a pretty sight.
“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done’.” Revelation 16:17.
Imagine hearing the voice of God rolling around the earth.
“It is done.”
Life on this planet is over.
This is the last of the plagues and it is universal, all over the world.
“And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” Revelation 16:18.
Mysterious voices will be heard everywhere, demons venting their anger. Lightning flashes around the globe and thunder crashes. It is a storm we cannot imagine. Trying to hide from the elements, men and women will find the ground beneath their feet open up and they will disappear into the depths of the earth.
“But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.” Jeremiah 10:10.
Those who are still alive will see Rome’s utter destruction, for “the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” Revelation 16:19.
Notice, it is not only the final collapse of Rome, but every other city falls too. If news reporters were to experience this plague, they could rightly use the word ‘apocalyptic’, for this is the appropriate place for it. But by this time, no reporter will be reporting anything, for there will be no reporters, no news, no television, no radio, no newspapers -- only men and women trying to save their lives.
“And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” Revelation 16:20.
During large disasters, frightened people often say, ‘I thought it was the end of the world’. Well, this time it is the end of the world.
“And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent…” Revelation 16:21.
There is some confusion over the actual weight of a Biblical talent. Some say it is one hundred pounds or 45 kilograms. Others half that, 50 pounds or 22.67 kilograms. Hail stones the size of tennis balls cause great damage, so whatever the actual weight, if one falls upon you, it will kill you.
How do men react?
“… and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” Revelation 16:21.
Where are the world leaders and their death decree now?
It is all over.
All Satan and his evil angels can do is moan and cry out in frustration and utter fury. The battle of Armageddon was brought to an abrupt stop – temporarily.
The faithful remnant were spared.
“Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty… Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it…
And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity… Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.” Isaiah 13:6.9.11.13.
The seventh plague will destroy the earth, leaving everything a complete ruin. Amazing as it may seem, there will be men and women still alive who were intent on destroying the remnant. But now their eyes have turned to the sky.
Why?
Jesus is coming.