Tyndale Open Study NotesRevelation 16

These seven bowls filled with God's wrath symbolize the final judgments on the world. With the seventh bowl, a voice from God's throne shouts, It is done! (Revelation 16:17; compare John 19:30).

The powerful voice likely belongs to God (also in Revelation 6:6; 9:13; 16:17; 18:4; 19:5; see Isaiah 66:6).

• The harmful sores remind us of the sixth plague in Egypt (Exodus 9:9–11).

• mark of the beast: See Revelation 13:13–17; 14:9–10.

The plagues of the second and third bowls are similar to the first plague of Egypt (Exodus 7:17–21). John may have thought about how much of Rome’s food and wealth came from the sea. After Julius Caesar cleared the sea of pirates, shipping became vital for Rome. Its end would mean economic collapse for the empire (see Revelation 18:17–19).

the angel of the waters: In Scripture, angels and archangels are shown to have special roles within the order of heaven (see Daniel 8:16; 9:21; 10:13, 21; 12:1; Luke 1:19, 26; see also 1 Enoch 66:1–2). This angel confirms that these judgments come from God, who is just and holy.

Punishing God's enemies is fair because they killed God's holy people and prophets. Since they shed blood, they must drink blood. The principle of lex talionis (the law of retribution), which is the basis of Roman and Jewish law, shows that God is completely fair in judging and rewarding people based on their actions (see Revelation 2:23; 11:18; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12, 13; 22:12).

I heard the altar reply: The response to the angel’s proclamation (Revelation 16:5–6) confirms God’s authority and justice. This praise during judgment reminds persecuted Christians that God cares about his suffering servants and fulfills his purpose in everything.

• The fourth bowl is different from the plagues of Egypt, earlier seals, or trumpets.

• the people were scorched: Contrast Revelation 7:16. Yet those who faced this judgment refused to repent or honor God (see Revelation 9:20–21; 16:11; compare 14:6–7); they even cursed God's name.

• the throne of the beast: John might be referring to Rome, the political power of his time. Built on seven hills (Revelation 17:9), Rome's empire stretched across the sea (13:1) and dominated the world (13:7).

• plunged into darkness: This is similar to the ninth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:22) and the fourth trumpet (Revelation 8:12).

• gnaw their tongues. … curse the God of heaven: Pain and anger caused these reactions to punishment (compare Matthew 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28).

The Euphrates, the largest river in Mesopotamia, lay between Babylon and Israel. It marked the eastern border of the Roman Empire. If it dried up, kings from the east could move their armies westward (compare Revelation 9:13–16). From John's perspective as an ancient Jewish writer, people would always associate these armies with Mesopotamia, not with countries farther east like China or India.

Three deceitful agents, evil spirits in the form of frogs, symbolize the demonic role of the evil trinity. Although evil powers fight against the Lord, God the Almighty, not any evil power, remains in control.

Readers are warned to stay alert because the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (see also Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:43; 25:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Being ready for his coming requires preparation. Those who are not prepared will lack proper clothing and will find themselves exposed (see Matthew 22:11–13). This imagery refers to two failing churches:

• lifeless Sardis, which is told to “wake up” (Revelation 3:2), and

• lukewarm Laodicea, which is advised to get proper clothing (Revelation 3:18).

The name Armageddon (or Harmagedon) likely comes from the Hebrew words har (which means “mountain” or “hill”) and Megiddo. Solomon fortified Megiddo along with Gezer in the south and Hazor in the north (1 Kings 9:15). The fortress of Megiddo stood on a hill in the largest pass through the Carmel range, strategically guarding the Jezreel Valley.

The city was on the Via Maris, the main highway between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Many armies used this route, making the site known for bloody battles. For example, Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah here on his way to fight the Assyrians (2 Kings 23:29). Armageddon became a symbol for the final conflict between God and the forces of evil.

When the seventh bowl is poured out, something unexpected happens. God's enemies gather for battle. But at the crucial moment, instead of a battle, there is a shout: It is done! Jesus spoke these same words from the cross when he completed his work (John 19:30). No one can ultimately fight against God. This scene shows the end of rebellion against God. What follows are different descriptions of the end.

This judgment scene repeats the events showing the world's destruction (Revelation 6:12–14; 11:13). It also hints at the final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15) when the earth will be taken apart to allow for a new creation (21:1; compare Isaiah 45:2; Romans 8:19–22).

• Despite the severity of these plagues, people around the world cursed God instead of understanding his reasons for the judgments (see Revelation 9:20; 16:9, 11).

• The terrible hailstorm reminds us of the seventh plague on Egypt (Exodus 9:23–24).