Revelation 16: God’s Wrath and Redemption

As God’s children, we are witnessing corruption unfold on an unimaginable scale, and we join the host of heaven in longing for His justice to be carried out in the earth. Yet even in the midst of our yearning, 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) reminds us, “The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” God’s patient mercy calls upon us to remember that His ultimate desire is for all to turn to Him before it’s too late.

The preceding chapter, Revelation 15, introduced the seven bowl judgments, and in Revelation 16, we witness the devastating consequences when these bowls of God’s righteous wrath are poured out upon an unbelieving world. The severity of these judgments reflects the atrociousness of their sin and rebellion against our Heavenly Father. However, the bowl judgments also reveal God’s incredible mercy, still offering unbelievers an opportunity to repent, turn from their evil ways, and accept His grace and love. 

The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath

In Revelation 16:1 (NLT), John tells us, “Then I heard a mighty voice from the temple say to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth.’” These seven bowls the angels are carrying contain God’s final judgment. It will be like the days of Noah when those who worship evil and darkness will be removed from the earth. It’s a time when sin and rebellion will be fully confronted. 

Each of these seven judgments will come in the form of a plague, similar to the plagues that God sent on Egypt in the time of Moses. In Revelation 16, they become even more intense and direct. As the bowls are poured out, we see horrific suffering and widespread destruction. However, it’s important to remember that these plagues aren’t random acts of violence. They are God’s just and righteous response to the evil and rebellion that has overtaken the world. These judgments are part of His larger plan to remove all evil and bring about a new heaven and a new earth. Each judgment is a step toward restoring everything, where righteousness will reign, and the effects of sin will be wiped away.

The First Bowl – Ugly Sores

Revelation 16:2 (NLT) says, “So the first angel left the Temple and poured out his bowl on the earth, and horrible, festering sores broke out on everyone who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue.” The first bowl brings painful and ugly sores on the people who had accepted the mark of the beast. This is a tough one to stomach, but it points to the consequences of choosing to worship the antichrist. These sores symbolize the ultimate physical and spiritual fallout of rejecting and rebelling against God. This isn't the first time such a judgment has occurred. Similar plagues are seen in the Old Testament, like the boils God sent on Egypt in Exodus 9:10 (NLT): “As Pharaoh watched, Moses threw the soot into the air, and boils broke out on people and animals alike.” God’s justice against sin is consistent, reminding us that sin always comes with a cost.

The Second Bowl – The Sea Turns to Blood

When the second bowl is poured out, the sea turns to blood, killing all living creatures in it. Revelation 16:3 (NLT) says, “Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and everything in the sea died.” This reminds us of the corruption and death that sin brings to creation. In the Old Testament, the sea often represents chaos and destruction, like in the story of Noah’s flood. Genesis 7:17-21 (NLT) says, “17 For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high above the earth. 18 As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. 19 Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth, 20 rising more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks. 21 All the living things on earth died—birds, domestic animals, wild animals, small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people.” Similarly, in the second trumpet judgment, one-third of the sea creatures are killed, showing the devastating and far-reaching consequences of God’s judgment. The turning of the sea to blood is a powerful image of the destruction sin causes, affecting not just humanity but all of creation.  Ultimately, it points to a future time when God will bring an end to this corruption.

Third Bowl – The Rivers and Springs Turn to Blood

The third bowl is a similar judgment: all the rivers and freshwater sources turn to blood. Revelation 16:4 (NLT) says, “Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs, and they became blood.” Similarly, in the Old Testament, Exodus 7:20-21 (NLT), God turned the Nile into blood as a judgment against Egypt: “20 So Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded them. As Pharaoh and all his officials watched, Moses raised his staff over the water of the Nile, and the whole river turned to blood. 21 The fish in the river died, and the water became so foul that the Egyptians couldn't drink it. There was blood everywhere throughout the land of Egypt.” In Revelation, the turning of all the waters to blood signifies that God is now judging the entire world, not just one nation. The bloody water will be God’s response to the shedding of blood of His people, saints and prophets that were murdered and beheaded for their testimony of Christ before and during the tribulation.

The Fourth Bowl – Scorching Heat

Revelation 16:8-9 (NLT) states, “8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire. 9 Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory.” The fourth bowl brings scorching heat, bearing down and burning people with a vengeance. None of us can imagine the misery and suffering. They will long to soothe their sores with cool water, or to have a drink of clean water to quench their thirst, but the water supply will be contaminated with blood. The wicked will admit that our Almighty God has control of the plagues, but they will still refuse to repent of their sins. This rebellious attitude mirrors that of Pharaoh during the plagues in the Old Testament, who repeatedly hardened his heart despite the incredible demonstration of God’s power. Both then and now, God's judgment reveals the deep stubbornness of the human heart when it refuses to acknowledge God's authority and turn to Him in repentance.

The Fifth Bowl – Darkness

Revelation 16:10-11 (NLT) tells us, “10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, 11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.” The fifth bowl judgment is a turning point as the attention shifts to God’s dealing specifically with the antichrist. Darkness will consume the antichrist’s kingdom, an image befitting those who have chosen evil over God; they will be living in a world where God’s light no longer shines. 

In the Old Testament, darkness often symbolized God's judgment, like in the ninth plague on Egypt when pharaoh refused to let God’s people go. Exodus 10:21-23, (NLT) says “21 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Lift your hand toward heaven, and the land of Egypt will be covered with a darkness so thick you can feel it.” 22 So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. 23 During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived.” The darkness that will fall upon the antichrist’s kingdom will be even more intense, with no light to be found. It will be a darkness that envelops everything, symbolizing complete separation from God and His presence. Imagine the overwhelming anxiety and fear of being trapped in such utter darkness, with no escape or relief.

The prophet Joel also talks about a darkness unlike anything the world has ever known. In Joel 2:2 (NLT), he describes it as, “It is a day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick clouds and deep blackness. Suddenly, like dawn spreading across the mountains, a great and mighty army appears. Nothing like it has been seen before or will ever be seen again.” This passage gives us a glimpse of the terrifying darkness of the final judgment, showing us that the suffering and desolation will far exceed anything we've ever known.

Our Heavenly Father is the only One deserving of praise and worship, yet these people will curse and blaspheme His holy name, blaming Him as the Source of their agony. Instead of repenting of their sins or taking responsibility for their wrongdoing, they will persist in their defiance. This is the height of arrogance, and as Proverbs 16:18 warns that arrogance leads to destruction, their refusal to humble themselves will only lead to their eventual ruin.

The Sixth Bowl – The Euphrates River Dried Up

Next, the sixth bowl is poured out, and the Euphrates River dries up, making way for the kings of the east to march toward the final battle. Revelation 16:12 (NLT) says, “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance.” This event sets the stage for the battle of Armageddon, where all the forces of evil will gather to fight against God’s Kingdom.

The drying up of the Euphrates could be viewed as God clearing the path for His judgment to unfold. It’s reminiscent of Old Testament stories where rivers or paths symbolized God’s control over history and destiny. In Isaiah 11:15 (NLT), for example, it says, “The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea. He will wave his hand over the Euphrates River and send a mighty wind to divide it into seven streams so that it can be crossed on foot.”Just as God has done in the past, He clears the way for His Will to be accomplished, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of His judgment and ultimate victory.

The Seventh Bowl – The Final Judgment

Revelation 16:17 (NLT) tells us, “Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a mighty voice came from the throne in the Temple, saying, ‘It is finished!’” Finally, the seventh bowl is poured out! This marks the end of God’s wrath and the beginning of His ultimate victory. As a result, the earth experiences thunder, lightning, and a massive earthquake that is unlike anything the world has ever seen. This final judgment reminds us of God's power and sovereignty over all things.

This final scene also echoes Jesus’ words on the cross, when he cried out, “It is finished!” as recorded in John 19:30. In that moment, his work of redemption was complete. However, in Revelation, the phrase marks a different but equally significant moment—the completion of God's judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. While Jesus' cry on the cross signified the fulfillment of His redemptive mission, the declaration in Revelation signals the end of God's wrath and the final victory over evil, ushering in the everlasting reign of His Kingdom.

A Call to Repentance

Even in the midst of these judgments, Revelation 16 gives us a glimpse of God’s mercy. In verses 9 and 11, people still refuse to repent. Despite the suffering, their hearts remain hardened. This is a warning to us all: even in times of great trial, we have the choice to turn to God. His offer of forgiveness is always available, but we must choose to accept it.

The seven bowls remind us of both God's righteousness and His judgment. They also speak to the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over all evil. These plagues, while terrifying, are a final step in God’s plan of restoration. They show us the seriousness of sin and the dire consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.

Throughout Revelation, especially in the seven bowls, we see a strong connection to the Old Testament. Think about the plagues in Egypt or the many promises of God’s judgment against sin; the themes of His justice and mercy run deep. God has been revealing His character through these events for centuries, and in Revelation, we see His plan coming to a head, fulfilling everything that was foretold long before. It's the culmination of His masterful plan that's been unfolding since the very beginning.

Let this chapter serve as both a warning and a reminder of God's promise to make all things new. As we live in anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan, we should join the redeemed in heaven in declaring, “Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty.” Let us live lives that reflect His holiness and justice, offering ourselves as vessels of worship and surrender. Our actions should be a constant reminder of His greatness and the hope we have in His coming Kingdom. ■

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“Revelation 16: God’s Wrath and Redemption”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.