DRAWING NEAR
A friend asks you, “If God is so good, why is there so much evil in the world?” How do you respond?
[Your Response Here]
These chapters remind us that God is sovereign and that all events (past, present, and future) are under His control. How does this truth encourage you?
[Your Response Here]
THE CONTEXT
Throughout history, God’s people have wondered why God has allowed evil in the world. The wicked often appear to prosper. Sin seemingly runs wild and unchecked. Why, people ask, does God not stop all the carnage, corruption, and chaos in the world? Why does He allow His children to suffer? When will divine justice prevail and the righteous be delivered and the wicked punished?
All the pain, sorrow, suffering, and evil in the world cause the godly to long for God to intervene. A day is coming when He will break His silence, a day when all the purposes of God concerning men and the world will be consummated. At this time, the Lord Jesus Christ will return and establish His earthly kingdom. The sounding of the seventh trumpet, which heralds the imminent return and reign of Christ, will usher in that long-anticipated day.
But before that seventh trumpet sounds there will be an interlude, described in 10:1–11:14. This pause gives John and his readers the occasion to assimilate the startling truths that have just been revealed. It also serves to encourage God’s people in the midst of the fury and horror of divine judgment, reminding them that God is still sovereign. During the interlude, God comforts His people with the assurance that He has not forgotten them and that they will ultimately be victorious. The sounding of the seventh trumpet marks the end of this interlude and results in the seven rapid-fire catastrophic bowl judgments described later in chapters 15 and 16.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Two Witnesses: These are individuals granted special power and authority by God to preach a message of judgment and salvation during the second half of the Tribulation. Fulfilling the Old Testament requirement of two or more witnesses to confirm testimony (see Deut. 19:15; John 8:17; Heb. 10:28), these two prophets will represent the culmination of God’s testimony to Israel: a two-pronged message of His judgment and His gracious offer of the gospel to all who will repent and believe. While it is impossible to be dogmatic about the identity of these two witnesses, several observations suggest they might be Moses and Elijah: (1) like Moses, they strike the earth with plagues, and like Elijah, they have the power to keep it from raining; (2) Jewish tradition expected both Moses and Elijah to return in the future; (3) both Moses and Elijah were present at the Transfiguration, the preview of Christ’s second coming; (4) both Moses and Elijah used supernatural means to provoke repentance; (5) Elijah was taken up alive into heaven, and God buried Moses’ body where it would never be found; and (6) the length of the drought the two witnesses bring (three-and-one-half-years; see 11:3, 6) is the same as that brought by Elijah.
UNLEASHING THE TEXT
Read 10:1–11:19, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
1 I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
another mighty angel (v. 1)—Many commentators understand this to be Jesus Christ. But the Greek word translated “another” means one of the same kind, that is, a created being. This is not one of the seven angels responsible for sounding the trumpets (8:2), but one of the highest ranking in heaven, filled with splendor, greatness, and strength (see 5:2; 8:3; 18:1).
rainbow (v. 1)—See 4:3. Perhaps God included this to remind John that, even in judgment, He will always remember His Noahic Covenant and protect His own.
feet like pillars of fire (v. 1)—This angel’s feet and legs indicate the firm resolve with which he will execute the Day of the Lord.
2 He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
little book (v. 2)—The seven-sealed scroll that is the title deed to the earth (see 5:1) will be fully opened and all the final judgments made visible.
right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land (v. 2)—Although Satan has temporarily usurped the sea and the earth, this symbolic act demonstrates that all creation belongs to the Lord and He rules it with sovereign authority.
3 and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.
4 Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”
Seal up (v. 4)—John was told he must conceal the message of the seven thunders until God’s time (see 22:10).
5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven
raised up his hand (v. 5)—This Greek verb appears often in the technical sense of raising the hand to take an oath or a solemn vow. The hand is raised toward heaven because that is where God dwells. The angel is taking an oath.
6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,
there should be delay no longer (v. 6)—This initiates the last plagues of the Day of the Lord (11:15), indicating that the time the disciples anticipated has come. The prayers of the saints will be answered (6:9–11).
7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
the mystery (v. 7)—This is a Greek term meaning “to shut” or “to close.” In the New Testament, a “mystery” is a truth that God concealed but has revealed through Christ and His apostles. Here the mystery is the final consummation of all things as God destroys sinners and establishes His righteous kingdom on earth.
as He declared (v. 7)—This mystery, though not fully revealed, was declared to God’s prophets.
8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.”
9 So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”
Take and eat it (v. 9)—This act graphically illustrates taking in God’s Word. John’s physical reactions demonstrate what every believer’s proper response to God’s judgment should be—sweet anticipation of God’s glory and our victory, and at the same time, the bitterness of seeing God’s wrath poured out on those who reject His Son.
your stomach bitter (v. 9)—As he truly digests what the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments hold in store for the sinner, John becomes nauseated.
sweet as honey in your mouth (v. 9)—But still God’s final victory and vindication are sweet realities to the believer.
10 Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.
11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
prophesy again (v. 11)—a call for John to warn men about the bitter judgment in the seventh trumpet and the seven bowls
11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
a reed (11:1)—This refers to a hollow, bamboo-like cane plant that grew in the Jordan Valley. Because of its light weight and rigidity, it was commonly used as a measuring rod. Measuring the temple signified God’s ownership of it (see 21:15).
the temple of God (v. 1)—refers to the Holy of Holies and the Most Holy Place, not the entire temple complex (see v. 2); a rebuilt temple will exist during the time of the Tribulation
altar (v. 1)—The reference to worshipers suggests this is the bronze altar in the courtyard, not the incense altar in the Most Holy Place, since only the priests were permitted inside the Most Holy Place.
2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
court which is outside (v. 2)—This refers to the court of the Gentiles, separated from the inner court in the Herodian temple by a low wall. Gentiles were forbidden to enter the inner court on penalty of death. That John is instructed not to measure the outer court symbolizes God’s rejection of the unbelieving Gentiles who have oppressed His covenant people.
tread the holy city underfoot (v. 2)—Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome all oppressed Jerusalem in ancient times (see 2 Kings 25:8–10; Ps. 79:1; Isa. 63:18; Lam. 1:10). This verse refers to the future devastating destruction and oppression of Jerusalem by the forces of the Antichrist.
forty-two months (v. 2)—This three-and-one-half-year period covers the second half of the Tribulation and coincides with the visibly evil career of the Antichrist (v. 3; 12:6; 13:5). During this same time, the Jews will be sheltered by God in the wilderness (12:6, 14).
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
one thousand two hundred and sixty days (v. 3)—forty-two months or three and one-half years (see 12:6; 13:5; see v. 2)
sackcloth (v. 3)—This was a coarse, rough cloth made from goat or camel hair. Wearing garments made from it expressed penitence, humility, and mourning (see 2 Sam. 3:31; 2 Kings 6:30; Esth. 4:1; Isa. 22:12; Jer. 6:26; Matt. 11:21). The witnesses are mourning because of the wretched wickedness of the world, God’s judgment on it, and the desecration of the temple and the holy city by the Antichrist.
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.
two olive trees and the two lampstands (v. 4)—Olive oil was commonly used in lamps; together the olive trees and lampstands symbolize the light of spiritual revival. The two witnesses’ preaching will spark a revival, just as Joshua’s and Zerubbabel’s did in Israel after the Babylonian captivity.
5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
fire proceeds . . . and devours (v. 5)—This probably refers to literal fire. These two will be invincible during their ministry, protected by supernatural power. The false prophet will counterfeit this sign (13:3).
6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
power to shut heaven (v. 6)—Miracles have often authenticated God’s messengers. The three-and-one-half-year drought they will bring (as Elijah did before them) will add immeasurable torment to those experiencing the worldwide disasters of the Tribulation and it will increase their hatred of the two witnesses.
waters to turn them to blood (v. 6)—The earth’s water, already devastated by the effects of the second and third trumpets, will become undrinkable, adding immensely to the suffering caused by the drought.
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
the beast (v. 7)—The first of 36 references to this person in Revelation, who is none other than the Antichrist (see ch. 13). That he will ascend out of the bottomless pit indicates that his power is satanic.
kill them (v. 7)—Their ministry completed, God will withdraw the two witnesses’ supernatural protection. The beast will then be able to accomplish what many had died trying to do.
8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
bodies will lie in the street (v. 8)—Refusing to bury one’s enemies was a way to dishonor and show contempt for them. The Old Testament expressly forbids this practice.
the great city (v. 8)—Identifying Jerusalem as a city like Sodom and Egypt stresses the city’s wickedness. Its Jewish population will apparently be the focus of the witnesses’ ministry, leading to the conversions of verse 13.
9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.
three-and-a-half days (v. 9)—The entire world will watch (undoubtedly on the latest form of visual media) and glorify the Antichrist as the bodies of the dead prophets who have been killed begin to decay.
10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
rejoice . . . make merry . . . send gifts (v. 10)—Wild with joy over the death of their tormentors, those who dwell on the earth (a phrase used eleven times in Revelation to speak of unbelievers) will celebrate the two witnesses’ deaths as a holiday.
11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.
breath of life from God entered them (v. 11)—The festivities, however, are short-lived as God vindicates His faithful witnesses by resurrecting them.
12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
ascended to heaven in a cloud (v. 12)—Some may wonder why God will not allow them to preach, assuming their message would have more force following their resurrection. But that ignores Christ’s clear statement to the contrary (Luke 16:31).
enemies saw them (v. 12)—Those who hated and dishonored the two witnesses will watch their vindication.
13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
earthquake (v. 13)—God punctuates the ascension of His prophets with a shattering earthquake. The destruction and loss of life may be primarily among the leaders of the Antichrist’s forces.
the rest (v. 13)—This refers to the Jews still living, who will not yet have come to faith in Christ.
gave glory to the God of heaven (v. 13)—a genuine experience of the salvation of Jews, in contrast to those who blaspheme and refuse to glorify God (16:9); this makes a key fulfillment of Zechariah’s and Paul’s prophecies (Zech. 12:10; 13:1; Rom. 11:25–27)
14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
second woe (v. 14)—This refers to the sixth trumpet (see 9:12). The interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets ends (see 10:1). Israel’s repentance will shortly usher in the millennial kingdom (Acts 3:19–21; Rom. 11:25–26). But first will come the final, climactic judgments.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
seventh angel sounded (v. 15)—The seventh trumpet includes the seven bowls, the final judgments depicted in chapter 16, and all the events leading up to the establishing of the millennial kingdom (ch. 20) and the coronation of Jesus as King (ch. 19).
kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (v. 15)—The singular (“kingdom”) is the preferred reading. Despite its many political and cultural divisions, the Bible views the world spiritually as one kingdom, with one ruler—Satan (John 12:31). Following Satan’s lead, the human rulers of this world are generally hostile to Christ (Ps. 2:2). The long rebellion of the world kingdom will end with the victorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ to defeat His enemies and establish His messianic kingdom (Dan. 2:44). This kingdom also belongs to God the Father (see Dan. 4:3; 6:26).
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
One who is and who was (v. 17)—The final phrase, “who is to come,” (used in 1:4, 8; 4:8), is omitted in the most reliable Greek manuscripts. The coming of the kingdom is no longer future, but will be immediate.
18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
nations were angry (v. 18)—No longer terrified (see 6:15–17), they will be filled with defiant rage. Their hostility will shortly manifest itself in a foolish attempt to fight against Christ—a doomed, futile effort that is the apex of human rebellion against God (16:14; 19:17–21).
Your wrath (v. 18)—Almighty God answers the feeble, impotent fury of the nations. The 24 elders speak of God’s future wrath (20:11–15) as if it were already present, signifying its certainty. That God will one day pour out His wrath on rebellious men is a major theme in Scripture.
dead . . . judged (v. 18)—The final outpouring of God’s wrath includes judging the dead (see Matt. 25:31–46; John 5:25–29). The judgment has two parts: (1) God rewards Old Testament saints (Dan. 12:1–3; see 22:12; 1 Cor. 3:8; 4:5), the raptured Church (1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:13–18), and Tribulation saints (20:4); and (2) God condemns unbelievers to the lake of fire forever (20:15).
19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
temple of God . . . heaven (v. 19)—See 3:12; 7:15; 14:15, 17; 15:5–8; 16:1, 17. The heavenly Holy of Holies (see Exod. 26:31–37) where God dwells in transcendent glory, is already identified as His throne (chs. 4–5). See Hebrews 9:24. John had seen the throne (4:5), the altar (6:9; 8:3–5), and now the Holy of Holies.
ark of His covenant (v. 19)—This piece of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple symbolized God’s presence, atonement, and covenant with His people. That earthly ark was only a picture of this heavenly one (see Heb. 9:23). It was there God provided mercy and atonement for sin. As the earthly Holy of Holies was open when the price of sin was paid, so the Holy of Holies in heaven is opened to speak of God’s saving New Covenant and redeeming purpose in the midst of judgment.
lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail (v. 19)—What was anticipated in 4:5 and 8:5 will become a terrifying reality. These events occur as part of the seventh bowl (16:17–21) and are the climax of the seventh trumpeter. Since heaven is the source of vengeance, judgment also comes out of God’s Holy of Holies (14:15, 17; 15:5–8; 16:1, 7, 17; see 6:1).
1) In 10:1–2, John saw an angel come down from heaven. What happened next? What did the angel do? What was John commanded to do?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Deut. 32:39–42; Ps. 19:7–11; 69:24; Jer. 15:16; 25:30)
2) Why was John given a measuring rod and what did the angel tell him to do?
[Your Response Here]
3) Summarize the work of the two witnesses (11:1–14). What will result from their ministry?
[Your Response Here]
4) What happened with the sounding of the seventh trumpet (11:15–19)?
[Your Response Here]
5) How does this passage demonstrate God’s sovereignty?
[Your Response Here]
GOING DEEPER
The problem of evil is not new. King David encountered many enemies of God and saw evil men flourish. Read what he observed in Psalm 2:1–12.
1 Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
EXPLORING THE MEANING
6) Describe the nations’ attitude toward God. What is the psalmist’s advice to them?
[Your Response Here]
7) Who is the “King of Zion” mentioned here (vv. 6–7)? What will he accomplish?
[Your Response Here]
8) In Revelation 11, we’ve seen how the two witnesses play a major role in the unfolding of events. Read Mark 9:1–10. Why do many commentators and Bible scholars believe that the two witnesses will be Moses and Elijah?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Deut. 18:15–18; 34:5–6; 2 Kings 2:11; Mal. 4:5, 6; John 1:21; James 5:17)
TRUTH FOR TODAY
As an exile on the island of Patmos, John had no opportunity to preach to all nations. But John recorded these prophecies to warn all sinners that, while judgment is presently restrained, a future day is coming when the seventh angel will sound his trumpet and sin’s dominion will be broken. In that day the freedom of Satan and his demons will come to an end, godless men will be judged, and believers will be glorified. These chapters present an interlude of hope tinged with bitterness that reminds all Christians of their evangelistic responsibilities to warn the world of that day.
REFLECTING ON THE TEXT
9) In his vision, John ate the “little book” and it was both bitter and sweet to him. In what ways is what you’re studying bitter and sweet to you?
[Your Response Here]
10) John’s calling to tell the world all that had been revealed to him is reminiscent of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). How passionate are you about sharing God’s truth with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers? What keeps you from being a more active witness for Christ?
[Your Response Here]
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
[Your Response Here]