DRAWING NEAR
Think back over what you have studied thus far in the book of Revelation. What main themes have you seen over and over again?
[Your Response Here]
Armageddon has become a somewhat overused symbol for fierce conflict, or even to describe football games and wrestling matches. What do you know about the Battle of Armageddon? What questions do you have?
[Your Response Here]
THE CONTEXT
Revelation 14 serves as a preview of the end of the Great Tribulation. In this chapter, John shows his readers the triumph and vindication of the 144,000 faithful Israelites, who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The fall of Babylon (symbolic of the Satanic world system) is foreseen and the fate of its loyalists foretold. The chapter then gives a summary glimpse of the battle of Armageddon, the great and terrible “winepress of the wrath of God.”
Revelation 15 depicts the Tribulation saints who have overcome the beast. They sing songs of praise celebrating God’s infinite power, perfect sovereignty, and eternal faithfulness. It also introduces the seven angels who are given the task of pouring out seven bowls of wrath, God’s final judgments at the end of the seven-year Tribulation period. The bowl judgments are described in chapter 16 in rapid-fire staccato fashion, each one stronger in fury and intensity. Through all of this, the book of Revelation always reminds us that though the power of evil is great, God’s plan and purposes will triumph and Jesus will be crowned King and Lord.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Song of Moses and Song of the Lamb: The song of Moses was a song of victory sung by the people of Israel immediately after their crossing through the Red Sea (Exod. 15:1–21; see Deut. 32:1–43). The song of the Lamb refers to Christ’s sacrificial death and extols God’s powerful works in creation as He providentially upholds the universe. These two songs celebrate two great, redemptive events: (1) deliverance of Israel by God from Egypt through Moses; and (2) deliverance of sinners by God from sin through Christ. Like one gigantic choir, the redeemed of the Lord will sing and rejoice over the accomplishment of God’s entire redemptive work before Christ’s return.
Seven Golden Bowls: These bowls symbolize God’s judgment. They are shallow saucers, familiar items often associated with various functions of the temple worship, such as serving wine or using in blood sacrifices. Their flat shallowness pictures how the divine judgments will be emptied instantly rather than slowly poured, drowning those who refused to drink the cup of salvation.
UNLEASHING THE TEXT
Read 14:1–16:21, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
Revelation 14:1–16:21 (NKJV)
14:1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Mount Zion (14:1)—the city of Jerusalem, where Messiah will return and plant His feet
name (v. 1)—the counterpart to the mark of the beast; it is the stamp that will identify the 144,000 as belonging to God (see 13:6)
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
new song (v. 3)—This is the song of redemption, which is being sung by all the redeemed saints in one gigantic choir. They are rejoicing over the accomplishment of God’s entire redemptive work before Christ’s return.
4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
not defiled with women (v. 4)—An illustration of God’s ability to keep believers remarkably pure in the midst of great difficulty, this phrase indicates that the 144,000 Jewish evangelists will have not only resisted the perverse system of Antichrist but also will have resisted all temptations to illicit sex.
follow the Lamb (v. 4)—This indicates partisanship for Jesus Christ. The victorious 144,000 are unwaveringly loyal to Him, whatever the cost.
firstfruits (v. 4)—Like the Old Testament firstfruits offering, these men will be set apart for special service to God (see Deut. 26:1–11). Some see firstfruits as the first large group of redeemed Israel (see 11:13), saved much earlier, and representative of more converts to follow (see Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:15), the firstfruits of a redeemed Israel (Rom. 11:1–5, 11–15, 25–27).
5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
no deceit (v. 5)—The 144,000 speak God’s truth accurately and precisely, with no exaggeration or understatement.
without fault (v. 5)—not sinless, but sanctified
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—
midst of heaven (v. 6)—This is from a Greek term (“mid-heaven”) denoting the point in the noonday sky where the sun reaches its zenith. This is the highest and brightest point, where all can see and hear.
the everlasting gospel (v. 6)—The angel is preaching the good news concerning everlasting life and entrance into the kingdom of God. He is urging the people of the world to change their allegiance from the beast to the Lamb. It is also called in the New Testament the gospel of God, the gospel of grace, the gospel of Christ, the gospel of peace, the glorious gospel, and the gospel of the kingdom. It is good news that God saves by the forgiveness of sin and opens His kingdom to all who will repent and believe. The whole world will hear this preaching by the angel as God graciously calls all to salvation.
7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Fear God (v. 7)—not Satan, nor Antichrist; this is the theme of Scripture, calling people to give honor, glory, worship, and reverence to God
hour of His judgment has come (v. 7)—The last moment arrives to repent and believe before God’s wrath is poured out. This is the book’s first use of the word judgment, a term that has the same meaning as wrath (see 6:17; 12:12).
Him who made heaven and earth (v. 7)—Creation is the great proof of God, which preachers will appeal to as the ground for all people to believe in Him and worship Him (see 4:11; 10:6; John 1:9; Acts 14:15–17; 17:23–28).
8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
Babylon is fallen (v. 8)—Lack of response to the first angel’s message causes a second angel to pronounce this judgment. Babylon refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of Antichrist (see 16:17–19 for details of this fall). The original city of Babylon was the birthplace of idolatry where the residents built the Tower of Babel, a monument to rebelliousness and false religion. Such idolatry was subsequently spread when God confounded humanity’s language and scattered them around the world (see Gen. 11:1–9).
wine of the wrath of her fornication (v. 8)—This pictures Babylon causing the world to become intoxicated with her pleasures and enter an orgy of rebellion, hatred, and idolatry toward God. Fornication means spiritual prostitution to the Antichrist’s false system.
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,
10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
cup of His indignation (v. 10)—Anyone loyal to the Antichrist and his kingdom will suffer the outpouring of God’s collected wrath, done with the full force of His divine anger and unmitigated vengeance. Divine wrath is not an impulsive outburst of anger aimed capriciously at people God does not like. It is the settled, steady, merciless, graceless, and compassionless response of a righteous God against sin.
fire and brimstone (v. 10)—These are two elements that are often associated in Scripture with the torment of divine punishment. Here the reference is to hell, the lake of fire (see 19:20; 20:10; 21:8). Brimstone is a fiery sulfur (see 9:17).
11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
torment ascends forever and ever (v. 11)—A reference to the eternality of hell (see Matt. 13:41–42; 25:41). Torment is the ceaseless infliction of unbearable pain, here prescribed for all who are loyal to Satan’s leader.
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.
Son of Man (v. 14)—The imagery of the Lord on a cloud emphasizes magnificent majesty (see 1:7; Matt. 24:30; 26:64).
golden crown (v. 14)—The victor’s crown, a laurel wreath, was worn by those who celebrated victory in war or athletic competition. Christ now wears this particular crown, in this case made of gold, as a triumphant conqueror coming out of heaven to prevail over His enemies.
sickle (v. 14)—A harvesting tool with a razorsharp, curved steel or iron blade and a wooden handle, commonly used by ancient farmers to cut grain. It represents swift and devastating judgment.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
harvest of the earth (v. 15)—The grain—in this case the ungodly people of the world—is ready to be gathered up and judged.
16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
temple (v. 17)—See 11:19. This refers to the heavenly dwelling place of God, not the Tribulation temple in Jerusalem (see 11:1).
18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.”
another angel . . . who had power over fire (v. 18)—This angel is associated with fire on the altar, which represents the prayers of the saints (6:9–11; 8:3–5). Fire refers to the constantly burning fire on the brass altar of the Jerusalem temple. Twice daily the priest would burn incense with that fire and offer the burning incense in the Most Holy Place as a symbol of the people’s prayers (see 5:8; 6:9; 8:3). This angel is coming from the heavenly altar to ensure that all the prayers of all the saints for judgment and the coming of the kingdom are answered. He calls for judgment to start.
19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
winepress (v. 19)—This vivid imagery signifies a horrendous slaughter or bloodbath. Here it refers to the slaughter of all the enemies of God who are still alive, facing the destruction at Armageddon, the final battle against God’s enemies, staged on the Plain of Esdraelon. The bloody imagery comes from the fresh juice of stomped grapes splattering and running down a trough from the upper vat to the lower vat of a stone winepress.
20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
outside the city (v. 20)—God will determine that this bloodbath will occur outside Jerusalem, as if God wants to protect the city from the carnage all around. Jerusalem will be attacked but will not be destroyed in the end, but spared for the glory of the kingdom, and the believing remnant will be saved as the Lord defends them and the city against the nations. They will escape through a newly created valley as the Lord finishes judgment and sets up His kingdom.
up to the horses’ bridles (v. 20)—The severity of the slaughter is indicated in the imagery of the blood of those killed in the Battle of Armageddon splattering as high (about four feet) as the bridles of the horses involved. Equally likely, if the battle occurs near the central valley of Israel, the tremendous volume and flow of blood could easily form troughs four feet deep in some places.
one thousand six hundred furlongs (v. 20)—The approximate distance from Armageddon in the north of Palestine to Edom in the south. The great battle will rage across that entire area and even slightly beyond.
15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
sea of glass (15:2)—God’s heavenly throne sits on a transparent crystal platform or pavement (see 4:6).
victory over the beast (v. 2)—All the saints from every nation, including Israel, ultimately triumph over Satan’s Antichrist and his system because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
song of Moses (v. 3)—Sung by the people of Israel immediately after their passage through the Red Sea and their deliverance from the Egyptian armies, this was a song of victory and deliverance that the redeemed who overcome Antichrist and his system will readily identify with.
song of the Lamb (v. 3)—See 5:8–14. These two songs celebrate two great redemptive events: (1) the deliverance of Israel by God from Egypt through Moses; and (2) the deliverance of sinners by God from sin through Christ.
Great and marvelous are Your works (v. 3)—This statement from the song of the Lamb extols God’s powerful works in creation as He providentially upholds the universe (see Ps. 139:14).
Almighty (v. 3)—God is omnipotent.
King of the saints (v. 3)—God is sovereign over the redeemed of every nation.
4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.”
5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony (v. 5)—This refers to the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies (temple) where God dwells (see 11:19).
6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.
seven plagues (v. 6)—The final, most severe judgments from God, described in chapter 16 (see v. 1).
linen . . . golden bands (v. 6)—The fabric represents holiness and purity (19:14). These are belts or girdles, running from the shoulder to the waist, that each of the seven angels wears over his garments. The bands demonstrate riches, royalty, and untarnished glory.
7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.
8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
filled with smoke (v. 8)—See Exodus 19:16–18; 40:34–35.
16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”
2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
first . . . bowl . . . a foul and loathsome sore (16:2)—The Septuagint (LXX) uses the same Greek word to describe the boils that plagued the Egyptians and afflicted Job (Job 2:7). In the New Testament, it describes the open sores that covered the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:21). All over the world, people will be afflicted with incurable, open, oozing sores.
mark of the beast (v. 2)—Only the worshipers of Antichrist will be afflicted (see 13:16; see 14:9–11).
3 Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.
second . . . bowl . . . every living creature in the sea died (v. 3)—This is reminiscent of the second trumpet (8:8–9) and of the first plague against Egypt. This plague, however, will be far more widespread. The water in the world’s oceans will become thick, dark, and coagulated, like the blood of a corpse. The death and decay of billions of sea creatures will only add to the misery of this judgment.
4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
third . . . bowl . . . rivers and springs of water (v. 4)—Fresh water, already in short supply because of the prolonged drought (11:6), will now suffer the fate of the oceans (see Exod. 7:19–21). In addition to suffering from thirst, the worshipers of Antichrist will have no clean water with which to wash their sores.
5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things.
who is and who was and who is to be (v. 5)—This phrase expresses God’s eternality (see 1:4, 8; 4:8; 11:17). Verse 6 says that the eternal God will judge justly because they have killed the believers and preachers of the gospel (6:9–11; 7:9–17; 11:18; 17:6; 18:20). This slaughter will have no parallel in history, and neither will the vengeance of God (see Rom. 12:19–21).
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.”
given them blood to drink (v. 6)—The thick, blood-like substance which the fresh waters have become is all that is available to drink (see v. 4).
For it is their just due. (v. 6)—The angel exonerates God from any charge that His judgments are too harsh. This unspeakably wicked generation will shed more blood than any before it, including that of saints (6:9; 17:6) and prophets (11:7–10). God’s judgment is fair and proper (see Exod. 21:25–27; Lev. 24:19–20; Heb. 10:26–31).
7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
altar (v. 7)—The personified altar echoes the words of the angel, reinforcing the truth that God is just in all judgment (19:1–2; see Gen. 18:25; Ps. 51:4; Rom. 3:4).
8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.
fourth . . . bowl . . . scorch . . . with fire (v. 8)—The sun that normally provides light, warmth, and energy will become a deadly killer. With no fresh water to drink, earth’s inhabitants will face extreme heat. The scorching heat will melt the polar ice caps, which some estimate would raise the level of the world’s oceans by 200 feet, inundating many of the world’s major cities and producing further catastrophic loss of life. The resulting disruption of ocean transportation will make it difficult to distribute the dwindling resources of food and water.
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
they did not repent (v. 9)—Incredibly, sinners will still refuse to repent (see vv. 11, 21), and instead blaspheme God—the One they know has caused their afflictions.
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.
throne of the beast (v. 10)—This refers to either Antichrist’s actual throne, or his capital city, but extends to all his dominion. Regardless of where the darkness begins, it eventually covers Antichrist’s entire kingdom.
full of darkness (v. 10)—Worldwide darkness is elsewhere associated with the judgment of God.
gnawed their tongues (v. 10)—a futile attempt to alleviate the pain from their sores, the drought, and the fierce heat
11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
blasphemed the God of heaven (v. 11)—A sign of their continued loyalty to Antichrist and their anger at God for the cumulative miseries brought about by the first five bowls. “God of heaven,” a frequent Old Testament title for God, appears in the New Testament only here and in 11:13.
their sores (v. 11)—The lingering effects of the first bowl are the chief cause of their blasphemy.
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
Euphrates (v. 12)—Called “the great river” five times in Scripture (see 9:14; Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7; Jos. 1:4), it flows some eighteen hundred miles from its source on the slopes of Mt. Ararat to the Persian Gulf (see 9:14). It forms the eastern boundary of the land God promised to Israel (Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7; 11:24; Josh. 1:4). With its flow already reduced by the prolonged drought and intensified heat, God will supernaturally dry it up to make way for the eastern confederacy to reach Palestine (Isa. 11:15).
the kings from the east (v. 12)—God providentially draws these kings and their armies in order to destroy them in the Battle of Armageddon (v. 14). Their reason for coming may be to rebel against Antichrist, whose failure to alleviate the world’s suffering will no doubt erode his popularity. Or, this may be a final act of rabid anti-Semitism intent on destroying Israel, perhaps in retaliation for the plagues sent by her God. Since the sun may have melted the ice caps on Ararat, flooding the valley of the Euphrates as the river overflows its banks and bridges, the land will be swamped. God will have to dry it up miraculously for the eastern army to get to Armageddon.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
three unclean spirits (v. 13)—A common New Testament designation for demons (see Matt. 12:43; Mark 1:23; Luke 8:29). These are especially vile, powerful, and deceitful (v. 14).
like frogs (v. 13)—This figure further emphasizes their vileness (see Lev. 10:11). Frogs were unclean animals according to Old Testament dietary laws (Lev. 11:10–11, 41). Persian mythology viewed them as plague-inducing creatures. The demons are thus described as slimy, cold-blooded, loathsome beings.
the dragon . . . the beast . . . the false prophet (v. 13)—The “unholy trinity,” composed of Satan (the dragon; see 12:3), the Antichrist (the beast; see 11:7), and Antichrist’s associate (the false prophet; see 13:11), spew out this plague.
14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
signs (v. 14)—These are supernatural wonders (see 13:12–15) designed to deceive the kings into invading Palestine (see 19:20; 1 Kings 2:20–23; Mark 13:22). Their impact will be so great that the unclean spirits are able to induce the kings to make the journey to Palestine in spite of their sores, the intense heat, drought, and darkness.
kings of the earth (v. 14)—No longer just the eastern confederacy, but now all the world begins to gather in Palestine for the final, climactic battle (Ps. 2:2, 3; Joel 3:2–4; Zech. 14:1–3).
the battle of that great day of God Almighty (v. 14)—The Battle of Armageddon (v. 16). It is the great war with God and Christ (see 2 Thess. 1:7–10; see Joel 2:11; 3:2, 4). The war will end when Christ arrives (19:17–20).
15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
watches, and keeps his garments (v. 15)—Our Lord stresses the need for constant readiness for His return (see 1 John 2:28). The imagery pictures a soldier ready for battle, or a homeowner watchful for the arrival of a thief (see also 3:3; 1 Thess. 5:2, 4; 2 Pet. 3:10).
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Armageddon (v. 16)—The Hebrew name for Mt. Megiddo, 60 miles north of Jerusalem. The battle will rage on the nearby plains, at the site of Barak’s victory over the Canaanites (Judg. 4) and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judg. 7). Napoleon called this valley the greatest battlefield he had ever seen. But the Battle of Armageddon will not be limited to the Megiddo plains—it will encompass the length of Palestine (see 14:20).
17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
seventh . . . bowl . . . “It is done!” (v. 17)—This bowl will complete God’s wrath (except for final judgment on the rebellious at the end of the Millennium; 20:7–10) and immediately precedes the second coming of Christ. It will usher in the worst calamity in the history of the world. The voice from the temple in heaven is undoubtedly that of God Himself. “It is done!” means, “It has been and will remain done” (see John 19:30). God will punctuate the completion of His wrath with a devastating earthquake—the most powerful in earth’s history (see 16:19–21).
18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.
19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
the great city (v. 19)—See 11:13; 21:10; Zechariah 14:1–8. Jerusalem will be split into three parts (Zech. 14:4), not as a judgment (see 11:13), but as an improvement. The additional water supply (Zech. 14:8) and topographical changes (Zech. 14:4–5) will prepare the city for its central place in the millennial kingdom. Jerusalem is the only city to be spared the judgment (see 1 Chron. 23:25; Ps. 125:1–2; Mic. 4:7) and will be made more beautiful (Ps. 48:2) because of her repentance (see 11:13).
cities of the nations (v. 19)—God’s purpose is very different for the rest of the world’s cities—they are to be destroyed.
Babylon (v. 19)—The capital of the Antichrist’s empire will receive a special outpouring of God’s wrath as prophesied in Isaiah 13:6–13. Chapters 17 and 18 give details of its destruction.
20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
every island fled . . . mountains . . . not found (v. 20)—This powerful earthquake will radically alter all the earth’s topography, preparing it for the coming millennial kingdom. See 6:12–14; Isaiah 40:4–5.
21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
a talent (v. 21)—The heaviest weight a normal man could carry (about 75 lbs.). The huge size of the hailstones indicates unparalleled atmospheric convulsions. Such massive chunks of ice will cause unimaginable devastation and death.
1) How are the 144,000 described in chapter 14? What are they doing?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Ps. 40:3; Zeph. 3:13; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:4; Col. 1:22)
2) John saw several different angels in this vision. What were they each doing?
[Your Response Here]
3) What is the “song of Moses” (chapter 15)? What does it say about God?
[Your Response Here]
4) What do you learn about God’s great “winepress” of wrath, the great battle (14:19–20; 16:14–19)?
[Your Response Here]
5) The bowl judgments form the content of chapter 16. What is the nature of each of these catastrophes? What was the response of the inhabitants of earth following them?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Exod. 7:20–25; 9:9–11; Isa. 60:2; Jer. 4:23–27; Joel 2:2; Mark 13:24–25)
6) What glimpses of God’s power and triumph do you see throughout these chapters?
[Your Response Here]
GOING DEEPER
The redeemed in heaven sang the “song of Moses.” Read this song of praise in Exodus 15:1–18.
1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!
2 The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
3 The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 The depths have covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone.
6 “Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
7 And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble.
8 And with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together; the floods stood upright like a heap; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.’
10 You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11 “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
12 You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them.
13 You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.
14 “The people will hear and be afraid; sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling will take hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.
16 Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone, till Your people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over whom You have purchased.
17 You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which You have made for Your own dwelling, the sanctuary, O LORD, which Your hands have established.
18 “The LORD shall reign forever and ever.”
EXPLORING THE MEANING
7) What things had the Lord done for His people?
[Your Response Here]
8) Identify the themes in this song of Moses that are also found in Revelation 14–16.
[Your Response Here]
9) Read Proverbs 23:17. Why is it important to fear God (see Rev. 14:7)?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Rom. 1:18–21; 1 Pet. 2:17)
10) Read Philippians 1:6. What does this verse say about perseverance, and how does it support the truth conveyed in Revelation 14:12?
[Your Response Here]
(Verses to consider: Rom. 8:31–39; Jer. 32:40; Matt. 24:13; John 6:35–40; 10:27–30; 1 John 5:4, 11–13, 20)
TRUTH FOR TODAY
The message of the seventh trumpet is that Jesus Christ is the sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. He will one day take the rule of the earth away from the usurper, Satan, and from earth’s petty human rulers. History is moving inexorably toward its culmination in Christ’s earthly reign. When He returns, He will bring covenant blessings to the redeemed, but eternal judgment to those who reject Him. In the light of that sobering truth, Peter exclaims, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?” (2 Pet. 3:11–12).
REFLECTING ON THE TEXT
11) Warren Wiersbe has written: “One of the themes that links Revelation 14–16 together is expressed by the word voice, which is used eleven times. In the events recorded, God speaks to His people or to the lost world, or His people and angels speak out in praise of the Lord or in warning to the world. As the world moves into the last half of the Tribulation, heaven is not silent.” What do you sense the voice of God is saying to you in this lesson? Why?
[Your Response Here]
12) Though the Battle of Armageddon is yet future, you are involved in a real spiritual battle in the present (see Eph. 6). How can you be victorious and evade spiritual injury today?
[Your Response Here]
13) List the people in your life who need to embrace the “everlasting gospel” (14:6). What are some practical ways that you can point them to the cross?
[Your Response Here]
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
[Your Response Here]