Revelation | Reading Plan + Study Questionsنموونە

REVELATION 16

THE SEVEN BOWLS OF WRATH POURED OUT

After seeing the angels, John hears a loud voice from the temple instructing them to pour out the bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth. As the first angel pours out his bowl, the worshippers of the beast are afflicted with painful sores. The second angel pours out his bowl into the sea, turning it to blood and causing every living sea creature to die. The third angel pours his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, turning them to blood.

The fourth angel pours out his bowl of wrath upon the sun, and it is allowed to scorch people with fire and kill them with heat. Yet, despite these plagues, the people do not repent.

The fifth angel pours out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom is plunged into darkness. Instead of turning to God in repentance, the people blame God for their affliction. Like the seven trumpets, these seven bowls are reminiscent of the Exodus plagues.

The sixth angel pours out his bowl on the Euphrates River, causing it to dry up.

Out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophets, three demonic spirits appear. These spirits perform signs and warn the world to prepare for battle. The spirits assemble the people at a place called Armageddon.

As the seventh angel pours his bowl into the air, a loud voice comes from the temple, saying “It is done!” Upon hearing this, there are flashes of lightning, thunder, and a great earthquake. The earthquake splits the city into three parts, and the nations collapse. Babylon, the archetypal city of rebellion, is destroyed.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Revelation paints a sharp contrast between Babylon (a symbol of worldly power and corruption) and the coming New Jerusalem (God’s holy city). Based on what you’ve read so far, how are these two cities different in character and destiny? What do they each represent?

Read Revelation 16:9, 16:11, and 16:21. What repeated phrases or themes do you see in people’s responses to God’s judgment? What do these reactions reveal about human hearts and the nature of true repentance?

Revelation 16:16 mentions Armageddon as a gathering place for battle. Look up the meaning of “Armageddon” and its connection to Megiddo in ancient Israel. Why might this location be significant for a symbolic final battle between good and evil?

In Revelation 16:17, a loud voice from the throne said, “It is done.” Compare this with Jesus’ words on the cross in John 19:30: “It is finished.” What might these similar declarations reveal about God’s complete work of judgment and redemption?