Revelation 16:1

Introduction

The previous chapter was a short introduction to what is coming here in chapter 16. As stated in the introduction to chapter 15, this chapter contains the most difficult section of the book. There is greater variety in the explanations and interpretations of this passage.

In this chapter the bowls of wrath are actually poured out. We had seals opened to reveal God’s will. Then we heard the trumpets, which warned us of the plan of God. Now we are about to see the wrath of God as it is poured out. There does appear to be some similarity between the trumpets and the bowls of wrath.

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.”

A. God (the loud voice from the temple) issues the final command. “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.” In very rapid succession these bowls are poured out.

B. God is clear and direct. This is what he revealed would happen in the seals. This is what the trumpets warned would happen. Now it is about to happen.

C. No one can say they were not warned.