Revelation 15:4

Cp. Psalms 86:9; Isaiah 66:23. Judgments] RV 'righteous acts': cp. Psalms 51:4; Romans 5:18.

5-8. Again, as in Revelation 11:19, is opened the sanctuary of the heavenly tabernacle, by which is symbolised that presence of God to which the worship of heaven is directed, and from which the actions of heaven proceed, and which was typified on earth by the earthly tabernacle. In Revelation 11:19 it was God's mercy, represented by the ark of the covenant, which was manifested; now it is the declaration of His holy will, represented by the 'testimony,' i.e. the ten commandments, which is to be enforced (Revelation 15:5). From the Divine Presence come forth the angels of the plagues, as priests, but arrayed with flashing gems (Revelation 15:6). To them are given golden 'bowls' (RV), corresponding to the basons used by the priests for the blood in the sacrificial ritual (cp. Exodus 27:3) full of God's wrath (Revelation 15:7). The Presence of God, sanctioning the service, is manifested by the smoke of His glory: cp. Exodus 40:35; 1 Kings 8:10.; Isaiah 6:4; (Revelation 15:8).