The Book of Revelations Chapter 15
In revelation chapter 14 it seemed to describe the wrap up of all things, ending with the Battle of Armageddon. But now John goes back and describe God’s judgment in more detail. This idea of stating and re-stating in more detail is common with Bible prophecy, and with Hebrew writing in general, e.g. Genesis chapter 1 then 2 first explaining how the world was created then by going back over it again in more detail specifically the creation of man and woman.
(1) If you believe that all the seals, trumpets and now bowls of wrath are happening at the same time John is now just going over again from a different perspective what is happening, this also shows that revelations is not in chronological order.
The seven angels with the bowls of God’s wrath could be a hint taken from Leviticus 26:21 when God said the punishment for disobedience will be 7 times over.
God’s wrath – The normal word used to describe God’s wrath or anger is Orge and it means a controlled calm anger. But here the Greek word used is Thymos which means a explosive, hot blooded, passionate anger, it is only used 11 times in the Bible and of these 10 occasions are in the book of revelations.
(2) The sea of glass is mingled with fire. This may be a reminder of the “fires” of judgment.
These are those who were victorious over the beast through their faithfulness unto death. They are the martyrs, described in Revelation 7. Therefore, even though the Antichrist kills them, they have victory over the beast – they are not losers.
NOTE- In the early church they described the day of martyrdom as “a day of victory.”
(3-4) Only 5 sentences long and it containing 7 you or your this shows that these martyrs are only focused on God. They did not even focus on their own costs of their lives they now understand that it’s all about God, and it was never about us.
(5-6) These angels bring God’s judgment. It is important to note that they come from the presence and throne of God showing that they do not act on their own authority, but God’s.
Their clothing like before show them dressed like a Roman times judge as they will bring final judgment for the earth.
(7-8) The King James Version says that the angels had seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. The word vials is really a poor translation. These bowls are broad, flat bowls or saucers used ritually for drinking or for pouring during a sacrifice. The contents of such a shallow bowl were quickly and easily poured out.
When the cloud of glory fills the temple in heaven, no one can enter. It was the same when Moses could not enter the Tabernacle when the smoke of the cloud of God’s glory filled the tent.
This declares that judgment is now irreversible. Nothing can stop it and no amount of prayers can delay it anymore, because access to this temple in heaven will be denied.