In Revelation 15:1 John sees another great and marvelous sign, seven angels with the seven last plagues. They are the last plagues because God’s wrath has been completed. Revelation 15-16 alludes to the book of Exodus to describe God’s final wrath on the kingdom of the beast.
Although God’s wrath is often associated with Israel’s rebellion, the prophets associate God’s wrath to eschatological events. For example, in Zephaniah 1:15 the final judgment will be a day of wrath, distress, anguish, and ruin. On that day the Lord will sweep everything away like chaff (2:2) and make a sudden end to all who live on the earth (1:18).
The wrath of God has been completed or accomplished (aorist passive of τελέω). The wrath of God is mentioned in several key passages in the book. In Revelation 6:16-17 the great day of the wrath of the Lamb “has come” and in 11:18 God’s wrath came, judged the dead and rewarded God’s servants. Those who have worshiped the beast will drink the wine of God’s wrath (14:10) and the harvest of the earth was described as grapes in the “winepress of God’s fury” (14:19). The seven bowls introduced in 15:17 and describe in chapter 16 are called “bowls full of the wrath of God” and Babylon the Great will drink the wine of God’s wrath (16:19; 19:15).
After seeing the great and wondrous sign, John sees those who have been victorious over the beast worshiping the Lamb (Rev 15:2-4). This worship scene has elements from Revelation 4-5, now familiar scenes of heavenly worship. John sees worshipers with harps beside a sea of glass mingled with fire.
The worshipers are the ones who are conquered the beast, its image and the number of his name. Although the text does not say they have been killed, that they are worshiping in a heavenly seem implies they have refused to worship the image of the beast or take his number. Like the souls under the altar in Revelation 6:9-11 and the 144,000 in 14:1-5, they have been killed by the beast and are now worshiping the Lamb.
The song they are singing is identified as the “Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb.” The Song of Moses is found in Exodus 15:1-18, Deuteronomy 31:30-32:43 and Psalm 90. The problem is the Song of Moses in Revelation 15 has no literary relationship between the song of Moses in the Old Testament. Perhaps what follows is only the Song of the Lamb and the reader is assumed to know what the song of Moses is.
The context of the original song is important: God rescued his people out of Egypt, he overcame the Egyptians and their gods. There are obvious connections between the following judgments and plagues in Exodus. God is working again to preserve his people by sending plagues on their enemies.
The seven angels are given “bowls filled with the wrath of God” (Rev 15:5-8). The angels come out of the open “the sanctuary of the tent.” This is another allusion to Exodus. The tent of meeting was the place where Moses spoke face to face with the Lord. Temples with open doors were considered a “bad sign” in the ancient world. David Aune lists several sources indicating a temple door opening by itself was a sign of God’s wrath (2:878). Like angels in Daniel, these angels are dressed in white with a gold sash.
When the four living creatures given these angels the bowls of God’s wrath, the whole sanctuary is filled with the smoke of the glory of God (15:8). This is another allusion to Exodus: when the ark was installed in the Tabernacle the tent was filled with a cloud, representing the glory of God (Exodus 40:34-35).
This is an interesting post and a cool way of exploring this part of revelation. Once I heard God’s wrath defined as his love for us. It was said that God’s wrath is an outward showing of his upset of the sin that is hurting his own. God’s love for us is his wrath, because of the display of hurt for our hurt. Thinking about his wrath in this context (and equating his fury and wrath as the same) when P. Long shares “…harvest of the earth was described as grapes in the “winepress of God’s fury” (14:19),” we see his “love” being pressed into wine. Going on further with this illustration, as Jesus prepared for his crucifixion, part of this was the last meal in which he broke bread and passed wine as symbols of his body and blood. We know God giving up his only son, Jesus, was also a great display of his love. Could the wine from the winepress be partially symbolic of his love for us shown in his wrath for our hurt that sin placed in our lives and the love shown by giving up his son?
he final wrath of God in Revelation 15 gives the reader a clear connection to the punishment God brings in the Old Testament. The image of the seven angels and the seven plagues shows the reader a clear depiction of the destruction that will ensue in the end times as it was in the Old Testament. The emphasis on God’s wrath in Revelation is an incredible insight into the character of God. The completion of God’s wrath in Revelation is a beautiful crescendo to His overall plan. Punishment in the Old Testament is an incredible foreshadowing the wrath to return. This also shows the love that God has for His people and the promises that He keeps. The people on Earth get multiple chances to repent during this time of punishment. However, they refuse to repent. “And the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished” (Revelation 15:7 ESV). The continual references back to the Old Testament show the continual plan that God has and the consistent character that He has. His grace and judgment go hand in hand as the Lord bestows His judgment. The glory of God is always represented in every area of the Bible. The conclusion of God’s wrath shows the reader the same thing as the ark is installed and the tent is filled with a cloud. “When the four living creatures given these angels the bowls of God’s wrath, the whole sanctuary is filled with the smoke of the glory of God (15:8). This is another allusion to Exodus: when the ark was installed in the Tabernacle the tent was filled with a cloud, representing the glory of God (Exodus 40:34-35).” (Long,2020).
The blog post has a take on Revelation 15:1 and the completion of God’s wrath is really thought-provoking. It is pretty amazing how the book of Revelation goes back into the Old Testament. It really connects to the Exodus story, this gives a very direct picture of the final judgment of God. I especially liked how the blog post connected the seven bowls of the wrath to the plagues that are mentioned in Exodus makes a lot of sense. This shows how the actions of God throughout history have a very consistent theme of delivering His people as well as protecting them. The worship that is seen in Revelation 15:2-4, is a powerful reminder of the victory for those who stay with their faith and do not betray God. Even when these people are in the face of persecution. The point that is brought up in the blog post about the “Song of Moses” is also very interesting. It looks as though Revelation almost adjusts to give this wider context. This goes further than the historical deliverance from Egypt, it goes to something universal, such as victory over spiritual enemies. The image of the angels with the bowls of wrath coming from the sanctuary, it takes us readers back to the Tabernacle in Exodus, adding a sacred feel to the entire scene. The little point of smoke filling the sanctuary brings to the front the presence and glory of God, just as it is in Exodus 40:34-35.
this passage in Revelation is very interesting to me because it shows the power of God and also how sin will be no more because God will erase all sin. In this part of the passage it gives readers an idea of what to expect of the coming times. these signs are amazing because it shows the connection throughout the old testament and how God Judges righteously to those who sinned against God and did not repent ” Those who worshiped the beast will drink the wine of God’s wrath” and rewards Gods servant”(revelation 6:16-17) this perfectly correlates the wrath of God in Exodus and shows how God saved the people oppressed by a tyrant king. In all revelation 15:1-8 gives an example of the coming judgment for the people who were against the people of God, this scriptures speaks to those who oppresses the people of God and chooses to willing go against God. This message perfectly illustrates how if we wait on God that our faith will be paid full and how God will pay vengeance to those who are against you and Him.
The wrath of God is necessary because those who persist in their evil deeds must pay a price for their transgressions and bad habits, concerned only about their own needs and the pleasures of their bodies. Those who are aware of God’s word nevertheless act in accordance with their preferences without thinking things through. God declares that while He is a loving God, He is also stern when sins are committed without regard for the consequences. The world is brighter because of him. Although Israel was God’s chosen nation, many of them disobeyed His instructions and were wiped out in God’s wrath. “Punishment and plagues are the result of disobedience, and there are forewarnings that judgement, even exile, will be visited on Israel if they forsake God’s commandments” (Blackwell et al., 2019, p. 132). Those who have turned away from God will face judgment in the end times, while those who have devoted their lives to serving him will get rewards. The worshippers of the beast will perish. The glory of God will be seen by those who worship the lamb. Dr. Long (2020) shares a few discoveries: that God rescued his people out of Egypt, he overcame the Egyptians and their gods. There are obvious connections between the following judgments and plagues in Exodus. God is working again to preserve his people by sending plagues on their enemies. Dr. Long (2020) provides an insight into Revelation 15:5-8, where the seven angels are given “bowls filled with the wrath of God.” From “the sanctuary of the tent,” which is open, the angels emerge. It was in the tent of meeting that Moses had direct conversations with the Lord. In ancient times, temples with open doors were regarded as a “bad sign” (Long, 2020).
Revelation 15:1-8 perfectly demonstrates the wrath of God. This passage focuses on how the wrath of God is fulfilled by seven plagues. Revelation 15:1 says “I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues–last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” One thing that stood out to me was that in verses 3-4, those who were victorious over the beast sang a song of Moses and of the Lamb. The song of Moses is a direct reference to Exodus 15:1-8, where Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord. To me verses 7-8 seem to highlight God’s wrath better than any other verses throughout Revelation 15. Revelation 15:7-8 says “Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” God’s wrath is unlike anything that the human mind can comprehend. It cannot be stopped once it has begun until God Himself stops it.
The completion of God’s wrath is interesting because it truly signifies that this will be the end of evil and sin. It is also interesting that those plagues of the seven bowls will be the last plagues (Rev. 15:1). If these last plagues consist of the emptying of God’s wrath, to use that language, then the severity of these plagues will be much worse than the picture we have in our mind. In light of the severity of these plagues, how we live our lives should change in a way that points others to God and the light. “They are concerned with how Israel should respond to God’s trials and punishments…” (Wold, 2019, p. 136). This reminds me of 2nd Peter. In 2nd Peter 3:11, Peter writes that in light of the coming of the new heaven and new earth that we should live our lives in holiness and godliness. If we truly want people to know the love of God and be moved to know what he has done for them, announcing that God’s wrath is coming will not be an ideal method. People will just assume you are crazy and ignore you. This is the importance of living a holy and godly life in light of God’s wrath, to point others to God’s love when your words will be ignored. This is not easy to do and will never be done perfectly, but actions will always speak louder than words, especially when it comes to the topic of the wrath of God towards those who do not believe.
I think that the allusions to Exodus are rather fitting for this passage. God is delivering justice on those who have been oppressing his people. While the song of Moses is not the same as the song of Lamb, the theme of recapitulation is already prevalent throughout Revelation. That this song comes up makes sense to me as God is yet again being praised for leading his people out of slavery. I find it interesting that there were ten plagues for Egypt, but only seven used here in Revelation. Could it just be to show the repetition of the theme of the Jewish number of completion? After these plagues God wrath is completed, therefore the number seven instead of ten. In this week’s reading Wold connects the Words of the Luminaries with this section of Revelation. It’s not as direct of a connection as some of our other readings as he uses the passage Leviticus 26 to connect the two. He connects Leviticus 26 as a passage of remembrance of how God led his people out of Egypt, and how both Luminaries and Revelation draw inspiration from it (132-134). Seeing the connection between both is interesting, and Wold does contrast the two as having different results. I’m curious to see if there are more connections between Revelation 15 and other Apocryphal books.
Revelation 15 gives a powerful picture of God’s final judgment, and I like how this post connects it back to the book of Exodus. It shows that God works in similar ways throughout history. Just like He delivered His people from Egypt, He is once again stepping in to judge evil and protect His people. That connection helps me understand that God is consistent and faithful. One thing that stood out to me is that these seven plagues are called the “last” because God’s wrath is complete. That shows that God is patient, but there is also a limit. He gives people chances to turn back to Him, but eventually judgment comes. This reminds me that God is both loving and just at the same time. I also think the worship scene is really important. Even in the middle of judgment, there are people praising God. The ones who overcame the beast stayed faithful, even when it was hard. That challenges me because it shows that following God is not always easy, but it is worth it in the end. Their worship shows victory, not defeat. The connection to the “Song of Moses and the Lamb” is also powerful. It reminds us that God has always been a deliverer. Just like He saved Israel before, He will save His people again. Overall, this passage shows God’s power, justice, and faithfulness, and it encourages us to stay strong and trust Him no matter what.
One thing I wonder about with God’s wrath is that why is it at the end of the earth it was satisfied completely. There are still things today and after the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus that make God angry. For example, Romans 1 touches on God’s wrath for those who practice idolatry and sexual immorality including homosexuality. In verse 24 Paul writes that “God gave them up” meaning he completely gave up on them and stopped trying to redeem them. All of this is after Christ’s crucifixion. I often wonder why it takes until revelation for the true satisfaction of God’s wrath to be ultimately satisfied in a practical and real way. There is no more judgment as all the wicked have been killed off there is only peace and prosperity. Perhaps Jesus by leaving his disciples where they were at shows them how to build a church and establish a heavenly culture on earth. That way God is not necessarily doing the restoration work for us but with us. He gives us an opportunity to fight towards that ultimate restoration as well. Of course, only God has the final say on when to fully redeem the earth but there is restoration work that can still be done by human’s hands. The reason there is still judgement today is because unsanctified humans still have agency in God’s world.
This section of scripture is right before the final outpouring of God’s wrath through the seven bowl judgments. This is the final time of judgment, finishing the rebellion against him. The seven final plagues in verse one bring God’s wrath to completion. The victorious saints, in verses 2-4, sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God’s righteous judgments. Something I’ve struggled with that many people, believing and unbelieving alike, struggle with is reconciling God’s wrath with the rest of his characteristics. To see that there are these saints worshipping God for even his righteous judgment challenges how I think about God’s judgment. I know that it’s righteous and good, but I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the amount of pain that people go through. Still, I’m reminded of the saying, “to see hell as too much of a punishment shows that you don’t have a high enough view of God”. To think that judgment isn’t fair probably indicates that I don’t fully understand just how holy and perfect our God is.
Let me begin by quickly prefacing this—I do not know or understand much of koine Greek. In fact, the only amount of koine Greek I am familiar with is only the transliteration of words popularized within the mid-acts dispensational position. Nonetheless, commentators exist to help me understand the aorist passive in the text. The term is spoken to as if it has already been completed. This principle I find fascinating because it is indicative of God’s actions being so certain that they are being spoken of as if they have already been accomplished (Thomas & Macchia, 2016, p. 266).
I feel as though for many Christians, this idea of the wrath of God within scripture seems intimidating, insignificant, and generally inferior to the love of God. While we are living in the dispensation of Grace, and certainly the Love of God is abundant, the wrath of God still exists throughout the entire Biblical narrative. Consider three passages from the Old Testament and three from the New Testament:
1. Exodus 32:9-10
2. Deuteronomy 9:7-9
3. Nahum 1:2
4. Romans 1:18
5. Ephesians 2:3
6. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
To think of God’s wrath being completed reminds me of that earlier passage in Nahum. God will enact vengeance someday against his enemies, those who deserve it. As you mention in your blog post, John witnesses the martyrs of the beast worshiping the Lamb which I think should be the appropriate response for the wrath of God. God will seek vengeance in the end and that is worthy of worship.