Revelation (Lesson 44)
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D. The Fourth Bowl: Scorching Heat
D. The Fourth Bowl: Scorching Heat
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire.
9 Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.
Verse 8
Verse 8
Like the fourth trumpet, the heavens are again affected, especially the sun.
Like the fourth trumpet, the heavens are again affected, especially the sun.
In the fourth trumpet one-third of the sun, moon, and stars are affected diminishing their light by one-third (night and day).
In the fourth trumpet one-third of the sun, moon, and stars are affected diminishing their light by one-third (night and day).
The earth will have been living under these conditions all these months between these judgments as a constant appeal to men to repent.
The earth will have been living under these conditions all these months between these judgments as a constant appeal to men to repent.
Now only the sun is affected and its condition is here reversed. Rather than being diminished it is now increased in its intensity.
Now only the sun is affected and its condition is here reversed. Rather than being diminished it is now increased in its intensity.
Whether this is caused by the earth and sun moving closer together or simply that God increases the heat of the sun we do not know.
Whether this is caused by the earth and sun moving closer together or simply that God increases the heat of the sun we do not know.
“And it was given to it (the sun) to burn men with fire” means extreme heat rays from the sun.
“And it was given to it (the sun) to burn men with fire” means extreme heat rays from the sun.
The sun’s rays will penetrate everything. Some relief will come at night, but even then the heat will be unbearable.
The sun’s rays will penetrate everything. Some relief will come at night, but even then the heat will be unbearable.
Literally the Greek has “to scorch the men with fire.” The use of the article specifies a particular group of people, those mentioned in connection with the first bowl, unbelievers, worshipers of the beast. Evidently, believers will somehow be protected from this.
Literally the Greek has “to scorch the men with fire.” The use of the article specifies a particular group of people, those mentioned in connection with the first bowl, unbelievers, worshipers of the beast. Evidently, believers will somehow be protected from this.
Verse 9
Verse 9
“And men were scorched with great heat and they blasphemed the name of God.”
“And men were scorched with great heat and they blasphemed the name of God.”
This again demonstrates two things:
1. Men clearly recognize the source of the plagues
1. Men clearly recognize the source of the plagues
2. They will have become so hardened in their souls they refuse to repent.
2. They will have become so hardened in their souls they refuse to repent.
This hardening of the soul (or heart) poses a warning for all of us.
Anyone who becomes negative toward the Lord, grows indifferent to His Word, and ignores the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, can begin to harden his heart and become more and more callused.
Anyone who becomes negative toward the Lord, grows indifferent to His Word, and ignores the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, can begin to harden his heart and become more and more callused.
E. The Fifth Bowl: Darkness
E. The Fifth Bowl: Darkness
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain,
11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds.
As with the fifth trumpet, this bowl judgment results in darkness, as also in the ninth plague of Egypt.
As with the fifth trumpet, this bowl judgment results in darkness, as also in the ninth plague of Egypt.
1. THE OBJECT OF THE FIFTH BOWL—THE THRONE OF THE BEAST (10B)
1. THE OBJECT OF THE FIFTH BOWL—THE THRONE OF THE BEAST (10B)
First, we are told the bowl is poured out “upon the throne of the beast.”
First, we are told the bowl is poured out “upon the throne of the beast.”
The Greek construction of this phrase refers to motion in a direction which completely attains its goal.
The Greek construction of this phrase refers to motion in a direction which completely attains its goal.
Regardless of his apparent power, he will not be able to escape God’s judgment.
Regardless of his apparent power, he will not be able to escape God’s judgment.
Second, the beast refers to a person as well as to a political system, therefore, his throne is a definite place.
Second, the beast refers to a person as well as to a political system, therefore, his throne is a definite place.
Remember, Satan will have been seen as the solution to the world, the answer to mankind, the hope of the world. This judgement will be seen as an attack.
Remember, Satan will have been seen as the solution to the world, the answer to mankind, the hope of the world. This judgement will be seen as an attack.
Due to world conditions on every front and in every area of the globe, things will look hopeless.
Due to world conditions on every front and in every area of the globe, things will look hopeless.
Now suddenly at this point in the Tribulation, like a bowl poured out, a judgment of darkness is poured out on the beast’s throne, the very place of his rule, and neither Satan nor this man can alleviate this judgment.
Now suddenly at this point in the Tribulation, like a bowl poured out, a judgment of darkness is poured out on the beast’s throne, the very place of his rule, and neither Satan nor this man can alleviate this judgment.
This will clearly illustrate that there is only one hope, the Eternal God and Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ whom the world has by-in-large rejected.
This will clearly illustrate that there is only one hope, the Eternal God and Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ whom the world has by-in-large rejected.
This judgment also anticipates the doom and eternal prospects of the beast and his subjects; they will be cast into outer darkness because they have turned away from the true Light of the world.
This judgment also anticipates the doom and eternal prospects of the beast and his subjects; they will be cast into outer darkness because they have turned away from the true Light of the world.
2. THE EFFECTS OF THE FIFTH BOWL (10-11)
2. THE EFFECTS OF THE FIFTH BOWL (10-11)
a. The first effect is seen in “his kingdom became darkened.”
a. The first effect is seen in “his kingdom became darkened.”
The verb “became” in the Greek text suggests suddenly.
The verb “became” in the Greek text suggests suddenly.
It looks at the sudden envelopment of the throne of the beast in total darkness.
It looks at the sudden envelopment of the throne of the beast in total darkness.
Of course, we are reminded of the “thick darkness” in Egypt which was so thick it could be felt.
Of course, we are reminded of the “thick darkness” in Egypt which was so thick it could be felt.
Since the beast rules practically the entire world, and since these are the last plagues of the Tribulation which complete the wrath of God to establish God’s rule on earth, this darkness is undoubtedly world-wide.
Since the beast rules practically the entire world, and since these are the last plagues of the Tribulation which complete the wrath of God to establish God’s rule on earth, this darkness is undoubtedly world-wide.
Do not lose sight of the fact that this is a brief forecast of the outer darkness, pain, and torment that men will face in the lake of fire. It is a literal taste of hell.
Do not lose sight of the fact that this is a brief forecast of the outer darkness, pain, and torment that men will face in the lake of fire. It is a literal taste of hell.
It is also meant to reveal the true nature of the Kingdom that Satan had desired.
It is also meant to reveal the true nature of the Kingdom that Satan had desired.
b. The second effect: “And they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.”
b. The second effect: “And they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.”
We have in this an accumulated effect of the preceding bowls, the sores, the seas smitten, the fresh water turned into blood, the scorching of the sun, and now total darkness.
We have in this an accumulated effect of the preceding bowls, the sores, the seas smitten, the fresh water turned into blood, the scorching of the sun, and now total darkness.
Men are shut up in their quarters with their sores and pain and there is no alleviation, no hope—only constant torment.
Men are shut up in their quarters with their sores and pain and there is no alleviation, no hope—only constant torment.
The Greek says “they kept on gnawing their tongues out of agony.” Here is a graphic picture of the most intense and excruciating agony and pain, and a pain that cannot be alleviated.
The Greek says “they kept on gnawing their tongues out of agony.” Here is a graphic picture of the most intense and excruciating agony and pain, and a pain that cannot be alleviated.
c. The third and final effect: “And they blasphemed the God of heaven … and they did not repent of their deeds”.
c. The third and final effect: “And they blasphemed the God of heaven … and they did not repent of their deeds”.
In these words we are clearly told that the world will be conscious that the “God of heaven” is the source of these judgments.
In these words we are clearly told that the world will be conscious that the “God of heaven” is the source of these judgments.
There will, at this time, be no more atheists or agnostics. All men will know, like the demons, that God exists, but they remain stubborn in their rebellion.
There will, at this time, be no more atheists or agnostics. All men will know, like the demons, that God exists, but they remain stubborn in their rebellion.
F. The Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates Dried
F. The Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates Dried
12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.
13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs;
14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”)
16 And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.
In verse 12 the bowl is poured and we are told of its purpose; it prepares the way for the kings of the east.
In verse 12 the bowl is poured and we are told of its purpose; it prepares the way for the kings of the east.
Then in verses 13-16 we are given a commentary on this judgment.
Then in verses 13-16 we are given a commentary on this judgment.
First, there is divine activity followed up by increased demonic activity (vss. 12-14a).
First, there is divine activity followed up by increased demonic activity (vss. 12-14a).
Second, there is the effect of this on human activity (vs. 14);
Second, there is the effect of this on human activity (vs. 14);
Third and finally again, divine activity (vss. 15-16).
Third and finally again, divine activity (vss. 15-16).
1. THE OBJECT OF THE BOWL (12A)
1. THE OBJECT OF THE BOWL (12A)
This is the largest river in western Asia and has figured largely in history and prophecy.
This is the largest river in western Asia and has figured largely in history and prophecy.
The following are a number of important facts about this great river.
a. It formed the Eastern boundary of ancient Rome and its conquests.
a. It formed the Eastern boundary of ancient Rome and its conquests.
b. It forms the Eastern boundary of the land as promised to Abraham (cf. Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7; 11:24; Josh. 1:4).
b. It forms the Eastern boundary of the land as promised to Abraham (cf. Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7; 11:24; Josh. 1:4).
c. For a brief season David and Solomon extended their authority to the Euphrates (1 Kings 4:21; 1 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron. 9:26).
c. For a brief season David and Solomon extended their authority to the Euphrates (1 Kings 4:21; 1 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron. 9:26).
d. The river is 1,800 miles long and has always stood as a natural barrier separating the east from the west.
d. The river is 1,800 miles long and has always stood as a natural barrier separating the east from the west.
e. The river forms in Armenia and 1,800 miles later empties into the Persian Gulf. About 90 miles from the Persian Gulf it is joined by the Tigris.
e. The river forms in Armenia and 1,800 miles later empties into the Persian Gulf. About 90 miles from the Persian Gulf it is joined by the Tigris.
2. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOWL (12B)
2. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOWL (12B)
a. “water was dried up” The purpose? To facilitate the movements of the troops of the oriental kings or the eastern confederacy for the final Battle of Armageddon.
a. “water was dried up” The purpose? To facilitate the movements of the troops of the oriental kings or the eastern confederacy for the final Battle of Armageddon.
b. “The kings from the east” is literally “the kings from the rising sun.” This is a poetical expression signifying the kings from where the sun rises, as China, Japan, India, Persia, and Afghanistan.
b. “The kings from the east” is literally “the kings from the rising sun.” This is a poetical expression signifying the kings from where the sun rises, as China, Japan, India, Persia, and Afghanistan.
c. God here is acting in His sovereignty using the wrath and rebellion of Satan and man to carry out his own purposes. Knowing the mind of Satan and man, the Lord will dry up this natural barrier to an invasion of the land of Palestine.
c. God here is acting in His sovereignty using the wrath and rebellion of Satan and man to carry out his own purposes. Knowing the mind of Satan and man, the Lord will dry up this natural barrier to an invasion of the land of Palestine.
3. THE DIVINE COMMENTARY OF THIS JUDGMENT (13-16)
3. THE DIVINE COMMENTARY OF THIS JUDGMENT (13-16)
a. THE DEMONIC ACTIVITY (13-14A).
a. THE DEMONIC ACTIVITY (13-14A).
It is God’s purpose to deal with the nations in judgment in the land of Palestine.
It is God’s purpose to deal with the nations in judgment in the land of Palestine.
Knowing Satan’s purpose and objectives, God will use him and his demonic activity to inspire the nations to move into Palestine.
Knowing Satan’s purpose and objectives, God will use him and his demonic activity to inspire the nations to move into Palestine.
The immediate source of this activity, acting on their own objectives, is the trinity from hell—the Dragon or Satan, the beast (the dictator of the revived Roman Empire in its final form), and the false prophet who works miracles on behalf of the first beast (Rev. 12:3, 9, 13).
The immediate source of this activity, acting on their own objectives, is the trinity from hell—the Dragon or Satan, the beast (the dictator of the revived Roman Empire in its final form), and the false prophet who works miracles on behalf of the first beast (Rev. 12:3, 9, 13).
The means of accomplishing this are three demonic spirits who proceed from the trinity to go out into the nations working miraculous signs.
The means of accomplishing this are three demonic spirits who proceed from the trinity to go out into the nations working miraculous signs.
This will somehow be used to act on the minds of the kings and people of the nations to move against Palestine. Exactly what these signs are we are not told. But undoubtedly they somehow stir up old desires and hostilities:
This will somehow be used to act on the minds of the kings and people of the nations to move against Palestine. Exactly what these signs are we are not told. But undoubtedly they somehow stir up old desires and hostilities:
Strong anti-Semitism (Zech 14:1-3; Rev. 12:17). The Arabs have long hated the Jews and of course in our time this has taken on increased proportions.The actions of these demons will somehow bring this to a climax at this time.
Strong anti-Semitism (Zech 14:1-3; Rev. 12:17). The Arabs have long hated the Jews and of course in our time this has taken on increased proportions.The actions of these demons will somehow bring this to a climax at this time.
Then there is the lust of the nations for control of Palestine and its warm water seaports which would enable the one controlling Palestine to control the oil of this part of the world (Ezek. 38:12).
Then there is the lust of the nations for control of Palestine and its warm water seaports which would enable the one controlling Palestine to control the oil of this part of the world (Ezek. 38:12).
b. THE DIVINE ACTIVITY (14B-16)
b. THE DIVINE ACTIVITY (14B-16)
The kings of the world will be gathered together for war with one another, but it is a war in which man is ultimately brought against God.
The kings of the world will be gathered together for war with one another, but it is a war in which man is ultimately brought against God.
The armies do not know this, they think they are coming to gain control of Palestine, but God uses this to accomplish this confluence of nations for his own divine purposes (Joel 3:1-3; Zech. 14:1-3).
The armies do not know this, they think they are coming to gain control of Palestine, but God uses this to accomplish this confluence of nations for his own divine purposes (Joel 3:1-3; Zech. 14:1-3).
The war is called “the war of the great day of God, the Almighty”(vs. 14) and the place it is fought is called “Har-Magedon” (vs. 16).
The war is called “the war of the great day of God, the Almighty”(vs. 14) and the place it is fought is called “Har-Magedon” (vs. 16).
Modern man often refers to this conflict as Armageddon, the final conflict that will be fought in the Valley of Megiddo.
Modern man often refers to this conflict as Armageddon, the final conflict that will be fought in the Valley of Megiddo.
An explanation of the Day, Time, and Place
The phrase “of God, the Almighty” is designed to emphasize that this day or period (it covers more than one day) will fully demonstrate the omnipotence and sovereignty of God.
The phrase “of God, the Almighty” is designed to emphasize that this day or period (it covers more than one day) will fully demonstrate the omnipotence and sovereignty of God.
The word “war” is the Greek word polemos which signifies a war, an entire campaign and not merely one isolated conflict or battle.
The word “war” is the Greek word polemos which signifies a war, an entire campaign and not merely one isolated conflict or battle.
This will finally culminate in the gathering of all nations at the very end of the Tribulation at Har-Magedon.
This will finally culminate in the gathering of all nations at the very end of the Tribulation at Har-Magedon.
Ezekiel 38; Daniel 11:40-45; Zechariah 14:1-3 and Joel 3:1-17 all describe these military events that will culminate in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 38; Daniel 11:40-45; Zechariah 14:1-3 and Joel 3:1-17 all describe these military events that will culminate in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The location of the war (vs. 16) is “Har-Magedon.”
The location of the war (vs. 16) is “Har-Magedon.”
See Map
Many other areas within Israel will also see battles.
Many other areas within Israel will also see battles.
The participants in this war are: the king of the north and his allies (Ezek. 38). While there is some disagreement here, many believe this will include Russia, Persia (modern Iraq), Ethiopia (northern Sudan or maybe Arabia), Put (Libya and the African block), Gomer (Germany), Beth-togarmah (Turkey), and the king of the south consisting of Egypt and the Arab states. Then there will be the king of the west, the ten nation confederation of the Mediterranean states of Europe. Finally, it will include the kings of the east, the oriental block or nations east of the Euphrates.
The participants in this war are: the king of the north and his allies (Ezek. 38). While there is some disagreement here, many believe this will include Russia, Persia (modern Iraq), Ethiopia (northern Sudan or maybe Arabia), Put (Libya and the African block), Gomer (Germany), Beth-togarmah (Turkey), and the king of the south consisting of Egypt and the Arab states. Then there will be the king of the west, the ten nation confederation of the Mediterranean states of Europe. Finally, it will include the kings of the east, the oriental block or nations east of the Euphrates.
4. THE WARNING TO BELIEVERS (15)
4. THE WARNING TO BELIEVERS (15)
This verse is a parenthesis written to the faithful remnant of the Tribulation to give them comfort, hope, as well as a warning lest they become discouraged and lose their testimony.
This verse is a parenthesis written to the faithful remnant of the Tribulation to give them comfort, hope, as well as a warning lest they become discouraged and lose their testimony.
These plagues are but a proof that the Lord’s return is near.
These plagues are but a proof that the Lord’s return is near.
He says, “Behold.” This means, “stop, and think, take note”! “I am coming” is what we call a prophetic present which views a future event as certain, as though already in the process of occurring. Here the Lord is assuring the Tribulation saints that His coming is certain.
He says, “Behold.” This means, “stop, and think, take note”! “I am coming” is what we call a prophetic present which views a future event as certain, as though already in the process of occurring. Here the Lord is assuring the Tribulation saints that His coming is certain.
“As a thief” stresses the fact that while the general time of Christ’s return in the Tribulation can be known because of the signs and specific events of the Tribulation (like the drying up of the Euphrates), the exact moment cannot be known (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7).
“As a thief” stresses the fact that while the general time of Christ’s return in the Tribulation can be known because of the signs and specific events of the Tribulation (like the drying up of the Euphrates), the exact moment cannot be known (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7).
Therefore, Tribulation believers are warned to stay awake, producing righteousness for the Lord.
Therefore, Tribulation believers are warned to stay awake, producing righteousness for the Lord.
They are to live with a view to His return.
They are to live with a view to His return.
They are told to do two things:
a. “To stay awake.” The Greek word here is used of alertness and fellowship with the Lord. It refers to one who has the right priorities and is living for the Lord and His return. To stay awake is to stay in fellowship.
a. “To stay awake.” The Greek word here is used of alertness and fellowship with the Lord. It refers to one who has the right priorities and is living for the Lord and His return. To stay awake is to stay in fellowship.
b. “He keeps his garments.” Here is the fruit, the results. Keeping his garments refers to righteous behavior or good works which the believer wears like a garment; it is practical living from fellowship with Christ (Rev. 14:13; 19:8; 11:18).
b. “He keeps his garments.” Here is the fruit, the results. Keeping his garments refers to righteous behavior or good works which the believer wears like a garment; it is practical living from fellowship with Christ (Rev. 14:13; 19:8; 11:18).
“Lest he walk about naked and men see their shame.”
“Lest he walk about naked and men see their shame.”