Revelation 16 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible, within the Book of Revelation, which is also known as the Apocalypse. This chapter describes the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the Earth, which results in a series of catastrophic events as part of the final judgment. Here’s a summary of the key points:
The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath:
- First Bowl (Revelation 16:2): The first angel pours out his bowl on the Earth, and harmful and painful sores break out on the people who have the mark of the beast and worship its image.
- Second Bowl (Revelation 16:3): The second angel pours out his bowl on the sea, and it turns into blood, killing every living thing in the sea.
- Third Bowl (Revelation 16:4-7): The third angel pours out his bowl on the rivers and springs, and they become blood. The angel in charge of the waters declares that God’s judgments are just, as they have shed the blood of saints and prophets.
- Fourth Bowl (Revelation 16:8-9): The fourth angel pours out his bowl on the sun, and it is allowed to scorch people with fire. Despite their suffering, people do not repent and continue to blaspheme God.
- Fifth Bowl (Revelation 16:10-11): The fifth angel pours out his bowl on the throne of the beast, plunging his kingdom into darkness. People gnaw their tongues in agony but still refuse to repent.
- Sixth Bowl (Revelation 16:12-16): The sixth angel pours out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, drying it up to prepare the way for the kings of the east. Three unclean spirits resembling frogs come out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, gathering the kings of the world for the final battle at Armageddon.
- Seventh Bowl (Revelation 16:17-21): The seventh angel pours out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice from the temple in heaven says, “It is done!” There are flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake. The great city is split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fall. Babylon the Great is remembered before God and given the cup filled with the wine of His wrath. Every island flees, and mountains are not found. Hailstones weighing about 100 pounds each fall from the sky, and people curse God because of the plague of hail, as it is exceedingly severe.
This chapter depicts a series of apocalyptic judgments that are intense and catastrophic, emphasizing the severity of God’s wrath against sin and the unrepentant nature of humanity.