Revelation 16 – The Seven Bowls

This chapter looks at the out pouring of the seven bowls of wrath introduced in the previous chapter. It is looking most probably at the “Crisis of the Third Century” in Rome. Beginning in 235 and reaching until Diocletian in 284, this period began the destruction of Rome. Although the last emperor was deposed in 478, the damage done to it in this period fulfilled the wrath of God against Rome, or Babylon since it was part of the same statue in Daniel 2. These seven plagues were literally poured out on Rome during this time, as we will see here. In this fifty year period, there were some twenty five different emperors. It marked the beginning of the disintegration of Rome, which slowly drifted apart over the next two centuries.

Revelation 16:1

Then I heard (1) a loud voice from the temple saying to (2) the seven angels, (3) “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”

The source of the voice is unidentified, although it is coming from the temple. Most likely God Himself is in view here, although it may not matter entirely. The altar speaks from the temple later, so there are other things which could have spoken.
The ones introduced in Chapter 15, with the seven bowls.
The command to pour out these bowls is given from within the temple, and so begins the judgments against Babylon, Rome, which will bring about its ultimate destruction.

Many things in God are not as suddenly as we might want or hope. Indeed, it was precisely this reason that God instructed the prophet Habakkuk to prophesy. Habakkuk 3:14 talks about the fatal head wound of Emperor Nero, and bringing the leader of the land of wickedness to nothing, yet the prophet exhorts the listener that this will not just go away overnight. Diligence, patience, and endurance of the saints is a must, but make no mistake about it, the appointed vision, Babylon’s ultimate overthrow, will come just as promised. Even here, while we see a fifty year period of crisis, the ultimate removal of Rome will take another two hundred years. Additionally, although Christianity will become legal in 312, the saints will yet have to endure the tenth persecution under emperor Diocletian after he comes to power in 284. This then, the fullness of wrath against Babylon does break it, as it never regains its Principate, but does not utterly remove it from the Earth. As awesome are God’s judgments, He still works in perfect righteousness and justice, the foundation of His throne (Psalm 89:14).

Revelation 16:2

(1) The first angel went and poured out his bowl (2) on the land, and (3) ugly, festering sores broke out on the people (4) who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

The first angel, that is, of the seven with the plagues. The angels themselves pour out the bowls.
The focus of this bowl is specifically the “land”, and its effect is sores on the “people”.
This bowl brought physical plague on the people of Rome. This is the Cyprian plague that came in 250 and was probably similar to smallpox. An earlier plague, the plague of Galen in 165 was also devastating, but this combined with the rapid succession of the other calamities brought about a rapid upheaval in the empire. The plague was characterizes by painful sores. These fell on the inhabitants of Rome, those who had committed emperor worship and received the mark of the emperor.
The specific focus of the plague is the Romans, those who had worshipped the beast. This may or may not preclude others from getting it as well, as the Bible does not indicate whether others were affected as well. Unless the plague was wholly spiritual, there are typically others outside the target group who are affected.

Revelation 16:3

The second angel poured out his bowl (1) on the sea, and (2) it turned into blood (3) like that of a dead person, and (4) every living thing in the sea died.

The focus of this plague.
Reminds us of the plagues of Egypt.
Specifically dead blood. If this were literal blood, this would no longer be liquid, as dead blood would coagulate. While certainly possible, it could also signify becoming dead, such as non-oxegenated, and no longer able to support life.
History is not explicit in identifying the exact nature of this plague, but its effect can be seen. Research published in 1965 by Ponsich and Tardell, studying garum production (fish sauce) indicate a drastic reduce in the fishing industry in this period. While the direct cause is not yet visible, the calamity on the marine life was evident in such the collapse. Whatever it was that caused this produced the effect of less fishing. While this does not prove that massive amounts of marine life died, it would tend to support the possibility while the exact cause remains undetermined.

Revelation 16:4-6

The third angel poured out his bowl on the (1) rivers and springs of water, and (2) they became blood. Then I heard the (3) angel in charge of the waters say:

(4) You are just in these judgments, O Holy One,you who are and who were for (5) they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and (6) you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.

The focus of this plague is the rivers and waters.
Like the second bowl, but different focus. Possibly in focus here would be the aqueducts and baths of Rome, for one. Disease carried by the waters would make what was once life into death. It can probably be safely assumed that it is blood like the second bowl, of a dead person, but this is not necessary either. The water that was supposed to bring life, now brought death. Additionally, Christians would have avoided the public baths, because they were usually used nude, and this is debauchery and lewdness. Christians, then, would not have been caught up in this plague even if in the midst of Rome. Drinking disease infested water could satisfy the statement at the end, of being given blood to drink, for life is in the blood, and to drink the contaminated water would have brought death to the drinkers.
There is an angel in charge of the waters, apparently all the rivers and sprints of water, or, perhaps, those of that region, as this was local. This is an image into the government of God, much like a minister of the government would be in charge of housing or finance, or the secretary of state. This is the minister in charge of the waters, and it can be sure that whatever his full job entails, he is the most qualified to make the next statement.
The angel in charge of the water declares the God is just and righteous in his deeds of the waters. This is important, because Psalm 89:14 says justice and righteousness are the foundation of God’s throne. Perfect timing and justice are required in the execution of the judgments of God, so that He does not punish too severely, or too quickly, so that the enemy might have an avenue of accusation against Him, and gain an upper hand. This goes without saying that God would not do that, the only wise God, wise also in judgments, but the angel in charger of the waters affirms this. His declaration is an official governmental decree in the Kingdom of Heaven that the execution of the duties of His office certify that what has been done has been completely justified and true. The statement certifies in the heavens that God was just in the pollution of the waters for man in what He did, and seals the divine retributive judgment as valid. God is the ultimate authority, obviously, but He works through the Kingdom He has established, and through none else. Hence, the Kingdom seal on the offical work of the judgment is certification against all reproach. Who would accuse God? Here is another reason why not. Should any accusation come against God, the proclamation of the angel over the waters silences it in the heavenlies.
The Romans had already persecuted and killed many Christians by this time. Additionally, since Rome is a continuation of Babylon, the history of persecution goes far back. The angel certifies that the justification for the contamination of the creation is the bloodshed. Precious in His sight is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15).
They were given blood to drink. The life of a thing being in the blood, this could of course be literal blood if it were yet to be fulfilled, but it could also signify the contagion in the water supply, or another

Revelation 16:7

And I heard (1) the altar respond: Yes, Lord God Almighty, (2) true and just are your judgments.

Now it is the altar that responds. This is more than apocalyptic imagery, this is the symbolism of heaven. In the Earth, it makes no sense that the altar would speak. However, the physical, earthly tabernacle is only a shadow of the heavenly realities. That is, the altar is a heavenly reality with a voice. For example, the living creatures are not angels, and yet they are heavenly beings. So too, in some way, what is symbolized in heaven by the altar is alive, just as all of God’s creation is. It responds, as part of the ultimate seat of government of the Kingdom.
The altar repeats this confirmation of God’s judgments. Hence, out of the mouth of two or three witnesses a thing is established. Perhaps, due to the large scale of destruction, a certain level of governmental authority is required to bring such a judgment to such a degree to the Earth. We must also remember the life of David, where he was given the option of three years of famine, three months of war, or three days of plague, which he would choose. He chose the plague. Israel walked in covenant with God, and a certain responsibility comes with such agreement. Because of their high position, the sin of David opened them up to God’s judgment of plague for three days. Here, in Roman times, they were looking at a couple of decades. For such sweeping destruction, the high altar of incense in the Holy place also repeats its decision that the judgment is just. In such a way, the Kingdom is secured, and we see again the God is just.

Revelation 16:8-9

The fourth angel poured out his bowl (1) on the sun, and the sun was allowed (2) to scorch people with fire. (3) They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but (4) they refused to repent and glorify him.

History records climate change in this period. Tree rings demonstrate drought, and vast, once fertile lands were abandoned.
The sun was scorching with fire. Climate change, and even the rising of sea levels are recorded.
It says the people themselves were seared by the heat and cursed God, and, as often is the case, blame of Christians is also mentioned.
This is the ultimate case for the increase of judgment. As with the seals and the bowls, the increased severity begins after the fourth in sequence. Here, the reason is made clear: Lack of repentance. As Joel 2 mentions, the answer to such rising calamities is to seek the Lord in fasting and weeping, in true humility and repentance. As that prophet said, who knows that God would not turn and leave a blessing in its place. In the case of the Roman empire, there was not national revival, with mass repentance and turning to God. Instead, they chose to turn further, and further judgments came forth.

Revelation 16:10-11

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the (1) throne of the beast, and (2) its kingdom was (3) plunged into darkness. (4) People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, (5) but they refused to repent of what they had done.

The focus of this bowl is the throne, that is, the governmental ruling authority. This is different, as well, from the judgment against Nebuchadnezzar, who had his sovereignty taken from him. There, the seat of authority remained in the kingdom, but the judgment was personal. Here, the seat itself is brought under judgment.
Its Kingdom, that is, Rome, which is Babylon.
Darkness in the sense that it was at a loss for leadership, and inspiration. Over the course of the 50 years of the crisis of the Third Century, the nation had twenty five emperors. They either were murdered or died in battle. The confusion resulting in the kingdom produced disorientation and fear in the kingdom, so that they did not have any thing to rely on, effectively. It wasn’t until the rise of Diocletian in 284 that any semblance of stability returned to the throne, and even that was a portion at best. The destabilization of the empire had begun, and the fear and agony over the loss of the nation affected the national mindset.
The thing here is that all of these happened in rapid succession. Any one of these things had happened previously, including the plague of Galen in 165 AD. But, the rapid conjunction of these events, in succession to one another, produced such a disintegrating effect upon the empire, that its structure was dissolved. People left their homelands, and moved to find better agriculture. Infrastructure became weakened. The army, fighting in battles became affected, and migrating Goths and Germanic tribes proved constant struggles. The mention of the sores of the first plague underscores the ongoing nature of these plagues simultaneously over this period. It was in this way, the stored up, cumulative, and completeness of the plagues, working together, that broke the Roman Empire. It was from this time that many historians mark the beginning of the Middle Ages, even though the empire continued another two centuries.

Revelation 16:12

The (1) sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and (2) its water was dried up, (3) so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

The second to last plague is poured out on the Euphrates.
This is an allusion to the overthrow of Babylon by Cyrus. Cyrus dammed the Euphrates, diverted it, and took Babylon with hardly a fight. This fact, not well known today, would have been well known to John’s readers. Hence, as the Euphrates was the protective front surrounding literal Babylon, what this signifies is the protective front around Rome, as Rome is Babylon (Daniel 2, what you call the head, you call the foot).
Indeed, in this time, you see the Danube river being the front where the Goths begin to cross, and cause much ruin in the Roman empire. Through the river, then, the destruction escalates to war in this period, and the destabilization is evidenced.

Revelation 16:13-14

(1) 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; (2) for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, (3) to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.

The enemy releases, voluntarily or involuntarily, unclean spirits.
These go out to the kings of the world.
And gather them together for the great day of God.

Revelation 16:15

(1) (“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.”)

This command to not be unready echoes that of Jesus concerning His day in Matthew 24. We are commanded to watch, and be ready, always.

Revelation 16:16

(1) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.

Har-Magedon, or Armageddon as many would refer to it, simply refers to the Mount of Megido. The valley of Megido is clearly identified, but an actual place called Har-Megedon is not speicifically identified in our record of history. As such, this could also well be a metaphor, and appears to be. The great “battle of Armageddon” would have referred to the conflict between the Romans and the Goths, such as the battle of Arbitus, in which stunning defeats were inflicted upon the Roman soliders.

Revelation 16:17-18

(1) Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and (2) a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, (3) “It is done.” (4) And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; (5) and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty.

The last and final judgment plague, upon the air.
The voice is from the temple, where no one could enter.
It is done, meaning the wrath of God. Presumably on Rome. Wrath will still befall the sinner on judgment day.
These lightnings and thunders are presumably around the throne, or the temple.
There was a great “shaking”, such as had not been. So great a shaking it was, and so mighty. Whether it was on Earth or Heaven, or both, doesn’t appear to be textual.

Revelation 16:19

(1) The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. (2) Babylon the great was remembered before God, (3)to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.

By the time of 271 AD, the Roman state had split into three warring parts, and many of the cities, due to the various disasters, fell and were never reclaimed.
It says that Babylon the great was remembered. This is all four parts of the statue at this point, which is why it is “great”. From the head to the foot, what was started in idolotry, God now judges.
And, He will give her the cup of the wine of His wrath. Again, while the wrath of God is completed with the plagues, it is after the pouring out of the seventh bowl that God remembers Babylon to give her His wrath. After the pronouncement that “It is Done” indicates that the wrath that is completed applied to a specific segment, and not all wrath of all time. This is simply the context and the exposition of the full counsel of the Prophecy.

Revelation 16:20-21

(1) And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (2) And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, came down from heaven upon men; (3) and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague was extremely severe.

As with the sixth seal, the islands flee away are most likely metaphorical, for if they fled away at the sixth seal, how can they do so again. Instead, like the pieces broke small in the Daniel 2 revelation, so here, the islands are driven away.
Continued severity in the form of the plagues continue to pound Rome through the end of this, even as hailstones.
And men hated God for his perfect judgments.