REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 15.5

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Fifteen

The Great Tribulation

The Seven Trumpets

Judgment Resumed

Trumpet Number 7 (Woe Number 3)

 

 

Review

Only containing eight verses, Chapter 15 is a brief preparatory module that examines pouring the final seven bowls of God’s wrath that ends Tribulation before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The third sign John observes in Heaven is that of seven angels, each holding one of the seven last plagues.

 

Concurrently, standing on a sea of glass protruding from the Throne of God, he envisions martyred Tribulation saints singing a new Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb harmoniously in chorus.

 

 

3. The Scene in Heaven

(Verse 5)

 

And after that I looked, and, behold, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven was opened.

 

After that (meta tauta) is rendered, after these things, i.e., after what John saw in the first four verses of the chapter. So, after those things, John sees something else.  Unbelievably, the holiest place in God’s Throne Room is visible. Recall, under Moses, the Holy of Holies was once concealed from the eyes of the people by a veil. Now, John is seeing God’s Throne Room fully open and accessible to all redeemed people, including Tribulation saints.

 

The Temple of the Tabernacle of the testimony

The word Temple (naos), the Holy Place, in this passage has a completely different meaning than (hieron) as used in the Gospel accounts describing the central sanctuary. Naos is used thirteen times in Revelation.

 

What John beholds is the heavenly counterpart of not the Temple once built by King Solomon, but the ancient earthly Tabernacle. For almost 500 years the Tabernacle or the Tent of Meeting served as a dwelling place for God amongst His people. Not only was it moveable throughout the wilderness experience, but was also the center of Israel’s tribes during their marches (cf. Numbers 10:17).

 

Inside, the Ark of the Covenant (also known as the Ark of the Testimony) was placed (symbolic of God’s Throne and the glory of God’s perpetual presence among His people). The Tabernacle of the Testimony or Tabernacle of the Witness the one of witness (cf. Numbers 17:7; Acts 7:44) share the same Hebrew and Greek words and are used interchangeably.

 

 

(Verse 6)

 

And the seven angels came out of the Temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

 

Coming out of the sanctuary from which formerly only the high priests were able to enter once a year, seven priestly angels (or angel priests) emerge, each carrying one of the seven plagues and prepared to inflict catastrophes. The last plagues essentially correspond to a combination of the ten plagues which befell Egypt during the time of Moses.

 

Notice, the angels are seven in number, again comparable to the completion of God’s work. Plagues and bowls refer to the same judgments. Seven angels are given the responsibility of disseminating them.

 

Clothed in (clean) pure and (bright) white linen

Clothing

Reminiscent of Old Testament priests, the angels’ raiment shows they too are pure and free in three distinct ways:

1. From immorality

2. From corruption

3. From injustice

 

For they are clothed in this fashion:

A. Pure white linen robes – Describing stone pure brilliancy

B. Golden girdles or sashes – Pointing to the  glory of God

 

Their dress is symbolic of three things:

1. It is a priestly dress

2. It is a royal dress

3. It is a heavenly dress

 

White Linen

Linen was the oldest and favorite textile fiber used by the ancients. Taken from slender stalks of the flax plant, it was pulled, separated, bunched, beaten, combed, placed in water, and laid on housetops to dry (cf. Joshua 2:6). Next, they were bleached or whitened by exposing them to the sun. The fibers were then separated by a comb-like instrument and spun on a loom. Some exclusive uses include:

1. The garb of the High Priest (cf. Leviticus 16:23)

Exodus 28:42 – And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach.

 

Leviticus 16:23 – And Aaron shall come into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the Holy Place and shall leave them there.

 

2. The raiment of angels (cf. John 20:12)

Daniel 10:5 – Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man (an angel of God) clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz (a region in the east, possibly Ophir, known for mining gold).

 

John 20:12 - And she (Mary Magdalene) saw two angels in white (clothes, garments) sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.

 

3. The burial cloth of Jesus (cf. Matthew 27:59)

Matthew 27:59 - And when Joseph had taken the body (of Jesus), he wrapped it in a clean (fine, pure) linen cloth.

 

Note: [see also Revelation Study 3.3b]

 

And having their breasts girded with golden girdles

Golden Girdles

A girdle is usually a cloth or leather belt (band, sash), two to six inches wide, worn around one’s waist. Pictured are angels girded with golden girdles or belts around their breasts or paps (cf. the vision of Christ in Revelation 1:13). However, the imagery here is more synonymous with the ephods of priests.

Exodus 28:8 – And the curious (artistically, skillfully woven) girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

 

 

(Verse 7)

 

And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

 

Four beasts (zōon), living ones, creatures, or beings (the same as Revelation 4:6) pour out the contents into broad shallow bowls (similar to those once used for incense) and fill them to the brim. Figuratively, God’s cup of boiling, smoking iniquity or wrath is ready to be dispersed upon rebellious sinners who will not accept Christ’s forgiveness. But, they rather curse God and rejoice in their iniquities.

 

The priest-like duty of the seven angels is to administer justice by pouring out the wrath-filled bowls. Christ, King of the ages (cf. Revelation 15:3), victorious Who lives and reigns forever and ever explains and points to the reason for these plagues as being the last ones.

 

 

(Verse 8)

 

And the Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power; and no man was able to enter into the Temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

 

Three things are unique to this passage:

1. The Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God

2. The Temple was filled with the power of God

3. The Temple was forbidden to man until wrath was complete

 

Similarly, the earthly Temple was an antitype showing the manifestation of God’s power and glory. When God took possession of Solomon’s Temple, even the priests were obstructed from entry.

2 Chronicles 5:13c–14 - Then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

 

God’s Throne is always symbolic of His majesty and presence. Unfortunately, the smoke visibly seen in this passage indicates His judgments are prepared to be poured. Therefore, the Temple filled with smoke prevented access to those who ordinarily stood before God’s sanctuary or to anyone else. Another remote possibility is that the smoke dissuaded prayer intercessors to avert God's judgments until the completion of the seven plagues.

 

Closing

Many Old Testament prophets foretold this day coming. Three selected descriptions encompass:

Isaiah 13:6-9 – Howl (wail, scream) ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

 

Joel 1:15 - Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

 

Ezekiel 30:3 - For a day is near; a day belonging to the LORD is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. (CSB)

 

For Believers, as evangelistic tools, our responsibility is to teach and preach the Book of Revelation to all who do not know Jesus Christ as personal Saviour: To repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is truly at hand. Recall, the commission of Jesus Christ:

Mark 16:15 - And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.

In place of the above, another message of Jesus Christ is to be proclaimed from the housetops:

 

Matthew 10:28 - Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him (God) which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.

 

So, the theme of Chapter 15 is directed to all who disregard the sovereignty and holiness of God and follow the beast. The final outpouring of His fury before Christ’s Second Coming is imminent. It shall surely begin in Chapter 16.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   What was unique about the Tabernacle of the Testimony?

2.   What did the seven angels possess?

3.   How were the seven angels clothed?

4.   What did the four beasts give the angels?

5.   What did they contain?

6.   Why was no one able to enter the Temple?

7.   What is the reader’s commission?

 

 

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REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 15.1

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Fifteen

The Great Tribulation

The Seven Trumpets

Judgment Resumed

 

 

7. Trumpet Number 7 (Woe Number 3)

Introduction

Chapter 15 is the shortest in Revelation. The final three and one-half years of the Tribulation are rapidly approaching its conclusion. In the original manuscript of John’s writing, there are no chapter breaks. Chapter 15 is a continuation of Chapter 14 where the closing scenes of the harvest are presented. But concurrently, it is a dramatic preparatory chapter connecting with Chapter 16.

Both chapters are compared below:

A.  Chapter 15 - The Prelude to final wrath

B.  Chapter 16 - The Pouring of final wrath

 

 

A.  Chapter 15 - Christ prepares the seven bowls

B.  Chapter 16 - Christ executes the seven bowls

 

The scene describes martyred saints standing before the Throne of God in praise as seven angels, rather than worshipping Him, are given seven bowls filled with judgment by one of the four living beings. As the drama approaches its climax, the final outpourings comprise the seventh trumpet. Subsequently, the narrative chronology of Tribulation advances until the third parenthesis of Chapters 17 through 19.

 

A Paradox

From the initial execution and continuing expressions of the wrath of God throughout the Old Testament down to the inevitable wrath that looms on the horizon, God is busily working to bring sinners to salvation:

 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack (slow) concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance [emphasis added].

 

Outline

1. The Sign in Heaven (Vv. 1 - 2)

2. The Songs of Moses and the Lamb (Vv. 3 – 4)

3. The Scene in Heaven (Vv. 5 - 8)

 

 

(Verse 1)

 

And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

 

1. The Sign in Heaven

Sign

Still a spectator, John writes, “I saw another sign.”  The Greek word for sign (sēmeion) is the same used for wonder and appears thrice:

1. The Suffering Woman – Israel (Revelation 12:1)

2. The Great Red Dragon – Satan (Revelation 12:3)

3. The Seven Angels having Seven Plagues (Revelation 15:1)

 

This sign involves much more than anything that has ever been seen. Mega Kai Thumaston is translated as great, and marvelous, an unparalleled, exceedingly astounding great marvel. The wonder in Heaven he sees are seven angels holding seven bowls filled with seven final plagues.

 

Angels

Not to be confused with any other group of angels, these seven have an assigned task. Previously their mission was to minister to saints on Earth:

Hebrews 1:14 - Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

 

But now they serve as special agents about to inflict deadly wrath upon the wicked unredeemed of the earth.

 

Plagues

The word plagues interestingly appear in the Greek emphatic position thus denoting the last ones. The idea describes death blows, the most horrific works ever to be seen.

 

For in them is filled up the wrath of God

In these plagues the expression of God’s rage is complete. The phrase is filled up renders “was finished.” The verb appears in the prophetic aorist tense signifying the future has already occurred – An absolute certainty the will of God is accomplished.

 

 

(Verse 2)

 

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

 

Sea of Glass

Sea of glass portrays peace, calmness, and stability. Indicating a new phase of the vision, John additionally beholds a sea of glass, not of water, but like (i.e., a simile) a clear crystal platform protruding from the Throne of God and mingled with fire. Previously the imagery was indescribably beautiful and transparent, indicative of the glory of God (cf. Revelation 4:6). Ezekiel saw something very similar as well:

Ezekiel 1:22 - And the likeness of the firmament (expanse) upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible (awesome) crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

 

However, here John perceives a diamond crystal-like molten sea mingled with fire, representative of an accumulating fury of divine vengeance.

 

Again, fire in Scripture is symbolic of judgment. Scriptural references comprise:

1. Hail mingled with fire on the Egyptians (cf. Exodus 9:24)

2. Chaff waiting to be consumed in fire (cf. Matthew 3:12)

3. God is a consuming fire (cf. Hebrews 12:29)

 

Two groups are thus described:

A. The unbelievers who will imminently meet the wrath of God and eternal judgment

 

B. The saints standing before the Throne of God who acknowledges His justice and truth

 

One group is on the way to Heaven and the other is traveling on a highway to Hell.

 

 

And them (those) that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

The simile is suggestive of the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, emphasizing the safety of the redeemed. Hence, in view are future glorified martyred saints that gained victory over:

A. The beast (Antichrist)

B. The image of the beast (icon, idol, or symbol of Antichrist)

C. The mark of the beast (stamp, etching on hand or forehead)

D. The number of the name of the beast (666)

 

Their footing is firm on a crystal platform prepared to spectate God avenge His people. The phrase stand on the sea implies martyred saints resting in anticipation. These are those who have been tried in the fire (cf. Revelation 3:18) and redeemed for their faith (cf. 1 Peter 1:7). Paul further clarifies of himself:

Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

The Harps of God

Generally, instruments are always associated with the praise and worship of God. For example, David annunciates:

Psalm 144:9 - I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings (decachord) will I sing praises unto Thee.

 

Only two instruments are mentioned in Revelation, (1) Trumpets and (2) harps (lyres). While trumpets are used principally for announcements (cf. Revelation 15-16 for judgments), harps, psalteries, lutes, and lyres serve as accompaniments to singing (cf. Revelation 5:8; 14:2). Accordingly, harps are tailored in different shapes and sizes having eight to ten strings.

 

2. The Songs of Moses and the Lamb

(Verse 3)

 

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.

 

Victory Songs

Old Testament

Songs of Victory have been duly crafted to honor and glorify God. They are reminiscent of prominent historic occasions throughout Israel’s history. The top three embrace:

1. The Song of Moses commemorates the greatest deliverance of God’s people after they safely crossed the Red Sea (cf. Exodus 15: 1-18)

 

2. The Song of Deborah and Barak when they celebrated Israel’s defeat over the Canaanites (cf. Judges 5:1-31)

 

 

3. The Song of Solomon (also known as the Song of Songs) is the greatest love song penned by Solomon detailing the unabashed celebration of love between a man and a woman.

 

Ultimately it points to the marriage between the bride (the Church) and the Bridegroom (Jesus). 

 

The New Testament

Applying to unbelievers, Revelation is normally considered a book of apocalyptic judgments and horrors. On the other hand, for believers, it consists of numerous praise and worship songs and chants:

1. Previously in Revelation 5 the song sung by ten thousand times ten thousand angels are Worthy is the Lamb; accompanied by twenty-four elders and four living creatures playing harps (cf. Revelation 5:8-12). Immediately following, every creature above, on, and below the earth and in the sea join in with a second stanza. The four living beings then conclude with an Amen (cf. 5:13-14), followed by twenty-four elders prostrating themselves as a gesture of worship.

 

2. In the text, the Song of the Lamb (Revelation 15), the crowd of the redeemed saints of Tribulation is observed standing before the Throne of God having full assurance the Lord God Almighty is faithful to avenge their blood and His covenantal promise of preserving His remnant. So accompanied by the harpers they break forth in praise joining the heavenly chorus.

 

3. Later, the Wedding Feast Song is sung at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (read Revelation 19:6b-8).

 

Two distinct songs in this scene comprise an ascription of praise in Chapter 15:

A. The Song of Moses

B. The Song of the Lamb

 

Although two choirs are heard singing, together with both incorporate, an Old and New Testament heritage: One of covenant Israel and the other under New Covenant saints. Interestingly, the lyrics blend into the same, only sung in two-part harmony. Further analysis is notated.

 

The Song of Moses

And

The Song of the Lamb

 

(Verse 3)

The song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways.

(Verse 4)

Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest.

 

Verses 3 and 4 consists of a lyrical refrain of the songs. The Key: All the nations shall come in praise and worship before Christ and sing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. Together these songs are entirely comprised of quotations from various writers of the Psalms. Notice the contrast:

Psalm 92:5 - O LORD, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.

 

Psalm 111:2 - The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

 

Psalm 98:1 – O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvelous (wonderful) things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory.

 

Psalm 139:14 – I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well

.

Psalm 145:17 – The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works.

 

Psalm 86:9 – All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify Thy name.

 

Psalm 99:3 – Let them praise Thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

 

Psalm 86:9 – All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

 

Psalm 98:2 - The LORD hath made known His salvation: His righteousness (righteous judgments) hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

 

So, songs sung on earth mirror those of Heaven.

 

 

Thou King of saints

The phrase Thou King of saints is a tag at the end of verse 3. Other versions translate:

A. The King of the Ages

B. The King of all people

 

Either way, rendered, Jesus fits all three titles. Saints (hagios) are defined as holy or consecrated ones. Therefore the intent of its meaning is all-inclusive, i.e. Messianic Israel and also new Gentile converts of Tribulation. Representing the faithfulness of God, the transfigured saints will hail and praise Him eternally as such. The songs embrace the words of Christ:

Matthew 16:25 - For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it (i.e., one’s life).

 

The Songs Compared

A. The Song of Moses was first sung by the Red Sea

B. The Song of the Lamb is sung at the Crystal Sea

 

A. The Song of Moses was sung over Egypt

B. The Song of the Lamb is sung over Babylon

 

A. The Song of Moses:  How God Brought His People out

B. The Song of the Lamb: How God Brings His People in

 

A. The Song of Moses was Scripture’s first song

B.  The Song of the Lamb is Scripture’s last song

 

 

Avenging angels are examined in a preparatory scene before the Temple of God in Heaven and before the outpouring bowls of wrath in Chapter 16 throughout the following study.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   What is paradoxical regarding the wrath of God?

2.   What sign does John see in this chapter?

3.   What is different about the angels in this chapter?

4.   Identify the two songs in Chapter 15.

5.   How do they relate to the Old Testament?

6.   How are trumpets and harps employed in Revelation?

7.   Why is the phrase King of the saints used?

 

 

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