Although the sixth and seventh judgments are separated in the seal and trumpet judgments, the seven bowl judgments fall in quick succession. At the onset of chapter 16:1, the seven angels are commissioned to pour out the vials (bowls) of wrath upon the earth. This judgment afflicted men with a noisome and grievous sore (v. 2). This judgment is truly of God, for only those who had taken the mark of the beast were plagued with the grievous sore. As the second vial (bowl) was being poured out, the sea was severely affected, with the waters becoming blood, and every living thing in the sea died (v. 3). You will recall that with the second trumpet judgment, one-third of the sea creatures died (Revelation 8:9); whereas now, there is a total wipeout of all living things in the sea!
In verses 4-7, the third bowl judgment polluted the fountains of pure water; thus, the fresh water supply became blood. Those who shed the blood of the saints and prophets are being punished because they will drink blood (v. 6). They are reaping what they have sown! The wicked will truly be judged by God, who is true and righteous (v. 7). After the plague of sores upon men (vv. 1-2), and all living creatures in the sea dying (v. 3), along with the fresh water supply turning to blood (vv. 4-7), the fourth vial (bowl) judgment will result in the sun scorching men, but men shall blaspheme God all the more (vv. 8-9). As the fifth vial is poured out (vv. 10-11), a plague of darkness falls on the beast and his kingdom, demonstrating God’s disapproval of them. Still, men blaspheme God, proving that judgment does not make believers out of unbelievers!
As the sixth angel poured out his vial, the great river Euphrates dried up (v. 12). The Euphrates River dried up to make it easier for the armies of the kings of the east to cross. This army will be engaged in the final war of Armageddon.
In verse 13, the Apostle John saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. Who are the trinity of evil? The trinity of evil comprises the dragon (Satan, Revelation 12:3), the beast of the sea (Anti-Christ, Revelation 13:1-10), and the beast of the earth (False Prophet, Revelation 13:11-18).
The demons (trinity of evil) in verse 14 will induce the kings of the earth to the war of Armageddon. The trinity of evil will brainwash the nations of the world into marching against Israel. In verse 15, there is an appeal for saints to be watchful and alert in view of the final battle of Armageddon. In verse 16, we are introduced to the word “Armageddon,” meaning the “Mount of Megiddo,” a mountain in the plain of Esdraelon.
Although Satan, Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet are working together to induce the nations of the world to march against Israel, they are nevertheless fulfilling the Word of God because God (He) is really directing! With the pouring of the seventh bowl of wrath, great geographic changes are introduced (vv. 17-20). In the face of severe judgments, the unbelievers will continue to blaspheme God rather than plead for God’s mercy!
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
