Revelation 15
Revelation 15 is a brief chapter in the Book of Revelation that sets the stage for the pouring out of the seven last plagues. This chapter introduces the "seven angels having the seven last plagues," which represent the fullness of God’s wrath that is to be poured out on the earth. It also features the "song of Moses and the Lamb," sung by those who have gotten victory over the beast and his image. This song praises God for His mighty acts and just judgments.
Revelation 15:1 (NKJV)
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
This verse introduces the final series of judgments, represented by seven plagues. These plagues are described as "last," indicating that they will complete God’s wrath against evil. The description as "great and marvelous" emphasizes the awe-inspiring and formidable nature of these judgments.
Revelation 15:2 (NKJV)
2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
The "sea of glass mingled with fire" symbolizes purity and judgment. Those standing on it are the victorious saints who have overcome the beast and his image, likely through martyrdom. Their position on the sea of glass signifies their triumph and purity, and the harps indicate their readiness to worship God.
Revelation 15:3-4 (NKJV)
3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
These verses feature the song of Moses and the Lamb, a song of deliverance and redemption that echoes the themes of the Exodus, where God delivered His people through mighty acts. This song praises God’s mighty works and His just and true ways, affirming His holiness and the inevitability that all nations will worship Him. The emphasis on God's fair judgments aligns with the theme of divine retribution and vindication.
Revelation 15:5 (NKJV)
5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
This verse signifies the opening of the heavenly temple, where the "tabernacle of the testimony" is housed. This imagery is rooted in the Old Testament, where the tabernacle housed the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s law and His covenant with His people. The opening of the temple indicates that the source of the plagues is divine and just.
Revelation 15:6 (NKJV)
6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.
The seven angels emerge from the temple, indicating that they are executing divine justice. Their attire of "pure bright linen" with "golden bands" symbolizes purity, righteousness, and holiness, underscoring the sanctity of their mission.
Revelation 15:7 (NKJV)
7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.
One of the four living creatures presents the angels with seven golden bowls, which contain the wrath of God. The description of God as "who lives forever and ever" emphasizes His eternal sovereignty and power. The bowls symbolize the final and complete outpouring of God's wrath.
Revelation 15:8 (NKJV)
8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
The filling of the temple with smoke signifies the overwhelming presence and glory of God. The fact that no one could enter the temple until the plagues were completed illustrates the solemnity and irrevocability of these final judgments. It indicates a period where intercession is paused, highlighting the seriousness of this phase of judgment.