Join us as we study through Revelation verse by verse. Our Bible study guides contain discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, and applications which can help you or your small group get the most out of this book as you grow in understanding and obedience.
Revelation 16:1-7 Bible Study Guide With Questions – The Seven Bowl Judgments Unleashed
Podcast
I. The First Bowl Judgment (1-2)
II. The Second Bowl Judgment (3)
III. The Third Bowl Judgment (4-7)
IV. The Fourth Bowl Judgment (8-9)
V. The Fifth Bowl Judgment (10-11)
VI. The Sixth Bowl Judgment (12-16)
VII. The Seventh Bowl Judgment (17-21)
I. The First Bowl Judgment (1-2)
Discussion Questions
- What temple is referred to here?
- What were the angels commanded to do?
- Are these bowls figurative or symbolic? Why?
- What is the first bowl judgment?
- Who will be affected by it?
- What historical judgment in the Bible is this similar to?
Cross-References
Exodus 9:8-9 – And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the kiln, and let Moses throw them in the air in the sight of Pharaoh. It shall become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and become boils breaking out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 9:11 – And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils came upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. A loud voice coming from the temple – It is the voice of God. Throughout Revelation, we see that God speaks in a loud voice many times. The loud voice shows us His power and authority. His commands and judgments are firm.
In chapter 15, we saw that there is a heavenly temple. The earthly temple is a shadow (copy) of the heavenly one. During this time of judgment, God’s presence will be in the temple. No one will be able to go in. That is why His command issues forth from within.
2. “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” – God initiates the final set of seven judgments upon the earth. Already seven seal judgments and seven trumpet judgments have been unleashed. The final set of seven will be even worse as the judgments escalate in response to the continued rebellion and refusal to repent.
The imagery depicted is that of bowls being filled with the wrath of God. Wrath is intangible. It cannot be seen or touched. Here it will take physical form. Just as at the very word of God, the universe was created, so at His very expression of divine anger, that same world will face plagues. And those plagues will be tangible.
3. The first bowl judgment – The first of the seven bowl judgments is a plague of “painful sores.” It is not the first time that God has sent a plague of boils in the Bible. In Exodus 9, He did the same thing. That plague only afflicted the Egyptians. God’s people were spared. We see that same division here.
Though believers who are still alive at this point in the future will face many difficulties during the tribulation, there is still a separation in how God deals with the believer and the unbeliever. A number of the plagues will only affect unbelievers. In this case, it is specifically aimed toward those people who take the mark and worship the beast and its image.
The beast will be unable to counter this plague, just as the priests of Egypt were unable to reverse the effects of the boils in the time of Moses.
It is a very quick reversal for those who decide to take the mark. Many will do so because of the benefits offered. The propaganda machine of the evil world government will sell all the advantages of getting the mark. It will provide protection, convenience, prestige, and a sense of belonging. Even more important, those who take the mark will have the added benefit of not being killed for refusing. Very likely that government will market a new era of utopia for its loyal citizens.
Yet God warned the earth that taking the mark would result in eternal judgment. And those who take it will discover very quickly the truth of His words. Not long will go by until God sends this plague. It is hard to imagine the utter despair that will be experienced by those who realize that their eternal doom has been sealed. The continuous night-and-day pain of the skin sores will serve as an ever-present reminder of their terrible choice. It will be like a small taste of hell.
The rebellious will discover the hard way that Satan is the father of lies. All of the grand promises that they were told, were lies. Choosing the world’s way will not lead to utopia, security, or joy. It will instead lead to agony, shame, guilt, and despair.
Reflect: This chapter is very dark. It is very sad. Why does God record these awful things?
God tells us what is going to happen as a warning. God is truth. And the truth will set you free. He told Adam and Eve that if they ate the fruit in the garden, they would die. And they did. Similarly, He records ahead of time the results of choosing the mark (and the world) as a warning of the consequences of sin.
Application: Sin always comes with consequences. Temptation appeals to the flesh. It lures believers with promises of thrill, excitement, freedom, and pleasure. But the results do not live up to the promises. It only brings about guilt and death. Let the truth about sin open your eyes so that you can see through those lies and choose the right path, not the path of instant gratification.
II. The Second Bowl Judgment (3)
Discussion Questions
- How is this similar to a previous judgment? Which judgment?
- How is this different than that judgment?
- What would