Revelation 16:10-21

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE,

AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE

RETURN OF KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART VI – THE FIFTH, SIXTH, AND SEVENTH BOWL JUDGMENTS

FINISH YAHWEH’S FINAL WRATH

Revelation 16:10-21

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. The fifth bowl judgment brings total darkness to the throne and kingdom of the beast

(Revelation 16:10, 11).

A. Yahweh’s wrath is specifically being poured out on the throne and kingdom of the beast (Antichrist). Those who willingly have chosen to follow and worship the beast, who is under Satan’s authority, instead of the true God and His Christ receive these judgments. These judgments originate from Yahweh’s throne and temple (Rev. 8:2-5, 11:18, 19, 15:1, 2, 8, 16:1, 17) and are delivered to the beast’s throne and kingdom (verse 10; Rev. 13:4-18, 16:2).

B. This is similar to the ninth Egyptian plague (Ex. 10:21-29) as well as the fourth trumpet judgment (Rev. 8:12), however, more intensive and extensive. The Egyptian plague lasted for three days only in Egypt with an intense “darkness to be felt” (Ex. 10:21-23). The fourth trumpet judgment brought total darkness (no moon, stars, or sun shining) to the entire earth for one-third of every 24 hour day for what was probably months (Rev. 8:12).

C. During this plague, total darkness came to the area of the beast’s throne and kingdom. This would have been most of the world since the bowl judgments are being given after the Antichrist’s reign has been in full force throughout the 3 ½ year Great Tribulation (verse 10; Rev. 11:1- 14:13).

1. This total darkness was probably for a number of days during the 30 to 75 days after the ending of the Great Tribulation (Dan. 12:11, 12).

2. This total darkness brings great anguish to its recipients to the point where they “gnawed their tongues” from the pain caused by this plague, the other plagues, and especially the sores on their bodies. However, instead of repenting and recognizing their powerlessness, they chose to blaspheme (curse) the God of heaven (verse 10c, 11).

THOUGHT: The “God of heaven” is a phrase found in Scripture which implies supreme rulership over everything and commands deep respect and awe. Even Nebuchadnezzar learned to praise and extol the only God of heaven (Dan. 2:18, 19, 37, 44; 4:1-3, 34-37;

See also Rev. 11:13).

II. The sixth bowl judgment prepares the area around Israel for the final battle of Armageddon which will happen right before Christ’s return to rule and reign (Revelation 16:12-16).

A. This bowl first stops the flow of the great Euphrates River so the eastern kings can join the battle in Israel (verse 12a).

1. This river flows through modern Iraq (ancient Babylon) and marked the eastern boundary of Israel’s Promised Land from Yahweh (Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7, 8; Josh. 1:4) as well as the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation.

2. During this time of the sixth bowl judgment, right before Christ returns to rule and reign, demonic spirits will convince kings from the whole earth (areas that are now Russia, Iran, India, China, etc.) to come to a great battle in Israel (verses 12b-14).

a. Through the mouths of the dragon (Satan, Rev. 12:9), the beast (Antichrist,

Rev. 13:5) and the false prophet (the Antichrist’s prophet, Rev. 13:12), demons convince these leaders through various deceits and false wonders to come to Israel to a great battle. The frog was an “unclean” creature in the Jewish dietary laws (Lev. 11:10-11) and, therefore, the message by the demons was an unclean message of deceit and falsehood (verses 13, 14). 

b. This is going to be the prophesied, Scriptural event called “the battle or war on the great day of God the Almighty” (verse 14) or the “battle of Armageddon” (verse 16). Some of the Scriptures that seem to prophecy this event include Ezekiel 38:1 - 39:29, Daniel 11:36 – 12:1, Joel 2:11, 3:1-16, Zechariah 12:1 – 14:15, and 2 Thes. 2:8.

B. Yahweh Jesus encourages his saints during this time to stay awake and fully clothed. Christ’s return is now only days to a month or so away and they should stay on guard so as not to be ashamed. Those that are believers are very close to entering their reward (verse 15; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 19:8). This is the third beatitude or blessing out of seven in Revelation (Rev. 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 14).

C. These kings will be assembled at a place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon (verse 16).

1. The most natural reading of this Greek transliterated word from Hebrew is mountain or hill (Hebrew – “har”) of Megiddo (Hebrew – “Megiddon”). The area of Megiddo would be well known to Hebrew readers of the Old Testament. It is found as the battlefield with Barak in Judges 4-5, Gideon in Judges 7, and was where King Saul, his sons, and Josiah fell to their deaths (I Sam. 31:1; 2 Chron. 35:22). It is found in a key prophetic passage in Zechariah 12:11 right next to the Apostle John’s theme verse of Zechariah 12:10 (Rev. 1:7).

2. The main problem in the minds of Bible students and teachers is that there is no identification of a Mount Megiddo. Megiddo is really a plain or valley approximately 15 miles wide and 20 miles long. It is close to Mt. Carmel and part of the Esdraelon Valley and is approximately 60 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Since the Hebrew word “har” can also mean “hill country” or the fact that Megiddo has mountains like Carmel and Gilboa around it, the apostle seemed to be identifying this particular geographical area.

3. More than likely, given all the prophecies of Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, and Zechariah (and others), this was only one of the areas of the final war, although a major one. Scripture identifies specific events in and around Jerusalem itself in other prophesies at Christ’s return (Zech. 14:1-5).

III. The seventh bowl judgment finishes the wrath of Yahweh on this earth bringing a great earthquake and great hailstones (Rev. 16:17-21).

A. Yahweh’s message from His throne is that after this is poured out, His wrath is officially done. This is a momentous event in the history of eternity! (verse 17)

B A great earthquake larger than at anytime in history wraps up the wrath of Yahweh

(verses 18-20).

1. Jerusalem, the great city, was divided into three parts (verse 19a; Revelation 11:8;

Zechariah 14:1-5).

2. Whole cities in Gentile nations fell (verse 19b).

3. Babylon the great (the Antichrist’s national headquarters and capital city) was judged by this earthquake as well as many other plagues. This will be discussed in more detail in Revelation chapters 17 through 19.

4. The topography of the earth substantially changed. Every island fled (which means either totally disappeared or moved substantially) and mountains were substantially changed (some not found any longer) (verse 20).

C. Great hailstones of approximately 100 pounds fell from heaven bringing blasphemy (cursing) from the beast’s followers and an end to Yahweh’s wrath (verse 21).

Revelation 16:1-9

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE, AND EVENTS

OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE RETURN OF KING JESUS

TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART V – THE FIRST FOUR BOWL JUDGMENTS

OF YAHWEH’S FINAL WRATH

Revelation 16:1-9

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. The seven angels are commanded by Yahweh Himself to pour out their seven bowl judgments (Revelation 16:1).

A. The Day of Yahweh has been prophesied in Scripture for thousands of years

(Joel 2:28 – 3:2; Zeph. 1:14 – 2:3). The Day of Yahweh starts with wrath and ends with King Jesus bringing peace and restoration (Joel 3:1-21; Zech. 14:1-20; I Thes. 5:1-11; Rev. 6:16 – 22:21). The wrath of Yahweh starts after the sixth seal judgment (Rev. 6:16) and ends after the seventh bowl judgment (Rev. 15:1; Rev. 16:17).

B. Yahweh Himself gives the sacred and holy order to have these bowls poured out which finishes His wrath that has been delayed until this very moment in time (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19). He is the only one left in the Heavenly Temple at this time due to the power of His glory! (Rev. 15:8)

C. At the time of the seven bowl judgments, the Great Tribulation (last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70^th week) appears to be over and so these are poured out between the 30 and 75 days before Christ sets up His earthly Kingdom (Dan. 12:11, 12; Rev. 11:1 – 14:13).

THOUGHT: Have we lost the ability in our day and age to be in thankful awe at Yahweh’s perfect justice and perfect wrath? The messages of sin, evil, depravity, Christ’s work, the believer’s purchased righteousness and Yahweh Jesus’ earthly and eternal reigns depend on it.

II. The first four bowl judgments are poured out upon the beast-marked, image worshipping, blasphemers on this earth (Revelation 16:2-9).

A. The first bowl judgment brings harmful and painful sores to the people who refused Yahweh’s long-suffering warnings. They had been warned by the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3), saints of Jesus (Rev. 12:11, 17, 13:8), and angelic messengers (Rev. 14:6-11) but refused to believe in truth. This is similar to what happened during the sixth plague of Egypt in Exodus 9:9-11 (Rev. 16:2).

B. The second bowl judgment brings complete destruction of all salt water life. This bowl turned the sea into something like “the blood of a corpse” and, therefore, it could no longer support life itself. This worldwide plague is much more extensive than the first plague of Egypt in Exodus 7:14-21 or the second trumpet judgment in Revelation 8:8, 9 (Rev. 16:3).

C. The third bowl judgment turns all the fresh water areas on the earth into blood

(Rev. 16:4-7)

1. This is similar to the first plague of Egypt (Exodus 7:14-21) and the third trumpet judgment (Rev. 8:10, 11) but much more extensive since it is global in scope.

2. The “angel of the waters” is either the third angel who poured the bowl out or another angel with some authority over water who was sent to proclaim this message of Yahweh’s righteous judgment (verses 5-7).

a. Yahweh is perfectly righteous (acts rightly according to a perfect standard), as the only eternal being, in His judgment (verse 5; Rev. 1:4, 8, 4:8).

b. The judgment is right and fair because these unbelievers have shed the blood of Yahweh’s saints and prophets (verse 6; Rev. 11:18, 12:11, 17). Since they shed blood, they will drink blood instead of pure water (verse 6; Rev. 11:18, Rev. 12:11, 17, 13:10, 14:13).

c. The heavenly altar, which has received every prayer of Old and New Testament saints, adds its witness as to Yahweh’s true and righteous judgments. This message has been confirmed by three sets of witnesses: The saints in heaven (Rev. 11:17, 18, 15:3, 4), an angelic being (Rev. 16:5, 6), and now the heavenly altar itself (verse 7; Rev. 5:8, 8:3-5).

D. The fourth bowl judgment intensifies the heat of the sun which scorches with fire. Rather than repenting and giving Yahweh glory (respecting and acknowledging His right to rule and reign), they were blaspheming (cursing or defaming) His name (verses 8, 9; Rev. 9:20, 21; 16:11, 21). 

THOUGHT: “Yahweh has bared His holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:10

“Seek Yahweh all you humble of the land… perhaps you may be hidden on the Day of the anger of Yahweh.” Zeph. 2:3

Revelation 15:1-8

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE,

AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE

RETURN OF KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART IV – THE HEAVENLY CEREMONY OF THE BOWL JUDGMENTS

Revelation 15:1-8

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. Seven angels bring the seven last plagues from the heavenly temple which will finish up God’s wrath (Revelation 15:1).

A. This is a summary statement which reveals the ultimate purpose of the three heavenly signs given in Revelation 12:1, 3 and 15:1. The purpose of Yahweh’s three heavenly signs is the finishing up of Yahweh’s promised wrath on earth before Yahweh Jesus returns to rule and reign.

1. Yahweh’s work in this world has been carried out through His plans with believing Israel (the first sign, woman of Rev. 12:1), her male child the Messiah (Rev. 12:5), and His persecuted followers (Rev. 12:6-17, 13:5-10, 14:12, 13).

2. Satan’s work in deceiving this world and its empires (the second sign, great red dragon, Rev.12:3) has relentlessly persecuted believing Israel, the Messiah, and the Messiah’s followers. Before and during the Great Tribulation (the last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70^th week of 7 years) Satan formed a ten nation powerful confederacy. With the Antichrist as this confederacy’s leader, he would seek world domination and try to annihilate Yahweh’s name from off this earth (Revelation chapters 12 and 13).

3. The seven angels with the seven last plagues (the third sign, Rev. 15:1) brings an end to the war that has been happening on this earth due to Satan’s deceit, lies, and accusations. These seven angels bring Yahweh’s wrath to this earth.

B. The coming seven plagues finish up the wrath of Yahweh which was started between the 6^th and 7^th seal (Rev. 6:16, first time the term is used) and has already included all of the trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:1 – 9:20). The plagues seem to be specific to the trumpet and bowl judgments (Rev. 9:20, 15:1, 22:18).

C. The Pre-wrath tribulation position sees the seven bowl judgments taking place after the Great Tribulation has finished (since Rev. 11-14 is primarily dealing with this time period and

Rev. 15:2 discusses overcoming the beast in the past tense due to “standing” being a perfect participle). Therefore, these seven bowls would be poured out between the 30 and 75 days after the Great Tribulation and before Christ sets up His earthly kingdom (Dan. 12:11, 12).

THOUGHT: Christ’s work of redemption for this world was finished at the cross (John 19:30). Christ’s work of wrath for this world will be finished after the seventh bowl judgment (Rev. 15:1, 16:17). Read Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18-20 and see how long Yahweh is willing to delay the execution of his wrath between Isaiah 61:2a and Isaiah 61:2b.

II. The song of the overcoming saints after the Great Tribulation (Rev. 15:2-4).

A. The overcoming saints of the Great Tribulation stand before Yahweh’s throne in heaven in all its splendor and majesty (sea of glass, also Ezekiel 1:22, Rev. 4:6) and because of these and the previous saints sufferings, the sea of glass is this time mingled with fire (the image of judgment Rev. 14:10, 19:20) (verse 2a).

B. The overcoming ones (Greek – Nikontas, from Nike meaning victorious or conquering ones) had been standing and continue to stand before Yahweh’s throne because they walked close to Him through it all (Revelation 11:2, 7; 12:6, 11, 17; Rev. 13:10; 14:1-5, 12, 13). They did take part with the beast, his image, or his number as found (verse 2b; Rev. 13:1-18; 14:9-13).

C. The overcoming ones now receive their reward in heaven with the rest of the saints (verse 2b-4).

1. They are given their share of what they have overcome (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12,21).

2. They are given their reward at Christ’s judgment seat in heaven at the sounding of the seventh trumpet which is the beginning of the bowl judgments (Rev. 11:18; I Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).

3. They are given harps of God to sing songs to Yahweh (verse 2b).

a. They especially like to sing a song called “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” The song of Moses deals with Yahweh’s rescuing and redeeming His saints of Israel (Ex. 15:1-19; Deut. 31:30 -32:43; Psalm 90). The song of the Lamb probably has to do with the ultimate rescuing and redeeming of both church and Israel saints from the time of the church through the Great Tribulation. Faithful service to Yahweh probably is also one of its themes (part of this song could be what’s recorded in Revelation 15:3b-4).

b. They sing of Yahweh Elohai Sabaoth’s (Lord God of Hosts or Almighty) (Amos 4:13; Rev.1:8, 4:8, 11:17) great and amazing deeds, just and true ways, and the fact that He is the King of the Nations (verse 3b, Psalms 2:10-12, 22:28, 47:8, 96:10, 110:5-7; Jer. 10:7).

c. They sing of the fear (reverential awe) and glory (respect and praise for His attributes) of His holiness (set apartness, transcendence, wholly otherness) and the fact that all nations will bow the knee to Yahweh Jesus (verse 4; Phil. 2:9, 10; Rev. 20:4, 21:22-27).

III. The ceremony of the seven angels with the seven bowls coming out of the temple in heaven (Revelation 15:5-8).

A. The seven angels are dressed in pure, bright linen (showing righteous purity) and golden sashes (sent by Yahweh’s kingly authority) and emerge from a part of the Heavenly Temple called the “tent of witness” or “tabernacle of testimony.” This seems to be similar to Rev. 11:19 and in the same place chronologically. The idea seems to be that humanity has fallen short of Yahweh’s law (located in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant or Testimony in the Holy of Holies), refuses Yahweh’s grace, and therefore will receive Yahweh’s perfect justice (verses 5, 6; Ex. 16:34, 25:16, 21, 27:21; Lev. 16:13; Deut. 10:1, 2).

B. The seven angels were commissioned by one of the four living creatures by giving each their golden bowl (Ex. 27:3; 2 Chron. 4:8) of Yahweh’s wrath. During this time of wrath, Yahweh’s glory cloud was so thick inside the Temple that no one could enter it probably due to the awesomeness of the situation (verses 7, 8; Exodus 40:34, 35; I Kings 8:10-12; Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezek.10:2-4).

Revelation 14:1-20

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE,

AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE

RETURN OF KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART III – THREE EARTHLY SCENES SHOW YAHWEH JESUS AS THE

FAITHFUL ONE, THE GRACIOUS ONE, AND THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

Revelation 14:1-20

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

BACKGROUND: The Apostle John divides this section up into three scenes with the words “and I saw” (kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 6, and 14. After discussing Satan (Rev. 12), the Antichrist, his rise to power and his persecution of Christ’s saints (Rev. 13), John now turns to Yahweh’s assured victory over all opposing forces of evil in this chapter.

I. Scene One – Yahweh Jesus (the Lamb) will be victorious over evil and will faithfully bring His saints through the difficulties of this world and into the promised inheritance (Rev. 14:1-5).

A. Mount Zion can be found in the Old Testament as being Israel, Jerusalem, or the Temple Mount. It is the prophesied area on this earth where Yahweh Father sets up Yahweh Jesus to rule and reign (Psalm 2:6, 48:1-14; Isa. 24:23; Joel 2:32; Obad. 17, 21; Mic. 4:1, 7; Zach. 14:10). It also can refer to a heavenly mountain or city where Yahweh, the angels, and the heavenly saints live right now (Hebrews 12:22) (verse 1a).

B. The 144,000 Jewish believers from Rev. 7:2-8 which were sealed before the Day of Yahweh are shown on Mt. Zion with Yahweh Jesus the Lamb (verse 1b).

1. The seal which they receive back in Revelation 7:2-8 is revealed now as the Lamb’s name and Father’s name written on their foreheads.

2. In contrast to this Yahweh seal on the 144,000 is the previously mentioned Antichrist (Beast) mark given to Satan and Antichrist worshippers during this time frame in Revelation 13:16-18.

C. The scene pictures the 144,000 Jewish believers successfully making it through to the other side of this horrendous, traumatic time of Satan’s anger and Yahweh’s wrath with their testimony intact and morally blameless (verses 2-5).

2. These 144,000 male Jewish believers will voluntarily abstain from sex and marriage because of their commitment to Yahweh Jesus during this time. Even though the marriage bed is undefiled according to Hebrews 13:4, there are times when some believers are led to voluntarily not partake in it for the Kingdom of God’s sake (Matt. 19:12; I Cor. 7:1, 32). They were a firstfruit offering (aparche – Greek) for God and the Lamb.

3. The 144,000 Jewish believers will not be deceived by Satan’s and the Antichrist’s lies during this time because they walk so close to the Lamb in true discipleship (2 Thes. 2:7-12; Rev. 13:7-18).

THOUGHT: How is our discipleship with Yahweh Jesus right now? Are we following Him and offering ourselves to Him alone?

II. Scene Two – Yahweh’s grace is seen during the Great Tribulation because He sends three angelic messengers to bring the Gospel and warn the world of impending judgment (Rev. 14:6-13).

A. The first angel of this scene is flying in mid-heaven (evidently visible and able to be heard by those on earth) giving out the Gospel (good news) to everyone on the earth. He was “another angel” to differentiate from either the mid-heaven voice of Rev. 8:13 or the last angel John talked about which was Michael in Rev. 12:7. His message involved fearing (reverencing) God, giving Him glory (involving respect and repentance Rev. 11:13), and worship (belief and praise). This could be Matthew’s whole world gospel found in Matt. 24:14 (verses 6, 7).

B. The second angel of the scene prophesies the destruction of the Satanically influenced world system (Babylon the Great) and specifically the Antichrist’s capital city. This will be discussed in detail in Rev. 17:1 – 19:21 (verse 8).

C. The third angel of the scene warns the people on the earth not to take the mark of the beast (Antichrist) because all who do will face judgment and eternal separation from Yahweh in hell (verses 9-11) (Rev. 20:11-15).

D. The saints in the midst of the Great Tribulation are encouraged to endure and be faithful in order to receive their full reward even if it involves death (vs 12, 13).

III. Scene Three – Yahweh Jesus is the prophesied King and judge who will fulfill His word concerning the harvest of this earth (Rev. 14:14-20).

A. Yahweh Jesus is both the coming King and the coming Judge of this earth. He is identified as the “Son of Man” coming on the “clouds of heaven” as King in Daniel 7:13, 14. He is also identified as the coming judge in Daniel 7:26, Joel 3:1-16, Matt. 13:30, and John 5:27-29. John identifies Jesus scripturally without naming Him as the “golden crowned” King and the “sickle handed” Judge (verse 14).

B. Earthly judgment throughout the book of Revelation has come from the throne and temple of Yahweh in heaven. The angel at the appropriate time gives the word from the Father for Jesus to reap the “fully ripe” crop and He does His part of the reaping in one swipe. This is the judgment symbolizing the wheat harvest. Up until this time, Jesus has been letting believers and unbelievers live together (Matt. 13:24-30). After the Great Tribulation, Jesus will start the separation process with the bowl judgments (Rev. 15:1 – 16:20) and the sharp sword from His mouth (Rev. 19:15) (verses 15, 16).

C. After Jesus starts the judgment, the angels take over (Matt. 13:30). They do the judgments symbolizing the grape harvest. To harvest grapes, they need to be trampled in a wine press (trough) to get the juice to flow out. The end time judgment of this world is going to produce a massive crop because so many people will still refuse to believe (vs 17-20) (Joel 3:1-16; Rev. 16:16, 19:17).

Revelation 13:1-18

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE, AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE RETURN OF

KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART II – THE ANTICHRIST’S SATANICALLY EMPOWERED RULE,

THE FALSE PROPHET, AND THE

PERSECUTION OF THE SAINTS

Revelation 13:1-18

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. During the Great Tribulation (the last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70^th week of 7 years), the prophesied Revived Roman Empire with its Antichrist king devours the whole earth, blasphemes Yahweh, and wears out the saints (Revelation 13:1-10).

A. A ten nation Revived Roman Empire has evidently risen to power before the Great Tribulation which was blasphemous against the true God Yahweh (vs 1).

1. This was prophesied about in detail in Daniel 2:40-45 and 7:7-25 which was written around 530 B.C.!

2. The idea that it came out of the sea (vs 1) comes from the same idea as Daniel 7:3 and should be a context clue for the diligent reader. In the Old Testament and Hebrew mind, when the sea is used figuratively (according to context), it has to do with special satanic activity against Yahweh

(Job 26:12, 13; Ps. 89:9, 10; Isa. 27:1, 51:9-11). 

3. Satan was unsuccessful in preventing Yahweh’s Christ from being born in history and accomplishing His mission (Rev. 12:1-5) through the seven dominant nations (heads) of the world (Rev. 12:3, 13:1). These nations were probably Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Greece, and Rome. His plan during the last days and specifically during the Great Tribulation, where he has at that time been thrown out of heavenly access (Rev. 12:8), is to exert his power through the kings (horns) of this revived Roman group (Rev. 12:3; 13:1).

4. Evidently each of these ten kings did not believe in the true God, Yahweh, because they were characterized as blasphemous (in this context, words to cause injury or harm to Yahweh).

B. This ten nation empire was like a leopard (swift), a bear (strong), and a lion (ferocious). They also were like some of the characteristics of the three nations of Greece (leopard), Medo-Persia (bear), and Babylon (lion) found in Dan. 7:1-6 which was described before Rome and Revived Rome in Daniel 7:7, 8. This ten nation empire was satanically empowered and its eventual ruler, the Antichrist, was in possession (as well as satanically possessed) of all of Satan’s usurped authority of wickedness (vs 2).

C. The ten nation kingdom starts out being called a beast or the beast (vs 1, 2) but then it takes on the personification of its leader who seemed to be mortally wounded and then healed through Satan’s deceit. This person is known in the New Testament as the Antichrist (I John 2:22, 23; I John 4:3), the man of lawlessness (2 Thes. 2:3) or the beast (Rev. 13:3). 

1. The people on the earth at the Great Tribulation will worship Satan (the dragon, Rev. 12:9) and the beast (Antichrist) who personifies this end time Revived Roman Empire (vs 4).

2. Daniel 7:8 and 7:20 tell us that the Antichrist comes up after the ten nations (kings) are established in power. Revelation 17:12, 13 tell us that these ten kings willingly turned their power and authority over to the Antichrist. Then the same Daniel passages tell us that because of this “one from among them” three of the original ten fell and were plucked up by the roots. This would possibly leave seven or eight kings during the Great Tribulation.

3. The Antichrist (beast) was allowed by Yahweh to blaspheme Yahweh Himself, Yahweh’s heavenly creation, as well as make war on Yahweh’s earthly saints for 3 ½ years (the Great Tribulation, Dan. 7:25, 9:27, 12:7; Matt. 24:15-25; 2 Thes. 2:4-12; Rev. 11:3, 12:6, 14) (vs 5-10).

a. Daniel 7:20-25 and I Thes. 2:3-12 correlate this prophecy perfectly.

b. During this time, many Christian saints will be taken captive (as prisoners) or killed by the world government probably by being beheaded (Rev. 20:4, the “sword” is the symbol of death by the ruling power or nation, Rom. 13:4). According to the pre-wrath view, some (all true believers at this time) will have this time shortened by rapture (Matt. 24:22-31; Rev. 7:9-17) probably one to two years into it. Either way it calls for endurance and faith on the part of the saints.

II. During the Great Tribulation there will be a False Prophet whose goal is to proclaim the glories of Satan and the Antichrist (Rev. 13:11-18).

A. The False Prophet (beast) rose out of the earth (instead of the sea like the Antichrist). This probably implies that this man started out as a fairly normal human being having nothing originally to do with the ten nation empire or the Antichrist. However, he gradually let himself be swayed satanically by his choices. The two horns (probably power over many people) made him influential in deceiving people with what appeared to be a message of peace (lamb) and yet it was straight from Satan (dragon). He is called the False Prophet in Rev. 19:20 (verse 11).

B. His satanically driven goal is to bring the world into worshipping the Antichrist by a sophisticated form of deception and trickery (vs 12).

1. He convinces most of the world to believe that the Antichrist is God because of a supposed healing and miracles in the Antichrist’s presence. However, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 tells us that these are false signs and wonders (vs 13, 14a; Rev. 19:20).

2. He is instrumental in getting the Antichrist’s image set up in the Jerusalem Temple to be worshipped and somehow caused it to speak. This might be the abomination of desolation marking the beginning of the Great Tribulation (vs 14a, 15; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:4).

3. He causes there to be economic consequences and hardship to anyone not getting the Antichrist’s name or number on the right hand or forehead. The number which will be recognizable in the Great Tribulation is 666 (vs 16- 18).

Revelation 12:1-17

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES,

PEOPLE, AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION

TO THE RETURN OF KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART I – SATAN’S ANGER TOWARDS THE PROPHESIED

CHRIST AND SATAN’S EXPULSION

FROM HEAVEN

Revelation 12:1-17

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. Revelation chapters 12 through 19 seem to form one unit of thought which gives details of the last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70^th week (Great Tribulation) through the return of Christ to rule and reign on this earth.

A. Revelation chapters 12-14 provides the diligent reader with parenthetical information on Satan’s wrath toward Christ and Christ’s people (chapter 12), the beast’s (Antichrist’s) satanic empowerment and cruel reign (chapter 13), and Yahweh’s triumph over the forces of Satan’s in the final harvest of evil (chapter 14).

B. Revelation chapters 15, 16 chronologically moves history forward past the blowing of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15) to the final seven bowls of judgment. These will finish Yahweh’s wrath on the earth and are specifically designed to purge evil and those who persist in choosing Satan over Yahweh from this earth.

C. Revelation chapters 17-19 provides the diligent reader with parenthetical information on the fall of the beast’s (Antichrist’s) capital city and therefore the final fall of satanically influenced leaders forever. It also unveils for us the marriage supper of the Lamb and the return of Christ with His saints.

D. The events of the final harvest of evil (Rev. 14:19, 20), the seventh bowl massive judgment (Rev. 16:17-21), and the return of Christ in judgment (Rev. 19:11-21) seem to occur approximately at the same time. These things will prepare the way for Christ’s prophesied millennial reign on this earth in Revelation 20:1-6.

 E. According to the pre-wrath rapture view, the ending of the events in Revelation 14:19, 20; 16:17-21; and 19:11-21 occurs sometime between 30 and 75 days after the ending of the Great Tribulation (last 3 ½ years) (Daniel 12:11, 12).

II. To understand the events that are going on during the Great Tribulation and beyond, we need to go deeper than the surface of things and move into the spiritual realm (Rev. 12:1-6).

A. John is going to tell us about two great signs in Rev. 12:1 and 3 and then another sign in Rev. 15:1. These three signs reveal to the diligent reader the spiritual battle behind the physical chaos of the Great Tribulation and beyond.

1. In verse 1, the word for sign (samaon – Greek) means a wonder or miracle that is beyond the usual course of nature. In this case, we need to look at the spiritual significance as to what the sign is pointing to by looking into God’s Scriptures for the answer.

2. The best place to start finding the identity of the woman is in Gen. 37:9, 10. Joseph had a dream given to him by Yahweh which had “the sun (Jacob), the moon (Rachel), and eleven stars (his eleven brothers) bowing down to him.” This passage would put into the Hebrew mind that the nation of Israel or probably the remnant in the nation of Israel who will believe (look at verses 6, 13-17) could be the woman who is in child birth. Other passages that could be referenced are Isaiah 26:17-18; 66:7-9; Jer. 4:31; Jer. 13:21; Micah 4:10; 5:3) (verse 1, 2).

3. The great red dragon is probably the plan of Satan through the seven countries of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Greece, and Rome to thwart the birth of the future unique male child Jesus Christ throughout history (verses 3, 4; Daniel chapters 2, 7). The reference to Christ is very specific in verse 5 (Psalm 2:9; Rev. 2:27; 19:15).

a. The great dragon is identified as Satan in verse 9 and the “third part of the stars” might refer to his and other angels who departed from Yahweh’s rule before humanity (Isaiah 14:11-14 possibly).

b. The child (Christ) ascended (“was caught up”) to the Father’s throne (Acts 1:9; Col. 3:1).

B. During the Great Tribulation (1,260 days, the last 3 ½ years, according to a 30 day Jewish month, of Daniel’s 70^th week of 7 years), God has prepared a special place of protection for the woman (Israel’s remnant of future believers).

III. The reason why remnant Israel needed Yahweh’s protection during the Great Tribulation is because Satan was denied anymore access to Yahweh’s throne. He was thrown out of heaven forever! (Rev. 11:7-17)

A. Michael is Israel’s specially assigned protector angel (Dan. 12:1) and is an angel in charge of other angels called an archangel (Jude 9). Up until the Great Tribulation on earth, Satan and at least some of his angels have access to Yahweh’s throne (I Kings 22:19-22; Job 1:6-12; Zech. 3:1). At the point of the Great Tribulation on earth, Satan and his angels are thrown out of heaven permanently. This is good news for heaven but bad news for earth because Satan is wrathful and knows he has a short time (verses 7-12).

1. The Devel (Diabolos – Greek) and Satan (Hebrew) both mean slanderer or accuser. He is the accuser of the brethren and the deceiver of the whole earth! (verses 9, 10)

2. Believers throughout history overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, their testimony, and being willing to die for their faith! (verse 11).

B. Satan pursues remnant Israel during the Great Tribulation but Yahweh protects and feeds them like He did with Israel leaving Egypt. In miraculous ways, Yahweh once again delivers them on eagles wings (Deut. 32:10-14; Ex. 19:4). As Satan realizes that he can’t harm this group of Israel’s remnant (possibly the sealed 144,000), he goes after other believers on the earth (verses 13-17).

Revelation 11:15-19

THE BLOWING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET

Revelation 11:15-19

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. At the blowing of the seventh trumpet, Yahweh Father and His Messiah, Yahweh Jesus, begin the process of taking back Satan’s earthly hold and power

(Revelation 11:15-19).

A. Loud voices in heaven include the 24 elders (angels) surrounding Yahweh’s throne (Rev. 4:4), probably the innumerable angels in heaven (Rev. 5:11) and probably the redeemed and raptured saints (Rev. 7:9-17) (verse 15).

B. Jesus Christ is Yahweh’s designated ruler of this world. He is the prophesied King from the line of David (2 Sam. 7:7-16; Ps. 2:1-12; Ps. 89:3, 4) and the promised Messiah (Isa. 49:1-7; Luke 2:26; Luke 9:20; Acts 1:6, 4:24-26)(verse 15).

C. The 24 elders (angels) once again fall on their faces in worship before Yahweh’s throne and proclaim several things that happen at this time (verses 16-18).

1. The prophesied time of Yahweh, Almighty God’s (Kurios ha Theos ha Pantokrator), The Eternal One’s reign begins in the invisible realm (spiritual reality with physical ramifications on earth such as the coming Bowl Judgments (Rev. 15:1 – 16:21) and becomes visible reality at Christ’s inauguration and reign (Rev. 19:11 – 20:6) (verses 16, 17).

a. Most pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-tribulation positions view this passage as a general preview of a time where the Seventh Trumpet sounding looks forward to its ending which is the setting up of Christ’s rule. This could be a period of several years.

b. If the pre-wrath tribulation view is correct, this time from the Seventh Trumpet sounding through Christ’s inauguration will take place in a period of 30 to 75 days (Daniel 12:11, 12). This is a time period after the Great Tribulation (last 3 ½ years) has ended which was after the events of the Sixth Trumpet (Rev. 9:21) and the finished prophesying of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:7-13).

 

THOUGHT: The Future reign of Yahweh’s Messiah (Christ) in Israel and Jerusalem on this earth is a major event in prophecy. Read what the Scriptures have to say about this momentous event in Psalm 2:1-12, Isaiah 9:6, 7; 61:2 – 62:12, Jeremiah 31:23-40, Daniel 7:9-27, and Matthew 24:31-34!

2. The Gentile nations were enraged at the thought of this Jewish Messiah reigning over them especially during Daniel’s 70^th week (7 years) and even more especially during the last 3 ½ years of it (verse 18a; Psalm 2:1, 2;Rev 6:1 – 19:21).

3. Yahweh’s wrath came to this earth after the Sixth Seal was opened and the Day of Yahweh began (verse 18b; Rev. 6:17).

4. It appears as if the judging of the saints for reward or lack of reward happens in heaven after the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet (verse 18c, d; Romans 14:10; I Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). The judgment of unbelievers happens 1,000 years later after Christ’s reign finishes on this earth and before the New Heaven and New Earth begins (Rev. 20:11-15).

5. After the blowing of the Seventh Trumpet, Yahweh will “destroy the destroyers of the earth” by pouring out the Seven Bowl Judgments (Rev. 15:1 – 16:21). This will happen as a precursor to inaugurating King Jesus as a cleansing process before His arrival (verse 18e).

II. The opened heavenly temple of Yahweh explains for us that Yahweh Father is getting ready to transfer His heavenly reign of the earth to the reign of His earthly Messiah (Christ) (Rev. 11:19).

A. In line with the proclamation of the 24 elders (angels) in Rev. 11:17, Yahweh Jesus Christ is beginning the process to reign. The opened temple in heaven might show a movement from His throne in heaven towards the earth since an open door means someone is going in or out.

B. As the door of the temple in heaven is opened, the heavenly Ark of the Covenant is seen. The Ark of the Covenant was also called the Ark of the Presence of God (Yahweh). It had great significance for the nation of Israel and showed them that Yahweh was with them in a special way (I Sam. 5:1 – 6:21;2 Sam. 6:1-17).

C. All the judgments that come to the earth during the Day of Yahweh come with heavenly throne and temple command. The coming earth cleansing Seven Bowl Judgment will not be any exception (Rev. 6:12-17; 8:1-5; 11:19; 15:4-6).