Revelation 18:1 – 19:5

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE,

AND EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE RETURN OF

KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART VIII: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE ANTICHRIST’S CAPITAL CITY,

WILL BE JUDGED BECAUSE OF ITS PRIDE, GREED,

AND HATRED TOWARD YAHWEH’S TRUTH AND HIS PEOPLE

Revelation 18:1 – 19:5

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. From the courts of heaven, an authoritative angel is sent to explain Yahweh’s reasons for Babylon the Great’s final judgment (Revelation 18:1-8).

A. After seeing the future destruction of the Antichrist’s false religion in Revelation 17:16 as well as the future start of the Antichrist’s capital city’s internal collapse of power in Revelation 17:12-18, the Apostle John is now shown the future annihilation of the city itself (Rev. 18:1-3).

1. He is given this information by an angel who has been heavenly authorized, is so bright that it lightens the earth, and who speaks with a mighty voice (verses 1, 2a).

2. The angel pronounces judgment on the city of Babylon the Great which was similar to Old Testament prophecies found in Isaiah 21:9 and Isaiah 13:20-22. Just like the Babylon of the Old Testament which worshipped foreign idols and demons was destroyed in 539 B.C. so will the future capital city of the Antichrist be destroyed (verse 2).

3. Babylon the Great has led the nations into sexual immorality with its false religion (Rev. 13:11-18, Rev. 17:1-8), has led the kings of the earth into immorality with her (Rev. 16:12-16,

Rev. 17:12-14), and has led the merchants of the earth into its greedy ways (verse 3).

B. Another voice from heaven calls Yahweh’s people out of the Antichrist’s capital city before its final judgment and exposes the city’s prideful heart (Rev. 18:4-8).

1. We know that the angels found in Revelation 14:8-11 had a similar message as this earlier in the Great Tribulation (last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70^th week). Also, other Old Testament passages found in Isaiah 48:20, 52:11; Jeremiah 50:8, 51:6-45 and Zechariah 2:6-7 have similar messages of Yahweh calling out His people for their protection (verse 4).

2. The sins of Babylon the Great are heaped high as heaven (Jeremiah 51:9) and the transgressions are now remembered (instead of delayed because of mercy) by judgment (Psalm 25:7, 137:7). Sins of blatant greed, deceit, and non-repentance many times demanded double payment in the Old Testament (Exodus 22:4-9, Isaiah 40:2, Jeremiah 16:18) (verses 5, 6).

3. Babylon the Great glorified herself instead of Yahweh, lived in luxury, and had an overall prideful and arrogant attitude and so will be judged to the full by Yahweh. The plagues of the trumpet and bowl judgments will be released during the Great Tribulation to fulfill this (verses 7, 8;

Isaiah 47:7-11, Revelation 8:6-19:21).

THOUGHT: Are we allowing ourselves as Christians to be captured by the same attitudes or sins as Babylon the Great? Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 with the insights that you have been given in

Revelation 18:1-8.

II. The kings of the earth, the merchants of the earth, and those whose trade is from the sea mourn or lament the loss of Babylon the Great. They are at places away from the city but see it burning up with large amounts of smoke (Revelation 18:9-19).

A. A “lament” is a style of writing which complains or mourns the loss of something. It can be a poem, a song, or dirge and its main goal is to express emotion as well as information. The Old Testament contains many writings of lament including many of the Psalms and the book of Lamentations. This section of Rev. 18:9-19 has many similarities to the lament for Tyre found in Ezekiel 27:1 – 28:19.

B. The kings of the earth include the ten kings which gave their authority to the Antichrist (Rev. 17:12) as well as the kings from the east that were summoned by demonic spirits for the great battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16). They partnered with the capital city’s false religion of the Antichrist and made each of them rich because it demanded a mark allowing buying and selling of goods

(Rev. 13:11-18). Evidently, the capital city was the base of operations for all of this (verses 9, 10; Ezekiel 27:35).

C. The merchants of the earth were able to sell and trade the most high-priced goods in the capital city of Babylon the Great. These included precious metals and stones (gold, silver, jewels, and pearls), high- priced cloth (fine linen, purple cloth, silk, and scarlet cloth), high-priced artistic and building supplies (scented wood, ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble), spices and perfumes (cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense), food items (wine, oil, fine flour, wheat), and finally farm goods and services (cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and human slaves). Evidently, luxury at any cost (even increasing human slavery) will be the norm for the time of the Great Tribulation (verses 11-17a; Ezekiel 27:27, 36).

D. The traders from the sea grew rich by their trade with the capital city and seem the most grieved out of the bunch by mourning with dust on their head (verse 17b; Ezekiel 27:29).

THOUGHT: Meditate on Christ’s beatitudes found in Matthew 5:2-11 in light of the things and people of Babylon the Great in Revelation 18:9-19.

III. The saints, apostles, and prophets in heaven are urged to rejoice over Yahweh’s perfect justice being fulfilled and the knowledge that this will quickly bring restoration and Christ’s return to this earth (Revelation 18:20 – 19:5).

A. This is the only place in the book of Revelation where the word “apostles” is used except Rev. 21:14. Saints seem to include believers in Yahweh in the Old, New, and Tribulation time periods (Rev. 11:18, 14:12), apostles usually are those sent by Jesus to start the church (Luke 11:49; Eph. 2:20; 2 Peter 3:2), and prophets could include Old, New, and Tribulation time period spokespeople for Yahweh (Luke 8:19; Romans 12:6; Ephesians 3:5). Each group is encouraged to rejoice over Yahweh’s true justice that has been delayed up until now (verse 20; Rom. 12:19; Rev. 6:10, 11).

B. The third and last mighty angel of Revelation (Rev. 5:2, 10:1, 2) throws a large (thousands of pounds, Mark 9:42) millstone into the sea. This symbolized Babylon the Greats final destruction never to rise to power again (similar to Jer. 51:63, 64). No music, productive activity, or regular life will ever come from her again because they deceived nations through demonic activity (magic potions) and killed Yahweh’s servants (verses 21-24).

C. The Hallelu-Yah chorus is heard in heaven! The only place in the New Testament where the Old Testament Hebrew word Hallelu-Yah (Praise Yahweh) is used is in Revelation 19:1-6. It is used extensively in Psalm 113-118 and 146-150. The only other occurrence of the great multitude is found in Revelation 7:9 which according to the pre-wrath rapture view are the raptured New Testament saints in heaven along with the redeemed believers of all time! The great multitude cries out Hallelu-Yah twice and the 24 elders (angels) and the 4 living creatures surrounding Yahweh’s throne cry out Amen! (so be it!) Hallelu-Yah! (Rev. 19:1-5).

Site Update

Just a quick note and another sincere apology. This blog has not been updated for a VEEERY long time, and that is not Dave's fault, but completely mine. I've simply been failing to remember to post consistently, despite having Dave's finished notes collected and ready to go.

However, I think the problem has been solved, as I just discovered how to schedule future posts.(Woohoo! He CAN learn!) So I am sitting down now to upload the rest of his notes for the remaining parts of this Revelation study, which I will schedule to go up once per day until they are finished.

I hope you find the remainder of this study useful and thought-provoking. More than anything I hope you find it encouraging, as we look forward to the very real and amazing future Yahweh has planned.

-Paeter Frandsen

Revelation 17:1-18

EIGHT CHAPTERS EXPLAINING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES, PEOPLE, AND

EVENTS OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION TO THE RETURN OF

KING JESUS TO RULE THIS EARTH:

PART VII: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE ANTICHRIST’S CAPITAL CITY,

WILL BE JUDGED BECAUSE OF ITS FALSE RELIGION

Revelation 17:1-18

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. The false religion at the time of the Antichrist’s rule and reign comes out of the same strain of satanically motivated anti-Yahweh and anti-Messiah religions from all time (Rev. 17:1-6a).

A. The Apostle John receives this message from one of the seven angels that have just delivered the seven bowl judgments to give added information. The wrath of Yahweh had to be poured out (Rev. 14.8, 16:19) on the satanically corrupted religious system (great prostitute controlling most of the world population Rev. 17:15) in order for Yahweh’s ultimate pure system to finally be established in Revelation 21:9 (verse 1).

1. The kings of the earth have committed “sexual immorality” with her by believing her message instead of Yahweh’s (verse 2a; Isa. 23:15-17; Jer. 2:20-31).

2. The “wine” of her sexual immorality (Rev. 14:8) is judged by the “wine” of the fury of Yahweh’s wrath (Rev. 16:19). The wine can be the finished product of evil as well as good (verse 2a; Matt. 26:29; Jer. 51:7-14).

B. The Apostle John is carried away (in the Spirit) to a wilderness to receive the vision of the prostitute and the corrupt city of Babylon, whereas, he is carried to a high mountain in Revelation 21:10 to receive the glorious vision of the holy city Jerusalem (verses 3-5).

1. The wilderness or desert in this context is prophesying the dryness of the prostitutes influence which will lead to Babylon the Greats destruction (much like Isaiah did with the previous nation of Babylon in Isaiah 21:1-10) (verse 3a).

2. The prostitute is sitting on the same beast of Revelation 12:3 only this time we are told that it is scarlet colored (probably representing sin, Isaiah 1:18) or blood (Rev. 16:6). The beast represents the seven-headed satanically influenced world empires that have opposed Yahweh’s believers throughout history (probably Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Greece, and Rome) as well as the ten-horned (ten kinged) revived Roman Empire at the time of the Antichrist. Each of these empires had and will have false religious systems that oppose Yahweh blaspheming (cursing) His name (verse 3b).

3. The prostitute deceives the nations by her appealing outer beauty and her promises of wealth and fulfillment. However, what she really offers are abominations which are detestable in Yahweh’s sight and provoke His wrath (verse 4; I Sam. 16:7; Jer. 13:27; Ezek. 5:9).

4. There are three main views of how to understand the use of Babylon in the book of Revelation: 1) It is symbolic of the Roman Empire of John’s day (I Pet. 5:13); 2) It is rebuilt Babylon on the Euphrates River during the time of the Antichrist; 3) It is symbolic of all false religion and proud human society that has tried to live without Yahweh or His help throughout time (Gen. 11:1-9, Dan. 4:30). I would see Babylon as a Revived Roman Empire that is still future from now (some of #1) with a capital city that reflects the glory of a rebuilt city of Babylon (not necessarily on the Euphrates, part of #2) and a false religion incorporating Satan’s full deceit and demonic schemes (all of #3) (verse 5).

5. Throughout time Satan’s false religions have brought suffering and persecution to those who seek to acknowledge Israel’s Yahweh as their God and believe in Messiah Jesus (verse 6a; Dan. 7:25; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 13:10).

THOUGHT: False religion comes from satanic influence on peoples minds and can bring destructive thoughts, wrong living, physical death, and spiritual death (John 10:10). This will all be judged by Yahweh Jesus soon (Rev. 19:11 – 20:15).

II. The mystery of the woman and the beast is revealed by the angel as ultimately being conquered by the Lamb and His saints (Rev. 17:6b-14).

A. The Apostle John was marveling with great wonder at the sight of the prostitute riding the beast. He was either perplexed, distressed, and/or questioning if she could be overcome. The context seems to imply all three (verses 6b, 7; Dan. 7:28, 8:27, 10:7, 8, 12:8).

B. The coming Antichrist is now revealed to the Apostle John as the person who will rise out of these seven nations and rule over these ten kings to make war against Yahweh (verses 8-14).

1. Just like Revelation chapter 12 and 13 moves from the seven empire beast to the personal Antichrist beast, so does Revelation 17:1-7 (seven empire beast) move to the personal Antichrist beast in Revelation 17:8. Yahweh Jesus “is and was and is to come”

(Rev. 1:4, 8) but the Antichrist “was and is not”…and (will) “go to destruction.” Therefore, truth, salvation, and eternal life lie with the true Christ and not the Antichrist (verse 8).

a. The beast “was” could be either a type of the beast ruler found in Daniel 7 and/or the antichrists that have come against Israel and the church throughout history

(I John 2:22). Some teachers have thought the Antichrist might believe himself to be a reincarnated emperor.

b. The Antichrist “was not” alive at the time of the writing of Revelation. 

c. The Antichrist appears to the world to have died and been reincarnated (Rev. 13:3) but in reality he became possessed by Satan or one of the demons (Rev. 11:7, 13:4).

d. The Antichrist will “go to destruction.” (Rev. 19:20).

2. The seven mountains and kings that become an eighth take spiritual wisdom and discernment to figure out (verses 9-11). There are two main possibilities for the futurist interpretation:

a. They are seven real Roman kings (Rome was said to be built on seven hills), five that existed before John (that have died or been killed), one that is (Domitian or Nero if a person adopts an earlier date), one that will come for a short time and then the Antichrist at the end. However, it is hard for the timing of the Roman kings to fit properly. A list of the Roman Emperors is as follows: Julius Caesar (44 B.C.), Augustus (27 B.C. - 14 A.D.), Tiberius (14-37 A.D.), Caligula (37-41 A.D.), Claudius (41-54 A.D.), Nero (54-68 A.D.) Galba, Otho, Vitellius (68-69 A.D.), Vespasian (69-79 A.D.), Titus 79-81 A.D.), Domitian (81-96 A.D.), Nerva (96-98 A.D.), and Trajan (98-117 A.D.).

b. They are seven empires (mountains are used for empires in Scripture in Psalm 30:7, Psalm 68:15, 16; Isa. 2:2, 41:15; Jer. 51:25; Dan. 2:35; Zech. 4:7) that are probably Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the Revived Roman Empire. Of these, the first five have fallen, Rome exists at the time of Revelation, the ten-nation revived Roman Empire will exist for a short time, and the Antichrist’s kingdom will be the eighth. This seems to best fit the Scriptures of Daniel 7:1-28, Revelation 12:3, and 13:1. However, it does take combining the empires of Media and Persia, as Daniel does, to make it work.

3. The ten kings rule a major part of the earth for a short time but when the Antichrist comes on the scene, they choose to hand their power over to him (Dan. 7:19-22). Together they make war against Yahweh’s people although three of the original kings fall, but are finally conquered by the Lamb and His saints (verses 12-14; Daniel 7:20-28; Rev. 19:11-16).

III. Yahweh’s judgment on the prostitute (the satanic religion during the time of the ten kings and Antichrist) is ironically partly carried out by the ten-kinged kingdom led by the Antichrist

(Revelation 17:15-18).

A. The false religion of Satan controls the world during the time of the ten-kinged kingdom and the Antichrist from the great city Babylon (verses 15, 18; II Thes. 2:3-12; Rev. 13:5-18).

B. Yahweh exalts Himself and shows His power over the kingdom of darkness by putting a plan inside the hearts of the demonically controlled kings and Antichrist to turn against the prostitute. In so doing, Satan’s power and supposed kingdom divides against itself as Jesus predicted (Mark 3:23-26; John 10:7-21). Evidently, the end time city called Babylon the great which ruled the world through its false religion gets conquered and burned up by its own people (verses 16, 17).

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).