Revelation chapter 15 chapter is an introduction to the last set of plagues described in the Book of Revelation, which are collectively called “the vial judgments.”
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Revelation 15:1-7 Angels With 7 Plagues
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. (KJV)
The pronoun “I” refers to the writer of the Book of Revelation, who is the Apostle John. He saw what he called a “sign” in heaven. This sign, which he described as being both great and marvelous, was seven angels. Each of the seven angels had one plague of the wrath of God. Angels are heavenly messengers, and many times, especially in the Book of Revelation, their messages, which are God-sent, are not words, but actions of judgement on the Earth.
Revelation 15:2-The Sea Of Glass
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (KJV)
This is the second instance the “sea of glass” mentioned in Revelation. This sea of glass is in the throne room of God. John observed those tribulation believers who resisted the temptation of worshipping the antichrist and were put to death. By resisting, they obtained victory over the beast and his power. These believers were beheaded because they refused to worship the beast. After death, they found themselves not only in heaven, but in a great place of honor in heaven ─ the very throne room of God. And as they stood, John saw this multitude playing harps.
Revelation 15:3-The Song
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (KJV)
With their harp playing, these people sang to God and praised Him while playing on their harps. Their song, “the song of Moses” is a song of praise to God. When Moses sang his song recorded in Exodus chapter 15, Moses was praising God for delivering the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. These saints will take the same theme and sing praises to God for delivering them out of the rule of the antichrist, even though their way out was through death. It is interesting to note that Revelation chapter 15 refers to Exodus chapter 15.
Revelation 15:4-Heavenly Worship
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (KJV)
In their praises to God, these tribulation saints proclaim the fact that God will have worldwide worship. They know God’s judgments will be revealed very shortly on Earth. Their statement is prophetic and leads to what immediately follows.
Revelation 15:5-The Temple Opened
And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: (KJV)
John saw the heavenly tabernacle open, almost in a choreographedevent, following the statements of praise from these believers.
Revelation 15:6-7 Angels and & Plagues
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. (KJV)
Out of the temple of the tabernacle in heaven seven angels filed out. John saw the attire of the angels, whiten linen and gold breastplates, which indicated the role of an Old Testament priest.
Revelation 15:7-7 Vials Of The Wrath Of God
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. (KJV)
The four beasts referred to here are the four living creatures described in Revelation 4:6-8. The living creature, an angel itself, distributed the seven golden vials to the seven angels clothed as priests. Some Bible scholars translate “vials” as bowls since the Greek word for “vials” is phiale, which is translated as a “broad shallow cup.”
Revelation 15:8-Smoke In The Temple
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. (KJV)
The temple, and even more importantly in this case, the mercy seat, was blocked from access until these judgements were accomplished. The mission of the angels was a serious one, and God would not allow anything to hinder what they had to accomplish. The smoke in the temple indicates the presence of God Who directs His angels to pour out their vials of His judgement.
Revelation chapter 15-Bible Study/Review Questions
- How many angels did John see here? Seven
- What musical instrument will those believers who got victory over the beast play? Harps
- The song of these believers came originally from whom? Moses
- From where will the angels with the vials which contain the wrath of God come from? The temple in heaven.
- Who will give the vials to the angels? One of the four living creatures.
- What will fill the temple while the angels pour out God’s judgement? Smoke
Revelation Chapter 15 Personal Reflection Question
Since praise to God will be a large part of heaven, how do you praise God in your life today?
Revelation Chapter 15-Behind the Scenes Stuff
These plagues are so often referred to as “bowl” judgements. But since God calls these containers “vials,” He must have a reason. If nothing else, I respect God’s Word. He said in Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure.” While I attempt to explain God’s Word, sometimes using simpler language, I don’t want to change His pure and exact words.