Revelation 16:1-11
In verse 1 the proclamation is made to the Angels/Believers to pour out the vials of God’s wrath upon the earth. In many cases I think that most who read this would envision these Angels/Believers standing in one place in Heaven pouring out the vials.
However, notice the statement, “Go your ways.” “Ways” would give us the indication of going in a direction, possibly moving throughout the earth pouring out their vials.
In verse 2 the first vial is poured out; the plague causes sores upon people. In the King James Version, these sores are called “noisome.” Translated is destructive, troublesome, painful, ugly etc…
This plague had a specific people targeted and that is those that have the mark of the beast and those that worship his image. Evidently there will be those that do not receive this mark for this verse to be that specific. There may be those that make it through the Tribulation that neither receive the mark nor do they receive Jesus. There may be those as well that become Born Again that make it to the end of the Tribulation.
This image that is worshipped could relate to the Black Stone of Mecca. There is a rock of some sort which could have originally been a asteroid that fell there. However, this rock is worshipped, touched and kissed by Muslims when they come to Mecca.
Since it is Islam’s goal that all must accept their religion or die, then it would seem that something as important as the worship of this rock could play a role in the death of many. Beheading folks is already something that is done due to rejection of their religion and we find that this is the judgment used in this book to those that reject the mark of the beast and will not worship the image.
In verse 3 the second vial is poured out onto the sea. The sea then turns to blood causing the death of every living thing in it.
In verse 4 we see a similar plague as the second vial; the third vial is poured out upon the rivers and fountains turning them to blood. This would be a tough plague being that it would affect the drinking water supply. Notice how similar these plagues are to the ones that were performed in Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go.
Verse 5 has an Angel/Believer proclaiming the righteousness of God and His judgments. Many question God concerning His judgments forgetting that He is Holy and Just in all that He does and that when all is revealed, they will be the ones found to be unjust.
In verse 6 we see a description of some of the injustices of mankind which will be many when they stand before a Holy God to give an account of their works. The injustices listed here are happening in our world today. All accounts will be settled at the Throne of God and every person that rejected the redemptive work of the cross of Jesus Christ will receive their just reward.
In verse 7 another proclamation and praise of our Holy and Just God, His judgments being righteous and true. Some may think that all of this worship and praise of our awesome God is too much, but wait until you see Him and see what you think then!
In verses 8-9 the fourth vial is poured out on the sun and it is increased in power causing the scorching of men with fire. Those that are always looking for Global warming will get their wish when this happens.
Men refused to repent or acknowledge God as they should. Rather they blaspheme the name of God lashing out at Him. When in pain it is normal to become angry and blame someone or something for the cause. However at the end of all things, it will be revealed the true responsible party. So they should look in the mirror to properly place the blame.
In verses 10-11 the fifth vial is poured out causing the kingdom of the beast to plunge into darkness. Apparently this darkness causes men to gnaw their tongues for pain. What kind of pain?
There is much talk these days of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack to the power grid of a nation. A nuclear bomb exploding over a nation could shut down the whole power grid and quickly send a nation into darkness. It would be as things were before electric power was discovered and plunge an entire nation into survival mode. Not being able to easily obtain food, water, medicine and the like would cause much pain.
Again here comes the anger and blame toward God. Not only for the darkness but still suffering from the painful soars as well.
