1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A song of praise is sung by the church.
Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And I saw seven holy angels having the seven last plagues - Before they had the phials, which were as instruments whereby those plagues were to be conveyed. They are termed the last, because by them the wrath of God is fulfilled - Hitherto. God had borne his enemies with much longsuffering; but now his wrath goes forth to the uttermost, pouring plagues on the earth from one end to the other, and round its whole circumference. But, even after these plagues, the holy wrath of God against his other enemies does not cease, (Revelation 20:15) .
McArther Bible Commentary
wrath of God. See notes on Rev 11:18; Rev 14:10; Rev 16:19; Rev 19:15; cf. Rom 1:18-21.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 26:21 Revelation 9:20 Revelation 12:1 Revelation 12:3 Revelation 15:6 Revelation 15:7 Revelation 16:1 Revelation 17:1 Revelation 21:9

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A song of praise is sung by the church.
Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Exodus 15:1-19; Deuteronomy 31:30 to 32:44; Isaiah 26:2). The Final Song of Victory
—What a song that will be when the ransomed of the Lord meet at the gate of the Holy City, which is thrown back on its glittering hinges and the nations that have kept His word—His commandments—enter into the city, the crown of the overcomer is placed upon their heads, and the golden harps are placed in their hands! All heaven is filled with rich music, and with songs of praise to the Lamb. Saved, everlastingly saved, in the kingdom of glory! To have a life that measures with the life of God—that is the reward (Manuscript 92, 1908).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The song was sung while the angels were coming out, with their plagues, who are therefore mentioned both before and after it, (Revelation 15:1-6) . And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire - It was before "clear as crystal," (Revelation 4:6) , but now mingled with fire, which devours the adversaries. And them that gained, or were gaining, the victory over the wild beast - More of whom were yet to come. The mark of the beast, the mark of his name, and the number of his name, seem to mean here nearly the same thing. Standing at the sea of glass - Which was before the throne. Having the harps of God - Given by him, and appropriated to his praise.
McArther Bible Commentary
sea of glass. God's heavenly throne sits on a transparent crystal platform or pavement (see note on Rev 4:6). victory over the beast. All the saints from every nation, including Israel, ultimately triumph over Satan's Antichrist and his system because of their faith in Jesus Christ. number of his name. See note on Rev 13:17. harps. See note on Rev 5:8.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 4:6 Revelation 5:8 Revelation 12:11 Revelation 13:1 Revelation 13:14 Revelation 13:17

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A song of praise is sung by the church.
Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Exodus 15:1-19; Deuteronomy 31:30 to 32:44; Isaiah 26:2). The Final Song of Victory
—What a song that will be when the ransomed of the Lord meet at the gate of the Holy City, which is thrown back on its glittering hinges and the nations that have kept His word—His commandments—enter into the city, the crown of the overcomer is placed upon their heads, and the golden harps are placed in their hands! All heaven is filled with rich music, and with songs of praise to the Lamb. Saved, everlastingly saved, in the kingdom of glory! To have a life that measures with the life of God—that is the reward (Manuscript 92, 1908).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And they sing the song of Moses - So called, partly from its near agreement,with the words of that song which he sung after passing the Red Sea, (Exodus 15:11) , and of that which he taught the children of Israel a little before his death, (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) . But chiefly because Moses was the minister and representative of the Jewish church, as Christ is of the church universal. Therefore it is also termed the sons of the Lamb. It consists of six parts, which answer each other: Great and wonderful are thy works, Lord God Almighty. For thou only art gracious. Just and true are thy ways, O King of the nations. For all the nations shall come and worship before thee. Who would not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thy judgments are made manifest. We know and acknowledge that all thy works in and toward all the creatures are great and wonderful; that thy ways with all the children of men, good and evil, are just and true. For thou only art gracious - And this grace is the spring of all those wonderful works, even of his destroying the enemies of his people. Accordingly in Psa. 136:1-26., that clause, "For his mercy endureth for ever," is subjoined to the thanksgiving for his works of vengeance as well as for his delivering the righteous. For all the nations shall come and worship before thee - They shall serve thee as their king with joyful reverence. This is a glorious testimony of the future conversion of all the heathens. The Christians are now a little flock: they who do not worship God, an immense multitude. But all the nations shall come, from all parts of the earth, to worship him and glorify his name. For thy judgments are made manifest - And then the inhabitants of the earth will at length learn to fear him.
McArther Bible Commentary
song of Moses. Sung by the people of Israel immediately after their passage through the Red Sea and their deliverance from the Egyptian armies (Exo 15:1-21; cf. Deu 32:1-43), this was a song of victory and deliverance that the redeemed who overcome Antichrist and his system will readily identify with. song of the Lamb. See Rev 5:8-14. These two songs celebrate two great redemptive events: (1) deliverance of Israel by God from Egypt through Moses; and (2) deliverance of sinners by God from sin through Christ. Great and marvelous are Your works. This statement from the song of the Lamb extols God's powerful works in creation as He providentially upholds the universe (cf. Psa 139:14). Almighty. God is omnipotent (cf. Amo 4:13). King of the saints. God is sovereign over the redeemed of every nation (cf. Jer 10:7).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 15:1 Deuteronomy 32:3 Joshua 22:5 Job 36:24 Psalm 18:30 Psalm 92:5 Psalm 111:2 Psalm 111:7 Psalm 139:14 Hosea 14:9 1 Timothy 1:17 Hebrews 3:5 Revelation 1:8 Revelation 5:9 Revelation 5:12 Revelation 16:7

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A song of praise is sung by the church.
Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
McArther Bible Commentary
God's holy and perfect character inevitably demands that He judge (cf. Psa 19:9; Nah 1:3, Nah 1:6). After God's righteous judgment is complete, He will set up Christ's millennial kingdom on earth, and the elect from every nation will come and worship Him (cf. Psa 66:4; Isa 66:23; Php 2:9-11).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 86:9 Isaiah 66:23 Jeremiah 5:22 Jeremiah 10:7 Revelation 14:7 Revelation 16:5 Revelation 19:8

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
After these things the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony - The holiest of all. Was opened - Disclosing a new theatre for the coming forth of the judgments of God now made manifest.
McArther Bible Commentary
the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony. This refers to the location of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies where God dwells (see note on Rev 11:19; cf. Num 10:11).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 38:21 Numbers 1:50 Hebrews 8:5 Revelation 11:19 Revelation 13:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And the seven angels came out of the temple - As having received their instructions from the oracle of God himself. St. John saw them in heaven, (Revelation 15:1) , before they went into the temple. They appeared in habits like those the high priest wore when he went into the most holy place to consult the oracle. In this was the visible testimony of God's presence. Clothed in pure white linen - Linen is the habit of service and attendance. Pure - unspotted, unsullied. White - Or bright and shining, which implies much more than bare innocence. And having their breasts girt with golden girdles - In token of their high dignity and glorious rest.
McArther Bible Commentary
seven plagues. The final, most severe judgments from God, described in chapter 16 (see note on Rev 15:1). linen … golden bands. The fabric represents holiness and purity (Rev 19:14). These are belts or girdles, running from the shoulder to the waist, that each of the seven angels wear over his garments. The bands demonstrate riches, royalty, and untarnished glory.
Bible Cross References
Daniel 10:5 Revelation 1:13 Revelation 14:15 Revelation 14:17 Revelation 15:1 Revelation 19:8

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels - After they were come out of the temple. Seven golden phials - Or bowls. The Greek word signifies vessels broader at the top than at the bottom. Full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever - A circumstance which adds greatly to the dreadfulness of his wrath.
McArther Bible Commentary
four living creatures. See notes on Rev 4:6-8. seven golden bowls. These are shallow saucers, familiar items often associated with various functions of the temple worship (1Ki 7:50; 2Ki 12:13; 2Ki 25:15), such as wine (Amo 6:6) and blood sacrifice (Exo 27:3). Their flat shallowness pictures how the divine judgments will be emptied instantly, rather than slowly poured, drowning those who refused to drink the cup of salvation. wrath of God. See notes on Rev 11:18; Rev 14:10.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 1:18 Revelation 4:6 Revelation 4:8 Revelation 4:9 Revelation 4:10 Revelation 5:8 Revelation 14:10 Revelation 15:1 Revelation 17:1 Revelation 21:9

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word. These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles, representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice, and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed, and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and spirituality, shall be firmly established.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And the temple was filled with smoke - The cloud of glory was the visible manifestation of God's presence in the tabernacle and temple. It was a sign of protection at erecting the tabernacle and at the dedication of the temple. But in the judgment of Korah the glory of the Lord appeared, when he and his companions were swallowed up by the earth. So proper is the emblem of smoke from the glory of God, or from the cloud of glory, to express the execution of judgment, as well as to be a sign of favour. Both proceed from the power of God, and in both he is glorified. And none - Not even of those who ordinarily stood before God. Could go into the temple - That is, into the inmost part of it. Till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled - Which did not take up a long time, like the seven trumpets, but swiftly followed each other.
McArther Bible Commentary
filled with smoke. Cf. Exo 19:16-18; Exo 40:34-35; 1Ki 8:10-11; Isa 6:4.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 19:18 Exodus 40:34 Leviticus 16:2 1 Kings 8:10 2 Chronicles 5:13 Isaiah 6:4 Revelation 21:11