Verse 1: “And I looked and saw another sign in the heavens, great and marvelous: seven angels carrying the seven final plagues, for in these is the end of the wrath of God.”

Why would God use ‘marvelous’ and ‘great’ to describe judgement? The outcome of judgement is marvelous and great – the establishment of the Kingdom. By the use of the word plague we see a relationship/connection between the plagues in Exodus and these final plagues. The outcome of both was, and will be, redemption. God brought people out of bondage in Egypt. In the same way, He is going to bring His people out of bondage from this world. These angels pour out the plagues, so that God’s purposes and holiness might be manifested in and through His Kingdom. 80

“End of the wrath of God”: (in this dispensation) After the millennial kingdom, there is going to be another outpouring of God’s consuming judgement.

Verse 2: “I saw a sea of glass mixed with fire and the ones who were victorious over the beast and its image and the number of his name, standing upon the sea of glass. They had the harps of God in their hands.”

The sea used here is very different to the sea that spoke of instability (12v12) It is not a sea of water, but is a sea of glass mixed with fire (fire is related to how glass is produced). The fire brought about a sea of stability. Standing here, in this place, has to do with triumph (an overcoming of the instability and those things that gave rise to the evil empire). The harps are synonymous with worshipping God, who helped them triumph.

Verse 3: “And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb saying: ‘Great are Your works and marvelous, L-rd God of hosts. For righteous and true are your ways, O King of the saints.”

There is no conflict between the teachings of Moses and the teachings of Messiah. The commandments outline truth, holiness, righteousness and that which is pleasing to God. However, it is only through the work of Messiah (the Lamb) where we are enabled to live out the commandments and teachings of Moses.

This is not something New. Malachi reminded us to remember the commands of Moses and to get ready because Messiah was on His way (Malachi 4v4-5). If God became a man He would live in obedience to the law. That is why the Scripture emphasizes that Yeshua never transgressed the law (2 Corinthians 5v21). The character of God is seen in the character of Messiah Yeshua, who fulfilled the law. Saints are those who have been made holy, who are set apart and called for a purpose. It is by justification that we are declared ‘holy’ before God.

Verse 4: “For who will not fear You O L-rd? And who will not give honor to Your name? For holy are You alone. All the nations shall come and worship You, for Your righteous judgements are revealed.”

All the nations shall come and worship You: Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Yeshua is L-rd (Philippians 2v10-11). Confessing this, after death, at the time of judgement has 81 no merit to it. ALL will be required to confess, as a response to God, but that does not mean that all will be saved.

Verse 5: “After these things I looked, and behold the Temple, of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, in the heavens was opened up.”

Tabernacle of the Testimony: Reminiscent of the Ark of the Covenant. This Ark housed the Ten Commandments. There is a relationship between the Ten Commandments and all the commandments of God (Matthew 22v37-40). There is also a connection between God’s wrath and the commandments. The basis for His judgement is the violation of the commandments, i.e. when people (who have not been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb) do not fulfil His righteousness.

Verse 6: “And they went out from the Temple the seven angels, the ones carrying the seven plagues. They were dressed in linen, pure and bright, and their chests were girded with golden bands.”

These angels have been sanctified for a purpose.

Verse 7: “And one of the four creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls, full of the wrath of God, who lives forever.”

These judgements are unique and could not be done by man. They are the works of a supernatural God. Everyone is going to know that God is Holy – i.e. He judges sin. God manifests Himself to the world, with undeniable power, but many people are not willing to humble themselves, turn from their sins and repent. God, who lives forever – He is eternal. He transcends all.

Verse 8: “And The Sanctuary was filled with smoke from the Glory of God and His power. No man was able to enter into the Sanctuary until the seven plagues were finished, which are in the hands of the seven angels”.