Revelation15
New Living Translation
1Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion.
2I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them.
3And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.
4Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”
5Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God’s Tabernacle, was thrown wide open.
6The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen with gold sashes across their chests.
7Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.
8The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Revelation 15.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: A song of praise is sung by the church. (1–4). Seven angels with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. (5–8).
vv1-4
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.
vv5-8
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.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἴδω (eídō): used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι) and G3708 (ὁράω); properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know
ἄλλος (állos): "else," i.e. different (in many applications)
σημεῖον (sēmeîon): an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
οὐρανός (ouranós): the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)
μέγας (mégas): big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
θαυμαστός (thaumastós): wondered at, i.e. (by implication) wonderful
ἑπτά (heptá): seven
ἄγγελος (ángelos): compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Cross References
Revelation 15The prototypical song of deliverance celebrating victory over Pharaoh, matching the saints' triumph over the Beast.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The heavenly throne-room setting features the same 'sea of glass', now mingled with fiery judgment.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct verbal source for the praise: 'The Lord is righteous in all his ways.'
Supported by Matthew Poole
The opening of the temple in heaven containing the ark/tabernacle of testimony before major judgments.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The cloud of glory filling the Tabernacle so that Moses was unable to enter.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Details the specific beastly threats (image, mark, name, number) over which the saints triumphed.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
From the second Song of Moses, celebrating God as the Rock whose ways are judgment.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Prophetic promise of all nations coming to worship before God when His deeds are made manifest.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The cloud of the Lord's presence filling Soloemon's Temple so the priests could not stand to minister.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The priestly attire of the angels matches Christ's appearance as High Priest in chapter one.
Supported by Matthew Poole