Here we come to the climax of the punishments which fall on the earth out of heaven. There are seven different vials (or bowls) which are poured out over the earth.
V.1-2 Dreadful miseries fail.
V.3 Not physical death, or literal blood, but symbolical. All pretense of faith given up. A complete turning away (apostasy) from God.
V.4-7 A river in Scripture is usually a picture of health and refreshing life, but here it is the direct opposite.
V.5 An angel often is in charge of something for God, to carry out His orders. Here the angel justified God, because God is righteous.
V.6 Water is usually a type of life, here it is of death.
V.7 The altar is a symbol of God’s presence. A voice agrees with all these severe punishments from God.
V.8-9 Extreme oppression scorches mankind. But the people don’t repent, they blaspheme God!
V.10-11 Western Europe will feel the fury and rage of Almighty God.
V.12-14 The Eastern nations where Moslems (Islam), and other religions are, shall next get their reward for their slighting and hating God. Out of these countries will pour dreadful cults and wickedness. We see it happening today.
V.15 “I come as a thief,” is a warning in preparation of the seventh and last vial.
V.17-21 Now comes the end of Gentile world domination, the end of man’s day.
V.19 “Great Babylon” the full-blown development of all mere human religion, all that is opposed to God is the chief object of punishment. Her title “great” points to her vast religious power. But her complete destruction has come. Are we keeping separate from this wicked system? (Rev. 18:44And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)).
V.21 The worse the punishment, the more men blaspheme and hate God. It does not turn anyone to Him. Men are unchanged, unless the Spirit of God, in grace, converts and saves. How patient God is!