15:1
This series of seven final plagues (Revelation 15:1–16:21) completes God's punishment of his enemies (see 16:17; Amos 1–2; Romans 1:18–2:16). Revelation revisits the topic of God's punishment later (Revelation 19:15–21).
Study notes
Revelation 15
15:1–8
The third and final cycle of seven judgments (see study note on Revelation 6:1–16:21) begins with a vision of God's victorious people singing a hymn of praise (Revelation 15:2–4). Then, a scene of the temple appears (Revelation 15:5–8), where angels come out carrying the bowls of God's judgment for the earth (16:1–21).
15:1–8 Section
In Revelation 14:12, John had described God’s people. They obeyed God, were faithful to Jesus and were patient.
In Revelation chapter 15, John saw them celebrating what they had been waiting for. They had been patiently waiting for God to rule completely over all things. God had freed them from the power of the beast. They sang praises to God for being the fair ruler who does what is right.
Their song was like Moses’ song in Exodus chapter 15. Moses had praised God for freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Moses’ song, other nations were afraid when they saw what God did. In the song of God’s people, other nations worshipped God. They worshipped him because they saw that he did what was right. Doing what was right included stopping everything that was wrong, sinful and evil.
This song was sung as the angels prepared the last seven plagues. These plagues were a sign of how God would finish judging the world.
15:2
The glass sea mixed with fire symbolizes victory through testing. Those who defeated the beast (see Revelation 13:1–8, 15–18) hold harps that represent ultimate peace. Their position on the sea of glass (compare Revelation 4:6) symbolizes their endurance through the fire of persecution (compare Psalm 66:12; Isaiah 43:2; Daniel 3:8–30).
15:3
O Lord God Almighty! (see also Revelation 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:7; 19:6; 21:22): For persecuted Christians, knowing that God is all-powerful brings comfort and security.
The fact that God is just and true supports human integrity in a confused, unjust, and dishonest world.
God is the supreme, universal King of the nations, not a local deity tied to one nation or a human ruler with limited power.
15:3–4
The song of Moses and the Lamb shows that God’s purposes in the old covenant (God’s earlier promise and relationship with his people) and the new covenant (his promise through Jesus) are united and work together.
15:4
Who will not fear … and glorify Your name?: This rhetorical question (see Jeremiah 10:7) suggests that only a fool would fail to do so (see Revelation 14:7; 16:9; Psalms 14:1; 53:1).
You alone are holy: See Revelation 16:5; Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16. God's holiness is the reason for our worship and salvation.
All nations will come and worship: Some will be forced to acknowledge God (compare Philippians 2:10–11), but all will recognize that God's deeds and judgments are revealed, righteous, and just.
15:5–6
God's tabernacle shows God's presence (see John 1:14). Even the plagues come from God's presence. Christ's sacrifice (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Hebrews 6:19–20; 10:19–20) removed the barrier between God and humanity (see Exodus 26:31–35; Leviticus 16). Now, those who do not belong to Christ feel the full impact of God's presence (see Revelation 20:11–15; Isaiah 13:4–12; Zephaniah 2:1–3; Malachi 3:2–3).
bright linen: Linen, a symbol of purity, was also worn by priests during their duties (see Exodus 28:39–43; Leviticus 16:4, 23; see also Ezekiel 9:2–3; Daniel 12:6–7). These angels do not intercede; they are agents of judgment. The linen represents the purity and justice of God's judgment.
The gold sashes across their chests likely symbolize their divine mission as ministers of justice for God (compare Revelation 1:13).
15:7
the four living creatures: See Revelation 4:6–8.
seven golden bowls: These bowls are likely similar to the offering pans used in ancient worship (see Exodus 37:16).
15:8
Smoke filled the temple to show God's glory and power (Isaiah 6:4; see Exodus 19:16–18; 40:34–35; 1 Kings 8:10–13).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources