Revelation: It is Done!

Revelation 16:12-21

The judgments of the tribulation period detailed in Revelation started with the seven seals, then the seven trumpets, and now conclude with the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Life as we know it is coming to an end. We have examined the first five bowls of judgment. Today, we will look at the last two bowl judgments that initiate the battle of Armageddon. 

The Sixth Bowl: Euphrates River (Rev. 16:12-14)
The first five bowls inflict plagues on people living during this time. The sixth bowl is different. It serves as preparation for the final battle, as the Euphrates River dries up. 

The Euphrates River is mentioned several times in Scripture.[1] It is the physical boundary between the Holy Land on the west side and Asia to the east (see Rev. 9:12-16). The drying up of the water could have been an act of God or caused by the present-day dam system.[2] Whatever the cause, the Euphrates was dried up “to prepare the way for the kings from the east” (Rev. 16:12). This preparation for war was predicted in Isaiah 11:12-16. 

Who are the kings of the east? It remains unknown. There is much speculation, but we can only guess that they are countries from the east preparing for the final battle. We do know that Satan is behind it all. John said, “And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world” (Rev. 16:13-14a). Satan will use these kings from the east to gather all the armies in the world for the great and final battle. This battle will be “on the great day of God the Almighty” (Rev. 16:14b). 

The phrase “day of the Lord” appears 19 times in the Old Testament and 4 times in the New Testament in various forms. Sometimes it is called the “day of the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:2) or the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:8). Note that it always refers to a time of judgment. Bible scholar George Ladd explains that the “day of the Lord is the time when the total redemptive purpose of God will be consummated, both for salvation and judgment, both for individuals and the church, and the whole creation.”[3]

In our passage today, the final judgment—the day of the Lord—has come. The armies gather at Armageddon. This will likely be the location of a series of battles leading up to the second coming. Armageddon is a compound word meaning “hill of Megiddo.” Most people believe the battle will occur near Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley. 

I have stood overlooking the Jezreel Valley during Living Grounded trips to Israel. It is an awe-inspiring sight. The valley is the largest in Israel, stretching about twenty miles long and seven miles wide. The Jezreel Valley looks like a huge amphitheater, with the Mount Carmel range to the northwest, Gilboa to the south, and the Nazareth Hills to the west. The valley is flat and low, making it ideal for military battles. While I cannot confirm this, I have heard that throughout history, more blood has been spilled in the Jezreel Valley than in any other place in the world. 

John heard Jesus give this warning: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Rev. 16:15). Just as Christians today need to be ready for the rapture (1 Thess. 5:4), so believers alive at the second coming must also be prepared for Christ’s return. 

The Seventh Bowl: Final Destruction (Rev. 16:17-21)
The seventh bowl signifies God’s final judgment on Babylon. It is presented as if it has already happened. However, the details of this judgment will be explained in Revelation 17-18. This passage offers a preview of the end. 

The angel poured out his bowl, then a loud voice cried out from the throne, saying “It is done!” (Rev. 16:17). This statement will be emphasized by “flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth….” (Rev. 16:18). 

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded, a magnitude 9.5 on the Richter scale, struck southern Chile on May 22, 1960. Thousands of lives were lost, and the quake reshaped the landscape, including rivers and lakes. That earthquake is insignificant compared to the one described in Revelation 16. This earthquake, brought about by God’s wrath, will cause the “great city,” which is Babylon and the headquarters of the beast, to “split into three parts” (Rev. 16:19). Islands will vanish because mountains will be flattened, changing the earth’s water and land boundaries (Rev. 16:20). Along with the earthquake, one-hundred-pound hailstones “fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe” (Rev. 16:21). 

This is an overview of the ending. We will revisit it to add details when we examine Revelation 17-18. 

As we wrap up today, let’s recall a scene from Revelation 4 that I believe is key to understanding this book. In Revelation 4, John looked up and saw a door open in heaven. God himself opened the door so John could see the throne where God was seated. Around the throne were the twenty-four elders, whom I understand to represent the church. Also present were four living creatures that I believe are an exalted order of angelic beings. 

The throne of God was magnificent in beauty, and from it came “flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder” (Rev. 4:5). The four living creatures surrounded the throne and continually proclaimed, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8). 

Here’s my point—everything we have considered in Revelation is under the control and knowledge of the holy God, the Lord God Almighty. He is sovereign overall. He is a God of abundant grace and perfect justice. 

There’s only one thing to do: bow before him and worship him!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 16:12-21.

Talking to God: Read Revelation 16:15. In what ways is Jesus calling you to “stay awake” and be spiritually ready in this present season of your life?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're glad to help as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll get back to you soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us assist you in taking that next step.

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