Daniel 2:41-43

And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

Commentary

In the last days, the world will be divided into ten entities. An alternative view is that the nations that made up the area of the Roman Empire will be divided into ten nations or groups. This prophecy does not inform us whether these are nations or ten groups of nations. Some are described as strong (iron), and some weak and broken (clay).

These nations or groups of nations will not be joined, (“shall not cleave one to another.”)

When you see the world aligning into ten entities, know that the time of the end is at hand.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Commentary

The rapture (rapturo in Latin, or harpazo in Greek) is the word used for a sudden catching away of believers to be with the Lord.

This taking away of believers will precede most of the events prophesied to occur in the last-days.

The fear that will grip the remaining population of the world will likely be extreme. What explanations given for the disappearance will be hard to believe today. Whether attributed to aliens or a man claiming to be God (the Antichrist) and doing the world a favor, remains to be known.

The sudden loss of population will likely have enormous economic effects as loans are defaulted, and goods and properties are abandoned.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Commentary

God will remove his followers before he pours out his wrath on the unbelieving and wicked on Earth.

When his believers are changed to be incorruptible, with those that previously died, only non-believers will remain on Earth.

Mark 13:7-8

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

Commentary

Wars and rumors of wars have been constant throughout the history of man. Yet Jesus noted these wars and rumors, so these will likely be at an increased level from normal.

As you see an increasing number of earthquakes around the world, increasing famine, and varying troubles, these are only “the beginning of sorrows.”

Many will think these events are the Great Tribulation, but as the saying goes, ”You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Matthew 24:3-8

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Commentary

Jesus’ disciples did not know when he would return and when the world would end, as they knew it.

His first statement is that many people will be deceived by people claiming to be Christ. Sun Myung Moon and David Koresh would be recent examples.

Matthew adds that Jesus mentioned pestilences in diverse places. Covid-19 and the world’s reaction to it, is just the beginning of these life-altering measures.

It should be expected that far more deadly pestilences will soon afflict the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Commentary

The Antichrist will be revealed, showing the power and signs from Satan.

God will send a strong delusion to those who reject truth, and God will let them be deceived and believe a lie.

Daniel 7:23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Commentary

Daniel described a kingdom that would conquer the whole earth, breaking it in pieces. This kingdom will be like no other kingdom or empire before.

Revelation 6:1-2

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Commentary

This section of scriptures begins the description of the “four horses of the apocalypse.”

The one that sits on the white horse will go about conquering others. The white horse will help deceive many into thinking this is Christ, but this rider of the white horse will unleash the next, red, horse.

Revelation 6:3-4

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Commentary

This conquering will take peace from the earth, and cause people to kill each other.

Revelation 6:5-6

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

Commentary

The third horse is a common result of intense and wide-spread wars. Extreme famine is brought on as farmland becomes war zones and those who farm are taken to fight the wars. There will also be shortages in fuel and equipment to transport and store the food that is produced.

It is also likely that plagues and war will wipe out many domesticated animals used for food.

A day’s wages will purchase a single measure of wheat. Leaving the oil and wine alone indicates that the wealthy will still have their luxury goods.

Revelation 6:7-8

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Commentary

What follows represented by the fourth horse is death. Since the believers of Christ will be previously removed, Hell will be the destiny of those who perish. A fourth of the world is nearly two billion souls.

Revelation 6:9

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Commentary

This is a scene in Heaven, but it tells of the large number of people who will be killed because they will continue to have faith in Jesus, and not in the Antichrist.

Luke 21:11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Commentary

Mark, Matthew, and Luke (here) all call attention to the famines and pestilences throughout the world.

Fearful sights and great signs from heaven will also be seen. Fearful sights could include war, terrorist attacks, and atomic blasts. These fearful sights are listed separate from the great signs from heaven. Note that it mentions signs, as in more than a single sign.

Revelation 6:12-13

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Commentary

The great earthquake mentioned here is not as great an earthquake as the one in Revelation 16, coming up.

God will show His power over the sun, moon and stars.

Revelation 6:14-17

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Commentary

The power of God continues to be shown to mankind.

Seeing the atmosphere, as we have seen it, depart and earthquakes of enough power to move every mountain and island will send sheer terror into the hearts of everyone.

Everyone will know that God is about to pour out His wrath on the wicked.

Revelation 8:1-2

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

Commentary

All of heaven knows and waits for God’s wrath about to be unleashed upon the earth.

Revelation 8:7

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Commentary

God rained hail and fire upon Egypt as a judgment against it, and this was not enough to convince Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go. There will be massive fires world-wide burning up a large number of trees and grasslands.

In the future, it will be the first visible judgment from God. Up to this point, the death and destruction was caused by men against other men.

Revelation 8:8-9

And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

Commentary

The next judgment from God could possibly be an island volcano exploding and disappearing. The size described would cause an enormous shock wave in the ocean, and this will kill a massive number of sea creatures.

The shock and tsunami following, will be of such magnitude as to destroy shipping covering as much as half of the world.

Revelation 8:10-11

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Commentary

This reads as though a comet will move through the atmosphere, poisoning the clouds. The rain that will fall and fill these rivers will poison them.

Revelation 8:12-13

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Commentary

The hail and fire raining upon the earth, in Revelation 8:7 with the sounding of the first angel, will cause a massive blackening of he sky. If the second angel, in Revelation 8:8, is describing a massive volcanic explosion, the effect to the atmosphere will be unparalleled as smoke will be so widespread.

This loss of light will be stark. A time of darkness will prevail.

While the time covering these first four trumpet judgments is not given, we know that the people of the earth should expect worse judgment to come.

Revelation 9:1-5

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Commentary

The fifth angel will let loose a new type of stinging locusts upon the earth. Unlike locusts you see today, these will not destroy by stripping bare living vegetation, but will sting men for five months.

Revelation 9:6-10

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Commentary

The increasing horror in the world will cause men to despair. A darkened world with a third of the sea dead, a third of the trees and grass burnt up, with men being tormented, will let mankind know this is supernatural judgment.

People will want to die rather than face the ‘hell-on-earth’ that is happening, but they will not be able to die.

While the description here could be John’s attempt to describe a modern item in the terms of the life and times in which he lived, this is more likely a supernatural occurance sent to shock mankind.

Revelation 9:13-16

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

Commentary

God will take the lives of men on His terms.

Here, the sixth angel will let loose four angels, and an army of 200,000,000 will go forth and kill a third of mankind.

This prophecy gives a very specific time frame for the army of death to do its work.

Revelation 11:1-2

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Commentary

Chapter 11, seems to be a parenthetical listing of events. While the chapter is given after the trumpet judgments, the events in this chapter are likely occurring at the same time as the previous chapters describing the Four Horses, and the Beginning of Sorrows.

There will be another temple built by men in Israel, in the future.

For forty-two months (3 and a half years) Gentiles will occupy the city of Jerusalem.

Revelation 11:3

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Commentary

Two witnesses will warn the world of the coming judgment. The time given, 1260 days, is likely the time frame of the “beginnings of sorrows” prior to the judgments from God that begin with hail mixed with fire.

It is possible the witnesses overlap the first few trumpet judgments, but God has used prophets in the past to warn of coming judgment, prior to its arrival, so the overlap is unlikely.

Another view is that the witnesses will actually be announcing the trumpet judgments for man to hear and then experience.

Revelation 11:5-11

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth .

Commentary

The two witnesses will be quite the sight. No doubt they will be on the news and seen worldwide.

People will be so disturbed by their message of coming judgment, some will try to kill or injure them, and die trying.

These witnesses will pronounce judgments, similar to those mentioned in the Book of Exodus, prior to the Jews leaving Egypt in freedom.

Satan will kill them, and their bodies will lay on the ground. The celebration around the world will end quickly when God resurrects them.

This miracle from God will send fear into the unbelieving world. It could be at this point, when men begin to seek death.

Revelation 11:12-13

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Commentary

God calls His two witnesses to heaven, and there follows a great earthquake.

“Come up hither” is the wording as when Jesus calls John to Heaven to record the Book of Revelation.

There is speculation these are the words Jesus will say to rapture the church to be with him.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Commentary

Before the Day of Wrath will come, there will be a “falling away.” Most expositors explain this is a falling away from belief.

After this falling away, the “son of perdition” will become known. The only other reference in the Bible to the son of perdition is of Judas, who betrayed Jesus, and in Luke 22:3 the Bible states, “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot...”

Satan will fill the Antichrist and he will go into the temple and claim that he is God.

Matthew 24:37-44

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Commentary

There are a small number of Bible expositors that have pointed out that these verses describe a ‘rapture,’ a catching away of believers, it gives conditions of watching.

Some teach that this describes a conditional rapture of those that have come to believe after heeding the message of the two witnesses.

Mark 13:14

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judæa flee to the mountains:

Commentary

Daniel prophesied that the Antichrist standing in the Holy of Holies of the temple will cause an abomination of desolation.

The Jews are told to immediately flee to the mountains.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Commentary

This is the declaration to the universe that the reign of Jesus will commence, and that it will never end.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Commentary

The nation of Israel is sometimes likened to a woman in the Bible.

This verse describes the Jews fleeing into the wilderness where God has prepared a place of refuge where He will feed them for 1260 days. This is the three and half years of the Great Tribulation.

Daniel 12:11

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Commentary

The abomination of desolation of the temple, will mark the end of the daily sacrifices at the temple.

Note that the time frame given is longer than the time of the nation of Israel hiding in the wilderness (1290 days).

Revelation 12:14-16

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Commentary

These verses give additional information of the nation of Israel fleeing into the wilderness.

We are told they will fly, and the three and a half year time frame is repeated.

It appears Satan will try to flood the area where the nation will have fled, and God will have the water be swallowed by the earth in a miracle.

Many Bible expositors speculate that Israel will flee to Petra, though it is not stated here by name.

Revelation 13:1-4

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Commentary

These verses are often said to be unable to be understood. Yet the Bible interprets itself.

Daniel 7:17 likens beasts to kings “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” 7:24 tells us, “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.”

The difference seems to be the “Beasts” are rulers of empires, and not just a king of a smaller nation or people.

There shall arise one leader who will have Satan fill him with power. This leader will receive a deadly wound (assassination?), but will be healed.

This resurrection will cause people to worship him.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Commentary

The Antichrist will blaspheme God. His power from Satan will last forty-two months.

This too, is three and a half years, and coincides with the 1260 days the nation of Israel will be kept in the wilderness.

Revelation 13:7-8

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Commentary

The Antichrist will rule the entire world, and he will demand people worship him, and many people will do so willingly.

Revelation 13:10-12

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Commentary

This section of scripture describes the ‘false prophet.’ While he may hold the office and appear to be as gentle as a lamb, he will speak the words of Satan (the dragon).

The false prophet will have the power of the Antichrist, and he will tell people to worship the Antichrist.

Revelation 13:13-18

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Commentary

The False Prophet will be able to do great miracles, such as calling fire from heaven.

He will insist on an image of the Antichrist be made, and the False Prophet will be able to make the image appear to be alive and cause it to speak.

Those people who refuse to worship the image of the Antichrist will be killed.

This demand of worship will cause people to show their loyalty to the Antichrist by taking a mark on either their right hand or forehead.

Refusing to take the mark will make it so the person cannot buy or sell. This will include the ability to earn a living.

This mark or number of his name will involve the number 666. At this point, no one knows what this number represents exactly.

Revelation 14:6-7

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Commentary

God will send an angel to preach to all those alive on the earth to worship God, and not to worship the Antichrist, nor take his mark of loyalty.

This is likely the last chance for people to avoid an eternity in hell. No one will be able to claim they never heard the gospel.

Revelation 16:1-2

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Commentary

After this final warning, plea, and statement of the gospel, the vial judgments of God will be poured out.

This first vial will cause all those with the mark of the beast to suffer a grievous sore.

This sore will likely be where the mark is, whether it is on a right hand or forehead.

Revelation 16:3

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

Commentary

The second vial will turn the seas to blood and everything in the sea will die. No doubt the stench will be overwhelming.

Revelation 16:4

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

Commentary

The third vial judgment will have all the fresh water in the world turned to blood.

Unbelievers today, and in the future will scoff at the power of God, and try to come up with natural explanations for the acts of God.

God will make it obvious that He is in control of the universe, and not the Satanic trinity (Satan, the Antichrist, and False Prophet).

Revelation 16:8-9

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

Commentary

Back in the days of the Exodus, God launched plagues that would be an affront to each Egyptian god.

Here, with the fourth vial, God will show man’s foolishness and vanity in thinking that global warming is caused by man. He will cause the sun to increase in intensity so much that men will be scorched.

Rather than glorify God, men will blaspheme him.

Revelation 16:10-11

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Commentary

After the intense heat, God will suddenly darken the sun, moon, and stars, but only in the Antichrist’s kingdom.

Again, rather than glorify God, men will continue to blaspheme him.

Joel 2:10

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

Commentary

Joel prophesied this event centuries before Revelation was written.

He adds that the earth will quake as well.

Revelation 16:12

And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Commentary

The sixth vial judgment seems tame compared to the five that precede it.

Drying up the river Euphrates will allow massive armies to march from the east to the land of Israel for the battle of Armageddon.

This appears to align with the sixth trumpet judgment given in Revelation 9:14-16.

Revelation 16:17-20

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

Commentary

This seventh vial is the final one.

There will be a massive, world-wide earthquake. It will be so large that every island will disappear, and mountains will collapse.

God will return the earth to the topography that existed before the flood of Noah’s day.

Revelation 17

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Commentary

Like Chapter 11 of Revelation, Chapter 17 is a parenthetical chapter that covers a political and religious situation that occurs during the time of the judgments of God.

The leaders of the world have completely joined to a “whore.”

This whore is described as a city that has reigned over the kings of the earth. It is a false religion that has persecuted the saints of God, martyring the believers in Jesus.

This “Mother of Harlots” has persecuted those that are true believers in Jesus. This woman is described as a city that sits upon seven mountains, and reigns over the kings of the earth, multitudes, nations, and tongues (languages).

Rome is often advertised as a city upon seven hills and the Catholic Church is currently the only entity that could fulfill the description.

The Antichrist will turn upon the “whore,” destroy it, and take this religion as his own.

Revelation 18:8-10

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Commentary

This is an account of the destruction of Babylon the great. A great city that leaders from around the world used and is described as fornication.

Some expositors teach this will be a rebuilt city of Babylon, while others speculate that it is another city being described from Rome, to New York City.

There will be a time in the future where everyone will know which city this is.

Revelation 19:11-20

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Commentary

The Lord Jesus, the Righteous King, the Word of God, will return as the King of Glory.

The army of his believers will follow him.

The Battle of Armageddon will end instantly when He speaks, and destroys the nations of the world with just his word.

The Antichrist and False Prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:2-4

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Commentary

After throwing the Antichrist and False Prophet into the lake of fire, the Lord will bound Satan in the bottomless pit for one thousand years.

Those believers who have been martyred for Jesus will live again, and reign with Jesus for the one thousand years.

Revelation 20:5-9

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Commentary

After the one thousand years reigning with Christ, Satan will be let out of his prison.

Even though the people of the world have lived with Jesus as King of Kings, Satan will be able to deceive people from all over the world. This is also in spite of knowing this event has already been prophesied to happen.

God will make short order of them, destroying them by fire.

Revelation 20:11-15

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Commentary

This describes the Great White Throne Judgment. Most people are vaguely familiar with the coming judgment, but have many misconceptions.

This judgment is for all non-believers. The rapture will gather all believers and those already in the graves who died in faith.

And we just saw in Revelation 20:2-4, those who die in faith during the Great Tribulation, and did not take the mark of the beast, will be resurrected to reign with Christ for one thousand years.

Every person will be judged on their works, and all will not meet God’s standard of perfection, which is only available by faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

All of the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:1-4

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Commentary

After the one thousand year reign of Jesus, and the rebellion of the those deceived by Satan, the Lord will create a new heaven and a new earth. The heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven to the new earth.

God will live with all of mankind, and only then will he wipe away all the tears of man. Death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more.

Revelation 22:3-5

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Commentary

In eternity, there will be no more curse, sin, or darkness.

The believers in Jesus will reign with him forever and ever.