The seven plagues of Revelation are the final judgments of the Tribulation period. According to Revelation 16:2, the first plague contents will cause painful sores for those who have the mark of the beast. These open, painful soars will be a result of some disease or infection. The second plague will involve the sea becoming blood. According to Revelation 16:3, all life in it will die. When this happens, it will destroy a tremendous amount of marine life, a significant food source for millions worldwide. The third plague will turn fresh water into blood. Revelation 16:4 says that the rivers and the springs of water will become blood. The fourth plague involves the sun. During this time, the sun will become so scorching hot that it will feel like fire. The fifth plague is a punishment that will carry darkness, along with sores and pains. The kingdom of the beast will be plunged into darkness, according to Revelation 16:10. The sixth plague will dry the Euphrates river, making it easier for the armies of “the kings of the earth and the whole world” to travel faster to assemble the Armageddon. Finally, the seventh plague will involve air. A loud voice will come out of the temple, from the throne saying, “It is done!” When this happens, there will be flashes of lightning, rumblings, thunder, and a great earthquake will occur.
The Tribulation is a period during the End Times where evil will dominate. Scripture mentions certain signs, disasters, and circumstances of this future event and how we can be ready for it. After the Tribulation occurs, Jesus Christ will return with the hosts of heaven, along with the Church, to establish the Messianic Kingdom in Earth. While seven plagues are described in Revelation, there is still a great deal of confusion around each. Here are seven fascinating facts about the seven plagues of Revelation.
They are also called the bowls of wrath.
Did you know that the last plagues of Revelation are also called the bowls of wrath? We see this referenced in Revelation 15:7, which says, “Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.” The bowls that are described represent the seven last punishments. The seven bowl judgments are initiated by the seventh trumpet.
There are historical parallels.
There are several historical parallels to the seven last plagues. We can draw connections to the ten plagues preceding the Exodus. In Exodus 7:17, water was turned to blood. In Exodus 9:9, people had painful sores. In Exodus 10, the Egyptians experienced darkness for three days. There are many connections between the Plagues of Exodus and the plagues of Revelation. Pharaoh hardened his heart toward God. The same will happen with the people who experience the seven last plagues.
We also see God’s faithful people singing the Song of Moses in Revelation 15. Moses composed this same song following the time God brought ten plagues upon the Egyptians and delivered Israel, referenced in Exodus 15.
There will be an announcement from heaven.
After the six plagues occur, there will be an announcement that comes from heaven. Revelation 16:15 says, “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” In this passage, Jesus is encouraging His followers, urging them to endure in light of His coming again. Remember, these are the last seven plagues. Ten plagues already fell on Egypt during the Old Testament times.
The battle that takes place is called Armageddon.
Revelation 16:6 references the Battle of Armageddon. A great conflict occurs at a place called Armageddon, where several battles take place in the Old Testament. Revelation 16:16 says, “And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” This is sometimes spelled Harmagedon. The Hebrew name means “mountain of Megiddo,” a place located in northern Israel. This name is more symbolic than it is geographical. There is excellent symbolic meaning from Armageddon and Megiddo as it a place whereof opponents of God met their defeat. If we say that the forces opposing God gathered at Armageddon, meaning they were gathering for their defeat.
God promises to protect His people.
During the seven plagues, God promises to protect His people. We have this assurance from various passages in scripture. Psalm 91:2-10 reminds us of this promise. This passage says, “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, ‘The LORD is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” God will protect us, even during this dark period.
Ultimately, God is sending the seven plagues so that humanity will draw closer to Him. He isn’t bringing these plagues for us to suffer or to be harsh and cruel. God loves each and every one of us. John 3:16 reminds us of this, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, may not perish, but may have everlasting life.” First Timothy 2:4 reminds us that God desires all men to be saved and come to know the truth. While these events are terrifying, we can find hope that this is only a temporary period, and in the end, there will be no suffering.
