Revelation 15:5-8 (NKJV) After these things, I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
V5 “After these things, I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.” This is not the earthly temple. John could see everything in the Holy of Holies, which no one could see except the priests. Christ followers are priests (Revelation 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:5-9), and the way is now open to all to pray boldly at God’s throne (Hebrews 4:16). Also see Revelation 11:19.
Revelation 15:5 (Walvoord Prophecy Commentary) “As John looks intently on the scene, the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the outer portion of the heavenly tabernacle is parted, and he sees seven angels coming out of the sanctuary. The holy place, into which the high priests alone could go, and only after proper sacrifices, does not exclude holy angels who have no sin. Each of the angels is carrying one of the bowls containing the seven plagues, and each is clothed in pure white linen and a golden sash, which befits these holy and majestic creatures. Linen here, as in the garment of the wife of the Lamb (19:8), represents righteousness in action, also certainly proper for holy angels. If gold reflects the glory of God, it would point to the conclusion that these angels pouring out righteous judgments on the earth thereby bring glory to God.”
V6 “And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.” They wear the clothes of holiness. These holy angels have never sinned.
V7 “Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.” A cherub hands out 7 golden bowls. Inside the bowls are the wrath of God.They are filled to the brim. Since the wrath of God cannot be in a bowl, we know that this is symbolic for God’s wrath. Compare Jeremiah 25:15, Nahum 1:2, Psalm 75:8, and Isaiah 51:17.
V8 “The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” These bowls of God’s wrath are followed by all the smoke from God’s glory and power. God has reserved and held back His wrath until now. Now, it is His full righteous, holy wrath of punishment upon sin. God’s wrath is never pretty. Compare Psalm 79:6, Psalm 90:11, Isaiah 13:13, Romans 2:8, Also, compare Proverbs 6:16-18 (things God hates), Proverbs 17:15 (all who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous), and Romans 1:18 (against all sins).
Comment (Dictionary of Bible Themes) “Up to the present, the expression of God’s anger and wrath has had the purpose of drawing sinners to repentance and conversion, but this will not be the case at the final judgment.”
God’s wrath: 1) causes fear—Nahum 1:6, 2) idolatry—Numbers 25:3, 3) sin especially disbelief—Romans 2:8 and Jude 1:14-16, 4) disobedience—Deuteronomy 9:7, 5) pride—Proverbs 8:13, 6) injustice—Jeremiah 22:13, and others. See James 2:10.
God’s extends mercy, forgiveness, and justification if one will believe the Gospel of His Son, the Lord Jesus (Acts 16:30-31).
We learn:
- God’s holiness
- God’s wrath