Revelation 16:1-5
The First Three Bowls
Read the passage
1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.”
2So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and loathsome, malignant sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
3And the second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it turned to blood like that of the dead, and every living thing in the sea died.
4And the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they turned to blood.
5And I heard the angel of the waters say: “Righteous are You, O Holy One, who is and was, because You have brought these judgments.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
A loud voice from the temple commands the seven angels to pour God's bowls of wrath on the earth. The first angel pours out his bowl, and painful, malignant sores break out on those who bear the beast's mark and worship its image.
The second bowl turns the sea into blood like that of the dead, and every living thing in it dies. The third bowl turns rivers and springs into blood. The judgments reach bodies, sea life, and drinking water. Their severity is unmistakable.
Then the angel of the waters addresses God as righteous and holy, the One who is and was. He affirms God's righteousness in bringing these judgments. The explanation continues in the next verses; this reading ends with that declaration about the Judge.
Earlier, the beast's mark offered access to buying and selling. Here it identifies worshipers who come under judgment. The allegiance that appeared necessary for safety cannot protect them from God. These verses call us to take false worship seriously and to trust the righteousness of the One who judges.
Questions
1 Who commands the angels to pour out the bowls?
AnswerA loud voice from the temple gives the command. The angels carry out judgment under divine authority.
2 Who receives the painful sores?
AnswerThose who bear the beast's mark and worship its image receive them. The first bowl specifically identifies their false allegiance.
3 What happens to the sea, rivers, and springs?
AnswerThe sea becomes like dead blood and its living creatures die. The rivers and springs also turn to blood.
4 What does the angel of the waters affirm?
AnswerHe calls God righteous and holy because He has brought these judgments. The vision affirms the Judge's character amid their severity.
What This Means for Us
An arrangement that promises security can still demand an allegiance we owe only to God. Do not measure a religious commitment only by whether it makes life easier. Ask whether it is faithful to Him. The beast's mark cannot provide lasting protection; our hope belongs with the righteous and holy Lord.
Prayer
Righteous and holy God, keep us from exchanging faithfulness for a promise of safety. Help us trust Your judgment and give You the worship that belongs to You alone. Amen.