E. The Fourth Bowl (16:8-9)
E. THE FOURTH BOWL (16:8-9)
8. The fourth angel now poured his bowl on the sun. The familiar was given (there is nothing corresponding to power in the Greek; it reads simply ‘and it was given’) reminds us once more that God is over the whole process. There is no independent power in the sun. If the sun is to scorch people it is because God gives it the power to do so. In previous sections of the book there have been signs in the sun, but they have all been concerned with restricting it in whole or in part (6:12; 8:12; 9:2). This time, by contrast, the sun scorches people with a heat so fierce that it can be said to be with fire (contrast 7:16).
9. Seared by the intense heat (lit. ‘scorched a great scorching’) emphasizes the effect. But sinners would not learn the lesson. They simply cursed the name of God. They did not repent. They gave God no glory (‘did not repent to give glory’ links the two thoughts; had they repented, the ascription of glory would inevitably have followed; cf. Colclasure, ’The only way to flee from God is to flee to Him’). God had control over these plagues. It is important to John (and to us) that God is sovereign; he is over the whole process right to the end.