Revelation 16
No matter what the unbelieving world may say, God’s judgments are righteous (vv. 1–7). Sinners reap what they sow. Because “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (
God’s judgments do not change men’s hearts (vv. 8–11). God judges sinners not to reveal His grace but to uphold His holiness. Sinners in the last days will be like Pharaoh in the days of Moses; they will harden their hearts more as God’s judgments increase.
Against the dark background of judgment shines the promise of God (vv. 12–16). Christ is coming soon, and we must watch eagerly and walk carefully (
God’s judgment will one day be finished (vv. 17–21). God’s long-suffering will finally end, and His wrath will be revealed. What holds Him back today? Read
“In righteousness God reveals chiefly His love of holiness; in justice, chiefly his hatred of sin . . . Neither justice nor righteousness . . . is a matter of arbitrary will. They are revelations of the inmost nature of God.”
Augustus Hopkins Strong
The Battlefield
Armageddon (Rev. 16:16) is Hebrew for “the hill of Megiddo”; and Megiddo means “place of slaughter.” It is the plain in the Holy Land where Barak defeated the Canaanites (