15:3,4The song of Moses celebrated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15). The song of the Lamb celebrates the ultimate deliverance of God’s people from the power of Satan,
Life Application Study BibleRevelationChapter 15
Revelation 15
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original page: 2192
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15Revelation 15
The Song of Moses and of the Lamb
1Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion. 21 saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your works, O LORD God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.*
4Who will not fear you, LORD,and glorify your name?For you alone are holy.All nations will come and worship before you,for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”
The Seven Bowls of the Seven Plagues
55Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God’s Tabernacle, was thrown wide open. The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen* with gold sashes across their chests. 7Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bow filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8The Temple was filled with smoke from God's glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.
Textual footnotes
- 15:3 Some manuscripts read King of the ages.
- 15:6 Other manuscripts
Life Application Notes 3 notes
15:5-8This imagery brings us back to the time of the Exodus in the wilderness when the Ark of the Covenant (the symbol of God's presence among his people) resided in the Tabernacie. The angels’ garments are reminiscent of the high priest’s clothing, showing that they are free from corruption, immorality, and injustice. The smoke that fills the Temple is the manifestation of God’s glory and power. There is no escape from this judgment.
15:8John saw the Temple filled with the glory and power of God. The key to God's eternal glory and power is his holiness (4:8). God’s glory is not only his strength but also his perfect moral character. God will never do anything that is not morally perfect. This reassures us that we can trust him, yet it places a demand on us. Our desire to be holy (dedicated to God and morally pure) is our only suitable response. Our eternal reign with Christ won't begin until all evil is destroyed by his judgment We must wait for his timetable to be revealed.