The Real Thief in the Night - Revelation 16:1-16

The bowls of God's wrath. "The seven bowl plagues have been introduced in 15:1, 5–8. Ch. 16 explains the contents of each of these woes." [1] Here is a summary.[2]

Bowl	Area Affected	Reference	Result
Bowl 1	earth	16:2	sores on the beast’s worshippers
Bowl 2	sea	16:3	blood and death
Bowl 3	rivers and springs	16:4–7	blood to drink
Bowl 4	sun	16:8–9	burning heat
Bowl 5	beast’s throne	16:10–11	palpable darkness
Bowl 6	Euphrates River	16:12–16	gathering for the battle

Some think there is a marked difference between these events and the blowing of the trumpets Probably the significant difference is on what or who John says they affect.  "But the similarities between the trumpets and the bowls overshadow the differences. It would be unusual for a writer to reproduce parallel visions with mechanical or photographic likeness." [3]  Both the trumpets and the bowls have a similarity in order.  So these events, like the trumpets, are occuring throughout the Endtimes, between Christ's ascension and final coming. "Throughout history, especially during this entire new dispensation, God is using every department of the universe to punish the wicked and impenitent persecutors of His people. Whoever refuses to be warned by the trumpets of judgement (Rev. 8: 11)." [4]   The first 4 bowls ruin the natural domain while the last two are directed toward the "Monster's" domain.  This brings the events up to the final bowl which is prior to the coming of the Lord.  Here we see the words of Jesus:

““Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”” (Revelation 16:15, NIV).

Verse 16 states "Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon."  "John’s readers now know beyond a doubt that this is the last battle, the Day of the Lord long predicted by the ancient prophets. They understand that the “great day of God” began with the “grain harvest” (14:14–16) and concludes with the “grape vintage” (14:17–20)." [65]

The call to us is clear: "Because he is coming like a thief at an unexpected moment (cf. 3:3), his soldiers must stay awake and dressed lest they be caught naked, to their shame (cf. 3:18)." [6]

Father to be ashamed at the coming of Your Son's appearance is a horrible thought.  He who loved us so lavishly; He who sacrificed so much that we might have eternal life -- how sad to stand before Him in embarrassment.  Father, help us by your Spirit to remain alert and faithful.  Grant to us a wartime mentality.  Give to us, not a panic, but an alertness as we see these events unfold around us.  Amen.

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1. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (808). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2485). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
3. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (808). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press
4. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 161). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
5. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (289). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2486). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.